Nadaswaram, is considered to be one of the most ancient and unique musical instruments of Tamilnadu. It would be appropriate to call this instrument a rare combination of music and divinity. The history and current perspective of the instrument forms the fundamental basis of this presentation.
Our predecessors considered temples as the abode of peace and sanctity. This system of holding the temples as the centre stage of our culture has prevailed for the last several centuries. Temples have nurtured several arts forms, the important ones being music and dance. Both these formed the basic essence of the bhakti tradition. The credit for such a rich tradition has to be given to the Azhwars and Nayanmars. The Tamil language and the patronage for music were interlinked during the ancient period. The temples in Tamilnadu have been the main inspiration and source of the bhakti tradition. Thus music played a special role as a medium for prayer. Musical celebrations were very popular and Nadaswaram acquired a special status in such presentations. Everyone in the temple precincts and the villages relished the music emanating from Nadaswaram. Thus this instrument became an integral part of temple celebrations throughout south India.
Special temple repertoire:
The present day practise of presenting Varnams, Keertanas, Javalis, Tillanas in Nadaswaram concerts is of recent origin, perhaps 60-70 years. Earlier, concerts at the temples were significantly different. Ragas were rendered with their full embellishments/laya structure and appropriate to the presiding deity. The Nitya Pooja or daily prayers normally comprised 6-8 rituals. Each time an appropriate raga was rendered on the Nadaswaram. This was the tradition and continues even today. The expert on Agama Sastra-s, Sri Ramaswamy Dikshitar, has laid down a detailed structure for Nadaswaram recitals at the temples.
The first pooja, Tiruvanandal, is performed between 5 am and 6 am to wake up the Gods. During such times, ragas like Bhoopalam, Bowli, Malayamarutam are played. During the 7 am Vila Pooja, ragas like Bilahari, Kedaram are rendered. Around 8 am ragas like Dhanyasi, Saveri, Aaaveri, and around 10 am ragas like Surati, Mukhari, Manirangu are played. At noon, during the Ucchikala Pooja Mukhari, Poornachandrika, Mandari and similar ragas are played. At 8 in the night during the Ardhajama pooja, ragas like Sankarabharanam, Bhairavi, Kambhoji, and at the 10 pm Palliarai pooja, ragas like Anandabhairavi, Neelambari are handled.
Thus it is a very scientifically laid down structure which was not only appealing but in keeping with the time of the day. The village folk could easily identify the time without clocks merely by listening to the ragas and the songs. Devotees would also be able to know which pooja was being performed. This evidences the fine-tuned prayer scheme prevalent in south Indian temples.
The playing of ragas is keeping with the temple rituals. Rendering of Mallari, Pancha Nadai, Ragam-Tanam-Pallavi etc during the procession of the deities were the traditions prevalent over many years. In recent times, Madurai Sri Ponnuswamy Pillai, Tiruveezhimalai brothers, Tiruppambaram brothers and Sri Karaikurichi Arunachalam contributed to the change in the concert format from the earlier raga-oriented approach to the present format of handling of Varnams, Kritis, Keertanas, Tillanas etc.
Conclusion:
Such is the greatness of this instrument! Every temple should nurture this instrument and restore the traditional practises. This will not only provide a livelihood for many artistes, but will also protect this endangered and ancient art. Schools imparting detailed training and coaching should be established in every city/town. Let us all unite and nurture this ancient temple art form.
COURTESY - SRI P N SETHURAMAN
Monday, August 1, 2011
THE SEVEN STEPS
A Hindu marriage comprises several meaningful rituals. Each such marriage ritual has varying degrees of significance. The most important of them all is the " Saptapadi " or the " Seven Steps " which the couple takes together after tying the Mangalsutra or Thali (sacred thread). The manner in which these seven steps are taken differ. In some South Indian marriages, these seven steps are taken towards the Southern direction with the groom holding the little finger of the bride and then going round the sacred fire. In certain other marriages, the groom holds the hand of the bride and leads her around the fire seven times. Every step is taken invoking the Gods to shower their blessings on the couple.
The Seven Steps
. With the first step , the couple invokes the Gods for plentitude of food.
• With the second step , the couple prays to the Gods to give them both mental and physical strength and a healthy life free from ailments.
• The third step is for the fulfilment of spiritual obligation for the couple and for the successful performance of their spiritual duties.
• The fourth step is for the attainment of happiness in all walks of life.
• The fifth step is to pray for the welfare of all living entities in the entire Universe.
• The sixth step is for bountiful seasons all over the world.
• The seventh step is taken invoking the prayer and sacrifice for universal peace.
On taking these seven steps together, the couple agrees to be companions forever and pray that they never have any conflicts so as to break this companionship. Having sought each other out to be life partners, they agree to lead a harmonious life taking into consideration not only each other's likes and dislikes, but also keeping in mind the good of the entire family. They pray for their unity, prosperity and happiness.
Under the Hindu Law, a marriage is not complete on tying the Mangalsutra or Thali alone. A couple are declared husband and wife only after the Saptapadi is complete. The ideals behind the Saptapadi acquire more significance from the fact that the married couple pray not only for their own welfare but also for the health and prosperity of all living beings and the entire Universe.
The Seven Steps
. With the first step , the couple invokes the Gods for plentitude of food.
• With the second step , the couple prays to the Gods to give them both mental and physical strength and a healthy life free from ailments.
• The third step is for the fulfilment of spiritual obligation for the couple and for the successful performance of their spiritual duties.
• The fourth step is for the attainment of happiness in all walks of life.
• The fifth step is to pray for the welfare of all living entities in the entire Universe.
• The sixth step is for bountiful seasons all over the world.
• The seventh step is taken invoking the prayer and sacrifice for universal peace.
On taking these seven steps together, the couple agrees to be companions forever and pray that they never have any conflicts so as to break this companionship. Having sought each other out to be life partners, they agree to lead a harmonious life taking into consideration not only each other's likes and dislikes, but also keeping in mind the good of the entire family. They pray for their unity, prosperity and happiness.
Under the Hindu Law, a marriage is not complete on tying the Mangalsutra or Thali alone. A couple are declared husband and wife only after the Saptapadi is complete. The ideals behind the Saptapadi acquire more significance from the fact that the married couple pray not only for their own welfare but also for the health and prosperity of all living beings and the entire Universe.
EKADASHI - A SCIENTIFIC WAY
From time immemorial, many of us have been having fasts twice a month on Ekadasi days. This fasting is, in general, for everyone. Ekadasi is the 11th day in the moon cycle, i.e. from the new moon day and also from the full moon day.
It is a proven scientific matter, that the air pressure in the atmosphere rapidly changes in the surroundings on a full moon day or on the new moon day. The Sun-Moon-Earth combinations in the orbital path, when distances itself at every particular interval (i.e. every 24 hours of for every full circle the Earth rotates). When it occurs, accordingly the pressure in the atmosphere too changes drastically and varies from day to day.
One can observe this from the increasing high tidal waves in the ocean. On any given New Moon day or Amavasya the pressure increases in the ocean and the tidal waves are very rough and high. But from the immediate next day onwards, the pressure recedes gradually thus improving that the atmospheric pressure too reduces. So, particularly on the 11th day from New Moon or Full Moon days, the pressure is some what very light or nil.
If one has to go with an empty stomach on any other day, the atmospheric pressures will put on him or her more strain wherein on the Ekadasi day, the problem is minimal or nil. So the body never takes the pain while we cleanse the bowel system and thus refreshing the whole body mechanism - specifically the liver/stomach/bowel and the system movements.
But on the immediate next day (called as Dwadasi or Dvadasi - i.e. 12th day from Full Moon/New Moon), to avoid any pressure on the body system, Srivaishnavites used to eat food in the morning as early as possible. Thus avoiding any system trouble or collapse. This breaking fast on the 12th day is known as ParaNai amongst Srivaishnavas. So it is advisable to observe fasting only on the Ekadashi day and to give scope for refreshing the body mechanism; this fasting day is also very conducive to concentrate on meditation and prayers. But one must eat food immediately in the next early morning to avoid any complications. As the atmospheric pressure builds up faster and doubles on the 12th day from Amavasya / Poornima days, it is strongly recommended to consume food on the Dwadasi day in the early morning.
Nowadays, people also fast these days for health reasons; because fasting helps in the detoxification of the body. Everyone wants to look good and fit . As such, you will find many youngsters in India fasting. In medical context, fasting refers to the state achieved after digestion of a meal. A number of metabolic adjustments occur during fasting and many medical diagnostic tests for blood sugar, cholesterol levels are standardized to fasting conditions. Thus fasting has medical reasons coated with religious significance in India .
