Vedanta Visarada, Shri Yaaga Vidya Praveena, Adhyatmika Ratna, Sahasradhika Yaaga Karta
Dr P V Sesha Sai Aswamedhayaaji
Camp: Albany, New York, USA
Web http://aswamedhayaaji.com, e mails shodasisai@gmail.com, shodasisai@hotmail.com
4th September 2009
My dear friends and like minded persons
Reg: Sadhana/Practice and related matters
In these days, I have come across mails posted through different groups on ancient Indian Traditional Sadhana. I appreciate the interest of people in accepting and also showing interest on these ancient richest sciences of Indian origin. I appreciate many young people showing interest in ancient Indian Astrological Sciences, perhaps, one reason may be that they wish to know what future would be and how best they can make sure of their future and some such. I desire to share my views on these two topics, though both the topics look like different, they are inter- related.
Fundamentally, aimless sadhana does not take us any where. Let there be a goal for each of us, divided into long range plans and sub divided into small range plans. Almost all sadhanas allure us and catch our eyes with all eagerness to look into what it is and how best fast we can capture it or enjoy the divine subjects. This is surely a very dangerous situation. One should remember that Life is a boon and WE HAVE ALL BEEN GIVEN A LIMITED TIME as such we can not go on touching all types of sadhana and there , waste precious and valuable time. The subject is an ocean and one can not afford to bring the ocean to his home. There are hundreds and thousands of sadhanas and one has to pick and choose the one which is of utmost necessary. One way of choosing is basing on the Interest and the other way is identifying the problem related to each of the individual and to come out of it, is to select one sadhana and practice it to achieving success. One can not afford consuming all types of strength supplementary medicines of all kinds though they are meant basically to support the strength.
We have been in this field for over forty years and we also desire to have young people to catch these sciences and our interest is to carry them to the next generations and keep the sciences alive on-going basis. We go pick and choose basing on the interest of the person, his ability, his nature, his need and mainly his intention to help the society and we do not normally disclose the valuable information where we sense that the sadhak is trying to get the subject from us for his selfish needs or with a destructive intention.
These subjects are meant mainly for constructive purposes and a Sadhak should have balance of mind, not self centered, not with a any ulterior motive and only when we are convinced of the nature of the Sadhak, we normally pass on the clues of sadhana by virtue of which the sadhak remains successful in the easiest way. On most occasions, we face a very delicate situation where we have to deny the information or giving Deeksha when particularly we understand that the sadhak is not yet ready to shoulder the Deeksha. The testing procedures are quite different. Only a Master can understand about his student similarly only a Guru can understand how and in what manner a sadhak is ready to shoulder the powers of Deeksha.
Of course, we are in this material world, we really suffocate ourselves, neither can we disclose the facts which remain unpalatable to the sadhak, nor do we remain capable to gear up the sadhak for different reasons. Such delicate situations, we often come across these days. It is a true heart of a Guru as I experience myself in that position.
People are also after Astrology and are mesmerized by the innumerable ads which are eye catching and which assure that HEAVEN IS JUST A NEIGHBOUR AND NOT FAR OFF. These ads would only make us to waste our money and nothing else that does not mean that I deny the subject matter and conclude them as baseless. At this point of time, one has to remember that the principles of Management works always and when I reduce them into a small sentence, it is like “what to do, when to do and how to do” which means, the goal setting, the time setting, and the approach setting.
One should analyze his goal and should look into the situation practically instead of approaching the astrological sciences very casually.
The doors of these sciences are to be opened only when attempts repeatedly fail, no solution of what so ever nature is found even after human efforts, and all methods to fight out the problem are mostly tried and exhausted.
It must always be remembered that Astrological sciences are a wonderful boon to mankind; they help us solve our problems mostly. When I write this, I have to place my experiences too. When I was blessed with the boon of the knowledge of these sciences, my Master told me that the science is not FOR SALE, and at no point of time this can be sold, and the science should help the society and the less fortunate in times of need and not otherwise. I come across many people who are interested to know their future just like that and it is their fancy to do so. It has to be remembered that it is not a fancy subject.
An astrologer can easily create a psychic fear and plant a seed in the minds of people which can not be removed for any reason in the entire life of a person, when the astrologer identifies and tells that there would a serious problem in due course of time. The receiver of this message is straight down from that minute. It is the duty of an astrologer to put the words in such a manner that the receiver is not let down psychologically, but the message is passed in a quite palatable manner.
The astrological sciences can not be sold for a few thousands and it is such a sacred subject. Many a times, by virtue of the astrological readers capacity, the problems remains solved then and there and the capacity of UPASANA is such, every has to admit it. An astrologer always must be Society-friendly and should use his knowledge to help the people. It has to be remembered that the Astrological Science is brought to us by great sages who looked for the welfare of the society and well being of all of us. They never intend to make money or go for cheap gains out of the sacred science. Thus it remains to be the duty of every astrologer to upkeep and respect the intentions of Great Sages by maintaining purity always and at all times.
Sometimes gem stones are suggested; surely they are of great help. There is hundreds of such stones world wide which are of help to persons. An astrologer should be able to identify such a gem stone which would be a remedial measure to the receiver. I take abundant precaution and initially test the stone by myself and examine to what degree it would be helpful to the receiver. A true astrologer always agitates himself to know the outcome of his reading and his eagerness is beyond description and I can confidently write this as an astrologer.
How many of us turn back and tell our doctor that we are cured, in the similar fashion, an astrologer is not informed of the outcome in most cases. When the patient is alright by the medicine, he does not turn up and say to the doctor that he became alright like wise, a receiver does not tell the astrologer how and to what degree the reading was helpful to him. This feed back would surely help the astrologers to rethink themselves and plug up the holes if any, so that the subject is taken care enough with a second receiver. Sometimes the receivers of the reading repeatedly try many astrologers and ultimately land at no place. This is not proper; an astrologer is also a human being, it should be necessary to give him and his reading some time to take shape. One should not blame the science that none of the astrologers could give a solution, one should give some time for the astrological medicine to act upon and the remedial methods suggested are truly taken shape into.
Overnight results are not possible through any science and any subject. Lack of patience is another problem which makes public loose money and confidence on these subjects.
May Goddess grant all of us Proper vision and proper direction to set goals and strive to achieve them.
Yours affly
HARA HARA MAHADEVA
DR P V SESHA SAI ASWAMEDHAYAAJI
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Mahalaya Paksham - Tarpana Vidhi
I have already mailed this and it appears that the paper is at some places corrupted as such once again I am reproducing the same paper
Dr P V Sesha Sai Aswamedhayaaji
Camp: Albany New York, USA
Web http://aswamedhayaaji.com e mail shodasisai@gmail.com, shodasisai@hotmail.com
Cell Phone 518 368 7956
1st September 2009
My dear friends and likeminded persons
REG : PITHRU PAKSHA – OFFERING AND PRAYING THE DEPARTED SOULS OF THE FAMILY TREE- FORTNIGHT COMMENCING FROM 5TH OF THIS MONTH TO 18TH – WHAT DOES IT INDICATE AND WHAT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY
As per Hindu Traditional belief and as supported by several scientists of this subject, I am presenting this information for your reading and taking cognizance of it, if convinced.
