HINDUISM RELIGIOUS PRACTICES AND VEDIC ASTROLOGY TOPIC

In ancient times the word religion was linked to mythology, but it really has more to do with how the world was created, what exactly a human’s place in this world is, what happens after death, and how you get through this experience and the next life without having to suffer. No matter what the religion, the people who follow it have created a god that reflects their own image and likeness. But which is the oldest religion?

The Oldest Religion—Hinduism

Even though Hinduism is considered the oldest religion on record, it is actually not one single religion. Hinduism is a combination of Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism. It was based on the morality of the times and adheres to dharma, karma, and other social norms. Unlike many organized religions it is more open to philosophical and intellectual ideas.

Origin

The religion of Hinduism began more than 5,000 years ago. There is a river in northern India called River Indus. At the time it was called the Sindhu. There was an influx of Persians into India and they called the river Hindu. They referred to the land as Hindustan and the people who lived there Hindus. This created the shift from Sindhu to Hinduism.
At one time, it was thought that Hinduism was based on the beliefs of the Aryans who found their way to the Indus Valley Civilization around 2000 BC. This was later attributed to be a myth. The three phases of Hinduism are the ancient times (6500 BCE to 1000 AD), medieval times (1000 to 1800 AD) and the religion as it is followed today, considered the modern period.

Scriptures

The scriptures that make up Hinduism are called “Shastras.” They are a group of spiritual rules that were created by several different sages and saints over the history of its inception. Long before the tenets of this religion were documented, the beliefs were considered heard, of Shruti, and memorized, or Smriti. As time went on, they were written in Sanskrit. Currently the religion follows the Bhagavad Gita, the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata, and the Upanishads.

Tenets

The main tenets of Hinduism have to do with reincarnation, dharma, moksha, karma, and idol worship. The ideals of which this religion is based upon is truthfulness, compassion, self-control, non-violence, generosity, fortitude, and purity.
Some of the phrases that help to depict the major truths of Hinduism are bhakti, or devotion, yoga, which means discipline, and dharma, which translates to what is right. There are four stages of human life in Hinduism with the appropriate rituals and rites that go with each stage.
There are two lifelong dharmas in traditional Hinduism: Grihastha Dharma which means domestic religion and Sannyasin Dharma, or ascetic religion. There are four goals of the Grihastha Dharma and they include sensual pleasure, the laws of life, liberation from the cycle of births, and wealth and prosperity.

Beliefs

There are nine beliefs that Hindus adhere to. They are:

They believe in one Supreme Being who is the Creator of things and one who unmanifests reality.
The Hindu religion follows the “divinity of the four Vedas” which is considered the oldest scripture in the world. They consider this the word of God and the basis of the eternal religion, Sanatana Dharma.
It is believed by followers of this religion that the universe goes through many phases of preservation, creation, and dissolution.
Karma is one of their main beliefs which has each person being responsible for his or her destiny based on their words, thoughts, and actions.
Another strong belief has to do with reincarnation. All beings go through reincarnation until they have resolved their karma and arrive at the point where they have been freed of being born again.
It is believed that there are divine beings living in other worlds unseen. Worshipping in the temple, certain rituals, personal devotionals, and sacraments help them work together with these beings.
You must become enlightened in order to be familiar with the Transcendent Absolute. The traits required to become enlightened include good conduct, personal discipline, meditation, purification, self-inquiry, pilgrimage, and surrender in God.
All Hindus respect life and feel that all life is revered and sacred. This is why they practice to not injure anyone with their words or actions. This is called ahimsa.
It is the Hindu belief that there is no religion that is superior to another. They feel that all roads lead to God and that each one is a reflection of God’s light and should be respected and tolerated.

Other Oldest Religions

Although Hinduism is touted the world’s oldest religion, there are others that have been around a long time as well. Judaism, Taoism Buddhism, and Jainism are religions that are still being practiced today. A few older style religions are Zorastrianism, Confucianism, and Pantheism.

Polytheism

This religion is based on the existence of gods and goddesses. Their deities included mother goddesses, water deities, creator deities, and love deities. The Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Celts, and Chinese followed this religion during ancient times. Each practiced a little differently, but there was a common thread that brought it all together.

Judaism

Judaism is still practiced today and has a history that spans more than 4,000 years. This religion believes that there is one God. Followers go by the first five books of the Old Testament and recognize it as the Torah. The tenets of this religion encompass family relationships, criminal justice, social responsibility, and personal values. It is referred to as Halachah.

