All posts for the month May, 2013

Tirupparangkundram Temple Pictures

Tirupparankundram is one of the Six Shrines of Lord Skanda Murugan. This town is near Madurai and as old as Madurai. I visit this shrine every year during my India visit. Last week I went to the temple at Tiruparankundram and took these pictures:

 

Temple Entrance

Drummer Statue

Statue

Patanjali Maharishi

Nayak King

Krishna’s  statue

Mridangist

 

Colourful Sudhais

Nayak King

Saravana  poykai

Yali

 

Vali side view

Tulabharam

Mountedcourse wanted

 

Stone horse at the entrance

Veda Patasala

Sangu Sales

Coconut and Fruis

Long Drum Player

Pallangkuzi

Yanai vahanam

Saravanap Poyhai Nagars

Book shop inside the temple.

Herbal powders

Leave a comment
by Tamil and Vedas on May 31, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Culture, Temples & Vahanas
Tagged ,

Posted by Tamil and Vedas on May 31, 2013

https://tamilandvedas.com/2013/05/31/tirupparangkundram-temple-pictures/

ஐந்தில் வளையாதது ஐம்பதில் வளையாது

ஐந்தில் வளையாதது ஐம்பதில் வளையாது

தமிழில் அருமையான 20,000 பழமொழிகள் உள்ளன. ஒவ்வொன்றும் ஆழமான பொருள் உடையவை. ‘இளமையில் கல்’ என்பது ஒரு பொன்மொழி. எதையும் இளமையில் செய்தால் மிகவும் எளிதாகவும் வாழ்க்கை முழுதும் பயன் தருவதாகவும் அமையும். இன்னொரு பழமொழி ‘ஐந்தில் வளையாதது ஐம்பதில் வளையாது’ என்பதாகும். இதை விளக்க குமரகுருபரர் எழுதிய ‘நீதிநெறி விளக்கத்தில்’ ஒரு அருமையான பாடல் உள்ளது.

 

பல்லக்கு மூங்கில்

“ வருத்த வளைவே அரசர் மாமுடியின் மேலாம்

வருத்த வளையாத மூங்கில்—தரித்திரமாய்

வேழம்பர் கைப்புகுந்து மேதினி எல்லாம் திரிந்து

தாழும் அவர்தம் அடிக்கீழ்தான்”

பொருள்: இளமையில் பல்லக்குத் தண்டு போல வளைத்துவிடப்பட்ட மூங்கில் பின்னர் மன்னர்களைத் தூக்கும் பல்லக்குத் தண்டாக உயரும். அப்படி வளையாத மூங்கிலின் கதியோ பரிதாபமானது. கழைக் கூத்தாடிகளின் கையில் அகப்பட்டு ஊர் ஊராகத் திரியும். இதேபோல இளமையில் கஷ்டப்பட்டு கல்வி கற்பவர்கள் மேல்நிலையையும் கல்லாதவர்கள் தாழ்வான நிலையையும் அடைகின்றனர்.

குமர குருபரர், ஒரு மூங்கில் கழியை வைத்து அழகான கருத்தை விளக்குகிறார். கோவிலில் இருந்து உலா வரும் சுவாமியை பல்லக்கில் தூக்கி வருவதை அனைவரும் பார்த்திருப்போம். இதற்கான வளைந்த மூங்கில் எங்கே விளைகிறது? எங்கேயும் விளையாது. மூங்கில் வளரும் காலத்திலேயே அதைப் பல்லக்குக்குத் தேவைப்படும் மாதிரியில் வளைத்து வளரவிடுவார்கள். அது முற்றிய பின்னர் அதைப் பல்லக்குக்குப் பயன்படுத்துவர். இதைத்தான் ஐந்தில் வளையாதது ஐம்பதில் வளையாது என்று கூறுகிறோம்.

இளைஞன் முதுகில் யானை!

ஒரு சர்கஸில் 5 அல்லது 6 டன் எடை உடைய ஒரு யானை சுமார் 100 கிலோ எடை உடைய ஒரு மனிதன் மேல் நிற்பதைப் பார்த்து எல்லோரும் வியந்தார்கள். அவன் படுத்தவுடன் அவன் மீது ஒரு பெரிய பலகையை வைப்பார்கள். அதன் மீது யானை ஏறி நிற்கும். இதைப் பார்த்த ஒரு பத்திரிகையாளர் அவரைப் பேட்டி காணச் சென்றார். ‘நீங்கள் யோகாசனம் பயின்று ஏதேனும் அபூர்வ சக்தி பெற்றிருக்கிறீர்களா? எப்படி இதைச் செய்ய முடிகிறது? என்று பத்திரிகை நிருபர் கேட்டார். அதற்கு அந்த இளைஞர், நான் பள்ளிக்கூடம் கூட போனது இல்லை, எனக்கு யோகமும் தெரியாது, ஆசனமும் தெரியாது. இந்த யானை குட்டியாக இருந்தபோது இந்த சர்க்கஸ் அதை விலைக்கு வாங்கியது. அன்று முதல் என் மீது ஏறி நிற்கும் பயிற்சியைத் துவக்கினார்கள். அது சிறிது சிறிதாக வளர்ந்து பெரிதானபோதும் எனக்கு பாரம் தெரிவதில்லை என்றார்.

