Here I would like point out every question that is raised by other religions
and also by us and also some sort of questions hidden in our heart
---
The following are the most common questions
1) Hinduism is a way of life so it is not exactly a religion
Ans:- partially true
2)people who are spiritual need not be religious
Ans :- without love on god the essence of spirituality is hidden no matter how much u know
yet they can achieve what they want coz love is not force
3)I am confused because in Hinduism there are countless gods
every person worships different god
every person says his/her god is great/supreme and we can attain Moksha or gain happiness only by praying to their god
some says goddess Shakti is supreme and for some lordvishnu and some says lordshiva and some even say lordkrishna
so who is supreme and whom i have 2 pray
Ans: this doubt or fight is there from the beginning and all the above gods r equal
in shiva purana shiva is mentioned
in vishnu purana vishnu is mentioned
and in shakti purana shakti is mentioned
Before srusti bramand is one
God is one
he made himself to many rupas and many names so that he can be reached by every type of mind
so when u pray your god
you are praying the only god who made this entire Srusti
who made trimurti
who made each lokas
who is there in everything, in everybody
the entire srusti is born in him and we are living in him and will die in him
he is the only god who made trimurti , he is the only god who is above 3 states
he is the only god whos presence is there in every god and in every place
those who worships a single god with full devotion and who see other gods as his messengers or followers and if he/she insults them
then their atma never gets purification
its true
So the power(shakti) present in every god is same
and given by the supreme god (shiva, vishnu,shakti etc)
vedas also said same thing
and every pure devotee said this thing
adi shankaracharya said to worship vishnu equally and veda vyas said to worship shiva equally
The story :-
when shri adi sankaracharya visits kashi
near a river bank he saw a old man trying to learn
some language and saying "dukrunkarine "
guruji asked why he was learning it now and what for
the man said that he will learn this language first and after that he will study all sastras and then all vedas and then will know the true form of god
Then swamiji said
"bhaja govindam bhaja govindam
govindam bhaja mudamathe samprate^u sanite
nahi nahi rakshate dukrunkarine"
when death arrives your doubts or your knowledge on religions(who is supreme) or castes(i am from great caste) or in books(puranas) will not save u
only the name of god will save u
In shivaism the greatest bhakta is vishnu
worshiped lord shiva in many ways and in vishnuism greatest bhakta is shiva
worshiped lord vishnu in many ways
no doubt in this.
4) why we have sex sculptures on temples (kajurahoo)
Ans:
this is the question that people ask hindus with a cheap laugh and loud
look at them and answer with proud and louder then them
in that temple we not only have sex sculptures but also many other like people carving and doing some works (dailys works to earn)
the main reason why they r carved us to rem always the following thing
when we visit any temple we first wash our body and make it clean
but when we are inside the temple we will be busy discussing about our profession works or personal matters and busy in fighting others
that is not the correct way
we should leave our thoughts outside which are personalthoughts (about our relations) and desires (sex thoughts ) and our professional thoughts (about office discussions ) and should only concentrate on god
try to immerse in him
With ur eyes see only god
with ur mouth say only his name
with ur ears hear only his name
with ur heart feel only his presence
by doing this not only our body but our mind and heart will also get cleaned
and will be totally concentrated on god
will be immersed in his beauty
that is the reason such carvings are made only outside to tell us every time to leave them outside but there will be no such carvings inside the temple or garbhagudi (gods place)
the first quality to see or to visit god is to become pure
when we become pure as god then only we can see god
this is the greatness our our culture be proud to born in this culture
be proud to born in hinduism in sanatana dharma
which says the god who made u , who made this entire universe , who protects
who creates and destroys when time ends
who is there everywhere is also present in our heart in our soul
when we know this we can see god in ourself
to see god we have to become and get his qualities
this is the greatness of our culture which is dying due to ignorance or
either by conversions.
Why do we have a prayer room?
Most Indian homes have a prayer room or altar. A lamp is lit and the Lord
worshipped each day. Other spiritual practices like japa (repetition of the Lord’s name),
meditation, paaraayana (reading of the scriptures), prayers, and devotional singing etc is
also done here. Special worship is done on auspicious occasions like birthdays,
anniversaries, festivals and the like. Each member of the family - young or old -
communes with and worships the Divine here.
The Lord is the entire creation. He is therefore the true owner of the house we live
in too. The prayer room is the Master room of the house. We are the earthly occupants of
His property. This notion rids us of false pride and possessiveness.
The ideal attitude to take is to regard the Lord as the true owner of our homes and
us as caretakers of His home. But if that is rather difficult, we could at least think of Him
as a very welcome guest. Just as we would house an important guest in the best comfort,
so too we felicitate the Lord’s presence in our homes by having a prayer room or altar,
which is, at all times, kept clean and well-decorated.
Also the Lord is all pervading. To remind us that He resides in our homes with us,
we have prayer rooms. Without the grace of the Lord, no task can be successfully or
easily accomplished. We invoke His grace by communing with Him in the prayer room
each day and on special occasions.
Each room in a house is dedicated to a specific function like the bedroom for
resting, the drawing room to receive guests, the kitchen for cooking etc. The furniture,
decor and the atmosphere of each room are made conducive to the purpose it serves. So
too for the purpose of meditation, worship and prayer, we should have a conducive
atmosphere - hence the need for a prayer room.
Sacred thoughts and sound vibrations pervade the place and influence the minds
of those who spend time there. Spiritual thoughts and vibrations accumulated through
regular meditation, worship and chanting done there pervade the prayer room. Even when
we are tired or agitated, by just sitting in the prayer room for a while, we feel calm,
rejuvenated and spiritually uplifted.
