Why do we worship the Kalasha?

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA

JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR

JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna! We started a new question in our previous post on 6^th October, “Why do we worship the Kalasha” We will continue with the same in this post.

Reiterating what we mentioned in the previous post, the Kalasha consists of:

1. A brass, mud or copper pot
2. Mango leaves
3. Coconut
4. A thread

Let us know what each of the above stands for.

Before the creation came into being, Lord Vishnu in was reclining on His snake-bed in the milky ocean. From His navel emerged a lotus from which appeared Lord Brahma, the creator, who thereafter created this world.

The water in the kalasha symbolizes the primordial water from which the entire creation emerged. It is the giver of life to all and has the potential of creating innumerable names and forms, the inert objects and the sentient beings and all that is auspicious in the world from the energy behind the universe. The leaves and coconut represent creation.

The thread represents the love that "binds" all in creation. The kalasha is therefore considered auspicious and worshipped. The waters from all the holy rivers, the knowledge of all the Vedas and the blessings of all the deities are invoked in the kalasha and its water is thereafter used for all the rituals, including the abhisheka.

We will continue with the topic in our next post.

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post, let us know about a plant named ‘Genda’ also known as Marigold in English and Tagetes Erecta in Latin.

1. It is a flowering plant; its yellow flowers are used mostly for making garlands
2. It is a very good diuretic
3. It is an antidote against wasp stings
4. It is a cure against inflammations
5. Juice of marigold flower helps to cure eczema and ringworm
6. Lukewarm juice of its leaves cures earache
7. Decoction of its leaves allays toothache

That concludes our topic for the fortnight. Till the next post, keep chanting the Radhekrishna namam and enjoy divine bliss.

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we worship the Kalasha?

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA

JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR

JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Radhekrishna to our Readers!

In our previous article, we completed the question “Why do we ring the bell in a temple?” In this post, let us look at a new question.

Among Hindus, it is a common practice to keep a ‘Kalasha’ during any pooja. Our question in this post is “Why do we worship the Kalasha?”

First of all let us know what is a kalasha?

A brass, mud or copper pot is filled with water. Mango leaves are placed in the mouth of the pot and a coconut is placed over it. A red or white thread is tied around its neck or sometimes all around it in a intricate diamond-shaped pattern. The pot may be decorated with designs. Such a pot is known as a kalasha.

When the pot is filled with water or rice, it is known as purnakumbha representing the inert body which when filled with the divine life force gains the power to do all the wonderful things that makes life what it is.

A kalasha is placed with due rituals on all-important occasions like the traditional house warming (grihapravesa), wedding, daily worship etc. It is placed near the entrance as a sign of welcome. It is also used in a traditional manner while receiving holy personages.

But Why do we worship the kalasha?

…wait for out next post for the answer

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post let us know about ‘Chirchata’ known as Rough Chaff Tree in English and Achyrantha Aspera in Latin.

1. It is a herb with slender, knotty branches
2. It is an excellent antidote for poison of snakes and scorpions
3. It is one of the remedies for bleeding piles, inflammation
4. Salt obtained from the ashes of the herb is an excellent carminative
5. It is recommended as a medicine for disorders of the respiratory organs

That concludes our post for the fortnight. Till the next post on 22^nd, Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we ring the bell in a temple?

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA

JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR

JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna to all!

We began a new question in our previous post. Why do we ring the bell in a temple?

The main reason for doing so is that it produces the auspicious sound of “Om”. In Bhagvad Gita Lord Krishna has said that “I am the sacred syllable Om”. So the act of ringing the bell is akin to remembering or calling the Lord before beginning the worship.

Ringing of the bell is done even while doing daily pooja in Indian homes.

As we start the daily ritualistic worship (pooja) some of us ring the bell, chanting:

Aagamaarthamtu devaanaam

gamanaarthamtu rakshasaam

Kurve ghantaaravam tatra

devataahvaahna lakshanam

I ring this bell indicating

the invocation of divinity,

So that virtuous and noble forces

enter (my home and heart);

and the demonic and evil forces

from within and without, depart.