 

இது நம் வாழ்க்கையில் பெரிய உண்மையைப் போதிக்கிறது. பல்லக்கு மூங்கில் போல வளையவும், பெரிய பாரத்தைச் சுமக்கவும் இளமை முதல் பயிற்சி தேவை.

 

(20000 தமிழ் பழமொழிகள், பெண்கள் பற்றிய பழமொழிகள், யானை பற்றிய பழமொழிகள் முதலிய பழமொழிக் கட்டுரைகள் ஏற்கனவே இந்த பிளாக்கில் ஏற்றப்பட்டுள்ளன).

 

 

Leave a comment
by Tamil and Vedas on May 31, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Self Improvement, Tamil
Tagged , ,

Posted by Tamil and Vedas on May 31, 2013

https://tamilandvedas.com/2013/05/31/%e0%ae%90%e0%ae%a8%e0%af%8d%e0%ae%a4%e0%ae%bf%e0%ae%b2%e0%af%8d-%e0%ae%b5%e0%ae%b3%e0%af%88%e0%ae%af%e0%ae%be%e0%ae%a4%e0%ae%a4%e0%af%81-%e0%ae%90%e0%ae%ae%e0%af%8d%e0%ae%aa%e0%ae%a4%e0%ae%bf%e0%ae%b2/

Madurai Temple Photos

 

Details of all the pictures are available in this blog:

1.   The Wonder that is Madurai Meenakshi Temple
2.  Musical Pillars in Hindu Temples
3.  Acoustic Marvel of  Madurai Temple.
Contact swami_48@yahoo.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leave a comment
by Tamil and Vedas on May 31, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Culture, Temples & Vahanas
Tagged ,

Posted by Tamil and Vedas on May 31, 2013

https://tamilandvedas.com/2013/05/31/madurai-temple-photos/

21 லிட்டர் கொழுக்கட்டை எதற்காக?

உலகப் புகழ்பெற்ற மதுரை மீனாக்ஷி கோவிலில் பல புரியாத புதிர்கள் உள்ளன. திருக்கல்யாண மஹாலில் இருக்கும் பூகோள ,ககோள வட்டங்கள், வெள்ளியம்பலத்தில் வலது காலை தூக்கி ஆடும் நடராஜர், முக்குறுணி விநாயகர் ஆகியன அவற்றில் சில. 55 ஆண்டுகளாக நான் தரிசித்து வரும் முக்குறுணி விநாயகரை சென்ற வாரம் இந்தியா சென்றிருந்த போது மீண்டும் தரிசித்தேன். அதே அழகு, அதே கம்பீரம்! கோவிலுக்கு வெளியே மதுரையே தலை கீழாக மாறிவிட்டது. ஆனால் எனது இஷ்ட தெய்வம் பிள்ளையார் மாறவில்லை.

இந்தப் பிள்ளையார் பற்றிய சுவையான விவரங்கள்:

இந்த கற்சிலை எட்டு அடி உயரம் உடையது. நாயக்க மன்னர்களில் மிகவும் கீர்த்தி வாய்ந்த திருமலை நாயக்கர் (1623- 1659), மதுரை நகருக்கு வெளியே வண்டியூரில் ஒரு குளத்தை அமைக்க திட்டமிட்டார். அதற்காக நிலத்தைத் தோண்டிய போது இந்த எட்டு அடி விநாயகர் சிலை பூமிக்கடியில் இருந்து கிடைத்தது. இது எப்படி அங்கே போனது? ஏதாவது பெரிய கோவில் அங்கே இருந்ததா? அலாவுதீன் கில்ஜியின் படைத் தளபதி மாலிக்காபூர் தமிழ் நாட்டின் கோவில்களைச் சூறையாடி அழித்தபோது அங்கிருந்த கோவில் அழிந்ததா? என்ற கேள்விகளுக்கு இன்று வரை விடை கிடைக்காமல் ஒரு புதிர் நீடிக்கிறது.

இந்த விநாயகர் திருப்பரங்குன்றம், பிள்ளையார்பட்டி குடைவரைக் கோவில்களில் உள்ள பழமையான பாணியில் அமையவில்லை. ஆகவே பிற்காலத்தைச் சேர்ந்ததாகவே இருக்கவேண்டும். மதுரை மீனாக்ஷி கோவிலில் மட்டும் சுமார் 100 பிள்ளையார்கள் சிலைகள் இருக்கின்றன!

