Navaratra

 The Navaratra Vrata or the nine night vows should be observed according to the proper rites and associated ceremonies. The bright fortnight in the months of Chaitra or Ashwin are reserved for those desirous of looking after their own welfare. The observance of fasting, the performance of Homa or Hawan, the recitation of mantras becomes an integral part of worshiping the Devi or Jagaddhatri during these nine days and nights.

 A square-raised altar made according to the prescribed specifications and rules is to be constructed for this ceremony. A yantra specific to this cause and the Devi, is to be made on this altar and Kalsa Sthapan or the consecration of an earthen water jar is to be performed on it according to prescribed rites. The guidance of a learned priest or priests is obviously required so as to ensure that all ceremonies are done according to recommended practices. Articles of worship such as incense, perfumes, artie or the offering of lights and sweet foods are to be offered in the ceremony and all steps relating to the performance of a puja of this nature should be performed. An awning is built over the altar or place of worship and the general area is to be decorated with flowers.

 The Devi is to be worshipped three times per day morning, midday and evening. The chanting of Vedic mantras relevant to this occasion, the playing of music and the singing of appropriate songs are to be performed. Very importantly, the worship of Kumaris is to be performed. Girls between the ages of one and ten who have not yet experienced puberty are to be duly worshipped with sandal paste and other appropriate articles of worship. Gifts of ornaments, clothing, sweet scented perfumes, edibles etc., should be donated to them and they should be adorned with beautiful garlands. All efforts should be made to honour this part of the ceremony based on how best one can afford. Brahmins are to be fed and gifts offered to them accordingly.

 Any man, chaste woman or a chaste widow who performs this Vrata of Navaratra reaps all the benefits associated with it. One who seeks knowledge can achieve it, one who seeks wealth can achieve it and one who seeks power can accomplish that too. Suta Ji said to the huge assembly of Rishis that this forms part of the Samhita that Maharishi Vyasa, son of Satyavati narrated to Emperor Janamejaya.

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Fasting and Penance

 Yudhishthira questioned Bhishma “common people say that fasting is penance, is that really so or is penance something different?” Bhishma replies: “People do regard fasting which is measured by months, fortnights or days as penance. In the opinion of the wise however, such is not penance. On the other hand fasting is an impediment to the acquisition of knowledge of the soul. Renunciation of actions and humility constitutes the highest penance. He who practices such penance is regarded as one who is always fasting and leading a life of Brahmacharya. Such a Brahmana will become a Muni, a deity, one who is engaged in the pursuit of virtue only, ever sleepless, even if he lives the life of a householder. He becomes a vegetarian and remains pure forever. He partakes of ambrosia and will be an adorer of gods and guests. He will be regarded as one who survives on the sacrificial remnants and is ever devoted to hospitality and is full of faith who worships gods and guests.”
 
 Yudhishthira further questions: “How can one practicing such penance come to be regarded as always fasting or as one who is ever devoted to a vow of Brahmacharya, or as one who is always subsisting on sacrificial remnants or as one always regardful of guests?” To this Bhishma replied, “He that eats once during the day and once during the night at fixed hours, without eating anything during the interval therein is regarded as always fasting. Such a Brahmana by always speaking the truth, by adhering to wisdom and going to his wife only in her season and never at other times becomes a Brahmacharya or celibate. By never eating meat he obviously becomes a vegetarian, by becoming charitable he becomes pure and by abstaining from sleeping during the day, he becomes ever wakeful."

 "Know this Yudhishthira that a man who eats only after his servants and his guests have been fed becomes an eater of ambrosia, always.  That Brahmana who eats only after the gods and guests have been fed, win by virtue of such abstention heaven itself. He is said to subsist only on sacrificial remnants who eats what remains after feeding the gods, the Pitris, servants and guests. Such individuals are bestowed with great felicity in their next life. To their homes come Brahmana Himself, gods and Apsaras. Those who share food with the deities and the Pitris pass their days in constant happiness with their sons and grandsons and having cast of this body attain to a very high end."

