Towards The End Subrahmanya

I had the unpleasant task of visiting my elder brother , 86, who was hospitalised for a Fall.

Unpleasant because , to see one who had been vigorous, fiercely independent and forever dynamic bedridden depending on others for basic functions.

To see human beings dependant on others is pathetic.

And the blind trust one has to have on others on such situations.

One is proud, independant, does not bother others or bothers about others when one is healthy and/or young.

When one falls sick or advances in age when one can not even command his senses, pitiable.

People might have money, contacts.

Yet one needs people at these times.

One must also remember that those who assist, be it children or friends, that they have their commitments, offices/businesses to attend to, families to look after……

As one lies helplessly, awaiting others to come to help….

Humiliating and painful.

Yet you can do nothing.

If the disease is severe and chances of revival are remote, horrible!

One can not choose his time of Death.

What does one need towards the end of his life?

That,

He should not lie sick,

He should not have self reproach and the

End should be swift and painless.

.நோயுற்று அடராமல் நொந்து மனம் வாடாமல் பாயிற் கிடவாமல் பாவியேன் காயத் தை ஓர் நொடிக்குள் நீக்கி என்னை ஒன் போருர் ஐயா நின் சீரடிக்கீழ் வைப்பாய் தெரிந்து’

‘சென்னை போரூர் பா மாலையில் தவத்திரு சிதம்பர சுவாமிகள் தி ருவாய் மலர்ந்து அருளியது.

Addressed to Lord Subrahmanya at Porur.

Let me be not struck by disease,

Nor do I suffer by Self reproach,

Ensure Lord Subrahmanya that You ensure I attain Your Feet swiftly, without pain.

-Chidambara Swamigal, Porur Paamaalai.

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Death Expenses Upto Thirteen Days Detail

People are bewildered when it they have to conduct the Final rites of the deceased.

This is more complex and confusing in the case of Brahmins.

The reason is that the ceremonies are elaborate in terms of Mantras and the Dhanas/ the giveaways to the deserving are quite many .

And there are various interpretations.

Add to this the Sentiment value attached to events, especially Death.

To top it all you have all and sundry, well meaning though, confuse you.

So under the circumstances one has to address two major issues.

1. Mantras and Procedures.

2.The total expenses.

Under Mantras and expenses it is suggested that follow the suggestions of the Family Purohit.

In case you do not have one, contact Srinngeri/Kanchi Mutt for Purohit.

In places where these Mutts do not have their presence, check out the prominent temple in your city and you shall get the Purohit.

As to general rules to be followed please check my article Mourning Death Theetu Hindu Rituals.

As to expenses.

Thirteen days Rituals are prescribed.

While the first twelve days are Asubha Kaaryas,the Thirteenth Day is Auspicious, Subha.

In Hinduism, the Body, after Life has left, is called Sava, the physical body, sans Life.

However, at the spiritual level, the dead body,Sava is called ‘ Pretha’

Till the twelfth day the dead remain as Pretha and only after the Pindaas are joined to earlier Pitrus or ancestors, does the Pretha becomes A Pitru.

On the thirteenth day Subhasweekara/ Gruhayagnya is performed to denote auspiciousness.

There are rites to be performed from the day of death.

First day one cremates and on the next day collects the Ashes.

If the Cremation is done on the next Thithi( on the same day), this may change during the day depending on the Movement of rhe Moon, the Ashes may be collected on the same day of Death.

Expenses for these two days are approximately Rs. 15, 000/

This excludes what one may incur at the Cremation ground by way of tips to Cremation ground staff.

Many cremation grounds offer free service.

Other wise these expenses will have to be borne.

Sastras say that the Rites from day one to Thirteen are to be performed at Home.

However the practice now is to perform at the Gynavapis.

There are three types of perdorming these Rites.

Performing Tharpana from day one to ten.

Second option is to start from day seven.

And the third is to start on day Nine.

The approximate expenses from day three to Thirteen is Rs.60,000/.