ராட்சத கொழுக்கட்டை (மோதகம்)

இதைப் பற்றிய இன்னொரு புதிர் 21 லிட்டர் அரிசிமாவால் செய்யப்படும் ராட்சத கொழுக்கட்டையாகும். இதை பழைய அளவுகோலில் சொல்லவேண்டுமானால் முக்குறுணி என்று சொல்ல வேண்டும். ஒருகுறுணி என்பது நாலு பட்டணம் படிக்குச் சமம். 3 குறுணி என்பது 12 படி அல்லது 21 லிட்டருக்குச் சமம்.. பிள்ளையார் சதுர்த்தி நாளன்று இவ்வளவு பெரிய கொழுக்கட்டையை நெய்வேத்தியம் செய்வார்கள். அதை ஒட்டியே இவருக்கு முக்குறுணி விநாயகர்/ பிள்ளையார் என்ற பெயர் வந்தது. ஏன் முக்குறுணி என்பதற்கு சரியான விடை கிடைக்காமல் புதிர் நீடிக்கிறது. இந்தப் பிள்ளையாருக்கு முன் உள்ள விளக்குகளில் திருமலை நாயக்கர் மற்றும் அவரது குடும்பத்தினரின் உருவங்கள் இருக்கின்றன.

நான்கு கரங்களுடன் காணப்படும் இப்பிள்ளையாரை கோவிலில் தற்போதுள்ள இடத்தில் பிரதிஷ்டை செய்தவர் கந்தப் பொடி பெத்து செட்டி ஆவார்.

இன்னொரு அதிசயம் என்னவென்றால் தெற்குக் கோபுரத்துக்கு வெளியே தெற்குச் சித்திரை வீதி உள்ளது. அந்த ரோட்டிலிருந்து கொண்டே சைக்கிள் பஸ்களில் போவோர்கூட கோவிலுக்கு மிகவும் உள்ளே அமைந்திருக்கும் பிள்ளையாரைத் தரிசிக்கமுடியும். அப்படிப்பட்ட நேர்கோட்டில்  இதை அமைத்திருப்பது பழங்காலத் தமிழரின் கட்டிடக் கலைச் சிறப்புக்கு மற்றொரு எடுத்துக் காட்டு.

மீனாக்ஷி கோவிலின் ஏனைய அதிசயங்களை கீழ்கண்ட ஆங்கிலக் கட்டுரைகளில் ஏற்கனவே கொடுத்துள்ளேன்:

1. The Wonder That is Madurai Meenakshi Temple

2. Musical Pillars in Hindu Temples

3. Acoustic Marvel of Madurai Temple

Leave a comment
by Tamil and Vedas on May 30, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Religion, Tamil
Tagged , , ,

Posted by Tamil and Vedas on May 30, 2013

https://tamilandvedas.com/2013/05/30/21-%e0%ae%b2%e0%ae%bf%e0%ae%9f%e0%af%8d%e0%ae%9f%e0%ae%b0%e0%af%8d-%e0%ae%95%e0%af%8a%e0%ae%b4%e0%af%81%e0%ae%95%e0%af%8d%e0%ae%95%e0%ae%9f%e0%af%8d%e0%ae%9f%e0%af%88-%e0%ae%8e%e0%ae%a4%e0%ae%b1/

GOD IS NOWHERE

Once there was an atheist who argued about the presence of God. He even had it written on the wall of his house, “God is nowhere” A child was born to him and as the child began to grow, he started teaching language to it. One day as he played with his child he began to teach language. The child had to say “God is nowhere”. Since the word ‘Nowhere’ was too big for the child to pronounce, the atheist father had to break it to make it more articulate. The little child babbled, Now-Here. It went on to say “God is now-here” The atheist could not jump into an argument as his reaction normally would have been as it was a child’s babble. Rather he enjoyed playing with the child.

 

Swami Ramtirtha says that the company of a child is meditative and existential. For the first time it struck him that ‘Nowhere’ actually contained ‘Now-here’ A great transformation took place in him that in due course, people around him caught sight of it. He was not argumentative as before and when he was questioned, he simply said, “Ask this child for I am myself puzzled. Hearing the sentence, “God is Now-Here” has brought about this change in me! Looking into his eyes I got transformed. I am all together a different person now.