Why do we light a lamp?
In almost every Indian home a lamp is lit daily before the altar of the Lord. In
some houses it is lit at dawn, in some, twice a day – at dawn and dusk – and in a few it is
maintained continuously (Akhanda Deepa). All auspicious functions commence with the
lighting of the lamp, which is often maintained right through the occasion.
Light symbolizes knowledge, and darkness, ignorance. The Lord is the
"Knowledge Principle" (Chaitanya) who is the source, the enlivener and the illuminator
of all knowledge. Hence light is worshiped as the Lord himself.
Knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes darkness. Also knowledge is
a lasting inner wealth by which all outer achievement can be accomplished. Hence we
light the lamp to bow down to knowledge as the greatest of all forms of wealth.
Why not light a bulb or tube light? That too would remove darkness. But the
traditional oil lamp has a further spiritual significance. The oil or ghee in the lamp
symbolizes our vaasanas or negative tendencies and the wick, the ego. When lit by
spiritual 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
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.
Why do we prostrate before parents and elders?
Indians prostrate before their parents, elders, teachers and noble souls by touching
their feet. The elders in turn blesses us by placing his or her hand on or over our heads.
Prostration is done daily, when we meet elders and particularly on important occasions
like the beginning of a new task, birthdays, festivals etc.
In certain traditional circles, prostration is accompanied by abhivaadana, which serves to introduce one-self, announce one’s family and social status.
Man stands on his feet. Touching the feet in prostration is a sign of respect for the
age, maturity, nobility and divinity that our elders personify.
It symbolizes our recognition of their selfless love for us and the sacrifices they have done for our welfare.
It is a way of humbly acknowledging the greatness of another. This tradition reflects the strong family ties, which has been one of India’s enduring strengths.
The good wishes (Sankalpa) and blessings (aashirvaada) of elders are highly
valued in India. We prostrate to seek them. Good thoughts create positive vibrations.
Good wishes springing from a heart full of love, divinity and nobility have a tremendous
strength. When we prostrate with humility and respect, we invoke the good wishes and blessings of elders, which flow in the form of positive energy to envelop us. This is why the posture assumed whether it is in the standing or prone position, enables the entire body to receive the energy thus received. It also exercises the body.
the different forms of showing respect are :
Pratuthana - rising to welcome a person.
Namaskaara - paying homage in the form of namaste
Upasangrahan - touching the feet of elders or teachers.
Shaashtaanga - prostrating fully with the feet, knees, stomach, chest, forehead and arms touching the ground in front of the elder.
Pratyabivaadana - returning a greeting.
Rules are prescribed in our scriptures as to who should prostrate to whom.
Wealth, family name, age, moral strength and spiritual knowledge in ascending order of importance qualified men to receive respect. This is why a king though the ruler of the land, would prostrate before a spiritual master. Epics like the Ramayana and
Mahabharata have many stories highlighting this aspect.
Why do we apply the holy ash?
The ash of any burnt object is not regarded as holy ash. Bhasma (the holy ash) is
the ash from the homa (sacrificial fire) where special wood along with ghee and other
herbs is offered as worship of the Lord. Or the deity is worshipped by pouring ash as
abhisheka and is then distributed as bhasma.
Bhasma is generally applied on the forehead. Some apply it on certain parts of the
body like the upper arms, chest etc. Some ascetics rub it all over the body. Many
consume a pinch of it each time they receive it.
The word bhasma means, "that by which our sins are destroyed and the Lord is
remembered". Bha implied bhartsanam ("to destroy") and sma implies smaranam ("to
remember"). The application of bhasma therefore signifies destruction of the evil and
remembrance of the divine. Bhasma is called vibhuti (which means "glory") as it gives
glory to one who applies it and raksha (which means a source of protection) as it protects the wearer from ill health and evil, by purifying him or her.
Homa (offering of oblations into the fire with sacred chants) signifies the offering
or surrender of the ego and egocentric desires into the flame of knowledge or a noble and selfless cause. The consequent ash signifies the purity of the mind, which results from such actions.
Also the fire of knowledge burns the oblation and wood signifying ignorance and
inertia respectively. The ash we apply indicates that we should burn false identification
with the body and become free of the limitations of birth and death. This is not to be
misconstrued as a morose reminder of death but as a powerful pointer towards the fact that time and tide wait for none.
Bhasma is specially associated with Lord Shiva who applies it all over His body.
Shiva devotes apply bhasma as a tripundra. When applied with a red spot at the center, the mark symbolizes Shiva-Shakti (the unity of energy and matter that creates the entire seen and unseen universe).
Bhasma has medicinal value and is used in many ayurvedic medicines. It absorbs
excess moisture from the body and prevents colds and headaches. The Upanishads say that the famous Mrityunjaya mantra should be chanted whilst applying ash on the forehead.
Tryambakam yajaamahe
Sugandhim pushtivardhanam
Urvaa rukamiva bhandhanaan
Mrutyor muksheeyamaa amrutaat
"We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva who nourishes and spread fragrance in
our lives. May He free us from the shackles of sorrow, change and death – effortlessly,
like the fall of a rip cucumber from its stem."
Why do we wear marks (tilak, sindhoor,pottu and the like) on the forehead?
The tilak,sindhoor or pottu 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.
In earlier times, the four castes (based on varna or colour) - Brahmana, Kshatriya,
Vaishya and Sudra - applied marks differently. The brahmin applied a white chandan
mark signifying purity, as his profession was of a priestly or academic nature. The
kshatriya applied a red kumkum mark signifying valour as he belonged to warrior races.
