Here are few things which we do and why we do

[sandhu.jp]

Why do we light a lamp?

In almost every Indian home a lamp is lit daily before the altar

of theLord. 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 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.

Light symbolizes knowledge, and darkness ignorance. The Lord is the

"Knowledge Principle" (Chaitanya) who is the source, the enlivener

and the illuminator of all knowledge. Hence light is worshiped as the Lord

Himself.

Knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes darkness. Also

knowledge is a lasting inner wealth by which all outer 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

occasion as a witness to our thoughts and actions.

Why not light a bulb or tube light then? That too would remove darkness.

But thetraditional oil lamp has a further spiritual significance. The oil or

ghee in the lamp symbolizes our "vaasnas" or negative tendencies and the

wick,the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, the "vaasnas" get slowly

exhaustedand 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.

 

 

 

 

[sandhu.jp]

Why do we have a prayer room?

Most Hindu 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.

The Lord is the 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. 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 the caretakers of His home. But if this 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 home

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 bedroom

for resting and sleeping, the drawing room to receive guests, the kitchen

for cooking etc. the furniture, décor and the atmosphere of each room are

made conductive to the purpose it serves. So too for the purpose of

meditation, worship and prayer, we should have a conductive 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.

[sandhu.jp]

Why do we do namaste?

Hindus greet each other with "namaste". The two palms are

placed together in front of the chest and the head bows while 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.

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 namaste to a

revered person or the Lord as it to look within. The gesture is often

accompanied by words like "Ram Ram", "Jai Shri Krishna", "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.

Why do we prostrate before parents & elders?

Hindus prostrate to their parents, elders, teachers and

noble souls by touching their feet. The elders in turn bless by placing his/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 oneself,

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 that they have made for our welfare. It is a way of

humbly acknowledging the greatness of another. This tradition reflects the

strong family ties which has been of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>'s enduring strengths.

The good wishes (sankalpa) and the blessings (aashirvaada) of elders

are highly valued in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region>. 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 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.

The different forms of showing respect are :

* Pratuthana - rising to welcome a person.

* Namaskaara - paying homage in the form of namaste.

* Upasangrahan - touching the feet of elders or teachers.

* Shaashtaanga - prostrating fully with the full body

touching the

ground in front of the elder.

* Pratyabivaadana - returning a greeting.

Rules are prescribed in our scripture 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 a ruler of the land would prostrate before a spiritual

master.

Epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata have many stories highlighting

this

aspect.

 

 

 

[sandhu.jp]

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 the bath and on special

occasions, before or after ritualistic worship or visit to the temple. In many

communities, it is enjoined upon married women to sport a kum kum on

their foreheads at all times. The orthodox put it on with due rituals. The

tilak is applied on saints and images of the Lord as a form of worship and

in many parts of <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comNorth India</st1:place> as a respectful form of welcome, to honour

guests orwhen bidding farewell to a son or husband about to embark on an

journey. The tilak varies in colour and form.

This custom was not prevalent in the Vedic period. it gained

popularity in the Pauranic period. Some believe that it originated in <st1:place w:st="on">South India</st1:place>.

The tilak or pottu invokes a feeling of sanctity in the wearer and

others. It is recognised as a religious mark. It form and colour vary

according to one's caste, religious sect or the form of the Lord worshiped.

In earlier times, the four castes (based on verna or color) -

Braahmana,Kshatriya,Vaishya and Sudra - applied marks differently. The

brahmin applied a white chandan (sandalwood paste) mark signifying

purity as his profession was of a priestly or academic nature. The Kshatriya

applied a red kum kum mark signifying valour as he belonged to the warrior

races. The Vaishya wore yellow kesar or termeric mark signifying properity as he

was a business man or trader devotted to creation of wealth. The sudra

applied a black bhasma, kasturi or charcoal mark signifying service as he

support the work of the other three divisions. Also Lord Vishnu worshipers apply a

chandan tilak of the shape of "U", Lord Shiva worshipers applied a

tripundra bhasma, Devi worshippers applied red dot of kum kum.