So the next time you ring a bell in a Hindu temple, know this reason and then you will enjoy doing the act!

That concludes this section for the fortnight. We will see a new question in the next post.

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post let us know about Til known as Sesame in English and Sesamum Indicum in Latin.

1. It’s a well known edible oilseed
2. It is considered a powerful aphrodisiac
3. Bed wetting by children is effectively controlled by giving them sweets made of sesame seeds
4. Its crushed leaves act as an excellent remedy for dandruff

That concludes the post for the fortnight.

Till the next post on 6^th October, Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we ring the bell in a temple?

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA

JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR

JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna! We will discuss a very interesting question in this post. Whenever we visit any hindu temple, it is commonly observed that there is a bell placed inside. It is very common to see people ringing the bell on entering the temple. Every wondered why is the bell placed there? No! It has been happening for ages now. But no one has the time to find out why!!

Is it to wake up the Lord? But the Lord never sleeps. Is it to let the Lord know we have come? He does not need to be told, as He is all knowing. Is it a form of seeking permission to enter His precinct? It is a homecoming and therefore entry needs no permission. The Lord welcomes us at all times. Then why do we ring the bell?

Let us know the reason for the same in this post.

The ringing of the bell produces what is regarded as an auspicious sound. It produces the sound Om, the universal name of the Lord. There should be auspiciousness within and without, to gain the vision of the Lord who is all-auspiciousness.

Even while doing the ritualistic aarati, we ring the bell. It is sometimes accompanied by the auspicious sounds of the conch and other musical instruments. An added significance of ringing the bell, conch and other instruments is that they help drowned any inauspicious or irrelevant noises and comments that might disturb or distract the worshippers in their

devotional ardour, concentration and inner peace.

….to be continued

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post let us know about a commonly used herb known as Pudina, commonly known as Mint in English and called Mentha Arvensis in Latin.

1. It is a spreading aromatic herb
2. It is extensively used in Indian cooking
3. It is an ingredient of most prescriptions for stomach ailments because of its digestive properties
4. Elephantiasis and varicose veins are also cured by prolonged use of the drug
5. Juice of its green leaves instilled into the nose and the ear helps to deal with parasites infecting them
6. It is also beneficial in cases of urticaria

That concludes our post. Till the next post on 22^nd September keep on chanting the Radhekrishna namam and enjoy supreme bliss.

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we regard trees and plants as sacred?

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA

JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR

JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna to one and all. In the previous post, we completed the twelfth question of the series which was “Why is pradakshina done only in a clockwise manner?” In this post, let us begin a new question.

The next question of the series is “Why do we regard trees and plants as sacred?”

The Lord, the life in us, pervades all living beings, be they plants or animals. Hence, they are all regarded as sacred. Human life on earth depends on plants and trees. They give us the vital factors that make life possible on earth: food, oxygen, clothing, shelter, medicines etc.

Hence, in India, we are taught to regard trees and plants as sacred. Indians scriptures tell us to plant ten trees if, for any reason, we have to cut one. We are advised to use parts of trees and plants only as much as is needed for food, fuel, shelter etc. we are also urged to apologies to a plant or tree before cutting it to avoid incurring a specific sin named ‘soona’.

Nowadays there is a rising awareness amongst people to plant more and more trees. Even though industrialization has increased a lot, the companies are made responsible to the society in many ways. They are forced to plant trees, especially if the process involves release of poisonous gases. They are also made to ensure that the waste emanating from the industrial process is suitably processed to ensure that there is no hazard to the environment.

Certain trees and plants like tulasi, peepal etc., which have tremendous beneficial qualities, are worshipped till today. It is believed that divine beings manifest as trees and plants, and many people worship them to fulfill their desires or to please the Lord. Section II of our blog post every fortnight is dedicated to such type of trees and plants only!