 

Since then I have been seeing God Now-Here; when the wind passes through the trees, when rain pitter patters on the roof. When the birds sing I realise God is Now-Here, when the sun rises, I get reminded that “God is Now-here!” Osho says that the mind is never ‘now-here’. It is shuttles between the past and future. To think of the future and past may be logical but it is not existential. Existence is, only in now-here, for once when one starts to think that he caught hold of it logically it has already escaped into the past. Hence existence is thus Now-here and God is simply existence.— Swami Ramathirtha’s story retold by Osho

God sneaks in to a Communist City

 

Letter published in Indian Express, July 1981:

 

Very few people know that about 23 years ago the communist party and the Polish government built a city at Novahuta, a village in the district of Kroscvia, Poland and named it as a city without God. The aim was to fulfil the instructions of Marx in which he said religion is opium. In this city they built a huge steel factory and thousands of workers were employed here. After some time, thousands of citizens of the city and workers of the factory demanded sanction to build a church in the city. The credit for this non violent movement goes to the factory worker Cardinal Kairol Vaziryala, who later became a popular priest of Poland. This movement gained strength and ultimately in the city without a God, a grand church was built.

Only after 20 years of public dissatisfaction and civil movement permission to build the church was granted. There is hardly any person in Poland who has not visited this city and its church. There appears to be the blessing of Providence in all that is happening in Poland. Had this not been the case, the people of Poland by their unique solidarity would not have been able to obtain permission to form an independent labour union and independent farmers association. The influential Communist Government of Poland had its biggest defeat in its movement against God.

 

(letter by Surendra Trivedi, Chinmaya Mission, Lucknow, July 1981)

 

1. God Exists

 

Every breath that flows in the nose,
Every beat that throbs in the heart,
Every artery that pulsates in the body,
Every thought that arises in the mind,
Speaks to you that God is near.

Every flower that wafts fragrance,
Every fruit that attracts you,
Every gentle breeze that blows,
Every river that smoothly flows,
Speaks of God and His mercy.

 

The vast ocean with its powerful waves,
The Mighty Himalayas with its glaciers,
The bright Sun and stars in the wide sky,
The lofty tree with its branches,
The cool springs in the hills and dales,
Tell me of His omnipotence.

The melody of sweet music,
The oration of powerful orators,
The poems of reputed poets,
The inventions of able scientists,
The operations of dexterous surgeons,
The utterances of holy saints,
The thoughts of the Bhagavad Gita,
The revelations of the Upanishads,
Speak of God and His wisdom.

—swami Sivananda in his book ‘GOD EXISTS’

 

Contact swami_48@yahoo.com

 

1 Comment
by Tamil and Vedas on May 29, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Religion
Tagged

Posted by Tamil and Vedas on May 29, 2013

https://tamilandvedas.com/2013/05/29/god-is-nowhere/

Why do Holy men ‘Suffer’?

Picture of naked Sri Sadasiva Brahmendra

“Weapons do not cleave this self (Atma), fire does not burn him; waters do not make him wet; nor does the wind make him dry; He is uncleavable, He cannot be burnt,  He can neither be wetted nor dried. He is eternal, all pervading, unchanging and immovable. He is the same forever”.

–(Bhagavad Gita 2-23/24)

 

When devotees see their Master at old age, they wonder how come such a holy soul ‘suffers’ like this. Actually it is our ignorance that makes us think this way. Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Ramana Maharishi ‘’suffered’’ from cancer in the eyes of an ordinary man. But for them,’ it is like casting off worn out garments’. If ink or colour spills on a rich man’s shirt, he is least bothered; he simply wears a new shirt the next minute. But a poor man will react differently. Ramana and Ramakrishna were rich in spiritual wealth, we are poor spiritually. So we see it differently.

Following stories will illustrate this:

 

Story of Sadasiva Brahmendra—As told by Paramahamsa Yogananda

“On the way we stopped before a little shrine sacred to the memory of Sadasiva Brahman in whose eighteenth century life story miracles cluster thickly. A larger Sadasiva shrine in Nerur, created by the Raja of Pudukottai, is a pilgrimage spot that has witnessed many divine healings.

Many quaint stories of Sadasiva, a lovable and fully illumined master, are still current among South Indian villagers.  Immersed one day in Samadhi on a bank of the Kavery river, Sadasiva was seen to be carried away by a sudden flood. Weeks later he was found buried deep beneath a mound of earth near Kodumudi in Coimbatore District. As the villagers’ shovels struck his body, that saint rose and walked briskly away. (From ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’)

Picture of Sri Ramana Maharishi

Swami Sivananda adds……….