The chandan, kum kum or bhasma which is offered to the Lord is taken

back as prasad and applied on foreheads. The tilak covers the spot between

the eye brows, which 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 protection against wrong tendencies and

forces.

The entire body emanates energy in the form of electro-magnetic

waves - the forehead and the subtle spot between the eye brows 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 unique to Indians and helps to easily identify us anywhere.

[sandhu.jp]

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. Of 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.

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 <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region w:st="on"><?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comNorth India</st1:place> as a respectful form of welcome, to honour

guests orwhen bidding farewell to a son or husband about to embark on an

journey. The tilak varies in colour and form.

.

This custom was not prevalent in the Vedic period. it gained

popularity in the Pauranic period. Some believe that it originated in <st1:place w:st=" /><st1:place w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> every subject - academic or spiritual was considered

divine and taught by the guru in the gurukul.

The custom of not stepping on educational tools is a frequent

reminder of the high position accorded to knowledge in the 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.

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.

To touch another person with feet is considered an act of misdemeanor

because: man is regarded as the most beautiful, living, breathing

temple of the lord! Therefore touching another person with feet is akin to

disrespecting the divinity within him 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 have kept Indian culture alive across centuries.

[sandhu.jp]

Why do we apply 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 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 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 vibhuti

(which means "glory") as it gives glory to one who applies 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 mantras)

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 body and become free of the limitations of birth

and death.

The application of ash also reminds us that 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 time. This is not to be misconstructed 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. lord Shiva devotees apply bhasma as a tripiundra. When applied

with a red spot in the centre, the mark symbolizes Shiva-Shakti (the unity of

energy and matter that creates the entire seen and un-seen 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 if 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

while applying ash on the forehead.

[sandhu.jp]

Why do we offer food to the Lord before eating it?

In western tradition food is partaken after a thanks giving prayer -

grace. Indians make an offering of it to the Lord and later partake of it as

prasad- 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 prasad. In our daily ritualistic

worship (pooja) too we offer naivedyam (food to the Lord)

This is done because: 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 thru the act of offering food

to him.

This is exemplified by the Hindi words "Tera tujko arpan from the

aarti "Jai Jagdesh 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 (prasad buddhi). When we become established in

this attitude, this goes beyond the pre-view of food and pervades our

entire life. We are then able to cheerfully accept all we get in life as his

prasad.

Before we partake 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 table 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

the family culture.

* The sages (rishi runa) as our religion and culture have been

"realized" 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.

There after the Lord, the life force, who is also within us as the

five life- giving physiological functions, is offered the food. The five life-

giving functions are praanaaya (respiratory), apaanaaya (extretory),vyaanaaya

(circulatory), udaanaaya (reversal) and samaanaaya (digestive). After

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

 

 

 

[sandhu.jp]

Why do we do pradakshina ?

When we visit a temple. after offering prayers, we circumambulate the

santum sanctorum. This is called pradakshina

We cannot draw a circle without a centre point. The Lord is the centre, source and essence of our lives. Recognising Him as the focal point in out 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.

The pradakshina is always down only in clockwise manner because, as

we do pradakshina the Lord is always on our right. In Hinduism, the right

side symbolises auspiciousness. It is a telling fact that even 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 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. Meaning : 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 Ganesh circumambulating his parents is

a well known one.

After the completion of traditional worship (pooja), we customarily do

pradakshina around ourselves. In this way we recognise and remember

the supreme divinity within us, which alone is idolised in the form of

the Lord that we worship outside.

[V K Shridhar]

Dear Readers,

I would like to comment on :

"In Hinduism, the right side symbolizes auspiciousness"

mentioned just above & for this reason we do Pradakshina keeping the God's idol in the right side.

As we see the earth & our planetary system from the top, we find the whole system is moving in clock-wise manner. Perhaps from this natural phenomenon, the whole concept of Vedic Vastu is clock-wise ( Pradakshina). Any construction contrary to it results in inauspiciousness, adverse & finally leads to short life & destruction.

The concept behind this is that we must harmonize & synchronize with celestial system. This is also the basic principal of "Pranaya", where we direct all the life forces (Prana) in one direction.

Spirituality is synchronizing life forces in the direction of nature, and thus controlling the same.

