Surya Gayatri Mantra
ॐ आदित्याय विदमहे भास्कराय धीमहि तन्नो भानु प्रचोदयात् |
om aadityaay vidmahe bhaaskaraaye dheemahi tanno bhaanu prachodayaat
Saturday 16 March 2013
Wednesday 13 March 2013
Cosmic Dance of Shiva
Cosmic Dance of Shiva
Shiva is an aspect of God that breaks down all that is false. Shiva does his dance as the destroyer to expose our demons and to allow us to transform and rebuild.
Shiva is now dancing within my being, and transforming me, each cell and each thought. Right now it is a process of bringing to light all that is not of the light that must be let go and released, which means every fear that is secreted within my flesh through my own actions and thoughts within this lifetime and as a result of genetics and blood karma.
Shiva dances through me and awakens the mistress within to respond to his advances. As masculine and feminine come into balance, so I come into mastery.
I must learn to accept all aspects of duality in neutrality before I can come before Sanat Kumara and enter Shamballa, and so I will endeavor to do this, for all life, so that heaven can come to earth and dwell in everyone`s hearts.
Sunday 10 March 2013
Lakshmi Pooja Vrat
Some people keep Lakshmi pooja fast/ Vrat for specific purposes whom can follow the below
Maha Lakshmi Vrat provisions :
1.Cover a wooden stool with a white colour silk cloth.
2.If your using a Laxmi idol then cover it with a red veil (chunri)
3. If possible instal a 16 day lasting diya on an urn (Kalash). Fill The urn With Water.
4.For all 16 day light a diya everyday in the morning and eveing regulary and offer a white milk mithai (sweet).
5. Take red Kalawa an tie 16 knots in it and then tie it on your wrist before the pooja one the first day and do the same for all the other family memebers who are fasting or will be a part of the 16 day ritual then take it out and keep it off after the pooja in front of goddess Laxmi's Idol or poster whichever you are using and it will be of use on the last day of evening pooja.
Mantra for Lakshmi Pooja
Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmi Namah
Panchayatna Puja
Panchayatana Puja is a systematic procedure which involves physical and mental discipline, requires inner and outer cleanliness. This - when done systematically will surely bring the progress in the material world and the final truth - awareness of the true Self. By following it, one obtains the Lord’s Anugraha, without which liberation is not possible
The Panchayatana is a system which consists of the worship of five deities:
"Adityam Ambikaam Vishnum Gananaatam Maheswaram"
Aditya is Lord Surya.
Ambika is Goddess Devi.
Vishnu is Lord Narayana.
Gananaatham is Lord Ganesha.
Maheswara is Lord Shiva.
These five are the great divine force whom every householder worships as pancha devata puja. Based on the tradition followed by the family, one of these deities is kept in the center and the other four around it and worship is offered to all the deities.
Adhi Shankara systemised the Sanatana Dharma(Hinduism) and classified it into broad Six categories.
Shaiva - with Shiva as the Presiding deity
Vaishnava - with Vishnu as the Presiding deity
Shaktha - with Devi as the Presiding deity
Ganapatya - with Ganesha as the Presiding deity
Kaumara - with Subramanya as the Presiding deity
Sowra - with Surya (planets) as the Presiding deity
Deva Puja and Archana is one of the most important duties imposed by the Shastras. The Shastras are filled with details of the Panchayatana puja details and Adhi Shankra only prescribed us to follow it without fail.
The panchayatana scheme represent the five elements:
Akashasyadhipo vishnuh agneshchaiva maheshvari |
vayoh suryah kshiterishah jivanasya ganadhipah ||
Akasha : Space : Vishnu
Vahni : Fire : AmbikA
Vayu : Air : Aditya
kShiti : Earth : Shiva
Jala : Water : Ganapati
All the five deities are not Panchaloka or any other metal idols; But these five are represented by small natural stones found in various parts of India.
