Guest guest Posted July 26, 2002 Report Share Posted July 26, 2002 Let's say you want to begin a proper puja at your house. What must one do install the Murti? I heard that Murtis must be installed by a special ceremony. True? Also, if you are traveling (I have a cardboard traveling shrine) can the deity be placed just anywhere for worship? And lastly, can puja be a puja if one is modifying to worship the formless "God"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 28, 2002 Report Share Posted July 28, 2002 Murtis are installed in temples, not in houses. For the temple, the deity is invoked into the statue when it is put in place and is believed to stay there until transferred to the smaller murti during kumbhabhishekham (every 12 year clean up and repair of the temple). In a home, you may have a shrine room or a shrine somewhere but the deity is not believed to be "in" the image all the time. Two steps in a standard puja to any of the deities is invocation of the deity into the form and then at the end the release of the deity from the form. There are lots of rules about where the shrine should be in a home. There is a sort of Indian Vedic feng shui (since Americans know feng shui better), a part of the shastras about architecture, that goes into all that. It's pretty elaborate, with different deities being housed facing different directions and deity placement (deity facing whichever direction) varying depending on one's purpose in praying. Most of us don't have huge homes or properties with lots of options so the matter becomes simplified by necessity. Many Tamil people, especially Vaishnavas, place the shrine in or near the kitchen. This is partially so that the food can always be offered. Also it is because of the understanding that fire is a messenger to the gods. It's typical that such a placement is totally antithetical to quiet meditation. Many temples in India also have this quality. One zooms through them, casting a furtive glance (darshan), before doing pranaam and accepting prasad, at the main deity as one is ushered past as part of a long queue. If a separate room or even a corner can be set aside for puja, that's good. Set aside means that nothing else goes on there. The southwest corner is related to the goddess in Kerala. Perhaps obviously, if the door into your apartment or the bathroom, is in the southwest corner, you'll need to find another spot. People take those travelling sets out when they use them and put them away after use every day. That's what I've seen anyway. Aikya Ammachi, Dianadevi@a... wrote: > Let's say you want to begin a proper puja at your house. What must one do > install the Murti? I heard that Murtis must be installed by a special > ceremony. True? Also, if you are traveling (I have a cardboard traveling > shrine) can the deity be placed just anywhere for worship? And lastly, can > puja be a puja if one is modifying to worship the formless "God"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 28, 2002 Report Share Posted July 28, 2002 I don't really follow any of the orthodox rules about pujas. I just try to do it with love in my heart and trust that God will get the point. --- om-== Nick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 28, 2002 Report Share Posted July 28, 2002 Ammachi, Dianadevi@a... wrote: > Let's say you want to begin a proper puja at your house. What must one do install the Murti? This is from my limited understanding only: 1-You could go to your local temple or otherwise secure a pundit/pujari to do a formal ceremony like a house blessing, or not. Either way, according to your astrological star, find an auspicious day to begin the new routine. 2-Decide how elaborate of a "proper" puja you're going to be doing (ie, 5-step, 10, 16, or more formal). Whichever, it should be done regular rather than sporatically for the best effect. Doing praanapratishta (installing your breath into the photo, etc.) is more effective than not, but make sure to re-claim it at the end. 3-The direction of the murthi (should face North or East) is important (I keep a compass in my puja kit). When meditating without an altar present, the meditator would normally face those directions. 4-Cleanliness and overall feel of the place of worship is important. In other words, clean up any clutter. This includes an altar, in that you don't want too many photos, etc if you're focusing on doing puja. Having a Ganesh and Guru photo is one thing, having too many photos or other statues can be distracting. I've also read that concerning Vaastu (Indian Feng Shui) that having a Krishna with Flute or Nataraj/dancing Shiva can drain energy. Also, that Ganesh should always be pictured within a temple or next to Laxmi for best results. 5-The only restrictions I know about modifying pujas, from what I've read and personally experimented with, is not to mix mantras for different deities. Because the puja is supposed to be pleasing to a specific form, it's better to do certain prayers in English rather than a substitute one. The only exceptions would be using different mantras when chanting 1000 names. Any deity/form can be chanted in response to Devi's names since she encompasses everything, or with Vishu's 1000 names, any form of Vishnu (Krishna, Rama, etc.) can be chanted. 