Rituals of Hinduism

Rituals of Hinduism

Tue, 10 Aug 2004 14:23:33 +0000

The questions answered here are, Why do we -

 

1.. light a lamp?

2.. have a prayer room?

3.. do namaste?

4.. prostrate before parents and elders?

5.. wear marks on the forehead?

6.. not touch papers, books and people with the feet?

7.. apply the holy ash?

8.. offer food to the Lord before eating it?

9.. do pradakshina?

10.. regard trees and plants as sacred?

11.. fast?

12.. ring the bell in a temple?

13.. worship the kalasha?

14.. worship tulasi?

15.. consider the lotus as special?

16.. blow the conch?

17.. say shaanti thrice?

18.. offer a coconut?

19.. chant Om?

20.. do aarati?

 

 

FORE WORD

 

Indian culture is admired and respected all over the

world for its beauty and depth. This book features

in simple terms, the various aspects of both beauty

and depth in this culture. Almost every Indian

custom and tradition has either a scientific,

logical, historical, social or spiritual

significance. Understanding this lends meaning to an

otherwise mechanical following of the customs, which

are often misunderstood to be mere superstitions

that fade away in time.

 

A unique feature of Indian culture is its

self-rejuvenating capacity. Customs that are

obsolete are gradually dropped as seen in the

instances of human sacrifice as well as animal

sacrifice to a large extent, sati, untouchability

etc. This culture tailors itself constantly to take

the best of the modern, technological age without

losing its roots.

 

It is this adaptability that has enabled India to be

recognized as one of the world's oldest living

civilizations. The customs and traditions selected

for these pages are simple, enduring ones, that have

lasted the test of time and are an integral part of

many an Indian home even today.

 

Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayanandaji laid great

emphasis on explaining the symbolism in Hindu dharma

in a manner that was logical, scientific and

appealing to modern man, thereby creating a

magnificent cultural renaissance.

 

This book is dedicated to this great master who

spent his entire life in raising the dignity of

Indian culture and philosophy in the eyes of the

world.

 

Chapter 1

 

This chapter tells you Why do we light a lamp, have

a prayer room, do namaste, prostrate before parents

and elders.

 

1. 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 drawn, in some, twice a day - at dawn and

dusk and in a few it is maintained continuously

(akhanda deepa). All auspicious functions and

moments like daily worship, rituals and festivals

and even many social occasions like inaugurations

commence with the lighting of the lamp, which is

often maintained right through the occasion.

 

 

a.. Why do we light a lamp?

 

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 worshipped as the

Lord Himself.

 

Knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes

darkness. Also knowledge is a lasting inner wealth

by which all outer achievements can be accomplished.

Hence we light the lamp to bow down to knowledge as

the greatest of all forms of wealth. Knowledge backs

all our actions whether good or bad. We therefore

keep a lamp lit during all auspicious occasions as a

witness to our thoughts and actions.

 

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 wicked, 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.

 

A single lamp can light hundreds more just as a man

of knowledge can give it to many more. The

brilliance of the light does not diminish despite

its repeated use to light many more lamps. So too

knowledge does not lessen when shared with or

imparted to others. On the contrary it increases in

clarity and conviction on giving. It benefits both

the receiver and the giver.

 

Whilst lighting the, lamp we thus pray :

 

Deepajyotihi parabrahma

 

Deepa sarva tamopababa

 

Deepena sadhyate sarvam

 

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.

 

Which else shall beautify a home

 

But the flame of a lovely lamp?

 

Which else shall adorn the mind But the light of

wisdom deep ?

 

Thus this custom contains a wealth of intellectual

and spiritual meaning.

 

 

2. Why do we 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, 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.

a.. Why do we have a prayer room ?

 

The Lord is the owner of the entire creation He is

therefore the true owner of 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 ourselves 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, décor 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.

 

3. Why do we do namaste ?

 

Indians greet each other with namaste. The two palms

are placed together in front of the chest and the

head bows whilst saying the word namaste. This

greeting is for all- people younger than us, of our

own age, those older than us, friends and even

strangers.