Buddhism

As an offspring of Hinduism, Buddhism was founded in the 6th century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama, one of the oldest religions. He is referred to as the awakened one. Divided into two groups, Buddhism has a conservative branch called Theravada and a more liberal branch called Mahayana. The tenets include the Four Noble Truths – suffering, the cause of suffering being desire, the end to suffering, and the existence of ending suffering.

Jainism

Jainism is also from the 6th century BCE. Their main tenet is that every living things has a soul and everything should be done to not cause injury to any life form. There are two groups – the Svetambaras, who wear white clothing, and the Digambaras who wear no clothing at all. The monks that belong to this religion wear pieces of cloth across their mouths so they do not accidentally cause any harm by breathing in.

Taoism

The origins of Taoism date back to the 3rd or 4th century BCE which is when the main tenets of Taoism were dated. The tenets behind this religion are for followers to live in the flow of everything. Living in accordance of “the way” effortlessly and in conjunction with humility, compassion, and moderation is what is expected of those who live by the Tao.

It is said that Holi existed several centuries before Christ. However, the meaning of the festival is believed to have changed over the years. Earlier it was a special rite performed by married women for the happiness and well-being of their families and the full moon (Raka) was worshiped.

Calculating the Day of Holi
There are two ways of reckoning a lunar month- 'purnimanta' and 'amanta'. In the former, the first day starts after the full moon; and in the latter, after the new moon. Though the amanta reckoning is more common now, the purnimanta was very much in vogue in the earlier days.

According to this purnimanta reckoning, Phalguna purnima was the last day of the year and the new year heralding the Vasanta-ritu (with spring starting from next day). Thus the full moon festival of Holika gradually became a festival of merrymaking, announcing the commencement of the spring season. This perhaps explains the other names of this festival - Vasanta-Mahotsava and Kama-Mahotsava.

Reference in Ancient Texts and Inscriptions
Besides having a detailed description in the Vedas and Puranas such as Narad Purana and Bhavishya Purana, the festival of Holi finds a mention in Jaimini Mimansa. A stone incription belonging to 300 BC found at Ramgarh in the province of Vindhya has mention of Holikotsav on it. King Harsha, too has mentioned about holikotsav in his work Ratnavali that was written during the 7th century.

The famous Muslim tourist - Ulbaruni too has mentioned about holikotsav in his historical memories. Other Muslim writers of that period have mentioned, that holikotsav were not only celebrated by the Hindus but also by the Muslims.

Reference in Ancient Paintings and Murals
History of Holi

The festival of Holi also finds a reference in the sculptures on walls of old temples. A 16th century panel sculpted in a temple at Hampi, capital of Vijayanagar, shows a joyous scene of Holi. The painting depicts a Prince and his Princess standing amidst maids waiting with syringes or pichkaris to drench the Royal couple in coloured water.

A 16th century Ahmednagar painting is on the theme of Vasanta Ragini - spring song or music. It shows a royal couple sitting on a grand swing, while maidens are playing music and spraying colors with pichkaris.

There are a lot of other paintings and murals in the temples of medieval India which provide a pictoral description of Holi. For instance, a Mewar painting (circa 1755) shows the Maharana with his courtiers. While the ruler is bestowing gifts on some people, a merry dance is on, and in the center is a tank filled with colored water. Also, a Bundi miniature shows a king seated on a tusker and from a balcony above some damsels are showering gulal (colored powders) on him.

Legends and Mythology

In some parts of India, specially in Bengal and Orissa, Holi Purnima is also celebrated as the birthday of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (A.D. 1486-1533). However, the literal meaning of the word 'Holi' is 'burning'. There are various legends to explain the meaning of this word, most prominent of all is the legend associated with demon king Hiranyakashyap.

Hiranyakashyap wanted everybody in his kingdom to worship only him but to his great disappointment, his son, Prahlad became an ardent devotee of Lord Naarayana. Hiaranyakashyap commanded his sister, Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap. Holika had a boon whereby she could enter fire without any damage on herself. However, she was not aware that the boon worked only when she enters the fire alone. As a result she paid a price for her sinister desires, while Prahlad was saved by the grace of the god for his extreme devotion. The festival, therefore, celebrates the victory of good over evil and also the triumph of devotion.

Legend of Lord Krishna is also associated with play with colors as the Lord started the tradition of play with colours by applying colour on his beloved Radha and other gopis. Gradually, the play gained popularity with the people and became a tradition.