Name of Deity : Ganesha
Bhuta(Tatwa) : Apu(Water)
Name of the Stone (Sila) : Red Sonabhadra
Name of the River : Sone
Name of the State where found in India : Bihar
Names of flowers and leaves used for worship : Lotus and Bandook flowers
Name of Deity : Surya(Sun)
Bhuta(Tatwa) : Vayu (Air)
Name of the Stone (Sila) : Crystal
Name of the River : Vallam
Name of the State where found in India : Tamil Nadu (Tanjavur)
Names of flowers and leaves used for worship : Bandook flower and plantain tree
Name of Deity : Vishnu
Bhuta(Tatwa) : Akasha(Space)
Name of the Stone (Sila) : Saligrama
Name of the River : Gandaki
Name of the State where found in India : Nepal
Names of flowers and leaves used for worship : Tulsi (basil), Ashwatha, and Amalaki leaves. Marigold, Punnaga, and yellow flowers
Name of Deity : Shiva
Bhuta(Tatwa) : Prithivi(Earth)
Name of the Stone (Sila) : Banalinga
Name of the River : Narmada (Omkara-kunda)
Name of the State where found in India : Madhya Pradesh
Names of flowers and leaves used for worship : Godlen shower tree Flower ,Bel leaves & Amalaki leaves. Akund (Calotropis gigantea), Crown flower Nagalingam flower
Name of Deity : Ambika(Devi)
Bhuta(Tatwa) : Agni(Fire)
Name of the Stone (Sila) : Swarna Mukhi (Rekha Shila)
Name of the River : Swarnamukhi
Name of the State where found in India : Andhra Pradesh
Names of flowers and leaves used for worship : Red flowers - Hibiscus or China rose and Neem leaves
The image of that particular devata is kept in the centre, surrounded by the other gods. If he is a devotee of Vishnu, he places the idol of Vishnu in the centre with the other idols surrounding it. If he is a devotee of Lord shiva, a lingam is placed in the middle with the other images around it. If he is a devotee of Suryanarayana, he has a sphatika as the central object of worship
Along with this people worshipping Subramanya will include Him in the form of a (silver) Snake or Vel (spear), A Stone which is called as Kartikeya ratnam or kartikeya patram also called kowmara patram which is in a colour of peacock body blue is also used to worship. it is highly attractive looking.
Panchayatana Puja is a systematic procedure which involves physical and mental discipline, requires inner and outer cleanliness. This - when done systematically will surely bring the progress in the material world and the final truth - awareness of the true Self. By following it, one obtains the Lord’s Anugraha, without which liberation is not possible.
Lord of Lords Om Namah Shivaya
Lord Shiva was married to Devi Parvati on Shivratri. Remember Shiva minus Parvati is pure 'Nirgun Brahman'. With his illusive power, (Maya, Parvati) He becomes the "Sagun Brahman" for the purpose of the pious devotion of his devotees.
Maha Shivratri, the night of the worship of Shiva, occurs on the 14th night of the new moon during the dark half of the month of Phalguna (Feb / March) when Hindus offer special prayer to the lord of destruction.
Maha Shivratri, the night of the worship of Shiva, occurs on the 14th night of the new moon during the dark half of the month of Phalguna (Feb / March) when Hindus offer special prayer to the lord of destruction.
Maha Shivratri
Maha Shivratri
It is also believed that on Shivratri, Lord Shiva became 'Neelkantham' or the blue-throated by swallowing the deadly poison that came up during the churning of "Kshir Sagar" or the milky ocean.
The poison was so deadly that even a drop in His stomach, which represents the universe, would have annihilated the entire world. Hence, He held it in His neck, which turned blue due to the effect of poison. Shivratri is therefore also a day of thanksgiving to the Lord for protecting us from annihilation.
It is also believed that on Shivratri, Lord Shiva became 'Neelkantham' or the blue-throated by swallowing the deadly poison that came up during the churning of "Kshir Sagar" or the milky ocean.
The poison was so deadly that even a drop in His stomach, which represents the universe, would have annihilated the entire world. Hence, He held it in His neck, which turned blue due to the effect of poison. Shivratri is therefore also a day of thanksgiving to the Lord for protecting us from annihilation.
Powerful Shiva
Powerful Shiva
Shiva is 'shakti' or power, Shiva is the destroyer, the most powerful god of the Hindu pantheon and one of the godheads in the Hindu Trinity.
Known by many names - Mahadeva, Mahayogi, Pashupati, Nataraja, Bhairava, Vishwanath, Bhava, Bhole Nath - Lord Shiva is perhaps the most complex of Hindu deities.