“Vastusutra Upanishad” explains the best possible spiritual way, as how to draw lines, especially marking in sculpturing; from where we draw the concept of making plan & subsequent construction work in Vastu. To extract from this great Upanishad – "the line should be drawn from left to right." ( So is the movement while doing Pradakshina).

In accordance with Muhurt & Swar Shaastras, Front Moon is benefic while the Sun on the back is beneficial; however, the both are beneficial on right side to the direction of travel. Thus while doing Pradakshina we keep the deity in the right side.

Further in accordance with Swar Shaastra, Ida (left Swar) is auspicious. It is used in performing auspicious / spiritual activities. While Pingala (right Swar) is used in worldly activities.

Therefore in my opinion Pradakshina around a temple (other than around Shiva Linga) should be performed in clock-wise direction with left Swar flowing.

… V K Shridhar

-

Log on to

http://www.besttime-election.com

“Hindu Electional Astrology” – the largest & the best seller compendium on Vedic / Indian electional (MUHURT) astrology. “Swar Shaastra” – Phonetical astrology dealt first time in roman script for its application in Muhurt (electional astrology).

 

[V K Shridhar]

 

Dear Readers,

I would like to comment on :

"In Hinduism, the right side symbolizes auspiciousness"

mentioned just above & for this reason we do Pradakshina keeping the God's idol in the right side.

As we see the earth & our planetary system from the top, we find the whole system is moving in clock-wise manner. Perhaps from this natural phenomenon, the whole concept of Vedic Vastu is clock-wise ( Pradakshina). Any construction contrary to it results in inauspiciousness, adverse & finally leads to short life & destruction.

The concept behind this is that we must harmonize & synchronize with celestial system. This is also the basic principal of "Pranayam", where we direct all the life forces (Prana) in one direction.

Spirituality is synchronizing life forces in the direction of nature, and thus controlling the same.

“Vastusutra Upanishad” explains the best possible spiritual way, as how to draw lines, especially marking in sculpturing; from where we draw the concept of making plan & subsequent construction work in Vastu. To extract from this great Upanishad – "the line should be drawn from left to right." ( So is the movement while doing Pradakshina).

In accordance with Muhurt & Swar Shaastras, Front Moon is benefic while the Sun on the back is beneficial; however, the both are beneficial on right side to the direction of travel. Thus while doing Pradakshina we keep the deity in the right side.

Further in accordance with Swar Shaastra, Ida (left Swar) is auspicious. It is used in performing auspicious / spiritual activities. While Pingala (right Swar) is used in worldly activities.

Therefore in my opinion Pradakshina around a temple (other than around Shiva Linga) should be performed in clock-wise direction with left Swar flowing.

… V K Shridhar

-

Log on to

http://www.besttime-election.com

“Hindu Electional Astrology” – the largest & the best seller compendium on Vedic / Indian electional (MUHURT) astrology. “Swar Shaastra” – Phonetical astrology dealt first time in roman script for its application in Muhurt (electional astrology).

 

[webyogi]

These are excellent posts. Thank you Sandhu Ji.

 

-WebYogi-

[vikas1972]

Sir You Post Such Excellent Information,thanks For This.

[sandhu.jp]

Dear Web yogi ji,

 

Believe me,'pleased to be of an assistance.

 

regards

 

j.s.sandhu

 

 

 

 

 

These are excellent posts. Thank you Sandhu Ji.

 

-WebYogi-

[sandhu.jp]

Dear VK ji,

 

Its a pleasure to have you here at India divine, your grasp of the subject is remarkable, please continue to enlighten us all.

 

 

Regards

 

j.s.sandhu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Readers,

I would like to comment on :

"In Hinduism, the right side symbolizes auspiciousness"

mentioned just above & for this reason we do Pradakshina keeping the God's idol in the right side.

As we see the earth & our planetary system from the top, we find the whole system is moving in clock-wise manner. Perhaps from this natural phenomenon, the whole concept of Vedic Vastu is clock-wise ( Pradakshina). Any construction contrary to it results in inauspiciousness, adverse & finally leads to short life & destruction.