This covers ,

Purohit Fees,

Gyanavapi Rental,

Materials for all the Rites, excluding the The Thirteenth day.

Food for 30 people from day seven to day twelve.

Dhana includes the following.

Land as token,

Umbrella,

Woollen blanket,

Chappal,

Deepa

Vastra,

Swarna.

Cow.

The above is an indication.

The fee mentioned includes all the Dhanas.

So one need not be worried whether one has omitted some.

If the Purohit does not do the Dhanas after one has given him money, the Sin would accrue to him and not to the Kartha.

For the Thirteenth day, expenses for Food and Pooja materials(Pooaja materials might cost maximum Rs.500) is to be borne by the householder.

The thirteenth day rite is to be conducted at Home and not anywhere else.

The above expenses as obtaining at Chennai in 2017.

Variation of about 10% is likely elsewhere.

In effect, expenses for thirteen days Rituals would be around Rs.75, 000/

This would do for the Karmas.

Anything above this would be at your convenience.

Krishna Janmashtami Pooja Procedure Mantras Full

The personal approach God,of treating Him as a Human being and interacting with Him as one would with a Human being is unique to Hinduism.

For Hinduism, God is not someone who wields the stick when we err or offer carrots when we are in our best behaviour.

One has to reap the consequences of one’s actions and there is no escaping from it.

Krishna Janmashtami 2017.

14 August.

Muhurtha for Pooja.

Nishita Puja Time = 24:03+ to 24:47+

Duration = 0 Hours 43 Mins
Mid Night Moment = 24:25+

On 15th, Parana Time = After 17:39

On Parana Day Ashtami Tithi End Time = 17:39
Janmashtami without Rohini Nakshatra

*Vaishnava Krishna Janmashtami falls on 15/Aug/2017
For Vaishnava Janmashtami Next Day Parana Time = 05:54 (After Sunrise)
On Parana Day Ashtami got over before Sunrise
Janmashtami without Rohini Nakshatra

Krishna as a child

One does not and can not bribe God nor God is a Broker to intervene in the functioning of Cosmic Law.

Gods, when they take Avatars are bound by their actions as may be noticed from Rama, Krishna Avatars.

Then why do people perform Pooja?

Self realization is nothing but the rediscovering the true Nature of oneself, Sat, Chit and Ananda, Being, Consciousness and Bliss.

Human mind needs to be focussed from the myriad of Thoughts to concentrate on a Single Thought which would lead to the annihilation of Thoughts and one realizes the Self.

The Poojas are a tool to concentrate the Mind and to lead one towards Godhood.

When one connects with Reality at the emotional level, it becomes easier to practice Bhakthi Yoga.

This type of Approach is like Kindergarten and when one reaches Higher levels of Yoga and realizes BrahmanThe Self, the earlier approach of Pooja might seem silly.

But nobody can get a Doctorate without attending Kindergarten.

So performance of Poojas is vital.

In performing Poojas, there are processes of performing them ,

Five fold, Pancha Upachaara,

Shodasa Upachaara,Sixteen Fold and

Sixty four Fold.

Please read my articles on Upachaara.

I am providing the Sixteen Fold process of Pooja to be performed forcLord Krishna on Janmashtami,Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami.

One starts Poojas with Prayer to Ganesh, take right determination, Sankalpa and proceeds thus.

Dhyanam (ध्यानम्) Puja should begin with the meditation of Lord Krishna. Dhyana should be done in front of already installed Lord Krishna statue in front of you.

Following Mantra should be chanted while meditating on Lord Shri Krishna.

Om Tamadbhutam Balakam Ambujekshanam Chaturbhuja Shankha Gadadyudhayudam। Shri Vatsa Lakshmam Gala Shobhi Kaustubham Pitambaram Sandra Payoda Saubhagam॥ Maharha Vaidhurya Kiritakundala Tvisha Parishvakta Sahasrakundalam। Uddhama Kanchanagada Kanganadibhir Virochamanam Vasudeva Ekshata॥ Dhyayet Chaturbhujam Krishnam, Shankha Chakra Gadadharam। Pitambaradharam Devam Mala Kaustubhabhushitam॥ Om Shri Krishnaya Namah। Dhyanat Dhyanam Samarpayami॥

Avahanam (आवाहनं) After Dhyana of Lord Krishna, one should chant following Mantra in front of the Murti, by showing Aavahan Mudra (Aavahan Mudra is formed by joining both palms and folding both thumbs inwards).