Hindus recognize this by putting his shrine in the temple separate from those of other deities
Palani Navapashana Murugan
Palani Murugan
Thanks to http://www.palanitemples.com
Palani has been mentioned in the Tamil Sangam Literature as “Podhini”, which came to be called as “Palani” later, according to the historions. In “Thirumurukatruppadai” ( a Sangam Literature ) Palani has been mentioned as the 3rd “PadaiVeedu”. This was the southern end of the Kongu Nadu and edicts refer to this place as “Vaiyapuri Nadu” , which was ruled by king “Vaiyapuri Kopperumbaegan”. Many “Siddhas” are said to have lived in this region. The idol of Palani Andavar is said to have been made of “Navapashanam”.
The deity of Palani is known as Dandayudhapani Swami, the Lord having the Staff in his Hand. The deity at the sanctum sanctorum is made out of an amalgam of nine minerals popularly called Navapashanam. Some people say it is a combination of medicinal herbs.
It consits of the following items :
Veeram
Pooram
Rasam
Jathilingam
Kandagam
Gauri Pasanam
Vellai Pasanam
Mridharsingh
Silasat
The deity is in a standing position with a baton in his hand. He has the look of a person who has renounced all worldly pomp. He has just a loincloth besides the baton. He is a mute messenger of the great precept 'Renounce all to reach Me'. The icon is unique in the whole world. It was made by siddha Bhogar by combining nine poisonous substances (Navapashanam). Murugan signifies beauty and Lord Murugan of Kurinji land is the god of Beauty and Youth.
Navapashanam-1
(thanks to http://www.palanitemples.com)
Vaidyanathan: Siva abinding near Sirkazh is called Vaidyanathan, and the place is Vaithisvaran Koil. Muruga in that temple is called Muthukumaran. That is the reason for naming Muruga of Periyanayaki amman Koil as Muthukumaran.
As Palani is a place where ills are cures, the name of Muruga become Muthukumaran. You may wonder what is the connection between curing and Muthukumaran. Shell may be insignificant. But the pearl is very precious. Forms a low source a precious material is borne, Sugar-cane, ivory, rain, paddy too are all sources of pearl. Likewise from the sweat of the forehead Siva, contain curative properties. Has not that pearl - Muthukumaran - become famous? You might have heard of Muthu Paspam, which curus several maladies. Here Bogar did not carve the main deity in stone. On the contrary he solidified the essence of Nava Pashanam and from that material formed the Moolavar. Pashanam means poison. If it wxcwwds the proper proporation it will become poison. In propor proporation Bogar has used it. There is a special stone too called Pashanam!
It is customary to plant a stone on the 16th day of death of a person. That too is called Pashanam. In Palani not one Pashanam but nine Pashanams have been used. Eighty one Siddhars joined Bogar, mixed 81 Pashanams, converted in into 9 mixtures and made this image. That is why it is called Nava Pashanam. We have heard of 18 Siddhars. Their disciples were 81. The Pashanam was burnt by 9 type of fuel, filtered 9 times ( 9 x 9 =81 ) and that means 81.
1. Avarai, Chittamurutti - With this fuels they will heat for disease caused by heat.
2. Usil, Ilandai - By heating with this fuels, they cured discapes of eye, nose, ear and feet.
3. Iluppai, Tamarind - For oils for external use.
4. Vembu (Neem), Pooarasu, Arasu - for diseases of Vadha.
5. Nuna, Vanni, Mavilangam - for Vadha diseases external and internal.
6. Nelli (Amla), Vembu (Neem), Vila for Pitha ills.
7. Usil, Vel, Konrai, Vengai; for Phlegm.
8. Panai (Palm), Thennai (coconut), Vembu (Neem); for all medicines which contain Rasa.
9. Vel, Vengai; for medicines which contain iron.
After heating with the obove 9 types of fuel they will filter 9 times.
1. Excrement of Kadai 1
2. " Kowdri 3
3. " Kukkudam 10
4. " Varaham 50
5. " Peacock 100
6. " Elephant 1000
7. " Manal ( sand ) 90
8. Earth 4 finger measure
9. Garm 800
The first six are heated by fuel of the excreta then spreading sand buried in earth to a depth of 4 finger lengths. Then burnt by fuel of excreta of cow.