The dark days of the month of Bhadrapada Maasa as per Chandramaan calendar and Aswiyuja Maasa as per the Barhaspatya Maan Calendar as followed by most of the North India based people, the fort night till the no moon day or the Amavasya is considered as most sacred in terms of praying the departed souls in the family tree for their peace and taking blessings for the prosperity of our children and grand children. Is it really so? This is being questioned even by many Hindus and gradually these are considered as baseless beliefs and people are giving them up. It is a most unfortunate state. Dr Robert gave a clear and nice presentation on this topic and his presentation is placed in my blog in the name of http://ritualsandprocedures.blogspot.com.
Please refer to the pages where tarpana vidhi is updated. However, for quick reference I am once again presenting the topic for the information of all the readers, and I am only eager that none of us should skip this great opportunity. I am giving many alternatives and the readers can accept any one convenient to them, but I appeal to you all not to miss this opportunity.
A logical presentation is that – this has come from Vedic Order of life and Vedaas never – I repeat – NEVER – misdirect any one of us NOR the great Sages of India who worked on these sciences. May be, we may not get a convincing answer as to how a small offering on this Mother Earth reaches one who is no more in the physical form. It is also difficult to convince at this hour in spite of the fact that scientists like Dr Robert worked on this and give us a clear picture. Surely there is a day, where we all upkeep our eye brows and accept that the Great Sages are right and they gave us proper and right direction. Much before that, let us go by the aforementioned logic and accept the tradition in any manner that suits us as per our place of stay and as per our circumstances.
How this tarpana is to be done and what is the procedure.
1) We need to know the tidhi i.e. the day of the departed soul of the father or mother and on that day Pinda Pradana is to be done which needs the assistance of a Pundit or a Purohit.
2) I do not get a Pundit or a Purohit and what is to be done then? Please take some black sesame seeds and take the sequence as mentioned in the order below and start releasing the water three times between index finger and thumb of right hand and for easy flow of water the hand has to be bent to the right a little. Those who wear Yagnopaveet, the position of this are to be changed to the reverse direction which is called as Apasavyam.
3) I do not know the names of grandfather and the great grandfather or grandmother and great grandmother either mother side or father side, what should I do? In these cases, since names of the parents are known, please insert “Yagnappa” for male or “Yagnamma” for female and continue to do this and do not leave this just because the names are not known.
4) I do not know some of the names in the order, and then what should I do? You can leave water and a sesame seed by just remembering them and that is the only thing we can do. But before this please try from all sources and remember it is essential for us to update the family tree and it is THE GREATNESS OF INDIAN TRADITION.
5) I do not know the Gothra of some of the families and what should I do? I suggest you to say “Shri Mahaa Vishnu Gothra” or “Shri Mahadeva Gothra” in these areas.
6) I do not know whether they are alive or otherwise and what should I do? I suggest skipping this when it is not a certainty. This is to be remembered that THIS has to be given only for a departed soul in the family tree and not otherwise.
7) I do not get sesame seeds what should I do? Please try sincerely and explore all possibilities (this is to be remembered that the parents and grandparents strived very hard for our future and only on account of this we are in a position to reach this stage) and for any reason the sesame seeds are not available, please do not give up this but continue to do this procedure using at least water
8) I get only white sesame seeds what should I do? You can make use of them and get some item prepared in the home so that it can be offered in the names of the departed souls to near and dear. But the procedure has to be followed using water.
9) I do not feel like doing all this and I do not believe all this, what should I do? Please take some food items and clothing and offer them to the aged in any old age homes in the names of the departed souls and this is the least we can do on humanitarian grounds.
10) I do not have money to do anything what should I do? If you believe all this, offering of water does not cost anything, you can do this.
11) I do not have time for all this, what should I do? Please go out during day time, look at the Sun Lord and please remember all the departed souls of the family tree and pray for their peace. You can also offer some food items in the work spot to some of your colleagues in the names of the departed souls.
12) Is there any direction for all this? Yes, one should preferably sit facing south to do this when it is a must to face east while making a sankalpa and this is a basic rule for any sankalpa.
13) I do not wish to do any of the things what I should do? – Please forgive me; I have no answer for this.
14) What is the order in which tarpana or the panda pradana. Firstly - father, grandfather and great grandfather; secondly – mother, grandmother and great grandmother; thirdly – any step mother; fourth –mother side – mothers father, mothers grandfather, mothers great grandfather, then, mothers mother, mothers grandmother, mothers great grandmother; fifth – own wife; sixth – sons and unmarried daughters; seventh – brothers; eighth – fathers brothers; ninth – mothers brothers and his wife; tenth – own sisters; eleventh – grandson; twelfth – sisters son; thirteenth – fathers sisters; fourteenth – mothers sisters; fifteenth – own son-in-law; sixteenth – own brother in laws or wife’s brothers; seventeenth – daughter in law; eighteenth – father in law and mother in law; nineteenth – master and finally to whom so ever knowingly or unknowingly we are indebted – for them.
15) The last one – taking the yagnopaveeta at the knots and putting a drop of water on it and while squeezing, offer the drops to those in the family known and unknown, departed without having any sons or without any lineage.
16) I do not have Yagnopaveeta, what should I do? You can leave a spoon of water remembering all those in the family tree.
Learned people in the groups who may receive this mail may add their suggestions too. It may not be out of order here that we, the HINDUs with all rich tradition is trying to give up these rituals by some pretext or the other. While, it is a matter or real appreciation, in some countries and in some other religions, people give offerings duly observing “Fathers day” “Mothers Day”, “Grand Parents Day” and so on. Unfortunately, some among the Hindus are slipping from the procedures of either in Hindu System or in some system of some other religion. It is not fair.
Let us respect those who strived hard for us, let us consider this as a “thank giving” or the least of it, let us maintain the family tree and remember all those in our family at least by observing this so that we can pass on the similar information to our next generation.
Last, but not least, if we do not remember our family tree, how and in what manner our next generation prefers to remember all of us. For every action, there is a equal and opposite reaction.
Can we afford leaving the next generation without any knowledge of their family tree?
Let us consider these days as “Thanks Giving Days” at least.
Yours affly
HARA HARA MAHADEVA
DR P V SESHA SAI ASWAMEDHAYAAJJI
Dr P V Sesha Sai Aswamedhayaaji
Camp: Albany New York, USA
Web http://aswamedhayaaji.com e mail shodasisai@gmail.com, shodasisai@hotmail.com
Cell Phone 518 368 7956
1st September 2009
My dear friends and likeminded persons
REG : PITHRU PAKSHA – OFFERING AND PRAYING THE DEPARTED SOULS OF THE FAMILY TREE- FORTNIGHT COMMENCING FROM 5TH OF THIS MONTH TO 18TH – WHAT DOES IT INDICATE AND WHAT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY
As per Hindu Traditional belief and as supported by several scientists of this subject, I am presenting this information for your reading and taking cognizance of it, if convinced.