Avahana Mantra

Om Sahasrashirsha Purushah Sahasrakshah Sahasrapat। Sa Bhumim Vishvato Vritva Atyatishthaddashangulam॥ Agachchha Devadevesha Tejorashe Jagatpate। Kriyamanam Maya Pujam, Grihana Surasattame॥ Avahayami Deva Tvam Vasudeva Kulodbhavam। Pratimayam Suvarnadinirmitayam Yathavidhi॥ Krishnam Cha Balabadhram Cha Vasudevam Cha Devakim। Nandagopa Yashodam Cha Subhadram Tatra Pujayet॥ Atma Devanam Bhuvanasya Garbho Yathavasham Charati Deveshah। Ghosha Idasya Shrnvire Na Rupam Tasmai Vatayahavisha Vidhema॥ Shri Kleem Krishnaya Namah, Saparivara Sahita, Shri Balakrishnam Avahayami॥

Asanam (आसनं) After Lord Krishna has been invoked, take five flowers in Anjali (by joining palm of both hands) and leave them in front of the Murti to offer seat to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra.

Asana Mantra

Purusha Evedagam Sarvam Yadbhutam Yachchha Bhavyam। Utamritatvasyeshanah Yadannenatirohati॥ Rajadhiraja Rajendra Balakrishna Mahipate। Ratna Simhasanam Tubhyam Dasyami Svikuru Prabho॥ Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah। Asanam Samarpayami॥

Padya (पाद्य)

After offering seat to Lord Krishna offer Him water to wash the feet while chanting following Mantra.

Padyam Mantra Etavanasya Mahima Ato Jyayaganshcha Purushah। Padoasya Vishva Bhutani Tripadasyamritam Divi॥ Achyutananda Govinda Pranatarti Vinashana। Pahi Mam Pundarikaksha Prasida Purushottama॥ Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah। Padoyo Padyam Samarpayami॥

Arghya (अर्घ्य) After Padya offering, offer water to Shri Krishna for head Abhishekam while chanting following Mantra. Arghyam Mantra.

Tripadurdhva Udaitpurushah Padoasyehabhavatpunah। Tato Vishvangvyakramat Sashananashane Abhi॥ Paripurna Parananda Namo Namo Krishnaya Vedhase। Grihanarghyam Maya Dattam Krishna Vishnorjanardana॥ Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah। Arghyam Samarpayami॥

Achamaniyam (आचमनीयं) After Arghya offering, offer water to Shri Krishna for Achamana (water for sipping) while chanting following Mantra.

Achamana Mantra

Tasmadviradajayata Virajo Adhi Purushah। Sa Jato Atyarichyata Pashchadbhumimatho Purah॥ Namah Satyaya Shuddhaya Nityaya Jnana Rupine। Grihanachamanam Krishna Sarva Lokaika Nayaka॥ Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah। Achamaniyam Samarpayami॥

Snanam (स्नानं) After Achamana, offer water to Shri Krishna for the bath while chanting following Mantra.

Snanam Mantra.

Yatpurushena Havisha Deva Yajnamatanvata। Vasanto Asyasidajyam Grishma Idhmashsharaddhavih॥ Brahmandodara Madhyasthaistithaishcha Raghunandana। Snapayishyamyaham Bhaktya Tvam Grihana Janardana॥ Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah। Malapakarsha Snanam Samarpayami॥

Vastra (वस्त्र)

Now offer Moli (मोली) as new clothes to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra.

Vastra Mantra.