Those who observe Fasting on Ekadasi days are keeping fittest health, cleansing their bowel system and mostly free from frequent ailments. Also, those who are the Bhakta's of Lord Krishna, observing fasting on Ekadasi days, have lot more mental peace, by way of self realization and inner soul! That reflects them to more and more devote to the spiritual path! Yes, this sort of penance also give them a more stronger feeling towards spirituality, thus making them pure in body and mind.
Now, let us see the other scientific facts concerning the 11th day from Full Moon & New Moon. In the Indian Vedic system, there are different methods to calculate a month. Once such is counting from the new moon day known as Amavasya. The well known From the new moon day till the Full moon day it is called as Sukla Paksham or waxing moon; from the full moon day till next Amavasya/new moon day, it is known as Krishna Paksham or the waning moon. In the celestial phenomena, the Earth as well as moon raises and settles at the same time on Amavasya and from the next day to Amavasya, moon is moving about 12 degree distance from the solar path; on the Ekadasi day, i.e. 11th day from full moon the Moon stays at a distance of about 135 degrees in the solar path that causes lesser grativation force and thus causing lesser atmospheric pressure. Thus fasting on an Ekadasi day will not affect the body system as also hungry feelings too minimum to some extent.
Ekadasi Recipes for peace, Devotion and health
The very purpose of the fast being to minimize bodily activities and increase in activities of devotion, prayer and peace, observers either abstain from food completely and there a few who take Milk, fruits, water and avoid all grains and beans from their meals on Ekadasi day. Light meals of fruits, milk products, vegetables, nuts and various non-cereal flours, fruits like banana, are eaten by those who are not in a position to undertake a total fast. Apart from cleansing one's body bi-monthly, this is an opportunity to become more absorbed in glorifying the Supreme Lord, Sriman Narayana. Ekadasi is also an excellent time to purify the body, mind and thoughts!.
from trs iyengar inputs
It is a proven scientific matter, that the air pressure in the atmosphere rapidly changes in the surroundings on a full moon day or on the new moon day. The Sun-Moon-Earth combinations in the orbital path, when distances itself at every particular interval (i.e. every 24 hours of for every full circle the Earth rotates). When it occurs, accordingly the pressure in the atmosphere too changes drastically and varies from day to day.
One can observe this from the increasing high tidal waves in the ocean. On any given New Moon day or Amavasya the pressure increases in the ocean and the tidal waves are very rough and high. But from the immediate next day onwards, the pressure recedes gradually thus improving that the atmospheric pressure too reduces. So, particularly on the 11th day from New Moon or Full Moon days, the pressure is some what very light or nil.
If one has to go with an empty stomach on any other day, the atmospheric pressures will put on him or her more strain wherein on the Ekadasi day, the problem is minimal or nil. So the body never takes the pain while we cleanse the bowel system and thus refreshing the whole body mechanism - specifically the liver/stomach/bowel and the system movements.
But on the immediate next day (called as Dwadasi or Dvadasi - i.e. 12th day from Full Moon/New Moon), to avoid any pressure on the body system, Srivaishnavites used to eat food in the morning as early as possible. Thus avoiding any system trouble or collapse. This breaking fast on the 12th day is known as ParaNai amongst Srivaishnavas. So it is advisable to observe fasting only on the Ekadashi day and to give scope for refreshing the body mechanism; this fasting day is also very conducive to concentrate on meditation and prayers. But one must eat food immediately in the next early morning to avoid any complications. As the atmospheric pressure builds up faster and doubles on the 12th day from Amavasya / Poornima days, it is strongly recommended to consume food on the Dwadasi day in the early morning.
Nowadays, people also fast these days for health reasons; because fasting helps in the detoxification of the body. Everyone wants to look good and fit . As such, you will find many youngsters in India fasting. In medical context, fasting refers to the state achieved after digestion of a meal. A number of metabolic adjustments occur during fasting and many medical diagnostic tests for blood sugar, cholesterol levels are standardized to fasting conditions. Thus fasting has medical reasons coated with religious significance in India .
Those who observe Fasting on Ekadasi days are keeping fittest health, cleansing their bowel system and mostly free from frequent ailments. Also, those who are the Bhakta's of Lord Krishna, observing fasting on Ekadasi days, have lot more mental peace, by way of self realization and inner soul! That reflects them to more and more devote to the spiritual path! Yes, this sort of penance also give them a more stronger feeling towards spirituality, thus making them pure in body and mind.
Now, let us see the other scientific facts concerning the 11th day from Full Moon & New Moon. In the Indian Vedic system, there are different methods to calculate a month. Once such is counting from the new moon day known as Amavasya. The well known From the new moon day till the Full moon day it is called as Sukla Paksham or waxing moon; from the full moon day till next Amavasya/new moon day, it is known as Krishna Paksham or the waning moon. In the celestial phenomena, the Earth as well as moon raises and settles at the same time on Amavasya and from the next day to Amavasya, moon is moving about 12 degree distance from the solar path; on the Ekadasi day, i.e. 11th day from full moon the Moon stays at a distance of about 135 degrees in the solar path that causes lesser grativation force and thus causing lesser atmospheric pressure. Thus fasting on an Ekadasi day will not affect the body system as also hungry feelings too minimum to some extent.
Ekadasi Recipes for peace, Devotion and health
The very purpose of the fast being to minimize bodily activities and increase in activities of devotion, prayer and peace, observers either abstain from food completely and there a few who take Milk, fruits, water and avoid all grains and beans from their meals on Ekadasi day. Light meals of fruits, milk products, vegetables, nuts and various non-cereal flours, fruits like banana, are eaten by those who are not in a position to undertake a total fast. Apart from cleansing one's body bi-monthly, this is an opportunity to become more absorbed in glorifying the Supreme Lord, Sriman Narayana. Ekadasi is also an excellent time to purify the body, mind and thoughts!.
from trs iyengar inputs
Religious Facts
You should never have a oil head bath on Amavasai, Pournami, Janma Nakshatram and on Sundays and also on your birthday and wedding day.
If you sit facing east and have your food it increases your life span.
It is always good to keep a handful of food to the crows before eating in the noon. The crow is considered as Lord Shani and by feeding him we try to appease him from his anger. It is also believed that feeding of crows is as good as feeding our deceased.
Lighting of lamps with Gingelly Oil removes fear of death.
It is believed that Parvati resides at the base, Saraswati at the centre of the palm of your hand and Laksmi at the upper portion of the hand ie., fingertips. It is therefore advised that the first thing you see after you wake up in the morning is your right hand palm.
You should always donate food or money to beggars while going into the temple and not when returning from the temple.
You should never sleep in a room that is completely dark. There should be at least some light in the room.
Fasting (Vratha) on Shivarathri makes your wishes come true.
One should never go to the temple empty handed. You should take some offerings like Coconut, Fruits, Flowers or Camphor.
In a temple one can light a burnt out lamp, but should never put out a burning or lit lamp.
When you are returning from the burial ground after attending someone's funeral you should not have head bath with oil on that day.
One should worship Godess Mahalakshmi by lighting lamps with Pure Cow Ghee.
Vadha Narayana Maram (Tree) represents Air among the Pancha Boodhas. If you worship Lord Ganesh who is set up at the base of such trees your growth will increase.
When a person prays or performs a pooja for himself ie., for his benefit it is called as Suvartha Pooja.
When adjusting the thread in lamps in a temple, your fingers will come in to contact with the oil of the lamp. One should never rub that oil on the head.
In the pooja room do not place pictures of Gods along with pictures of departed souls like grandfathers, great grandfathers etc. You can place them in the pooja room on a different side. For eg., if Gods are placed facing east you can place the pictures of the deceased facing south or north etc., If you worship this way then the blessings you will receive will be several fold.
Lighting of lamps with threads made from cotton will maintain harmony in the family.
On Tuesdays and Fridays never give or lend Rice or other Food Grains.
Avoid buying dress materials, gold and property on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
If you sit facing west and have your food it brings you wealth.
You should always begin a Hanuman Pooja on a day when the star is Moolam and you should offer pooja only in the mornings.
Always enter a temple or a house by placing your right feet first.
One should never pray Lord Shani (Saturn) by standing right in front of the deity. One should always stand by the side when worshipping Lord Shani.
After returning home from the temple you should give some time before you wash your hands and legs.
You should never sleep with your head placed in the North Direction.
Having a haircut on a Sashti (except if it falls on Sundays or Thursdays) is not good for ones brother.