“More than one hundred and fifty years ago there lived a very famous Yogi-Jnani by name Sadasiva Brahmendra Saraswati in Nerur, near Karur, in the district of Trichinopoly, South India. He is the author of Brahma Sutra Vritti and Atma Vidya Vilas and various other books. He has performed innumerable miracles. One day Sadasiva Brahman who was  an Avadhoot  entered the zenana (tent) of a Muslim chief naked. The chief was quite enraged at the sage. He cut off one of his arms. Sadasiva Brahman walked away without uttering a word and without showing any sign of pain. The chief was greatly astonished at this strange condition of the sage. He thought that this man must be a Mahatma, a superhuman being. He repented much and followed the sage to apologize. Sadasiva did not even know that his arm was cut off. When the chief narrated to the sage what had happened in the camp, Sadasiva excused the chief and simply touched his maimed arm. Sadasiva Brahman had a fresh arm.

These incidents in the life of this sage should convince everyone that there is a sublime divine life independent of objects and the play of the mind and the senses. The sage was quite unconscious of the world. He did not feel a bit when his arm was cut off. He ought to have been absorbed in the Divine Consciousness and become one with the Divine. Ordinary people yell out even when there is a pin prick on their body. The above incidents in the life of Sadasiva Brahman amply prove the existence of God and a divine, eternal life, where all sorrows melt, all desires are satisfied and where one gets supreme bliss, peace and knowledge” (From the book GOD EXISTS by Swami Sivananda).

Picture of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

 

Story of Epictetus—As told by Swami Ramdas of Anandashram

There was a Greek philosopher. His name was Epictetus. He was a slave under the Roman Emperor and he was harshly punished by his master even for slight mistakes. He was almost every day beaten by his master. One day, for no fault of Epictetus, the master beat him so severely that his leg broke and he became lame. After some time, a friend of Epictetus, who lived far away, came to see him and finding him limping, asked him how he became lame. Then Epictetus gave a characteristic reply, “I am not lame, but my leg is lame”. His detachment from the body was so perfect that whatever happened to it, he never thought it had anything to do with his real Self.

(From Stories As Told By Swami Ramdas)

Leave a comment
by Tamil and Vedas on May 28, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Religion
Tagged , , ,

Posted by Tamil and Vedas on May 28, 2013

https://tamilandvedas.com/2013/05/28/why-do-holy-men-suffer/

King and 8 Ministries in Vedic Period

Vedic people were not primitive. They were more civilized than any other race of that period. The rules and regulations stipulated for the king and the duties and prerogatives assigned to the king show that they are highly organised and very much advanced in civilization.

It is amazing to see all the important Departments or Ministries were in place during the Vedic time.

Ministries: Grhapati, Vanaspati, Pasupati, Dharmapati, Brhaspati

Ministers : Savita, Agni, Soma, Brahaspati, Indra, Rudra, Mitra, Varuna

 

Coronation and Consecration

The rites and rituals connected with the Coronation and Consecration ceremony are described in the Satapata Brahmana (5-3, 5-4). On the first day of the five day ceremony, offerings are made to eight deities-

Savita, Agni, Soma, Brahaspati, Indra, Rudra, Mitra, Varuna

These eight Gods are called ‘Devasus’ or Divine Quickeners’ and each has an epithet of his own.

While offering the oblations, each is invoked along with his epithet which bespeaks one or other aspect of royal prerogatives, duties and functions.

Thus Savita is invoked as Satyaprasava for true impulse or righteous energy of the king. ( I will compare it to the modern Ministry of External Affairs and Prime Minister’s Office)

Agni as Grhapati for mastery of the household( Ministry of Human Resources)

Soma as Vanaspati for the protection of forests and agriculture (Ministry of Agriculture and Forests)

Brhaspati Vak for power of speech ( Ministry of Information and Broadcasting)

Indra as Jyeshta for supremacy or predominance in matters of administration (Ministry of Home Affairs)

Rudra as Pasupati for protection of cattle,(Ministry of Animal Husbandry)

Mitra as Satya for truth,(Ministry of Moral Education)

And lastly offering to Varuna and moral governor as Dharmapati for upholding Dharma or Law. The last epithet viz, that of Varuna makes the king upholder of law or one who enforces law and order. (Ministry of Law and Order)

Thus each epithet is applied with an eye to each prerogative or duty of the king-designate.

 

Eight Ministers for Tamil Kings

Tamil kings who ruled in the southern part of India two thousand years ago also had Eight Advisers. The council was called ‘EnPerayam.’ It consisted of

Chief of Accounts

Chief of Executive officials

Chief of Treasury officials

Chief of Palace guards

Leading citizens representatives

Chief  of Infantry

Chief of Elephantry

Chief of the Cavalry

 

Shivaji’s Eight Ministers

Ashta Pradhan of Veera Shivaji

Shivaji who was coronated in 1674 had Eight Ministers to run the country. The council was called Ashta Pradhan.