That concludes this section. We will take up a new question in the next post.

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post, let us know about Multani Mitti, also called as Bole Armeniac in Latin.

1. It is a yellowish white stratified earth used for washing hair.

2. It is used on the skin in the form of a paste for dealing with prickly heat.

3. If it is steeped in water overnight and the supernatant water drunk in the morning relieves bleeding from the nose.

That concludes this post. Till the next post, keep chanting the Radhekrishna namam and enjoy the supreme happiness.

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we do pradakshina only in a clockwise manner?

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA

JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR

JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Radhekrishna to all!

In our previous post, we began a new question “Why is pradakshina done only in a clockwise manner?” Let us know more about the same in this post.

We don’t do pradakshina only in a temple around God’s idol. There are other situations also when we do it.

Indian scriptures enjoin - matrudevo bhava, pitrudevo bhava, acharyadevo bhava. It means that ‘May you consider your parents and teachers as you would the Lord’. With this in mind we also do pradakshina around our parents and divine personages.

This is a highlight of our Hinduism which is not seen in the western cultures. In western culture, the parents look after their children only till the age of sixteen. So also, the children prefer to stay with their parents only till they start earning money. After that the children invariably start living independently.

However, the scenario is very different in India. The children are deeply rooted in the family. Even though they get married, start earning, they seldom stop living with their parents. Parents are like the roots of the tree. The tree may grow upwards but is always dependent on its roots to stay alive. So also, a child may grow, beget children but still does not leave one’s parents. We see God in our parents. The same applies to our teacher and Guru. So also, we are always a child in the eyes of our parents and they always provide us the nectar of their experiences in life and guide us throughout our life.

The last type of pradakshina is after the completion of traditional worship (pooja), when we customarily do pradakshina around ourselves. In this way we recognize and remember the supreme divinity within us also, which is idolized in the form of the Lord that we worship outside.

These are the different situations and reasons for doing pradakshina.

We will look at a new question in our next post.

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post, let us know about the herb named Bathwa, called as Goose Foot in English and Chenopodium Album in Latin.

1. It’s a well known vegetable which grows in wheat fields.

2. It is easily digested in the body

3. It cures fevers and disorders of the liver.

4. Juice of its leaves applied to patches of leucoderma tends to cure them

That’s all for this fortnight. Till the next post on 22^nd August, Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we do pradakshina only in a clockwise manner?

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA

JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR

JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna! We discussed the question “Why do we do pradakshina (circumambulate)? There is a question which is related to this question; which we will discuss in this post. The question is, “Why is pradakshina done only in a clockwise manner?”

A layman may feel that the reason is to avoid a traffic jam! But no it is not so. As we do pradakshina, the Lord is always on our right. In India the right side symbolizes auspiciousness. So as we circumambulate the sanctum sanctorum we remind ourselves to lead an auspicious life of righteousness, with the Lord who is the indispensable source of help and strength, as our guide - the "right hand".

A similar example is seen among Hindus that after marriage when the groom brings the bride to his house, there is a ritual which is performed. The bride with her right leg, pushes a kalash filled with rice grains inside the house. The bride is considered as symbolizing Goddess Laxmi and hence the bride’s entry in the house is always by placing her right foot in the house first.

So also, we eat with the right hand, accept prasadam with our right hand, etc etc.

This further emphasizes on the fact that the right side is considered auspicious amongst Hindus.

So the next time you circumambulate God’s idol in a clockwise manner, recollect the reason and then do it! And if you get an opportunity, share the reason with someone!

….to be continued.

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post, let us know about the herb known as Asgandh, also called as Winter Cherry in English and Withania Somnifera in Latin.