You should never bathe in the sea when your wife is pregnant.
Fasting (Vratha) on Chadurthi makes your life happier and increases the chances of attaining more benefits at work.
Having a haircut on a Pournami (except if it falls on Sundays or Thursdays) is not good for ones father.
When a temple is closed one should never worship/pray from outside.
You should never do auspicious things wearing wet clothes. Only inauspicious things are performed wearing wet clothes.
One should go to the temple only during the temple visiting hours. You should never sleep inside the temple.
Lighting of Burnt Red Sand lamps (Agal Vilaku) will give you more power.
One should never light camphor on the step of the main entrance of the temple.
One should never fall down and pray (namaskaram) Lord Shani (Saturn).
After a hair cut you should not have head bath with oil on that day.
When you are leaving the town from home, you should leave from the front entrance of your home and not from the rear side.
Lighting of lamps with Coconut oil or Ilupai oil brings you health and wealth.
Lighting of lamps with threads made from the lotus plant will relieve you from sins committed in the previous birth (Purva Janma Pavam) and bring wealth.
Brahma Muhurtam is between 3:00 am and 6:00 am in the early morning.
On Wednesdays and Saturdays never give or lend Gold or Silver Items.
One should not carry the items for Pooja/Archana using the left hand.
When carrying items for a Pooja in a bag, basket make sure the bag is not left hanging below your hip level.
You should never bring home any item that is considered as property of the temple.
Arasa Maram (Tree) represents Sky among the Pancha Boodhas. If you worship Lord Ganesh who is set up at the base of the Arasa Maram you will be blessed with children.
Having a haircut on a Navami (except if it falls on Sundays or Thursdays) will lead to wealth losses.
Vanni Maram (Tree) represents Fire among the Pancha Boodhas. If you worship Lord Ganesh who is set up at the base of the Vanni Maram you will be blessed with all your needs in life.
One should never have a bath immediately after returning from the temple.
If you start repaying the first installment or payback regularly on Tuesdays your loan will be settled quickly.
If you sit facing south and have your food it brings you fame.
One should worship Lord Narayanan by lighting lamps with Gingelly Oil.
Lighting of lamps with Castor Oil brings you all kinds of wealth.
Lighting of Bronze lamps will relieve you from your sins.
One should always enter the temple through the main entrance.
Amla Tree (Nelli Maram) represents Water among the Pancha Boodhas. If you worship Lord Ganesh who is set up at the base of the Nelli Maram your wealth and income will be very satisfactory.
Inside a temple never pray at a place/sannadhi where there is no lamp lit.
Fasting (Vratha) on Sankadahara Chadurthi protects you from sudden death and accidents.
Fasting (Vratha) on Sashti, Kirthigai protects you from evil forces and from health problems.
You should never put out a burning lamp, camphor or incense sticks by blowing with your mouth.
You should never sit facing north when having food.
Never enter a temple wearing wet clothes.
When praying to the family deity(Kula Dievam) you should light lamps with a mixture of Neem & Ilupai Oils along with Pure Cow Ghee.
When lighting a lamp in the pooja room make sure that the lamp is not facing south.
When a person prays or performs a pooja for the benefit of others it is called as Paarartha Pooja.
Fasting (Vratha) on Ekadesi brings you peace of mind and happiness.
If you sit facing east and have your food it increases your life span.
It is always good to keep a handful of food to the crows before eating in the noon. The crow is considered as Lord Shani and by feeding him we try to appease him from his anger. It is also believed that feeding of crows is as good as feeding our deceased.
Lighting of lamps with Gingelly Oil removes fear of death.
It is believed that Parvati resides at the base, Saraswati at the centre of the palm of your hand and Laksmi at the upper portion of the hand ie., fingertips. It is therefore advised that the first thing you see after you wake up in the morning is your right hand palm.
You should always donate food or money to beggars while going into the temple and not when returning from the temple.
You should never sleep in a room that is completely dark. There should be at least some light in the room.
Fasting (Vratha) on Shivarathri makes your wishes come true.
One should never go to the temple empty handed. You should take some offerings like Coconut, Fruits, Flowers or Camphor.
In a temple one can light a burnt out lamp, but should never put out a burning or lit lamp.
When you are returning from the burial ground after attending someone's funeral you should not have head bath with oil on that day.
One should worship Godess Mahalakshmi by lighting lamps with Pure Cow Ghee.
Vadha Narayana Maram (Tree) represents Air among the Pancha Boodhas. If you worship Lord Ganesh who is set up at the base of such trees your growth will increase.
When a person prays or performs a pooja for himself ie., for his benefit it is called as Suvartha Pooja.
When adjusting the thread in lamps in a temple, your fingers will come in to contact with the oil of the lamp. One should never rub that oil on the head.
In the pooja room do not place pictures of Gods along with pictures of departed souls like grandfathers, great grandfathers etc. You can place them in the pooja room on a different side. For eg., if Gods are placed facing east you can place the pictures of the deceased facing south or north etc., If you worship this way then the blessings you will receive will be several fold.
Lighting of lamps with threads made from cotton will maintain harmony in the family.
On Tuesdays and Fridays never give or lend Rice or other Food Grains.
Avoid buying dress materials, gold and property on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
If you sit facing west and have your food it brings you wealth.
You should always begin a Hanuman Pooja on a day when the star is Moolam and you should offer pooja only in the mornings.
Always enter a temple or a house by placing your right feet first.
One should never pray Lord Shani (Saturn) by standing right in front of the deity. One should always stand by the side when worshipping Lord Shani.
After returning home from the temple you should give some time before you wash your hands and legs.
You should never sleep with your head placed in the North Direction.
Having a haircut on a Sashti (except if it falls on Sundays or Thursdays) is not good for ones brother.
You should never bathe in the sea when your wife is pregnant.
Fasting (Vratha) on Chadurthi makes your life happier and increases the chances of attaining more benefits at work.
Having a haircut on a Pournami (except if it falls on Sundays or Thursdays) is not good for ones father.
When a temple is closed one should never worship/pray from outside.
You should never do auspicious things wearing wet clothes. Only inauspicious things are performed wearing wet clothes.
One should go to the temple only during the temple visiting hours. You should never sleep inside the temple.
Lighting of Burnt Red Sand lamps (Agal Vilaku) will give you more power.
One should never light camphor on the step of the main entrance of the temple.
One should never fall down and pray (namaskaram) Lord Shani (Saturn).
After a hair cut you should not have head bath with oil on that day.
When you are leaving the town from home, you should leave from the front entrance of your home and not from the rear side.
Lighting of lamps with Coconut oil or Ilupai oil brings you health and wealth.
Lighting of lamps with threads made from the lotus plant will relieve you from sins committed in the previous birth (Purva Janma Pavam) and bring wealth.
Brahma Muhurtam is between 3:00 am and 6:00 am in the early morning.
On Wednesdays and Saturdays never give or lend Gold or Silver Items.
One should not carry the items for Pooja/Archana using the left hand.
When carrying items for a Pooja in a bag, basket make sure the bag is not left hanging below your hip level.
You should never bring home any item that is considered as property of the temple.
Arasa Maram (Tree) represents Sky among the Pancha Boodhas. If you worship Lord Ganesh who is set up at the base of the Arasa Maram you will be blessed with children.
Having a haircut on a Navami (except if it falls on Sundays or Thursdays) will lead to wealth losses.
Vanni Maram (Tree) represents Fire among the Pancha Boodhas. If you worship Lord Ganesh who is set up at the base of the Vanni Maram you will be blessed with all your needs in life.
One should never have a bath immediately after returning from the temple.
If you start repaying the first installment or payback regularly on Tuesdays your loan will be settled quickly.
If you sit facing south and have your food it brings you fame.
One should worship Lord Narayanan by lighting lamps with Gingelly Oil.
Lighting of lamps with Castor Oil brings you all kinds of wealth.
Lighting of Bronze lamps will relieve you from your sins.
One should always enter the temple through the main entrance.
Amla Tree (Nelli Maram) represents Water among the Pancha Boodhas. If you worship Lord Ganesh who is set up at the base of the Nelli Maram your wealth and income will be very satisfactory.
Inside a temple never pray at a place/sannadhi where there is no lamp lit.
Fasting (Vratha) on Sankadahara Chadurthi protects you from sudden death and accidents.
Fasting (Vratha) on Sashti, Kirthigai protects you from evil forces and from health problems.
You should never put out a burning lamp, camphor or incense sticks by blowing with your mouth.
You should never sit facing north when having food.
Never enter a temple wearing wet clothes.