Om Tam Yajnam Barhishi Praukshan Purusham Jatamagratah। Tena Deva Ayajanta Sadhya Rishayashcha Ye॥ Om Upaitu Mam Devasakhah Kirtishcha Manina Saha। Pradurbhutoasmi Rashtresminkirtimriddhim Dadatu Me॥ Tapta Kanchana Samkasham Pitambaram Idam Hare। Samgrihana Jagannatha Balakrishna Namoastute॥ Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah।

Vastrayugmam Samarpayami॥

Yajnopavita (यज्ञोपवीत) After Vastra offering, offer Yajnopavita to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra.

Yajnopavitam Mantra.

Tasmadyajnatsarvahutah Sambhritam Prishadajyam। Pashuganstaganshchakre Vayavyan Aranyan Gramyashchaye॥ Kshutpipasamalam Jyeshthamalakshmim Nashayamyaham। Abhutimasamriddhim Cha Sarvam Nirnudame Grihat॥ Shri Balakrishna Devesha Shridharananta Raghava। Brahmasutramchottariyam Grihana Yadunandana॥ Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah। Yajnopavitam Samarpayami॥

Gandha (गन्ध) After Yajnopavita offering, offer scent to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra.

Gandha Mantra.

Tasmadyajnatsarvahutah Richah Samani Jajnire। Chhandansi Jajnire Tasmat Yajustasmadajayata॥ Gandhadwaram Duradharsham Nityapushtam Karishinim। Ishwarim Sarvabhutanam Tamihopahvaye Shriyam॥ Kumkumagaru Kasturi Karpuram Chandanam Tata। Tubhyam Dasyami Rajendra Shri Krishna Svikuru Prabho॥ Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah। Gandham Samarpayami॥

Abharanam Hastabhushan (आभरणं हस्तभूषण)

Now offer jewellery (Abhushana) to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra.

Abharanam Hastabhushan Mantra Grihana Nanabharanani Krishnaya Nirmitani। Lalata Kanthottama Karna Hasta Nitamba Hastamguli Bhushanani॥ Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah। Abharanani Samarpayami॥ Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah। Hastabhushanam Samarpayami॥

Nana Parimala Dravya (नाना परिमल द्रव्य)

Now offer various fragrance stuffs to Lord Krishna while chanting following Mantra.

Nana Parimala Dravya Mantra Om Ahiriva Bhogaih Paryeti Bahum Jayaya Hetim Paribadhamanah। Hastaghno Vishva Vayunani Vidvanpumanpumamsam Pari Patu Vishvatah॥ Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah। Nana Parimala Dravyam Samarpayami॥

Pushpa (पुष्प) Now offer flowers to Lord Krishna while chanting following Mantra.

Pushpa Mantra Malyadini Sugandhini, Malyatadini Vaiprabho। Maya Hritani Pujartham, Pushpani Pratigrihyatam॥ Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah। Pushpani Samarpayami॥

Atha Angapuja (अथ अङ्गपूजा)

Now worship those Gods who are body parts of Shri Krishna itself. For that take Gandha, Akshata and Pushpa in left hand and leave them near to Lord Krishna Murti with right hand while chanting following Mantra(s).

Angapuja Mantra.

