Tag: Hinduism

  • Where Rama Quenched Hanuman’s Thirst Hanuman Dhara

    After Hanuman had set fire to the entire Kingdom of Lanka with his tail, his whole body was consumed in flames and he was burning in pain and was very thirsty.

     

    Hanuman
    Lord Hanuman

    Lord Ram pierced a Rock with an arrow in a mountain to  create a spring .

     

    Since, then the spring is known as Hanuman Dhara.

     

    A narrow stream of water emerges from the rock crevice and falls directly on the idol.

    Apart from that, there is a nearby well that never dries up, which is also considered sacred.

     

    Hanuman Dhara Temple Spring,Chitrakoot,M.P
    Hanuman Dhara,Spring that quenches Hanuman’s Thirst

     

    Hanuman Dhara Hanuman
    Hanuman at Hanuman Dhara,Chitrakoot,India.

     

     

     

     

     

    Nearest Airport. Satna airport,70Km

     

    Railway Station.Chitrakoot Raiway Junction,one Km.

    Temple Timings.

     

    All days of the week
    5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    This is about 4 Km. to the east of Ramghat at the beginning of the Vindhyas.
    A stream of cool and clear water originating inside the mountain falls on the idol of Hanuman Ji and loses itself in a kund below.
    It is a popular belief that Hanuman Ji came here to cool down the heat after burning Lanka.”
    People visit for,
    Prosperity,
    Begetting a child-rare for a Hanuman emple.

     

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  • Veda Mantras For Devatas For Prosperity

    I am furnishing Veda Mantras for Prosperity, Resolving problems.

     

    I have posted some articles on this subject which includes the Bheeeja Mantras.

     

    A word of Caution and a Warning.

     

    Indian Philosophy Details
    Hindu Scriptures Image credit. http://www.thebritishtoastrack.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vedas.jpg

     

    These mantras are very potent and have to be practiced after getting initiated a Guru.

     

    These are not to be trifled with for these are not mere words, they are Sounds grasped by the Rishis by Intuition..

     

    Wrong pronunciation, practicing without initiation from a Guru, in extreme case may even be fatal.

     

    Wrong pronunciation might cause unpleasant effects.

     

    Get a competent Guru and be initiated.

     

    If your desire is strong enough the Guru shall find you.

     

    You may chant Guru Brahma sloka to get a competent Guru or pray Lord Subrahmanya, you shall get your Guru.

     

    A True Guru does not advertise, not easy to identify, nor does he accept money.

     

    He is bound to test you before initiation.

     

    With so many constraints why do I post these?

     

    There are three reasons.

     

    I am shocked to find that many great Religions, eg. African Religion, have been  wiped off, the people themselves not sure of their roots, by a systematic effort to erase these treasures.

     

    Despite all this our Scriptures have survived, thanks to the Oral Traditions and the unstinting devotion of selfless Brahmins, who, despite their poor economic conditions, have preserved these Jewels.

     

    My effort is to make these Public so that some people may be benefited, and more importantly these shall be saved and preserved for posterity.

     

    I find the present generation to be curious and follow things if explained patiently in a language they understand, that is Science.

     

    Through my post, with my limited Knowledge and resources, I am trying to communicate to the curious younger generation and hope they shall carry our traditions into the future.

     

    Another important factor is that these treasures are not a figment of imagination of fertile minds but a revelation arrived at after assiduous practice

     

    and

     

    they stand the test of Modern Science of to-day and transcends it.

     

    MANTRA

    MEANING & USES:

    GANESH:

    “AUM GUM GANAPATEYE NAMAH”
    “AUM AND SALUTATIONS TO THE REMOVER OF OBSTACLES FOR WHICH GUM IS THE SEED.” SEEN OR UNSEEN OBSTACLES WHICH SEEM TO BE STANDING IN THE WAY OF YOUR PROGRESS OR ACHIEVEMENT.

    THE GANESH GAYATRI MANTRA:
    AUM EKADANTAYA VIDMAHE
    VAKRATUNDAYA DHEEMAHI
    TANNO DANTI PRACHODAYAT.