 

There are five forms of formal traditional greeting

enjoined in the shaastras of which namaskaaram is

one. This is understood as prostration but it

actually refers to paying homage as we do today when

we greet each other with a namaste.

 

 

a.. Why do we do namaste ?

 

Namaste could be just a casual or formal greeting, a

culture convention or an act of worship. However

there is much more to it than meets the eye. In

Sanskrit namah + te = namaste. It means - I bow to

you - my greetings, salutations or prostration to

you. Namaha can also be literally interpreted as "na

ma" (not mine). It has a spiritual significance of

negating or reducing one's ego in the presence of

another.

 

The real meeting between people is the meeting of

their minds. When we greet another, we do so with

namaste, which means, "may our minds meet,"

indicated by the folded palms placed before the

chest. The bowing down of the head is a gracious

form of extending friendship in love and humility.

 

The spiritual meaning is even deeper. The life

force, the divinity, the Self or the Lord in me is

the same in all. Recognizing this oneness with the

meeting of the palms, we salute with head bowed the

Divinity in the person we meet. That is why some

times, we close our eyes as we do namaste to a

revered person or the Lord - as if to look within.

The gesture is often accompanied by words like "Ram

Ram", "Jai Shri Krishna", "Namo Narayana", "Jai Siya

Ram", "Om Shanti" etc - indicating the recognition

of this divinity.

 

When we know this significance, our greeting does

not remain just a superficial gesture or word but

paves the way for a deeper communion with another in

an atmosphere of love and respect.

 

 

 

4. Why do we prostrate before parents and elders ?

 

Indians prostrate to their parents, elders, teachers

and noble souls by touching their feet. The elder 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 circle,

prostration is accompanied by abbivaadana which

serves to introduce one self, announce one's family

and social stature.

 

 

a.. Why do we offer prostrations?

 

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 that 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 Indian's enduring strengths.

 

The good wishes (sankalpa) and blessing

(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.

 

 

The different forms of showing respect are :

 

 

a.. Pratuthana - rising to welcome a person.

 

b.. Namaskaara - paying homage in the form of

namaste (discussed separately in this book).

 

c.. Upasangrahan - touching the feet of elders or

teachers.

 

d.. Shaastaanga - prostrating fully with the feet,

knees, stomach, chest, forehead and arms touching

the ground in front of the elder.

 

e.. 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.

 

This tradition thus creates an environment of mutual

love and respect among people ensuring harmony in

the family and society.

 

 

Chapter 2

 

This chapter tells you Why do we wear marks on the

forehead, not touch papers, books and people with

the feet, apply the holy ash, offer food to the Lord

before eating it.

 

 

5. Why do we wear marks on the forehead ?

 

Most religious Indians, especially married women

wear a tilak or pottu on the forehead. It is applied

daily after a bath and on special occasions before

or after ritualistic worship or a visit to the

temple. In many communities, it is enjoined upon

married women to sport a kumkum mark on their

foreheads at all times. The orthodox put it on with

due rituals. The tilak is applied on saints and

image of the Lord as a form of worship and in many

parts of north India as a respectful form of

welcome, to honor guests or when bidding farewell to

a son or husband about to embark on a journey. The

tilak varies in color and form.

 

This custom was not prevalent in the Vedic period it

gained popularity in the Pauranic period. Some

believe that it originated in South India.

 

a.. Why do we wear marks (tilak, pottu and the

like) on the forehead ?

 

The tilak or pottu invokes a feeling of sanctity the

wearer and others. It is recognized as a religion

mark. Its form and color vary according to one

caste, religious sect or the form the Lord

worshipped.

 

In earlier times, the four castes (based on varna or

colour) - Braahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudra -

applied marks differently.

 

The Brahmin applied white chandan mark signifying

purity, as his profession was a priestly or academic

nature. The kshatriya applied a red kumkum mark

signifying valour as be belonged to the warrior. 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 the shape of "=") of

bhasma, Devi worshippers a red dot of kumkum and so

on.

 

The chandan, kumkum or bhasma which is offered to

the Lord is taken back as prasad and applied on our

foreheads. The tilak covers 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 or 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. This

custom is unique to Indians and helps to easily

identify us anywhere.