The dark days of the month of Bhadrapada Maasa as per Chandramaan calendar and Aswiyuja Maasa as per the Barhaspatya Maan Calendar as followed by most of the North India based people, the fort night till the no moon day or the Amavasya is considered as most sacred in terms of praying the departed souls in the family tree for their peace and taking blessings for the prosperity of our children and grand children. Is it really so? This is being questioned even by many Hindus and gradually these are considered as baseless beliefs and people are giving them up. It is a most unfortunate state. Dr Robert gave a clear and nice presentation on this topic and his presentation is placed in my blog in the name of http://ritualsandprocedures.blogspot.com.
Please refer to the pages where tarpana vidhi is updated. However, for quick reference I am once again presenting the topic for the information of all the readers, and I am only eager that none of us should skip this great opportunity. I am giving many alternatives and the readers can accept any one convenient to them, but I appeal to you all not to miss this opportunity.
A logical presentation is that – this has come from Vedic Order of life and Vedaas never – I repeat – NEVER – misdirect any one of us NOR the great Sages of India who worked on these sciences. May be, we may not get a convincing answer as to how a small offering on this Mother Earth reaches one who is no more in the physical form. It is also difficult to convince at this hour in spite of the fact that scientists like Dr Robert worked on this and give us a clear picture. Surely there is a day, where we all upkeep our eye brows and accept that the Great Sages are right and they gave us proper and right direction. Much before that, let us go by the aforementioned logic and accept the tradition in any manner that suits us as per our place of stay and as per our circumstances.
How this tarpana is to be done and what is the procedure.
1) We need to know the tidhi i.e. the day of the departed soul of the father or mother and on that day Pinda Pradana is to be done which needs the assistance of a Pundit or a Purohit.
2) I do not get a Pundit or a Purohit and what is to be done then? Please take some black sesame seeds and take the sequence as mentioned in the order below and start releasing the water three times between index finger and thumb of right hand and for easy flow of water the hand has to be bent to the right a little. Those who wear Yagnopaveet, the position of this are to be changed to the reverse direction which is called as Apasavyam.
3) I do not know the names of grandfather and the great grandfather or grandmother and great grandmother either mother side or father side, what should I do? In these cases, since names of the parents are known, please insert “Yagnappa” for male or “Yagnamma” for female and continue to do this and do not leave this just because the names are not known.
4) I do not know some of the names in the order, and then what should I do? You can leave water and a sesame seed by just remembering them and that is the only thing we can do. But before this please try from all sources and remember it is essential for us to update the family tree and it is THE GREATNESS OF INDIAN TRADITION.
5) I do not know the Gothra of some of the families and what should I do? I suggest you to say “Shri Mahaa Vishnu Gothra” or “Shri Mahadeva Gothra” in these areas.
6) I do not know whether they are alive or otherwise and what should I do? I suggest skipping this when it is not a certainty. This is to be remembered that THIS has to be given only for a departed soul in the family tree and not otherwise.
7) I do not get sesame seeds what should I do? Please try sincerely and explore all possibilities (this is to be remembered that the parents and grandparents strived very hard for our future and only on account of this we are in a position to reach this stage) and for any reason the sesame seeds are not available, please do not give up this but continue to do this procedure using at least water
8) I get only white sesame seeds what should I do? You can make use of them and get some item prepared in the home so that it can be offered in the names of the departed souls to near and dear. But the procedure has to be followed using water.
9) I do not feel like doing all this and I do not believe all this, what should I do? Please take some food items and clothing and offer them to the aged in any old age homes in the names of the departed souls and this is the least we can do on humanitarian grounds.
10) I do not have money to do anything what should I do? If you believe all this, offering of water does not cost anything, you can do this.
11) I do not have time for all this, what should I do? Please go out during day time, look at the Sun Lord and please remember all the departed souls of the family tree and pray for their peace. You can also offer some food items in the work spot to some of your colleagues in the names of the departed souls.
12) Is there any direction for all this? Yes, one should preferably sit facing south to do this when it is a must to face east while making a sankalpa and this is a basic rule for any sankalpa.
13) I do not wish to do any of the things what I should do? – Please forgive me; I have no answer for this.
14) What is the order in which tarpana or the panda pradana. Firstly - father, grandfather and great grandfather; secondly – mother, grandmother and great grandmother; thirdly – any step mother; fourth –mother side – mothers father, mothers grandfather, mothers great grandfather, then, mothers mother, mothers grandmother, mothers great grandmother; fifth – own wife; sixth – sons and unmarried daughters; seventh – brothers; eighth – fathers brothers; ninth – mothers brothers and his wife; tenth – own sisters; eleventh – grandson; twelfth – sisters son; thirteenth – fathers sisters; fourteenth – mothers sisters; fifteenth – own son-in-law; sixteenth – own brother in laws or wife’s brothers; seventeenth – daughter in law; eighteenth – father in law and mother in law; nineteenth – master and finally to whom so ever knowingly or unknowingly we are indebted – for them.
15) The last one – taking the yagnopaveeta at the knots and putting a drop of water on it and while squeezing, offer the drops to those in the family known and unknown, departed without having any sons or without any lineage.
16) I do not have Yagnopaveeta, what should I do? You can leave a spoon of water remembering all those in the family tree.
Learned people in the groups who may receive this mail may add their suggestions too. It may not be out of order here that we, the HINDUs with all rich tradition is trying to give up these rituals by some pretext or the other. While, it is a matter or real appreciation, in some countries and in some other religions, people give offerings duly observing “Fathers day” “Mothers Day”, “Grand Parents Day” and so on. Unfortunately, some among the Hindus are slipping from the procedures of either in Hindu System or in some system of some other religion. It is not fair.
Let us respect those who strived hard for us, let us consider this as a “thank giving” or the least of it, let us maintain the family tree and remember all those in our family at least by observing this so that we can pass on the similar information to our next generation.
Last, but not least, if we do not remember our family tree, how and in what manner our next generation prefers to remember all of us. For every action, there is a equal and opposite reaction.
Can we afford leaving the next generation without any knowledge of their family tree?
Let us consider these days as “Thanks Giving Days” at least.
Yours affly
HARA HARA MAHADEVA
DR P V SESHA SAI ASWAMEDHAYAAJJI
Friday, August 14, 2009
The Gothra and the Pravara
Adhyatmika Ratna, Sri Yaaga Vidya Praveena, Vedanta Visarada, Sahasradhika Yaagakarta
Dr P V Sesha Sai Aswamedhayaaji
Camp LOS ANGELES CA USA
13th August 2009
Phone 518 368 7956
My dear friends and likeminded persons
In the recent past, when I came across people asking me – some Vedic scholars too – what is “Pravara” and most of them knew their Gothra and not their Pravara. It is not a complaint against lack of knowledge of them, but circumstances would not have given opportunity to know what a Gothra is and what a Pravara. It is not that I know much about it, but there are great personalities in the mailing group who can surely enlighten on this subject, but to the extent of my source, I am presenting the topic for the benefit of all. This letter is also being posted to the blog by name http://ritualsandprocedures.blogspot.com for further references.