When praying to the family deity(Kula Dievam) you should light lamps with a mixture of Neem & Ilupai Oils along with Pure Cow Ghee.
When lighting a lamp in the pooja room make sure that the lamp is not facing south.
When a person prays or performs a pooja for the benefit of others it is called as Paarartha Pooja.
Fasting (Vratha) on Ekadesi brings you peace of mind and happiness.
significance of Number 108
significance of Number 108
*As per Indian mythology, Indian culture has a very special significance of
number 108. What is this number represent, and why is it so important?
1) In one minute, we breathe in approximately 15 times, in 1 hour 900 times,
and in 12 hours 10800 times, and in a day 10800 * 2 times. A day consists
of 24 hours, and if we set aside half the day for our day to day routines,
then one can spend 12 hours for recitation of one's idol. Therefore, the
maximmum number of times that one can recite "mantra", or perform "Jap" are
10800. If one wants to obtain 100% benefit of its jap, then performing
jap 108 times will give you the benefit of 100%. That's why in a "Mala",
there are 108 beads. It is written in Vedas, that 1 Jap corresponds to
1 mala (which has 108 beads), therefore performing jap of 108 malas will
result in 100% benefit.
2) Astronomically, there are 27 constillations in our galaxy, and each one
them
has 4 directions, and 27 * 4 = 108, In other words the number 108 covers
the whole galaxy.
3) According to Indian scriptures, letter 9 corresponds to Lord Brahma (the
creator of universe). Mathematically, the interesting property of 9 is
9x1 = 9
9 x 2 = 18 (8+1 = 9)
9 * 3 = 27 (7+2 = 9)
9 * 12 = 108 (1+0+8 = 9)
4) In Hindu religion, number 9 is very important. Keeping the importance of
number 9, Rishi Vyas has created 9 Purans, 108 MahaPuran (Upnishads).
Mahabharat has 18 chapters, Geeta has 18 chapters, Bhagavat has 108000
Shloks (verses).
The addition of digits of number 108 is 9, and number 9 is related with
Brahma, that's why 108 is very important, and came into lot of Indian
scriptures.
5) Indian Vedas, treats the Sun as God, and Sun has 12 signs (Zodiac signs).
In Yajurved, Sun is related with Lord Brahma (the number 9), remember -
12 * 9 = 108; therefore for Gods Prayer, the number 108 is very sacred.
6) According to Indian mythology, there are 4 Yugs
Satyug - consists of 172,800 years (1+7+2+8 = 18 == (1+8 = 9)
TretaYug consists of 1296000 years (1+2+9+6 = 18 = (1+8 = 9)
DwaparYug consists of 864000 years (8+4+6) = 18 = (1+8 = 9)
Kaliyug consists of 432000 years (4+3+2) = 9
Harshad number: 108 is a Harshad number, which is an integer divisible by
the sum of its digits (Harshad is from Sanskrit, and means "great joy")
Desires: There are said to be 108 earthly desires in mortals.
Lies: There are said to be 108 lies that humans tell.
Delusions: There are said to be 108 human delusions or forms of ignorance.
Heart Chakra: The chakras are the intersections of energy lines, and there
are said to be a total of 108 energy lines converging to form the heart
chakra. One of them, sushumna leads to the crown chakra, and is said to be
the path to Self-realization.
Sanskrit alphabet: There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Each has
masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti. 54 times 2 is 108.
Pranayama: If one is able to be so calm in meditation as to have only 108
breaths in a day, enlightenment will come.
Upanishads: Some say there are 108 Upanishads, texts of the wisdom of the
ancient sages.
Sri Yantra: On the Sri Yantra there are marmas where three lines intersect,
and there are 54 such intersections. Each intersections has masculine and
feminine, shiva and shakti qualities. 54 times 2 equals 108. Thus, there are
108 points that define the Sri Yantra as well as the human body. The angle
formed by two adjacent lines in a pentagon equals 108 degrees.
Pentagon: The angle formed by two adjacent lines in a pentagon equals 108
degrees.
Marmas: Marmas or marmasthanas are like energy intersections called chakras,
except have fewer energy lines converging to form them. There are said to be
108 marmas in the subtle body.
Time: Some say there are 108 feelings, with 36 related to the past, 36
related to the present, and 36 related to the future.
8 extra beads: In doing a practice of counting the number of repetitions of
the mala, 100 are counted as completed. The remaining are said to cover
errors or omissions. The 8 are also said to be an offering to God and Guru.
Chemistry: Interestingly, there are about 115 elements known on the periodic
table of the elements. Most of those, around or higher than the number 100
only exist in the laboratory, and some for only thousandths of a second. The
number that naturally exist on Earth is around 100.
Astrology: There are 12 constellations, and 9 arc segments called namshas or
chandrakalas. 9 times 12 equals 108. Chandra is moon, and kalas are the
divisions within a whole.
River Ganga : The sacred River Ganga spans a longitude of 12 degrees (79 to
91), and a latitude of 9 degrees (22 to 31). 12 times 9 equals 108.
Planets and Houses: In astrology, there are 12 houses and 9 planets. 12
times 9 equals 108.
Goddess names: There are said to be 108 Indian goddess names.
Gopis of Krishna: In the Krishna tradition, there were said to be 108 gopis
or maid servants of Krishna .
1, 0, and 8: Some say that 1 stands for God or higher Truth, 0 stands for
emptiness or completeness in spiritual practice, and 8 stands for infinity
or eternity.
Sun and Earth: The diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the
Earth. The distance from the Sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of
the Sun.
Moon and Earth: The average distance of the Moon from the Earth is 108 times
the diameter of the Moon.
Silver and the moon: In astrology, the metal silver is said to represent the
moon. The atomic weight of silver is ?108.
Numerical scale: The 1 of 108, and the 8 of 108, when added together equals
9, which is the number of the numerical scale, i.e. 1, 2, 3 ... 10, etc.,
where 0 is not a number.
Breath: Tantra estimates the average number of breaths per day at 21,600, of
which 10,800 are solar energy, and 10,800 are lunar energy. Multiplying 108
by 100 is 10,800. Multiplying 2 x 10,800 equals 21,600.
Smaller divisions: The number 108 is divided, such as in half, third,
quarter, or twelfth, so that some malas have 54, 36, 27, or 9 beads.
*As per Indian mythology, Indian culture has a very special significance of
number 108. What is this number represent, and why is it so important?
1) In one minute, we breathe in approximately 15 times, in 1 hour 900 times,
and in 12 hours 10800 times, and in a day 10800 * 2 times. A day consists
of 24 hours, and if we set aside half the day for our day to day routines,
then one can spend 12 hours for recitation of one's idol. Therefore, the
maximmum number of times that one can recite "mantra", or perform "Jap" are
10800. If one wants to obtain 100% benefit of its jap, then performing
jap 108 times will give you the benefit of 100%. That's why in a "Mala",
there are 108 beads. It is written in Vedas, that 1 Jap corresponds to
1 mala (which has 108 beads), therefore performing jap of 108 malas will
result in 100% benefit.
2) Astronomically, there are 27 constillations in our galaxy, and each one
them
has 4 directions, and 27 * 4 = 108, In other words the number 108 covers
the whole galaxy.
3) According to Indian scriptures, letter 9 corresponds to Lord Brahma (the
creator of universe). Mathematically, the interesting property of 9 is
9x1 = 9
9 x 2 = 18 (8+1 = 9)
9 * 3 = 27 (7+2 = 9)
9 * 12 = 108 (1+0+8 = 9)
4) In Hindu religion, number 9 is very important. Keeping the importance of
number 9, Rishi Vyas has created 9 Purans, 108 MahaPuran (Upnishads).
Mahabharat has 18 chapters, Geeta has 18 chapters, Bhagavat has 108000
Shloks (verses).
The addition of digits of number 108 is 9, and number 9 is related with
Brahma, that's why 108 is very important, and came into lot of Indian
scriptures.
5) Indian Vedas, treats the Sun as God, and Sun has 12 signs (Zodiac signs).
In Yajurved, Sun is related with Lord Brahma (the number 9), remember -
12 * 9 = 108; therefore for Gods Prayer, the number 108 is very sacred.
6) According to Indian mythology, there are 4 Yugs
Satyug - consists of 172,800 years (1+7+2+8 = 18 == (1+8 = 9)
TretaYug consists of 1296000 years (1+2+9+6 = 18 = (1+8 = 9)
DwaparYug consists of 864000 years (8+4+6) = 18 = (1+8 = 9)
Kaliyug consists of 432000 years (4+3+2) = 9
Harshad number: 108 is a Harshad number, which is an integer divisible by
the sum of its digits (Harshad is from Sanskrit, and means "great joy")
Desires: There are said to be 108 earthly desires in mortals.