Om Shri Krishnaya Namah। Padau Pujayami॥ Om Rajivalochanaya Namah। Gulphau Pujayami॥ Om Narakantakaya Namah। Januni Pujayami॥ Om Vachaspataye Namah। Janghai Pujayami॥ Om Vishvarupaya Namah। Urun Pujayami॥ Om Balabhadranujaya Namah। Guhyam Pujayami॥ Om Vishvamurtaye Namah। Jaghanam Pujayami॥ Om Gopijana Priyaya Namah। Katim Pujayami॥ Om Paramatmane Namah। Udaram Pujayami॥ Om Shrikantaya Namah। Hridayam Pujayami॥ Om Yajnine Namah। Parshvau Pujayami॥ Om Trivikramaya Namah। Prishthadeham Pujayami॥ Om Padmanabhaya Namah। Skandhau Pujayami॥ Om Sarvastradharine Namah। Bahun Pujayami॥ Om Kamalanathaya Namah। Hastan Pujayami॥ Om Vasudevaya Namah। Kantham Pujayami॥ Om Sanatanaya Namah। Vadanam Pujayami॥ Om Vasudevatmajaya Namah। Nasikam Pujayami॥ Om Punyaya Namah। Shrotre Pujayami॥ Om Shrishaya Namah। Netrani Pujayami॥ Om Nandagopapriyaya Namah। Bhravau Pujayami॥ Om Devakinandanaya Namah। Bhrumadhyam Pujayami॥ Om Shakatasuramardhanaya Namah। Lalatam Pujayami॥ Om Shri Krishnaya Namah। Shirah Pujayami॥ Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah। Sarvangani Pujayami॥ Dhupam (धूपं) Now offer Dhupa to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra. Dhupa Mantra Vanaspatyudbhavo Divyo Gandhadyo Gandha Uttamah। Balakrishna Mahipalo Dhupoyam Pratigrihyatam॥ Yatpurusham Vyadadhuh Katidha Vyakalpayan। Mukham Kimasya Kau Bahu Kavuru Padavuchyete॥ Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah।

 

Now Chant Krishna Astotram and offer flowers.

 

Deepam (दीपं) Now offer Deep to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra.

Deepam Mantra Sajyam Trivarti Samyuktam Vahnina Yojitum Maya। Grihana Mangalam Deepam, Trailokya Timirapaham॥ Bhaktya Deepam Prayashchami Devaya Paramatmane। Trahi Mam Narakat Ghorat Deepam Jyotirnamostute॥ Brahmanosya Mukhamasit Bahu Rajanyah Kritah। Uru Tadasya Yadvaishyah Padbhyam Shudro Ajayata॥ Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah। Deepam Darshayami॥

Naivedya (नैवेद्य) Now offer Naivedya to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra.

Naivedya Mantra Om Krishnaya Vidmahe Balabhadraya Dhimahi। Tanno Vishnu Prachodayat॥ Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah॥ Nirvishi Karanarthe Tarksha Mudra। Amriti Karanarthe Dhenu Mudra। Pavitri Karanarthe Shankha Mudra। Sanrakshanarthe Chakra Mudra। Vipulamaya Karanarthe Meru Mudra। Om Satyantavartena Parishinchami। Bhoh! Swamin Bhojanartham Agachchhadi Vijnapya। Sauvarne Sthalivairye Manigana Khachite Goghritam Supakvam Bhakshyam Bhojyam Cha Lehyanapi Sakalamaham Joshyamna Nidhaya Nana Shakairupetam Samadhu Dadhi Ghritam Kshira Paniya Yuktam Tambulam Chapi Shri Krishnam Pratidivasamaham Manasa Chintayami॥ Adya Tishthati Yatkinchit Kalpitashchaparamgrihe Pakvannam Cha Paniyam Yathopaskara Samyutam Yathakalam Manushyarthe Mokshyamanam Shariribhih Tatsarvam Krishnapujastu Prayatam Me Janardana Sudharasam Suvipulam Aposhanamidam Tava Grihana Kalashanitam Yatheshtamupabhujjyatam॥ Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah। Amritopastaranamasi Svaha। Om Pranatmane Narayanaya Svaha। Om Apanatmane Vasudevaya Svaha। Om Vyanatmane Sankarshanaya Svaha। Om Udanatmane Pradyumnaya Svaha। Om Samanatmane Aniruddhaya Svaha। Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah। Naivedyam Grihyatam Deva Bhakti Me Achalam Kuruh। Ipsitam Me Varam Dehi Ihatra Cha Param Gatim॥ Shri Krishna Namastubhyam Maha Naivedyam Uttamam। Sangrihana Surashreshtha Bhakti Mukti Pradayakam॥ Om Chandrama Manaso Jatah Chakshoh Suryo Ajayata। Mukhadindrashchagnishcha Pranadvayurajayata॥ Om Ardram Pushkarinim Pushtim Suvarnam Hemamalinim। Suryam Hiranmayim Lakshmim Jatavedo Ma Avaha॥ Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah। Naivedyam Samarpayami॥ Sarvatra Amritopidhanyamasi Svaha। Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah। Uttaraposhanam Samarpayami॥

Tambulam (तांबूलं) Now offer Tambula (Paan with betel nuts) to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra.

