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Talk:Charan Sparsh

2009-01-01T19:26:26Z

Annu Maheshwari: New page: IMPORTANCE OF CHARAN SPARSH: “Charan” means “feet” denotes “sparsh” means “to touch”. Together they mean “to touch one’s feet”. It has been a tradition since Satyug...

IMPORTANCE OF CHARAN SPARSH:

“Charan” means “feet” denotes “sparsh” means “to touch”. Together they mean “to touch one’s feet”. It has been a tradition since Satyug, Tretayug and Dwaparyug to touch the feet of one’s father and mother, teachers and elders. The elder in turn blesses us by placing his or her hand on or over our heads. Prostration is done daily, while meeting with elders and particularly on important occasions like the beginning of a new task, birthdays, [[festivals]] etc.

In the Atharva [[Veda]], great importance has been given to the way a person greets others when meeting. Through “charan sparsh” an individual exhibits the respect one holds for the elderly, the wise, and those with ideals and outstanding contribution to society. It is a way of accepting their superiority. This promotes humility in an individual and also makes the other person feel important. Thereby a person learns to be humble, courteous and respectful. The physical effort involved provides useful exercise and promotes vigor, enthusiasm and concern for others, rids tension and is motivating.

In Mahabharat, Pandavas were victorious over the Kauravas as they had sought the blessings of Pitaamah, the elders and teachers before the battle began.

In the Mahabharat, Vanparv, there is a narration.

Once the Yaksh asked Yudhishthir, “How can a person become great and powerful?”. Yudhishthir responded, “By devotedly touching the feet of the mother and father, teachers and elders and by serving then until they are content to give blessings that make a person great and powerful.”

WHY SHOULD WE PROSTATE BEFORE OUR PARENTS?

In life one of the most difficult things is to repay the debt owed to parents. In the Manusmriti, 2/228, it is said that the problems faced by parents during childbirth and upbringing cannot be repaid even in a hundred of years. It is also explained that the father is like Prajaapati and the mother is like Earth. Serving them has been described as penance. One who serves parents in real earnest can be said to have respect for all religions in the world.

In the Manusmriti, 2/232, it is said further stated that those householders who serve their parents regularly attain the three worlds. They achieve success everywhere. These people are blessed through glory and honor and find great contentment.

It is said that whoever respectfully greets elders and teachers is blessed with strength, knowledge honor and long life- Manusmriti, 2/121

PROCEDURE OF DOING CHARAN SPARSH

The procedure for “charan sparsh” is explained in the Manusmriti:

ब्रह्मराम्भेवसाने व पादौ ग्राह्यौ गुरौः सदा
संहत्य हस्तावध्येयं स हि ब्रम्हान्जलिः स्मृतः
व्यत्यस्त पाणिना कार्यमुप संग्रहण गुरोः
सव्येन सव्यः स्प्रष्टव्यो दक्षिणेन व दक्षिण

“Before beginning to learn the [[Vedas]], and after the learning is complete, the student must regularly greet and touch the feet of teachers. This is Brahmanjali—an ideal offering to them. Drawing close to the teacher one must touch the right foot with the right hand and left foot with the left hand.

One should never greet with single hand only:

जन्मप्रभृति यत्किंचित सुकृतं समुपार्जितम
तत्सर्वं निष्फलं याति एकाहस्नाभिवादनात

“One should never greet with one hand only. This way all virtues earned over a lifetime are wasted. It is important that greetings must be conveyed with both hands and with humility and devotion”.

SCIENTIFIC BENEFIT OF DOING CHARAN SPARSH:

There is a scientific basis to “charan sparsh”. Since the human body is releasing vibrations and also receiving them from people who come close, touching the feet encourages flow of energy. And when elders touch the head of the person in blessing, energy is again exchanged between them. This exchange of energy gives one vigor, self-confidence and contentment. One experiences an inner glow. The blessings received after “charan sparsh” are like invisible armour. They motivate and give strength.

