questions

[Guest guest]

I have a few questions for those who might know:

 

1- What exactly is a "gutika"? I've read that it's

some sort of pill or ball, but what's it made of and

what do you do with it?

 

2- What's the proper way to make a flower garland,

if anyone can describe it.

 

3--For the bargain shopper in the U.S., I've found a place that sells

very inexpensive malas and rudraksha malas. I don't know the

quality, but for those on an extreme budget, try this place:

http://www.tibetanspirit.com/index.shtml

I've ordered a crystal mala from them but haven't received it yet.

 

Tom

[Guest guest]

Hello tom,

I have a few questions for those who might know:

 

1- What exactly is a "gutika"? I've read that it's

some sort of pill or ball, but what's it made of and

what do you do with it?

 

What we get at gurudham is usually a big bead made of hakeek (don't

know the English for it –may be some form of baked mud) with

different prayers said to have been performed on different samagri.

You usually do as instructed for the particular sadhana. Probably

they represent some additional deity. Just worship it the usual way –

offer rice, sandal powder flower petals and show deep (lamp) and

incense.

 

2- What's the proper way to make a flower garland,

if anyone can describe it.

 

 

gee, is there a proper way? Take a larger than average needle and a

thicker thread, and then just string flowers or flower petals

according to your taste and imagination –one after the other, make it

the size right for your deity. In India in the north at least the

cheapest garland is made of marigold flowers and some full-blossomed

roses for design. Make it look a little full with no thread showing.

You can create the illusion of more flowers by turning petals larger

twice. Using leave like tulsi for say Vishnu forms is a good idea. In

larger malas I have seen fruits added too. I think a lot will depend

on the flower you use. You can then decide on the way to string it to

give your mala the best look. Sometimes crossing your needle

perpendicular to the flowers (with the needle going through the

centre may be a good idea) at others pass it through the stem. I

guess I did not do a good job. May be other members can add to this.

 

 

Good wishes

Jai gurudev

anu

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