Peshwa: Prime Minister

Amatya: Minister in charge of Financial matters

Sacheev: Chief of Administration

Mantri: Home Minister

Sumant: Foreign Minister

Senapati: Commander in Chief, Defence Minister

Nyayadish: Law Minister/ Chief Justice

Panditrao: Minister in charge of Religious Affairs

 

Council of Eight Poets: Ashta Diggajas

Ancient King Vikramaditya had a Council of Nine Scholars known as Navaratnas (Nine Gems). Vijayanagara kings had a group of Eight Poets/scholars knows as Ashta Diggajas ( Eight Elephants in 8 cardinal points). They were very popular because of their poetical works. The eight poets were Allasani Peddana, Nandi Thimmana, Madayagari Mallana, Pingali Surana,Tenali Ramakrishna, Dhurjati Ayyalaraju, Ramaraja Bhushandu, Rama Bhadrudu.

Of the eight poets, Tenali Ramakrishna was the most famous person. He was a great poet and a jester. His anecdotes are known to every child of South India.

Vijayanagara Emperor Krishna Devaraya who ruled between 1509 and 1529 AD had these eight poets. He himself was a great poet.

 

Looking at these councils, one may conclude that the ancient practice of having EIGHT COUNCILLORS was followed till recent times.

Democratic Election:-  First King Soma

The first king elected democratically on earth was a Vedic king named SOMA.

As to the origin of kingship or institution of monarchy the Aitareya Brahmana recounts the following anecdote. Once Gods were defeated by the Asuras (demons) in every direction. At that time there was no king among Gods. Brooding over the cause of their signal defeat at the hands of the Asuras, thus said the Gods—Because we are without a king they have been able to defeat us;we shall ELECT a king.’ All consented unanimously. They ELECTED god Soma as their king and conquered all the directions guided by King Soma. This passage proves the emergence of kingship by ELECTION at the time of emergency or national calamity. Naturally the first king had to be elected whether in heaven or earth. Later hereditary kingship was followed.

 

Please read my earlier post Lord Shiva’s favourite No 8

( Details of Vedic times are  gathered from the book ‘Life during Brahmana Period’)

Contact swami_48@yahoo.com

Pictures are taken from other websites.Thanks.

Leave a comment
by Tamil and Vedas on May 27, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in History
Tagged ,

Posted by Tamil and Vedas on May 27, 2013

https://tamilandvedas.com/2013/05/27/king-and-8-ministries-in-vedic-period/

Temple Visit ‘good for health’

Temple Visit ‘good for health’: College girls’ proved it

The Indian Express, Januray 1, 1983

Why go to temples for worship, when the same spiritual experience could be had at home in the pooja (prayer) room? For reasons of health temple worship is as good a health trip as it is spiritual. This is sought to be proved by a series of interesting experiments at the tourist trade fair now being held in Madras (December 31, 1982).

 

Teachers and students of Parasakthi Women’s college, Courtallam at the HR and CE stall in the fair through a set of experiments using laboratory gadgets reason out a scientific interpretation of the chanting of Slokas (hymns), the Abhisheka (bathing) of the idol and the offerings of fruits and leaves made to the gods. “Temple worship has a definite scientific reasoning behind it”, the assistant professor in charge said.

 

First the viewers are explained how there is a proportionate configuration to the sanctum sanctorum (inner chamber) and the idol it houses. The sanctorum is structured in such a way that the idol inside reflects any sound waves to the maximum effect. A tuning fork is vibrated in the hall with little sound reproduction, but when it is struck and placed before the entrance of small model of sanctorum a loud hum is heard. And the forks invariably produce a sound resembling the Hindu chant OM (Aum). The lecturer explained that among the various chants OM has the largest resonant effect and displaces a sizeable amount of atmosphere inside the sanctorum. This was possible only when the sanctorum and the idol are made of granite stone, as in most of the temples.

Next it is explained how the presence of ions increases amidst conditions other than in a dry one using a condenser to infer why the sanctum sanctorum is always kept moist  by pouring water over the idol and washed with water continuously. Similarly the conductivity of the stone idol also increases when it is moist. This is demonstrated by measuring the conductivity of a dry granite stone and that of a wet idol.

 

The materials used for Abisheka (bathing) of the idol increase the conductivity of the stone, through their own values. PH value of a substance is the negative ion concentration it possesses and most of the materials  used for Abisheka – milk, curd ,sandal paste, turmeric powder, vermillion powder, vibhuti/holy ash are of high PH values. And when these are poured over the idols they not only increase the conductivity of the idol but also ionise it.

 

A resistance reading on an Ohmeter of the idol after all these elements are poured shows the increased conductivity of the idol. The chanting of the Mantras, more frequently OM sets the air column inside vibrating and the highly sensitised idol conducts the ions of the Abisheka substance to the moist atmosphere. With the lighting of the camphor during the Deeparadhana (Arti) displaces the air which is partially charged with ions and these ions are inhaled by the devotees inside the sanctorum, the lecturer explained. These negative ions have the physiological function of fixing the oxygen with haemoglobin in the blood. They are concentrated on beaches and mountain tops at early mornings which explain doctor’s advice to heart patients for early morning beach walks.

