WHETHER DHARMA SASTRAS CAN BE ALTERED TO SUIT MODERN TIMES?

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?

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

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?

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

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.