1. The other name for this herb is Oxon Booti.

2. Its fruits resemble wild berries

3. Leaves of the plant relieve inflammatory conditions

4. Its root dried and powdered acts as aphrodisiac and helps rheumatism and lumbago.

5. It helps in cases of infertility among women.

That concludes the post for this fortnight. Till the next article on 6^th August, keep chanting Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe, Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe, Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe, Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe and enjoy the supreme bliss.

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we do pradakshina?

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA

JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR

JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna to all!

Let us discuss the next question in this post. The eleventh question of our series is “Why do we do pradakshina (circumambulate)?

Whenever, Hindus visit a temple, one can observe that they circumambulate the idol in a clockwise direction. This is a regular practice which is being done since innumerable years. Have you ever given a thought that why is this done?

Nowadays the main purpose behind visiting a temple is only when one doesn’t get something that he/she desires; be it a job, good health, a spouse, fame, well being of children like their education etc. To put in a nut shell materialistic desires. Other wise nobody has the time to go to a temple. Life has become so fast and the present generation has become very practical. It is only few days before the results that one can see students visiting a temple!

And the prayers are also performed in a give and take manner. For example, “God please help me pass this exam and I will donate 101 coconuts and money” That’s the way people pray nowadays. Even God is no exception to the give and take policy of the people.

Coming back to the topic, let us know why we circumambulate God’s idol in a temple.

We cannot draw a circle without a center point. The Lord is the center, source and essence of our lives. Recognizing Him as the focal point in our lives, we go about doing our daily chores. This is the significance of pradakshina.

Also every point on the circumference of a circle is equidistant from the center. This means that wherever or whoever we may be, we are equally close to the Lord. His grace flows towards us without partiality. God does not see how rich or how poor we are, how famous or infamous we are, so on and so forth.

So the next time you circumambulate the God’s idol recollect the reason why you are doing it!

We will see the twelfth question in the next post.

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post let us know about the herb known as Amaltas, also called as purging Cassia in English and Cassia Fistula in Latin.

1. It is a large tree the leaves of which resemble those of a rose apple tree.

2. Pith of the tree is used as a purgative.

3. Its flowers act as a laxative and relieve cough; a wonderful remedy for diphtheria.

That concludes this post. Till the next post, Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we fast?

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Radhekrishna Dear Readers,

We started with the question “Why do we fast?” in our previous post.
We left you with an unanswered question which was that “How is the concept of ‘upavasa’ related to food?

The answer is as follows:

A lot of our time and energy is spent in procuring food items, preparing, cooking, eating and digesting food. Certain food types make our minds dull and agitated. Hence on certain days man decides to save time and conserve his energy by eating either simple, light food or totally abstaining from eating so that his mind becomes alert and pure. The mind, otherwise pre-occupied by the thought of food, now entertains noble thoughts and stays with the Lord.
Since it is a self-imposed form of discipline it is usually adhered to with joy

Our body consists of various systems. Every system needs a break and an overhaul to work at its best. Rest and a change of diet during fasting are very good for the digestive system and the entire body. The more you indulge the senses, the more they make their demands. Fasting helps us to cultivate control over our senses, sublimate our desires and guide our minds to be poised and at peace.

Fasting should not make us weak, irritable or create an urge to indulge later. This happens when there is no noble goal behind fasting.

The Bhagavad-Gita urges us to eat appropriately - neither too less nor too much – yuktaaahaara and to eat simple, pure and healthy food (a saatvik diet) even when not fasting.

concluded….

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post let us know about the herb known as ‘Akh’ i.e. Gigantic Swallow Wort in English and Calotropis Gigantea in Latin.

1. It is a plant commonly growing in the wilds.
2. It flourishes in hot climates where other plants have a tendency to wither away due to hot wind.
3. The sap of Akh is a specific cure for ringworm.
4. It is also found useful in congested nose and sinuses.
5. Leaves of the plant coated with warmed up sesame oil and wrapped over swollen joints in rheumatism provide relief.