A substance called pashanam is sold in shops. Lingam, Chendooram, Gaudhakam, Padharasam, Rasakarpuram, Vediuppu, Paraiuppu, Chavuttuppu, Valaiuppu, Erukam flower, Kanthakam, Lokam, Venkaram, Changuppodi, Kalnar, Silachit, Chatravedi, Poonir, Chippithasan, Erukkampal, Kallippal, Thurusuparpam, Chippi, Chunnam, Anda Chunnam, Porikaram, Thalakam, Kal Channambu, Corel, Tin, Evacharam, Sambarani, Iron, Manosilai, Thakkam,Aritharam, Kundumani all these are ingredients in the pashanam.
Diagramatic / Geometric Representation of the properties of Lord Muruga
Diagramatic / Geometric Representation of the properties of Lord Muruga
Thanks to murugan,org for this information
As Arumugam, Shadmukha, Shanmukha, Shadvadhan, Shadhanan and other epithets are repeatedly used for Muruga, their representation and association with astronomy has to be studied. Geometrically, such concept can be represented as a Hexagon. As it can be drawn only with a circle, the concept of hexagon is connected with a circle. Not only circle, but also all geometrical figures are based on the concept of point, which is nothing but the smallest circle that could be drawn with no radius. Similarly, a circle is a polygon with infinite sides. These are not mathematical unreality or uncertainty leading to philosophy, but facts. The geometry is related to arithmetics, which in turn to numbers. All these concepts are related to the importance of squaring a circle and circling a square covering all mathematical functions, operations and manipulations.
Here, a diagram drawn with such concepts surprisingly tally with mathematical and astronomical principles. For example, a circle is drawn inside a square touching its sides. The circle is divided into twelve equal parts (12 x 30 = 360). They are named after Tamil months and common zodiac signs for convenience. Then the circle is divided into 27 equal parts of 13 degrees 20 minutes (130 20" x 27 = 3600) accommodating 27 stars / asterism. Thus, each rasi contains 2 1/2 stars / asterism, depending upon their movement with reference to Sun. Here, according to the Indian system of asterism, the stars are considered to be stationery with reference to planets.
The ruling planets are also mentioned in the corresponding rasis - Mars, Venus, Mercury, Moon, Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Saturn and Jupiter. The seasons are – 1. Ilavenir / Vasantham, 2. Mudhivenil / Kreshmam, 3. Kar / Varsha, 4. Kudhir / Sarath, 5. Munpani / Hemantha and 5. Pinpani / Sasira.
Two equilateral triangles are superposed on the figure with vertices - one touching the square at the top and another inverted same as the former. The touching points are 0 and 180. They surprisingly cut the circle at 60, 120, 240 and 300. The intersecting points are 30, 90, 150, 210, 270, and 330. Thus 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300, 330 and 360 are nothing but the twelve divisions of zodiac.
The lower triangle with apex downwards is the symbol of Tirumal / Vishnu, the God of Moist principle in the Nara or waters (Mahabharata.III.189.3). The triangle with its vertex upward is Shiva the principle of Fire, symbolized by the triple flame in the hand (three eyes, Tripurantaka etc). Thus, the combination of Tirumal and Sivan is Skanda / Murukan / Karttikeya formed with the properties of Fire and Water. The Saravanabava signifies the unification of these major elements into the Most Powrful One.
If the Hexagram is examined, all ten numbers 0 to 9 are found in it.
The bindu / dot at the centre.
The central point unit or one;
The two triangles show the presence of binary combination of two powers;
Its triangles represent number three or the triad;
The triangles with the central point common to both yield the quaternary;
The quinary being traced by combination, as a compound of two triangles, the even number, and of three sides in each triangle, the first odd number;
The six points are senary;
For the point / bindu at its centre, it is a sevenfold sign or septenary; the seven points of meeting points of 12 triangles;
The eight cardinal points
It is multiple of Triad.
If the Hexagram / hexagon / double triangle / two crossed triangles / star / six limbs does not have any astronomical significance the points need not coincide with the degrees. It cannot be said that it is a mere coincidence, because all other calculations tally with the pictorial / geometrical representation. Therefore, it is evident that the Hexagram representing Murugan / the mantra saravanabava is nothing but a zodiacal symbol implying the position of asterism with reference to the movement of planets. That is why the important festivals connected with Kanda / Kadamba/ Murukan / Karttikeya / Subramanya fall in intervening periods, i.e, the sectorial areas representing the 12 rasis.