    SHIVA:

    “AUM NAMAH SHIVAYA”. THIS RELATES TO THE FIRST SIX CHAKRAS ON THE SPINE….. EARTH, WATER, FIRE, AIR AND ETHER. THIS WILL LEAD YOU TO SIDDHA YOGA OR THE YOGA OF PERFECTION OF THE DIVINE VEHICLE.

    THE GAYATRI MANTRA OF SHIVA:
    AUM TATPUSHAYA VIDMAHE
    SAHASRAKSHAYA MAHADEVAYA DEHEEMAHI
    TANNO RUDRAH PRACHODAYAT

    LORD RAMA:

    THE GAYATRI MANTRA OF LORD RAMA:
    AUM DASARATHAYE VIDMAHE
    SITAVALLABHAYA DEHEEMAHI
    TANNO RAMAH PRACHODAYAT.

    NARSINGHA:

    GOOD FOR KETU

    THE INCARNATION OF VISHNU:
    “AUM NRING NRING NRING NARSINGHAYE (NRISIMAHYE) NAMAH AUM”
    REPEAT THE ABOVE MANTRA 17,000 TIMES WITH IN THE ASCENDING CYCLE OF THE MOON

    HANUMAN:

    “AUM SHRI HANUMATE NAMAH”�
    THE OTHER BEING “AUM NAMO HANUMATE HUNG AUM”

    WHILE THE GAYATRI IS “AUM ANJANEYAYE VIDMAHE MAHABALAYE DHIMAHI TANNO HANUMAN PRACHODAYAT AUM” THERE IS NO FAVOR WHICH HE CANNOT BESTOW. HENCE HE IS FAVORITE OF MANY AS HE IS EASILY APPROACHABLE. HE IS AN EMBODIMENT OF LORD SHIVA AND VISHNU.

    GURU’S GAYATRI MANTRA

    AUM GURU DEVAYA VIDMAHE
    PARABRAHMANE DHEEMAHI
    TANNO GURUH PRACHODAYAT.

    COSMIC SHAKTI:

    THE GAYATRI MANTRA OF COSMIC SHAKTI:
    AUM SARVASAMMOHINYI VIDMAHE
    VISVAJANANYAI DHEEMAHI
    TANNAH SHAKTIH PRACHODAYAT

    DEVI MANASA

    AUM HRIM SRIM KLIM AIM MANSA DEVYAI SVAHA
    POISON BECOMES NECTAR AND BECOMES FAMOUS LIKE DHANVANTARI

    CHANDI:

    AUM HRIM SHRIM CHANDIKAYAI NAMAH

    DURGA:

    “AUM SHRI DUM DURGAYAI NAMAH”
    FOR THE SALUTATION OF GODDESS DURGA ANOTHER FORM OF PARVATI WIFE OF LORD SHIVA.

    THE GAYATRI MANTRA OF DURGA:
    AUM KATYAYANYAI VIDMAHE
    KANYAKUMARYAI DHEEMAHI
    TANNO DURGA PARCHODAYAT.

    SARASWATI:

    “AUM EIM SARASVATYAI NAMAH”
    FOR THE SALUTATION OF SARASVATI (GODDESS OF EDUCATION).

    THE GAYATRI OF SARASWATI:
    AUM VAGDEVYAI CHA VEDMAHE
    KAMARAJAYA DHEEMAHI
    TANNO DEVI PRACHODAYAT.

    NARAYANA

    “AUM NAMO NARAYANAYA”
    THIS MANTRA IS ALSO CALLED ASHTAKSHARA MANTRA – FOR THE SALUTATION OF LORD VISHNU IN THE FORM OF LORD NARAYANA.