 

6. Why do we not touch papers, books and people with

the feet ?

 

In Indian homes, we are taught from a very young

age, never to touch papers, books and people with

our feet. If the feet accidentally touch papers,

books musical instruments or any other educational

equipment, children are told to reverentially touch

what was stamped with their hands and then touch

their eyes as a mark of apology.

 

 

a.. Why do we not touch papers and people with the

feet ?

 

To Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine. So it

must be given respect at all times. Nowadays we

separate 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 namasthuhhyam

 

Varade kaama roopini

 

Vidyaarambham karishyaami

 

Sidhirhhavatu 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.

 

 

Children are also strongly discouraged from touching

people with their feet. Even if this happens

accidentally, we touch the person and bring the

fingers to our eyes as a mark of apology. Even when

elders touch a younger person inadvertently with

their feet, they immediately apologize.

 

 

a.. 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 or her. This calls for an immediate

apology, which is offered with reverence and

humility.

 

Thus, many of our customs are designed to be simple

but powerful reminders or pointers of profound

philosophical truths. This is one of the factors

that has kept Indian culture alive across centuries.

 

 

7. 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.

 

 

a.. Why do we do use bhasma ?

 

The word bhasma means, "that by which our sins are

destroyed and the Lord is remembered" Bha implies

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 vibbuti (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 desire 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. The application of ash reminds us

that the body is perishable and shall one day be

reduced to ashes. We should therefore not get too

attached to it. Death can come at any moment and

this awareness must increase our drive to make the

best use of times. 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 devotees apply

bhasma as a tripundra (the form of "="). When

applied with a red spot in the centre, the mark

symbolizes Shiv - Shakti (the unity of energy and

matter that creates the entire seen and unseen

universe).

 

Ash is what remains when all the wood is burnt away

and it does not decay. Similarly, the Lord is the

imperishable Truth that remains when the entire

creation of innumerable names and forms is

dissolved.

 

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 yajaamabe

 

Sugandhim pushtivardhanam

 

Urvaa rukamiva bhandhanaan

 

Mrytyor muksheeyamaa amrutaat

 

 

"We worship the three-eyed lord Shiva who nourishes

and spreads fragrance in our lives. May He free us

from the shackles of sorrow, change and

death-effortlessly, like the fall of a ripe brinjal

from its stem."

 

 

8. Why do we offer food to the Lord before eating

it?

 

In western tradition food is partaken after a

thanksgiving prayer - grace. Indians make an

offering of it to the lord and later partake of it

as prasaada a holy gift from the lord In temples and

in many homes, the cooked food is first offered to

the lord each day. The offered food is mixed with

the rest of the food and then served as prasaada. In

our daily ritualistic worship (pooja) too we offer

naivedyam (food) to the Lord. Why do we do so ?

 

 

a.. Why do we offer neivedya ?

 

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 from the arati "J"I

Jagadisha Hare" - 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 criticize the quality of the food we

get. We do not waste or reject it. We eat it with

cheerful acceptance (prasaada buddhi). When we

become established in this attitude, it goes beyond

the purview of food and pervades our entire. Lives.

We are then able to cheerfully accept all we get in

life as His prasaada.

 

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 buy us

to the

 

 

a.. divine forces (devta runa) for their benign

grace and protection;

 

b.. our ancestors (pitru runa) for giving us their

lineage and a family culture;

 

c.. the sages (rishi runa) as our religion and

culture have been "realized", maintained and handed

down to us by them;

 

d.. our fellow beings (manushya runa) who

constitute society without the support of which we

could not live as we do and

 

e.. 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,

vyaanaaya swaahaa, udaanaaya swaahaa, samaanaaya

swahaa, brahmane swaahaa (referring to the five

physiological functions - respiratory (praana),

excretory (apaana), circulatory (vyaana), digestive

(samaana) and reversal (udaana) systems. After

offering the food thus, it is eaten as prasaada -

blessed food.

 

To remember this concept, many chant the following

verse of the Geeta.

