Indian Hindu Rituals

[Guest guest]

SrI:

 

Dear BhakthAs :

 

Srimathy Shobha Srinivasan has posed some interesting questions that are

often asked and has come up with answers at a personal level and also

inputted

information that she has recieved from elders and AchAryAs .

 

She is kindly sharing her views here , which might be of interest to many of

you .

She belongs to the Maadhva SampradhAyam and is very devout . Other

sampradhAyins

might have different explanations on answers for questions like # 7 and

others .

 

Please enjoy readig the Q&As prepared by Srimathy ShobhA SrinivAsan.

My thanks are to her for sharing this information .

 

V.Sadagopan

 

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#Hindu Rituals and Routines : Why Do We Follow Those?##

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Index of Contents

*********************

1. Why do we light a lamp?.

2. Why do we have a prayer room?.

3. Why do we do namaste?.

4. Why do we prostrate before parents and elders?.

5. Why do we wear marks (tilak, pottu and the like) on the forehead?.

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

6a. To touch another with the feet is considered an act of misdemeanor. Why

is this so?.

7. Why do we apply the holy ash?.

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

9. Why do we fast?. 8

10. Why do we do pradakshina (circumambulate)?.

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

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

13. Why do we worship the kalasha?.

14. Why do we consider the lotus as special?.

15. Why do we worship tulasi?.

16. Why do we blow the conch?.

17. Why do we say shaanti thrice?.

18. Why do we offer a coconut?.

19. Why do we chant Om?.

20. Why do we do aarati?.

 

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 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 (Jn~Anam) . 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 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.

 

2. 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.

 

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 friends, even strangers and us.

 

There are five forms of formal traditional greeting enjoined in the

shaastras of which namaskaram 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.

 

Namaste could be just a casual or formal greeting, a cultural 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 sometimes, 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 before 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 circles, prostration is

accompanied by abhivaadana, which serves to introduce one-self, announce

one's family and social stature.

 

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.

The different forms of showing respect are :

 

Pratuthana - rising to welcome a person.

Namaskaara - paying homage in the form of namaste (discussed separately in

this book).

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.

 

 

5. Why do we wear marks (tilak, pottu and the like) on the forehead?

***********************************************************************

 

The tilak 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 the shape of "º ") of bhasma, Devi

worshippers a red dot of kumkum and so on).

 

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.

 

6. 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?

 

 

6a. 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.

 

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.

 

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 (the form of "º ").

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

Mrytyor 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 brinjal from its stem."

 

8. 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).

 

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", maintained 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,

vyaanaaya swaahaa,

udaanaaya swaahaa,

samaanaaya swaahaa,

brahmane swaahaa

 

 

After offering the food thus, it is eaten as prasaada - blessed food.

 

 

9. 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.

 

Fasting in Sanskrit is called upavaasa. Upa means "near" + vaasa means "to

stay". Upavaasa therefore means staying near (the Lord), meaning the

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.

The Bhagavad-Gita 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.

 

10. 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.

 

11. 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 auspicious life 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.

 

 

12. 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.

 

12. 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 drown 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

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 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 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".

 

14. Why do we consider the lotus as special?

*************************************************

The lotus is the symbol of truth, auspiciousness and beauty. 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.

 

 

15. 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.

 

Also that all offerings would be incomplete without the tulasi leaf -

hence the worship of tulasi.

 

She also symbolises Goddess Lakshmi (Jambavathi avatara), 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.

 

 

16. Why do we blow the conch?

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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 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.

 

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

 

 

17. Why do we say shaanti thrice?

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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.

 

 

18. Why do we offer a coconut?

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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.

 

 

The coconut also symbolises 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.