That’s all for this fortnight dear readers. Till the next post on 6th July, Radhekrishna to all!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we fast?

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Radhekrishna to our Readers!

We completed the question “Why do we offer food to the Lord before eating it? in our previous post. In this post, let us begin with a new question. It is based on one of the commonly observed practices amongst the Hindus and the question is, “Why do we fast? Most devout Indians fast regularly or on special occasions like festivals. Observing a fast is of various types:

1. Some of us drink only water for an entire day and do not consume any food.
2. Some others drink tea/ coffee and eat fruits or drink fruit juice during the entire day and do not consume any other food.
3. There are some people who believe in eating a special diet of simple food only on a fasting day such as sweet potato, potato, banana etc and not any other food.
4. Some do not eat or drink anything at all.
5. Some eat only once in the entire day.

What is the reason for observing a fast? Let us know more about it.

Fasting in Sanskrit is called upavaasa. Upa means "near" + vaasa means "to stay". Upavaasa therefore means staying near (the Lord), meaning the attainment of close mental proximity with the Lord. Then what has upavaasa to do with food?

To know the answer wait till our next posting. Radhekrishna

….to be continued

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post let us know about the fruit called as Amla or Emblic Myrobalan in English and Emblica Officinalis in Latin.

1. It is one of the three myrobalans
2. It is the cheapest source of Vitamin C which is not destroyed by boiling or other processes
3. It is a panacea for many ills of the body and mind such as anxiety and melancholia, falling hair and premature graying of hair.
4. This fruit taken over a period of time can lead to rejuvenation of the body.

That concludes our post for this fortnight. Till the next posting, Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we offer food to the Lord before eating it ?

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Radhekrishna to one and all!

We are discussing the ninth question of our question-answer series which is “Why do we offer food to the Lord before eating it?” We concluded the previous post with an unanswered question. While partaking our food, we place five morsels of food at the side of our plate. What is the reason for doing so?

Five morsels of food are placed on the side of the plate acknowledging the debt owed by us to the

1. Divine forces (devta runa) for their benign grace and protection,

2. Our ancestors (pitru runa) for giving us their lineage and a family culture,

3. The sages (rishi runa) as our religion and culture have been "realised", aintained and handed down to us by them,

4. Our fellow beings (manushya runa) who constitute society without the support of which we could not live as we do and

5. Other living beings (bhuta runa) for serving us selflessly.

Thereafter the Lord, the life force, who is also within us as the five life-giving physiological functions, is offered the food. This is done with the chant

praanaaya swaahaa,
apaanaaya swaahaa,
vyaanaaya swaahaa,
udaanaaya swaahaa,
samaanaaya swaahaa,
brahmane swaahaa

After offering the food thus, it is eaten as prasaada - blessed food.

…concluded

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post let us know about a commonly used Indian spice. The name is Kaali Miri more commonly known as Pepper in English

1. It is a green sun-dried pepper corn

2. It is an appetizer

3. It is a good remedy for digestive disorders and throat problems; especially cold and catarrh

4. A pinch of finely ground pepper powder mixed with honey, if taken in the morning and evening, is useful in case of amnesia or dullness of intellect

That concludes our post for the fortnight. Till the next post on the 6th of June,

Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we offer food to the Lord before eating it?

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Radhekrishna Dear Readers,

We began with a new question of the question-answer series which was “Why do we offer food to the Lord before eating it?”

How does the offering of Naivedyam help us? The Naivedyam being graced by the Lords divine touch, it is akin to the Lord’s gift to us. By knowing this our entire attitude to food and the act of eating changes.

When we prepare food bearing in mind that the same is a Naivedyam to the Lord, the food that is prepared and offered is naturally pure and the best. We share what we get with others before consuming it. We do not demand, complain or criticise the quality of the food we get. We eat it with cheerful acceptance (prasaada buddhi).

Before we partake of our daily meals we first sprinkle water around the plate as an act of purification.