That the ancient Tamils of Sangam period had conscious observation of movement of planets, eclipses, day and night time reckoning, growing of trees, flowering of plants and trees at a particular season, connected animals and their survival on the nature etc., are well established in the references available in the Sangam literature. The division of land into five tinais, their respective, Gods, trees, plants, flowers, animals, music, musical instruments etc., are also closely connected with such observation of planetary movement and recording time reckoning in the natural code, which are dealt with below.
Kathikeyabatram/ kathikeya batram also called as karthikeyaratnam/ katikeya ratnam is a stone used for worshipping lord muruga along with panchayatna puja, the stone colour is blue with gold and silver dots on it which is also alike of Lapis , This is in colour closer to peacock colour and so can be worshipped, this is not an authentic information. So A Vel is used in the case of worship also.
Seasons, Festivals and Murugan Worship
How the changes in the seasons affect the psychosomatic processes or psychosomatic changes vary with the seasons interacting with flora and fauna is vividly described in the Sangam literature. The change of seasons. as we know due to the planetary motion, mainly due to Sun. However, the influence of other planets are also significant, which is not generally considered in the seasonal changes. The animal behaviour is expressed the the faunic representation of the zodiac, as during such periods, man behaves or exhibits qualities like the represented animals. Similarly, the trees grown and flowers blossomed during the period satisfy his needs. Symbolically, they are also used in different rites, rituals and ceremonies conducted during the respective periods. In the Sangam literature, the following features are noted:
Murugu / Sur affecting ladies-Love.
Veriyadal performed by Velan to find out the disease of the Ladies-Love.
The Lover meeting the Lady-Love stealthily, when Veriyadal takes place during mid-night.
There are ladies who would not venture to or should not touch the vessels of Murugan temple.
Murugan is born with the combination of energies Fire and Water. The Fire produced from Siva is deposited in the Saravanabava waters and six children are born out of such combined energy.
The six babies joined together and Shadmukha / Shanmugan / Karttrikeya / Murugan is formed with six faces and twelve hands.
The Hexagram / hexagon / double triangle / two crossed triangles / star / six limbs has actually twelve triangles, with six triangles pointing to six combined rasis and the six triangles joined together at the centre as shown below:
A square is drawn, in which a circle is inscribed.
Inside the circle, two equilateral triangles, one with vertex pointing upward and another vertex pointing downwards are drawn. The six triangles inside the Hexagram are shown by the intersecting lines. Thus, that the Hexagram has twelve triangles are depicted. The triangles pointing outside mark 0, 60, 120, 180, 240. 300 and 360 degrees. The inner six triangles meet at a point inside, which is centre of circle and as well as that of the square.
It may be noted that in the horoscope the zodiacal position is depicted as shown below in two forms of representation. In one type, inside a square, the twelve houses are depicted in twelve squares. In another, inside a rectangle, the twelve houses are represented as twelve triangles. However, both forms are familiar in use. But, here, their representation in the context of Murugan worship is very significant.
Thanks to murugan,org for this information
As Arumugam, Shadmukha, Shanmukha, Shadvadhan, Shadhanan and other epithets are repeatedly used for Muruga, their representation and association with astronomy has to be studied. Geometrically, such concept can be represented as a Hexagon. As it can be drawn only with a circle, the concept of hexagon is connected with a circle. Not only circle, but also all geometrical figures are based on the concept of point, which is nothing but the smallest circle that could be drawn with no radius. Similarly, a circle is a polygon with infinite sides. These are not mathematical unreality or uncertainty leading to philosophy, but facts. The geometry is related to arithmetics, which in turn to numbers. All these concepts are related to the importance of squaring a circle and circling a square covering all mathematical functions, operations and manipulations.
Here, a diagram drawn with such concepts surprisingly tally with mathematical and astronomical principles. For example, a circle is drawn inside a square touching its sides. The circle is divided into twelve equal parts (12 x 30 = 360). They are named after Tamil months and common zodiac signs for convenience. Then the circle is divided into 27 equal parts of 13 degrees 20 minutes (130 20" x 27 = 3600) accommodating 27 stars / asterism. Thus, each rasi contains 2 1/2 stars / asterism, depending upon their movement with reference to Sun. Here, according to the Indian system of asterism, the stars are considered to be stationery with reference to planets.