 

Brahmaarpanam Brahmahavihi

 

Brahmaagnau Brahmanaahutam

 

Brahmaivatenagantavyam

 

Brahmakarma samaadhina

 

 

Brahman is the oblation; the clarified butter; the

obtain; the fire.. Brahman ( the Supreme) shall be

reached by him who sees the Supreme in all actions.

 

Aham vaishvaanarobhutvaa

 

Praaninaam dehamaashritaha

 

Praanaapaanasamaayuktaha

 

Pachaamyannam chaturvidham

 

 

"Residing in all living beings as the digestive

fire, I digest the four types of food eaten by them

(as an offering to Me)".

 

 

 

Chapter 3

 

This chapter tells you Why do we do pradakshina,

regard trees and plants as sacred, fast, ring the

bell in a temple, worship the kalasha, worship

tulasi.

 

9. Why do we do pradakshins ?

 

When we visit a temple, after offering prayers, we

circumambulate the sanctum sanctorum. This is called

pradakshina.

 

 

a.. Why do we do pradakshina ?

 

We cannot draw a circle without a centre point The

Lord is the centre, 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 centre. This means that

wherever or whoever we may be, we are equally close

to the lord. His grace flows towards us without

partiality.

 

a.. 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. It is a telling fact that

eve in the English language it is called the "right"

side and not the wrong one ! So as we circumambulate

the sanctum sanctorum we remind ourselves to lead an

auspicious life of righteousness, with the Lord who

is the indispensable source of help and strength as

our guide the "right hand" - the dharma aspect - of

our lives We thereby overcome our wrong tendencies

and avoid repeating the sins of the past.

 

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. The story of lord

Ganesha circumambulating his parents is a well-known

one.

 

After the completion of traditional worship (pooja),

we customarily do pradakshina around our-selves. 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.

 

As we circumambulate, we chant:

 

Yaani kaani cha paapaani

 

Janmaantara krtaani cha

 

Taani taani vinashyanti

 

Pradakshina pade pade.

 

"All the sins committed by an individual from

innumerable past births are destroyed by each step

taken whilst doing pradakshina."

 

10. Why do we regard trees and plants as sacred?

 

>From ancient times, Indians have worshipped plants

and trees and regarded all flora and fauna as

sacred. This is not an old fashioned or uncivilized

practice. It reveals the sensitivity, foresight and

refinement of Indian culture. While modern man often

works to "conquer" Mother Nature, ancient Indian

"worshipped" her.

 

Why do we regard plants and trees 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. They lend beauty

to our surroundings. They serve man without

expectation and sacrifice themselves to sustain us.

They epitomize sacrifice if a stone is thrown on a

fruit-laden tree; the tree in turn gives fruit!

 

In fact, the flora and fauna owned the earth before

man appeared on it Presently, the world is seriously

threatened by the destruction of forestlands and the

extinction of many species of vegetation due to

man's callous attitude toward them. We protect only

what we value Hence in India, we are taught to

regard trees and plants as sacred Naturally, we will

then protect them.

 

Indian scriptures tell us to plant 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. In our

childhood, we are told stories of the sacrifice and

service done by plants and trees and about our duty

to plant and nourish them. 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.

 

 

11. Why do we fast?

 

Most devout Indians fast regularly or on special

occasions like festivals. On such days they do not

eat at all, eat once or make do with fruits or a

special diet of simple food. Some undertake rigorous

fasts when they do not even drink water the whole

day! Fasting is done foe many reasons - to please

the Lord, to discipline oneself and even to protest.

Gandhiji fasted to protest against the British rule.

 

 

a.. Why do we fast?

 

Is it to save food or to create an appetite to feast

after the fast? Not really. Then why do we fast?

 

Fasting in Sanskrit is called upavaasa. Upa means

"near" + vaasa means "to stay". Upavaasa therefore

means staying near (the Lord), meaning he attainment

of close mental proximity with the Lord. Then what

has upavaasa to do with food ?

 

A lot of our time and energy is spent in procuring

food items, preparing, cooking, eating and digesting

food. Certain food types make our minds dull and

agitated. Hence on certain days man decides to save

time and conserve his energy by eating either

simple, light food or totally abstaining from eating

so that his mind becomes alert and pure. The mind,

otherwise pre-occupied by the thought of food, now

entertains noble thoughts and stays with the lord.