Lies: There are said to be 108 lies that humans tell.
Delusions: There are said to be 108 human delusions or forms of ignorance.
Heart Chakra: The chakras are the intersections of energy lines, and there
are said to be a total of 108 energy lines converging to form the heart
chakra. One of them, sushumna leads to the crown chakra, and is said to be
the path to Self-realization.
Sanskrit alphabet: There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet. Each has
masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti. 54 times 2 is 108.
Pranayama: If one is able to be so calm in meditation as to have only 108
breaths in a day, enlightenment will come.
Upanishads: Some say there are 108 Upanishads, texts of the wisdom of the
ancient sages.
Sri Yantra: On the Sri Yantra there are marmas where three lines intersect,
and there are 54 such intersections. Each intersections has masculine and
feminine, shiva and shakti qualities. 54 times 2 equals 108. Thus, there are
108 points that define the Sri Yantra as well as the human body. The angle
formed by two adjacent lines in a pentagon equals 108 degrees.
Pentagon: The angle formed by two adjacent lines in a pentagon equals 108
degrees.
Marmas: Marmas or marmasthanas are like energy intersections called chakras,
except have fewer energy lines converging to form them. There are said to be
108 marmas in the subtle body.
Time: Some say there are 108 feelings, with 36 related to the past, 36
related to the present, and 36 related to the future.
8 extra beads: In doing a practice of counting the number of repetitions of
the mala, 100 are counted as completed. The remaining are said to cover
errors or omissions. The 8 are also said to be an offering to God and Guru.
Chemistry: Interestingly, there are about 115 elements known on the periodic
table of the elements. Most of those, around or higher than the number 100
only exist in the laboratory, and some for only thousandths of a second. The
number that naturally exist on Earth is around 100.
Astrology: There are 12 constellations, and 9 arc segments called namshas or
chandrakalas. 9 times 12 equals 108. Chandra is moon, and kalas are the
divisions within a whole.
River Ganga : The sacred River Ganga spans a longitude of 12 degrees (79 to
91), and a latitude of 9 degrees (22 to 31). 12 times 9 equals 108.
Planets and Houses: In astrology, there are 12 houses and 9 planets. 12
times 9 equals 108.
Goddess names: There are said to be 108 Indian goddess names.
Gopis of Krishna: In the Krishna tradition, there were said to be 108 gopis
or maid servants of Krishna .
1, 0, and 8: Some say that 1 stands for God or higher Truth, 0 stands for
emptiness or completeness in spiritual practice, and 8 stands for infinity
or eternity.
Sun and Earth: The diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the
Earth. The distance from the Sun to the Earth is 108 times the diameter of
the Sun.
Moon and Earth: The average distance of the Moon from the Earth is 108 times
the diameter of the Moon.
Silver and the moon: In astrology, the metal silver is said to represent the
moon. The atomic weight of silver is ?108.
Numerical scale: The 1 of 108, and the 8 of 108, when added together equals
9, which is the number of the numerical scale, i.e. 1, 2, 3 ... 10, etc.,
where 0 is not a number.
Breath: Tantra estimates the average number of breaths per day at 21,600, of
which 10,800 are solar energy, and 10,800 are lunar energy. Multiplying 108
by 100 is 10,800. Multiplying 2 x 10,800 equals 21,600.
Smaller divisions: The number 108 is divided, such as in half, third,
quarter, or twelfth, so that some malas have 54, 36, 27, or 9 beads.
sandhyavandanam
0ne of the most important daily routines among the Brahman (Brahmin) is a prayer called SandhyaVandanam i.e. Nithya Anushtanam (Daily routine).
There are three types of Karmas- Nithya, Naimithika, and Kamya karmas. Kamya karma is one which is done with a desire to achieve, like a yagya for long life etc .Even if kamya karmas are not done , there is no sin. Naimithika karma is one which is not shastra bound and not niyamic, i.e., a necessary duty , such as taking bath after an eclipse.
Nithya karma is one which is `niyata nimitta' meaning ` that which is one which is shastra bound' . Sunrise and sunset are the reason for doing Sandhya vandanam. Hence this is classified in the Nithya karma, which has to be done daily .These are the spiritual and profoundly scientific value which one gets by performing thrice a day, regular SandhyaVandanams.
This prayer is offered thrice everyday, once before sunrise, again at Noon and third at the time of evening before Sunset.
This prayer is a combined subject of Religion, Health, Concentration, Yoga, Meditation, Exercise and Prayer. In one topic, 'Sandhyaa Vandanam' is just the ancient Vedic scripture that has pictured the core element of healthy living.
Even in today's polluted environments of air, water and the ecological factor, this practice of daily Sandhyaa Vandanam can be a relief from many a disease that affects the society.
Modern science has evolved the above conception as just and perfect for a healthy living. Many Yoga centres, that have spread all over the world now, teach and preach this today, even in the Western countries, where once they considered these Hindu practices as blind faith and foolish.
The practice of SandyaVandanam - is daily performed without fail at a calm peaceful atmosphere. This enables the learners to control their emotions, temperament and anger to a larger extent and make them tolerant to others. Thus, a person doing this ritual never gets angry even in the worst of circumstances.
As everyone knows, the Sun being a Star, passes its rays all the time, whether day or night. Without its power, none on the earth can exist. Using these power for the good of human kind is taught in the Vedic scripts.
The solar energy can be used not just to produce electricity for batteries etc., but also to recharge ones own body mechanism. As the body too produces electricity and magnetic phases, it is no wonder that ancient Brahman found it to live in his fittest way, healthier and longer.
During the noon prayer or Maadhyaanika Sandhyaavandanam, they used perform Soorya Namaskaaram (Worshiping the Star Sun), and there is a methodical way to seeing the Sun and to absorb the rays (solar energy ?) into their body. It is widely believed that Surya Namaskaram cleanses the eye lenses. This practice prevents from early blindness. (Mind it, looking at the Sun directly may blind your sight and damage your eye lenses, so please learn it from a person who knows it well). While doing this too, they had to chant a prayer dedicated to the Lord and Star Sun, and this vibration, combined with viewing the Sun in a methodical way, increases ones physical strength.
Unless practicing these Vedic systems, one cannot just feel and experience its highest values. What one needs is a simple commitment to the ethos evolved in the ancient Vedas and strict adherence to it in his day to day life. Then only can one gain the full value of peace, health and mental happiness.
There are three types of Karmas- Nithya, Naimithika, and Kamya karmas. Kamya karma is one which is done with a desire to achieve, like a yagya for long life etc .Even if kamya karmas are not done , there is no sin. Naimithika karma is one which is not shastra bound and not niyamic, i.e., a necessary duty , such as taking bath after an eclipse.
Nithya karma is one which is `niyata nimitta' meaning ` that which is one which is shastra bound' . Sunrise and sunset are the reason for doing Sandhya vandanam. Hence this is classified in the Nithya karma, which has to be done daily .These are the spiritual and profoundly scientific value which one gets by performing thrice a day, regular SandhyaVandanams.
This prayer is offered thrice everyday, once before sunrise, again at Noon and third at the time of evening before Sunset.
This prayer is a combined subject of Religion, Health, Concentration, Yoga, Meditation, Exercise and Prayer. In one topic, 'Sandhyaa Vandanam' is just the ancient Vedic scripture that has pictured the core element of healthy living.
Even in today's polluted environments of air, water and the ecological factor, this practice of daily Sandhyaa Vandanam can be a relief from many a disease that affects the society.
Modern science has evolved the above conception as just and perfect for a healthy living. Many Yoga centres, that have spread all over the world now, teach and preach this today, even in the Western countries, where once they considered these Hindu practices as blind faith and foolish.
The practice of SandyaVandanam - is daily performed without fail at a calm peaceful atmosphere. This enables the learners to control their emotions, temperament and anger to a larger extent and make them tolerant to others. Thus, a person doing this ritual never gets angry even in the worst of circumstances.
As everyone knows, the Sun being a Star, passes its rays all the time, whether day or night. Without its power, none on the earth can exist. Using these power for the good of human kind is taught in the Vedic scripts.
The solar energy can be used not just to produce electricity for batteries etc., but also to recharge ones own body mechanism. As the body too produces electricity and magnetic phases, it is no wonder that ancient Brahman found it to live in his fittest way, healthier and longer.