The concept behind this is that we must harmonize & synchronize with celestial system. This is also the basic principal of "Pranaya", where we direct all the life forces (Prana) in one direction.

Spirituality is synchronizing life forces in the direction of nature, and thus controlling the same.

“Vastusutra Upanishad” explains the best possible spiritual way, as how to draw lines, especially marking in sculpturing; from where we draw the concept of making plan & subsequent construction work in Vastu. To extract from this great Upanishad – "the line should be drawn from left to right." ( So is the movement while doing Pradakshina).

In accordance with Muhurt & Swar Shaastras, Front Moon is benefic while the Sun on the back is beneficial; however, the both are beneficial on right side to the direction of travel. Thus while doing Pradakshina we keep the deity in the right side.

Further in accordance with Swar Shaastra, Ida (left Swar) is auspicious. It is used in performing auspicious / spiritual activities. While Pingala (right Swar) is used in worldly activities.

Therefore in my opinion Pradakshina around a temple (other than around Shiva Linga) should be performed in clock-wise direction with left Swar flowing.

… V K Shridhar

-

Log on to

http://www.besttime-election.com

“Hindu Electional Astrology” – the largest & the best seller compendium on Vedic / Indian electional (MUHURT) astrology. “Swar Shaastra” – Phonetical astrology dealt first time in roman script for its application in Muhurt (electional astrology).

 

[sandhu.jp]

Thanks vikas.

 

regards

 

j.s.sandhu

 

 

 

 

Sir You Post Such Excellent Information,thanks For This.

[watchthisfree]

Brilliant study material, though-provoking and delightful as well, thanks a lot sir

 

Ravi

[sandhu.jp]

thanks Ravi

 

 

regards

 

j.s.sandhu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brilliant study material, though-provoking and delightful as well, thanks a lot sir

 

Ravi

[Anusha]

Sandhu Ji & Vk.Sridhar ji, Pranams

 

All your posts are great that make the learners like me more enthusiastic towards gaining knowledge through gurus of your stature.A great inspiration to us.

 

Guru jis,what is the significance of anga pradakshina?Does the number of rounds or rolling has any significance? Please sir,

 

Regards,

Anusha

[Anusha]

 

Sandhu Ji & Vk.Sridhar ji, Pranams:pray:

 

All your posts are great that make the learners like me more enthusiastic towards gaining knowledge through gurus of your stature.A great inspiration to us.

 

Guru jis,what is the significance of anga pradakshina?Does the number of rounds or rolling has any significance? Please sir,

 

Regards,

Anusha

[sandhu.jp]

Dear Anusha ji ,

 

Ang pradikshna is done to appease the diety for grant of special favours it can be done before or after such wish or boon has been granted, usually a number is not attached to such a practice.

 

Regards

 

j.s.sandhu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Anga Pradhakshina"

 

 

The command was very stern. There could be no way of avoiding or escaping from the severest of all the rituals. "Lie down and roll over, quick, very quick"! This stern command was coming from my very old grand mother. My mother, sisters, and cousins were all looking down at me, as I sat down. I still hesitated to lie down. The flooring was done with stone slabs and they were very hard and rough. There was no protective clothing to give some cover to my tender skin all over body, except a small wet dhothi, tied down my waist. I was not allowed to have any drinks or light food. I was not supposed to eat or drink anything until I had fulfilled the rituals. In the early morning hours, I had just come out of the chill waters of the temple tank. I was not allowed to use a towel and dry up. I was supposed to go through the ordeal fresh from the water.

As I was sitting down still hesitating, defying the stern commands, I saw somebody, may be in his middle age, rolling over and reaching near me, i.e, the starting point, and was overtaking me. A couple of their relatives were guiding him, least he moves away from the stipulated pathway around the temple. For an elderly man, I thought, it is okay. But I was just 11 year old. I shouted back; "why of all the children, I had been asked to go through this ordeal? Why not others too, follow me?" My mother tried to pacify me, "Please Cheenu! (This is my pet name used by family people) "Try to understand. The vow had been taken for your sake. This is meant for your welfare. Years ago when you were still very tiny child, you had been afflicted by a severe disease, and we were informed by Doctors that the disease was beyond medical cure. Hence as a last resort, we had prayed to Lord Guruvayurappan, that Cheenu would undertake "Anga Pradakshinam" Only you should undertake this ritual, and there is no possibility of being substituted by anybody else. Please, Cheenu, try to understand and go ahead cheerfully, Please".