Since it is a self-imposed form of discipline it is

usually adhered to with joy.

 

Also every system needs a break and an overhaul to

work at its best. Rest and a change of diet during

fasting is very good for the digestive system and

the entire body.

 

The more you indulge the senses, the more they make

their demands. Fasting helps us to cultivate control

over our senses, sublimate our desires and guide our

minds to be poised and at peace.

 

Fasting should not make us weak, irritable or create

an urge to indulge later. This happens when there is

no noble goal behind fasting. Some fast, rather they

diet, merely to reduce weight. Others fast as a vow

to please the Lord or to fulfill their desires, some

to develop will power, control the senses, some as a

form of austerity and so on. The Bhagavad Geeta

urges us to eat appropriately - neither too less nor

too much - yukta - aahaara and to eat simple, pure

and healthy food (a saatvik diet) even when not

fasting.

 

 

12. Why do we ring the bell in a temple ?

 

In most temples there are one or more bells hung

from the top, near the entrance. The devotee rings

the bell as soon as he enters, thereafter proceeding

for darshan of the Lord and prayers. Children love

jumping up or being carried high in order to reach

the bell.

 

 

a.. Why do we ring the bell ?

 

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. These 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 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 ardor, 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

 

 

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.

 

 

13. 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 an intricate

diamond-shaped pattern. The pot may be decorated

with 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 (grhapravesa), 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.

 

 

a.. 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 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 the devas churned the milky

ocean, the Lord appeared bearing the post 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 represent 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".

 

 

14. Why do we worship tulasi ?

 

Either in the front, back or central courtyard of

most Indian homes there is a tulasi-matham-an altar

bearing a tulasi plant. In the present day

apartments too, many maintain a potted tulasi plant.

The lady of the house lights a lamp, waters the

plant, worships and circumambulates it. The stem,

leaves, seeds and even the soil, which provides it a

base, are considered holy. A tulasi leaf is always

placed in the food offered to the Lord It is also

offered to the Lord during poojas, especially to

Lord Vishnu and His incarnations.

 

 

a.. Why do we worship the 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 adherence to righteousness, the Lord

blessed her saying that she would become the

worshipped 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 symbolizes 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

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 sarvatirthaani

 

Yannagre sarvadevataa

 

Yanmadhye sarvavedaascha

 

Tulasi taam namaamyaham

 

I bow 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.

 

 

Chapter 4

 

This chapter tells you Why do we consider the lotus

as special, blow the conch, sat shaanti thrice,

offer a coconut, chant Om, do aarati.

 

15. Why do we consider the lotus as special ?

 

The lotus is India's national flower and rightly so.

Not long ago, the lakes and ponds of India were full

of many hued lotuses.

 

 

a.. Why do we consider the lotus 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.). Our

scriptures and ancient literature extol the beauty

of the lotus. Art and architecture also portray the

lotus in various decorative motifs and paintings.

Many people have names of or related to the lotus :

Padma, Pankaja, kamal, Kamala, Kamalakshi etc. The

Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, sits on a lotus and

carries one in her hand. The lotus blooms with the

rising sun and closes 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

thought it is always in water. It symbolises the man

of wisdom (gnaani) who remains ever joyous,

unaffected by the world of sorrow and change. This

is revealed in a shloka from the Bhagavad 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 certain described in

the Yoga Shaastras as chakras. Each one is

associated with lotus that have a certain number of

petals, For example, the Sahasra chakra at the top

of the head, which opens when the yogi attains

Godhood or Realisation, is represented by a lotus

with a thousand petals, 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, he abode of Lord Brahma.

 

 

The auspicious sign of the swastika is said to have

evolved from the lotus. From the above, we can well

appreciate why the lotus is India's national flower

and so special to Indians.

 

16. Why do we blow the conch ?

 

In temples or at homes, the conch is blown once or

several times before ritualistic worship (pooja). It

is sometimes blown whilst doing aarati or to mark an

auspicious occasion. It is blown before a battle

starts or to announce the victory of an army. It is

also placed in the altar and worshipped.