6-Worshipping the formless... kind of hard to do with a murthi. My original object of worship was an aspect of the formless, no particular deity, but at that time I had learned Amma's 108 names and was doing puja to Her. It was spiritually beneficial and I made definite progress, but it didn't help my day-to-day problems, so by need, I had to change my focus to a different deity and thus asked for a different mantra a few weeks ago. Tom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 28, 2002 Report Share Posted July 28, 2002 On Mon, 29 Jul 2002 01:41:29 -0000 "tomgull" <tomgull writes: > > 3-The direction of the murthi (should face North or East) is > important (I keep a compass in my puja kit). When meditating > without an altar present, the meditator > would normally face those directions. If the murthi faces North or East, and the worshipper is facing the murthi, does that mean that when using a statue, the worshipper faces West or South? > I've also read that > concerning Vaastu (Indian Feng Shui) that having a Krishna with > Flute or Nataraj/dancing Shiva can drain energy. Interesting. I've read that Nataraj should be hidden within a cupboard or behind a cover when not being worshipped. He's uncovered on my altar, but always has a statue of Parvati to his left -- as his Shakti, she's a renewable source of energy. > Also, that Ganesh should > always be pictured within a temple or next to Laxmi for best > results. Ganesha next to Lakshmi is called <shubh laubh> "wealth and auspiciousness." It's an appropriate combination for merchants who want good business. Ganesha next to Sarasvati removes obstacles to creative inspiration. Ganesha next to Parvati (his mother) ensures protection from the Goddess. I've found that an image of Ganesha reclining or sitting is less active in removing obstacles for you than one of him standing or dancing. -- Len/ Kalipadma ______________ GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 29, 2002 Report Share Posted July 29, 2002 > If the murthi faces North or East, and the worshipper is facing the > murthi, does that mean that when using a statue, the worshipper faces West or South? > Yes, because the altar and murthi become the source of auspiciousness. Remember these are the ideal. Years ago I followed the direction rule, but after a few years of unfortunate clutter and condo problems, my current mini-altar does face South, but it's the only open space I have available. > Interesting. I've read that Nataraj should be hidden within a cupboard or behind a cover when not being worshipped. He's uncovered on my altar, but always has a statue of Parvati to his left -- as his Shakti, she's a renewable source of energy. I had been to a satsang where the Nataraj was always only half- visible, which i think would have been inauspicious. It closed down after years of service, mostly due to ego, but that's a whole story in itself. I think the Nataraja and Krishna flute have more to do with "activity". Alot of Vaastu/Feng Shui is about the sub- conscious subtle things. Like hanging pictures of "noble" animals like horses, rather than predators on your walls. >I've found that an image of Ganesha reclining or sitting is less >active in removing obstacles for you than one of him... Interesting. My favorite one is of him doing puja to a Shivalinga with his parents blessing him from heaven/space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 29, 2002 Report Share Posted July 29, 2002 Aikya, Tom, Nick & Len, Thank you for the answers and the questions that lead to more answers. I have a definite relationship with Divine Mother, but trouble relating to Sri Ganesha, as an intermediary to Sri Mata. Any insight on Lord Ganesha? Do Vaishnavas pay obeisance to Him? I think very important thing about the puja, is the worshipers mood/intent, as s/he relates to the archana. If you're here unfaithfully with us, you're causing terrible damage. If you've opened your love to God's love, You're helping people you don't know and have never seen. ~Rumi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 29, 2002 Report Share Posted July 29, 2002 Hi Traditionally in India the worshipper does NOT face south at all- i feel that the altar facing north is a printing mistake -i feel the altar should be placed in such a way that the worshipper faces East or NORTH . THIS IS USUALLY THE CASE IN ALTARS AT HOMES- BUT I HAVE seen a few temples where the direction is different were the Murti is facing east.... BUT USUALLY IN INDIA WE NEVER FACE SOUTH WHEN WE DO PUJAS/MEDITATION ETC at home. Please refer to a vedic priest- i know that the puja book says that the altar faces east or north -which means that the worshipper faces west or south - but i feel that this is a printing error! I know for a fact that in india, we never face the south when doing puja- or even doing namaskaram. bala --- tomgull <tomgull wrote: > > If the murthi faces North or East, and the > worshipper is facing the > > murthi, does that mean that when using a statue, > the worshipper > faces West or South? > > > > Yes, because the altar and murthi become the source > of > auspiciousness. Remember these are the ideal. > Years ago I followed > the direction rule, but after a few years of > unfortunate clutter and > condo problems, my current mini-altar does face > South, but it's the > only open space I have available. > > > > Interesting. I've read that Nataraj should be > hidden within a > cupboard or behind a cover when not being > worshipped. He's uncovered > on my altar, but always has a statue of Parvati to > his