Why do we worship the tulasi?

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

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna once again! In this years first post, we began with the question on Why do we worship the tulasi?

We concluded the post promising a story from the Hindu scriptures on the tulasi plant. Let us know about the same.

As one story goes, Tulasi was the devoted wife of Shankhachuda, a celestial being. She believed that Lord Krishna tricked her into sinning. So she cursed Him to become a stone (shaaligraama). Seeing her devotion and adhered to righteousness, the Lord blessed her saying that she would become the worshipped plant, tulasi that would adorn His head.

Also that all offerings would be incomplete without the tulasi leaf - hence the worship of tulasi.

She also symbolises Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. Those who wish to be righteous and have a happy family life worship the tulasi. Thus it is no surprise that we can see a tulasi plant in every household!

Tulasi is married to the Lord with all pomp and show as in any wedding.

We will know more about tulasi in our next post. We will tell you yet another story signifying the importance of tulasi, also a part of innumerable Krishna leela’s.

…to be continued

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post let us know about the herb isabgol or isapghul, called as Spogel or Fleaseed in English and Plantago Ispagula in Latin.

1. They are small seeds which turn into a mucilage when soaked in water
2. The husk also has the same properties
3. Its used extensively for curing constipation and dysentery
4. It is also useful in cough and asthma
5. Paste of fleaseeds soaked in water is particularly helpful in dealing with whitlow

That concludes our post for the fortnight. Till the next post on 6^th Feb, Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we worship the tulasi?

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

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna! Wish you all a very happy and prosperous new year from Radhekrishna Sathsangam!

In this post, let us take a new question; Why do we worship tulasi?

Tulasi is a plant which is seen in front of every Indian household. Nowadays every alternate new product that comes in the market; be it a cosmetic like shampoo or soap, medicine or a consumable like tea, the advertisement emphasizes that the product contains tulasi. The reason is that Tulasi plant is a remedy to several ailments.

Hindus have known tulasi plant for ages now; though the same cannot be said about the rest of the world.

The plant is also mentioned in several Hindu scriptures.

In Sanskrit, tulanaa naasti athaiva tulasi - that which is incomparable (in its qualities) is the tulasi

For Indians it is one of the most sacred plants. In fact it is known to be the only thing used in worship, which, once used, can be washed and reused in pooja - as it is regarded so self purifying.

There is a story which tells us about the origin of this plant.

We will know about that story in the next post.

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post, let us know about the plant named Harad, also called as Chebulic Myrobalan in English and Terminalia Chebula in Latin.

1. It is a fruit of a large tree
2. It is one among the three myrobalans. The other two are Bahera and Amla which form triphala
3. Triphala is a well known remedy for many diseases, which is being used in India for many centuries
4. If taken regularly over a long time, it prevents hair from turning grey
5. It gives tone to the intestines and is a remedy for piles

That concludes our post for this fortnight. Till our next post on 22^nd, keep chanting the Radhekrishna namam and attain divine bliss

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we consider the lotus as special?

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

Radhekrishna to our readers,

Continuing our question about the lotus flower, we looked at a shloka from the Bhagwad Gita wherein the lotus flower has a mention.

From the shloka we learn that what is natural to the man of wisdom becomes a discipline to be practiced by all saadhakas or spiritual seekers and devotees. Our bodies have certain energy centers described in the Yoga Shaastras as chakras.

Each one is associated with lotus that has a certain number of petals. For example, a lotus with a thousand petals represents the Sahasra chakra at the top of the head, which opens when the yogi attains Godhood or Realisation.

In yoga, the lotus posture (padmaasana) is recommended when one sits for meditation.

A lotus emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu. Lord Brahma originated from it to create the world. Hence, the lotus symbolizes the link between the creator and the supreme Cause.

It also symbolizes Brahmaloka, the abode of Lord Brahma.

The auspicious sign of the swastika is said to have evolved from the lotus.

These are the various reasons why the lotus is considered so special.

…concluded

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post let us know about the herb named Hulhul which is called as Caravalla in English and Gynandropsis Pentaphylla in Latin.

1. It is a herb which grows in the rainy season
2. It is an excellent remedy for headaches, particularly migrane
3. It is also effective in cases of malaria, piles and intestinal worms
4. It is used as an ingredient in prescriptions for bite of mad dogs

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

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Why do we consider the lotus as special?

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

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna to all!

We started the question “Why do we consider the lotus as special” in our previous post. As mentioned in the previous post, the lotus flower has a mention in the Bhagwad Gita, a very sacred text of the Hindus.

Let us look at that shloka. The same is as under:

Brahmanyaadhaaya karmaani

Sangam tyaktvaa karoti yaha

Lipyate na sa paapena

Padma patram ivaambhasaa

Meaning:

He who does actions, offering them to Brahman (the Supreme), abandoning attachment, is not tainted by sin, just as a lotus leaf remains unaffected by the water on it.

In this shloka the unique characteristic of the lotus flower has been described. The lotus flower remains untainted by its marshy surroundings. It sets a beautiful example for us to follow. In the world around us, there are several vices and evils which one should avoid. The lotus gives us the message to not fall prey to such vices and evils and remain untainted by them.

Let us know more about the significance of the lotus flower in the next post.

Section II: Information about Indian herbs

In this post, let us know about a plant named Gaozaban which is called as Onosma Bractestum in Latin.

1. Flowers and leaves of this plant act as a cure for many diseases including cold, cough, asthma and congestion of the chest
2. As a stimulant and a cardiac tonic, Araq Gaozaban – essence of the plant distilled like liquor – is widely used by the practitioners of the Unani system of medicine

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

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

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