Tambulam Mantra.

Pugiphalam Satambulam Nagavalli Dalairyutam। Tambulam Grihyatam Krishna Yela Lavanga Samyuktam॥ Om Shri Balakrishnayanamah। Pugiphala Tambulam Samarpayami॥

Dakshina (दक्षिणा).

Now offer Dakshina (gift) to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra. .

Achamana Mantra .

Hiranya Garbha Garbhastha Hemabija Vibhavasoh। Ananta Punya Phalada Athah Shantim Prayachchha Me॥ Om Shri Balakrishnayanamah। Suvarna Pushpa Dakshinam Samarpayami॥

Maha Nirajan (महा नीराजन) Now offer Nirajan (Aarti) to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra.

Maha Nirajan Mantra.

Om Shriyai Jatah Shriya Aniriyaya Shriyam Vayo Jaritribhyo Dadati Shriyam Vasana Amritattvamayan Bhavanti Satya Sa Mithamitadrau Shriya Evainam Tat Shriyamadadhati Santatamricha Vashatkrityam Santatyai Sandhiyate Prajaya Pashubhih Ya Evam Veda॥ Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah। Mahanirajanam Deepam Samarpayami॥

Pradakshina (प्रदक्षिणा) Now offer symbolic Pradakshina (circumambulate from left to right of Shri Krishna) with flowers while chanting following Mantra.

Pradakshina Mantra.

Om Nabhya Asidantariksham Shirshno Dyauh Samavartata। Padabhyam Bhumirdishah Shrotrat Tatha Lokan Akalpayan॥ Ardram Yahkarinim Yashtim Pingalam Padmamalinim। Chandram Hiranmayim Lakshmim Jatavedo Ma Avaha॥ Yani Kani Cha Papani Janmantara Kritani Cha। Tani Tani Vinashyanti Pradakshine Pade Pade॥ Anyatha Sharanam Nasti Tvameva Sharnam Mama। Tasmat Karunya Bhavena Raksha Rakhsa Ramapate॥ Om Shri Balakrishnayanamah। Pradakshinan Samarpayami॥

Namaskar (नमस्कार) Now pay homage to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra.

Namaskar Mantra.

Namo Brahmanya Devaya Gobrahmanahitaya Cha। Jagadishaya Krishnaya Govindaya Namo Namah॥ Krishnaya Vasudevaya Haraye Paramatmane। Pranatakleshanashaya Govindaya Namo Namah॥ Namastubhyam Jagannatha Devakitanaya Prabho Vasudevatmajananda Yashodanandavardhana Govinda Gokuladara Gopikanta Namostute Saptasyasan Paridhayah Trissapta Samidhah Kritah। Deva Yadyajnam Tanvanah Abadhnanpurusham Pashum॥ Tam Ma Avaha Jatavedo Lakshmimanapagaminim। Yasyam Hiranyam Vindeyam Gamashvam Purushanaham॥ Namah Sarva Hitartaya Jagadadhara Hetave। Sashtangoyam Pranamaste Prayatnena Maya Kritah॥ Urusa Shirasa Drishtva Manasa Vachasa Tatha। Padbhyam Karabhyam Janubhyam Pranamoshtangam Uchyate॥ Shatyenapi Namaskaran Kurvatah Shrangapanaye। Shata Janmarchitam Papam Tatkshanadeva Nashyati॥ Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah। Namaskaran Samarpayami॥

Kshamapan (क्षमापन) After Namaskar, seek pardon from Shri Krishna for any known-unknown mistakes done during Puja while chanting following Mantra.