 

 

As I was still hesitating, I found some more devotees rolling over. The pressure was too much on me. I had been brought up in traditional orthodox way of life. My respect to elders, and also my Love for God, prevailed on me to just make a try. I stretched on my back. I was asked to keep both my hands over the head, palms together, and then roll over. Hands should not come as a support to the body. "Angam" means parts of our body, and "Pradakshinam" means going round in a clockwise manner. All the limbs and other parts of our body should be in direct contact on the rocky surface, as we roll over.

As I rolled over one time, I thought that all the devotees thronged in the temple were just watching me and enjoying fun. In fact nobody took notice of me, since I was not the only one doing this penance. Many others were seen rolling over and over. The elders were giving directions continuously. I was being constantly directed to chant the name of Lord "Narayana, Narayana…" with each movement. "Don’t look around, just keep on rolling chanting the Divine name. Otherwise your efforts will be wasted" I suddenly developed another fear. If I do not stick to their directions, the efforts could be nullified, and I might be asked to do it all over again. At all costs, I did not want this to happen. Better, to finish of in one stretch.

Slowly and steadily, I was progressing. At times, I used to deviate from the circular path around the temple yard. The cousins were guiding me and pushing me to the correct path, whenever I had deviated. The temple was vibrating with hysterical sounds of "Narayana, Narayana, Narayana….", chanted by hundreds of devotees. I could also hear some devotional music coming over the PA system. Even the hard hearted or shy type devotee could melt over the atmosphere in the temple, and the devotion is certainly bound to come out. I was no exception. As I moved on and on, I started to accept the situation and undertook the penance in good faith. Three fourth of the round is over, and I was nearing the starting point. ‘Soon, it will be over’, I thought. Chanting the name of "Narayana", I almost reached the spot from where I had started, and I was very eager to get up. When I tried to get up, I was pushed back. I was in for a great shock. It was not over yet! I was told to go ahead and continue with "Anga Pradakshina" When I thought it was over, I was told that I have to make two more rounds, total three rounds of Anga Pradakshina!

 

 

Though I was physically tired, this time, I did not have any reservation or hesitation. I knew well that there was no way out. I continued rolling over and over, chanting "Narayana, Narayana…" At the end of the third round, I was dead tired, and my body was aching. My mother held on to me with loving care, and helped me to get up. I could see drops of tears in her eyes. This could be on two counts. One reason could be of her concern for me. Another reason could be out of joy that I had fulfilled her vows. The rough surface had made most of the damage to my tender skin. For while I could not stand up. I was shivering and feeling fatigue. I was very hungry. My body has become dirty. I was asked to take yet another dip in the holy temple tank. This time my body was dried out using a neat towel.

The change of dhothi did not bring comfort to me. The strict rules in the temple, stipulates that male members, including boys, should not ware any dress or clothe above the waists. In the early morning, I had to endure the chill weather, and then stand in the Que., to have Darshan of Lord Guruvayurappan. There was a long line, and all the members of the family had to stand up for over an hour to reach the sanctum.

The sanctum consisted of three compartmentalized rooms. Electric lights are banned inside the sanctum. But there were several lamps burning from oil or ghee. At the end of tunnel type last room, I could see dimly the figure of a deity, which was just about two feet high. A priest was doing some poojas. We were not allowed to stand for a while. We had to be content with a just a glimpse of the deity, as we were moving across the steps of the sanctum. My mother felt happy, that she could present her son, in front of Lord Narayana, after fulfilling her vows.

Guruvayur is famous pilgrim center in Kerala in the southern parts of India. The state is known as "Gods own land". The breath taking scenery and natural landscape with backwaters, the big groves of coconut trees, and rich paddy fields, with back the drop of high peak mountains make Kerala very beautiful.