The vaishya wore a yellow kesar or turmeric mark signifying prosperity as he was a
businessman or trader devoted to creation of wealth. The sudra applied a black bhasma,
kasturi or charcoal mark signifying service as he supported the work of the other three
divisions.
Also Vishnu worshippers apply a chandan tilak of the shape of "U", Shiva
worshippers a tripundra of bhasma, Devi worshippers a red dot of kumkum and so on.
cont...
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. 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 entire body emanates energy in the form of electromagnetic waves - the
forehead and the subtle spot between the eyebrows especially so. That is why worry
generates heat and causes a headache. The tilak and pottu cools the forehead, protects us and prevents energy loss. Sometimes the entire forehead is covered with chandan or bhasma. Using plastic reusable "stick bindis" is not very beneficial, even though it serves the purpose of decoration.
Well sindhoor is also symbolic which helps to differenciate between a ‘Kanya’ and a married woman. Further sindur is red in color which is colour of devi
and the place where sindur is kept has a chakra and hence putting sindur helps nervous system too.the position between eyes is the place of 3rd eye and thats where sindhur is put.
Chakras in biological terms are nerve points and putting presure on those points helps the nervous system the Lalita sahasranama's dyanam starts with saying "Devi who is having red body",hence KumKum or sindhoor is considered pious too.
Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet?
To Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine. So it must be given respect at all
times. Nowadays we separate subjects as sacred and secular. But in ancient India every
subject - academic or spiritual - was considered divine and taught by the guru in the
gurukula.
The custom of not stepping on educational tools is a frequent reminder of the high
position accorded to knowledge in Indian culture. From an early age, this wisdom fosters
in us a deep reverence for books and education. This is also the reason why we worship
books, vehicles and instruments once a year on Saraswathi Pooja or Ayudha Pooja day,
dedicated to the Goddess of Learning. In fact, each day before starting our studies, we
pray:
Saraswati namasthubhyam
Varade kaama roopini
Vidyaarambham karishyaami
Sidhirbhavatu me sadaa
O Goddess Saraswati, the giver of
Boons and fulfiller of wishes,
I prostrate to You before
starting my studies.
May you always fulfill me.
To touch another with the feet is considered an act of misdemeanor. Why is this so?
Man is regarded as the most beautiful, living breathing temple of the Lord!
Therefore touching another with the feet is akin to disrespecting the divinity within him
or her. This calls for an immediate apology, which is offered with reverence and
humility.
Why do offer food to the Lord before eating it?
Indians make an offering of food to the Lord and later partake of it as prasaada -
a holy gift from the Lord. In our daily ritualistic worship (pooja) too we offer naivedyam
(food) to the Lord.
The Lord is omnipotent and omniscient. Man is a part, while the Lord is the
totality. All that we do is by His strength and knowledge alone. Hence what we receive in life as a result of our actions is really His alone. We acknowledge this through the act of offering food to Him. This is exemplified by the Hindi words "tera tujko arpan"– I offer what is Yours to You. Thereafter it is akin to His gift to us, graced by His divine touch.
Knowing this, our entire attitude to food and the act of eating changes. The food
offered will naturally be pure and the best. We share what we get with others before
consuming it. We do not demand, complain or criticise the quality of the food we get. We eat it with cheerful acceptance (prasaada buddhi).
Knowing this, our entire attitude to food and the act of eating changes. The food
offered will naturally be pure and the best. We share what we get with others before
consuming it. We do not demand, complain or criticise the quality of the food we get. We eat it with cheerful acceptance (prasaada buddhi).
Before we partake of our daily meals we first sprinkle water around the plate as
an act of purification. Five morsels of food are placed on the side of the plate
acknowledging the debt owed by us to the Divine forces (devta runa) for their benign grace and protection, our ancestors (pitru runa) for giving us their lineage and a family
culture, the sages (rishi runa) as our religion and culture have been "realised", aintained and handed down to us by them, our fellow beings (manushya runa) who constitute society without the support of which we could not live as we do and other living beings (bhuta runa) for serving us selflessly.
Thereafter the Lord, the life force, who is also within us as the five life-giving
physiological functions, is offered the food. This is done with the chant
Praanaaya swaahaa,
Apaanaaya swaahaa,
Vvyaanaaya swaahaa,
Udaanaaya swaahaa,
Samaanaaya swaahaa,
Brahmane swaahaa
After offering the food thus, it is eaten as prasaada - blessed food.
Why do we do pradakshina (circumambulate)?
We cannot draw a circle without a center point. The Lord is the center, source and
essence of our lives. Recognizing Him as the focal point in our lives, we go about doing
our daily chores. This is the significance of pradakshina.
Also every point on the circumference of a circle is equidistant from the center.
This means that wherever or whoever we may be, we are equally close to the Lord. His grace flows towards us without partiality.
Why is pradakshina done only in a clockwise manner?
The reason is not, as a person said, to avoid a traffic jam! As we do pradakshina,
the Lord is always on our right. In India the right side symbolizes auspiciousness. So as we circumambulate the sanctum sanctorum we remind ourselves to lead an auspiciouslife of righteousness, with the Lord who is the indispensable source of help and strength, as our guide - the "right hand".
Indian scriptures enjoin - matrudevo bhava, pitrudevo bhava, acharyadevo
bhava.
May you consider your parents and teachers as you would the Lord. With this in
mind we also do pradakshina around our parents and divine personages.
After the completion of traditional worship (pooja), we customarily do
pradakshina around ourselves. In this way we recognize and remember the supreme
divinity within us, which alone is idolized in the form of the Lord that we worship
outside.