Kshamapan Mantra Aparadha Sahasrani Kriyante Aharnisham Maya। Dasoayamiti Mam Matva Kshamasva Purushottama॥ Yantu Deva Ganah Sarve Pujam Adaya Parthivim। Ishta Kamyartha Siddhyartham Punaragamanaya Cha॥

॥Shri Krishnarpanamastu॥

Mantra citation and source.

http://www.drikpanchang.com/dashavatara/lord-krishna/janmashtami/puja-vidhi/krishna-janmashtami-puja-vidhi.html

Asshada Practices Husband Wife No Sanction Hinduism

In a highly personalised Religion, sometimes misconceptions creep in.

Though Hinduism insists that one has to study the Vedas, the Scripture of Hindus, people often do not do so, confused as they are with the dictum that Guru should be obeyed.

The problem is that Guru is different from Acharya, Upadhyaya.

For Details read my article Guru Acharya Upadhyaya.

Guru is one who instinctively understands your spiritual needs and guides and their instructions will never run contrary to Vedas, Sruthi.

In such cases where Gurus instructions are at variance with Vedas, Veda should be followed.

On the other hand, Upadhyayas and Acharyas do not have as nuch the authority as the Guru.

As such their instructions, if they run counter to Vedas are to be ignored.

Over a period of years people have not studied Vedas nor many know about the Smritis.

Smriti is a code of conduct which is followed over a period of Time.

Even Smritis if they run contrary to Vedas, are to ignored.

For Vaidikas, Vedas are the Sole Authority.

Many of us follow what purohit says without bothering to check either Sruthi or Smriti.

Result is that many irrelevant practices not found in Vedas , Smritis are followed.

I have been writing on some of these practices which do more harm to Hinduism than Atheists.

I have received the following query on Ashada Maasa, Adi in Tamil.

‘Dear Sir Good Morning. I have been reading your Blog since long time and the information u have been sharing is really incredible. Today, I have a question where I am not getting any exact answers ..hope u can clarify it for me.
This is Regarding the AAshada Masam as I got newly married, the customs followed during this month was implied on me as well but the questions unanswered or partially answered.

1. Why do Mother-In Law and Daughter inlaw should not walk in the same main door or stay together.
2. Why Husband and wife should not stay together.
3. Incase if the girl gets conceived during the aashada maasam will there be a negative effect on the child or is there any negetive effect on the mother during delivery time or so.’

My answer.

All these points have no sanctions by Sruthi or Smriti and hence may be ignored.

These seem to have crept in as Mores/ practices in Communities.

There is also an effort to justify the separation of couples in Aashada, arguing that if the couple were to be together and if the woman conceives in Aashada, she would deliver in Summer .

This is effort to justify something which is not needed.

The premises for the practice is hypothetical.

And Hinduism does not intrude in to private affairs unnecessarily.

And wherever it needs to intervene in personal Life it comes out clearly with no ambiguities.

So one need not try to promote Hinduism by saying things which Hinduism does not.

Sex Music Tantra Siddhas a Study.

Hinduism is a religion that flows from Nature and its principles.

It understands the limitations of human nature and suggests ways to realize the Self through and with the help of human senses,limited though they are.

The Universe is complex ,mysterious and billions of years old.

It is not obligated to reveal its secrets to a human being,whose life span,in the Universal scale of Time is not even the wink of eyelids.

Hindu Rishis,Seers, with the help of fundamental principles of Nature devised methods to realize Self.

Broadly speaking,the human psyche has two components,Reason and Emotion.

Ideally,discipling of either of these will lead to Self Realization.

However,in most of us a combination of Reason and Emotion rules the roost,though it is emotion that decides ultimately.

Lord Nataraja,King of Dance.

Huma nature is a combination of three dispositions.

Sattva,calm,contented,knowlegeable,

Rajas,active,dynamic and restless and

Tamas,inactive,dull and morose.

It is rare to find one disposition,Guna, in isolation.

The three gunas are present in all of us in varying degrees.

And this composition changes every minute.

For details please read my article on Gunas.

And there are as many dispositions,Gunas as there are individuals.

