Article Written by London swaminathan

Date: 7 July 2016

Post No. 2950

Time uploaded in London :– 13-41

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There is a beautiful Sanskrit couplet which summarises the ancient Hindu customs and wisdom. Hindus shouldn’t go to the following places without taking something to give:-

Agnihtram grham kshetram garbiniim vrddha balakau

Rikta hastena noppeyaat raajaanam daivatam gurum

Don’t go to or visit empty handed (rikta hastena) a place where Agnihotri, a pregnant woman, elderly people, children, king, God and Guru/teacher live.

One who does Agnihotram every day is an Agnihotri. Agnihotram is a rite of offering cow’s milk into the fire, performed daily in the early morning and in the evening. In the olden days Brahmins maintained three types of fires at home: Gaarhapatya, Aahavaniiya and Dakshinaagniya. So those who visit the house of an agnihotri will take some materials required for the daily ritual. Or as a mark of respect flowers and fruits.

Agnihotram fire ritual became popular after the notorious Bhopal Gas disaster (Union Carbide company in Madhya Pradesh, India) which killed over 3000 people. One agnihotiri’s house was the least affected place in the entire area.

Pregnant women’s cravings are understood and recognised in all the cultures around the world. Hindu women in the neighbourhood cook special dishes liked by the pregnant women and give it to them.

Children always look for toys and toffees. So it is important to take something for the children. When the children are happy, parents also feel happy and shower all the favours on you.

Temples, Gurus or ascetics and elderly people are respected and honoured in Hinduism. So one takes fruits or flowers or the materials required for Puja when they visit such places or people.

Kings or the rulers were considered gods in the olden days because they upheld the rule of law. It was important to take something to them. Sudhama (Kuchela), the poorest of the poor, who had 27 children, took pounded rice in rags and gave it to Krishna. Before he went back home his hut was turned into a palace by the cowherd king Krishna.

Hindus always buy flowers, fruits, coconuts and incense sticks before entering the temple. The reason is nothing should be brought home from the temples, because it is god’s property. And yet when the priests give flowers, fruits or Vibhuti/holy ash or Kunkum (vermillion colour powder prepared with turmeric) to the devotees they cant refuse it. To reciprocate their gesture one gives them some money or put some money in the temple Money Box (Hundi) or offer the materials required for the Puja.

–subham–