VEDVIKAS

Nine Confidential Matters

2012-01-26T18:08:00.000-08:00

Ayur vittam grha chidram
Mantra maithuna bheshajam !
Tapo dAnAmapamAnam ca
Nava gopyAni yatnatah !!

One shall keep as strictly confidential the following nine matters:
(1) Age (Health)
(2) Wealth
(3) Family Secrets
(4) Mantra
(5) Maithuna
(6) Medicine
(7) Austerities
(8) Philanthropy
(9) Humiliations

SLOKA FOR FEEDING GRASS TO COWS

2012-01-26T17:23:00.001-08:00

The following Sloka to be recited for feeding grass to cows:

saurabheyah sarvahitAh sarvapApa praNASinah !
pratigrhNantu me grAsam gAvah trailokya mAtarah !!

SANAISCARA STOTRAM

2011-12-20T09:48:00.000-08:00

The following SanaiScara stotrams can be recited to get the blessings of SrI SanaiScara BhagavAn:

nilAnjana samAbhAsam raviputram yamAgrajam !
chayA mArtAnda sambhUtam tam namAmi SanaiScaram !!

sUrya putro dIrgha deho viSAlAksha: Sivapriya: !
mandacAra: prasannAtma pIdAm haratu me Sani: !!

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE TERM "SVADHYAYA " APPEARING IN TAITTIRIYOPANISHAD?

2011-12-15T19:45:00.000-08:00

TaittirIya Upanishad declares "svAdhyAya pravacane ca" . This means that one should undertake both learning of Vedas (Veda adhyayanam) and teaching of Vedas (veda ahyApanam) besides doing brahma yajnam.

Thus "svAdhyAya" refers to learning of Vedas (Veda adhyayanam).

Meaning of the term "svAdhyAya pravacane ca" .
svAdhyayo adhyayanam !
pravacanam adhyApanam brahmayajno vA !

SRI RAMA CARAMA SLOKA

2011-12-15T08:44:00.000-08:00

sarvAbhayapradAtAram SaraNAgata vatsalam !
sItAsupriyabhartAram satyaRAmam namAmyaham !!

Bestower of total safety, lover of those who surrender
Most beloved husband of SrI sItA , my obeisance to SrI satyaRAma .

SrI RAma's assurance is known as SrI RAma carama sloka, which is as follows:

sakrudeva prapannAya tavAsmIti ca yAcate !
abhayam sarva bhUtebhyo dadAmyetad vratam mama !!

One who seeks refuge in SrI RAma by stating just once that he belongs to SrI RAma is given assurance of total safety against all types of beings . This is the vow of SrI RAma.

BHAGAVAN SRI LAKSHMI VARAHA CARAMA SLOKA

2011-12-15T07:49:00.000-08:00

sarvaiSvarya pradAtAram sarvavyAdhi vinASakam !
sarvavedasvarUpam tam satyakolam namamyaham !!

Bestower of all wealth, Destroyer of all diseases
Embodiment of all Vedas, my obeisance to Sri LakshmI VarAha .

BhagavAn SrI LakshmI varAha has assured as follows, which is known as varAha carama Sloka :

sthite manasi susvasthe SarIre sati yO nara: !
dhAtusAmye sthite smartA viSvarUpam ca mAmajam !!
tatastam mriyamANam tu kAshtha pAshANa sannibham !
aham smarAmi madbhaktam nayAmi paramAm gatim !!

Whomsoever worships BhagavAn SrI LakshmI varAha when he is healthy, is fondly remembered by BhagavAn Himself during his last moment of departure from this world and is escorted by His divine grace to SrI Vaikuntha , His Supreme abode.

SRI DATTATREYA JAYANTI

2011-12-03T03:59:00.000-08:00

SrI DattAtreya JayantI will be celebrated this year on Friday the 9th December, 2011.

SrI DattAreya was born to SrI anasUyA devI - atri maharishi. He represents trimUrtis in the form of brahMA, VishNu and sadASiva .

Adau brahmA madhye vishNurante deva: sadASiva: !
MUrtitraya svarUpAya dattAtreya namostu te !!

WHAT ARE THE TWENTY FIVE TYPES OF VIMANAS?

2011-12-02T20:59:00.000-08:00

There are twenty five types of vimanas as follows which are propelled by the power of Mantras:

pushpaka, ajamukha, bhraajasvat, jyotirmukha, kowshika, bheeshma, shesha, vajraanga, dyvata, ujvala, kolaahala, archisha, bhooshnu, somaanka, panchavarna, shanmukha, panchabaana, mayoora, shankara, tripura, vasuhaara, panchaanana, ambareesha, trinetra and bherunda.

“Pancha-vimshan Maantrikaaha Pushpakaadi Prabhedena”

YAJNAVALKYA SMRUTI

2011-11-06T01:44:00.000-07:00

As per tradition, it is the same YAjnavalkya Maharishi who propagated the SUkla Yajur Veda is the Author of the YAjnavalkya smruti .

Let us remember the opening verse of YAjnavalkya smruti :

YogISvaram YAjnavalkyam sampUjya munayo abruvan !
varNASrametarANAm no bruhi dharmAnaSeshatah !!

After properly worshipping YAjnavalkya Maharishi , the best among the Yogis, the Sages asked him to explain them fully the dharmas pertaining to VarNA , ASrama and others.

Om namah parama Rishibhyo nama: parama Rishibhya:!

SRI YAJNAVALKYA JAYANTI

2011-11-05T20:26:00.000-07:00

SrI YAjnavalkya Jayanti will be celebrated on KArtika MAsa , Sukla Paksha DvAdaSI which falls on Monday the 7th November 2011. This day is also known as YogISvara dvAdaSI. It is very important for all those who believe in Vedic tradition to remember with gratitude this great Rishi par excellence . With the direct blessings of SUrya Deva, he propagated SuKla Yajur Veda which contains the ISAvAsyopanishad. He along with his two dharma Patnis MaitreyI and KatyAyanI are referred to in BrihadAraNyaka Upanishad. His debate with GArgI, the daughter of VAcaknu stimulates the intellect. The philosophical expositions of SrI YAjnavalkya in the Assembly of Emperor Janaka are deep- rooted in spiritual knowledge which transcend time and place.

Om namah parama Rishibhyo nama: parama Rishibhya:!

GOPASHTAMI

2011-11-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

GopAshtamI ( GoshtAshtamI) is celebrated on KArtika MAsa Sukla Paksha ashtamI ( 3rd November 2011). On this auspicious day, One shall worship the Cows, offer Grass and Water and be blessed by the Supreme.

kArtike yAshtamI SuklA jneyA GOpAshtamI budhai: !
tatra kuryAt gavAm pUjAm gogrAsam go pradkashiNam !!

WHETHER SPIRITUALITY AND RELIGION ARE DIFFERENT?

2011-10-29T06:53:00.000-07:00

Modern people think that spirituality is different and that it begins only when religion ends. This is due to wrong understanding of the principles of sanAtana dharma. According to us both are complimentary and not contradictory.

As our Religion is based on the foundation of dharma, there is no disjoint between religion and spirituality. In fact, the path of karma yoga representing rituals as ordained in the Scriptures followed in the spirit of selflessness without getting attached to the results and offered as dedication to the Supreme purifies the TrikaraNas constituting the mind, speech and action.

Only when the vAsanas get extinguished and the sway towards rajas and tamas gets corrected , one can achieve tranquility. The day to day practice of dharma plays a pivotal role in shaping the inner core of the person and lifts him up from the terrestial to the transcendental plane , from physics to metaphysics and from entertainment to enlightenment.

Thus there is no dichotomy between religion and spirituality.

Also certain people think that those who practice dharma are inferior to those who talk about spiritual pursuits. This assumption is also wrong as a religious person who follows dharma SAstras can attain the abode of the Supreme by his steadfastness, dedication and devotion.

DEEPAVALI FESTIVAL

2011-10-25T10:19:00.000-07:00

I. Caturdasi

(i)Early Morning GangA snAnam

By doing dIpAvali- GangA snAnam in the early morning during naraka caturdaSi , one does not see yamaloka.

Taile lakshmIrjale gangA dIpAvalyAScaturdaSIm !
PrAta: snAnam ya: kuryAt sa: yamalokam na paSyati !!

Oil – Lakshmi Water – GangA

II. Amavasai

(i)Damodara pUjA
Recite dAmodarAshtakam and perform dAmodara pUjA

(ii)KetAra GaurI Vratam

SUlam damarukam caiva dadhAnam hasta yugmake !
ketAra devamISAnam dhyAyet tripura ghAtinam!!

Ayusca vidyAm ca tathA sukanca saubhAgya vriddhim kuru deva deva !
samsAra ghorAmbunidhau nimagnam mAm raksha kedAra namo namaste!!

(iii)Evening Lighting dIpam

Lighting Dipam in the house and temples, one gets rid of naraka bhayam and enjoys happiness

Datto dIpaScaturdaSyAm narakaprItaye mayA !
Caturvarti samAyuktah sarva pApAnuttaye!!

(iv)Evening Lakshmi kubera pUjA

Pradosha samaye lakshmIm pUjayitvA tata: kramAt !
dIpa vrukshASca dAtavyA: SaktyA deva gruheshu ca !!
svalankrutena bhoktavyam sita vastropa SobhinA !!

WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS BHAVAS WHILE WORSHIPPING SRI KRISHNA?

2011-10-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

There are many BhAvas with which a person can worship SrI KrishNa. The main among them are as follows:

(a) SAnta bhAva (Serene Relationship) reflecting an attitude of peace and tranquility towards the Supreme.

(b) DAsya bhAva (Master - Servant Relationship) representing that of a faithful servant respectfully serving his master .

(c) sakhya bhAva (Friend- Friend Relationship) denoting a feeling of a person towards his dear friend.

(d) VAtsalya bhAva (Parent-Child Relationship) presented in terms of a person towards his affectionate child.

(e) MAdhurya bhAva (Lover-Beloved Relationship) expressed as selfless and unconditional intimate love. This is known as premabhakti and is considered to be supreme.

SRI RADHA AND SRI GODA

2011-10-01T00:42:00.001-07:00

SrI RAdhA is MahAlakshmi in the form of NIlA Devi. She is worshipped with intense bhakti bhAva by AlvArs and AndAl (GodA) as Nappinnai. She is also fondly adored as Pinnai.

Along with chanting of TiruppAvai , chanting of SrI RAdhA KrupA katAksha Stava helps one to gain the bliss of Krishna katAksha and His divine association.

SrIgovindapriyAm rAjnIm brundAvana manoharIm !
KrupAsvarUpiNIm divyAM RAdhA DevIm namAmyaham !!

I offer my respectful obeisances to the Goddess Sri Radha Devi, Sri Krishna’s beloved Queen, the source of the beauty of Brindavan, who is auspicious and is of the form of mercy.

SrIRAdhikAkruPAPAtrAM VishNucittasutAm sudhAm !
SrIKrishNapremamagnAm tAm GodA Devim namAmyaham !!

I offer my respectful obeisances to Sri Goda Devi (AndAl) who is blessed by Sri Radha Devi (in the form of Nila Devi), the nectar like daughter of Sri Vishnu citta (Perialvar), immersed in Sri Krishna Prema Bhakti.

Jay Jay SrI RAdhe !

WHO ARE THE ASHTA MANJARIS?

2011-09-17T08:49:00.000-07:00

The following are the eight Manjaris who are engaged in the divine service of SrI RadhA KrishNa:

(1) RUpa Manjari
(2) Rati Manjari
(3) Lavanga Manjari
(4) RAsa Manjari
(5) GuNa Manjari
(6) ManjulAli Manjari
(7) VilAsa Manjari
(8) Kausturi Manjari

WHO ARE THE VARA GOPIS?