What is a Gothra? More or less, it is nothing but a blood group, when the modern groups are a few in number, the ancient sages of India arrived at a minutest point and bifurcated the blood group into a number of groups beyond the reach of the so called modern and so called Scientific world. The word "gotra" means "lineage" and this word is of Sanskrit language. Among those of the Brahmins, gotras are reckoned lineally. Each gotra takes the name of a famous Rishi or sage who was the lineal fore bearer of that clan. And each Gotra is addressed by the suffix 'sa' or 'asa' as relevant. The concept of Gothra was the first attempt among Brahmins to classify themselves among different groups. At the beginning, these genetics identified themselves by the names of various Rishis Angirasa, Atri, Gowthama, Kasyapa, Bhrigu, Vasista, and Bhraradwaja - the first seven of these are often enumerated as Saptarishis. It is to be noted that Vishwamitra was initially a Kshatriya king, later chose and rose to become an ascetic Rishi. There is a small confusion about the great sage Agastya also in this regard. Therefore there are nine group origins in the system as seen above. The branches thereafter started percolated down.
Hence the gotra was applied to the grouping stemming from one of these Rishis as descendants. Over the years, the number of gotras increased due to Descendants of original Rishi which also started new family lineage or new gotras.
Pravara is the number of the most excellent Rishis who belonged to that particular gotra to which a person belongs. Gotra is the name of the founding father. In Vedic ritual, the importance of the pravara appears to be in its use by the ritualistic for extolling his ancestry and proclaiming, in a manner as a descendant of worthy ancestors, one is fit and proper person to do the act that he is performing. The sacred thread called as Upavita or Yagnopavita has close connection with the concept of pravaras related to Brahmin gotra system. While tying the knots of sacred thread, an oath is taken in the name of each one of these three or five or seven or nine of the most excellent rishis belonging to one's gotra.
The full affiliation of a Brāhmin consists of Gothra, Pravara, Sutra, and Sakha.
For Example - A Brahmin named: Sastry: introduces himself as follows: I am: Sastry: of Shrivatsa gotra, of Āpastamba sutra, of Taittiriya shākha of Yajurveda, of five pravaras named Bhārgava, Chyāvana, Āpnava, Aurva and Jāmdagnya
While the gotras were classified initially according to nine (?) Rishis, the Pravara was classified under the names of the following seven Rishis namely, Agastya, Angirasa, Atri, Bhrigu, Kashyapa, Vasista, Viswaamitra, According to the listing of authors included in the verses in Vedas, the rishi Jamadagni was a descendant of rishi Bhrigu while the rishis Gautam and Bharadwaja were the descendants of rishi Angirasa.
The pravara identifies the association of a person with three or sometimes five and some times seven and interestingly sometimes nine (as is seen in some places) also of the above-mentioned Rishis.
For example, Kashyapa Gothram has 3 rishis associated with it viz. Kashyapa, Daivala and Aavatsaara
Some of the known Gothras and Pravaras are appended hereunder for the benefit of the readers and this is subject to further modification by the learned scholars in the relevant field. There are, however, innumerable combinations which are not codified at one place due to different reasons, and now I appeal to all the readers to place their comments on this and add the known information in a blog created by me as http:ritualsandprocedures.blogspot.com so that over a period of time, a separate book on this subject may get published for the benefit of future generations, as WE HAVE ALREADY STEPPED INTO AN AREA OF IGNORING ALL THESE RICH TEXTS OF ANCIENT TRADITIONAL SCIENCES OF INDIA. I am also trying to procure information relating to the Gothra in respect of different castes in India and IT IS TO BE NOTICED THAT EACH FAMILY IN INDIA HAS A GOTHRA IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR CASTE.
1. Bharadwaja : Angirasa, Baaryhaspatya,, Bharadwaja
2. Rathitara : Angirasa, Baaryhaspatya, Rathitara
3. Vathula or Vathulasa : Bhargava,Vaitahavya, Saavedasa
4. Srivasta or Srivastasa : Bhargava, Chyaavana, Aapnavaana, Aurva, Jaamadaghneya
5. Salankayana : Viswaamitra, Aghamarshana, Devarata
6. Shatamarshana: Angirasa, Powrukutsa, Traasatasya
7. Atreya: Atreya, Aarchanaasa, Syaavaasva
8. Kowsika: Vishwamitra, Aghamarshana, Kowsika
9. Kalabodhana/Kalabhavasa (3 variations)
1. Kalabodhana: Viswaamitra, Agamarshana, Kalabodhana
2. Kalabodhana: Viswaamitra, Agamarshana, Kalabodhana
3. Kalabhavasa: Viswaamitra, Agamarshana, Kalabhavasa
10. Viswaamitra: Viswaamitra, Devarata, Owtala
11. Kaundinya: Vaasishta, Maitraavaruna, Kaundinya
12. Haritasa: Angirasa, Ambarisha, Yuvanasva, Haritasa
13. Gautamasa : Angirasa, Aayasya, Ausidyasa, Kaakshivata, Vamadeva, Grihadugda, Gautamasa – seven rishis
14. Mowdgalya (3 Variations)
1. Angirasa, Bharmyasva, Mowdgalya
2. Tarkshya, Bharmyasva, Mowdgalya
3. Angirasa, Dhavya, Mowdgalya
15. Sandilya (3 Variations)
1. Kasyapa, Aavatsaara, Daivala
2. Kasyapa, Aavatsaara, Sandilya
3. Kasyapa, Daivala, Asitha
16. Naitruvakaasyapa: Kasyapa, Aavatsara, Naitruva
17. Kutsa: Angirasa, Maandhatra, Kowtsa
18. Kanva (2 Variations)
1. Angirasa, Ajameeda, Kanva
2. Angirasa, Kowra, Kanva
19. Paraasara: Vaasishta, Saaktya, Paraasara
20. Aagastya: Aagastya, Tardhachyuta, Sowmavaha
21. Gargi (2 Variations)
1. Angirasa, Barhaspatya, Bharadwaja, upadhyay
2. Angirasa, Sainya, Gaargya
22. Badarayana: Angirasa, Paarshadaswa, Raatitara
23. Kasyapa (3 Variations)
1. Kasyapa, Aavatsaara, Daivala
2. Kasyapa, Aavatsaara, Naidruva (Naitruva)
3. Kasyapa, Aavatsaara, Naidruva (Naitruva), Rebha, Raibha , Sandila, Saandilya
24. Sunkriti (2 Variations) or Saankritya Gothra
1. Angirasa, Kowravidha, Saankritya
2. Sadhya ,Kowravidha, Saankritya
25. Angirasa, Pourukutsya, Thraasadasya
26. Goutam/Gowtamasa Aangeerasa, Ayasya, Gowtamasa
27. AgniVaiwaswatha: Angirasa, Barhaspthya, Bharadwaja, Srukva, Agnivaiwaswatha
28. Sankhyayana: Vishwamitra, Aghamarshana, Devaratha
29. Vishwamitra, Shraumita, Kaamakayana, Devatarasa, Devaraata,
30. Kapi: Angirsa, Amahaiya, Orukshaya,
This may not be just taken only Brahmin sect, the Vysya or the Agarwal community is still more perfection as they take a bride out of their gothra as well out of the maternal side gothra too.