During the noon prayer or Maadhyaanika Sandhyaavandanam, they used perform Soorya Namaskaaram (Worshiping the Star Sun), and there is a methodical way to seeing the Sun and to absorb the rays (solar energy ?) into their body. It is widely believed that Surya Namaskaram cleanses the eye lenses. This practice prevents from early blindness. (Mind it, looking at the Sun directly may blind your sight and damage your eye lenses, so please learn it from a person who knows it well). While doing this too, they had to chant a prayer dedicated to the Lord and Star Sun, and this vibration, combined with viewing the Sun in a methodical way, increases ones physical strength.
Unless practicing these Vedic systems, one cannot just feel and experience its highest values. What one needs is a simple commitment to the ethos evolved in the ancient Vedas and strict adherence to it in his day to day life. Then only can one gain the full value of peace, health and mental happiness.
The Vedic Wedding Ceremony
The Vedic Wedding Ceremony
(By Oppiliappan Koil Sri Varadachari Sadagopan swami)
Veda mantras or sacred hymns play a key role in every step of the traditional Hindu marriage. The mantras for this ceremony come mostly from the ṛks housed in the tenth mandala of the Rg Veda, where Sūrya, the daughter of the sun god, is given in marriage to a bridegroom by the name of Soma. These mantras are mostly from Section 10.85.
Many Divya Desams have references in their traditional histories (sthala purâṇas) to the Lord seeking the hand of Maha Lakshmi, who is raised by a maharishi after discovering her as an infant of divine origin (ayonijâ). For instance, in Oppiliappan Koil, Markandeya Maharishi accedes to the request of Sriman Narayana who seeks the hand of his daughter Bhūmi Devi. She was found as a child in the tulasi forest by the Maharishi. At Kumbakonam, Sarngapani weds Komalavalli, the daughter of Hema Maharishi. At Thiruvahindrapuram, Hēmâmbujavalli, the daughter of another rishi, marries Dēvanâthan in a Vedic ceremony. At Tirupati, Srinivasa marries Padmavati after seeking her hand from her father, Akasa Rajan. At Tiru Idavendai, the Lord got the name of Nitya Kalyâṇar through his marriage to the 360 daughters of Kalava Rishi. He married them each one a day and made them all into one named Akhilavalli Nacciyar.
The most celebrated one is the wedding of Andal and Ranganatha. Ranganatha seeks the hand of Andal from her father Periyalvar and weds her in a ceremony at Srivilliputtur. Andal had previously dreamt about this marriage and recorded the wedding in detail in her Nacciyar Tirumozhi, Varanamayiram section, exactly as prescribed in the Vedic ceremony.
In the following sections, I will describe the steps of a Vedic wedding and their significance.
Step 1: vâk dânam
This step is a part of Kanya Varanam, where the groom-to-be (brahmachari) sends two elders on his behalf to the father of a girl whom he wishes to marry. The elders convey the message of the brahmachari and ask for the daughter’s hand. The two mantras in the form of brahmachari’s appeal to intercede on his behalf come from Rg 10.32.1 (“pra sugmantha…”) and 10.85.23. The first mantra begs the elders to proceed and return quickly with success back from their mission on his behalf. The second mantram (“anruksharaa Rjava:…”) asks for the gods’ blessings for the elders’ safe journey to the house of the father of the would-be-bride. The mantra prays to Aryama and Bhaga for a marriage full of harmony. The father accedes to the request of the elders and the resulting agreement for betrothal is known as vaak daanam.
Step 2: kanyâ dânam
Here, the brahmachari meets his prospective father-in-law. The latter seats him facing the eastern direction and washes the feet of the future son-in-law, considering him as Lord Vishnu Himself. All honors are given including the ceremonial washing of the feet of the groom by the father-in-law and offer of madhu parka (a mixture of yogurt, honey and ghee) to the accompaniment of selected Veda mantras.
Step 3: vara prekshaṇam
In this ritual, the bridegroom and the bride look at each other formally for the first time. The bridegroom worries about any dośa (defects) that the bride might have and prays to the gods Varuna, Brihaspati, Indra and Surya to remove every defect and to make her fit for harmonious and long marriage life blessed with progeny and happiness (mantra: Rg 10.85.44). The bride groom recites the mantra and wipes the eyebrows of the bride with a blade of darbha grass, as if he is chasing away all defects. The darbha grass is thrown behind the bride at the conclusion of this ceremony.
Step 4: mangala snânam and the wearing of the wedding clothes by the bride
Five Veda mantras are recited to sanctify the bride in preparation for the subsequent stages of the marriage. This aspect of the marriage is known as mangala snanam. The sun god (Surya), water god (Varuna), and other gods are invoked to purify the bride in preparation for a harmonious married life. Next, the bride wears the marriage clothes to the accompaniment of additional Veda mantras. The bridegroom then ties a darbha rope around the waist of the bride and leads her to the place, where the sacred fire is located for conducting the rest of the marriage ceremony. The bride and the groom sit on a new mat in front of the fire. The groom recites three mantras which invoke Soma, Gandharva and Agni to confer strength, beauty, and youth on the bride.
Step 5: mângalya dhâraṇam
There is no Veda Mantram for tying the mangala sutram (auspicious thread) around the neck of the bride by the groom. The latter takes the mangala sutram in his hands and recites the following verse:
mângalyaṁ tantunânena mama jîvanahetunâ |
kaṇṭheḥ badhnami subhage! sañjîva śaradaḥ śatam ||
This is a sacred thread. This is essential for my long life. I tie this around your neck, O maiden having many auspicious attributes! May you live happily for a hundred years (with me).
Step 6: pâṇi grahaṇam
After mângalya dhâranam, the groom lowers his right palm and encloses it over the right hand of the bride. He covers all the five fingers of the right hand of the bride with his right palm through this act of paani grahanam. He recites mantras in praise of Bhaga, Aryama, Savita, Indra, Agni, Suryan, Vayu and Saraswati, while holding the bride’s hand. He prays for long life, progeny, prosperity and harmony with the bride during their married life. The closed fingers of the right hand of the bride is said to represent her heart. The pâṇi grahaṇam ritual symbolizes the bride surrendering her heart in the hands of the groom during the occasion of the marriage.
Step 7: sapta padi
During this ritual, the groom walks with the bride to the right side of the sacred fire. All along, he holds his wife’s right hand in his right hand in the way in which he held her hand during the pâṇi grahaṇam ceremony. He stops, bends down and holds the right toe of his wife with his right hand and helps her take seven steps around the fire. At the beginning of each step, he recites a Veda mantra to invoke the blessings of Maha Vishnu. Through these seven mantras, he asks Maha Vishnu to follow in the footsteps of his wife and bless her with food, strength, piety, progeny, wealth, comfort and health. At the conclusion of the seven steps, he addresses his wife with a moving statement from the Veds summarized below:
Dear Wife! By taking these seven steps, you have become my dearest friend. I pledge my unfailing loyalty to you.
1. Let us stay together for the rest of our lives.
2. Let us not separate from each other ever.
3. Let us be of one mind in carrying out our responsibilities as householders (gṛhasthas).
4. Let us love and cherish each other and enjoy nourishing food and good health.
5. Let us discharge our prescribed Vedic duties to our elders, ancestors, rishis, creatures, and gods.
6. Let our aspirations be united. I will be the Saaman and may you be the Rk (Saaman here refers to the music and Rk refers to the Vedic text that is being cast into music). Let me be the upper world and let you be the Bhumi or Mother Earth. I will be the Sukla or life force and may you be the bearer of that Sukla. Let me be the mind and let you be the speech.
7. May you follow me to conceive children and gain worldly as well as spiritual wealth. May all auspiciousness come your way.
This series of Veda mantras starting with “sakhâ saptapadâ bhava…” and ending with “pumse putrâya…” are rich with meaning and imagery.
Step 8: pradhâna homam
After sapta padi, the couple take their seat on the western side of the sacred fire and conduct pradhâna homam. During the conductance of this homam, the bride must place her right hand on her husband’s body so that she gets the full benefit of the homam through symbolic participation. Sixteen mantras are recited to the accompaniment of pouring a spoon of clarified butter into the sacred fire at the end of recitation of each of the mantras. These mantras salute Soma, Gandharva, Agni, Indra, Vayu, the Aswini Devas, Savita, Brihaspati, Viswa Devas and Varuna for blessing the marriage and beseeches them to confer long wedded life, health, wealth, children and freedom from all kinds of worries. One prayer — the sixth mantra — has a sense of humor and provides deep insight into human psychology. The text of this mantra is: “daśâsyaṁ putrân dehi, patim ekâdaśaṁ kṛti”. Here, the groom asks Indra to bless the couple with ten children and requests that he be blessed to become the eleventh child of his bride in his old age.