    THE GAYATRI MANTRA OF VISHNU:
    AUM NARAYANANYA VIDMAHE
    VASUDEVAYA DHEEMAHI
    TANNO VISHNUH PRACHODAYAT

    LORD KRISHNA:

    THE GAYATRI MANTRA:
    AUM DEVAKINANDANAYA VIDMAHE
    VASUDEVAYA DHEEMAHI
    TANNAH KRISHNAH PRACHODAYAT

    LORD HARI:

    “HARI AUM”
    FOR THE SALUTATION OF LORD HARI.
    HARI RAMA; HARI RAMA; RAMA; RAMA; HARI; HARI;
    HARI KRISHNA; HARI KRISHNA; KRISHNA; KRISHNA; HARI; HARI.

    LAKSHMI:

    “AUM SHRI MAHALAKSHMAYE NAMAH”
    FOR THE SALUTATION OF LAKSHMI (GODDESS OF DHANA OR WEALTH AND WIFE OF LORD MAHA VISHNU).

    LAKSHMI GAYATRI:
    “AUM MAHALAKSHMAYE VIDMAHE
    VISHNU PRIYAYE DHI MAHI
    TANNO LAKSHMI PRACHODAYAT”

    SUBRAMANYA

    “AUM SARAVANA BAVAYA NAMAH”
    OM AND SALUTATIONS TO THE SON OF SHIVA, WHO BRINGS AUSPICIOUS NESS AND WHO IS CHIEF OF THE CELESTIAL ARMY.

    KAM GAYATARI

    “Aum Kamdevaye Vidmahe
    Pushpvanaye Dheemahi
    Tanno Kamah Prachodayat ”
    Recite this mantra to increase sensuality, sexual satisfaction, vitality, vigour and stamina.

    SURYA /SUN

    ” AUM HREEM HREEM SURYAAYA NAMAH.”
    THESE MANTRAS SHOULD BE REPEATED AT LEAST 108 TIMES A WEEK, PREFERABLY ON A SUNDAY, DURING THE DAY (AT DAWN, NOON OR SUNSET).

    Surya Gayatri Mantra: Aum Asva dhvajaya vidmahe
    pasa hastaya dhimahi
    tanno suryah prachodayat.

    THE OTHER MANTRA: AUM BHASKARAYA VIDMAHE
    MAHADYUTIKARAYA DHEEMAHI
    TANNA ADITYAH PRACHODAYAT.

    NOTE:

    RECITE THE ABOVE MANTRA FOR 7000 TIMES WITHIN 30 DAYS. ONCE RECITATION IS STARTED THERE SHOULD NOT BE ANY BREAK TILL THE RECITATION ARE COMPLETE. DO SURYA NAMASKAR EVERYDAY EARLY IN THE MORNING.

    DEITIES:

    THE SUN RELATES TO THE DIVINE FATHER. IN THE HINDU RELIGION, THIS IS SHIVA, MAHA DEVA, THE GREAT GOD. THE SECOND GREAT HINDU FORM OF THE DIVINE, VISHNU, IS ALSO WORSHIPPED AS THE SUN, REPRESENTING MORE OF BENEFIC SIDE OF SOLAR ENERGY.

    MOON/ CHANDRA

    “AUM SOM SOMAYA NAMAH AUM”.
    THE OTHER BEING “AUM SHRIM KRIM CHAM CHANDRAYE NAMAH AUM”
    THESE MANTRAS SHOULD BE REPEATED ON MONDAYS, OR IN THE EVENING, SPECIALLY AROUND THE TIME OF THE FULL MOON.

    Gayatri Mantra: >AUM Nisakaraaya vidmahe
    kalanaathaya dhimahi
    tanno Somah prachodayat.

    AUM ATRI PUTRAYAI SAGRONDARYA DEHIMAHI, TANNO CHANDRA PRACHODAYAT

    MARS/ MANGAL

    ” AUM KUM KUJAAYA NAMAH.” MANTRA FOR MARS TO BE CHANTED 11000 TIMES WITHIN 20 DAYS. PUJA PERFORMED WITH RED FLOWERS AND RED CHANDAN. THE SEED MANTRA IS KUM.

    Gayatri Mantra: AUM Angarkaya vidmahe
    bhoomipalaya dhimahi
    tanno gujah prachodayat.