But on many great days like Pradosham and masa ShivaRatri and especially Lord Shiva's day we should do "soma sootra pradakshinam"
ONE SHOULD ROTATE ANTICLOCKWISE DIRECTION UPTO PHANIPATAM OR GOMUKHA (its the place where Abhisheka Teertham flows out ) then without crossing the GOMUKHA (crossing is very dangerous) turn back and rotate in clock wise direction and worship nandhi and Shiva by viewing the lord Shiva through the space bet two horns of Nandhi..
Why do we regard trees and plants as sacred?
The Lord, the life in us, pervades all living beings, be they plants or animals.
Hence, they are all regarded as sacred. Human life on earth depends on plants and trees.
They give us the vital factors that make life possible on earth: food, oxygen, clothing,
shelter, medicines etc.
Hence, in India, we are taught to regard trees and plants as sacred. Indians
scriptures tell us to plant ten trees if, for any reason, we have to cut one. We are advised to use parts of trees and plants only as much as is needed for food, fuel, shelter etc. we are also urged to apologies to a plant or tree before cutting it to avoid incurring a specific sin named soona.
Certain trees and plants like tulasi, peepal etc., which have tremendous beneficial
qualities, are worshipped till today. It is believed that divine beings manifest as trees and plants, and many people worship them to fulfill their desires or to please the Lord.
This also helps us to safeguard our environment effectively.
Why do we ring the bell in a temple?
Is it to wake up the Lord? But the Lord never sleeps. Is it to let the Lord know we
have come? He does not need to be told, as He is all knowing. Is it a form of seeking
permission to enter His precinct? It is a homecoming and therefore entry needs no
permission. The Lord welcomes us at all times. Then why do we ring the bell??
The ringing of the bell produces what is regarded as an auspicious sound. It
produces the sound Om, the universal name of the Lord. There should be auspiciousness
within and without, to gain the vision of the Lord who is all-auspiciousness.
Even while doing the ritualistic aarati, we ring the bell. It is sometimes
accompanied by the auspicious sounds of the conch and other musical instruments. An
added significance of ringing the bell, conch and other instruments is that they help
drowned any inauspicious or irrelevant noises and comments that might disturb or
distract the worshippers in their devotional ardour, concentration and inner peace.
As we start the daily ritualistic worship (pooja) we ring the bell, chanting:
Aagamaarthamtu devaanaam
Gamanaarthamtu rakshasaam
Kurve ghantaaravam tatra
Devataahvaahna lakshanam
Meaning –
I ring this bell indicating
the invocation of divinity,
So that virtuous and noble forces
enter (my home and heart);
and the demonic and evil forces
from within and without, depart.
Why do we worship the Kalasha?
First of all what is a Kalasha? A brass, mud or copper pot is filled with water.
Mango leaves are placed in the mouth of the pot and a coconut is placed over it. A red or white thread is tied around its neck or sometimes all around it in a intricate diamond shaped pattern. The pot may be decorated wit designs. Such a pot is known as a Kalasha.
When the pot is filled with water or rice, it is known as Purnakumbha representing the inert body which when filled with the divine life force gains the power to do all the wonderful things that makes life what it is.
A Kalasha is placed with due rituals on all-important occasions like the traditional
house warming (grihapravesa), wedding, daily worship etc. It is placed near the entrance as a sign of welcome. It is also used in a traditional manner while receiving holy personages.
Why do we worship the Kalasha? Before the creation came into being, Lord
Vishnu was reclining on His snake-bed in the milky ocean. From His navel emerged a
lotus from which appeared Lord Brahma, the creator, who thereafter created this world.
The water in the Kalasha symbolizes the primordial water from which the entire
creation emerged. It is the giver of life to all and has the potential of creating innumerable names and forms, the inert objects and the sentient beings and all that is auspicious in the world from the energy behind the universe.
The mango leaves and coconut represent creation.
The thread represents the love that "binds" all in creation.
The Kalasha is therefore considered auspicious and worshipped. The waters from all the holy rivers, the knowledge of all the Vedas and the blessings of all the deities are invoked in the Kalasha and its water is thereafter used for all the rituals, including the Abhisheka.
The consecration (Kumbhaabhisheka)of a temple is done in a grand manner with elaborate rituals including the pouring of one or more Kalashas of holy water on the top of the temple. When the asuras and devas churned the milky ocean, the Lord appeared bearing the pot of nectar, which blessed one with everlasting life.
Thus the Kalasha also symbolizes immortality.
Men of wisdom are full and complete as they identify with the infinite Truth (Poornatvam). They brim with joy and love and respect all that is auspicious. We greet them with a Purnakumbha ("full pot")acknowledging their greatness and as a sign of respectful and reverential welcome, with a "full heart".
Why Mangalsutra is worn?
Mangalsutra is considered as auspicious,scared and symbolic for a married woman.
The mangalsutra in olden times was from turmeric thread and now its in gold with black beads with it.These black beads absorb negative vibrations and energies.This can also be taken in context of evils will be avoided.
Mangal means something good hence Mangalsutra is tied around the neck of women in marriage.This is a bond of love,respect,honesty and other values of life between husband and wife.this always makes the women aware and feel that her husband is with her.This is the reason when husband died the mangalsutra will be removed from neck marking his absence.
Gold is good for health.when Mangalsutra is worn,the gold chain which is around the neck enhances good blood circulation and it absorbs positive energies around and imparts into human body.Hence gold ornaments are used.
Mangalsutra is known as 'Thalli' in Malayalam, 'Taali' in kannada and so on....
There are significances in Puranas regarding the Mangalsutra.
Moreover it is symbolic of a women getting married which shows her martial status.
Why do we consider the Lotus as special?