 

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

the devas, stole 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

Shankhaasura. The conch blown by the Lord is called

Paanchajanya. 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. If we

place a conch close to our ears, we hear the sound

of the waves of the ocean.

 

Another well-known purpose of blowing the conch and

other instruments, known traditionally to produce

auspicious sounds is to drown or mask negative

comments or noise 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

smaller ones. During the aarati performed after

all-important poojas and on sacred occasions, the

conch used to be blown. Since village 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

(Turth), 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 sarvaihi

 

Paanchajanya namostu te

 

 

Salutations to Paanchajanya,

 

The conch born of the ocean,

 

Held in the hand of Lord Vishnu

 

And worshipped by all the devaas.

 

 

17. 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.

 

 

a.. Why do we say 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 stand 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.

 

 

1.. Aadhidaivika: The unseen divine forces over

which we have little or no control like earthquakes,

floods, volcanic eruptions etc.

 

2.. Aadhibhautika: The known factors around us

like accidents, human contacts, pollution, crime

etc.

 

3.. Aadhyaatmika: Problems of our bodies and minds

like diseases, anger, frustrations etc.

 

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

minimized 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.

 

18. 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. A pot ( kalasha) full of water,

adorned with mango leaves and a coconut on top is

worshipped on important occasions and used to

receive revered guests.

 

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. It is offered to please the Lord or to

fulfill our desires.

 

There was a time when animal sacrifice (bali) was

practiced, symbolizing the offering of our

animalistic tendencies to the Lord. Slowly this

practice faded and the coconut was offered instead.

The fiber 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, symbolizing 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 it is believed to

bestow spiritual growth on the seeker.

 

The coconut also symbolizes selfless service. Every

part of the tree - the trunk, leaves, fruit, coir

etc. is used in innumerable ways like thatches,

mats, tasty dishes, oil, soap etc. It takes in even

salty water from the earth and converts it into

sweet nutritive water that is especially beneficial

to sick people. It is used in the preparation of

many ayurvedic medicines and in other alternative

medicinal systems.

 

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.

In certain rituals a coconut is placed on a kalasha,

decorated, garlanded and worshipped as symbolic of

Lord Shiva and of the man of realization (gnaani).

 

 

19. 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.

 

a.. Why do we chant Om ?

 

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 sound ends 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 (Bhub, Bhwah, Suvah) etc. The

Lord is all these and beyond. The formless,

attribute less 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 stared 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). It fills the mind with peace, makes

it focussed and replete with subtle sound, People

meditate on its meaning and attain realization.

 

Om is written in different ways in different places.

The most common form ( Om ) symbolizes Lord Ganesha.

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 sweetmeat 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 forms and the Formless.

 

 

20. 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

auspicious light ( mangala niraajanam ). Holding the

lighted lamp in the right hand, we wave the flame 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. We experience an added

intensity in our prayers and the Lord's seems to

manifest a special beauty at that time. A 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 with 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 focussed on each limb of

the Lord as it is lit up by the lamp. 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. Camphor 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 the 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 the

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 we

hold the divinity within. Just as the priest reveals

the form of the Lord clearly with the aarati flame,

so too the guru clearly reveals to us the divinity

within each one 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 illumined the

Lord light up my vision; may 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

all these wondrous phenomena of the universe. It is

due to Him alone that all else exist and shine. As

we light up the Lord with flame of the aarati, we

turn our attention to the very source of a 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 illumines all of them. Without

Him the intellect cannot think, nor can the mind

feel nor the tongue speak. The Lord is beyond the

mind, intellect and speech. How can these finite

equipment illumine the infinite Lord? Therefore as

we perform the aarati we chant:

 

 

Na tatra suryo bhaati na chandra taarakam

 

Nemaa vidyuto bhaanti kutoyamagnih

 

Tameva bhaantam anubhaati sarvam

 

Tasya bhaasa sarvam idam vibhaati

 

 

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.

 

I sincerely hope that you have enjoyed reading this

article as much I did.

 

Love and Om