Step 9: Stepping on the grinding stone
After pradhâna homam, the husband holds the right toe of his wife and lifts her leg and places it on a flat granite grinding stone known as “ammi” in Tamil. The ammi stands at the right side of the sacred fire. The husband recites a Veda mantra when he places the right foot of his wife on the ammi:
May you stand on this firm stone.
May you be rock-firm during your stay on this grinding stone.
May you stand up to those who oppose you while you carry out your time-honored responsibilities as a wife sanctioned by the Vedas and tradition.
May you develop tolerance to your enemies and put up a fair fight to defend your legitimate rights as the head of the household in a firm manner, equal to the steady strength of this grinding stone.
Step 10: lâja homam
After ammi stepping, a ceremony of doing homam with puffed rice is conducted. Here, the wife cups her hands and the brothers of the bride fill the cupped hands with puffed rice. The husband adds a drop of ghee to the puffed rice and recites five Veda mantras. At the end of each of the recitation, the puffed rice is thrown into the sacred fire as havis (offering) to Agni. Through these mantras, the wife prays for long life for her husband and for a marriage filled with peace and harmony. At the end of the lâja homam, the husband unties the darbha (grass) belt around the waist of his wife with another mantra. The husband states through this mantra that he unites his wife and ties her now with the bonds of Varuna and invites her to be a full partner in his life to enjoy the blessings of wedded life.
Step 11: gṛha praveśam
This ceremony relates to the journey of the wife to her husband’s home. The husband carries the sacred fire (homa agni) in a earthern vessel during this journey home. There are many Veda mantras associated with this journey. These mantras pray to the appropriate Vedic gods to remove all obstacles that one can experience in a journey. The bride is requested to become the mistress of the house and is reminded of her important role among the relatives of her husband. After reaching her new home, she puts her right foot first in the house and recites the following Veda mantra:
I enter this house with a happy heart. May I give birth to children, who observe the path of righteousness (dharma)! May this house that I enter today be prosperous forever and never be deficient in food. May this house be populated by people of virtue and pious thoughts.
Step 12: prâviśya homam
After gṛha praveśam, a fire ritual known as prâviśya homam is performed by the couple to the accompaniment of thirteen mantras from the Rg Veda. Jayadi Homam is also part of the prâviśya homam. This homam offers the salutation of the newly married couple to Agni Deva and asks for strength and nourishment to discharge the duties of a grihasthas for the next one hundred years. After that, the bride shifts her position from the right side of her husband to his left side. At that time, once again, she recites a Veda mantra invoking the gods for blessings of children and wealth to perform the duties of a householder.
At the end of the above homam, a child is placed on the lap of the bride and she offers a fruit to the child, while reciting a prescribed Veda mantra. Yet another mantram asks the assembled guests to bless the bride and then retire to their own individual homes peacefully. During the first evening of the stay in her new home, the couple see the stars known as Dhruva (pole star) and Arundhati. The husband points out the pole star and prays for the strength and stability of the household thru a Veda mantra. Next, the husband points out the Arundhati star to his wife and describes to her the the story of Arundhati and her legendary chastity.
The rich and meaningful ceremony of the Hindu marriage (Kalyâṇa Mahotsavam of the temples) is thus carried out in concert with sacred Veda Mantras. The bride and bridegroom should enunciate clearly the Veda mantras and reflect on their meanings during the different stages of the marriage ceremony. This way, they can be sure of a long, happy and prosperous married life and play their appropriate role in society to the fullest extent. Srinivasa Kalyanam is performed in the temples to remind us of these hoary Vedic traditions behind a Hindu marriage.
lokâḥ samastâḥ sukhino bhavantu |
sarvamangaḷâni santu ||
A REQUEST TO ALL SRIPADAMS
1) OUR TRADITION IS VERY RICH AND MEANING FULL. LET US NOT DILUTE THE SAME.
2) PLEASE AVOID AND ALSO INFORM YOUR KITH KIN NOT TO SHAKE HANDS OF BRIDE AND GROOM IMMDTLY AFTER MANGALYA DHARANAM, AS THEY HAVE TO PERFORM OTHER RITUALS MENTIONED ABOVE.
3) PLEASE AVOID WEARING SLIPPERS/ SHOES ATLEAST NEAR THE HAVAN AREAS WERE THESE RITUALS ARE PERFORMED.
4) TODAY , WE ARE IN PLASTIC CULTURE .COOL DRINKS ARE SERVED IMMDTLY AFTER MANGALYA DHARANAM. PL AVOID SIPPING OR ATLEAST WASH YOUR HANDS LATER
(By Oppiliappan Koil Sri Varadachari Sadagopan swami)
Veda mantras or sacred hymns play a key role in every step of the traditional Hindu marriage. The mantras for this ceremony come mostly from the ṛks housed in the tenth mandala of the Rg Veda, where Sūrya, the daughter of the sun god, is given in marriage to a bridegroom by the name of Soma. These mantras are mostly from Section 10.85.
Many Divya Desams have references in their traditional histories (sthala purâṇas) to the Lord seeking the hand of Maha Lakshmi, who is raised by a maharishi after discovering her as an infant of divine origin (ayonijâ). For instance, in Oppiliappan Koil, Markandeya Maharishi accedes to the request of Sriman Narayana who seeks the hand of his daughter Bhūmi Devi. She was found as a child in the tulasi forest by the Maharishi. At Kumbakonam, Sarngapani weds Komalavalli, the daughter of Hema Maharishi. At Thiruvahindrapuram, Hēmâmbujavalli, the daughter of another rishi, marries Dēvanâthan in a Vedic ceremony. At Tirupati, Srinivasa marries Padmavati after seeking her hand from her father, Akasa Rajan. At Tiru Idavendai, the Lord got the name of Nitya Kalyâṇar through his marriage to the 360 daughters of Kalava Rishi. He married them each one a day and made them all into one named Akhilavalli Nacciyar.
The most celebrated one is the wedding of Andal and Ranganatha. Ranganatha seeks the hand of Andal from her father Periyalvar and weds her in a ceremony at Srivilliputtur. Andal had previously dreamt about this marriage and recorded the wedding in detail in her Nacciyar Tirumozhi, Varanamayiram section, exactly as prescribed in the Vedic ceremony.
In the following sections, I will describe the steps of a Vedic wedding and their significance.
Step 1: vâk dânam
This step is a part of Kanya Varanam, where the groom-to-be (brahmachari) sends two elders on his behalf to the father of a girl whom he wishes to marry. The elders convey the message of the brahmachari and ask for the daughter’s hand. The two mantras in the form of brahmachari’s appeal to intercede on his behalf come from Rg 10.32.1 (“pra sugmantha…”) and 10.85.23. The first mantra begs the elders to proceed and return quickly with success back from their mission on his behalf. The second mantram (“anruksharaa Rjava:…”) asks for the gods’ blessings for the elders’ safe journey to the house of the father of the would-be-bride. The mantra prays to Aryama and Bhaga for a marriage full of harmony. The father accedes to the request of the elders and the resulting agreement for betrothal is known as vaak daanam.
Step 2: kanyâ dânam
Here, the brahmachari meets his prospective father-in-law. The latter seats him facing the eastern direction and washes the feet of the future son-in-law, considering him as Lord Vishnu Himself. All honors are given including the ceremonial washing of the feet of the groom by the father-in-law and offer of madhu parka (a mixture of yogurt, honey and ghee) to the accompaniment of selected Veda mantras.
Step 3: vara prekshaṇam
In this ritual, the bridegroom and the bride look at each other formally for the first time. The bridegroom worries about any dośa (defects) that the bride might have and prays to the gods Varuna, Brihaspati, Indra and Surya to remove every defect and to make her fit for harmonious and long marriage life blessed with progeny and happiness (mantra: Rg 10.85.44). The bride groom recites the mantra and wipes the eyebrows of the bride with a blade of darbha grass, as if he is chasing away all defects. The darbha grass is thrown behind the bride at the conclusion of this ceremony.
Step 4: mangala snânam and the wearing of the wedding clothes by the bride
Five Veda mantras are recited to sanctify the bride in preparation for the subsequent stages of the marriage. This aspect of the marriage is known as mangala snanam. The sun god (Surya), water god (Varuna), and other gods are invoked to purify the bride in preparation for a harmonious married life. Next, the bride wears the marriage clothes to the accompaniment of additional Veda mantras. The bridegroom then ties a darbha rope around the waist of the bride and leads her to the place, where the sacred fire is located for conducting the rest of the marriage ceremony. The bride and the groom sit on a new mat in front of the fire. The groom recites three mantras which invoke Soma, Gandharva and Agni to confer strength, beauty, and youth on the bride.