Then five morsels of food are placed on the side of the plate acknowledging the debt owed by us to various persons. Who are they? Wait till the next post to know the answer!

…..to be continued

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post let us know about the herb called as Kandoori, also known as Coccinia Indica in Latin.

1. It is a creeper which grows in the rainy season.
2. The unripe fruit resembling snake gourd is eaten as vegetable.
3. Leaves of the creeper have the excellent quality of reducing the amount of blood sugar.
4. As a vegetable, it is highly recommended for diabetes.

That concludes the topic for this fortnight. Till the next posting, Radhekrishna to all. Keep chanting the Radhekrishna namam and obtain divine bliss.
Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe
Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe.

Do visit our website www.radhekrishnasatsangam.com to know more about our activities and the other links of our website. Keep posting your valuable comments to help us improve our content. Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we offer food to the Lord before eating it?

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna to all! We concluded the question “Why do we apply the holy ash?” in the previous post. In this post, let us begin with a new question. It is a commonly observed practice in Indian households that before consuming food, the same is offered before the Lord as “Naivedyam”. In some homes, it is done everyday whereas in some others it is done on certain days such as festivals or special occasions. Our topic for this post is the question based on the above context i.e. “Why do we offer food to the Lord before eating it?”

Indians make an offering of food to the Lord and later partake of it as prasaada - a holy gift from the Lord. In our daily ritualistic worship (pooja) too we offer naivedyam (food) to the Lord.

What is the reason for this practice? The Lord is omnipotent and omniscient. Man is a part, while the Lord is the totality. All that we do is by His strength and knowledge alone. Without his wish, nothing can be achieved by anyone. Hence what we receive in life as a result of our actions is really His alone. We acknowledge this through the act of offering food to Him. This is exemplified by the Hindi words "tera tujko arpan"– I offer what is Yours to You. Thereafter it is akin to His gift to us, graced by His divine touch.

But what is the result of doing this practice? What difference would it make if we ate food without offering the same as Naivedyam? And what difference does it make if we eat the food after offering the same to the Lord? Eager to know the answers? Wait till the next post!

Radhekrishna!

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post let us know about the herb called as Bhophali, also called as Trifolium Indicum in Latin.

1. It is a spreading herb with small leaves and pods which resemble Nakhoona plant.
2. It is a good cure for cases of nocturnal emissions, premature ejaculation and leucorrhoea.
3. It relieves pain of blow etc. in the form of contusions

That concludes our post for the fortnight. Till the next post, Radhekrishna to our readers!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we apply the holy ash?

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna to one and all,

We have been discussing the question “Why do we apply the holy ash?” in the last two postings. Let us continue with the same in this post.

The bhasma is often seen in Shiva temples across India. Bhasma is specially associated with Lord Shiva who applies it all over His body. Shiva devotees apply bhasma as a tripundra. When applied with a red spot at the center, the mark symbolizes Shiva-Shakti (the unity of energy and matter that creates the entire seen and unseen universe).

Tryambakam yajaamahe
Sugandhim pushtivardhanam
Urvaa rukamiva bhandhanaan
Mrytyor muksheeyamaa amrutaat

"We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva who nourishes and spreads fragrance in our lives. May He free us from the shackles of sorrow, change and death – effortlessly, like the fall of a ripe brinjal from its stem."

That concludes the first section of our post. We will see yet another question in the next posting. So after reading this post dear readers, do not wonder why people apply the holy ash i.e. bhasma on their forehead/ body. Also, if you come across anyone who is thus wondering, go ahead and throw some light about the same on that person by telling the reason.

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this section, let us know more about an Indian plant about which every Indian would already know. The name is Nimbu also known as Lemon in English and Citrus Bergamia in Latin.