There are also a few other legends associated with the festival - like the legend of Shiva and Kaamadeva and those of Ogress Dhundhi and Pootana. All depict triumph of good over evil - lending a philosophy to the festival.

It is commonly believed that our present life on this planet earth is being lead by our past life Karmas, (Karmaashaya, cumulative actions of our past life or if one may call in contemporary terms, bank balance in our saving accounts, accumulated by us in previous lives). There are three types of Karma; Shukla meaning white or in other words, good deeds, Krishna meaning black or in other words, bad deeds and Shukla-Krishna, meaning mixed deeds, which are both good and bad. If someone intentionally or accidentally kills a snake in order to save another person or animal even with selfless motive, he is said to have committed a Shukla-Krishna karma as though saving one life is a good deed, killing another is bad. Most good human beings, who wilfully refrain from committing themselves to bad deeds, unfortunately get trapped into committing Shukla-Krishna Karma for which they remain answerable in their next life. ‘Prarabdha’ means the resultant package of all good and bad experiences which we must face in the current life as a result of our Karmas in the past life.

More than 80% of our problems; stress, strain, frustrations, sufferings etc., that all of us face in current life can be categorize in 3 types;
       a. Wealth and Carrier related, Job, Profession, finance, Money, Property, vehicles etc.
        b. Health and Medical related, diseases, accidents etc
        c. Relationship related –among immediate family members, Friends, relations, society etc.
We try our best within our capability, put in endeavour, time, and energy and yet the results we achieve are contrary to our expectations. Most of the people feel let down, get de-motivated and surrender to the circumstances.

Sometime we think why these things happen to “me only”??

Most people start consulting astrologers etc., to get a peep into their future. But most of the times it proves to be a futile exercise for majority of the people, Sometimes gets an unsolicited advice from his friends and others that all what is happening is due to the Karmas of the past, so, enjoy the life as it comes. We move ahead regardless and continue to lead our lives in a mechanical, routine and boring manner; feeling frustrated internally and also feeling handicapped, unable to change our present circumstances.

But if one sincerely desires, to be happy, to lead a comfortable life full of joy, free of disease, he can achieve his objective right now. One only needs to believe in him / herself and keep patience for the next 21 Days.

The purpose of following techniques and procedure is to establish a balance in our body, mind and soul and tune it to the harmonic vibrations of the universe. This will enable you to live happily & joyfully in the most natural way, till your visa to this planet earth expires. This will also enable you to write yours Prabadh afresh to ensure pleasant experiences in your next life. If one is able to free himself of all his bad Karmas, he may be eligible for Moksha, the ultimate Goal for his Soul as explained in “The Bhagwat Geeta”.

Scientific discoveries are all based on uncovering of natural laws that govern the functioning of this universe. By understanding and practically applying these natural laws, we have been able to develop various machines & gadgets to improve our lifestyle. Quite a few observations in experimental Quantum Physics directly point towards some of the Unknown Universal & Natural Laws. However, these laws have been recognized and proven a number of times in Spiritual domain.

In a similar manner more one become aware of the natural laws governing this universe, he is able to lead a happy, joyful & comfortable life. In legal language it’s said that Ignorance of law is no excuse. If one wants to continue to suffer the rest of his life, it is only him who is going to be responsible for it and none else. The Natural State of any entity has to be in a state of equilibrium for healthy & peaceful existence.

Our purpose is to live happily and in Harmony with our own ecosystem.
We also know that Happiness is our Primary Goal among all other Goals in our life.
Foremost is our Intention and Determination to take control of our own life.
Soul (our Own Consciousness) Orders, Thought Follows;
Thought Orders, Energy Follows;
Energy Orders, Blood Follows (In our body & we are Healed);
Energy Orders, Manifestations happen (In our Physical World);
Energy Orders, Relationships Improve (In our emotional World).
If Energy Stagnates, we suffer by way of Diseases, money, relationships etc. and blame either ourselves or others.
There are very effective techniques and exercises to increase our Energy Level that Enriches our everyday life. While doing these exercises one should have the following attributes:-

Peaceful and calm mind
Trust one’s own self , I am sure everyone can trust his own self
Do it with a detached attitude, without keeping any expectations in mind. Just Do it.
Follow a Law of Power of Practice: Can you Learn Driving, Swimming or any kind of skill, just by reading its manual or by observing others? If you want to go to Swarg – only you have to die!! Practice is a Key to unlock the hidden vaults of treasure that you want.