2011-09-17T08:40:00.000-07:00

The following are the eight exalted Gopis who are engaged in the divine service of SrI RAdhA KrishNa:

(1) KalAvati
(2) SubhAngadA
(3) HiraNyAngi
(4) RatnalekhA
(5) SikhAvati
(6) Kandarpa Manjari
(7) PhullakAlikA
(8) Ananga Manjari

WHO ARE THE VARISHTA GOPIS?

2011-09-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

The following are the eight varishta Gopis who are considered to be topmost in the divine service of SrI RAdhA KrishNa:
(1) LalitA devi
(2) VisakhA devi
(3) CampakalatA
(4) CitrA
(5) TungavidyA
(6) IndulekhA
(7) Rangadevi
(8) Sudevi

RADHASHTAMI - SOME INFO

2011-09-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

SrIgovindapriyAm rAjnIm brundAvanamanoharIm !

krupAsvarUpiNIm divyAm RAdhA DevIm namAmyaham!!

1) RadhAshtami is celebrated with great festivity to mark the auspicious birth day of SrI RadharANi.

(2) It is celebrated on the Sukla paksha ashtami (noon) of bhAdrapada month.

(3) This Year RadhAshtami is celebrated on 5th September, 2011.

(4) RadhAshtami is being celebrated in a grand manner especially in BarsAna , the birth place of SrI RadharANi. and in Brindavan for a very long time.

(5) SrI RadharANi 's beloved father is VrushabhAnu and mother is Kirtida

HAPPY RADHASHTAMI - SRI RADHA-KRUPA-KATAKSHA-STAVA-RAJA- STOTRAM

2011-08-31T06:05:00.000-07:00

Happy RAdhAshtami
5th September 2011
SrIgovindapriyAm rAjnIm brundAvanamanoharIm !
krupAsvarUpiNIm divyAm RAdhA DevIm namAmyaham!!

I pray to the Goddess Sri Radha Devi, SriKrishna’s beloved Queen, the source of the beauty of Brindavan, who is auspicious and is of the form of mercy.

Sri Radha is none other than Sri Mahalakshmi, who out of great compassion, facilitates the individual Self to get the divine grace of Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the glorious Yogesvara. According to the Scriptures, the best way to approach Sri Krishna is through obtaining the grace of Sri Radha. Let us not miss this opportunity today to offer our humble and sincere prayers. On this most auspicious Radhashtami day, may Sri Radha Krishna shower blessings on all.

Sri Radha Krupa Kataksha Stava Raja Stotram bestows the divine grace of Sri Radharani and the ever blissful association of Sri Radha Krishna.
Jaya Jaya SrI RAdhe.
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SrI RAdhA-krupA-katAksha-stava-rAja-stotram

1
munIndra-vrinda-vandite triloka-Sokha-hAriNi
prasanna-vaktra-pankaje-nikunja-bhU-vilAsini
vrajendra-bhAnu-nandini- vrajendra-sUnu-sangate
kadA-karishyasIha- mAm- krupA-katAksha-bhAjanam

2
aSoka-vriksha-vallari vitAna-mandapa-sthite
pravAla-vAla-pallava-prabhArunAnghri-komale
varAbhaya-sphurat-kare- prabhUta-sampadAlaye
kadA-karishyasIha- mAm- krupA-katAksha-bhAjanam

3
ananga-ranga-mangala- prasanga-bhangura-bhruvAm
sa-vibhramam- sa-sambhramam- driganta-bAna-pAtanaih
nirantaram- vaSI-kruta-pratIta-nanda-nandane
kadA-karishyasIha- mAm- krupA-katAksha-bhAjanam

4
tadit-suvarNa-campaka- pradIpta-gaura-vigrahe
mukha-prabhA-parAstakoti-SAradendu-maNdale
vicitra-citra-sancarat- cakora-SAva-locane
kadA-karishyasIha- mAm- krupA-katAksha-bhAjanam

5
madonmadAti-yauvane- pramoda-mAna-maNdite
priyAnurAga-ranjite- kalA-vilAsa-paNdite
ananya-dhanya-kunja- rAjya- kAma-keli-kovide
kadA-karishyasIha- mAm- krupA-katAksha-bhAjanam

6
aSesha-hAva-bhAva- dhIra hIra-hAra-bhUshite
prabhUta-SAtakumbha-kumbha –kumbhi- kumbha-sustani
praSasta-manda-hAsya-cUrNa -pUrNa-saukhya-sAgare
kadA-karishyasIha- mAm- krupA-katAksha-bhAjanam

7
mriNAla-vAla-vallari taranga-ranga-dor-late
latAgra-lAsya-lola-nIla-locanAvalokane
lalal-lulan-milan-manojna -mugdha-mohanASrite
kadA-karishyasIha- mAm- krupA-katAksha-bhAjanam

8
suvarNa-mAlikAncita -trirekha-kambu-kaNthage
tri-sUtra-mangalI-guna-tri-ratna-dipti-dIdhiti
salola-nIla-kuntala-prasUna-guccha-gumphite
kadA-karishyasIha- mAm- krupA-katAksha-bhAjanam

9
nitamba-bimba-lambamAna -pushpa-mekhalA-guNe
praSasta-ratna-kimkiNI -kalApa-madhya-manjule
karIndra-SuNda-dandikA- varoha-saubhagoruke
kadA-karishyasIha- mAm- krupA-katAksha-bhAjanam

10
aneka-mantra-nAda-manju -nUpurArava-skhalat
samAja-rAja-hamsa-vamSa- nikvaNAti-gaurave
vilola-hema-vallari- vidambi-cAru-cankrame
kadA-karishyasIha- mAm- krupA-katAksha-bhAjanam

11
ananta-koti-vishNu-loka -namra-padmajArcite
himAdrijA-pulomajA-virincijA-vara-prade
apAra-siddhi-riddhi-digdha -sat-padAngulI-nakhe
kadA-karishyasIha- mAm- krupA-katAksha-bhAjanam

12
makheSvari- kriyeSvari- svadheSvari- sureSvari
triveda-bharatISvari - pramAna-SAsaneSvari
rameSvari- kshameSvari - pramoda-kAnaneSvari
vrajeSvari- vrajAdhipe- SrI-rAdhike- namo'stu- te

13
itItamadbhutam- stavam – niSamya- bhAnu-nandini
karotu- santatam- janam - krupA-katAksha-bhAjanam
bhavet- tadaiva- sancita-trirUpa-karma-nASanam
bhavet- tadA- vrajendra-sUnu-maNdala-praveSanam

WHETHER IT IS ALWAYS NECESSARY TO QUOTE FROM SCRIPTURES ?

2011-08-22T09:46:00.000-07:00

We need not necessarily quote from Scriptures all the time. As long as our practice is not in variance with the dharma, we can always go by it and explain it in general terms. If a genuine practitioner of dharma says something it carries full conviction.

Dharma is of two types, sAmanya dharma and viSesha dharma . In order to properly understand the intricacies of dharma for practical appliication in a specific situation, we may have to refer to the Scriptures as they constitute the root of dharma.

One word of caution. While rationalizing one should not contravene the Scriptures.
Rationalization manifests as a poem while Scriptures constitute the prosody.

WHETHER IN THE FOLLOWING DAY AFTER YAJUR UPAKARMA, 1008 GAYATRI JAPAM HAS TO BE DONE AS PART OF SANDHYA VANDANAM ?

2011-08-09T21:03:00.000-07:00

gAyatrI japam has to be performed after doing the normal prAtah SandhyA vandanam with a separate sankalpa as "mithyAdhIta samvatsara prayascittArtham doshavatsu apatanIya dosha nirharaNArtham astottara sahasra sanhkyayA gAyatrI mahAmantra japam karishye."
PraNavasya Rishi brahma -----
AyAtu ityanuvakasya --- savitA devatA
upasthAnam

SRI HAYAGRIVA

2011-08-06T05:02:00.000-07:00

SrImahA vishNu took the avatAr of SrI HayagrIva and destroyed the demons Madhu and kaitabha and restored the glory of the Vedas. He graciously taught the Vedas to Brahma . Therefore, SrI HayagrIva is the foundation of all vidyAs.
One who worships SrI HayagrIva is bestowed with proper knowledge.

veda SAstra purANAnAm viSeshArtha prakASakam !
sarva vidyA svarUpam tam hayagrIvam namamyaham !!

MANTRA FOR WEARING VARALAKSHMI VRATAM SARADU BY GIRLS AND MARRIED WOMEN

2011-08-04T20:00:00.000-07:00

The following Mantra to be recited by girls and married women while wearing the varalakshmI vratam saradu (yellow thread) in the right hand on completion of the varalakshmI pUja:-

navatantum samAyuktam navagranthi samanvitam !
badhnIyAm dakshiNe haste dorakam harivallabhe !!

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR YAJUR VEDA UPAKARMA ?

2011-08-03T08:45:00.000-07:00

UpAkarma Procedure for Yajur Vedis is as follows:

1. Vapanam ( hair-cut ) only for BrahmacAri
2. snAnam
3. sandhyavandanam
4. samitAdhAnam only for BrahmacAri
5. AupAsanam for Gruhastha
6. KamokarishIt Mantra Japam ( Not applicable in the first year of upanayanam)
7. MAdhyAnikam
8. Brahma yajnam
9. snAna mahAsankalpam
10.snAnam
11.YajnopavIta dhAraNam
12.Maunji, ajina, danda dhAraNam only for BrahmacAri
13.Kandarishi tarpaNam
14.Upakarma homam
15.nAndI SrAddham ( only in the first year of upanayanam)
16.VedArambham
17.namaskAram

This year on 13th August 2011, Sukra maudya SAnti homam also to be performed.

Notes:
1. As there is no SandhyA vandanam without gAyatrI japam, gAyatrI japam should be chanted in prAtah / MAdhyAnika sandhyA vandanam .
2. No food is to be taken before fully completing the upAkarma as above.
3. vapanam ( hair-cut) only for BrahmacAri

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF USING MANGO LEAVES IN RITUALS?

2011-07-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

Significance of using mango leaves in rituals and PUjas:
(1) Symbolic of MahAlakshmI
(2) Prevents negative energy
(3) Sign of Auspiciousness
(4) Helps against drushti dosham
(5) Full of Oxygen
(6) Promotes hygiene and health
(7) Symbol of fertility

WHETHER DHARMA SASTRAS CAN BE ALTERED TO SUIT MODERN TIMES?

2011-06-26T01:22:00.001-07:00

In order to suit modern times, Dharma SAstras as applicable to Kali yuga should not be altered.

On the other hand, considering the modern age, total compliance with dharma SAstras is too difficult for many of us.

As an alternative, those who feel that they are not in a position to comply with certain stipulations of dharma SAstras should take the advice from those well-versed in dharma SAstras and act accordingly. Such guidance is valid only for that particular person as applicable to his case under certain circumstances. We should not generalise these guidelines and make them universally applicable in all other cases without any reference to the facts and circumstances involved. Such personal one to one advice has to be respected and should not be discussed in open Forums. I offer this suggestion only for those who are interested in following dharma SAstras as far as possible.

WHETHER A VIPRA CAN PERFORM BRAHMA YAJNA AFTER THE DEMISE OF HIS WIFE?

2011-06-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

Brahma Yajna is a nitya karma which has to be performed just like sandhyA vandanam. Hence a vipra has to necessarily perform brahma yajna daily even after the demise of his wife. This is the correct position as per dharma SAstras.

PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED DURING CANDRA GRAHANAM ON 15-06-2011

2011-06-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

Procedure for this candra GrahaNam on 15/06/2011 11.52 p.m to
16/06/2011 3.32 a.m. IST:

1.On Start of GrahaNam : snAnam
2.During GrahaNam : Mantra Japam / DEvatA ArAdhanam
3.Between 2.42 a.m. and 3.32 a.m. : Pitru TarpaNam
4. After 3.32 a.m. : vimocana snAnam

GrahaNa dosha parihAra Sloka
indro analo dandadharasca Ruksha: pASAyudho vAyu kubera ISA: !
kurvantu sarve mama janmarksha rASistha candra graha dosha SAntim !!