Step 5: mângalya dhâraṇam
There is no Veda Mantram for tying the mangala sutram (auspicious thread) around the neck of the bride by the groom. The latter takes the mangala sutram in his hands and recites the following verse:
mângalyaṁ tantunânena mama jîvanahetunâ |
kaṇṭheḥ badhnami subhage! sañjîva śaradaḥ śatam ||
This is a sacred thread. This is essential for my long life. I tie this around your neck, O maiden having many auspicious attributes! May you live happily for a hundred years (with me).
Step 6: pâṇi grahaṇam
After mângalya dhâranam, the groom lowers his right palm and encloses it over the right hand of the bride. He covers all the five fingers of the right hand of the bride with his right palm through this act of paani grahanam. He recites mantras in praise of Bhaga, Aryama, Savita, Indra, Agni, Suryan, Vayu and Saraswati, while holding the bride’s hand. He prays for long life, progeny, prosperity and harmony with the bride during their married life. The closed fingers of the right hand of the bride is said to represent her heart. The pâṇi grahaṇam ritual symbolizes the bride surrendering her heart in the hands of the groom during the occasion of the marriage.
Step 7: sapta padi
During this ritual, the groom walks with the bride to the right side of the sacred fire. All along, he holds his wife’s right hand in his right hand in the way in which he held her hand during the pâṇi grahaṇam ceremony. He stops, bends down and holds the right toe of his wife with his right hand and helps her take seven steps around the fire. At the beginning of each step, he recites a Veda mantra to invoke the blessings of Maha Vishnu. Through these seven mantras, he asks Maha Vishnu to follow in the footsteps of his wife and bless her with food, strength, piety, progeny, wealth, comfort and health. At the conclusion of the seven steps, he addresses his wife with a moving statement from the Veds summarized below:
Dear Wife! By taking these seven steps, you have become my dearest friend. I pledge my unfailing loyalty to you.
1. Let us stay together for the rest of our lives.
2. Let us not separate from each other ever.
3. Let us be of one mind in carrying out our responsibilities as householders (gṛhasthas).
4. Let us love and cherish each other and enjoy nourishing food and good health.
5. Let us discharge our prescribed Vedic duties to our elders, ancestors, rishis, creatures, and gods.
6. Let our aspirations be united. I will be the Saaman and may you be the Rk (Saaman here refers to the music and Rk refers to the Vedic text that is being cast into music). Let me be the upper world and let you be the Bhumi or Mother Earth. I will be the Sukla or life force and may you be the bearer of that Sukla. Let me be the mind and let you be the speech.
7. May you follow me to conceive children and gain worldly as well as spiritual wealth. May all auspiciousness come your way.
This series of Veda mantras starting with “sakhâ saptapadâ bhava…” and ending with “pumse putrâya…” are rich with meaning and imagery.
Step 8: pradhâna homam
After sapta padi, the couple take their seat on the western side of the sacred fire and conduct pradhâna homam. During the conductance of this homam, the bride must place her right hand on her husband’s body so that she gets the full benefit of the homam through symbolic participation. Sixteen mantras are recited to the accompaniment of pouring a spoon of clarified butter into the sacred fire at the end of recitation of each of the mantras. These mantras salute Soma, Gandharva, Agni, Indra, Vayu, the Aswini Devas, Savita, Brihaspati, Viswa Devas and Varuna for blessing the marriage and beseeches them to confer long wedded life, health, wealth, children and freedom from all kinds of worries. One prayer — the sixth mantra — has a sense of humor and provides deep insight into human psychology. The text of this mantra is: “daśâsyaṁ putrân dehi, patim ekâdaśaṁ kṛti”. Here, the groom asks Indra to bless the couple with ten children and requests that he be blessed to become the eleventh child of his bride in his old age.
Step 9: Stepping on the grinding stone
After pradhâna homam, the husband holds the right toe of his wife and lifts her leg and places it on a flat granite grinding stone known as “ammi” in Tamil. The ammi stands at the right side of the sacred fire. The husband recites a Veda mantra when he places the right foot of his wife on the ammi:
May you stand on this firm stone.
May you be rock-firm during your stay on this grinding stone.
May you stand up to those who oppose you while you carry out your time-honored responsibilities as a wife sanctioned by the Vedas and tradition.
May you develop tolerance to your enemies and put up a fair fight to defend your legitimate rights as the head of the household in a firm manner, equal to the steady strength of this grinding stone.
Step 10: lâja homam
After ammi stepping, a ceremony of doing homam with puffed rice is conducted. Here, the wife cups her hands and the brothers of the bride fill the cupped hands with puffed rice. The husband adds a drop of ghee to the puffed rice and recites five Veda mantras. At the end of each of the recitation, the puffed rice is thrown into the sacred fire as havis (offering) to Agni. Through these mantras, the wife prays for long life for her husband and for a marriage filled with peace and harmony. At the end of the lâja homam, the husband unties the darbha (grass) belt around the waist of his wife with another mantra. The husband states through this mantra that he unites his wife and ties her now with the bonds of Varuna and invites her to be a full partner in his life to enjoy the blessings of wedded life.
Step 11: gṛha praveśam
This ceremony relates to the journey of the wife to her husband’s home. The husband carries the sacred fire (homa agni) in a earthern vessel during this journey home. There are many Veda mantras associated with this journey. These mantras pray to the appropriate Vedic gods to remove all obstacles that one can experience in a journey. The bride is requested to become the mistress of the house and is reminded of her important role among the relatives of her husband. After reaching her new home, she puts her right foot first in the house and recites the following Veda mantra:
I enter this house with a happy heart. May I give birth to children, who observe the path of righteousness (dharma)! May this house that I enter today be prosperous forever and never be deficient in food. May this house be populated by people of virtue and pious thoughts.
Step 12: prâviśya homam
After gṛha praveśam, a fire ritual known as prâviśya homam is performed by the couple to the accompaniment of thirteen mantras from the Rg Veda. Jayadi Homam is also part of the prâviśya homam. This homam offers the salutation of the newly married couple to Agni Deva and asks for strength and nourishment to discharge the duties of a grihasthas for the next one hundred years. After that, the bride shifts her position from the right side of her husband to his left side. At that time, once again, she recites a Veda mantra invoking the gods for blessings of children and wealth to perform the duties of a householder.
At the end of the above homam, a child is placed on the lap of the bride and she offers a fruit to the child, while reciting a prescribed Veda mantra. Yet another mantram asks the assembled guests to bless the bride and then retire to their own individual homes peacefully. During the first evening of the stay in her new home, the couple see the stars known as Dhruva (pole star) and Arundhati. The husband points out the pole star and prays for the strength and stability of the household thru a Veda mantra. Next, the husband points out the Arundhati star to his wife and describes to her the the story of Arundhati and her legendary chastity.
The rich and meaningful ceremony of the Hindu marriage (Kalyâṇa Mahotsavam of the temples) is thus carried out in concert with sacred Veda Mantras. The bride and bridegroom should enunciate clearly the Veda mantras and reflect on their meanings during the different stages of the marriage ceremony. This way, they can be sure of a long, happy and prosperous married life and play their appropriate role in society to the fullest extent. Srinivasa Kalyanam is performed in the temples to remind us of these hoary Vedic traditions behind a Hindu marriage.
lokâḥ samastâḥ sukhino bhavantu |
sarvamangaḷâni santu ||
A REQUEST TO ALL SRIPADAMS
1) OUR TRADITION IS VERY RICH AND MEANING FULL. LET US NOT DILUTE THE SAME.
2) PLEASE AVOID AND ALSO INFORM YOUR KITH KIN NOT TO SHAKE HANDS OF BRIDE AND GROOM IMMDTLY AFTER MANGALYA DHARANAM, AS THEY HAVE TO PERFORM OTHER RITUALS MENTIONED ABOVE.
3) PLEASE AVOID WEARING SLIPPERS/ SHOES ATLEAST NEAR THE HAVAN AREAS WERE THESE RITUALS ARE PERFORMED.
4) TODAY , WE ARE IN PLASTIC CULTURE .COOL DRINKS ARE SERVED IMMDTLY AFTER MANGALYA DHARANAM. PL AVOID SIPPING OR ATLEAST WASH YOUR HANDS LATER
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