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Happy New Year 2012

 Happy New Year!!!

 Thanks for your support for the past couple of months including your wonderful emails and your best wishes. Too bad I was not able to do a few more articles. Pandit Bhadase will be back as early as next week and he continues from where he left of. Hopefully, I will be allowed to be guest blogger again in the future.

God’s blessings!!

Guest blogger Sunita

Email: sunita2028@yahoo.com

Currently offline

 Pandit Bhadase is offline until further notice. An Uncle of his recently made a land grab from Pandit Ji's sister so while he is away, I am the guest blogger and I hope to bring all of Pandit Ji's followers and supporters with updates as I get them.

Sunita.

Pitri Paksh

The dark half of the Hindu month of Ashwin (September-October) is called Pitri Paksh. Hindus pay tribute to the departed souls during this period by offering tillanjali or water with black sesame seeds, in the name of their departed ancestors. Parnaava Sradha is also performed on the lunar day on which the ancestor departed from the physical body. Sradha is the act of giving with devotion to the ancestors.

 Parents make tremendous sacrifices during their lifetime for their children. They suffer great financial, physical and mental strains so that they can address the needs of their children. Therefore, it becomes important to repay these debts at some point in time. Dharam Shastras recommends that this be done at Pitri Paksh because when it is done at this time, it benefits both the living and the dead. The departed becomes pleased when the offerings are made in their name and they bestow their blessings on their descendants who have made such offerings.

 As part of the proceedings, Pinda Daana or the ceremony involving the offering of the rice balls should also be performed and the appropriate gifts or charity be given to deserving Brahmins or the priestly class of people. Giving charity in the name of the departed has the benefit of bringing prosperity to the giver. These ceremonies performed during this fortnight of Pitri Paksh reaches the Pitris immediately which is why this period is dedicated specifically to them.

 The last day or the day of the new moon in Pitri Paksh is a very important and special day. On this day by the grace of Yama or the Lord of Death, offerings made to departed souls even though it might be made from outside their own lineage, will be received by all and sundry. Those who have departed this world and their date of death are unknown, if the appropriate offerings are made in their name on this day, they too will receive the benefit of the offerings immediately. Those people who met with violent, untimely or unnatural death, they are afforded the opportunity to receive any offering made on the Amawasya (new moon) day of Pitri Paksh.

 Finally, those who departed this world and had no children will have a chance of redemption if the necessary offerings are made on this day by a friend, a relative or by anyone at all. Pitri Paksh therefore, provides a medium whereby the Hindu of the current existence keeps in contact with his ancestry of another existence in a different realm.

     email: trinihindu@lycos.com

Krishna Janamashtmi

 Vishnu incarnates himself as Krishna, the eight avatar in the age known as Dwapara.  Krishna’s descent on planet earth took place in the month of Bhadrapad, on the eight lunar day, in the dark fortnight, in the constellation of Rohini and His prime purpose was to re-establish righteousness and eradicate the unrighteous.  Known as the protector of the cows, He from early childhood embarked on His mission to re-establish Dharma. He reminds the world that: “Whenever there is a decline of righteousness, and rise of unrighteousness, then I body Myself forth.

For the protection of the good, for the destruction of the wicked, and for the establishment of righteousness, I come into being. To protect the saintly, destroy the evil and to re-establish the tenets of religion, I come forth from millennium after millennium.”

 

 It was a cloudless sky with beautiful stars twinkling, the moon and other planets were very peaceful and beauty and peace filled the universe during the time of His descent. Rivers flowed with clear water whilst lakes were full of lotus flowers. Trees were filled with lovely flowers and fresh leaves and birds were singing while bees were buzzing; thus creating both a wonderful sight to the eyes and beautiful sound to the ears. The sacrificial fires of the Brahmanas remained undisturbed by the breeze that filled the air with the aroma of fresh flowers.  