WHETHER UPANAYANAM CAN BE PERFORMED AT THE AGE OF FIVE?

2011-06-09T20:18:00.000-07:00

We have to always keep in mind that in respect of any karma, dharma SAstras provide for multiple options .

According to Manu, a BrAhmaNa who is desirous of brahmavarcas can be performed Upanayanam at the age of five.

brahmavarcasa kAmasya kAryam viprasya pancame !
--- Manu

According to Angiras, a BrAhmaNa who is desirous of brahmaVarcas can be performed Upanayanam at the age of five.

brahmavarcasa kAmasya pancame abde agrajanmanah !!

--- Angiras

MARRIAGE HYMNS FROM RIG VEDA

2011-06-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

1. Marriage Vow

Grbhnāmi te Saubhagatvāya hastam mayā patyā jaradashtir yathāsah !
Bhago aryamā savitā purandhir mahyam tvādur gārhapatyāya devāh !!
---- Rig Veda X-85-36
I take thy hand in mine for happy fortune that thou mayst reach old age with me thy husband.
Gods, Aryaman, Bhaga, Savitar, Purandhi, have given thee to be my household's mistress.

2. Prayer for Marital Unity

samañjantu viśve devāh samāpo hrdayāni nau !
sammātariśvā sandhātā samu deshtrī dadhātu nau !!
---- Rig Veda X-85-47

So may the Universal Gods, so may the Waters join our hearts.
May Mātariśvan, Dhātar, and Destri together bind us close.

Ihaiva stam mā vi yaushtam visvamāyur vyasnutam !
Krilantau putrair naptrubhir modamānau sve grhe !!

---- Rig Veda X-85-42

Be ye not parted; dwell ye here reach the full time of human life.
With sons and grandsons sport and play, rejoicing in your own abode.

CHANGING YUGA DHARMAS

2011-05-19T08:32:00.001-07:00

As the yugas change, the yuga dharma also changes as determined by the great Rishis.
Accordingly, the major shift has happened as follows in the four yugas:

Kruta yuga = DhyAnam
TretA yuga = YAga
dvApara yuga = PUjA
Kali yuga = nAma sankIrtanam (keSava)

dhyAyan krute yajan yajnaih tretAyAm dvAparercayan !
yadApnoti tadApnoti kalau sankIrtya keSavam !!

-- vYAsa

YAvanna kIrtayet rAmam kalikalmasha sambhavam !
tAvattishthati dehesmin bhayam cAtra pravartate !!

---- Sivasarvasvam

SrutismrutipurANeshu rAma nAma samIritam !
tannAma kIrtanam bhUyas tApatrayavinASanam !!

---- cyavana smruti

sarvapApa prasaktopi dhyAyannimishamacyutam !
punastapasvI bhavati panktipAvana pAvanah !!
----- PaiThInasI

na tAvatpApamedhena yannAma hatam hareh !
atireka bhayAdAhuh prAyascittAntaram vrithA !!
------ YogayAjnavalkya

prAyascittAnyaSeshANi tapah karmAtmakAni vai !
yAni teshAmaSeshANAm krishNAnus smaraNam param !!
------ SrI vishNu purANa

One should not condemn the changing yuga dharmas and those dvijas who follow those, as the dvijAs are suited to the yuga concerned.

yuge yuge ca ye dharmAs tatra tatra ye dvijAh !
teshAm nindA na kartavYA yugarUpa hi te dvijAh !!
-------- parAsara

WHAT ARE THE ACTIVITIES TO BE DONE ON AKSHAYA TRUTIYA?

2011-05-01T05:16:00.000-07:00

According to dharma SAstras, the following are to be done on Akshaya TruTIya :

1.Taking bath in holy rivers
2.Japam
3.Homam (AupAsanam)
4.Vedic recitation
5.pitru tarpaNam
6.DAnam

yasYAm SnAnam japo homah svAdhyAyah pitrutarpaNam !
dAnam ca kriyate kincit tat sarvam syAdihAkshayam !!

HOW TO PERFORM ACAMANAM?

2011-04-26T09:04:00.000-07:00

Acamana vidhi contains a lot of niyamas to be followed. Some important aspects are covered below:

gokarNAkruti hastena mAshamagnam jalam pibet !
tannUnam adhikam pItvA surApAna samam bhavet !!

The inner right hand to be folded like cow ear and water to be consumed which is of the size of "MAsha" . If it is more or less, it is equivalent to consuming surApAnam .

apsu prAptAsu hrudayam brAhmaNaS SuddhimApnuyAt !
rAjamyah kaNThatAlU ca vaiSyaSSUdras tathA Striyah!!

The water consumed should reach hridayam for brAhmaNas ( in order to get purified), neck for kshatriyas, palate for vaiSyas, SUdras and women.

samhatAngulinA toyam grihItvA pAninA dvijah !
muktvAngushtha kanishthye tu SishtasyAcamanam caret !!

Use five fingers together while taking tIrtham. Then separate the thumb finger and little finger. Whatever water remains in the hand is to be used for Acamanam. { This is also interpreted as MAshamagnam tIrtham}

---- and so on ----

Asanam :
kukkutAsanam

Direction:
East ot North

PAtram:

While doing anushtAnam, a separate vessel is preferable for Acamanam as Acamana tIrtham is not be used for other purposes like prokshaNam.

Procedure:

(1) Consume water three times saying Om acutAya namah, Om anantAya namah and Om govinDAya namah

(2) Use thumb finger to cleanse the closed mouth

(3) Cleanse the thumb finger with water

(4) Touch the twelve parts chanting the DvAdaSa namas starting with Om KeSavAya namah (each one at a time) and ending with Om dAmodarAya namah

Number of times

(1) Two times before homa, japa and one time at the end
(2) Two times before and after food

SrotrAcamanam

tasmAt AcamanAsambhave nAsikA karNa Sparsah kAryah !

If Acamanam cannot be done with water, by touching the tip of the nose and right ear, one gets the benefit of doing the Acamanam. It is known as SrotrAcamanam.

Brahma Yajna Acamanam

While doing brahma Yajnam one Acamanam is done in a different format without mantra.

AcamanIyam during devatArAdhanam

When arghya, PAdya and AcamanIyam are offered to BhagavAn, as part of devatArAdhana, it has to be shown with reverence. One should not consume the water so offered as AcamanIyam because the same is offered to BhagaVan with the bhAva that it is consumed by Him.

As regards a simple thing like Acamanam, there are subtler aspects, different interpretations and varied practices . Hence it would be advisable for those interested in karmAnushthAna to know these things personally in a traditional guru -sishya format.

WHETHER WHILE DOING SANDHYA VANDANAM ANGANYASA HAS TO BE DONE FIRST?

2011-04-24T00:32:00.000-07:00

In traditional way of doing sandhyA vandanam, the karanyAsam is done first and thereafter the anganyAsam is done. This is the practice of those who are following dharma SAstras.

WHETHER VEDAS ARE AGAINST TEMPLE IDOL WORSHIP?

2011-04-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

The Vedic statements “na tasya pratimA asti” from Sukla Yajur Veda and "na tasya pratimA syAt" from SvetAsvatara Upanishad are misquoted by some to prove that Vedas are against temple idol worship. Let us see why such interpretation is erroneous and baseless.

na tasya pratimA asti yasya nAma mahadyaSah! ---Sukla Yajur Veda samhitA XXXII-3

na tasya purushasya pratimA pratimAnabhUtam kincit vidyate ! yato yasya nAma mahadyaSa ityesha vedAntavidah pathanti hiraNyagarbha ityesha catur ruco anuvAkodUra viprakarsheNa hiraNyagarbham pratimAbhUtamAha !
---Uvata

Tasya purushasya pratimA pratimAnam upamAnam kincit vastu nAsti ! ata eva nAma prasiddham mahat yaSah yasyAsti! sarvAtirikta yaSA ityarthah !
---MahIdhara

Standard English translations like Griffith and Robert Ernest Hume also convey the same meaning as aforesaid.

The above proves that the Sukla Yajur Veda Mantra means that there is no comparison for the Supreme and it does not refer to idol worship by any stretch of imagination.

na tasya pratimA syAt !
---SvetASvatara Upanishad iv-19

na hi tasya iSvarasya pratimA upamA kAcit asti nishpratiyogikatvena brahmamAtratvAt !
---- SrI upanishad brahma yogI bhAshyam

Hence the translation of the word "pratimA" as "Idol worship" is erroneous as it is totally out of context. Thus there is no Vedic Statement which condemns Temple idol worship

WHAT ARE APASTAMBA AND BODHAYANA SUTRAS?

2011-04-15T20:24:00.000-07:00

Apastamba and BodhAyana are the two prominent SUtras of those who are born in the family of KrishNa yajurvedis.

The SUtras are named after the great Rishis Apastamba and BodhAyana

Though both SUtras follow KrishNa Yajurveda texts, the two grihya SUtras are different in prayoga in certain respects.

As the SUtra is determined by birth, one has to follow the SUtra belonging to his family while performing the various Vedic karmas.

WHO ARE ALL THOSE WHO GET SATISFIED BY PERFORMANCE OF SRADDHAM?

2011-04-13T10:37:00.000-07:00

Seven types of persons get satisfied by performance of SrAddham:

(1) Devas by homa done in agni
(2) Pitrus in svarga by brAhmaNa bhojanam
(3) Pitrus in pitruloka by pInda DAnam
(4) People by anna DAnam
(5) PiSachas by ucchishtha
(6) Those in naraka by vikira annam
(7) Unknown relatives by vAyasa piNda.

agnau hutena devAsca svargasthA vipra bhojanAh !
yamasthAh piNda dAnena mAnushA bhUri bhojanAt !!
!ucchishThena piSacAdyAh nArakAh vikireNa tu !
ajnAtAh kAkapiNdena SrAddhe trupyanti saptadhA !!

STATES OF CONSCIOUSNESS

2011-04-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

According to Vedanta, three states of consciousness are there --- jAgrat, svapna and sushupti. The Atman is known as viSva, taijasa and prAjna in these three states respectively.The turIya is the fourth which is different from the three. According to Paingala Upanishad there are five states - Waking, dream, deep sleep,swoon and death.

There is a forward movement from one state to another which involves the intermediary stage.
Thus from waking to dream , there is an intermediary stage. This in my humble view has to be construed as belonging to the previous State of consciousness. Thus the intermediary stage between waking and dream experience should be considered as waking state.. Similarly the intermediary stage between dream and deep sleep experience should be considered as dream state

According to SAstras, in the state of deep sleep, there is total ignorance about the existence of the objects except the awareness that "I Exist." While the experience during waking and dreaming states is different for different people, the deep sleep state is same for all. The witness "I" exists in all the three states.

Considering the position of SAstras on this topic, if the meeting of one's departed ancestor has happened in the intermediary stage just before svapna, it has to be construed as jAgrat state. If it has happened in the intermediary stage just before deep sleep, it has to be construed as svapna state.

WHETHER THE USAGE "ABHOJANAM" IS CORRECT IN THE CONTEXT OF BHOJANA NIYAMA?

2011-04-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

According to dharma SAstras, in the context of Bhojana niyama , "ApoSanam" is the correct usage and not "Abhojanam".

I
am giving a list of pramANam from dharma SAstras wherein the word "ApoSanam" is used.

ApOSanamakritvA tu yadyannam vistrutam bhavet !
tadannam MAmsa tulyam syAt bhuktvA cAndrAyaNam caret !!
---- Sangraham

ApoSanenoparishtA dadhastAccaiva bhunjatA !
----- YAjnavalkya

ApoSanam parIdhAnam pUrvamAcchAdanam param !
---- SAtAtapa

ApoSanam vAma bhAge surApAnasamam bhavet !
---- smrutyarthaSAra

ApoSanam tu ya: kuryAt vAmabhAge tathaiva ca !