 

The final inference, it is explained that a devotee’s presence in the sanctorum during Abishekas helps his physical system inducting more negative ions than he usually inhales. A visit to the temple is a good substitute for a morning walk, and a tonic for health.

 

But with temples becoming over crowded it wouldn’t be a wonder if these negative ions are submerged by excessive carbon di oxide  exhaled in packed sanctorum which is meant  to house only ten people at a time. Similarly the chanting of OM has also been reduced to a more inaudible mumble affecting its highly resonant quality.

 

Other scientific aspects of Hindu religion are also demonstrated by the enthusiastic lot. The posture of Nataraja for example though externally represents the asymmetric make-up of planets of the solar system the symmetry of the simple harmonic motion of the solar system is explained by rotating the statue on two vertical pins fixed at the statue’s head and the sole of the right foot; similarly the evolution of man through the Ten Avatars of Lord Vishnu.  A parallel experiment to the musical pillars at some temples is also demonstrated.

The Indian Express, January 1, 1983.

Swami Harshananda

Swami Harshananda in his book Hinduism through Questions and Answers says: “once it is conceded that God exists, there must be an easy means of approaching Him and propitiating Him. That is the temple. The temple is the structure we put up with devotion for the residence of God when He descends to this world for our sake. It is something like camping of the king of a country in a part of his territory.

The structure of a temple is highly symbolical. Primarily it indicates God as a Cosmic Person. Alternatively it represents the body of man, with God residing in his heart. The temple may represent the whole creation.

In temples consecrated according to scriptural rites, the images are considered to be alive. Hence formal worship is a must. Those who want to visit the temple are expected to enter it physically clean and with the proper mood of faith and devotion. If worship is performed with faith and devotion, it generates peace and joy in our minds”.

When people of same faith come together it is easy to concentrate and meditate on God. The atmosphere is surcharged with devotion and the effect is manifold.

 

Swami Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

The milk of the cow in reality pervades the whole of the body of the animal through its blood, but you cannot milk it by squeezing its ears or the horns; you can get the milk only from the teats. Similarly God pervades the universe everywhere, but you cannot see him everywhere. He manifests more readily in sacred temples which are full of the spirit of devotion diffused by the lives and spiritual practices of the devotees of former times.

 

From time immemorial, numberless Sadhus , devotees and men of realisation have come to these holy places to have a vision of god, and have prayed to him  in an outpouring of their hearts, setting aside all worldly desires therefore god has equally present everywhere, manifests himself specially in these places.

 

Water can be had anywhere by digging into the earth, when, however, there is a well or a tank or a lake, one has not to dig for water, but can get it whenever one likes to have it”—-Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

 

Please read my earlier posts

1. Two Million Gods in India by Mark Twain

2.100, 008 temples in India

 

Leave a comment
by Tamil and Vedas on May 15, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Religion, Temples & Vahanas
Tagged , ,

Posted by Tamil and Vedas on May 15, 2013

https://tamilandvedas.com/2013/05/15/temple-visit-good-for-health/

Ramanuja and Non Brahmins

 

(1) Penitence for Pride— As told by Mukulbhai Kalarthi, Ahmedabad

Ramanujacharya lived in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka between 1017 AD and 1137 AD. He lived for 120 years.

On account of old age the renowned Vaishnava preceptor and propounder of the philosophy of Vishistadwaita (Qualified Monism), Ramanuja had become very weak. Therefore, while going to the river for his daily bath he had to take the help of someone.

Going to the river he would rest his hand on the shoulder of one of his Brahmin disciples. But while returning home, he took the help of a disciple, belonging to the lowest caste Shudra.

The orthodox people were greatly perturbed at this peculiar behaviour of the preceptor. Therefore one day some of them got together and went to Ramanuja and said to him, “Revered teacher, should you desire, you can take the help of the untouchable disciple before your bath. But once after the bath you have made yourself clean, you ought not to touch him”.

The preceptor replied, “Brothers, I place my hand on the shoulder of him, whom you consider an untouchable, after my bath, only to wash away the dirt of pride, which still sticks to me because of my belonging to the so called highest caste. And this dirt cannot be washed away with mere water!”

 

(2) Story of Kanchipurna (Thiru Kachi Nambi) as told by Swami Sivananda

“One of Ramanuja’s disciples, by name Kanchipurna, was serving in the temple at Kancheepuram. Although a Shudra, Kanchipurna was so very pious and good that the people of the place had great respect and reverence for him. At present, there is a temple at Kancheepuram where Kanchipurna’s image has been installed and where he is worshipped as a saint.