    AUM CHITRI PUTRAYAI VIDMAHE, LOYHE TANGAI DEHIMAHE TANNO BHOOMA PRACHODAYAT

    MERCURY/ BUDHA

    “AUM BUDHAAYA NAMAH”. THIS MANTRA MAY BE RECITED 9000 TIMES WITHIN 21 DAYS AND PUJA PERFORMED WITH VARIOUS FLOWERS.

    Gayatri Mantra:�AUM Budhagrahaya vidmahe, Indu putraya dhimahi, tanno somya prachodayat

    AUM CHANDRA PUTRAYAI VIDMAHE ROHINI PRIYA DHIMAHI, TANNO BHUDA PRACHODAYAT

    JUPITER/ GURU

    “AUM GURUVE NAMAH”. THE OTHER BEING ” AUM� HREEM KLEEM HOOM BRAHASPATAYE NAMAH� THIS MANTRA MAY BE RECITED FOR 19000 TIMES AND PUJA PERFORMED� WITH YELLOW FLOWERS.

    Gayatri Mantra: AUM Suraachaarya Vidmahe, Surasreshtaya dhimahi, tanno guruh prachodayat.

    VENUS/ SHUKRA

    “AUM SHUKRAYA NAMAH”. THIS MANTRA MAY BE RECITED 16000 TIMES AND PUJA PERFORMED WITH WHITE CHANDAN AND WHITE FLOWERS. Gayatri Mantra: AUM Rajadabaaya vidmahe, Brigusuthaya dhimahi, tanno sukrah prachodayat

    SATURN/

    SHANI

    “AUM SHANAISCHARAYA NAMAH”. THE OTHER TWO BEING “AUM SHANNO DEVI RABHISHTHAYE APO BHAVANTU PITAYE SHAN YO RABHISRA VANTU NAH: AUM”����

    THIS MANTRA MAY BE RECITED FOR 24000 TIMES WITHIN 40 DAYS AND PUJA PERFORMED WITH BLUE FLOWERS AND CHANDAN. “AUM AING HRING SHRING SHUNG SHANAISHCHARAYE NAMAH: AUM”

    Gayatri Mantra: Aum Sanaischaraya vidhamhe, Sooryaputraya dhimahi, tanno manda prachodayat.

    RAHU

    “AUM RAHAVE NAMAH”. THE OTHER BEING “AUM RANG RAHUVE NAMAH AUM” THIS MANTRA MAY BE RECITED FOR 18000 TIMES WITHIN 40 DAYS DURING NIGHT AND PUJA PERFORMED WITH BLUE FLOWERS AND CHANDAN.

    Gayatri Mantra: AUM Sookdantaya vidmahe, Ugraroopaya dhimahi, tanno Rahu Prachodayat.

    KETU

    “AUM KETAVE NAMAH”. THIS MANTRA MAY BE RECITED FOR 18000 TIMES AND PUJA PERFORMED WITH MIXED FLOWERS AND CHANDAN.

    NARSHI AVATAR: THE INCARNATION OF VISHNU: “AUM NRING NRING NRING NARSINGHAYE (NRISIMAHYE) NAMAH AUM” REPEAT THE ABOVE MANTRA 17,000 TIMES WITH IN THE ASCENDING CYCLE OF THE MOON

    Gayatri Mantra: AUM Chitravarnaya vidhmahe, sarparoopaya dhimahi, tanno ketu Prachodayat

     

    Yantras  for Planets.

     