 

 When Krishna was about to appear, there was a profound feeling of peace and tranquility in the hearts of the saints, the Brahmanas and other holy men. Kettledrums vibrated from the heavenly spheres, the celestial singers began to sing songs auspicious to the occasion and the celestial dancers danced in jubilation. Appropriate prayers were offered to suit the occasion and flowers were showered in a joyful mood to herald in the avatar of Shree Krishna.

 

 Krishna performed various actions many of which can be termed mystical but his imparting of knowledge is what stands out most with his personality. He demonstrates that there are several ways to serve God and that all are worthy of regard. He establishes that spiritual discipline is one of the highest forms of sacrifice and that humility is a characteristic of the enlightened. He delivered the sacred teachings of the Bhagavad Gita on the field of Kurukshetra such that the equilibrium between good and evil can be maintained. Krishna the eight avatar of Vishnu is knowledge personified.

email: trinihindu@lycos.com

Guru Purnima

   First called Vyasa Purnima, this celebration is observed on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadha (July-August). It is believed that the holy sage Vyasa was born to the sage Parashara and Satyavati on this day. Vyasa compiled and presented the eighteen Puranas which are simplifications of the very complex four Vedas. Each year on this day reverence is paid to him by spiritual aspirants. However, with the passing of time this day become known as Guru Purnima and the practice of honouring family priests, swamis and others who hold similar positions have become the norm.

   Hindus regard the Guru as a direct link between the individual soul and the Immortal and hence a great deal of significance is associated with this event. Many people both Hindus and non-Hindus, often question the characteristics of a Guru. Many believe that the one who has granted them mantra diksha is their Guru while others vehemently dispute that. Extreme caution should be taken to avoid confusing a teacher or one who imparts knowledge of a generic nature, with a preceptor. What are the characteristics of a Guru? Who can actually be a Guru and what is the importance of having a Guru?

  Tulsidas says quite categorically while paying respects to Guru:

“Bandau Guru pada kanja, kripa sindhu nararupa Hari,

Mahamoha tama punja, jasu bachana Ravi kara nikara. “

   “I bow to the lotus feet of my Guru who is an ocean of mercy and is none other than Sri Hari who is in human form. His words are like sunlight which dispels the clouds of darkness in the form of gross ignorance.” 

   “Gu” is one who is beyond all attributes or gunas and “Ru” is one who is beyond all forms.  Tulsidas clearly defines that Guru is the one who is beyond all attributes and forms and that it is only He who has that capability of dispelling the darkness of ignorance with the light of knowledge. He is none other than Sri Hari or Vishnu himself.

   In Valmiki’s Ramayana, Valmiki himself requested of Narada Muni to tell him about the glories of a man with God-like qualities. Narad is described here as “triloka gyanaha” three worlds- preceptor or the preceptor of the three worlds.  Continuing with his dialogue, Narada is quoted as saying:

 
“Aham buddhvaa vakshyaami”
 
…..”having known from Brahma, I will speak on.” Brahma the Creator is the one who imparted the knowledge to Narada. This is the same knowledge that will now enlighten Valmiki.  

   In another stride, Mahadeva or Shiva imparted the same knowledge to Bhavani. This is the knowledge of breaking the cycle of birth and death which is knowledge of the Absolute truth. He outlines the characteristics of several types of Gurus, the bulk of which provided the core of an ancient education system in a society far removed from todays’ reality. Many of them were specialists in archery, economics, drama etc.

  There are also those Gurus who impart the knowledge of the Shastras while others educate on the knowledge of the Vedas. There are those who teach the specifics of the performance of rituals and rites while others teach the method of engaging in meritorious deeds for the betterment of the community.  Others are experts in Yoga and they prepare the aspirant for a disciplined life. Another focuses on the control of the senses by strict discipline and there is the Guru who elevates the atma or individual soul to the level of Paramatma or the super soul. Another Guru has the capacity of helping the aspirant to purify the mind and provide the guidance for the attainment of Self-realization.  The foremost of all of these Gurus are those who can elevate the soul of the disciple to the level of the Super soul.