left -- as his > Shakti, she's a renewable source of energy. > > I had been to a satsang where the Nataraj was always > only half- > visible, which i think would have been inauspicious. > It closed down > after years of service, mostly due to ego, but > that's a whole story > in itself. I think the Nataraja and Krishna flute > have more to do > with "activity". Alot of Vaastu/Feng Shui is about > the sub- > conscious subtle things. Like hanging pictures of > "noble" animals > like horses, rather than predators on your walls. > > > >I've found that an image of Ganesha reclining or > sitting is less > >active in removing obstacles for you than one of > him... > > Interesting. My favorite one is of him doing puja > to a Shivalinga > with his parents blessing him from heaven/space. > > Health - Feel better, live better http://health. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 29, 2002 Report Share Posted July 29, 2002 On Mon, 29 Jul 2002 18:55:08 -0700 (PDT) Girish <girishv writes: > Another observation is that we never sleep with our heads facing > south. > I thought that was, "don't sleep with your head facing NORTH." Lord Shiva gave instructions to his ganas (or to Lord Vishnu) to cut off the head of an elephant sleeping with it's head to the North, to supply a new head to Parvati's beheaded child (thus creating Lord Ganesha). -- Len/ Kalipadma ______________ GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 29, 2002 Report Share Posted July 29, 2002 Another observation is that we never sleep with our heads facing south. On Mon, 29 Jul 2002, balakrishnan Shankar wrote: > Hi > > Traditionally in India the worshipper does NOT face > south at all- i feel that the altar facing north is a > printing mistake -i feel the altar should be placed in > such a way that the worshipper faces East or NORTH . > > THIS IS USUALLY THE CASE IN ALTARS AT HOMES- BUT I > HAVE seen a few temples where the direction is > different were the Murti is facing east.... > > BUT USUALLY IN INDIA WE NEVER FACE SOUTH WHEN WE DO > PUJAS/MEDITATION ETC at home. Please refer to a vedic > priest- > > i know that the puja book says that the altar faces > east or north -which means that the worshipper faces > west or south - but i feel that this is a printing > error! > > I know for a fact that in india, we never face the > south when doing puja- or even doing namaskaram. > > bala > --- tomgull <tomgull wrote: > > > If the murthi faces North or East, and the > > worshipper is facing the > > > murthi, does that mean that when using a statue, > > the worshipper > > faces West or South? > > > > > > > Yes, because the altar and murthi become the source > > of > > auspiciousness. Remember these are the ideal. > > Years ago I followed > > the direction rule, but after a few years of > > unfortunate clutter and > > condo problems, my current mini-altar does face > > South, but it's the > > only open space I have available. > > > > > > > Interesting. I've read that Nataraj should be > > hidden within a > > cupboard or behind a cover when not being > > worshipped. He's uncovered > > on my altar, but always has a statue of Parvati to > > his left -- as his > > Shakti, she's a renewable source of energy. > > > > I had been to a satsang where the Nataraj was always > > only half- > > visible, which i think would have been inauspicious. > > It closed down > > after years of service, mostly due to ego, but > > that's a whole story > > in itself. I think the Nataraja and Krishna flute > > have more to do > > with "activity". Alot of Vaastu/Feng Shui is about > > the sub- > > conscious subtle things. Like hanging pictures of > > "noble" animals > > like horses, rather than predators on your walls. > > > > > > >I've found that an image of Ganesha reclining or > > sitting is less > > >active in removing obstacles for you than one of > > him... > > > > Interesting. My favorite one is of him doing puja > > to a Shivalinga > > with his parents blessing him from heaven/space. > > > > > > > > > Health - Feel better, live better > http://health. > > > Aum Amriteswarayai Namaha! > > Ammachi > > > Your use of is subject to > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 30, 2002 Report Share Posted July 30, 2002 Regarding sleeping direction, Maharishi always said East is best. Then South, West, and North, with North being the worst. Someone once mentioned to him that Buddha was buried with his head to the North. Maharishi joked that that was because they wanted the body to decompose quickly. > > On Mon, 29 Jul 2002 18:55:08 -0700 (PDT) Girish <girishv > writes: >> > Another observation is that we never sleep with our heads facing >> > south. >> > > > I thought that was, "don't sleep with your head facing NORTH." > > Lord Shiva gave instructions to his ganas (or to Lord Vishnu) to cut off > the head of an elephant sleeping with it's head to the North, to supply a > new head to Parvati's beheaded child (thus creating Lord Ganesha). > > -- Len/ Kalipadma > > > ______________ > GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! > Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! > Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: > http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/. > > Sponsor > > > Aum Amriteswarayai Namaha! > > Ammachi > > > Terms of Service > <> . > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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