    PLANETS

    RULING DEITY

    OVER RULER

    GRAINS

    YANTRAS

    SUN

    AGNI, GOD OF FIRE

    SHIVA

    WHEAT

    SURYA YANTRA, GAYATRI YANTRA, VISHNU YANTRA

    MOON

    APAS, WATER GODDESS

    PARVATI

    WHITE RICE

    SRI YANTRA, LAXMI YANTRA

    MARS

    BHUMI, EARTH GODDESS

    SKANDA

    RED DHAL

    MANGALA YANTRA

    MERCURY

    VISHNU, THE MAINTAINER

    NARAYANA

    MUNG BEANS

    VISHNU YANTRA

    JUPITER

    INDRA, KING OF GODS

    BRAHMA

    CHICK PEAS

    GANESH YANTRA

    VENUS

    INDRANI, QUEEN OF GODS

    INDRA

    LIMA BEANS

    SRI YANTRA, LAXMI YANTRA

    SATURN

    YAMA, GOD OF DEATH

    PRAJAPATI

    SESAME SEEDS

    SRI SHANI YANTRA

    RAHU

    DURGA, GODDESS OF POWER

    SARPA

    BLACK GRAM

    KALI AND DURGA YANTRA

    KETU

    CHITRA GUPTA, GOD OF KARMA

    BRAHMA

    HORSE GRAM (KULATTHA)

    MAHAMRITYUNJAYA YANTRA

     

     

    *All the contents here are based upon the Vedic guidance rendered by the great sages, scholars and learned authors through sastras, satsangs, literature, books and advices.

     

    However the practice of the same is to be done by the individuals as per their own best judgment.

     

    Unless these are practiced after being initiated by a Guru, these may be counter productive.

     

    Any content or material transmitted and or downloaded through the use of this service will be at your sole risk and that Ramani’s blog shall not be responsible for any harm or damage resulting to your computer system / yourself / anyone or loss of data that results from such transmission or download.

     

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  • Vedas Purans Details In One Chart

    I have posted in detail about the Vedas, its divisions,Text,list of Purans and Upanishads.

     

    I am posting One Chart that contains all details for easy reference.

     

    Click on the image to enlarge.

     

    Vedas Purans in One Chart.
    Vedas Purans in One Chart. Image Credit.http://www.sohamyogastudio.org/index.php
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  • Mount Meru Location Details Hinduism Jainism

    There are references to Meru, the Mountain in the Vedas, Purans.

     

    In Sankalpa we say ‘ Mero: Dakshina Pasve/Uttar Parsve :”the South,North of the Meru.

     

    In the description of Devi Lalitha’s Abode, Her Chinatmai Gruham is described,

     

    Sumeru Mandala Madhyasthaa Sriman Nagara Nayikaa’

     

    The Sumeru may mention the Physical Meru  as well.( Su Meru means , The Meru, which is Auspicious’,

     

    Is Meru a Physical location?

     

    In the description of Brahmanda, the description of the Earth, Jambooth Dweepa, contains the  reference to Meru.

     

    Jainism and Buddism also refer to it.

     

    Meru finds a place in Africa Spain as well.

     

    This slideshow requires JavaScript.

     

    ‘The Hindus at Bikanir Rajputana taught that the mountain Meru is in the centre surrounded by concentric circles of land and sea.

    Some Hindus regard Mount Meru as the north pole.

    The astronomical views of the Puranas make the heavenly bodies turn round it.’

    Description by Jainism.

    The whole wide universe is seen by the knowledge of omni-knowledge.

    There is a Tircha Lok within it. The road leading to it is both long and wide.

    The height is 1800 yojans, of which 900 yojans are on flat land, while the other 900yojans are on height.

    In this 900 yojans the last 110 Yojans contain a jyotis circle, where the Jyotishi gods abode.

    The aircrafts of these gods move around the Meru Mountain.

    One Yojana is about 8 Miles.

    Meru Mountain is located exactly in the center of Jambudwip between East and West Mahavideh.

     In the north isDevkuru situated and Uttarkuru in south.

    Meru Mountain is like a pillar, which is wider at base and gets narrower and narrower as it grows up.

    The height of Meru Mountain is one lakh yojans, of which 1000 yojans are below earth and 99,000 yojans are above.

    The wide is 10090 yojans in the root within the earth whereas it is 10,000 yojans wide on the earth level.

    Gradually the width becomes less and less as it grows up, and on the top peak it is 100 yojans wide. 

    Thus the Meru Mountain is very wide in its root, gets less wider in the middle and becomes least wide at the top.

    The shape is similar to the tail of a cow. The whole mountain is very clean, full of diamonds, lakes and forests. Above the peak is a chulika.