  Having said so, examine the characteristics of Krishna who wiped the dust of ignorance of the mirror of Arjuna’s soul. He became the inner dweller who dwelled within the heart of Arjuna and controlled his mind, ego and senses. He became Arjuna’s spiritual guide causing him to rid himself of his internal enemies and accept his duty with love. Having spoken to him from different levels of consciousness, Krishna functioned not as a simple teacher but as a preceptor. He imparts to his disciple the fire of Self-knowledge that burns away the bonds of Karma. He establishes that He is the personification of highest knowledge who is beyond the pair of opposites such as pleasure and pain. He without a doubt establishes that He is Brahman, the embodiment of bliss, the Absolute and that Guru is God.

        email: trinihindu@lycos.com

Ekadashi

 Ekadashi or Ekadasi is the name given to the eleventh lunar day of the Hindu month. It occurs once during the bright and dark fortnights respectively and since the Hindu month has two fortnights, Ekadashi therefore, occurs twice in each month. Ekadashi is an auspicious day dedicated to the worship of the Hindu God Vishnu and it involves fasting and abstinence which is believed to help with the redemption of sins and the attaining of Moksha or salvation of the individual soul.

 One of the major requirements of observing this fast is the abstinence or rice and other grains which includes beans and pulses etc. Legend has it that a demon by the name of Maura found a dwelling place in rice and a Goddess by the name of Ekadashi emerged from Vishnu to annihilate Maura. As such a new custom began which saw devotees of Vishnu not partaking of rice and other grains on the day of Ekadashi. It was decreed that whoever observes the fast on Ekadashi day will be freed from sins and will eventually achieve Moksha. Several holy books carries commentaries on the significance of observing this fast, the method of doing so and the benefits derived from so doing.

 While a complete fast is recommended, modern times are such that people have adopted compromising practices which involves still having a meal or meals but not consuming foodstuff made with rice and other grains. Then there are those people who are not in the best of health and the elderly who must have a meal at a certain time; they too have made adjustments to the fast. It is common place for people to eat fruits and drink some milk or even water.  

 Now each Ekadashi has a distinct name associated with it. From the first month of Chaitra in the Hindu calendar the names associated with Ekadashi are as follows starting with the dark fortnight then the bright:

Papamochani-----Kamada

Varuthini-----Mohini

Apara-----Nirjala
Yogini-----Padma
Kamika-----Putrada
Ajaa-----Parivartini
Indira-----Pasankusa
Rama-----Prabodhini
Utpanna-----Mokshada
Saphala-----Putrada
Shattila-----Jaya
Vijaya-----Amalaki
Parama-----Padmini-----these two occur once in two years when there is Adhika masa or an extra month in the lunar year.

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Yugadi and Rama Nawmi

 The colours of Holi has faded and the spring season comes by with its freshness and vitality bringing with it the festival of Yugadi or Ugadi as it is called in most areas of South India. Yugadi is the New Year’s Day in the Hindu calendar. The word which is derived from the Sanskrit language means the beginning or the start of an era or age. The Hindu calendar is lunar based and Yugadi falls on the first day of the bright fortnight of the month called Chaitra, corresponding to March/April.  This is the day Brahma the Creator, commenced creation.

 Those who believe in Hindu astrology usually have their Astro forecast done on this day so that they have an insight into what the New Year is expected to bring along during the next twelve months. In some regions special dishes are prepared to symbolise different aspects of human experiences and emotions such as sadness, happiness, anger, fear, disgust and surprise. This day is called by different names in different regions of the motherland and there are also a variety of traditions that are associated with it.

 This first day of the new Hindu year commences a holy period which lasts for nine days and nights with special emphasis placed on the nights. The first nine nights of this period constitutes a special holy period known as Navratri or Chaitra Navratri. This is a time for spiritual reawakening and as such frequent visits to temples are done. Hindus observe fasting and abstain from forbidden food and drink and perform worship unto God.   The ninth day of this holy period brings forth yet another important aspect in the Hindu calendar, the observance of …..