---- Smrutiratnam

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT MODES OF WEARING YAJNOPAVITAM?

2011-03-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

Different modes of wearing of YajnopavItam:

Deva tarpaNam - upavIti (Left shoulder)
Pitru tarpaNam - prACInAavIti (Right shoulder)
Rishi tarpaNam - nivIti (Garland)
Carrying the Sava(corpse) - nivIti (Garland)
Nature's call - Around the right ear

HOW TO KNOW THE PROPER PRACTICE IN CASE OF DIFFERING VIEWS IN DHARMA SASTRAS?

2011-03-20T19:56:00.000-07:00

In the dharma SAstra texts, the views of various smrutis on a topic are presented. At times these differ from each other. Hence the best approach to be followed is to know the SishtAcAra from our elders who are well-versed in the practice of dharma. One has to act accordingly.

WHAT ARE THE DEFECTS IN VEDIC RECITATION ?

2011-01-30T01:52:00.000-08:00

Vedas have to be properly recited by adhering to the svaras , matras and diction.
By not conforming to the injunctions (niyamas), one would get adverse effects.

There are six types of persons whose Vedic recitation is considered defective.

Six types of adhama pAthakas with reference to Vedic recitation:

(1) One who sings without following the svara niyamas
(2) One who chants very fast
(3) One who shakes the head while reciting
(4) One who recites the Vedas using a written text (book)
(5) One who does not know the meaning of Vedas
(6) One whose voice is not audible

gItI SIghrI Sirah kampI tathA likhita pAthakah!

anarthajnah alpakantasca shadete pAthakadhamah!!

WHAT IS THE REASON FOR BIRTH DEFECTS?

2011-01-19T09:31:00.000-08:00

It is due to the prArabdha karma phala that one is born with deformity. Such a birth unfortunately one has to take in order to experience the sufferings.

According to Manu Smriti, one who does the karmas with whatever bhAvas, with the same type of SarIra, he experiences the fruits of his action .

yAdruSena hi bhAvena yadyatkarma nishevate!
tAdruSena SarIreNa tattatphalamupAsnute!!
--- Manu smruti

According to Sankha, one who kills a BrAhmaNa is born as a kushtha rogI, one who kills cow is born blind.

brahmahA kushthI ! goghnascAndhah !
--- Sankha

According to yAjnavalkya, one who steals annam gets afflicted with indigestion. one who steals oil is born as a cockroach.

annahartA AmayAvI syAt ! tailahrut tailapAyI syAt !
---- yAjnavalkya

REVIEW OF MY BOOK "VEDIC MANAGEMENT" BY BUSINESS DIGEST

2010-12-31T18:28:00.000-08:00

Review of my Book " Vedic Management" by Business Digest , January, 2011 Page 5

WHAT ARE THE FIVE TYPES OF YAJNAS?

2010-12-13T17:32:00.000-08:00

There are five types of yajnas as follows:
ahutam -- veda japam
hutam -- homam
prahutam -- BhUta bali
brAhmahutam -- brAhmaNa pUja
prASitam -- pitru pUja
One has to worship Rishis by veda adhyayana, Devas by homas, Pitrus by SrAddham, BrAhmaNas by food and bhUtas by bali dAnam

WHY SHOULD ONE PERFORM KARMANUSHTHANA AND FOLLOW THE WORDS OF RISHIS AND GURUS?

2010-10-24T02:46:00.000-07:00

Based on one’s inherent vAsanas and TriguNas, one chooses his path of seeking the truth. Each path has its own intricacies. One can go by karma yoga, jnAna yoga, dhyAna yoga or bhakti yoga or by a combination of these. But in view of the complexities in comprehending and following the Scriptures, we require one physical person as Guru for proper guidance from time to time. The jagatguru of all , of course, is BhagavAn and that is why he is addressed as “ krishNam vande jagat gurum.”

Yo yo yAm Yam tanum bhaktah SraddhayArcitumicchati !
Tasya tasyAcalAm SraddhAm tAm eva vidadhAmyaham !!

Whichever Deity one person worships with faith, BhagavAn makes their faith steadfast in that Deity

sa tayA SraddhayA yuktas tasyArAdhanamIhate !
labhate ca tatah kAmAn mayaiva vihitAn hitAn !!

Though the person worships that Deity of his choice and fulfils his desires, the benefits are bestowed by BhagavAn alone.

antavattu phalam tesham bhavatyalpa medhasAm !
devan deva yajo yAnti mad bhaktA yanti mAmapi !!

Men of limited intellect worship demi-Gods with limited benefits. Those people reach the demi-Gods while those who worship BhagavAn go to Him.

BhagavAn also declares one should not give up yajna, dAna and tapas irrespective of his attainments as they purify a person .

yajna dAna tapah karma na tyAjyam karyameva tat !
yajno dAnam tapscaiva pAvanAni manishinAm !!

Though a person is morally upright, ethically good and spiritually inclined, he should also do the ordained karmAnushthAna to the extent possible till his very end.

The fruit of action has to be dedicated to BhagavAn. He advises that every one should do his specific karma and that karma phala tyAga ( giving up fruit of action) is better than karma tyAga (giving up action). This is what the dharma SAstras declare.

Whatever is said in the SAstras which are Rishi proktam are not mere commandments but are to be construed as gentle advice for one’s own long-term benefit.

Esha AdeSah ! Esha upadeSah !

WHETHER ONE CAN TOTALLY OVERLOOK SMRUTIS AND GO ONLY BY SRUTI ?

2010-10-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

In order to understand the Sruti in the proper perspective, one requires the guidance of smruti. Interpreting the original Vedic Mantras on our own accord is dangerous in the modern environment.

For each Mantra, there is a Rishi, a Chandas and the devatA. One cannot overlook the Rishi and chant any Mantra including GAyatrI MahA Mantra. As Rishis are the Seers of Vedic Mantras and the authors of smrutis, we hold them in high esteem. Rishi TarpaNam is offered to them. KAnda Rishi TarpaNam is also there. All the Srauta, grihya and smArtha PrayogAs are done even today based on the statements of great Rishis like Apastamba, BodhAyana, ASvalAya, Jaimini, LAtyAyana, KAtyAyana and so on. In addition, we have sanakAdi Rishis, Sapta Rishis , NArada, BharadvAja, Veda VyAsa and so many others.

Each BrAhmaNa (however materially he may be rich) is born only as a debtor with triple debts. He is indebted to the Rishis, DevAs and Pitrus. The Rishi debt is discharged through brahmacarya, Deva debt through performance of yajnas and Pitru debt through progeny.

JAyamAno ha vai brAhmaNah tribhir rNa vA jAyate !
brahmacaryena rishibhyah !
yajnena devebhyah!
prajayA pitrubhyah!

The Rishis including Rishi Patnis are to be respectfully worshipped. Without them, the Vedas would have disappeared. The smrutis, which are Rishi Proktam are therefore equally valid like Sruti.

namah parama Rishibhyo namah parama Rishibhyah !

WHETHER SMRUTIS CONSTITUTE VALID PRAMANA?

2010-10-21T18:58:00.000-07:00

Both Sruti and smrutis constitute valid pramANas.We have to keep in view that smrutis have only Sruti as the base.

One cannot properly understand the intended and intrinsic meaning of Vedas. As Vedas are complex and innumerable, the Rishis through their great tapas composed the Smrutis which define what is dharma for a particular Yuga.

Whatever one feels like doing according to his mental make-up does not constitute dharma. That is why in Bhagavad GItA , Bhagavan advises all to follow dharma as ordained in the Scriptures :

tasmacchAstram pramAnam te karYAkArya vyavasthitau!
jnAtvA SAstra vidhinoktam karma kartum ihArhasi !!
-----Bhagavad gItA ! 16.24
One who does not follow SAstras gains not Sukham or Siddhi or parama gati.
yah Sastra vidhim utsrijya vartate KAma kAratah !
na sa siddhim avApnoti na sukham na parAm gatim !!
---Bhagavad gItA 16.23

Learned sees through the eye of SAstras
" ----kavibhih SAstra cakshushA ---"
---- SrImad BhAgavatam x-84-36
Sruti smruti mamaivAjnA yad tad ullanghya vartate !
AjnAcchedhe mama drOhi mat bhaktOpi na vaishNava !!
--- VishNu
vedamUlAh smrutayah !
---- Sankha
durbodhA vaidikASSabdAh prakIrNatvacca ye khilAh !
tatraita eva drushtArthAh smruti tantrai pratishthitAh !!
---- MarIci
Srutim paSyanti munayah smaranti ca tathA smrutim !
tasmAt pramANamubhayam pramANaih pramitam bhuvi !!
---- Manu
Accoring to Angiras, those who are learned in pramANas should duly take care of them. Otherwise, authentic pramANas would get destroyed by baseless pramANas.
pramANAni pramANajnaih paripAlyAni yatnatah !
sIdanti pramANAni pramANairavyavasthitaih !!
--------Angiras

WHETHER WOMEN CAN HAVE UPANAYANAM AS PER DHARMA SASTRAS?

2010-10-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

As per HArIta, there were two types of women, BrahmavAdinI, sadyovadhu. For Brahmavadinis, there was upanayanam, agnikAryam, vedAdhyayanam and bhikshAcaraNam in one's own house. Similarly, according to Yama, upanayanam, vedadhyayanam and gayatrI japam were allowed for women . However, this practice of previous kalpa is forbidden in this kalpa.

According to Manu, for women Marriage is prescribed in lieu of upanayanam, serving the husband is gurukula vAsam, doing domestic duties is agnikAryam.

vaivAhiko vidhih strINAm aupanAyikah smritah !
pati sevA gurau vAso gruhArthogni parikriye!

Thus based on the dharma SAstras, as part of present kali yuga dharma, the upanayana samskAra is forbidden for women.

WHO ARE ALL GET SATISFIED BY PERFORMANCE OF SRADDHAM ?

2010-10-18T17:35:00.000-07:00

Seven types of persons get satisfied by performance of SrAddham:
(1) Devas by homa done in agni
(2) Pitrus in svarga by brAhmaNa bhojanam
(3) Pitrus in pitruloka by pInda DAnam
(4) People by anna DAnam
(5) PiSachAs by ucchishtha
(6) Those in naraka by vikira annam
(7) Unknown relatives by vAyasa piNda.

agnau hutena devAsca svargasthA vipra bhojanAh !
yamasthAh piNda dAnena mAnushA bhUri bhojanAt !!
ucchishThena piSacAdyAh nArakAh vikireNa tu !
ajnAtAh kAkapiNdena SrAddhe trupyanti saptadhA !!

WHETHER SRADDHAM HAS TO BE PERFORMED?

2010-10-06T09:51:00.000-07:00

SrAddhAt parataram nAnyat SreyaskaramudAhrutam !
tasmAt sarvaprayatnena SrAddham kuryAtvicakshaNah!!
----- sumantu

There is no karma which yields goodness other than SrAddham. Therefore, by making all efforts a knower shall perform SrAddham.

na tatra vIrA jAyante nArogo naSatAyushah !
na ca Sreyodhi gacchati yatra SrAddham vivarjitam !!

------ hArIta
Where SrAddham is not done , there no Son is born, men do not get freed from disease, do not live long and do not get any goodness.

WHETHER ONE CAN REACT IN SELF-DEFENCE?

2010-10-03T06:20:00.000-07:00

There is something known as Apaddharma . In self-defence in order to save one's life, one may react causing some injury to others. This is acceptable by SAstras under certain circumstances.

In MahAbhAratam, when the kauravas violate dharma yuddha, one can see glimpses of adharma yudhha on the part of PANdavas as well in some cases.

But there are a few great Sages who are GuNAtItas who only do good even for others who harm them. They truly deserve to be worshipped by all.

upakArishu yah sAdhuh sAdhutve tasya ko guNah !

apakArishu yah sAdhuh sa sAdhuh sadbhirucyate !!

Ordinary mortals are always driven by their VAsanas and triguNas.