The lotus is the symbol of truth, auspiciousness and beauty (satyam, shivam,
Sundaram). The Lord is also that nature and therefore, His various aspects are compared to a lotus (i.e. lotus-eyes, lotus feet, lotus hands, the lotus of the heart etc.).
The lotus blooms with the rising sun and close at night.
Similarly, our minds open up and expand with the light of knowledge. The lotus grows even in slushy areas. It remains beautiful and untainted despite its surroundings, reminding us that we too can and should strive to remain pure and beautiful within, under all circumstances.
The lotus leaf never gets wet even though it is always in water. It symbolizes the
man of wisdom (gyaani) who remains ever joyous, unaffected by the world of sorrow and change. This is revealed in a shloka from the Bhagwad-Geeta:
Brahmanyaadhaaya karmaani
Sangam tyaktvaa karoti yaha
Lipyate na sa paapena
Padma patram ivaambhasaa
He who does actions, offering them to Brahman (the Supreme), abandoning
attachment, is not tainted by sin, just as a lotus leaf remains unaffected by the water on it.
From this, we learn that what is natural to the man of wisdom becomes a
discipline to be practiced by all saadhakas or spiritual seekers and devotees. Our bodies have certain energy centers described in the Yoga Shaastras as chakras.
Each one is associated with lotus that has a certain number of petals.
For example,
A lotus with a thousand petals represents the Sahasra chakra at the top of the head, which opens when the yogi attains Godhood or Realisation. Also, the lotus posture ( Padmaasana) is recommended when one sits for meditation. A lotus emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu. Lord Brahma originated from it to create the world.
Hence, the lotus symbolizes the link between the creator and the supreme Cause.
It also symbolizes Brahmaloka, the abode of Lord Brahma. The auspicious sign of the Swastika is said to have evolved from the lotus.
Why do we worship tulasi?
In Sanskrit, tulanaa naasti athaiva tulasi - that which is incomparable (in its
qualities) is the tulasi.
For Indians it is one of the most sacred plants. In fact it is known to be the only
thing used in worship, which, once used, can be washed and reused in pooja - as it is
regarded so self-purifying.
As one story goes, Tulasi was the devoted wife of Shankhachuda, a celestial
being. She believed that Lord Krishna tricked her into sinning. So she cursed Him to
become a stone (shaaligraama). Seeing her devotion and adhered to righteousness, the Lord blessed her saying that she would become the worshipped plant, tulasi that would adorn His head.
Also that all offerings would be incomplete without the tulasi leaf - hence the
worship of tulasi.
She also symbolises Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. Those who
wish to be righteous and have a happy family life worship the tulasi.
Tulasi is married to the Lord with all pomp and show as in any wedding.
This is because according to another legend, the Lord blessed her to be His
consort. Satyabhama once weighed Lord Krishna against all her legendary wealth. The
scales did not balance till a single tulasi leaf was placed along with the wealth on the
scale by Rukmini with devotion.
Thus the tulasi played the vital role of demonstrating to the world that even a
small object offered with devotion means more to the Lord than all the wealth in the
world.
The tulasi leaf has great medicinal value and is used to cure various ailments,
including the common cold.
Yanmule sarvatirhaani
Yannagre sarvadevataa
Yanmadhye sarvavedaascha
Tulasi taam namaamyaham
I bow down to the tulasi, At whose base are all the holy places, At whose top
reside all the deities and In whose middle are all the Vedas.
Why do we blow the conch?
When the conch is blown, the primordial sound of Om emanates. Om is an
auspicious sound that was chanted by the Lord before creating the world. It represents the world and the Truth behind it.
As the story goes, the demon Shankhaasura defeated devas, the Vedas and went to
the bottom of the ocean. The devas appealed to Lord Vishnu for help. He incarnated as
Matsya Avataara - the "fish incarnation" and killed Shankhaasura. The Lord blew the
conch-shaped bone of his ear and head. The Om sound emanated, from which emerged the Vedas.
All knowledge enshrined in the Vedas is an elaboration of Om. The conch
therefore is known as Shankha after Shankaasua.
The conch blown by the Lord Krishna is called Paanchajanya[/ornage].He carries it at all times in one of His four hands. It represents dharma or righteousness that is one of the four goals (purushaarthas)
of life. The sound of the conch is thus also the victory call of good over evil.
Another well-known purpose of blowing the conch and the instruments, known
traditionally to produce auspicious sounds is to drown or mask negative comments or
noises that may disturb or upset the atmosphere or the minds of worshippers.
Ancient India lived in her villages. Each village was presided over by a primary
temple and several small ones. During the aarati performed after all-important poojas
and on sacred occasions, the conch used to be blown. Since villages were generally small, the sound of the conch would be heard all over the village.
People who could not make it to the temple were reminded to stop whatever they were doing, at least for a few seconds, and mentally bow to the Lord. The conch sound served to briefly elevate people's minds to a prayerful attitude even in the middle of their busy daily routine.
The conch is placed at the altar in temples and homes next to the Lord as a
symbol of Naada Brahma (Truth), the Vedas, Om, dharma, victory and auspiciousness.
It is often used to offer devotees thirtha (sanctified water) to raise their minds to the
highest Truth. It is worshipped with the following verse.
Twam puraa saagarot pannaha
Vishnunaa vidhrutahakare
Devaischa poojitha sarvahi
Panchjanya namostu te
Salutations to Panchajanya
the conch born of the ocean
Held in the hand of Lord Vishnu
and worshipped by all devaas.
Why do we say shaanti thrice?
Shaanti, meaning "peace", is a natural state of being. Disturbances are created either by others or us. For example, peace already exists in a place until someone makes noise.
Therefore, peace underlies all our agitations. When agitations end, peace is
naturally experienced since it was already there. Where there is peace, there is happiness.