Perhaps this may be the reason; the Agarwal community is still maintaining their tradition almost nearer to perfection.
The Kshatriya too, more particular of observing Gothra while one among the four caste system in the name of Sudra also rely upon the same system of observing Gothra or identifying themselves to a particular Gothra. Unfortunately the “Sudra” is mistaken as an inferior set of human beings in the society, but they are not so, surely they are the backbone of the entire society. A king should have soldiers, a Brahmin should have students, a Vysya should have demand for their trade and therefore all sects like the so called Brahmin, Kshtriya, Vysya and Sudra are all inter dependant and can never be isolated.
The caste system was solely on their individual professions and there is no superiority or inferiority amongst each of them and this is the basic fact. Unfortunately this concept is misconceived and misinterpreted for the mean individual reasons of a few select individuals which have caused damage to the entire system and to speak further to HINDUISM itself.
Well, the topic is not a point of discussion for this paper, but the learned scholars, who are receiving this mail, may contribute still better on the Gothra system and they can upload their individual comments to the aforementioned blog so that the viewers of future years will have all types of information on this subject.
Thanking you all for your patient reading.
I shall be back again soon.
Yours affly
HARA HARA MAHADEVA
DR P V SESHA SAI ASWAMEDHAYAAJI
Friday, July 3, 2009
Sakti Peethams
Dr P V Sesha Sai
1-9-52/F/3 MCH No 2859
Road No 19, Ramnagar, HYDERABAD 500020
Phones 040 7661613 55581368 Cell: 9440422613
E mail shodasisai@hotmail.com, perisepallipadmasai@rediffmail.com,
aanandaashramam@yahoo.com drseshasai@bharatmail.com
6th May 2004
THE EIGHTEEN SAKTI PEETHAS AND THEIR PLACES
Every Hindu desires to know the places of eighteen sakti peethas and their prominence. Most unfortunate it is neither the Government nor the religious heads and seers give authenticated information either about the jyothirlingaas or about the sakti peethaas.
During my recent visit to Western Indian places I observed a fancy display of JYOTIRLING and SAKTI PEETH even at ordinary temples. It may have to be agreed that whereever a temple exists, there a Lord exists and the Lord in general is powerful but that does not mean that the word JYOTHIRLING AND SAKTI PEETHA are used very casually. There is an utter confusion about the location of Jyothirlingaas and sakti peethaas. Some one in Bihar claims that they have a jyothirling and some one in Gujarat claims that he has renovated the jyothirling temple and this is a practical confusing situation for any Hindu.
I really do not understand why the seers do something in this aspect leaving their claims that Lord Vishnu is greater than others and vice versa. Hindu religion is one and it accepts all Lords with different names as ONE. One should not try to differentiate and introduce a conflict, which may lead a further disaster in future. Particularly the religious heads should not try for their individual supremacy and they should know the religion is supreme. They should feel like protecting the value of the religion first and remain on one platform always without showing publicly their difference of opinion which will dilute the following and plant a seed of hatreds towards the religion.
I am trying to indicate the places of sakti peethas to the extent of my knowledge and I request for reader’s support in the form of suggestions to improve upon if needed.
S.No Name of the Goddess Place State/Country Goddess Sati parts of her body
1 Saankari Trinkomali Srilanka Foot ornaments (Gajjalu)
2 Jogulamba Aalampuram Andhra Pra. Upper line of tooth
3 Kamaakshi Kanchi Tamilnadu Back
4 Srunkhaladevi Pradyumna Gujarat Stomach
Gangaasaagar Bengal (There is a confusion)
5 Chamundi Mysore Karnataka Hair
6 Bramaramba Srisailam Andhra Pra. Neck
7 Mahaalakshmi Kolhapur Maharashtra Eyes
8 Ekaveera Mahu(Nanded) Maharashtra Right Arm
9 Mahaakaali Ujjain M.P Upper lip
10 Puroohootika Pithapuram A.P Left Arm
11 Girijadevi Odhyanam Orissa Naabhi
12 Maanikyaamba Draksharam A.P Left side of the face
13 Kaamarupi Gowhati Assam Yoni staanam
14 Maadhaveeswai Prayag U P Hand fingers
15 Vaishanvi Vaishnodevi Himachal Head
16 Maangalyadevi Gaya Bihar Breasts
17 Visalaakshi Varanasi U.P Manikarnika
18 Saraswathi Srinagar J & K Right side of the face
I am trying to find out some authenticated information and the exact place of Pradyumna for S No 4.
Wishing you all the blessings of the Goddess and the Holy darshan of all the eighteen shortly. Dr P V S Sai
1-9-52/F/3 MCH No 2859
Road No 19, Ramnagar, HYDERABAD 500020
Phones 040 7661613 55581368 Cell: 9440422613
E mail shodasisai@hotmail.com, perisepallipadmasai@rediffmail.com,
aanandaashramam@yahoo.com drseshasai@bharatmail.com
6th May 2004
THE EIGHTEEN SAKTI PEETHAS AND THEIR PLACES
Every Hindu desires to know the places of eighteen sakti peethas and their prominence. Most unfortunate it is neither the Government nor the religious heads and seers give authenticated information either about the jyothirlingaas or about the sakti peethaas.
During my recent visit to Western Indian places I observed a fancy display of JYOTIRLING and SAKTI PEETH even at ordinary temples. It may have to be agreed that whereever a temple exists, there a Lord exists and the Lord in general is powerful but that does not mean that the word JYOTHIRLING AND SAKTI PEETHA are used very casually. There is an utter confusion about the location of Jyothirlingaas and sakti peethaas. Some one in Bihar claims that they have a jyothirling and some one in Gujarat claims that he has renovated the jyothirling temple and this is a practical confusing situation for any Hindu.
I really do not understand why the seers do something in this aspect leaving their claims that Lord Vishnu is greater than others and vice versa. Hindu religion is one and it accepts all Lords with different names as ONE. One should not try to differentiate and introduce a conflict, which may lead a further disaster in future. Particularly the religious heads should not try for their individual supremacy and they should know the religion is supreme. They should feel like protecting the value of the religion first and remain on one platform always without showing publicly their difference of opinion which will dilute the following and plant a seed of hatreds towards the religion.
I am trying to indicate the places of sakti peethas to the extent of my knowledge and I request for reader’s support in the form of suggestions to improve upon if needed.
S.No Name of the Goddess Place State/Country Goddess Sati parts of her body
1 Saankari Trinkomali Srilanka Foot ornaments (Gajjalu)
2 Jogulamba Aalampuram Andhra Pra. Upper line of tooth
3 Kamaakshi Kanchi Tamilnadu Back
4 Srunkhaladevi Pradyumna Gujarat Stomach
Gangaasaagar Bengal (There is a confusion)
5 Chamundi Mysore Karnataka Hair
6 Bramaramba Srisailam Andhra Pra. Neck
7 Mahaalakshmi Kolhapur Maharashtra Eyes
8 Ekaveera Mahu(Nanded) Maharashtra Right Arm
9 Mahaakaali Ujjain M.P Upper lip
10 Puroohootika Pithapuram A.P Left Arm
11 Girijadevi Odhyanam Orissa Naabhi
12 Maanikyaamba Draksharam A.P Left side of the face
13 Kaamarupi Gowhati Assam Yoni staanam
14 Maadhaveeswai Prayag U P Hand fingers
15 Vaishanvi Vaishnodevi Himachal Head
16 Maangalyadevi Gaya Bihar Breasts
17 Visalaakshi Varanasi U.P Manikarnika
18 Saraswathi Srinagar J & K Right side of the face
I am trying to find out some authenticated information and the exact place of Pradyumna for S No 4.