The ruling planets are also mentioned in the corresponding rasis - Mars, Venus, Mercury, Moon, Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Saturn and Jupiter. The seasons are – 1. Ilavenir / Vasantham, 2. Mudhivenil / Kreshmam, 3. Kar / Varsha, 4. Kudhir / Sarath, 5. Munpani / Hemantha and 5. Pinpani / Sasira.
Two equilateral triangles are superposed on the figure with vertices - one touching the square at the top and another inverted same as the former. The touching points are 0 and 180. They surprisingly cut the circle at 60, 120, 240 and 300. The intersecting points are 30, 90, 150, 210, 270, and 330. Thus 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300, 330 and 360 are nothing but the twelve divisions of zodiac.
The lower triangle with apex downwards is the symbol of Tirumal / Vishnu, the God of Moist principle in the Nara or waters (Mahabharata.III.189.3). The triangle with its vertex upward is Shiva the principle of Fire, symbolized by the triple flame in the hand (three eyes, Tripurantaka etc). Thus, the combination of Tirumal and Sivan is Skanda / Murukan / Karttikeya formed with the properties of Fire and Water. The Saravanabava signifies the unification of these major elements into the Most Powrful One.
If the Hexagram is examined, all ten numbers 0 to 9 are found in it.
The bindu / dot at the centre.
The central point unit or one;
The two triangles show the presence of binary combination of two powers;
Its triangles represent number three or the triad;
The triangles with the central point common to both yield the quaternary;
The quinary being traced by combination, as a compound of two triangles, the even number, and of three sides in each triangle, the first odd number;
The six points are senary;
For the point / bindu at its centre, it is a sevenfold sign or septenary; the seven points of meeting points of 12 triangles;
The eight cardinal points
It is multiple of Triad.
If the Hexagram / hexagon / double triangle / two crossed triangles / star / six limbs does not have any astronomical significance the points need not coincide with the degrees. It cannot be said that it is a mere coincidence, because all other calculations tally with the pictorial / geometrical representation. Therefore, it is evident that the Hexagram representing Murugan / the mantra saravanabava is nothing but a zodiacal symbol implying the position of asterism with reference to the movement of planets. That is why the important festivals connected with Kanda / Kadamba/ Murukan / Karttikeya / Subramanya fall in intervening periods, i.e, the sectorial areas representing the 12 rasis.
That the ancient Tamils of Sangam period had conscious observation of movement of planets, eclipses, day and night time reckoning, growing of trees, flowering of plants and trees at a particular season, connected animals and their survival on the nature etc., are well established in the references available in the Sangam literature. The division of land into five tinais, their respective, Gods, trees, plants, flowers, animals, music, musical instruments etc., are also closely connected with such observation of planetary movement and recording time reckoning in the natural code, which are dealt with below.
Kathikeyabatram/ kathikeya batram also called as karthikeyaratnam/ katikeya ratnam is a stone used for worshipping lord muruga along with panchayatna puja, the stone colour is blue with gold and silver dots on it which is also alike of Lapis , This is in colour closer to peacock colour and so can be worshipped, this is not an authentic information. So A Vel is used in the case of worship also.
Seasons, Festivals and Murugan Worship
How the changes in the seasons affect the psychosomatic processes or psychosomatic changes vary with the seasons interacting with flora and fauna is vividly described in the Sangam literature. The change of seasons. as we know due to the planetary motion, mainly due to Sun. However, the influence of other planets are also significant, which is not generally considered in the seasonal changes. The animal behaviour is expressed the the faunic representation of the zodiac, as during such periods, man behaves or exhibits qualities like the represented animals. Similarly, the trees grown and flowers blossomed during the period satisfy his needs. Symbolically, they are also used in different rites, rituals and ceremonies conducted during the respective periods. In the Sangam literature, the following features are noted:
Murugu / Sur affecting ladies-Love.
Veriyadal performed by Velan to find out the disease of the Ladies-Love.
The Lover meeting the Lady-Love stealthily, when Veriyadal takes place during mid-night.
There are ladies who would not venture to or should not touch the vessels of Murugan temple.