User talk:Annu Maheshwari

2008-12-16T20:08:43Z

Annu Maheshwari:

NAVARATRI ARTICLE:

THE SPIRITUAL SINGNIFICANCE OF NAVARATRI:

Values of the Indian culture and the subject matter of the [[Vedas]] in terms of the Navaratri festival:

Navaratri is the greatest [[Hindu]] festival in which God is adored as Mother. Hinduism is the only religion in the world which has emphasised to such an extent the motherhood of God. One's relationship with one's mother is the dearest and the sweetest of all human relations. Shakti is the omnipotent power of the Lord, or the Cosmic Energy.

Navaratri is observed twice a year, once in the month of Chaitra and then in Aswayuja. The beginning of summer and the beginning of winter are two very important junctions of climatic and solar influence. These two periods are taken as sacred opportunities for the worship of the Divine Mother. They are indicated respectively by the [[Rama]]-Navaratri in Chaitra (April-May) and the [[Durga]] Navaratri in Aswayuja (September-October) from the Shukla Paksha Pratipada (the next of the New moon day of Bhadrapada) to the Dashami or the tenth day of Ashwin. This is the most auspicious festival in the Dakshinaayana or in the Southern hemisphere motion of the Sun. The bodies and minds of people undergo a considerable change on account of the changes in Nature. Sri [[Rama]] is worshipped during Ramnavmi, and Mother Durga during Navaratri.

Navaratri means nine nights (Nava= nine, ratri = night). The first nine days constitute the Navaratri festival. At Navaratri the Goddess is worshipped in Her various forms as Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Though the Goddess is one, She is represented and worshipped in three different aspects. On the first three nights of the festival, Durga is worshipped. Lakshmi is worshipped on the next three nights, and then Saraswati on the last three nights. the following day, the tenth day of the festival, is called "Vijayaadashmi", "Vijaya" means "victory", the victory over our own minds that can come only when we have worshiped these three: Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

DURGA:

To gain noble virtues, all evil tendencies in the mind must be destroyed. This destruction is represented by Goddess Durga. Durga is "durgati harihi": She who removes our evil tendencies. This is why She is called "Mahisasura Mardini", the destroyer of Mahisasura (demon), "mahisa" meaning "buffalo". The Divine Mother is represented as having ten different weapons in Her hands. She sits on a lion.

The buffalo stands for "tamoguna", the quality of laziness, darkness, ignorance, and inertia inside of every person. Durga Devi's killing of the Mahisa demon is the symbolic destruction of the "tamoguna" within the heart. In the Durga Devi Havana (sacrifice), the Divine Power within is invoked to destroy animalistic tendencies.

Navaratri is celebrated at the night in order to communicate to the participants: "You have lived long enough in the sleepy ignorance of tamoguna". It is time to get up now. Please, wake up!

LAKSHMI:

The mind must be pure, concentrated, and single pointed to understand the knowledge, which is obtained through worship of Lakshmi Devi.

Goddess Lakshmi represents material wealth. The real wealth is the practice of inner wealth of spiritual values through which ones minds becomes pure. Without the self discipline or self control in the life or without the values of love, kindness, respect and sincerity, the material money is of no value and it itself becomes a problem.

In the mantras of the Taittiriya [[Upanishad]], the 'rishis' first asked to have all the noble virtues fully developed in them. Having gained the noble virtues, only thereafter they asked to bring wealth to them because it was their belief that in the absence of right values and good qualities, all our money will be washed.

Our wealth of virtues is our true Lakshmi. Its importance is shown by the fact that [[Adi Shankaracharya]], in Vivekachudaamani, describes the sat sampati or six forms of wealth:

1. Calmness of mind

2. Self control

3. Self withdrawal

4. Forbearance

5. Faith

6. Single pointed.

These virtues are important because the goal is to get victory over the mind and it comes only when the mind is prepared, and this mental preparation is the symbolism of the [[Lakshmi Puja]].

SARASWATI:

The victory over the mind can be gained through knowledge, understanding and Goddess Saraswati represents this real supreme spiritual knowledge, the knowledge of the Self.