Young Ramanuja came under Kanchipurna’s influence and had such reverence for him that he invited him to dinner in his house. Ramanuja’s intention was to attend on Kanchipurna and personally serve him at dinner and himself take meals afterwards. Unfortunately, Kanchipurna came to dinner when Ramanuja was not at home, and took his meals being served by Ramanuja’s wife. When Ramanuja returned home, he found the house washed and his wife bathing for having served meals to a Shudra. This irritated Ramanuja very much and turned him against his wife who was an orthodox lady of a different social ideal. After a few incidents of this nature, Ramanuja abandoned the life of a householder and became a Sannyasin”— Swami Sivananda of Divine Life Society.

(3) Acme of Compassion –As told by Swami Ramdas of Anandashram

“You must have heard of the three great teachers : Shankara, Ramanuja and Madhwa. They have established their systems of philosophy in India. Ramanuja went to a Master and asked him to initiate him. The Master gave him God’s name and also advised him not to give this NAME to anybody, adding if he did so, he would go to hell. At once Ramanuja went to the top of the local temple (at Sri Perumpudur near Madras) and shouted, “ I am going to give you all a NAME which will save you. My master has given me that Name”. He uttered the name loudly so that everybody could here.

 

(God’s name he uttered was OM NAMO NARAYANA)

The Master heard about it and asked why he did so in spite of his warning. Ramanuja’s reply was, “I am prepared to go to hell a hundred times if I can save thousands”.

Compiled by swami_48@yahoo.com

 

 

1 Comment
by Tamil and Vedas on May 13, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Alvars &Saints, Brahmins, Tamil
Tagged ,

Posted by Tamil and Vedas on May 13, 2013

https://tamilandvedas.com/2013/05/13/ramanuja-and-non-brahmins/

Acoustic Marvel of Madurai Temple

( Based on Madurai ‘Indian Express’ News Report on 30th July 1981)

Ancient Tamils have used the principles of “vibration of bodies” in constructing musical pillars in Madurai Meenakshi Temple, according to a study made by a team of ENT specialists in Tamil Nadu on the acoustic beauty of this glorious temple.

 

The sculptors have cleverly varied the length and diameter of the pillars to obtain different musical sounds choosing the right type of stone. By using the same stone, but by varying the shape, they were able to achieve it.

Besides the medical team led by Dr S Kameswaran, Project Director and Chief of the ENT institute in General Hospital, Madurai, geologists, musicologists and audiologists took part in the research. HRCE of Tamil Nadu Government funded this research project.

 

The study team is of the view that the temple is an ‘acoustic marvel’. The noise level at the Ashta Sakthi Mandapam situated near the road was only 40 decibels during non visiting hours. Near the Lotus Tank and adjoining sanctum sanctorum (Garba Gruha), the sound level is again in the order of 40 DB. With this ambient noise it is possible for a person to contemplate and meditate the divinity. The sound level recorded during the peak hours in the evening is of the order of 70 to 80 DB. What is remarkable is there is absolutely no echo in any part of the temple and even with all the crowd around, the sound level seldom exceeds 80DB. There is built in mechanism for containing the echo and at the same time, the total noise does not exceed a specific level.

 

The artisans who built this huge temple must have been aware of the basic principles of acoustics. The huge icons on the unpolished pillars, the distribution of vents, the allocation of open spaces all around, are all mechanisms to contain the noise level, says the study team.

Again, the Hall of Thousand Pillars is a classical example of perfect sound engineering technique. The hall has got very low ceiling with 985 pillars—each pillar averaging about 12 feet in height. All are exactly of the same size and shape and at mathematically accurate positions. Many can sit in this echo resistant hall to hear the entire proceedings in quietitude.

 

The team which also studied the architectural beauty of the Meenakshi Temple saw an interesting feature of the floor in Kambaththadi Mandapam in the outer prakaram (corridor)  in front of the Lord Sundareswarar. One finds large square slabs arranged from end to end covering conduits carrying drinking and drainage water separately and admired the perfect example of hygienic planning of the ancient architects. Even in recent times, with heavy downpour, one seldom sees stagnation of water inside the Mandapam.

 

Please read my earlier post : THE WONDER THAT IS MADURAI MEENAKSHI TEMPLE

Contact swami_48@yahoo.com (Pictures are used from other websites. Thanks)

Leave a comment
by Tamil and Vedas on May 12, 2013  •  Permalink
Posted in Religion, Science & Religion, Temples & Vahanas
Tagged ,

Posted by Tamil and Vedas on May 12, 2013

https://tamilandvedas.com/2013/05/12/acoustic-marvel-of-madurai-temple/

« Older Posts