Murugan is born with the combination of energies Fire and Water. The Fire produced from Siva is deposited in the Saravanabava waters and six children are born out of such combined energy.
The six babies joined together and Shadmukha / Shanmugan / Karttrikeya / Murugan is formed with six faces and twelve hands.
The Hexagram / hexagon / double triangle / two crossed triangles / star / six limbs has actually twelve triangles, with six triangles pointing to six combined rasis and the six triangles joined together at the centre as shown below:
A square is drawn, in which a circle is inscribed.
Inside the circle, two equilateral triangles, one with vertex pointing upward and another vertex pointing downwards are drawn. The six triangles inside the Hexagram are shown by the intersecting lines. Thus, that the Hexagram has twelve triangles are depicted. The triangles pointing outside mark 0, 60, 120, 180, 240. 300 and 360 degrees. The inner six triangles meet at a point inside, which is centre of circle and as well as that of the square.
It may be noted that in the horoscope the zodiacal position is depicted as shown below in two forms of representation. In one type, inside a square, the twelve houses are depicted in twelve squares. In another, inside a rectangle, the twelve houses are represented as twelve triangles. However, both forms are familiar in use. But, here, their representation in the context of Murugan worship is very significant.
Lord Murugan
Lord Muruga is called by various favourite names like Karthilkeya, Arumuga, Shanmuga, Guhan, Skanda, Subramanya and Kumara by his ardent devotees
He is considered to be the son of Lord Shiva and the brother of Lord Ganesh - the most famous elephant headed God
Kartikeya is a popular deity and is better known as Murugan.
Guru-Sishya Parampara is the teacher-disciple lineage. Being a civilization that respects experiential knowledge, we hold high respect for the teacher of such knowledge. It is separated from the socio-political structure and spans across social/political divisions since such knowledge is beyond those divisions. This is the institution that kept religion and theological practices and beliefs from occupying place in governance, and also kept the administrative structure from interfering with the institution of knowledge.
Karthikeya acted as Guru treated God Shiva as his disciple. The reinitiation and reassertion of the knowledge takes place after an intense debate with regards to the pranava mantram (AUM) between Lord Brahma (who is the embodiment of creationary aspect) and Lord Karthikeya, during which Lord Brahma fails to adequately convey the meaning of AUM.
Hence, Lord Karthikeya suspends Lord Brahma from his duties by imprisoning him. Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakthi object and Lord Shiva asks Lord Karthikeya if He(Murugan) is aware of the meaning. In response Lord Murugan says that He is well aware of it and that He will teach Lord Shiva the meaning of the mantram if He(Lord Shiva) will take Him (Lord Murugan) as His Guru. Thus Murugan imparts this universal mantra to His father.The Murugan here is also known as Swaminathan and "Thagapan Swami" (literally "Father God" - referring to the fact that Murugan taught His father and hence was His father's Guru.)
Lord Brahma challenged the power of Lord Murugan and dismissed Him as a child. Lord Murugan not liking this entered into a heated debate with Lord Brahma on His knowledge of pranava mantram “AUM”. When Lord Brahma could not explain the meaning adequately Lord Murugan suspended Him from His duties and imprisoned Him. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati intervened and asked Lord Murugan if He was aware of the meaning and will be willing to teach Lord Shiva the same.
Lord Murugan agreed to teach, on the pre-condition that Lord Shiva will be the disciple and Lord Murugan His teacher. Lord Shiva agreed and made Lord Murugan sit on His shoulder and whisper the significance and meaning of “AUM” in His ear. Thus Murugan imparts this universal mantra to His father at this location. Hence, one can see the Lord Karthikeya depicted as Guru (teacher) and Lord Shiva listening as shishya
Meditation
Meditation
"If you light a lamp and remove all the objects surrounding it, the lamp will still go on giving light. In the same way, if you remove all objects from your consciousness, all thoughts, all imagination, what will happen? – only consciousness will remain. That pure state of consciousness is meditation. You don’t meditate on somebody. Meditation is a state where only consciousness remains.