Wishing you all the blessings of the Goddess and the Holy darshan of all the eighteen shortly. Dr P V S Sai
Panchayatanam and its importance
Dr P V Sesha Sai
1-9-52/F/3 MCH No 2859
Road No 19, Ramnagar, HYDERABAD 500020
Phones 040 27661613 55581368 Cell: 9440422613
E mail shodasisai@hotmail.com, shodasisai@yahoo.com, shodasisai@rediffmail.com,
29th October 2004
PANCHAYATANAM AND THE IMPORTANCE OF IT- THE BEST FORMS OF LORDS FOR ALL ROUND PROSPERITY
(An informatory letter)
As per the Vedic texts, five deities are expected to be worshipped and they are 1) Lord Ganapathi, 2) Sri Suryanarayana Murthy – the Sun God, 3) Saligramam – Lord Vishnu, 4) Mother Goddess – Goddess Sakti, and 5) Lord Shiva. Who ever wishes to worship Lord Vishnu, the idol of Lord Vishnu in the form of Saligram is to be kept in the center and the other four deities in the four corners and similarly specific corners are clearly indicated. The deep Red Color stone available in Sone river is used for Lord Ganesh, Crystal form of Sun is used for the Sun God, Saligram available in Gandaki river is used for Lord Vishnu, Sri Yantra (either Meru or Bhuprastaram) is used for Goddess sakti while Ban Ling available in Narmada River is used for Lord Shiva.
For Lord Ganesh Coral stone Ganesh is normally used since the deep red color stone of Sone River is not easily available. The Crystal form of Sun Lord is normally available. Similarly Narmada Ban Ling is also available and in the absence of it we have seen people worshipping TIGER-EYE SHIV LINGA for gaining public attraction, MERCURY Shiva Ling for financial prosperity, Pure Crystal Shiva Ling for all round development. Shiva Ling form is available in many dhatus too and people prefer their choice in this matter.
There are varieties of Saligrams and instead of preferring a normal saligram suggest using of Amruth Saligram which is quite transparent and very light in weight. In the absence of this, a few in the Himalayan ranges are found using SRI KURMAM – the great tortoise – one of the avatar of Lord Vishnu with the DHAN KAARAK number based structure on its back denoting this as GODDESS LAKSHMI AND LORD VISHNU. In the recent Fengshui like arts, the tortoise also acquired lot of importance and people are seen preferring these form even as ornamental pieces in their homes.
With regard to Goddess in Sri Yantra, this day’s people prefer the vertical shaped SRI YANTRA compared to the flat bhuprastaram. Sri Yentas made out of crystal – pure crystal are normally available and CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN WHILE SELECTING THE SRI YANTRA THAT ALL THE ANGLES ARE PERFECT and it should be got checked up by an experienced person particularly while referring to the upper triangle.
SRI YANTRAS are also available in rose quartz, which is normally considered the best for financial soundness and acquiring of assets. Sri Yantra in Sun Stone is helpful in regaining the lost health. Similarly Sri Yentas made out of jade are also good for progress in business and financial structure. Sri Yantra made out of pure Mercury are very costly but surely of good help as per the experiences gained by us. During Diwali normally SRI YANTRA or MERCURY LAKSHMI IS WORSHIPPED FOR FINANCIAL GAINS. SIMILARLY one may go for black star Sri Kurmam or Crystal Sri Kurmam with a number plate on its back either in Gold or in Silver. Similarly Sun Stone Sri Kurmam can also be worshipped for job prosperity and career up-liftment PARTICULARLY DURING DIWALI AND IN KARTIK MONTH.
While Panchayatana idol worship is according to the Vedic order of life, the different varieties of idol worship is found in different parts of the country and it is a good and suggested way for a God believer. Be sure to use properly made idols and you may start using them after getting them checked up with an experienced person in these lines.
It is open for all to read the book written on different idols and follow guidelines of the experienced in these matters.
MAY PANCHAYATANA LORDS GRANT YOU ALL THAT YOU RICHLY DESIRE AND DESERVE.
1-9-52/F/3 MCH No 2859
Road No 19, Ramnagar, HYDERABAD 500020
Phones 040 27661613 55581368 Cell: 9440422613
E mail shodasisai@hotmail.com, shodasisai@yahoo.com, shodasisai@rediffmail.com,
29th October 2004
PANCHAYATANAM AND THE IMPORTANCE OF IT- THE BEST FORMS OF LORDS FOR ALL ROUND PROSPERITY
(An informatory letter)
As per the Vedic texts, five deities are expected to be worshipped and they are 1) Lord Ganapathi, 2) Sri Suryanarayana Murthy – the Sun God, 3) Saligramam – Lord Vishnu, 4) Mother Goddess – Goddess Sakti, and 5) Lord Shiva. Who ever wishes to worship Lord Vishnu, the idol of Lord Vishnu in the form of Saligram is to be kept in the center and the other four deities in the four corners and similarly specific corners are clearly indicated. The deep Red Color stone available in Sone river is used for Lord Ganesh, Crystal form of Sun is used for the Sun God, Saligram available in Gandaki river is used for Lord Vishnu, Sri Yantra (either Meru or Bhuprastaram) is used for Goddess sakti while Ban Ling available in Narmada River is used for Lord Shiva.
For Lord Ganesh Coral stone Ganesh is normally used since the deep red color stone of Sone River is not easily available. The Crystal form of Sun Lord is normally available. Similarly Narmada Ban Ling is also available and in the absence of it we have seen people worshipping TIGER-EYE SHIV LINGA for gaining public attraction, MERCURY Shiva Ling for financial prosperity, Pure Crystal Shiva Ling for all round development. Shiva Ling form is available in many dhatus too and people prefer their choice in this matter.
There are varieties of Saligrams and instead of preferring a normal saligram suggest using of Amruth Saligram which is quite transparent and very light in weight. In the absence of this, a few in the Himalayan ranges are found using SRI KURMAM – the great tortoise – one of the avatar of Lord Vishnu with the DHAN KAARAK number based structure on its back denoting this as GODDESS LAKSHMI AND LORD VISHNU. In the recent Fengshui like arts, the tortoise also acquired lot of importance and people are seen preferring these form even as ornamental pieces in their homes.
With regard to Goddess in Sri Yantra, this day’s people prefer the vertical shaped SRI YANTRA compared to the flat bhuprastaram. Sri Yentas made out of crystal – pure crystal are normally available and CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN WHILE SELECTING THE SRI YANTRA THAT ALL THE ANGLES ARE PERFECT and it should be got checked up by an experienced person particularly while referring to the upper triangle.