1. It’s a well known fruit of the citrus family
2. It has a sour taste
3. It is extremely rich in Vitamin C
4. Its juice is added to salads
5. Its an excellent appetizer
6. It has a beneficial effect to the stomach as it helps in digestion
7. Its medicinal uses include cure for disorders like enlargement of spleen, jaundice and atony of the intestines
8. It is widely used for beauty treatment
9. Cut lemon rubbed on the skin removes blemishes
10. Its juice instilled into the nostrils stops bleeding

That concludes our topic for the fortnight. Till the next posting on 22nd April, Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we apply the holy ash?

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna! We started with a new question in the previous post which was, “Why do we apply the holy ash?” In that post, we discussed the meaning of the word ‘bhasma’.

Let us know more about the same in this post.

Bhasma is the result of performing Homa. Homa is a sacrifical fire which is lighted and bhasma is obtained after the Homa is completed.

Homa (offering of oblations into the fire with sacred chants) signifies the offering or surrender of the ego and egocentric desires into the flame of knowledge for a noble and selfless cause. The consequent ash signifies the purity of the mind, which results from such actions.

Also the fire of knowledge burns the oblation and wood signifying ignorance and inertia respectively. The ash we apply indicates that we should burn false identification with the body and become free of the limitations of birth and death. This is not to be misconstrued as a morose reminder of death but as a powerful pointer towards the fact that time and tide wait for none.

We will discuss more about the holy ash or bhasma in the next post.

…to be continued

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post, let us know about the herb called as ‘Banjh Kakora’, called as Indian Lilac in English and Melia Azedarach in Latin.

1. It is a tree resembling the Neem tree
2. It has round fruits growing in clusters
3. The leaves of the tree have blood-purifying properties
4. It is recommended for curing scabies, ringworm, leprosy and leucoderma
5. It helps to reduce inflammation
6. The extract of its leaves is useful in dealing with cataract

That concludes our topic for this fortnight. Till the next post, keep chanting
Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe Radhekrishna Krishnarade

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we apply the holy ash?

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna once again! Wishing all our readers a very happy Holi!

In this post, we will take up the eighth question which is:

Why do we apply the holy ash?

The ash of any burnt object is not regarded as holy ash. Bhasma (the holy ash) is the ash from the homa (sacrificial fire) where special wood along with ghee and other herbs is offered as worship of the Lord. Or the deity is worshipped by pouring ash as abhisheka and is then distributed as bhasma.

Bhasma is generally applied on the forehead. Some apply it on certain parts of the body like the upper arms, chest etc. Some ascetics rub it all over the body. Many consume a pinch of it each time they receive it.

The word bhasma means, "that by which our sins are destroyed and the Lord is
remembered.” Bha implied bhartsanam ("to destroy") and sma implies smaranam ("to remember"). The application of bhasma therefore signifies destruction of the evil and remembrance of the divine. Bhasma is called vibhuti (which means "glory") as it gives glory to one who applies it and raksha (which means a source of protection) as it protects the wearer from ill health and evil, by purifying him or her.

…to be continued

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post, let us know about the plant named Bhang in Hindi, also called as Indian Hemp in English and Cannabis Sativa in Latin.

1. It is a narcotic plant from which a strong narcotic is prepared
2. Green leaves of the plant are ground in water and drunk as an intoxicant
3. It enhances appetite
4. Its prolonged use however is harmful just like in the case of other intoxicants
5. Paste of its green leaves helps to reduce inflammation of the testicles (orchitis)
6. It is also administered as a medicine in certain malarial fevers.

This particular plant has a lot of significance as far as the festival of Holi is concerned. The drink is prepared from the leaves of this plant and drunk by the people on the day following the day of Holi festival, also known as “Rangapanchami”.

Please note that our blog in no manner whatsoever propagates or encourages the drinking of intoxicants like “Bhang” mentioned above. The section aims at purely disseminating information about various Indian herbs and plants. The content is to be read in the right context.

That concludes our topic for the fortnight. Till the next post on 22nd March, Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam