Why do we consider the lotus as special?

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

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna once again,

In this post, let us look at a new question. It’s an interesting one. The question is, “Why do we consider the lotus as special”.

The lotus is the symbol of truth, auspiciousness and beauty (satyam, shivam, sundaram). The Lord is also that nature and therefore, His various aspects are compared to a lotus (i.e. lotus-eyes, lotus feet, lotus hands, the lotus like heart etc.).

The lotus blooms with the rising sun and closes at night. Similarly, our minds open up and expand with the light of knowledge. The lotus grows even in slushy areas. It remains beautiful and untainted despite its surroundings, reminding us that we too can and should strive to remain pure and beautiful within, under all circumstances.

The Lotus, though blooms in marshy areas, yet it looks so beautiful and is not affected by the dirt in its surroundings. It conveys a very important message to all of us. The same example is also quoted in one shloka of the Bhagwad Gita.

We will look at that shloka in our next post.

…to be continued

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post let us know about the various uses of one of the commonly used vegetable called as ‘Pyaz’, also known as Onion in English and Allium Cepa in Latin.

1. The bulb of the plant is an essential ingredient of all curries

2. It has many medicinal qualities; its an excellent prophylactic against cholera and diarrhea if steeped in vinegar

3. Juice of onion taken in conjunction with honey and eggs is an excellent tonic with aphrodisiac qualities

4. Onion baked in hot ashes and applied to swollen piles gives relief

5. Sliced onion smelling of freshly relieves congestion of the nose

That concludes our post for the fortnight. Till the next post, keep chanting Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe, Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe, Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe, Radhekrishna Krishnaradhe!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam.

Why do we worship the kalasha?

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

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna to one and all!

Let us know more about the ‘kalasha’ in this post. The ‘kalasha’ and its significance can be traced thousands of years back.

The consecration (kumbhaabhisheka) of a temple is done in a grand manner with elaborate rituals including the pouring of one or more kalashas of holy water on the top of the temple. When the asuras and devas churned the milky ocean, the Lord appeared bearing the pot of nectar, which blessed one with everlasting life.

Thus the kalasha also symbolizes immortality. Men of wisdom are full and complete as they identify with the infinite Truth (poornatvam). They brim with joy and love and respect all that is auspicious. We greet them with a purnakumbha ("full pot") acknowledging their greatness and as a sign of respectful and reverential welcome, with a "full heart".

That concludes our first section for this post. We will discuss about yet another question related to Hindu customs and traditions and know the answer for the same. As for this post, the next time you see a ‘kalasha’ being worshipped, recollect this article and enjoy the custom!

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post, let us know about the herb named Kanghi Booti, known as Country Mallow in English and Abutilon Indicum in Latin.

1. It is a plant about 1.5 metres high

2. Its leaves resemble mulberry and are yellow

3. Its flowers are round and are toothed like a comb (hence the name ‘Kanghi’ – it means comb in Hindi)

4. It is an excellent cure for bleeding piles and hematuria

5. It is also efficacious in cases of gonorrhea

6. Its seeds are an excellent asphrodisiac

That concludes our topic for this fortnight. We wish all our readers a very happy Deepavali. Please please remember that the festival is a ‘festival of lights’ and not a ‘festival of sounds’; while celebrating it.

Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

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