SRI YANTRAS are also available in rose quartz, which is normally considered the best for financial soundness and acquiring of assets. Sri Yantra in Sun Stone is helpful in regaining the lost health. Similarly Sri Yentas made out of jade are also good for progress in business and financial structure. Sri Yantra made out of pure Mercury are very costly but surely of good help as per the experiences gained by us. During Diwali normally SRI YANTRA or MERCURY LAKSHMI IS WORSHIPPED FOR FINANCIAL GAINS. SIMILARLY one may go for black star Sri Kurmam or Crystal Sri Kurmam with a number plate on its back either in Gold or in Silver. Similarly Sun Stone Sri Kurmam can also be worshipped for job prosperity and career up-liftment PARTICULARLY DURING DIWALI AND IN KARTIK MONTH.
While Panchayatana idol worship is according to the Vedic order of life, the different varieties of idol worship is found in different parts of the country and it is a good and suggested way for a God believer. Be sure to use properly made idols and you may start using them after getting them checked up with an experienced person in these lines.
It is open for all to read the book written on different idols and follow guidelines of the experienced in these matters.
MAY PANCHAYATANA LORDS GRANT YOU ALL THAT YOU RICHLY DESIRE AND DESERVE.
in praise of India
In Praise of India
1. Will Durant, American historian: "India was the motherland of our race, and Sanskrit the mother of Europe's languages: she was the mother of our philosophy; mother, through the Arabs, of much of our mathematics; mother, through the Buddha, of the ideals embodied in Christianity; mother, through the village community, of self-government and democracy. Mother India is in many ways the mother of us all"
2. Mark Twain, American author: "India is, the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grand mother of tradition. our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only."
3. Albert Einstein, American scientist: "We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made."
4. Max Mueller, German scholar: If I were asked under what sky the human mind has most fully developed some of its choicest gifts, has most deeply pondered on the greatest problems of life, and has found solutions, I should point to India.
5. Romain Rolland, French scholar : "If there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India."
6. Hu Shih, former Ambassador of China to USA: "India conquered and dominated China culturally for 20 centuries without ever having to send a single soldier across her border."
7. Mark Twain: "So far as I am able to judge, nothing has been left undone, either by man or nature, to make India the most extraordinary country that the sun visits on his rounds. Nothing seems to have been forgotten, nothing overlooked."
8. Keith Bellows, VP - National Geographic Society : "There are some parts of the world that, once visited, get into your heart and won’t go. For me, India is such a place. When I first visited, I was stunned by the richness of the land, by its lush beauty and exotic architecture, by its ability to overload the senses with the pure, concentrated intensity of its colors, smells, tastes, and sounds... I had been seeing the world in black & white and, when brought face-to-face with India, experienced everything re-rendered in brilliant technicolor."
9. Mark Twain: "India has two million gods, and worships them all. In religion all other countries are paupers; India is the only millionaire."
10. A Rough Guide to India: "It is impossible not to be astonished by India. Nowhere on Earth does humanity present itself in such a dizzying, creative burst of cultures and religions, races and tongues. Enriched by successive waves of migration and marauders from distant lands, every one of them left an indelible imprint which was absorbed into the Indian way of life. Every aspect of the country presents itself on a massive, exaggerated scale, worthy in comparison only to the superlative mountains that overshadow it. It is this variety which provides a breathtaking ensemble for experiences that is uniquely Indian. Perhaps the only thing more difficult than to be indifferent to India would be to describe or understand India completely. There are perhaps very few nations in the world with the enormous variety that India has to offer. Modern day India represents the largest democracy in the world with a seamless picture of unity in diversity unparalleled anywhere else."
http://hinduism.about.com/od/history/p/indiaquotes.htm
Problem with Hindu calenders
Dr P V Sesha Sai
M.Com. B.L., CAIIB.Dip. UNIU., AMIMA., Vedanta Visarada,
(Former Chief Officer, Syndicate Bank)
1-9-52/F/3 MCH No 2859
Road No 19, Ramnagar, HYDERABAD 500020
Phones 040 27661613 55581368 Cell: 9440422613
E mail shodasisai@hotmail.com, perisepallipadmasai@rediffmail.com,
aanandaashramam@yahoo.com drseshasai@bharatmail.com
shodasisai@rediffmail.com, shodasisai@yahoo.com
HINDU RELIGIOUS CALENDARS AND SYSTEMS
It is my desire not to write any thing relating to religion etc. But it has become essential that I felt bad in some of the areas particularly relating to non-maintaining of uniformity in the age-old procedures and systems.
In the recent past I have noticed a lay man- a villager asking straight one of the Jagadgurus of one Sankara Peetham when there was a confusion on the day of observing one of the prominent Hindu Festival. His Holiness could not answer the lay man’s question. What I wonder is that there is no REGULATORY AUTHORITY in the matter of publication of Calendars. There is no system in India as such to judge the suitability and authenticity of publication of Hindu Religious calendars. Any one can claim as the PUNDIT and start publishing any calendar. In other words there is no check system. This has not only led to confusion amongst the followers of the calendars but also defamed the system over a period of time.
No two calendars in the country specify uniform time and days of panchang. Hindu religion is ONLY ONE and there can not be any preaching that only one Lord is supreme and not the other Lord. Some of the Seers or Jagadgurus claim that one Lord is superior to the other and vice versa. They should be informed that there should not be any in-fight between them to dilute the unity and authenticity of the Religion in total. I have seen that some of them in order to establish their supremacy, watering the main theme and nature of the Religion, claim and propagate that one Lord is the only supreme Lord and every one has to follow the same. Already this Religion is facing splits and it is certain over a period of time people migrate to other religions where there are less conflicts and complications in the system.
Any preacher should follow a code of conduct and respect the other branches evenly and the Government has to take steps in this direction. All Religious calendars should be published with a consensus duly depicting uniform dates, time and muhurat as per Indian system followed since centuries. This will help protecting people’s interest and create confidence among the followers that their interest is taken care of.
This may not, however, be possible in the existing polluted political environment since an attempt to correct the system may itself take a different turn. At least the religious head should take some steps towards this and help the Hindus to gain confidence that they ARE ONE.
Cartoons/Jokes
In the recent past I have seen many books and magazines with number of cartoons and jokes on Hindu Religious deities and Heroes of the Hindu Origin. Many pictures too were produced using the deities as laughing stocks. Never there is an occasion on this HOLY GLOBE to use the Lords of other religions for such joyous entertainment. Most unfortunate it is, we have good number of Jagadgurus and Seers but what has been done to arrest this type of trend is clearly visible for all of us. The Government obviously tied up with its limitations on this subject and IT MAY NOT DO ANY THING ON ITS OWN TO ARREST THIS TREND. But it is the duty of the Religious heads to take some corrective steps towards this. If the Lords of the Religion are laughed at, what kind of discipline we can inculcate?
I suggest that there should be a platform that all religious heads join and make an attempt to stop all unwanted things first. It is also time to give up in-fights and move towards uniformity and oneness.