[[Lord Krishna]] Himself says in Bhagvat Gita: "The knowledge of the Self is the Knowledge", and He adds, "It is My vibhuti, My glory." Without the knowledge of own Self, the knowledge is not considered as complete and full.

The mind becomes purer, calmer, quieter, more cheerful, and greater understanding is gained by worshipping the Goddess and to express this happiness Raas [[dance]], which is the dance of joy—the joy of realization is also performed during Navaratri.

Thus, the theme of the entire [[Vedas]] is reflected in the Navaratri festival: Goddess [[Durga]] is invoked first to remove impurities and negativities from the mind. Goddess Lakshmi is invoked to cultivate the noble values. Finally, Goddess Saraswati is invoked for gaining the highest knowledge of the Self. This is the significance of the three sets of three nights and when all these three are gained subjectively then there is Vijayaadashmi, the day of true victory!

PURPOSE BEHIND CELEBRATION

1. The basic purpose behind this festival is to worship feminine principle of the Universe in the form of the divine mother to remind the teachings of the Taitareeya [[Upanishad]], "Matru Devo Bhava." Essence of the Navaratri celebration at social level is to remind and respect all the [[women]], who are the guardians of the family, culture, and national integrity, to take lead in times of crisis to guide the humanity towards the path of social justice, righteousness, equality, love, and divinity.

2. Dushera coincide with the period of rest and leisure of the farmers after their strenuous hard work in their farms and fields, hence they invoke blessings of Durga in order to have a rich harvest in the next coming season. In India harvest season begins at this time and as mother earth is the source of all food, the Mother Goddess is invoked to start afresh the new harvest season and to reactivate the vigor and fertility of the soil by doing religious performances and rituals which invoke cosmic forces for the rejuvenation of the soil.

3. On the day of Dushera, statues of the Goddess Durga are submerged in the river waters. These statues are made with the clay and the pooja is performed with turmeric and other pooja items, which are powerful disinfectants and are mixed in the river waters. This makes water useful for the farmers and yields better crops.

4. Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Hindawi ([[Hindu]]) Swarajya used to always worship [[Lord Shiva]] and Goddess Durga in the form of Goddess Bhawaani before any military expedition. Goddess Bhawaani had blessed Shivaji Maharaj with her own sword called "Bhawaani Talwar".

One of the 3 ½ Muhurtas (Most Auspicious Days):

o 1st Muhurta is Gudhi Padva (Chaitra shukla pratipada),
o 2nd Muhurta is Akshaya Trutiya (Vaishakh shukla trutiya)
o 3rd Muhurta is Dasara/Vijaya Dashami (Ashwin shukla dashami)
o 4th Muhurta Padva in [[Diwali]] (Kartik shukla pratipada) is considered as half Muhurta.

As per Hindu Religion, Dushera is considered as one of the 3 ½ auspicious days (Shubha Muhurta). It is proven over years that any new venture started on this day is bound to be successful. Hence in most parts of India Dushera is selected for starting a new businesses, construction activities (house, building, hospital), taking possession of new house, buying new vehicle, buying gold, booking the first order for the business etc.

NAVARATRI IN RELATION TO THE NINE BODILY OPENINGS

As per Indian Vedic [[Astrology]] nine planets are (1) Ravi (Sun), (2) Chandra (Moon), (3) Mangal/Bhaum (Mars), (4) Budha (Mercury), (5) Guru/Bruhaspati (Jupiter), (6) Shukra (Venus), (7) Shani (Saturn), (8) Rahu (North Node) & (9) Ketu (South Node).

Human body has nine openings (1) 2 for seeing - Chakshu (Eyes), (2) 2 for hearing - Karna (Ears), (3) 2 for breathing - Nasika (Nostrils), (4) 1 for speech & eating – Mouth, (5) 1 for Malotsarjan - Anus & (6) 1 for Mutrotsarjan – urinary opening.

If the planets favor and all the openings of the human body are kept under proper control, the human life is bound to be a great success.

Navaratri means "nine nights", which we must use to seek blessings from the nine planets and control our openings. In the worship of the goddesses during Navaratri, one of the planets should be worshipped and one of the openings should be cleaned each day, not externally but with heart, mind and soul focused. Bodily actions are ephemeral. The body derives its value from the spirit within. Hence it should be regarded as a sacred temple.

Navaratri festival is observed ten days, out of which nine for cleansing one's self of all impurities, in order to experience the divinity within and the last day is dedicated to "worship of weapons" (Aayudha Pooja). The weapons to be worshipped are the divine powers and virtues within. When the divine is worshipped in this way, one is bound to progress spiritually.

DIFFERENT REASONS OF CELEBRATING NAVARATRI

The Durga [[Puja]] is celebrated in various parts of India in different styles. But the one basic aim of this celebration is to propitiate Shakti, the Goddess in Her aspect as Power, to bestow upon man all wealth, auspiciousness, prosperity, knowledge (both sacred and secular), and all other potent powers. Whatever be the particular or special request that everyone may put before the Goddess, whatever boon may be asked of Her, the one thing behind all these is propitiation, worship and linking oneself with Her. Everyone is blessed with Her loving mercy and is protected by Her. It is held in commemoration of the victory of Durga over Mahishasura, the buffalo-headed demon. In Bengal Her image is worshipped for nine days and then cast into water. Processions with Her image are taken out along the streets of villages and cities.

In Bengal, Durga Puja is a great festival. All who live away from home return during the Puja days. Mothers reunite with their sons and daughters, and wives with their husbands.

The potter shows his skill in making images, the painter in drawing pictures, the songster in playing on his instrument, and the priest in reciting the sacred books. The Bengalis save money throughout the year only to spend everything during the Puja days. Cloth is freely distributed to the Brahmins.

The woman of Bengal welcomes the Goddess with a mother's love and sends away the image on the last day, with every ceremony associated with a daughter's departure to her husband's home and with motherly tears in her eyes. This signifies the parting of Durga from Her beloved mother.

In most of the northern India (Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, Hariyana etc…) and some parts of Maharashtra Dushera is celebrated more in honor of Rama. Dussera can also be interpreted as "Dasa-Hara", which means the cutting of the ten heads of Ravana.During these ten days many plays and dramas based on the epic of [[Ramayana]] are performed. These are called Ramlila.

In Mysore - Karanataka, decorated elephants lead a colorful procession through the streets of the city during Navaratri.

In Gujarat, Garba [[dance]] is performed around a pot containing a lamp. The word "Garbha" by which the pot as well as the dance is known, is etymologically close to the word Garbha, meaning womb. In this context the lamp in the pot, symbolically represents life within a womb. Another prevalent practice is of sowing legumes, cereals and other seeds on the first day of this festival in a pot, which is watered for nine days at the end of which the seeds sprout. This pot is worshipped throughout the nine days.

When Mysore was still a princely state, celebrations on this day included a grand procession of the Maharaja (King) of Mysore in a Golden Ambari (elephant mounted throne) to Banni Mantap (a playground) where he would symbolically cut a fully grown shami tree With the integration of the princely states into the Union of India, the Maharaja is now replaced by the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari in the Golden Ambari.

Legend of the Shami Tree in relation to Navaratri

There is another and little-known legend associated with this festival, the one associated with the [[Mahabharata]]. The Pandavas underwent a period of exile, 12 years of living in the forest followed by a year of exile incognito. Disguise being indispensable during the latter period, the Pandavas found it necessary to lay aside, for the length of that year, the many divine and distinctive weapons that they possessed. These they hid in a 'Shami' tree in the vicinity* of their chosen place of incognito residence. At the end of a year, they returned to the spot, found their weaponry intact, and worshipped in thanksgiving both the Shami tree and the Goddess Durga, presiding deity of strength and victory.

Meanwhile, the Kauravas, suspecting the residence of the Pandavas there had invaded that area. Upon finishing their devotions, the Pandavas fought the battle, and won the contest. The day that all these events occurred has since been known as "Vijayadashami." In recognition of the endeavors of the Pandavas, even to this day, people exchange Shami leaves and wish each other victory in their own ventures and efforts. The following shloka is used, sometimes, to signify this:

shamI shamayate paapam shamI shaTruvinaashinI |
arjunasya dhanurdhaari raamsya priyadasrshinI ||

(Shami, the remover of all sins, the destroyer of all enemies bore witness to Arjuna taking his bow and [[Lord Rama]] coming back to his near and dear ones.)
– Arjuna's Gandeeva bow was one among them.
– It is said that the Shami tree chosen by the Pandavas stood inside a cremation ground.
It was chosen to make detection difficult. The Pandavas wrapped their weapons in a white cloth and concealed them on that Shami tree making the weapons look like a dead body.

Talk:Cow

2008-12-09T18:00:17Z

Annu Maheshwari:

The cow is specially revered and equated with a mother and the Gods. It is believed that all the Gods reside within the body of a cow. It is therefore the responsibility of every person to accord it respect and do one's duty by it. for most religious ceremonies the cow is essential. The cow has been important since ancient times. Maharishi Chyavan preferred a cow to a kingdom. Such was the importance of the cow. Like a mother, the cow is known for the good it does mankind. it helps promote good health and long life.

In Atharva [[Veda]], it is said:

<blockquote>माता रुद्रानाम दुहिता वसूनाम<br>

स्वसा आदित्यानाम अमृतस्य नाभि<br>

maataa rudraanaam duhitaa vasoonam<br>

swasaa aadityaanaam amritasya naabhi</blockquote>

"The Cow is the mother of Rudras, she is a daughter of the Vasus, she is the sister of Surya. She is a storehouse of ghee that is like the celestial nectar".

It is also said that cow's milk helps overcome debility and regain lost physical and mental health. It promotes intelligence.

In the Markandeypuran, it is said that the welfare of the world depends upon the cow. The back of the cow is the symbolic of the [[Rig Veda]], the body of Yajur [[Veda]], the mouth of the Sama Veda, the neck of the household deity and the good deeds and the soft body hair are like the mantras. Cow dung and urine give peace and good health. Wherever a cow lives the virtues are never wasted. A cow always promotes contentment.

The Agnipuran says that the cow is a pure, auspicious animal. Looking after a cow, bathing it and making it eat and drink are commendable cats. Cow dung and urine are said to have medicinal qualities. The milk, curd, butter and ghee are all used in religious ceremonies. whoever offers a morsel of food to the cow before eating attains salvation. Whoever gives a cow in charity benefits the whole family. Wherever a cow lives the place becomes pure. The touch and care of cows absolves one of sins.

In the Skandpuran, it is said that cow dung purifies the courtyard and temple and also used as a fuel.

The land on which cows live is pure. Cows are pure and auspicious. They promote the welfare of mankind. They help make a yagya successful. By serving cows, one gets rid of sins. Their dwelling is like a pilgrimage. One becomes virtuous through reverence of cows.

Cow is an evolved animal, of satvik disposition. The other name for cow, "go" represents a ray of light/knowledge for this reason. Indra is called Gopati, the ruler of dawn. So is [[Sri Krishna]]. "gopuram", the peak of a temple premises, is also named after cow's back.

Cow's primary image is that of a mother, and also divine mother. Infants who lose their mother, are fed on cow milk. Pancha gavyas are milk, curd, clarified butter, dung and urine. All these are applied for worship, and also in medicine.

In the Bhagwat Gita, Sri [[Krishna]] said, "Amongst cows, I am Kamadhenu".

In the [[Mahabharata]], it is said that a cow given in charity becomes like Kamadhenu through its virtues and returns and returns to the donor in the next birth. Through her virtues the cow protects the donor from the darkness of hell as air protects and guides a boat from sinking and helps it steer through the cast ocean of life. Just as a [[mantra]] acts like a medicine to destroy disease, in the same way a cow given in charity to a good person protects one from all sins.

In the Mahabharata, Kurmpuran, Yagyavalkya [[Smriti]] and several other religious texts, it is said that whoever gives a cow in charity shall always be happy and content and attain heaven after death. it is believed that after death, before heaven one reaches Vaitarni River. To cross it one can hold the tail of the cow and finally reach heaven.