Therefore, every one without exception desires peace in his/her life.
However, peace within or without seems very hard to attain because it is covered
by our own agitations. A rare few manage to remain peaceful within even in the midst of external agitation and troubles. To invoke peace, we chant prayers. By chanting prayers, troubles end and peace is experienced internally, irrespective of the external disturbances.
All such prayers end by chanting shaanti thrice.
It is believed that trivaram satyam - that which is said thrice comes true.
For emphasizing a point we repeat a thing thrice. In the court of law also, one who takes the witness stands says,
"I shall speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth".
We chant shaanti thrice to emphasise our intense desire for peace. All obstacles,
problems and sorrows originate from three sources.
Aadhidaivika : The unseen divine forces over which we have little or no control like earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions etc.
Aadhibhautika: The known factors around us like accidents, human contacts, pollution, crime etc.
Aadhyaatmika : We sincerely pray to the Lord that at least while we undertake special tasks or even in our daily lives, there are no problems or that, problems are minimised from the three sources written about above.
May peace alone prevail.
Hence shaanti is chanted thrice.
It is chanted aloud the first time, addressing the unseen forces. It is chanted softer
the second time, directed to our immediate surroundings and those around, and softest the
last time as it is addressed to oneself.
Why do we offer a coconut?
In India one of the most common offerings in a temple is a coconut. It is also
offered on occasions like weddings, festivals, the use of a new vehicle, bridge, house etc.
It is offered in the sacrificial fire whilst performing Homa. The coconut is broken and placed before the Lord. It is later distributed as Prasaada.
The fibre covering of the dried coconut is removed except for a tuft on the top.
The marks on the coconut make it look like the head of a human being.
The coconut is broken, symbolising the breaking of the ego. The juice within, representing the inner tendencies (Vaasanas) is offered along with
the white kernel - the mind, to the Lord.
A mind thus purified by the touch of the Lord is used as Prasaada ( a holy gift).
In the traditional Abhishekha ritual done in all temples and many homes, several materials are poured over the deity like milk, curd, honey, tender coconut water, sandal paste, holy ash etc. Each material has a specific significance of bestowing certain benefits on worshippers.
Tender coconut water is used in Abhisheka rituals since it is believed to
bestow spiritual growth on the seeker.
1) The coconut also symbolises selfless service.
2) Every part of the tree -the trunk, leaves, fruit, coir etc. Is used in innumerable ways like thatches, mats, tasty dishes, oil, soap etc.
3) It takes in even salty water from the earth and converts it into sweet nutritive
water that is especially beneficial to sick people.
4) It is used in the preparation of many ayurvedic medicines and in other alternative medicinal systems.
5) The marks on the coconut are even thought to represent the three-eyed Lord Shiva
and therefore it is considered to be a means to fulfill our desires.
Why do we chant Om?
Om is one of the most chanted sound symbols in India. It has a profound effect on the body and mind of the one who chants and also on the surroundings. Most mantras and vedic prayers start with Om.
All auspicious actions begin with Om. It is even used as a greeting - Om, Hari Om
etc. It is repeated as a mantra or meditated upon. Its form is worshipped, contemplated upon or used as an auspicious sign.
Om is the universal name of the Lord. It is made up of the letters A (phonetically
as in "around"), U (phonetically as in "put") and M (phonetically as in "mum"). The
sound emerging from the vocal chords starts from the base of the throat as "A". With the coming together of the lips, "U" is formed and when the lips are closed, all sounds end in "M".
The three letters symbolize the three states (waking, dream and deep sleep), the
three deities (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva), the three Vedas (Rig, Yajur and Sama) the
three worlds (Bhuh, Bhuvah, Suvah) etc. The Lord is all these and beyond.
The formless, attributeless Lord (Brahman) is represented by the silence between
two Om Chants. Om is also called pranava that means, "that (symbol or sound) by which the Lord is praised".
The entire essence of the Vedas is enshrined in the word Om. It is said that the Lord started creating the world after chanting Om and atha. Hence its sound is considered to create an auspicious beginning for any task that we undertake. The Om chant should have the resounding sound of a bell (aaooommm).
Om is written in different ways in different places. The most common form
symbolizes Lord Ganesha’s. The upper curve is the head; the lower large one, the
stomach; the side one, the trunk; and the semi-circular mark with the dot, the sweet ball (modaka) in Lord Ganesha's hand.
Thus Om symbolizes everything - the means and the goal of life, the world and the Truth behind it, the material and the Sacred, all form and the Formless.
The biggest truth why it has so much imp is
OM or AUM
as already been said it has 3 states ,Gods etc
But our Vedic culture not only gives the meaning for the 'word" but also to its Sound
Om as a Mantra has diff meaning
Om as a greeting has diff meaning
Om when u Meditate on this at ur Third eye 'agnachakra'
The state which u will go is above all 3 states
This supreme state is where we feel God
this is only called Moksha or enlightenment or Samadhi
The soul Kingdom can do any thing and everything
its where Atma joins with Paramatma
There will be no death nor Birth
we are Born in such a Country where there r many True saints who went 2 that state.
Why do we do Aarati ?
Towards the end of every ritualistic worship (pooja or bhajan) of the Lord or to
welcome an honored guest or saint, we perform the aarati. This is always accompanied by
the ringing of the bell and sometimes by singing, playing of musical instruments and
clapping.
It is one of the sixteen steps (shodasha upachaara) of the pooja ritual. It is
referred to as the lighted lamp in the right hand, which we wave in a clockwise circling
movement to light the entire form of the Lord.
Each part is revealed individually and also the entire form of the Lord. As the
light is waved we either do mental or loud chanting of prayers or simply behold the
beautiful form of the Lord, illumined by the lamp. At the end of the aarati we place our
hands over the flame and then gently touch our eyes and the top of the head.
We have seen and participated in this ritual from our childhood. Let us find out
why we do the aarati?
Having worshipped the Lord of love - performing abhisheka, decorating the
image and offering fruits and delicacies, we see the beauty of the Lord in all His glory.
Our minds are focused on each limb of the Lord as the lamp lights it up. It is akin to
silent open-eyed meditation on His beauty. The singing, clapping, ringing of the bell etc.
denote the joy and auspiciousness, which accompanies the vision of the Lord.
Aarati is often performed with camphor. This holds a telling spiritual significance.
Camphor when lit, burns itself out completely without leaving a trace of it.
It represents our inherent tendencies (vaasanas).
When lit by the fire of knowledge which illumines the Lord (Truth), our vaasanas thereafter burn themselves out completely, not leaving a trace of ego which creates in us a sense of individuality that keeps us separate from the Lord.
Also while camphor burns to reveal the glory of Lord, it emits a pleasant perfume
even while it sacrifices itself. In our spiritual progress, even as we serve the guru and
society, we should willingly sacrifice ourselves and all we have, to spread the "perfume"
of love to all.
We often wait a long while to see the illumined Lord but when the aarati is
actually performed, our eyes close automatically as if to look within. This is to signify
that each of us is a temple of the Lord.
Just as the priest reveals the form of the Lord clearly with the aarati flame, so too
the guru reveals to us the divinity within each of us with the help of the "flame" of
knowledge (or the light of spiritual knowledge).
At the end of the aarati, we place our hands over the flame and then touch our eyes and the top of the head. It means - may the light that illuminated the Lord light up my vision; may my vision be divine and my thoughts noble and beautiful.
The philosophical meaning of aarati extends further. The sun, moon, stars,
lightning and fire are the natural sources of light. The Lord is the source of this
wonderous phenomenon of the universe. It is due to Him alone that all else exist and
shine.
As we light up the Lord with the flame of the aarati, we turn our attention to the
very source of all light, which symbolizes knowledge and life.
Also the sun is the presiding deity of the intellect, the moon, that of the mind, and
fire, that of speech.
The Lord is the supreme consciousness that illuminates all of them.
Without Him, the intellect cannot think, nor can the mind feel nor the tongue speaks. The
Lord is beyond the mind, intellect and speech. How can this finite equipment illuminate
the Lord?
Therefore, as we perform the aarati we chant;
Na tatra suryo bhaati na chandra taarakam
Nemaa vidyuto bhaanti kutoyamagnib
Tameva bhaantam anubhaati sarvam
Tasya bhasa sarvam idam vibhaati
Meaning:
He is there where the sun does not shine,
Nor the moon, stars and lightning.
then what to talk of this small flame (in my hand),
Everything (in the universe) shines only after the Lord,
And by His light alone are we all illumined.
Tantra Bali and Shudra
Many people will consider Tantra as negative
But it is more Pure and Reveals True Form
SHUDRA:- it doesnt mean any evil
SHUDRA ante alpamu means not complete
these pujas r done 2 fulfill our worldly desires
Manamu temple ki velli or Devudu ni taluchukoni we pray about studies,career and future , money etc
These r all come in this sect only But they do in a specific prescribed manner
BALI:- the real meaning is Puja
Tantra
Tantra has been one of the most neglected branches of Indian spiritual studies despite the considerable number of texts devoted to this practice, which dates back to the 5th-9th century AD.
The religious attitude of the tantriks is fundamentally the same as that of the Vedic followers. It is believed that the tantra tradition is a part of the main Vedic tree. The more vigorous aspects of Vedic religion were continued and developed in the tantras. Generally tantriks worship either Goddess Shakti or Lord Shiva.
Many people still consider tantra to be full of obscenities and unfit for people of good taste. It is also often accused of being a kind of black magic. However, in reality, tantra is one of the most important Indian traditions, representing the practical aspect of the Vedic tradition.
The religious attitude of the tantriks is fundamentally the same as that of the Vedic followers. It is believed that the tantra tradition is a part of the main Vedic tree. The more vigorous aspects of Vedic religion were continued and developed in the tantras. Generally tantriks worship either Goddess Shakti or Lord Shiva.
The Meaning of "Tantra"
The word "tantra" is derived from the combination of two words "tattva" and "mantra". "Tattva" means the science of cosmic principles, while "mantra" refers to the science of mystic sound and vibrations. Tantra therefore is the application of cosmic sciences with a view to attain spiritual ascendancy. In another sense, tantra also means the scripture by which the light of knowledge is spread: Tanyate vistaryate jnanam anemna iti tantram.
There are essentially two schools of Indian scriptures - "Agama" and "Nigama". Agamas are those which are revelations while Nigama are the traditions. Tantra is an Agama and hence it is called "srutishakhavisesah", which means it is a branch of the Vedas.
Tantric Scriptures
The main deities worshipped are Shiva and Shakti. In tantra there is a great significance of "bali" or animal sacrifices. The most vigorous aspects of Vedic traditions evolved as an esoteric system of knowledge in the Tantras. The Atharva Veda is considered to be one of the prime tantrik scriptures.
Types & Terminology
There are 18 "Agamas", which are also referred to as Shiva tantras, and they are ritualistic in character. There are three distinct tantrik traditions - Dakshina, Vama and Madhyama. They represent the three "shaktis" or powers of Shiva and are characterised by the three "gunas" or qualities - "sattva", "rajas" and "tamas". The Dakshina tradition, characterised by the "sattva" branch of tantra is essentially for good purpose. The Madhyama, characterised by "rajas" is of mixed nature, while the Vama, characterised by "tamas" is the most impure form of tantra.
Rustic Tantriks
In Indian villages, tantriks are still not quite hard to find. Many of them help the villagers solve their problems. Every person who has lived in the villages or has spent his childhood there, has a story to tell. What is so easily believed in the villages might appear illogical and unscientific to the rational urban mind, but these phenomena are realities of life.
Desire for Worldly Pleasures
Tantra is different from other traditions because it takes the whole person, and his/her worldly desires into account. Other spiritual traditions ordinarily teach that desire for material pleasures and spiritual aspirations are mutually exclusive, setting the stage for an endless internal struggle. Although most people are drawn into spiritual beliefs and practices, they have a natural urge to fulfill their desires. With no way to reconcile these two impulses, they fall prey to guilt and self-condemnation or become hypocritical. Tantra offers an alternative path.
The Tantrik Approach To Life
The tantrik approach to life avoids this pitfall. Tantra itself means "to weave, to expand, and to spread", and according to tantrik masters, the fabric of life can provide true and ever-lasting fulfillment only when all the threads are woven according to the pattern designated by nature. When we are born, life naturally forms itself around that pattern. But as we grow, our ignorance, desire, attachment, fear, and false images of others and ourselves tangle and tear the threads, disfiguring the fabric. Tantra "sadhana" or practice reweaves the fabric, and restores the original pattern. This path is systematic and comprehensive. The profound science and practices pertaining to hatha yoga, pranayama, mudras, rituals, kundalini yoga, nada yoga, mantra, mandala, visualization of dieties, alchemy, ayurveda, astrology, and hundreds of esoteric practices for generating worldly and spiritual prosperity blend perfectly in the tantrik disciplines.
What is MOKSHA ,ETERNAL BLISS , ETERNAL TRUTH , ETERNAL HAPPINESS,SATYANANDA, NITYANANDA,ENLIGHTENMENT,CHIDANANDA OR SAMADHI
AND THE FEET OF GOD
Whatever we may call They are one
just a example to make clear about body ,soul
there was a dark room with a mirror suddenly a beam falls on the mirror
and the reflection of the beam falls on a beautiful wall
our mind will first stop on the wall mesmerized by its beauty
but later we will look at the rays or beam and will notice that the light was coming from
the mirror and because of the mirror we can able to see this beautiful wall with a good shape and color
and we will think that without the mirror we cant see the wall
but later we will again notice that the light was coming from the sky and the rays was falling on the mirror and with its reflection we can see the wall
we will get to a conclusion that with the help of light from the sky we can see everything
and the truth is
wall is our body
mirror is our soul (atma)
the light is god(paramatma)
know this truth and catch him
a man and a woman can together make a body with blood,flesh and bones but only the god can send a soul in it to bring body to life.
The Color of BLACK
Its the color of Mother Kali
Its the color which will help us to born from the combination of Fluids
The the color that makes us to grow inside when we are in our mothers womb
Its the Power that makes us
The same color will help us again to get back our energy when we tired and become restless
That is called as Sleep
We will feel energetic after a small Nap
Food will be send to the whole body parts to gain energy when we Sleep
Then What is SAMADHI
Deep mediation tat joy tat intense vibrant layer (intense vibrant silence)
diff is when u fall asleep and come back u just feel fresh
but when u fall into mediation and come back u will become more intelligent and more blissful tat silence is intense silence
That is Samadhi
The state when u concentrate only on urself
Ur atma and forget everything
Then u see only one
The one is you itself who is the energy of God
The one is God himself
AhamBrahmasi (I am God)
or SHivoham(God is one)
will be reached.
By this I am closing the topics which I had collected…..
Our Hindu Traditions, Rituals are enormous and vast which never ends.
I thank all of you for your kind support.
I hope it has given atleast an idea of some basic rituals which we follow to some extent.
I request all the members to post further any Hindu rituals, customs which u know, in this thread and carry on good discussions and keep us in reading and learning it.
Impart your knowledge to all of us….
We r Born in such a Land
where Vedas r born
Where culture,knowledge r at its Peak
Still many scientists r trying to solve and using this
We r always very Old and We r always very New
Its our Great Sanathana Dharma
which flows in our Blood and heart which Binds us with Love
As a brahmin we have 2 read and 2 understand and 2 follow and also 2 Protect
But In Kaliyuga it has to end
and this can only be done if The People(Brahmins) who Preach them, Neglects
This is the great Hidden dance or Maya of God played for Destruction
but we can never understand coz we want Logic 4 everything
I Personally thank all the People who are still reading this
I guess we still belong to the Great Sanathana Dharma
Which is the spinalcord of our Entire Bharat(India)
Where great saints Born and still Live the life of Moksha
Where God himself Born as human to show his Love
Where Knowledge is beyond imagination
Where we used to have the first university of the entire Planet (Taxilla)
Which Forced everyone to occupy Our Knowledge , Our wealth, Our Land , Our Freedom
Which is responsible everyone to Locate Our Map on their Globe
Which showed the way to Enlightenment.
Which has
DharmaSastra --- The knowledge of Politics & Dharma
kamaSastra --- The Knowledge of Desires
ArthaSastra --- The Knowledge of Money
MokshaSastra --- The knowledge of God to become Enlighten, To enjoy the Bliss and get Liberated
We have all these with us when Knowledge in Other Countries and Religions at at their ABC's or just Born
We have Knowledge of Birth to Moksha from the very Old ages or Yugas which we still use NOW
This is Our Sanathana Dharma ---- I and We Belong to "That"
and
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