WHETHER THE FORMS OF GODS ARE TO BE CONSTRUED AS ENERGY FORMS ?

2010-09-12T18:20:00.000-07:00

Whatever covered in authenticated PurANas and Itihasas are to be taken as history based on actual happenings.

The Supreme Purusha is behind the prakriti as the nimitta and upAdAna kAraNa. The Deity is very important for us.

There is a subtle meaning as well in each avatAra for our understanding and practice .

All the avatAras of Gods are meant for our reflection, contemplation and learning.

In SrIVaishnAva tradition, SrI viSvaksena is worshipped. He is the Supreme Commander.

yasya dvirata vaktrAdyA: pArishadyA: paraSSatam !
vighnam nighnanti satatam viSvaksenam tamASraye !!

As far as SrI GaneSa:

He is GaNapati -- Lord of Demi-Gods

He is VinAyaka --- Leader par excellence.

He is VignarAja--- Remover of all obstacles

His big ears for open-mindedness -- Quality to listen to others--Answers the prayers of Devotees
KarNabhyAm bhUri Visruvam
Bhadram karNebhi: SruNuyAma deva:

His sharp eyes for grace --- a mix of Sun and Moon.

His Trunk for flexibility --- power to handle the heaviest and the subtlest things

His big stomach -- power to assimilate and digest varied forms of knowledge

MoshikaVAhana --- He makes the best use of available resources

He is Modakapriya --- Lover and bestower of joy

He is the bestower of Siddhi as well as Buddhi.

-----------And so on --------

Om MahA GaNapataye Namah !

durgAm vinAyakam vyAsam viSvaksenam gurUn surAn !
sve sve sthane tvabhimukhAn pUjayet prokshanAdibhi: !!
---- SrImad bhAgavatam

HAPPY RADHASHTAMI

2010-09-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

SrIgovindapriyAm rAjñIm brundAvanamanoharIm !
krupAsvarUpiNIm divyAm RAdhA DevIm namAmyaham!!

I pray to the Goddess SrI RAdhA DevI, SrIKrishNa’s beloved Queen, the source of the beauty of BrindAvan, who is auspicious and is of the form of mercy.

SrI RAdhA is none other than SrI MahAlakshmi, who out of great compassion, facilitates the individual Self to get the divine grace of BhagavAn SrI KrishNa, the glorious Yogesvara. According to the Scriptures, the best way to approach SrI KrishNa is through obtaining the grace of SrI RAdhA. Let us not miss this opportunity today (15th September,2010) to offer our humble and sincere prayers. On this most auspicious Radhashtami day, may SrI RAdhAKrishNa shower blessings on all.
Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe !

WHAT THE VARIOUS TYPES OF BRAHMANAS?

2010-08-30T18:09:00.000-07:00

According to Devala, there are eight types of BrAhmaNas as follows in the ascending order of greatness:

(1)MAtra
(2)BrAhmaNa
(3)Srotiya
(4)anUcAna
(5)BhrUNA

(6)Rishikalpa
(7)Rishi
(8)Muni

MAtra means one who is born in a BrAhmaNa family who has not undergone upanayanam and not following any ansuhthAna.

BrAhmaNa is one who has done some veda adhyayana, who has ACara, SAnti, Satyam, dayA.

Srotriya is one who has done the Veda adhyayanam of one SakhA along with kalpasUtra or six vedAngas, knower of dharma, performer of six karmas like yajanam.

anUCAna is one who is vedavedAnga tatvajna, Suddha citta, devoid of Sins and having the qualities of Srotriya.

BhruNa is one who is vrataguNopeta, follower of niyamas in yajnas and vedAdhyayana, devapitruSishtAnna BhojI, jitendriya.

Rishikalpa is one who has all vaidika and laukika jnAna, Asramastha, jitendriya.

Rishi is one who is Urdharetas, tapasvI, follower of AhAra niyama, powerful to give SApa and anugraha, satyasandha.

Muni is one who is not attached towards vishayas, knower of all tatvas, without KAma and krodha, dhyAnastha, nishkriya, jitendriya, viewer of gold or sand equally.

PREDICTIVE ASTROLOGY

2010-08-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

Predictive aspect of jyotisha is nothing but predicting the karmaphala in various points of time. The karmas done by a person in the previous births yield fruits in the form of sukha or dukha.

Based on SAstras, the interpretation of the karma phala cannot be done casually or through computer programs. Thus a well-versed person who knows karma siddhAnta, nyAya siddhAnta, vedAnta siddhAnta, dharma SAstra, Ayurveda and so on, who is good at inference and deduction and who is having Mantra Siddhi alone can be a reliable and authentic astrologer.

Aneka horA tattvajnah Panca-siddhAnta kovidah !

Uhapoha patuh Siddhah Mantro jAnAti jAtakam !!

Astrology is like a lamp which can only reveal the objects as they are in the dark. Beyond that it is only by karmaphala that one's life and circumstances are determined.

Yaduparjitam anya janmani subhAsubham tasya karmaNah patim !

Vynjayati SAstrametat Tamasi dravyaNi dIpa iva !!

The predominant objective of VedAnga jyotisham is about determining the kAla for performance of yajnas. This has got lesser to do with individual horoscope based interpretations. The ancient Smritis also do not highlight horoscope based matching for the purpose of marriage.

jyotishAm ayanam puNyam pravakshAmyanu pUrvaSah !

sammatam brAhmaNendrANAm YajnakAlArtha siddhaye !!

WHAT IS THE MAIN PURPOSE OF VEDANGA JYOTISHA?

2010-08-21T05:56:00.000-07:00

Vedas are intended for the performance of yajnas.

VedAnga Jyotisha is also known as KAla vidhAna SAstram as understanding time is necessary for performance of yajnAs.

vedA hi yajnArtham abhipravruttAh
kAlAnupUrvyA vihitAsca yajnAh !
tasmAd idam kAlavidhAna SAstram
Yo jyotisham veda sa veda yajnAn !!

WHAT ARE VEDANGAS? WHETHER THEY ARE MORE AUTHENTIC THAN VEDAS?

2010-08-20T23:55:00.000-07:00

There are six limbs of the Vedas, known as VedAngas. They symbolically represent the organs of the Veda Purusha.

1. SikshA -- Nose
2. Chandas -- Feet
3.VyAkaraNa -- Mouth
4. Nirukta -- Ears
5. Jyotisha -- Eyes
6.Kalpa -- Arms

SikshA is the science which deals with articulation and pronunciation.

Chandas is the science of metrics. It deals with Vedic metres.

VyAkaraNa is the science of grammar.

Nirukta is the science which deals with the etymological interpretation of words.

Jyotisha is the science of astronomy. It is primarily oriented towards determining the most appropriate time for performance of Vedic sacrifices and rituals.

Kalpa is the science which deals with rituals and prescribes rituals for sacrificial acts.
The Srauta sUtras contain a detailed description of sacrifices.
The Grihya SUtras prescribe rules for conducting various ceremonies pertaining to domestic life.
The Dharma SUtras consist of laws governing religious ways of life and secular matters as well.
The Sulva sUtras deal with the architecture of sacrificial altars for undertaking different kinds of sacrifices.

The VedAngas greatly help us in proper understanding and application of the Vedas. In case there is a difference between the two, Vedas will always prevail over the VedAngas . Thus Sruti PramANam is the most authentic pramANa.

HOW TO PERFORM BHISHMASHTAMI TARPANAM ?

2010-08-19T03:16:00.001-07:00

Ratha SaptamI is for invoking Sun God.

TarpaNam to SrI BhIshma has to be offered on BhIshmAshtamI which is normally the day next to ratha saptamI.

Procedure:

(a)On BhIshmAShtamI day morning, perform sandhyA vandanAdi nitya karmas.

(b)Be seated facing East .

(c) Say the sankalpa " BhIshmAshtamI puNyakAle BhIshma TarpaNam karishye"

(d) Having YajnopavIta in NivIta mode, offer Arghyam by both hands in pure water without mixing tila by chanting the following Slokas:

1. bhIshmah SAntanavo vIrah satyavAdI jitendriyah !
AbhiradbhiravApnotu putrapautrocitAm kriYAm !!

bhIshmAya namah idamarghyam !

2. vaiyAghrapAda gotrAya sAnkritya pravarAya ca !
aputrAya dadAmyarghyam salilam bhIshma varmaNe !!

bhIshmAya namah idamarghyam !

3. gangAputrAya SAntAya Santanoh AtmajAya ca !
aputrAya dadAmyarghyam salilam bhIshma varmaNe !!

bhIshmAya namah idamarghyam !
anena arghyapradAnena bhIshmah PrIyatAm !

In fact all BrahmaNas should necessarily offer their respects to SrI BhIshma pitAmaha. In my humble view, he alone deserves the first praise of honour by all vipras as he considers them dearer than his own father.

My respectful salutations to SrI BhIshma.

WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS FORMS OF SRADDHAM?

2010-08-18T01:59:00.000-07:00

The subject of SrAddha is vast like an ocean.

There are two basic forms of SrAddha. One is known as PArvaNam and the other is called as Ekoddishtam.

SrAddha can be broadly classified into three categories nitya, naimittika and kAmya.

There are 12 types of SrAddhas:

(1)Nitya SrAddha
(2)Naimittika SrAddha
(3)KAmya SrAddha
(4)NAndI SrAddha
(5)sapiNDIkaraNa SrAddha
(6)PArvaNa SrAddha
(7)gaushtha SrAddha
(8) Suddhyartha SrAddha
(9)karmAnga SrAddha
(10)Daivika SrAddha
(11)YAtrA SrAddha
(12) Pushti SrAddha

PratyAbdika SrAddha especially for one's father or mother has to be necessarily performed as anna SrAddha only. No substitute is allowed in the form of Ama SrAddha or HiraNya SrAddha.

In other cases, if anna SrAddha cannot be performed, it can be done as Ama Sraddha under certain conditions.

If Ama SrAddha cannot be performed, it can be done as HiraNya SrAddha under certain conditions.

If HiraNya SrAddha cannot be performed, under extreme conditions beyond one's control, one can give grass or piNda to cow/perform tila tarpaNam/ undertake upavAsa/chant the SrAddha Mantra.

Kindly note the compassion of dharma SAstras towards all under varied circumstances.

HOW TO CHANT OM ?

2010-08-14T19:28:00.000-07:00

It is advisable that the praNavopAsana is learnt directly from the Masters. PraSnopanishad Section V deals with meditation on "OM" .

When we chant "OM" as part of the Vedic Mantras whatever MAtra and Svara is prescribed in that context has to be followed.

Before reciting the Vedas one has to start with : Harih Om
( 4 MAtras)
On concluding the Vedic recitation one has to end with : Harih Om ( 3 MAtras)

GAyatrI Mantra Japa has to be recited mentally as per Vedic svara as ordained in one's SAkhA.

For Mantra japa involving praNava there is no svara but it goes by certain conventions.

For OmkAra Meditations , there are many ways of reciting "OM" which have to be learnt directly from the Yogic Master.

SOME THOUGHTS ON KARMA PHALAM

2010-08-13T23:01:00.000-07:00

The subject of Karma is very vast , complex and it has multiple dimensions.
"gahanA karmaNo gatih."

I am presenting certain thoughts on the same:

(1)In the case of a realized person, whatever karma he does after realization gets distributed to those who praise and follow him and also to those who find fault with him. The former gets his puNya phala and the latter the PApa , if any. He experiences the prArabdha karma while his Sancita karma gets neutralized.

(2)Like a young calf which recognizes the mother cow amidst thousand other cows, the karma done by a person follows him meticulously.

(3) Like the tree which yields flowers and fruits at the appointed seasons, the fruit of action also manifests at the proper time.

(4) When there is great natural calamity like famine etc, all the people including great Rishis by-pass the dharma and adopt what is known as the Apad dharma.

(5) If a person cuts trees with an axe, then the person who cuts incurs the sin and not the Axe nor the maker of the Axe.

