Guest guest Posted March 2, 2005 Report Share Posted March 2, 2005 Question from Surya: Why do we at the Mandir only offer 4 out of the 5 offerings of Panchamrit during Shivaratri ? Why do we not offer sugar? Swamiji's response: Traditionally there are four pujas. We offer the sugar at the end, when we collect all the ingredients and make them into the completed prasad, called Paran. We use this to break the fast. Question from Surya: Are the times for doing the abhishekams traditionally fixed or is it okay to space them out as one sees fit. I know that the Mandir does the first one early because of how many people come but I was curious as why I see so many places do one at 1 AM instead of 12 AM. Same with 3 AM instead of 4 AM. Swamiji's response: The four praharas are 6, 9, 12, and 3. Anyone can improvise according to local traditions or needs. Nanda's footnote : In Hindu belief, time is a cyclical rather than linear concept. The day is divided into eight sections of three hours each called 'prahar' in Sanskrit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 2, 2005 Report Share Posted March 2, 2005 Thank You! This explanation was perfect...as usual. Bam Bam Bhole! - Nanda Tuesday, March 01, 2005 9:04 PM 311--Q&A WITH SWAMIJI-- More on Shivaratri Question from Surya: Why do we at the Mandir only offer 4 out of the 5 offerings of Panchamrit during Shivaratri ? Why do we not offer sugar?Swamiji's response:Traditionally there are four pujas. We offer the sugar at the end, when we collect all the ingredients and make them into the completed prasad, called Paran. We use this to break the fast.Question from Surya:Are the times for doing the abhishekams traditionally fixed or is it okay to space them out as one sees fit. I know that the Mandir does the first one early because of how many people come but I was curious as why I see so many places do one at 1 AM instead of 12 AM. Same with 3 AM instead of 4 AM.Swamiji's response:The four praharas are 6, 9, 12, and 3. Anyone can improvise according to local traditions or needs.Nanda's footnote : In Hindu belief, time is a cyclical rather than linear concept. The day is divided into eight sections of three hours each called 'prahar' in Sanskrit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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