"What you practice is not meditation in the real sense; it is only a concept. But meditation will happen on its own through this. Try to understand that what you are practicing at night, exercises involving the chakras, and in the morning, exercises involving the breath, is all a discipline, it is not meditation. Through this discipline a moment will come when the breath will seem to have disappeared. Through this discipline a moment will come when the body seems to have disappeared and thoughts have also disappeared. What will remain when everything has disappeared? That which remains is meditation. When everything has disappeared, that which is left behind is called meditation."
"Remember, meditation will bring you more and more intelligence, infinite intelligence, a radial intelligence. Meditation will make you more alive and sensitive; your life will become richer.
"Look at the ascetics: their life has become almost as if it is not life. These people are not meditators. They may be masochists, torturing themselves and enjoying the torture... The mind is very cunning, it goes on doing things and rationalizing them.
Prayer Chanting
Prayer Chanting
Chanting is Very Powerful; why does chanting work ?
It is something that can take your mind off thoughts. when
you barrage your mental space with the same thought over and over,
in this case a sound. it makes it very hard for any stray thoughts to enter and take root.
Chanting is a kind of like the windscreen wipers on your car.
When it's raining really hard outside your windshield quickly gets clouded with rain. but flip on the wipers and now you can see clearly, the rain still appears, but then it's instantly washed away, it appears again and is washed away again, and so on. chanting can also stimulate positive emotions in the body.
Chanting is pretty easy, and it doesn't really matter what you say, the important thing is that you say the same thing each time.
How Ganesha Got His Head
How Ganesha Got His Head
The story of the birth of this zoomorphic deity, as depicted in the Shiva Purana, goes like this: Once goddess Parvati, while bathing, created a boy out of the dirt of her body and assigned him the task of guarding the entrance to her bathroom. When Shiva, her husband returned, he was surprised to find a stranger denying him access, and struck off the boy's head in rage. Parvati broke down in utter grief and to soothe her, Shiva sent out his squad (gana) to fetch the head of any sleeping being who was facing the north. The company found a sleeping elephant and brought back its severed head, which was then attached to the body of the boy. Shiva restored its life and made him the leader (pati) of his troops. Hence his name 'Ganapati'. Shiva also bestowed a boon that people would worship him and invoke his name before undertaking any venture.
However, there's another less popular story of his origin, found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana: Shiva asked Parvati to observe the punyaka vrata for a year to appease Vishnu in order to have a son. When a son was born to her, all the gods and goddesses assembled to rejoice on its birth. Lord Shani, the son of Surya (Sun-God), was also present but he refused to look at the infant. Perturbed at this behaviour, Parvati asked him the reason, and Shani replied that his looking at baby would harm the newborn. However, on Parvati's insistence when Shani eyed the baby, the child's head was severed instantly. All the gods started to bemoan, whereupon Vishnu hurried to the bank of river Pushpabhadra and brought back the head of a young elephant, and joined it to the baby's body,
Significance of Lord Ganesha Form
Significance of the Ganesha Form
Lord Ganesha's
head symbolizes the Atman or the soul, which is the ultimate supreme reality of
human existence, and his human body signifies Maya or the earthly existence of
human beings. The elephant head denotes wisdom and its trunk represents Om, the
sound symbol of cosmic reality. In his upper right hand Ganesha holds a goad,
which helps him propel mankind forward on the eternal path and remove obstacles
from the way. The noose in Ganesha's left hand is a gentle implement to capture
all difficulties.
The broken tusk
that Ganesha holds like a pen in his lower right hand is a symbol of sacrifice,
which he broke for writing the Mahabharata. The rosary in his other hand
suggests that the pursuit of knowledge should be continuous. The laddoo (sweet)
he holds in his trunk indicates that one must discover the sweetness of the
Atman. His fan-like ears convey that he is all ears to our petition. The snake
that runs round his waist represents energy in all forms. And he is humble
enough to ride the lowest of creatures, a mouse.
Lord Ganesha
The Lord of Success
The son of Shiva
and Parvati, Ganesha has an elephantine countenance with a curved trunk and big
ears, and a huge pot-bellied body of a human being. He is the Lord of success
and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshipped as the god of education,
knowledge, wisdom and wealth. Ganesha the elephant-deity riding a mouse has
become one of the commonest mnemonics for anything associated with Hinduism.
This not only suggests the importance of Ganesha, but also shows how popular
and pervasive this deity is in the minds of the masses.
Worship of Lord Ganesh will Lead to all success in life
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