(6) For one's action Supreme is not responsible.

(7) There is the Supreme who by his Laws dispenses the Karma Phalam.

(8) Good and bad deeds rotate like a wheel.

(9) Karma done without the sense of doership and offered at the feet of the Supreme does not bind one.

(10) The Supreme intervenes in the case of a very select few (who deserve) and neutralises their karma due to his divine grace.

(11) Whether destiny is responsible?

(12) Whether it happens by chance?

(13) Whether KAla is responsible?

(14) The ultimate solution is to follow the Scriptures and do PrAyascitta to mitigate the grave sins.

prAyascittAnyaSeshANi tapah karmAtmakAni vai !
yAni teshamaSeshANAm KrishNAnussmaraNam param !!

WHETHER THERE IS ANY IMPACT OF TIME FACTOR IN FOLLOWING DHARMA?

2010-08-06T19:40:00.000-07:00

The concept of "dharma" gets influenced by the factor "KAla". That is why with each passing Yuga there is a decline in the practice of "dharma."

While one follows whatever dharmAnushthAna is possible by him in this Kali yuga, there is no need to condemn others who do not follow it totally.

The following quote from ParASara is worth remembering in this regard:

yuge yuge ca ye dharmAs tatratatra ca ye dvijAh !
teshAm nindA na kartavyA yugarUpa hi te dvijAh !!

WHETHER VANAPRASTHA ASRAMA IS PERMITTED IN KALI YUGA ?

2010-08-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

According to dharma SAstras, VAnaprastha ASrama is prohibited in Kali Yuga.

ayam ca VAnaprasthASramah "devareNa sutotpattir VAnaprasthASramagrahah " iti kalau nishiddah.

MAmsa dAnam tathA SrAddhe VAnaprathASramas tathA !

imAn dharmAn kaliyuge varjyAnAhur manIshiNah !

WHETHER SRADDHAM CAN BE PERFORMED BY BRAHMANAS ABROAD?

2010-07-03T18:10:00.000-07:00

Those who have mastered dharma SAstras are of the opinion that SrAddham (annual pitru ceremony) should be performed only in karma bhUmi (India). If a person has gone abroad, he should perform the prAyascitta and then do the SrAddham every year in karma bhUmi (India) .

A kartA who is abroad cannot avoid performance of SrAddham . He cannot ask somebody else to do the SrAddham in India instead of him and fast there.

1. yasmin deSe mrgah krishNah tasmin dharmAnnibodhata ! (YAjnavalkya)

2. svabhAvAt yatra vicaret krishNa SArah sadA mrugah !
dharma deSah sa vijneyo dvijAnAm karma SAdhanam !!
(Samvartah)

3. CAturvarNya vyavasthAnam yasmin deSe na vidyate !
tam Mlechha deSam jAnIyAt AryAvartAdanataram !! ( VyAsa)

4. na mlecchadeSe SrAddham kuryAt !
na gacchen mleccha vishayamiti ! (VishNu)

5. adharma DeSa madhye tu krtvA kratuSatAnyapi !
na gacchati dvijaSreshTa svargamArgam mahAnapi !! (Aditya purANam)

WHETHER BRAHMANA VARNA IS DETERMINED BY BIRTH?

2010-06-29T18:39:00.000-07:00

Vipra means BrAhmaNa .
A person is born as a BrAhmaNa.

As the first born among the mortals, he is known as agrajanmA.
After Upanayana. he becomes a dvija.
As one learned in Vedas, he is known as a Srotriya.
As a deity upon earth, he is known as BhUdeva.
As one who has emanated from the mukha of the Supreme, he is known as Mukhaja.
A BrAhmaNa who is only by birth and not by performance of duties is known as BrAhmaNabruva .

1. It is difficult to convince all as each one thinks that he/ she knows everything about dharma SAstras and their subtle interpretations.
2. The VarNa is determined only by birth according to the conclusive view of all traditional AcAryas including Adi SankarAcArya.
3. Regarding matters related to varNa and ASrama, we have to go by what is stated in established and accepted Smritis. We should not use our limited materialistic knowledge and try to justify with our own interpretations.
4. While a BrAhmaNa has to follow the varNASrama dharma to the extent possible, he has to necessarily treat those belonging to other VarNas with equal respect and dignity.
5. Now it has become a fashion among the vipras to say that brAhmaNas are not determined by birth. This brAhmaNa-bashing by members of the same community is unwarranted.

6. Instead of joining hands to bring the best out of the BrAhmaNa community as a whole for Universal welfare, it is sad that the community is denounced by its own members .

WHAT IS SPIRITUALISM FOR A POOR MAN?

2010-06-18T19:10:00.000-07:00

It is true that money is very important for day to day existence. The modern living has complicated this further.

In SrImad Bhagavad GItA , SrI KrishNa talks about selflessness, samatva bhAva and dexterity in action along with non-attachment. These essential ingredients of karma yoga when practised with deep faith and devotion would lead to human emancipation. By non-attachment to the fruits of action, one concentrates on the present and does the work in an excellent manner. He is also not affected by success or failure and is in a position to keep his poise and lead a life which is stress-free, wholesome and useful to others. He has a sense of non-doership and therefore karmas do not bind him.

Though a person may not have adequate monetary resources, the Supreme would show the path for fulfilling his basic necessities. This is true of all Beings where even before birth the mother’s milk is kept ready. A person is born to work out his prArabdha karma. He has some sort of conditional free-will just like a cow which is tethered to a peg. Within that circumference he can make self-efforts and progress both monetarily and spiritually.

To reach the Supreme, the mind is most important and not money. Whatever a person offers with devotion, be it a leaf, flower, fruit or water, the Supreme is immensely pleased. We hear the story of kucela , the childhood friend of SrI KrishNa who has to suffer for many years before which he could get His divine grace. The touching story of sage ThyagarAja who sung “ Nidhi sAla sugamA” is a pointer.

That is why in our daily prayers we say “sarve bhavantu sukhinah” (Let all be happy) and so on. The Vedic prayers cover not only the welfare of human beings but also that of plants and animals. Prayers are offered for pleasant environment taking into consideration the well-being of all.

The truth is that each one experiences the fruit of his action in his own way. A deeper insight into karma yoga alone can redeem humanity from its complex problems.

Even though a person strives hard for his daily bread, if he unconditionally submits to the Supreme and offers all his service as dedication unto the Lord, he is sure to attain the path of immortality.

WHETHER VEDIC MANTRAS CAN BE RECITED BY ALL?

2010-06-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

In matters regarding learning and teaching of Vedas , we have to go based on what is stated in the Vedic Scriptures and concluded by our AcAryas.

One should not confuse what is stated in the SAstras with our limited materialistic knowledge. It is safer and better to align with the UpadeSa of the renowned AcAryas in this regard.

Vedas are no doubt meant for Universal peace, Universal development and Universal welfare. But the Vedic yajnas have to be performed by those who are qualified by the SAstras to perform. While Vedic knowledge can be freely disseminated for the benefit of all, teaching and learning the Vedic Mantras have to be based on tradition only.

Vipras have protected the Vedas from time immemorial by making personal sacrifice and by leading a simple and austere life devoted to propagation of Vedas (sVadhyAya pravacanam). We have to offer our gratitude to them who have selflessly carried it so far despite numerous hurdles. In the name of modernity, let us not fiddle with it.

When we daily recite the SAnti Patha as below, we pray for the well-being of not only human beings but also animals and plants. Therefore Vedic Prayers have an Universal outlook.

Urdhvam jigAtu bheshajam !
Sam no astu dvipade !
Sam catushpade !

Om SAnti: SAnti: SAnti: !

The following Mantra also recited while offering oblations to our forefathers show how caring are the Vedas about environmental order.

Madhu vAtA rutAyate(Let the air be pleasant)

Madhu ksharanti sindhavah(Let the rivers be pleasant)

MAdhvIrnas santvoshadhIh(Let the plants and creepers be pleasant)

Madhu naktamutoshasi(Let the day and night be pleasant)

Madhumat pArthivam rajah(Let the dust of the earth be pleasant)

Madhu dyaurastu nah pitA(Let our father-like Sky be pleasant)

Madhu mAnno vanaspatih(Let the herbs be pleasant)

MadhumAm astu sUryah(Let the Sun be pleasant)

MAdhvIr gAvo bhavantu nah(Let the cows be pleasant to us)
--- mahAnArAyaNa upanishad xxxix-3

Let all the dvijas take the initiative in learning and propagating the Vedic knowledge for the benefit of all Beings within the framework of SAstras.

Else the prediction in SrImad BhAgavatam that "VedAh PAshaNda dUshitAh" would become a reality very soon.

Let us pray more Vipras do whatever they can for protecting and nourishing the Vedas and the Srotriyas.

Yadyat Acarati Sreshthah tadtadevetaro janah !
sa yat pramANam kurute lokas tadanuvartate !! ( Bh. G . iii- 21)

WHETHER WOMEN CAN RECITE SRI VISHNU SAHASRANAMA?

2010-06-08T09:21:00.001-07:00

SrImad BhAgavatam i-4-25 empowers Women to study MahAbhAratam .

strI SUdra dvijabandhUnAm
trayI na Sruti gocarA
karma Sreyasi mUdhAnAm
SreyA evam bhaved iha
Iti bhAratam AkhyAnam
krupayA muninA krutam

As SrI VishNu SahasranAma is part of MahAbhAratam, women can recite it as Sloka pAtha after learning from a Guru. However, it may not be advisable for them to do anganyAsa, karanyAsa etc and recite the same as japa.

In my limited understanding, there is no bar on Women to recite SrI Vishnu SahasranAma as a Sloka pAtha without elaborate rituals covering anganYAsa, KaranyAsa , etc.

WHETHER SCRIPTURES TALK ABOUT MATCHING OF HOROSCOPES FOR MARRIAGE?

2010-06-05T00:22:00.000-07:00

Our ancient Scriptures do not talk about matching of horoscopes for the purpose of marriage. Hence in those days this was not insisted upon.However, as the planetary positions of the groom and bride give some indication about one's health, longevity,etc the practice of matching the horoscope could have started later on. This has been stretched too far now.

Jyotish SAstra is more about determination of the auspicious time for conducting various rituals including yajNAs and SamskAras based on the planetary positions.

WHETHER SAGOTRA MARRIAGE IS ALLOWED AS PER SCRIPTURES?

2010-05-26T20:31:00.001-07:00

Sagotra marriage (having the same Pravara) is prohibited as per Scriptures vide Apastamba SUtra ii-5-11-15 , Gautama Smriti iv-2.

In the modern context, it is better to avoid Sagotra marriage as far as possible .
The marriage between sapiNdas/ daSarAtra/ trirAtra jnAtis to be totally avoided.

SIGNIFICANCE OF AKSHAYA TRITIYA AS PER SCRIPTURES

2010-05-15T05:01:00.000-07:00

The following are associated with Akshaya tritIyA :

1.BhagavAn Sri KrishNa says Akshayam while consuming the Avil ( Rice) given by Kucela. (MahAbhAratam)
2.DurvAsa Muni episode in which He feels stomach full even though he has not taken any food . This happens when Draupadi prays to SrI KrisNa when she has cleansed the Akshaya pAtram and no food is available. (MahAbhAratam).
3. Dharma Ghata dAnam ( Giving a pot with water as dAnam).
4. Giving dAnam especially water and food.
5. Pouring water to Plants and trees.
6. Feeding of animals.
7. Beginning of Krita yuga.
8. Performance of Pitru tarpaNam.

WHAT ARE THE 18 PARVAS OF MAHABHARATA?