    Meru Mountain is divided into three divisions (Chulika apart). These are called Kands:

    1. First Kand is called Adhyostankand.
    2. Second Kand is called Madhya (Middle) Kand.
    3. Third Kand is called Uparitan Kand.

    The lowest Kand has a height of 1000 yojans, that of Middle Kand is 63,000 yojans and that of top Kand is 36,000yojans.

    There are four forests on Mountain Meru:

    1. Bhadrasha Van: It is located at the foot hill of the mountain on flat land.
    2. It is surrounding the Mountain Meru on all four sides. Its North and south width is 250 yojans and its east-west width is 22,000 yojans. The whole forest is divided into eight sections with four tree-shape mountains, viz. Saumanas, Vidyut, Prabh, Gandhmadan andMalyavan and two rivers, viz. Sita and Sitoda.
    3. Nandan Van: It is 500 yojans higher than the Bhadrashal Van and 62,500 yojans below the Somansvan. 
    4. Its area is 500 yojans. In exact the middle of this section is Abhyantar Meru and in a distant of 50 Yojans are eightKut of Dishakumaris. There are eight Palaces of eight Dishakumaris of Urdhva Loks; there is a Kut 500 yojansabove it where a palace of the goddess is situated. Thus, the goddess stays 1000 yojans above the flat earth. 900 yojans of this section belong to Tirchha Lok while the 100 yojans above belong to Urdhva Lok (upper Lok);so the Goddess belongs to this upper Lok. Besides, in Nandanvan, there are four temples (Chaitra) on four sides of it. In other directions are two palaces of Ishanendra.
    5. Somvan: Somvan is situated 62,500 yojans above of Nandanvan. This is another series of Meru Mountain which is 500 yojans wide.
    6. Pandagvan: Pandagvan is 3600 yojans above Somvan. It is circularly 494 yojans wide.

     

    Meru in Hinduism.

     

    Mount Meru (Sanskritमेरु), also called Sumeru (Sanskrit) or Sineru (Pāli) or Kangrinboqe to which is added the approbatory prefix su-, resulting in the meaning “excellent Meru” or “wonderful Meru” and Mahameru i.e. “Great Meru” (Chinese須彌山 Xumi ShanJapanese: 須弥山 Shumi-sen, Pāli NeruBurmeseမြင်းမိုရ် Myinmo), is a sacred mountain with five peaks[1] in HinduJain as well as Buddhist cosmologyand is considered to be the center of all the physical, metaphysical and spiritual universes.

    Many famous Hindu and similar Jain as well as Buddhist temples have been built as symbolic representations of this mountain.

    The highest point (the finial bud) on the pyatthat, a Burmese-style multi-tiered roof, represents Mount Meru.

    The dimensions attributed to Mount Meru, all the references to it being as a part of the Cosmic Ocean, along with several statements like that the Sun along with all the planets (including Earth itself) circumambulate the mountain, make determining its location most difficult, according to most scholars.[2][3]

    Some researchers identify Mount Meru or Sumeru with the Pamirs, north-east of Kashmir.[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]

    The Suryasiddhanta mentions that Mt Meru lies in ‘the middle of the Earth’ (“Bhugol-madhya”) in the land of the Jambunad (Jambudvip). Narpatijayacharyā, a 9th-century text, based on mostly unpublished texts of Yāmal Tantr, mentions “Sumeruḥ Prithvī-madhye shrūyate drishyate na tu” (‘Su-meru is heard to be in the middle of the Earth, but is not seen there’).[14] Vārāhamihira, in his Panch-siddhāntikā, claims Mt Meru to be at the North Pole (though no mountain exists there as well). Suryasiddhānt, however, mentions a Mt Meru in the middle of Earth, besides a Sumeru and a Kumeru at both the Poles.

    There exist several versions of Cosmology in existing Hindu texts. In one of them, cosmologically, the Meru mountain was also described as being surrounded by Mandrachal Mountain to the east, Supasarv Mountain to the west, Kumuda Mountain to the north and Kailash to the south.[15]

     

    Mount Meru of Hindu traditions has clearly mythical aspects, being described as 84,000 Yojan high (which is around 1,082,000 km (672,000 mi), or 85 times the Earths’s diameter), and having the Sun along with all its planets in the Solar System revolve around it as one unit.