If you believe that in your present life you are suffering due to Past Life Karmas and you desire to have a better future, following the procedure herein will help you definitely in dissolving you bad past life karmas. I can also provide the rationale and scientific facts behind these procedures.

Make Jal Neti * a daily routine procedure, similar to brushing teeth in the morning. You can Google out and Search for the term “Benefits of Jal Neti“. Watch its Video on youtube and Learn it from any Yoga teacher in your neighbourhood. If you know swimming, it will be very simple for you.

Follow the White Light Meditation.** With this White Light Meditation you will be able to Increase your Pranic / Chi Energy flow in your body and Clean all your biological cells , mental body & etheric body.

Take 2 sheets of paper and on one you write :-

             -       (a) Names of people and all the wrongs they have done to you in any order of your choice, it will be very
             -             easy and   simple,

          -         (b) On second sheet of paper you write names of all the persons / animals etc. to whom you have done anything
           -                -    wrong, it could be difficult and complicated , but it’s most essential.

If you are seriously interested in Dissolving your past life Karmas for your better future, want to utilize your time effectively till your Visa Expires for this Planet Earth,

Do the above consciously and diligently for at least 21 days and you will know the difference.

(a). Now Start Forgiving all the Persons whose name you have written on First Sheet and forget what all bad things they have done to you , during your While Light Meditation.

        -        (b). To all the Persons whose name is on Second sheet of Paper, ask for their Forgiveness and resolve in your
             -          mind that you will never again hurt them or harm them in manner during White Light Meditation.

With just above simple steps as mentioned above you will be able to :-
1.      Dissolve your bad / negative Past Life Karmas in this life time
2.      You can Change your Future as per your desire in complete harmony with natural
          Universal system
3.   You will be able to lead Happy, Joyful, Peaceful & Comfortable life.
4.   Remember, only your actions alone have a power to change your future and none else.

Understand the Power of Practice. Just by reading this article will not dissolve your Past Life Karmas. You have to take a pro active action.
If you are Delhi / NCR region, you can meet me individually or in a group for White Light Meditation Practice. Details of this technique and its proper procedure is given below.
My Services and advice is free of any monetary consideration for your spiritual advancement.

*WHY JAL NETI -
The purpose of Jal Neti is to harmonize and bring into equilibrium your breathing pattern, in a most natural manner. The yogic breathing exercises (Pranayam etc.) also give the same effect and increase our energy levels. Jal Neti assist you to do it more effectively , naturally , efficiently and effortlessly throughout the day. Your ida, pingla & shusuhmana nadi’s will have balanced energy flow, when breathing pattern is harmonized after clearing of nasal passage. This will result in increasing your physical & mental health, vitality and pranic / chi energy levels. Thereafter when you are doing white light meditation, it will be very easy for you to concentrate and increase awareness level. This will again increase your energy levels. With heightened energy levels, you will be able to wash out / decrease all kinds of negative emotions, memories, traumas etc. associated with your past life karmas.
** HOW TO DO WHITE LIGHT MEDITATION –

Sit comfortably on a Chair in a mildly lit room, legs uncrossed, Eyes Closed, Eye balls rolled up, free of all distractions. Just Imagine and Visualize from your mind’s eye that a ray of white light is entering in your body from the centre point on top of your head ( Crown Chakra ). If you aren’t able to SEE a Light , just FAKE it, that it’s theirs, till you make it. Now Visualize that its entering in each and every part of your body , both internal and external organs and body parts. While passing through your body, its Cleaning, Rejuvenating, Healing and Energizing all your body parts and organs at cellular level. When you reach at the your feet level, Visualize that White Light has become little dirty due to absorption of all kinds of negativity from your cells, organs and body parts. It’s leaving your body and going deep inside Earth. When you see and feel that clear light is now exiting from your feet, slowly come out of the meditative state. Second time when doing White Light Meditation mentally recall the names of people as mentioned in 5(a) above. Third time recall the names of people as mentioned in 5(b) above. This will Complete your 3 exercises, 7 times , total 21 days. It will take less than 30 minutes per day. Total approximately 11 Hours of your this life. That’s it.
You can also imagine Sun Ray’s entering your body, while in front of Sun after Sun rise and before Sun set, instead of White Light.
You can also Imagine and Visualize that a Milky White Water, instead of White Light & is entering your body while having a shower and its cleaning your body at Cellular level.