2010-05-14T23:00:00.001-07:00

The 18 Parvas of Mahabharata are as follows:
Adi-parva
Sabha-parva
Vana-Parva
Virata-parva
Udyoga-parva
Bhishma-parva
Drona-parva
Karna-parva
Shalya-parva
Sauptika-parva
Stri-parva
Shanti-parva
Anusasana-parva
Ashvamedhika-parva
Ashramavasika-parva
Mausala-parva
Mahaprasthanika-parva
Svargarohana-parva

DIET AND AYURVEDA

2010-05-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

Ayurveda attaches great importance to Diet.
Diet is primarily responsible for one's welfare.
Diseases are due to wrong diet.
One derives nourishment, satisfaction, strength and intelligence from diet.

AhArasambhavam vastu rogAscAhAra sambhavAh !
hiTAhita viSeshAcca viSeshah sukha dukhayoh !!
--caraka samhitA xxviii-45

Na hita AhAropayoginAmagniveSa tannimittayA vyAdhayo jAyante
--caraka samhitA xxviii- 7

tushtih pushtir balam medhA sarvamanne prathishtitam
--caraka samhitA xxvii -350

CHECKLIST OF KARTRUTVA IN THE DESCENDING ORDER OF PREFERENCE FOR PERFORMING THE LAST RITES FOR BRAHMANAS

2010-04-22T18:54:00.000-07:00

CHECKLIST OF KARTRUTVA IN THE DESCENDING ORDER OF PREFERENCE FOR PERFORMING THE LAST RITES FOR BRAHMANAS

1) Putra – Son (Eldest)
2) Pautra- Son’s Son
3) Prapautra – Son of Pautra
4) Datta – Adopted Son, Son given in Adoption
5) Datta Putra – Son of Datta
6) DhanahArI Dauhitra – Son of Daughter ( who is the inheritor of wealth)
7) DhanaGhrahaNa abhAvepi Dauhitra --- Son of Daughter (Though not the inheritor of wealth)
8) PatnI –Wife
9) Jyeshtha BhrAtA– Elder Brother
10) SapatnI Putra – ( Co-Wife’s Son in case of Women)
11) BhartA - Husband
12) PutrI – Daughter
13) BhrAtA – Brother
14) Bhratru Putra – Brother’s Son
15) Pitruvya PutrAh -- Sons of Paternal Uncle ( cittappA , periappA )
16) Pitruvya Putrasya PutrAh – Sons of Paternal Uncle’s Son
17) PitA –Father
18) MAtA – Mother
19) SnushA -- Daughter-in-Law
20) PautrI --- Son's daughter
21) DauhitrI --- Daughter's daughter
22) Pautrasya PatnI -- Wife of Son's Son
23) Pautrasya PutrI-- Daughter of Son's Son
24) Dattasya PatNI --- Wife of Datta
25) BhaginI – Sister
26) BhAgineYa – Son of Sister
27) SapiNda
28) SamAnodaka
29) MAtrU Sapinda
30) Matru SamAnodaka
31) Sagotra - Same Gotra as the deceased
32) Sishya – Disciple
33) jAmAtA – Son-in-Law
34) sakhA – Friend
35) DhanahArI – One who is going to inherit Wealth of the deceased

Note : In case of non-availability of any relatives, DakshiNA can be given to a BrAhmaNa and he may be requested to perform the Last Rites.

WHETHER WOMEN HAVE KARTUTVA TO PERFORM THE LAST RITES?

2010-04-21T19:14:00.000-07:00

There are 35 persons who have the eligibility of kartrutva. Out of these, the following women have the kartrutva in the descending order of preference:
(a) PatnI --Wife
(b) PutrI -- Daughter
(c) mAtA -- Mother
(d) SnushA -- Daughter-in-Law
(e) PautrI --- Son's daughter
(f) DauhitrI --- Daughter's daughter
(g) Pautrasya PatnI -- Wife of Son's Son
(h) Pautrasya PutrI-- Daughter of Son's Son
(i) Dattasya PatNI --- Wife of Datta
(j) BhaginI -- Sister

It has to be kept in view that while Kartrutva is there for women as above, they cannot perform the religious rites independently themselves. They have to do the sankalpa and entrust performance of the rites to a BrAhmaNa of their choice who has undergone upanayanam. This is done symbolically by the woman concerned by handing over the darbha after the sankalpa to the BrAhmaNa as aforesaid. The Rites would be performed by the above BrAhmaNa.

WHETHER SON IN LAW CAN PERFORM THE LAST RITES?

2010-04-21T18:41:00.000-07:00

There is no restraint in the SAstras that Son-in-Law's father should not be alive in case he has to perform the last rites of the father-in-law. The kartrutvam by Son-in-Law comes later in the order of preference of the eligible KartAs. Amongst the list of eligible KartAs, dauhitra ( son of daughter) ranks next to Putra (Son) followed by brother, brother's son and so on. The SAstras compassionately allow sagotra (One belonging to the same Gotra) or sakhA (one's friend) or a BrAhmaNa ( by giving some money) also to perform the last rites if there are no relatives available. The moot point is that samskAra of the dead should be performed .

It is not correct to state that those who have father never enter crematorium nor should they perform any funeral rites with the exception of their mother. For example, the dauhitran ( daughter's son) can perform the last rites of his grandfather, even though his own father is alive.

WHAT ARE THE GOTRAS WITH FIVE RISHIS?

2010-04-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

The following are the Gotras having pancArsheya (five Rishis):

anUpa Gotra
apnavana Gotra
avata Gotra
Apastambi Gotra
ArshtisheNa Gotra
AtmabhU Gotra
ucatya Gotra
Aurva Gotra
karNa Gotra
kapila Gotra
KAtyAyana Gotra
garga Gotra
gartabhya Gotra
kAlava Gotra
gautama Gotra
kaumAnda Gotra (3 Variants)
cyavana Gotra
mAmantareshaNa Gotra
MArkaNdeya Gotra
mAsUrAksha Gotra (3 Variants)
maudgalya Gotra
yAskAyana Gotra
Rksha Gotra
raukshAyaNa Gotra
vatsa Gotra
vatsapurotas Gotra
vAtSAyana Gotra
vAtsya Gotra
VAtsyAyana Gotra
vAlmIkI Gotra
vIhatahavya Gotra
caicira (2 Variants)
caila bhArgava Gotra
sAnkrtya Gotra
sakIni Gotra
sAmbarAyaNa Gotra
sAvarNi Gotra

WHAT ARE THE 18 PURANAS?

2010-04-14T08:13:00.000-07:00

The 18 Puráńas are as follows:

1. Brahmá Puráńa
2. Padma Puráńa
3. Vishńu Puráńa
4. Váyavíya Puráńa
5. Bhágavata Puráńa
6. Naradíya Puráńa
7. Márkańdeya Puráńa
8. Agni Puráńa
9. Bhavishya Puráńa
10. Brahma-vaivartta Puráńa
11. Linga Puráńa
12. Varáha Puráńa
13. Skanda Puráńa
14. Vámana Puráńa
15. Kúrma Puráńa
16. Matsya Puráńa
17. Gáruda Puráńa
18. Brahmáńda Puráńa

MANTRA FOR ASVATTHA PRADAKSHINAM

2010-04-09T23:33:00.000-07:00

The following Mantra to be recited while doing pradakshiNam of aSvattha tree.

mUlato brahmarUpAya madhyato vishNu rUpiNe !
agratah Siva rUpAya vrksha rAjAya te namah !!

Thus the aSvattha tree is of the form of trimUrti comprising of Brahma, VishNu and Siva.
aSvattha is considered as the king of trees.

BASIC CONCEPTS OF AYURVEDA

2010-03-06T18:48:00.000-08:00

The following are the basic concepts of Ayurveda:

1.panca mahAbhUtas -- Five great elements

AkASa --- Space
vAyu --- Air
teja --- Fire
jala --- Water
prithivI --- Earth

2. tridoshas --- Three biological imbalances

vAta --- Combination of Air and Space
pitta --- Fire
kapha --- Water and Earth

3. sapta dhAtus --- Seven Constituents

rasa --- Chyle
rakta --- Blood
MAmsa --- Muscle
majjA ---- Marrow
asthi ---- Bone
medhA ---- Brain and nervous system
Sukra ---- Sperm and ovum

4 malas --- Excretal products

5.triguNas --- Three qualities

satva --- Peace
rajas --- Passion
tamas --- Ignorance

WHAT ARE THE MAIN BRANCHES OF AYURVEDA?

2010-03-05T07:32:00.000-08:00

There are eight main Branches of Ayurveda. These are as follows:

(1) KAyacikitsa (General Medicine)
(2) BAlacikitsa (Pediatrics)
(3) Grahacikitsa (Psychiatry)
(4) UrdhvAngacikitsa (Treatment of ENT and Cephalic diseases)
(5) Salyacikitsa (Surgery)
(6) Damshtracikitsa (Toxicology)
(7) Jaracikitsa (Geriatrics, Rejuvenation)
(8) Vrshacikitsa (Aphrodisiac Therapy)

MANTRA FOR WEARING KARADAIYAN NONBU SARADU BY MARRIED WOMEN

2010-03-01T18:42:00.000-08:00

The following Mantra to be recited by married women while wearing the kAradaiyAn nonbu saradu (yellow thread) :

doram grihNAmi subhage mahAridram dharAmyaham !
Bhartuh Ayushya sidhyartham suprItA bhava sarvadA !!

TALK ON "EXCELLENCE THROUGH KARMA YOGA"

2010-02-06T18:46:00.000-08:00

Talk on "Excellence through Karma Yoga" delivered by Dr S Kannan, Consultant, Tata Consultancy Services on 6th February, 2010 at Taj Connemara, Chennai in the 34th All India Conference on Internal Audit organised by The Institute of Internal Auditors India, Madras Chapter.

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Highlights from the Talk

Karma Yoga Concepts

•Types of karma: nitya, naimittika, kAmya, nishiddha, prAyaScitta
•Drivers : Likes, dislikes (rAga, dvesha)
•Factors: karaNam, kAraNam, kartA. bhoktA, daivam
•Characteristics : Desirelessness, Proficiency, Faith
•TyAga : Karma tyAga , Karma phala tyAga
•Karma, akarma, vikarma
•MAnasam, VAcikam, KAyikam
•3D’s : Delight, Devotion, Detachment
•sañcita, prArabdha, AgAmi

Karma Yogi

•Satisfied in the Atman through the Atman
•Steady wisdom
•Without desires
•Without attachment , balanced in happiness and misery
•Free from subtle impressions
•At peace even though moving with the sense objects
•Works like a Master
•Work is of very best quality
•Impelled by utmost compassion, works for the good of the world

How Karma Yoga helps Professionals?

•Independence --- asangah - svAtantriyam
•Objectivity --- asangah - satyam
•Competency --- svadharma – kauSalam
•Ethical --- karma – not following vikarma
•Commitment --- abhirati
•Delight in one’s own duty -- sve sve karmaNi abhiratah
•Devotion to duty --- svakarmaNiratah
•Dedication as service to Supreme – svakarmaNA tamabhyarcya

Vedic Management - The Holistic Approach to Managerial Excellence

2009-12-31T12:39:00.000-08:00

A summary of the talk on ‘Vedic Management - The Holistic Approach to Managerial Excellence’ delivered by Dr S Kannan, Consultant, Tata Consultancy Services held on 23 November 2009 at Chennai

1. An overview of Vedas The Vedas refer to ancient knowledge of supreme authority. The Vedic literature is meant for the emancipation of the entire humanity. One can find in them an unceasing vibrant charm which has withstood the tests of time. Vedas are apaurusheya and have not been composed by any person or agency. Vedic poets are called seers of the Mantras and are not to be construed as the original authors of the Vedic Mantras.

http://www.mmachennai.org/mandate/2010_jan/vedic.html

EXCELLENCE THROUGH KARMA YOGA

2009-12-19T06:28:00.000-08:00

There are four types of yoga consisting of jnAna yoga, dhyAna yoga, bhakti yoga and karma yoga.
jnAna yoga is achieved through the knowledge of discrimination between Atma and AnAtma .

dhyAna yoga comprises of eight limbs ending with samAdhi.