    One Yojana can be taken to mean about 11.5 km (9 mi) though its magnitude seems to differ over time periods. E.g. the Earth’s circumference is 3,200 Yojanas according to Vārāhamihira and slightly less so in the Āryabhatiya, but is given to be 5,026.5 Yojanas in the Suryasiddhānta. The Matsya Purana and the Bhāgvata Purāna along with some other Hindu texts consistently give the height of 84,000 Yojanas to Mount Meru which translates into 672,000 miles or 1.082 million kilometers.

    Mount Meru is also the abode of Lord Brahma and the Demi-Gods (Dev).

     

    Citations.

     

    Meru in Hinduism

     

    Meru, Sacred Texts

     

    Meru in Jainism

     

    Images Credits, in addition to the links mentioned above, are due, to

     

    http://quadralectics.wordpress.com/

    http://migungaadventures.com/

    Related articles

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  • Brahmins Daily Routine Details Vedas Smrtis

    Brahmins have been set higher goals o reach and are expected to follow strict adherence to Religious practices.

     

    Following are the six Duties enjoined upon Brahmins.

     

    “Adhyaapanam Adhyayanam
    Yajanam Yaajanam Tathaa
    Daanam Pratigraham Chaiva
    Brahmanaanaamakalpayaat”

     

    Teaching the Vedas to others, Learning Vedas through out one’s Life,Performing Yagnas/Yaagas, have these performed  for others, Accept Alms and Donate o others.

     

    In addition , there are  13 additional duties/ codes of behaviour set forth for the Brahmins.

     

    • Capability to forgive
    • Kindness towards one and all
    • Holiness (External as well as Internal) & pure vegetarian
    • Follower of Truth
    • Control over all temptations
    • Hatred towards sin
    • always be in pursuit of knowledge,
    • Educating others
    • Appropriate knowledge of Vedas
    • Meditation (Manan or Chintan)
    • Knowledge of Primal Brahma

     

    Lord Krishna says that control of mind, control of senses, undergoing hardships for sake of duty, purity (both internal and external), forgiveness, straightness of mind and body, belief in God, the scriptures and the world, knowledge of the sacred lore, knowledge of the God based on direct experience are the natural duties of Brahmin. (42nd Shloka, 18th Chapter)

     

     

    The Sandhyas are the roots of the tree Brahma, four Vedas are branches and Karmas are its leaves, so roots must be cared always, means Sandhyas are must for Brahmin.  LordBrahma has defined six essential duties to Brahmins;

     

    Brahmin's Duties
    Duty of A Brahmin is to pray for All.

     

    Learn Vedas and inspire others for it, Yajna by self and inspire others.

     

    Get donations and donate further to others.

     

    Daily Routine of A Brahmin.

     

    Get up two hours  before the Sunrise (Five Nazhikais before the Sunrise,One Nazhikai=24 minutes).-Panca -panca-usatkale.

     

     

    Cleans the teeth, take bathes in cold water and perform sandhyavandana and japa.

     

    There are Mantras to be recited during cleaning the teeth(Danta Daavana Mantra), Bathing.

     

    One must take Bath in a River 0r Pond a well at Home, the well water must be used only for Veda Kriyas.

     

    Next, aupasana and agnihotra. the”devayajna”, sacrifices to the gods, followed by   “Brahmayajna”, the daily study and chanting of the Vedas.

     

    As part of this rite there are some tarpanas or libations to be offered. (For people following certain sutras these come later).

     

    Then, the Brahmin must teach his disciples the Vedas, adhyapana, gather flowers himself for the puja he is to perform.

     

    He must seek for his food (Bhikshai) and for the materials for the conduct of various sacrifices.

     

    The Brahmin has the right to seek alms, but it is a restrictive, it means that he can take only the minimum needed for the upkeep and what is required for the performance of the rituals.

     

    A considerable part of what he receives as gifts is to be paid as daksina to the priests officiating at the sacrifices he performs.