So there is no standard procedure for all.

However,Rishis have traveled this path and left their experiences for us to have an idea.

Once an individual starts this process through a, Guru,he shall find his unique path and the Guru will help him identify the path.

So it is left to the individual to choose a path,either from the paths shown by the Rishis ,modify it to suit his disposition with the help of the Guru or follow a path intuitively felt and follow it with guidance from the Guru.

At the broader level the Bhakthi yoga,Path of Surrender to God and emotionally connecting to Him.

At the intellectual level one follows Gnana Yoga and Karma yoga.

Raja Yoga suits those of Rajo Guna.

Apart from this,there paths which have sprung from these paths.

These are the results of the Rishis following any of the four Yogas,Gnana,Karma,Bhakthi and Raja.

These systems that have arisen can be classified under two heads.

Strictly speaking there is no differentiation in respect of the result obtained;we classify them thus to understand them better.

These two principles are based on,

Motion and

Reproductive Energy .

Saint Arunagirinathar addresses Lord Subrahmanya thus in Thiruppugazh.

‘Nadha Bindu Kalaathi Namo’

The origin or the One Beyond Motion and Creation’

Bindhu can be translated loosely as Semen.

For Yogis the Semen or the Nadis associated with Semen flows upwards.

When a Soul reverts to its original state,the Semen/nadi flows upwards,

‘Urdhvaredham Viroopaaksham Viswaroopayay Namaha’-Narayna Suktham.

At some point of time when Yoga is being practiced,when a practitioner is advancing,he shall have sexually stimulating visions,especially during Sakthi Upasna and he can advance only if he overcomes the stimulation and direct the flow upwards.

A section of Tantra sastra has practices thatcare associated with Sex.

For details on Tantra,please read my articles.

The other Principle is Motion.

Motion Creates Vibtation and Vibration creates Motion.

We can not determine whether Motion precedes Vibration or it is the other way around.

Vibration is Sound.

Regulated Sound is Music.

Sources of Sound in the Human body is from three sources.

Mouth,’A’,

Throat’U’ and

Pelvis ‘M’

These three letters form OM,the Pranava of Hinduism,the sacred Primordial Sound.

This is the Ultimate Sound and is used in every Mantra of Hinduism.

The Universe is perpetually in motion.

When movement takes place sound emanates.

The sound that emanates from the Sun is OM. (NASA Report)

Music is one source that elevates one to higher levels of Consciousness.

So much so,a Bhakthi Yoga marga based on Music developed in South India,with the Maestros,Thyagaraja,Muthuswamy Dikhitar and Syma Sastrigal in Tamil Nadu,Purandara dasa in Karnataka and Annamacharya in Andhra.

We also have Meera,Jayadeva and Abhang style of Music in Maharashtra.

Carnatic Music of India is basically a Yoga discipline,Nada Yoga.

One can realize Brahman,Reality through Music.

Thiugh iy may offend some sensibilities, Sex also leads to Realization.

But the experience of Reality through Sex is Transient and Tamil philosophy calls it ‘chitrinbam’,limited pleasure.

Realization of Brahman is ‘Perinbam’ Higher, Limitless pleasure,Bliss.

Reason is that though Sex is the only activity whenball the senses are focussed,this focus by all senses is the object of Yoga Darshana.

The drawback in the path of Sex is that one loses the objective and is engrossed in the process.

And emotional attacment before,after and during Sex clouds the mind and bonds one to desires.

Sex act with detachment to pleasure,though one might feel it,leads to Realization.

Hindu scriptures do not consider sex as a sin.

Sex is to be indulged in with the motive of begetting good children and this one of the basic duties of a Gtuhastha Asrama.

So when a Tantric engages in Sex for sex’s sake he falls.

The Siddhas as found in Tamil classics follow the path of Gnana and Bhakthi and have Shiva as the first Siddha.

The tradition of Siddhas from the south differs slighly from the Siddhas of North India.

More to followvin the next post on the differences and the schools of Siddhas,South and North.