There are several important temples in this state, and Guruvayur is in the top in list attracting millions of pilgrims round the year. In India, for every major temple there is a "Sthala Purana" (the story indicating the importance of the particular temple and the place). The temple of Guruvayur has also got a history. It is said that the Idol, in this temple was formerly installed in the Divine abode of Lord Krishna in Dwaraka. At the end of Dwapara Yuga, Lord Krishna returns to Vaikunta, after finishing His earthly sojourn. The Divine City of Dwaraka, did not lost long afterwards. The city got immersed in the high sea, which is known as "Pralaya". The Guru of the Devas, "Bruhaspathi" and Lord Vayu (The wind God) retrieved the Idol of Narayana, and carried it along the cost, down south, and was installed in a village in Kerala. The name, "Guruvayur" had derived from the fact that the idol was carried down and installed by "Guru" and "Vaayu".

It is also believed that Adi Shankara had visited this temple several times, and it was Adi Shankara Himself who had laid down the procedures of worship in this temple of Guruvayur.

As we started our journey back to Palakkad, some 80 kilometers away, the bus did not make it easy for us. There were more problems and delays. Those days, there were no gas engines for the buses. The buses were provided with coal fired boiler behind it, and this boiler energized the engine to pull the bus. The technical snag and non-availability of mechanics, made things difficult for us. We had to travel a good length of over 20 kilometer by a bullock cart, and then a train travel towards our destination!

In the end, there was satisfaction for my mother and for her mother too! There was cheer in our family. But how can I forget those dreary experiences, which I had to go through on that particular morning at Guruvayur!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sandhu Ji & Vk.Sridhar ji, Pranams

 

All your posts are great that make the learners like me more enthusiastic towards gaining knowledge through gurus of your stature.A great inspiration to us.

 

Guru jis,what is the significance of anga pradakshina?Does the number of rounds or rolling has any significance? Please sir,

 

Regards,

Anusha

[V K Shridhar]

Dear Sandhu ji & Anusha ji,

 

Thanks,

I shall certainly contribute where ever I have some information collected from treatises.

 

Informations provided by Shri Sandhu ji are excellent.

 

V K Shridhar

[sandhu.jp]

Dear Vk ji,

 

It is all due to blessings of gentle and learned souls like you.Thanks for the appreciation.

 

 

Regards

 

J.s.sandhu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Sandhu ji & Anusha ji,

 

Thanks,

I shall certainly contribute where ever I have some information collected from treatises.

 

Informations provided by Shri Sandhu ji are excellent.

 

V K Shridhar

[leo_83]

Pranam Sandhuji,

 

Thanks for wonderful article, things we have been simply doing it, but nice to know "WHY" from you..Sir, i have some questions,

 

1)Why do some people light the lamp (Diya) with Oil and some with Ghee ?

Does this really make any difference ?

 

2)Tired after playing cricket, I used to sleep at sunset..

My mumma used to wake me forcefully, saying its Lamp time and wake up..What is the reason ?

She used to always say me, one shouldnt sleep at sunset.

 

Respectfully,

Abhi

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why do we light a lamp?

In almost every Indian home a lamp is lit daily before the altar

of theLord. 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 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.

Light symbolizes knowledge, and darkness ignorance. The Lord is the

"Knowledge Principle" (Chaitanya) who is the source, the enlivener

and the illuminator of all knowledge. Hence light is worshiped as the Lord

Himself.

Knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes darkness. Also

knowledge is a lasting inner wealth by which all outer 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

occasion as a witness to our thoughts and actions.

Why not light a bulb or tube light then? That too would remove darkness.

But thetraditional oil lamp has a further spiritual significance. The oil or

ghee in the lamp symbolizes our "vaasnas" or negative tendencies and the

wick,the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, the "vaasnas" get slowly

exhaustedand 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.

 

 

 

 

[leo_83]

 

1)Why do some people light the lamp (Diya) with Oil and some with Ghee ?

Does this really make any difference ?

 

If you will add 1 Tola (11.66 gm) of Cow’s Ghee into the sacrificial pit of Alter, it can produce 1 ton of fresh Oxygen in the atmosphere. That’s why in the temples Hindus lighten up Lamps with Cow’s Ghee.

source : http://www.ayurvedtoronto.com/ghee.htm (this is a research findings)