     

    Of the six “occupations” of the Brahmin one is “pratigraha” or accepting gifts. Another is “dana”, making donations to others.

     

    It is asked why Brahmins alone have the right to receive gifts.

     

    The answer is that they are also enjoined to make gifts to others.

     

    Indeed, the Brahmin accepts gifts for the purpose of the charity he has to render.

     

    This apart, he has also to make gifts during the rites to be mentioned next, “atithya” and “bhutayajna”.

     

     

    The Brahmin must bathe again and perform madhyahnika, followed by pitr-tarpana, that is he offers libations to the fathers.

     

    This is followed by homa and puja.

     

    Of the panca-mahayajnas, two remain- manusyayajna or honouring and feeding the guests and “bhutayajna” which includes bali to the creatures of the earth and feeding the poor (vaisvadeva).

     

    Rice is offered in the sacrificial fire and as bali( that is without being placed in the fire).

     

    In bali, food is placed in different parts of the house to the chanting of mantras food meant for outcastes, beggars, dogs, birds, etc.

     

    In the manusya-yajna, guests are entertained and it is also known as atithya.

     

    The Brahmin can eat only after going through these rites.

     

    Until then he must not take anything except perhaps some milk or buttermilk, but never coffee or any snacks.

     

    If he has any other sacrifices to conduct, paka, havir or soma, his mealtime will be further delayed.

     

    If he has a sraddha to perform also he will have to eat later than usual. A sraddha ceremony must be commenced only in the “aparahna”:

     

    Rites meant for the gods may be performed only after the completion of the sraddha.

     

    After his meal, the Brahmin must read the Purans.

     

    Then teach  members of other castes their hereditary vocations, arts and crafts.

     

    He does not have a moment for rest or relaxation.

     

    Take evening bath, sandhyavandana, sacrifices and japa.

     

    Vaisvadeva has to be performed at night also before the Brahmin has his meal and retires to bed.

     

    On most nights he takes only light food consisting of fruits, milk.(Pakahaara)

     

    Or as an exception , he can take  fresh food prepared out of Rice, like Idli, Dosa or Upma

     

    On Ekadasi he has to fast the whole day.

     

    There is not a moment without work.

     

    The sastras  thus impose on him a life of hardship and austerity, a life of utter physical and mental discipline.

     

    Even today Brahmins who work in offices or other establishments must try to live according to the sastras.

     

    They must get up at 4 a. m. (Brahma muhurta), perform aupasana, agnihotra, Brahmayajna, etc, in the traditional manner.

     

    They may perform puja and madhyahnika during the sangava time (8. 24 a. m. to 10. 48 a. m. ).

     

    “Madhyahnika” as the name suggests is a midday rite but, making allowances for present-day life, it may be performed during the sangava kala.

     

    In the evening , the rites may be gone through in the sastric manner.

     

    Even those who are on the morning shift and have to rush to their places of work must perform the rites as best they can.

     

    In the evening the Gayatri-japa be extended to compensate for non-performance in the morning.

     

    If it is morning shift for a week, will it not be mid-shift or night shift in the subsequent weeks?

     

    There could be adjustments made to suit these timings.

     

    Brahmins must feel repentant if they fail to perform the rites they are duty-bound to perform.

     

    They must devote the years of their retirement to the pursuit of their dharma instead of feeling sorry for not going out to work.

     

    There are rare cases —perhaps one in a lakh—of people who have learned the Vedas during their retirement and lived the rest of their life according to the tenets of the sastras.

     

    The rites of our religion go back to a time when no other faith was prevalent.

     

    We must make every effort to ensure that they do not cease to be performed.

     

    They are not meant for our sake alone [as individuals] but for the welfare of all mankind.

     

    Citation .

     

    The Speeches of Kanchi Mahaperiyava.

    “Kanyakubja Vanshawali” written by Pandit Manni Lal Misra, Chowk, Kanpur. 1 2 3

    Publisher: Sri Krishna Pustakalaya, Chowk Kanpur, Year 1966

     

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