What is called Agama, Temples and similar Questions

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Radhe Krishna To All,

 

What is called as 'Agama?'

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

The makings of deities of Gods, consecrating it, performing puja, were all

brought under the norms of the Shastras. This is called as 'Agama' Shastra.

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How many 'Agamas' are there?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

There are twenty-eight 'Saiva' Agamas and two 'Vaishnava' Agamas. 'Vaishnava'

Agamas consists of two groups viz. 'Vaikanasam' and 'Pancharatram'. The former

is based on the Vedas but the later was formed separately without any Vedic

leaning. 'Sakta' Agamas are based on Devi puja. These belong to States of Bengal

and Orissa. They are also called 'Vamaccharam'.

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Is 'Vastu' Shastra a part of 'Agama' Shastra?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

Yes. 'Vastu'Shastra is a part of 'Agama' Shastra. The principles of 'Vastu' find

a place in 'Shilpa'(sculpt idols) Shastra, too. 'Vasi' and 'Tatu' put together

form what is called as 'Vastu'.

 

*This provides the guidelines for the construction of a building.

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Streets run around the Temples. Does this, too, fall under the guidelines of

'Vastu' Shastra?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

In every Town it is the practice to build a Temple either in its center or in

its Southern corner. And the houses are placed (built) depending on the location

of the temple. This is also as per 'Vastu' tradition.

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What does 'Garbadanam' mean?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

A vessel made of either silver, gold or bronze is placed below the Sanctom

Sanctorum of the Temple where the 'Moola Murti' (Main Deity) is to be

consecrated. This practice of burying the vessel below the earth is called

'Garbadanam'. Water from the holy rivers, soil from holy places, 'navaratnam'

(nine kinds of gems), 'navadaniyam' (nine kinds of grains), etc. are dropped

into this hole. The weapons of the particular God to be consecrated in this

Temple are also placed in it. For e.g. if the main deity is Lord Vishnu then His

five weapons namely 'Gada', 'Katgam', 'Sarngam', 'Shankam', 'Chakram', will be

placed here.

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How does the idol in a Temple acquire the 'sanithyam' (the power)?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

Vedam consists of six parts. A Temple also has six prominent parts - Adishtanam,

Pikti, Prastaram, Peevam, Sigaram, Stupi. These six parts are complementary to

each other. They should not change in any way. If changed the deity loses its

'sanithyam'. While in the initial stage of making the idols, viz. waxing,

shaping the clay, making the mould, they should be done amidst loud chanting of

mantras. That is, the work should be carried out while listening to the mantras.

Only then the 'bimbamurti' (the form of the idol) will become a 'mantramurti' (a

form with power). Power gets into it only through Bhakti and Mantras. That idol

which has been installed without mantra consecration will be lifeless.

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What is the proof ('pramana') that the Presence ('sanidhya) of Bhagavan is found

only in the Sanctum Sanctorum ('garbagraha') of a temple?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

“In several other parts of a big temple we find other forms ('roopa') of the

Deity (Murti) found in the Sanctum sanctorum. These deities are found to be in

similar style ('amaippu'). In some temples these are found to be more beautiful

and at times bigger than the Main Deity. But, people do not feel devotion and

faith (bhakti-shraddha) on seeing these deities. This is because these deities

do not possess the 'sanidhya'

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In which part of a Town should the Temple of Lord MahaVishnu be constructed?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

MahaVishnu Temple should be constructed on the western side of the Town's

Centerpoint. To its North-western corner, Lord Shiva's Temple should be

constructed.

 

Nearby should be the Temple of the 'Sapta Madar' (seven Goddesses). This is the

reason that Goddess Durga also bears the name of 'Vadavayil Selvi' (Lady of the

Northern door). It is also the practice to build Lord Subrahmanya's Temple close

to MahaVishnu Temple. It became the practice to place 'ugra murthys'

(deities/gods of fiery temperament) on the outskirts. But, it has also been the

tradition to consecrate these deities along with 'Thayar' (Goddess) so as to

calm them down.

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What is the significance of 'Nivedanam' and 'Deepa Aradhana' in our Puja?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

Raja Yoga has eight steps or 'angas' towards the final goal. The rituals and

rites have their own procedures. Likewise, 'Niyama Puja' (Pujas as prescribed by

the Shastras) have 16 'angas' or parts like 'Aavahanam', 'Aachamanam' etc. Of

these, 'Nivedhanam' and 'Deepa Aradhana' are key aspects. So we perform at least

these two as a part of our daily pujas.

 

 

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In Temples, why is 'teertha prasad' given three times?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

'Teertha prasad' is given three times to protect one from untimely (unnatural)

death, to destroy all the sins and for cure from all diseases.

______

 

While there are innumerable ancient Temples in dilapidated state new Temples

keep sprouting up! Even the simple, daily pujas are not being performed

properly. Why?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

May be people think that Temple construction/renovation bestows 'punya'

(merits)! This sad state of affair would not exist if one remembers that

performance of proper and regular puja and proper maintenance of the Temple is

also necessary following its construction/renovation.

______

 

Some people build temples but do not bother to maintain it and arrange for the

daily conduct of puja. Why does this happen?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

This is because people think that one can earn merits ('punya') just by building

temples and that temples are built only to earn merits.

 

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Can women do Sashtanga Namaskar?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

According to the scriptures, only men are permitted to perform Sashtanga

Namaskar.

 

--

 

There is a Perumal temple in my native village that is locked up most of the

time and the ‘Archaka’ would not hand over the keys or responsibilities to

anyone. I requested them to take measures to have it renovated, however no one

is willing to take responsibility. Every other small temple by the roadside

becomes famous in no time, but this ancient temple is in a sad state. When will

this be renovated? It is my ambition to have it renovated.

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

One can become rich by honest earnings or through unlawful means. However the

second path is not permanent.

 

In the same way, a temple becomes famous by its ‘sannidhyam’ (presence of

divinity of the Lord). It could become popular through publicity etc., but that

is not permanent.

 

In order to bring about Sannidhyam in the temple, organize Akhanda Maha Mantra

Kirtan for 7/24 in the temple precincts with not less than 3 bhaktas chanting at

any point in time.

 

When this is performed. The Lord will show a way out and a solution towards

renovation will definitely be born.

 

 

Regards

 

Please Chant

 

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

 

and be happy

 

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