Ramanisblog

Tag: Sastras

  • Weapons Used In Mahabharata War List

    The Mahabharata war between the Kauravas and Panadvas was of epic proportions and it lasted for eighteen days.

    Millions were killed and only a few remained alive after the war.

    Please read my post on this.

    What were the weapons used and with what effect?

    The war started on Kartheeka Bahula Amavasya (end of the Kartheeka and the start of the Margasira lunar month), moon on Jyesta star, on Tuesday early morning.( This is under dispute, I shall be posting on this)

    Solar eclipse also happened on that day and this Muhurth was kept by SriKrishna himself.

    As usual Krishna did not directly fix the Muhurta.

    Mahabharata War.Image.jpg.
    Mahabharata War.

    Sahadeva fixed it and Krishna manipulated the Solar Eclipse to happen a Day earlier, knowing well it was started on the Day of Solar Eclipse the one who  chooses that date  would win.

    Duryodhana was tricked into fixing this date.

    This day was not the Amavasya, when Solar Eclipse happens, but a Day earlier.

    This Amavasya is called the Bodhayana Amavasya.

    Asi , Special Sword of Brahma.

    Brahma performed a Yagna, when a demon-like being sprang from the midst of the sacrificial fires scattering flames all around.

    His teeth were sharp and terrible, stomach lean and skinny ,very tall ,slim and very powerful.

    Simultaneously, the earth started shaking, there were turmoil in the oceans, the forceful winds started howling all around, the trees started falling and being torn apart, and the meteors started blazing through the skies!

    Brahma declared: The ‘being’ I have conceived is Asi. It shall effect the destruction of the enemies of the gods and restore the Dharma.

    Upon this, the creature assumed the form of a blazing, sharp-edged sword, glowing like the flames at the end of the Kalpa.(Shantiparva,Mahabharata)

    Sudarsan Chakra.

    2.Vishnu/Krishna’s Disk.

    Though Krishna vowed not to bear arms in the mahabharata War, he became angry at the rate Bhishma was killing the Pandava Sena, He bore the Disk on His hand .

    As Bhishma Bowed and prayed Krishna reminding subtly that He had vowed not to bear arms Krishna withdrew it.

    3.Chentu.

    A chentu is a horse whip which looks like a crooked stick, and is a typical attribute of  Lord Ayyanar, Krishna in his aspect as Rajagopala, and Shiva with Nandi.

    The attribute of chentu, which is etymologically derived from a Tamil word, generally appears in Southern India, especially in Hindu images of Tamil Nadu state, India.

    This was used by all the warriors in the War.

    4.The elephant/hathi goad or Ankusa (Sanskrit) .

    A tool employed in the handling and training of elephants. It consists of a hook (usually bronze or steel) which is attached to a handle.

    The hook is inserted into the elephant’s sensitive skin, either slightly or more deeply, to cause pain and induce the elephant to behave in a certain manner.

    5.Kandiva, the Bow of Arjuna.

    This was given to him by Agni after Ajuna allowed Agni(Fire) to devour the Kandava Forest.

    This was kept in the custody of Varuna.

    Beside Lord Krishna no one except Arjuna could wield the bow in the mortal world.

    6.Khatvanga is a long, club or staff created to be used as a weapon.

    It is a divine weapon of polysemic significance and accoutrement of chthonic deities and ‘left-handed path’ (Sanskrit: vamamarga) holy people in

    Dharmic Traditions such as Shaivism.

    7.Narayanastra.

    One of the three Great weapons of Mass destruction, others being Brahmastra, Pasupatastra, Narayanstra would destroy anything and the only way to escape its wrath is to drop all the weapons and prostrate before it.

    Aswathama used it unsuccessfully and under instructions from Krishna Arjuna had it withdrawn.

    8.Brahmastra-Though not used in the Mahabharata war, it is one of the Great weapons.

    Please read my post on this.

    9.Pasupathstra.

    Though this was obtained by Arjuna from Lord Shiva, Karna from Parasurama, Arjuna did not have the occasion to use this and Karna could not as he

    was cursed to forget the launching Mantra, by Parasurama.

    10.Aindra astra:
    Presiding Deity: Indra, the god of weather
    Weapon’s Effect: Would bring about a shower of arrows from the sky.

    Used by both the sides.

    11.Varunasta.

    Presiding Deity,Varuna, Water.

    This will ensure heavy downpour.