The Hindu astrology, shows that, if a person is going through Shani sade sati suffers from lots of problems associated with health, finance and career problems.

It is defined as a 7½ year of Saturn (Shani Dev) in a horoscope. In Hinduism the God of justice is Shani Dev and gives the results of good and bad karmas.

Sade Sati Totke in Hindi

साढ़े की परेशानी से बचने के लिए नियमित हनुमान चालीसा का पाठ करना चाहिए।
इस ग्रह दशा से बचने के लिए काले घोड़े की नाल की अंगूठी बनाकर उसे दाएं हाथ की मध्यमा उंगली में पहनना चाहिए।
शनि देव को शनिवार के दिन सरसों का तेल और तांबा भेट करना चाहिए।

Shani Ki Sade Sati

When the way of Shani (Saturn) transits through the 1^st, 12^th and 2^nd house from the Natal Moon, in that situation the horoscope is called as possessed with Shani ki Sade Satti. The total time taken by Saturn is 2.5 years to pass through each zodiac sign, due to which its movement through 3 zodiac signs takes 7.5 years. The problems can come in business, jobs, marriage, serious diseases and many more. It also can lead into sad, lazy, fear, dishonest, irresponsible and drug addict nature in individual. The cycle of Sade Sati repeats about 2-3 times in whole life. It can repeat itself after every 25 years. By doing practice in astrology for many years Tantrik Guru Baba Ji is professional in dealing with sadi sati puja, which can reduce the bad effects of this problem.

Shani Sade Sati Remedies or Shani Sade Sati Upay

Shani Sade Sati remedies or Shani Sade Sati Upay to reduce the malefic effects:

By praying lord Hanuman: According to Hinduism, Shani Dev can be impressed through the worship of Lord Hanuman. The prayers if done on Tuesdays or Saturdays, can reduce the risks of bad effects of Sade Sati.
Donating black color things on Saturday: If some items like mustard oil, black clothes or black til is given to Shani temple on Saturday, it will also reduce the bad effects of sade satti.
Distribute food: If a chapatti or other vegetarian food is given to black dog on Saturday, it will also be beneficial for Sadi sati effects.
Avoid alcohol: the consumption of alcohol especially on Saturdays and Tuesdays, can make Shani Dev angry.
Tie horse shoe: A black horse shoe if tied on the main entrance of the house, will prove to be best remedy to reduce sade sati effects.
Chanting: by chanting Hanuman chalisa, Shani mantra (om sham shanicharaya namah), and Mahamritunjay mantra can reduce the risk of sadi sati effects.
Wear black clothes: Black is the color of Shani Dev, so on Saturdays if a person wear black, can to be beneficial to avoid bad effects of sade sati.
Praying lord Shiva and lord Hanuman can be an effective Shani Sade Sati Upay.
Doing yagya and worship Shani Dev is also a remedy for Shani Sade Sati.
Chant sacred Shani mantra 23000 times
By giving time, support and money, give Shani daan.
Doing dhayan or yoga for mental, physical and spiritual clearing
Respecting the gurus and brahmins

Donate food and other needful things
Doing voluntary service for poor and old people.
Wearing blue sapphire known as Saturn’s gem
By wearing horse shoe ring or tabeej

1. Joining Both Palms together to Greet

In Hindu culture, people greet each other by joining their palms – termed as “Namaskar.” The general reason behind this tradition is that greeting by joining both the palms means respect. However, scientifically speaking, joining both hands ensures joining the tips of all the fingers together; which are denoted to the pressure points of eyes, ears, and mind. Pressing them together is said to activate the pressure points which helps us remember that person for a long time. And, no germs since we don’t make any physical contact!

2. Why do Indian Women wear Toe Ring

Wearing toe rings is not just the significance of married women but there is science behind it. Normally toe rings are worn on the second toe. A particular nerve from the second toe connects the uterus and passes to heart. Wearing toe ring on this finger strengthens the uterus. It will keep it healthy by regulating the blood flow to it and menstrual cycle will be regularized. As Silver is a good conductor, it also absorbs polar energies from the earth and passes it to the body.

3. Throwing Coins into a River

The general reasoning given for this act is that it brings Good Luck. However, scientifically speaking, in the ancient times, most of the currency used was made of copper unlike the stainless steel coins of today. Copper is a vital metal very useful to the human body. Throwing coins in the river was one way our fore-fathers ensured we intake sufficient copper as part of the water as rivers were the only source of drinking water. Making it a custom ensured that all of us follow the practice.