            …..Rama Nawami

 

"Nawmi tithi madhu masa punita, sukala paccha abhijita hariprita.

Madhyadivasa ati sita na ghama, pavana kala loka bisrama."

 “The ninth day of the bright fortnight of the sacred month of Chaitra, the moon entered into the constellation of Abhijit, which is so dear to Hari.  The sun was at its meridian and the day was neither hot nor cold. A cool and fragrant breeze was blowing for it was a holy time which gave tranquility to the world.”

 These were the conditions under which Rama, the 7^th incarnation or avatar of Vishnu appeared as the son of Emperor Dashratha and Queen Kausalya. Many people interpret this to be the birth of Rama but is it not silly to think that He who is imperishable can take birth? Anything that is born must eventually perish. How then can He who is the imperishable be thought of as having been born? He appeared in His four armed form as the one and only Master of the Universe.

 Kausalya, Queen of Ayodhya who was destined to be His earthly mother addressed Him as “O Infinite One” and pondered on how she should praise Him, the one whom the Vedas and the Puranas declare as transcending beyond all measure, who is above knowledge and beyond attributes. She continued, ”You who the Vedas and holy men declare to be an ocean of mercy, a repository of all virtues, who is the Lord of Lakshmi and lover of his devotees, has revealed Himself for my good. You who the Vedas proclaim that every pore in your body contains multitudes of universes, brought forth by your own illusionary powers stayed in my womb. Give up this superhuman form and take the form which is so dear to a mother’s heart, the form that brings joy from childlike activities.”  Hearing these words, Rama the Lord and Master, who is beyond the reach of the senses, took the form of an infant and began to cry as any other infant would. Thus, marks the descent of Rama the 7^th incarnation of Vishnu!

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OM, not just a word

        "  …..of words, I am the mono-syllable OM….. Bg. 10.25"

 Bhagavan Krishna says that amongst words, I am the monosyllable OM. It is by this word that all manifestations of God become accessible whether it is by invocation or by communion. Invoking OM brings the revelation of truth of all things including the innermost state and conditions of the mind. It has the power to dispel illusions and present more objective aspects of human life. Relative existence is composed of the syllable OM because it absorbs all things within itself and can also manifest all things again. It is like the planet earth which absorbs all things present on it and again manifests it at will.

 OM is not merely a medium of spirituality but it is also powerful energy that is capable of transforming the physical human body. Its invocation causes the invoker to function at a higher level of consciousness which reflects on the thought process, the way one expresses oneself and ultimately by actions performed. This is actually what constitutes the philosophy of yoga. Vedic philosophy teaches that when two pieces of wood are rubbed together long enough, the friction causes fire to manifest from the wood itself. Likewise, when OM which is cosmic energy creates friction with the inner consciousness of human beings by the “silent” chanting of this monosyllable word and by meditation on it, then that which is hidden becomes manifest and that which is unseen becomes seen. The result here is the flame of enlightenment.

 Considering carefully what Bhagavan Krishna says in the above verse it can be clearly seen that He is the universal fire or energy that produces all creation. He is the one into which all creation is ultimately absorbed. He is truth itself, He is Para Brahman. Knowing OM is to know Him which is to know God. Om is both the seed and the fruit; it is the beginning and the end of all. OM is the resonance of sound; it forms the connection between atma and Paramatma. It is the medium by which one ascends to the state where ego is tamed and the dualities of joy and sorrow is no longer of any significance. That is the state of the Absolute.  OM is the eternal light of divine wisdom and the essence of the Vedas.  It is the supreme mantra in the yoga tradition which allows us to go deep into the sound to the point of silence. When the mind attains this degree of silence, it is only then that pure consciousness is achieved. It is when this pure state of consciousness is achieved that one can truly understand that OM is God.

email: trinihindu@lycos.com