    12.Vayvastra,

    Presiding Deity, Vayu, God of Wind.

    This will create uncontrollable winds.

    13.Vasvi astra: A deadly weapon like Pasupata.

    Karna used this.

    14.Vajra: Indra’s favorite weapon.
    Arjuna used this.

    15.Indrastra.

    A powerful missile used to scatter the opposing army.
    Users. Arjuna,Drona, Ashwatthama, Yudhishthira.

    16.

    Naga astra:
    Presiding Deity: The Nagas
    Weapon’s Effect: The weapon would have an un-erring aim and take on the form of a snake, proving deadly upon impact.

    Karna used this unsuccessfully against Arjuna.

    Krishna saved Arjuna from its wrath.

    Apart from these traditional weapons like Sword, Spear, Bows and Arrows, Gada, Dagger were used.

    Citation.

    http://thekarna.wordpress.com/2013/06/29/ancient-weapons/

    http://www.chakranews.com/powerful-spiritual-and-physical-weapons-from-ancient-hindu-texts/2762p

    Image Credit.

    http://mahabharathascience.blogspot.in/p/weapons-of-mass-destruction.html

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  • Srardham FAQs

    Srardham.
    Srardham.

    No.I am not talking about performing Srardha in Benares ,Gaya.

    I am talking about performing Srardha in your Home or in a common place.

    The best option is to perform Srardha at Home, it brings prosperity and Sreyas.

    But now people do not prefer to conduct this at Home.

    Sastras declare that all auspicious and inauspicious functions,anything is good or bad, marriage, death, Srardha are to be performed only at

    Home.

    Once one decides to deviate from the Sastras , it is left to one’s inclination.

    However, choice are available at various Mutts Gnana vapis.

    On careful evaluation, I am posting some information on this.

    Before that let me clear some FAQs on Srardham.

    1.At what time should Sradham is to be performed.

    After 12.00 Noon

    Madhyanhikam and Brahmayagna must be performed prior to Srardha, not before.

    2.what is the Diet?

    Srardha should be performed on an empty stomach.

    Food has to be taken only after the Sastris take food.

    Wife of the Karta (one who performs the Srardham) must also follow the diet.

    At night refreshment made of Rice’ like idly,Dosa,Adai,Aitsi Upma,Arisi Kozhukkattai are to be taken,

    Nothing made of anything else must be  taken, like Chappati, Poori.

    Who should cook ?

    Cooking must be done by the Karta’s wife; if wife is not alive,daughter-in-law must cook; else daughter if her father in law is not alive.

    if these are not applicable, brother’s wife may perform.

    If even this is not possible, then a cook may be engaged.

    How many Brahmins are to be invited for food?

    Minimum 2 plus the Satrigal.

    What is the Menu?

    By tradition, the menu is the same as the one prepared on the 10h day ceremony of the departed.

    If details are not available, then read my post on Srardha Samayal( Srardha Menu).

    What should one wear for the Srardha?

    Pancha kachcha for men and Madisar for women(read my posts/video on this).

    How much should I pay for Sastri and Brahmins?

    Depends on your city.

    Who should take the Pitr Sesha(balance of Srardha food including the snacks)

    Only those who are born to the departed, daughter in law,Grandsons( sons born of Sons), Brothers, brother’s wives, their male issues.

    There is controversy regarding daughters ans son in-laws taking the Pitr Sesha.

    On no account the Pitr Sesha is to be thrown away are given to others mentioned above, including throwing away and feeding the dogs.

    Now there is the practice of maintaining a Dog at Home, parent might be possibly be in an old Age Home or in some fancy titled Home for the Destitute.

    If out of necessity one can not perform the Srardha at Home, I recommend the Sringeri Shankara Mutt, where the rates are really reasonable and most importantly the Performance of the Srardha is detailed and they do not allow you flout rules  to suit your whims.

    One point on Vishnu Ilai( Platter for Vishnu)

    This is practiced by certain families by tradition.

    if being practiced, go ahead, do not introduce a new custom as sentiments are involved.

    I have leant now that for Vishnu Ilai, the Kula Deavatha is to be invited to partake the Food, the term Visnu Ilai is symbolic as Lord Vishnu is the Devata for Para Loka(after death).

    Shankara Mutt.

    Shankar Mutt Road, Sankarapuram, Basavanagudi, Bangalore, KA  560004
    080 2661 3365.

    Google for other cities.

    http://ramanisblog.in/tag/srardham/

     

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