Unconditional devotion towards the Supreme is bhakti yoga.

karma yoga refers to yoga through action. Though karma is said to be the cause for bondage, when performed without attachment in a selfless manner , it transforms into yoga. The term "yoga" represents union with the cosmic consciousness.

karma yoga has three essential characteristics in terms of desirelessness, proficiency and faith.
nishkAmatva (desirelessness) represents non-attachment towards the fruit of action.
kauSala represents skill in action.
Astikya buddhi refers to utmost faith in the Supreme .

The karma yogi has nothing to fear as he is engaged in selfless action without any ego. The world is characterized by karma. It is made of the triguNas of satva, rajas and tamas. It is a mixture of good and bad resulting in pleasure or pain. Doing good to the world destroys selfishness. Freedom from action is attained through action. Selfish desires are to be given up.

One should perform action based on his svadharma. Prescribed duties must be performed in a selfless manner. All ordained duties are equal. One who sees action in inaction and inaction in action is the Seer. Action may be done with the desire for liberation or for pleasing the Supreme or as service to the people.

The karma yogi maintains perfect peace and tranquility though he is moving in the midst of sense objects. He works like a great master. He is independent. He serves the Society tirelessly impelled by ultimate compassion. He achieves excellence through the path of karma yoga.

WHAT IS MEDITATION?

2009-12-04T18:08:00.000-08:00

"Meditation is the profound journey from sound to silence.
It is the flight from external to internal.
It is the movement from goss to subtle.
It is the voyage from movement to stillness.
It is the travel from everything to nothing.
The stage of nothingness characterized by absence of any desire and thought represents the peak of meditation."
-- Dr.S.Kannan " Vedic Management- The Holistic Approach to Managerial Excellence, Taxmann, New Delhi, 2009 Edition.
http://www.taxmann.net/BookShop/productdetail.aspx?pid=904&cid=31

WHAT IS MIND?

2009-11-24T18:06:00.000-08:00

Mind is composed of the following four faculties:
manas - Emotions, moods, likes, dislikes
buddhi - Intellect , reasoning, observation, conclusion, knowledge, creativity
cittam - Perception, cognition, memory, reflection, recollection
ahamkAra - Ego

WHAT IS KARANA SARIRA (CAUSAL BODY) ?

2009-11-15T05:46:00.000-08:00

kAraNa SarIra ( Causal Body):
(a) Inexplicable
(b) Beginningless
(c) In the form of ignorance
(d) Sole cause for the gross and subtle bodies
(e) Ignorant of its own true nature
(f) Without thoughts (nirvikalpa)

WHAT IS SUKSHMA SARIRA (SUBTLE BODY)?

2009-11-14T02:10:00.000-08:00

sUskhma SarIra (Subtle Body):
(a) Composed of five great elements ( panca mahAbhUta) which have not undergone the process of grossification (pancIkaraNa)
(b) Born as a result of good actions of the past (human body)
(c) Container for experiencing Pleasure and Pain
(d) Constituting 17 items –
5 organs of perception (jnAnedriyas – ears, skin, eyes, tongue and nose)
5 organs of action (karmendriyas – speech, hands, legs, anus and genitals)
5 prANas ( prANa, apAna, vyAna, udAna and samAna)
mind (manah)
intellect (buddhi)

WHAT IS STHULA SARIRA (GROSS BODY) ?

2009-11-13T19:03:00.000-08:00

sthUla SarIra :
(a) Made up of five great elements ( panca mahAbhUta) which have undergone the process of grossification (pancIkaraNa)
(b) Born as a result of good actions of the past ( human body)
(c) Instrument for experiencing Pleasure and Pain
(d) Undergoes the six-fold modifications representing potential existence, birth, growing, maturing, decaying and dying.

Whether computer or robot can have a "Being" ?

2009-11-10T18:32:00.000-08:00

Based on the three-fold principles of Vedic Philosophy known as tatva traya, the Universe is composed of three types of beings as follows:
(a) cit - Consciousness -- Sentient Being --This is the Subject principle. Human Beings, Animals, Plants, Birds which have a life principle . With a body they are born and they undergo six-fold modifications and perish. They suffer pains and enjoy pleasures. They are conditioned beings and have a lot of dependencies. The Atman (Soul) is imperishable. This is known as BMIS concept.(Body-Mind-Intellect-Self)
(b) acit - Insentient Being - This is the Object principle. Materials which do not have consciousness like stone, gold, sand, iron and so on. These are perishable. There is no life principle involved.
(c) ISvara - God - This is the creator and sustainer of the entire Universe. He is ancient and eternal. He is fully independent. He is both the material and efficient cause of creation.

Bhagavad GItA Chapter XV is known as purushottamayoga adhyAya .Lord KrishNa beautifully summarizes the above concept in this Chapter. Accordingly, the world is made up of three things as under:
(a) kshara -Perishable objects (Insentient). This includes the three types of bodies comprising sthUla SarIra (gross body), sUkshma SarIra (subtle body) and kAraNa SarIra (Causal body).
(b) akshara - jIvAtmA -- Imperishable (Sentient)
(c) uttama purusha - paramAtmA -- ISvara ---Supreme God who is the Lord sustaining the worlds. (Chapter XV-16, 17)

In the light of the above understanding, a Computer or robot is acit. It is kshara which is perishable. It does not have the consciousness and life principle. There is no "Being" involved in a Computer or robot though we may say it has some built-in Artificial Intelligence.

ATMAN IS THE SOURCE OF ENERGY

2009-11-09T03:58:00.000-08:00

Atman (Self) is the source of energy.

AtmanA vindate vIryam- Kena Upanishad ii-4

From the Self, one attains energy.

WHETHER DHARMA SASTRAS CAN BE RATIONALIZED TO ADAPT TO MODERN TIMES?

2009-11-01T18:00:00.000-08:00

The yuga dharma makes it difficult for any one to comply with the dharmas as enshrined in the scriptures. To-day no one including the renowned sanYAsis are strictly able to follow the dharma in letter and spirit. Day by day there are many distractions and onslaughts which weaken the dharma. There are many who are not concerned with following the path of dharma. They have almost given up every thing and have become a human robot for all practical purposes. But there are some who would like to abide by the dharma but are conditioned by the constraints of desa, kAla and vartamAna. It is only those people who want a dynamic approach to SAstras so that there is an assurance that whatever they do is as per the Scriptures.

The moot question now is whether in such a deteriorating situation we should also revise the SAstras to fit in the modern trends so that it makes every one happy and does not give a guilty feeling regarding non-compliance. In the past, all attempts to rationalize dharma SAstras to make them adaptable to modern times have been condemned by learned scholars as no one has the authority to do so.

Notwithstanding the above, there is always the demand to look at dharma SAstras more practically. Now who would categorically say that a particular aspect is as per dharma or not? The knowledge available is limited and anything said by one person can be easily questioned by others based on each one’s level of understanding. We would be spending time in asking and answering but without any definite conclusion.

The solution to all these questions concerning dharma should be addressed by a dharma sadas consisting of learned Srotriyas who are experts in dharma sAstras constituted by the respective Mutt Heads. It shall be the responsibility of the dharma Sadas to determine what is according to dharma in the prevailing circumstances. Even here, considering the force of kali yuga, we need to follow the three-fold classification of dharma viz., uttama. madhyama and adhama. In the ultimate analysis it would end up that even following the adhama paksha of dharma would be difficult for most of us in the modern context.

In my humble view, on-line Forums can only ask questions but cannot conclude any thing convincingly because of the divergent views. My suggestion is that the esteemed members of the Forums can prepare a set of pointed questions which affect the practice of dharma and leave it to the experts of the dharma Sadas to analyze and resolve based on scriptural authority.

What we have to keep in view is that there are certain prAyascittas prescribed in the dharma SAstras which would mitigate the effects for non-conformance to dharma. Even those would be difficult to follow in the current context. It shall be the endeavor of the dharma Sadas to explore the dharma sAstras in depth and recommend ways and means of compliance which are practicable.

To start with, one can take the initiative in approaching one reputed Mutt to constitute the dharma Sadas. This can then be extended.

In the ultimate analysis:

prAyascittanyaSeshANi tapah karmAtmakAni vai !
yani teshamaSeshANam krishNanusmaraNam param !!

hare krishNa hare krishNa krishNa krishNa hare hare !
hare rAma hare rAma rAma rAma hare hare !!

WHETHER ONE CAN LISTEN TO VEDAS THROUGH THE WEB?

2009-11-01T07:55:00.001-08:00

Regarding reciting the Vedas, the following six types of people are considered as "adhamAh"
gItI SIghrI Sirah kampI tathA likhita pAthakah!
anarthajnah alpakantasca shadete pAthakAdhamah!!
Among the six, those who read Vedas from Books are also condemned.

Based on my limited understanding, the modern mode of listening to digitized Vedas by any one at any place at any time based on one's convenience is not explicitly approved in the SAstras.

Regarding the listeners also, one has to maintain respectfully the sanctity and dignity of the Vedas. Otherwise, listening to Vedas casually as ordinary music while travelling or doing some other work or when one is impure would be against the Scriptural norms.The easy availability of Vedas in digital form to every one irrespective of adhikAri niyama would greatly undermine its sanctity.

A vipra can listen to Vedas keeping the above aspects in view.

No doubt kali yuga dharma is fast devouring all of us and we cannot escape from this fact. Only thing is that we should try to follow whatever little is possible in the circumstances.

By efflux of time though everything becomes acceptable to ordinary people like us, we should not be a party to recommend wholesome changes in the SAstras to suit modern thinking and consumerist living.

My Talk in the Second International Conference on "Igniting the Genius Within" at ISB, Hyderabad

2009-10-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

I gave a talk in the Second International Conference on "Igniting the Genius Within" at ISB, Hyderabad on 23-10-2009. The subject of my Talk was "Tiding over Turbulence: Ancient Insights for Modern Leaders."

http://www.isb.edu/CLIC/SecondGeniusConferenceSpeakers.Shtml#SKannan

http://www.isb.edu/CLIC/SpeakerAbstract.Shtml#SKannan

http://www.isb.edu/clic/geniusconference-09/index.html

http://www.isb.edu/media/UsrSiteNewsMgmt.aspx?topicid=605

VEDIC PRAYERS FOR PLEASANT ENVIRONMENT

2009-10-11T06:27:00.000-07:00

mahAnArAyaNa upanishad xxxix-3

madhu vAtA rutAyate
(Let the air be pleasant)
madhu ksharanti sindhavah
(Let the rivers be pleasant)
mAdhvIrnas santvoshadhIh
(Let the plants and creepers be pleasant)
Madhu naktamutoshasi
(Let the day and night be pleasant)
Madhumat pArthivam rajah
(Let the dust of the earth be pleasant)
Madhu dyaurastu nah pitA
(Let our father-like Sky be pleasant)
madhu mAnno vanaspatih
(Let the herbs be pleasant)
madhumAm astu sUryah
(Let the Sun be pleasant)
mAdhvIr gAvo bhavantu nah
(Let the cows be pleasant to us)

Whether a Brahmana is determined by birth?

2009-10-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

Apastamba dharma sUtra clearly establishes that the VarNa is determined by birth. Accordingly a BrAhmaNa is also determined by birth.

catvAro varNo brAhmaNa kshatriya vaiSya SUdrAh ! i-3
tesham pUrvah pUrvo janmatah SreyAn ! i-4

BRAHMANA

2009-10-04T19:32:00.000-07:00

Vipraha means BrAhmaNaha.
A person is born as a BrAhmaNa.
As the first born among the mortals, he is known as agrajanmA.
After Upanayana. he becomes a dvijaha.
As one learned in Vedas, he is known as a Srotriyaha.
As a deity upon earth, he is known as BhUdevaha.
As one who has emanated from the mukha of the Supreme, he is known as Mukhajaha.
A BrAhmaNa who is only by birth and not by performance of duties is known as BrAhmaNabruvaha.