Support to the less fortunate
There are less complications in other religions and it can be observed that the FOTUNATE have started extending their helping hand to the LESS FORTUNATE collectively and with a common motive. In our country, though individuals help the less fortunate with all sympathy, nothing much could be seen at a collective point to eradicate the differences between sects. Material support such as distribution of clothes and food items – the base minimum requirements for any one, free distribution of literature and educative texts relating to the promotion and protection of the religious integrity are to be improved upon. There is some kind of weakness, which has to be gradually cut short, and a kind of oneness should be promoted by all concerned.
Rituals
The rituals and offering of oblations are basically from Sanskrit Texts and they are clear in their approach. There is no possibility of any individual interpretation and modification in the text. In the recent past Kumbh – Pushkar was observed for the Holy River Godavari. I have personally visited the banks of the Holy River in Godavari District of AP in Godavari District of AP and in many parts of Maharashtra too. Each one follow his own systems and some cut short the procedure to ten minutes and some draw the same to hours. Ultimately what has to be done is only one – Offering of oblations to the departed souls. Though money pays a vital part but I have noticed poor knowledge amongst priests and perhaps that was the time for them to make money. Interesting it is, during the same time I also visited some parts in Northern India like Pushkar in Rajastan where I found number of priests sitting on the banks but most of them are not aware of any Sanskrit text. They just do their business in their own style.
The purpose of my writing this is to bring some kind of disciplines in the procedure. Though the Government can not do anything due to various reasons, at least the religious heads like the Peethadhipathis should do something and they should formulate a system where upon each priest is tested and an identification mark to the extent of his qualification be given to him permitting him to undertake the job at various places in the country. Thus certain standards are gradually introduced and this creates confidence amongst the persons and their faith is protected as per the original texts of Vedic Sciences.
All that I wish to mention is to make out a REGULATORY BODY covering these aspects so that the faith of the Hindus is properly protected and the systems are followed in the line expected of them. This also will help strengthening of the religious base for the Hindus and the less fortunate in the religion are taken care of.
M.Com. B.L., CAIIB.Dip. UNIU., AMIMA., Vedanta Visarada,
(Former Chief Officer, Syndicate Bank)
1-9-52/F/3 MCH No 2859
Road No 19, Ramnagar, HYDERABAD 500020
Phones 040 27661613 55581368 Cell: 9440422613
E mail shodasisai@hotmail.com, perisepallipadmasai@rediffmail.com,
aanandaashramam@yahoo.com drseshasai@bharatmail.com
shodasisai@rediffmail.com, shodasisai@yahoo.com
HINDU RELIGIOUS CALENDARS AND SYSTEMS
It is my desire not to write any thing relating to religion etc. But it has become essential that I felt bad in some of the areas particularly relating to non-maintaining of uniformity in the age-old procedures and systems.
In the recent past I have noticed a lay man- a villager asking straight one of the Jagadgurus of one Sankara Peetham when there was a confusion on the day of observing one of the prominent Hindu Festival. His Holiness could not answer the lay man’s question. What I wonder is that there is no REGULATORY AUTHORITY in the matter of publication of Calendars. There is no system in India as such to judge the suitability and authenticity of publication of Hindu Religious calendars. Any one can claim as the PUNDIT and start publishing any calendar. In other words there is no check system. This has not only led to confusion amongst the followers of the calendars but also defamed the system over a period of time.
No two calendars in the country specify uniform time and days of panchang. Hindu religion is ONLY ONE and there can not be any preaching that only one Lord is supreme and not the other Lord. Some of the Seers or Jagadgurus claim that one Lord is superior to the other and vice versa. They should be informed that there should not be any in-fight between them to dilute the unity and authenticity of the Religion in total. I have seen that some of them in order to establish their supremacy, watering the main theme and nature of the Religion, claim and propagate that one Lord is the only supreme Lord and every one has to follow the same. Already this Religion is facing splits and it is certain over a period of time people migrate to other religions where there are less conflicts and complications in the system.
Any preacher should follow a code of conduct and respect the other branches evenly and the Government has to take steps in this direction. All Religious calendars should be published with a consensus duly depicting uniform dates, time and muhurat as per Indian system followed since centuries. This will help protecting people’s interest and create confidence among the followers that their interest is taken care of.
This may not, however, be possible in the existing polluted political environment since an attempt to correct the system may itself take a different turn. At least the religious head should take some steps towards this and help the Hindus to gain confidence that they ARE ONE.
Cartoons/Jokes
In the recent past I have seen many books and magazines with number of cartoons and jokes on Hindu Religious deities and Heroes of the Hindu Origin. Many pictures too were produced using the deities as laughing stocks. Never there is an occasion on this HOLY GLOBE to use the Lords of other religions for such joyous entertainment. Most unfortunate it is, we have good number of Jagadgurus and Seers but what has been done to arrest this type of trend is clearly visible for all of us. The Government obviously tied up with its limitations on this subject and IT MAY NOT DO ANY THING ON ITS OWN TO ARREST THIS TREND. But it is the duty of the Religious heads to take some corrective steps towards this. If the Lords of the Religion are laughed at, what kind of discipline we can inculcate?
I suggest that there should be a platform that all religious heads join and make an attempt to stop all unwanted things first. It is also time to give up in-fights and move towards uniformity and oneness.
Support to the less fortunate
There are less complications in other religions and it can be observed that the FOTUNATE have started extending their helping hand to the LESS FORTUNATE collectively and with a common motive. In our country, though individuals help the less fortunate with all sympathy, nothing much could be seen at a collective point to eradicate the differences between sects. Material support such as distribution of clothes and food items – the base minimum requirements for any one, free distribution of literature and educative texts relating to the promotion and protection of the religious integrity are to be improved upon. There is some kind of weakness, which has to be gradually cut short, and a kind of oneness should be promoted by all concerned.
Rituals
The rituals and offering of oblations are basically from Sanskrit Texts and they are clear in their approach. There is no possibility of any individual interpretation and modification in the text. In the recent past Kumbh – Pushkar was observed for the Holy River Godavari. I have personally visited the banks of the Holy River in Godavari District of AP in Godavari District of AP and in many parts of Maharashtra too. Each one follow his own systems and some cut short the procedure to ten minutes and some draw the same to hours. Ultimately what has to be done is only one – Offering of oblations to the departed souls. Though money pays a vital part but I have noticed poor knowledge amongst priests and perhaps that was the time for them to make money. Interesting it is, during the same time I also visited some parts in Northern India like Pushkar in Rajastan where I found number of priests sitting on the banks but most of them are not aware of any Sanskrit text. They just do their business in their own style.
The purpose of my writing this is to bring some kind of disciplines in the procedure. Though the Government can not do anything due to various reasons, at least the religious heads like the Peethadhipathis should do something and they should formulate a system where upon each priest is tested and an identification mark to the extent of his qualification be given to him permitting him to undertake the job at various places in the country. Thus certain standards are gradually introduced and this creates confidence amongst the persons and their faith is protected as per the original texts of Vedic Sciences.
All that I wish to mention is to make out a REGULATORY BODY covering these aspects so that the faith of the Hindus is properly protected and the systems are followed in the line expected of them. This also will help strengthening of the religious base for the Hindus and the less fortunate in the religion are taken care of.
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