4. Applying Tilak/KumKum on the Forehead

On the forehead, between the two eyebrows, is a spot that is considered as a major nerve point in human body since ancient times. The Tilak is believed to prevent the loss of “energy”, the red ‘kumkum’ between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. While applying kumkum the points on the mid-brow region and Adnya-chakra are automatically pressed. This also facilitates the blood supply to the face muscles.

5. Why do Temples have Bells

People who are visiting the temple should and will Ring the bell before entering the inner sanctum (Garbhagudi or Garbha Gruha or womb-chamber) where the main idol is placed. According to Agama Sastra, the bell is used to give sound for keeping evil forces away and the ring of the bell is pleasant to God. However, the scientific reason behind bells is that their ring clears our mind and helps us stay sharp and keep our full concentration on devotional purpose. These bells are made in such a way that when they produce a sound it creates a unity in the Left and Right parts of our brains. The moment we ring the bell, it produces a sharp and enduring sound which lasts for minimum of 7 seconds in echo mode. The duration of echo is good enough to activate all the seven healing centres in our body. This results in emptying our brain from all negative thoughts.

6. Why We Start with Spice & End with Sweet:

Our ancestors have stressed on the fact that our meals should be started off with something spicy and sweet dishes should be taken towards the end. The significance of this eating practice is that while spicy things activate the digestive juices and acids and ensure that the digestion process goes on smoothly and efficiently, sweets or carbohydrates pulls down the digestive process. Hence, sweets were always recommended to be taken as a last item.

7. Why Do We Applying Mehendi/Henna on the Hand and Feet

Besides lending color to the hands, mehndi is a very powerful medicinal herb. Weddings are stressful, and often, the stress causes headaches and fevers. As the wedding day approaches, the excitement mixed with nervous anticipation can take its toll on the bride and groom. Application of mehndi can prevent too much stress because it cools the body and keeps the nerves from becoming tense. This is the reason why mehndi is applied on the hands and feet, which house nerve endings in the body.

8. Sitting on the Floor & Eating

This tradition is not just about sitting on floor and eating, it is regarding sitting in the “Sukhasan” position and then eating. Sukhasan is the position we normally use for Yoga asanas. When you sit on the floor, you usually sit cross legged – In sukhasana or a half padmasana (half lotus), which are poses that instantly bring a sense of calm and help in digestion, it is believed to automatically trigger the signals to your brain to prepare the stomach for digestion.

9. Why you should not to sleep with Your Head towards North

Myth is that it invites ghost or death but science says that it is because human body has its own magnetic field (Also known as hearts magnetic field, because the flow of blood) and Earth is a giant magnet. When we sleep with head towards north, our body’s magnetic field become completely asymmetrical to the Earth’s Magnetic field. That cause problems related to blood pressure and our heart needs to work harder in order to overcome this asymmetry of Magnetic fields. Apart from this another reason is that Our body have significant amount of iron in our blood. When we sleep in this position, iron from the whole body starts to congregate in brain. This can cause headache, Alzheimer’s Disease, Cognitive Decline, Parkinson disease and brain degeneration.

10. Why We Pierce Ear

Piercing the ears has a great importance in Indian ethos. Indian physicians and philosophers believe that piercing the ears helps in the development of intellect, power of thinking and decision making faculties. Talkativeness fritters away life energy. Ear piercing helps in speech-restraint. It helps to reduce impertinent behavior and the ear-channels become free from disorders. This idea appeals to the Western world as well, and so they are getting their ears pierced to wear fancy earrings as a mark of fashion.

11. Surya Namaskar

Hindus have a tradition of paying regards to Sun God early in the morning by their water offering ritual. It was mainly because looking at Sun rays through water or directly at that time of the day is good for eyes and also by waking up to follow this routine, we become prone to a morning lifestyle and mornings are proven to be the most effective part of the day.

12. Choti on the Male Head

Sushrut rishi, the foremost surgeon of Ayurveda, describes the master sensitive spot on the head as Adhipati Marma, where there is a nexus of all nerves. The shikha protects this spot. Below, in the brain, occurs the Brahmarandhra, where the sushumnã (nerve) arrives from the lower part of the body. In Yog, Brahmarandhra is the highest, seventh chakra, with the thousand-petalled lotus. It is the centre of wisdom. The knotted shikhã helps boost this centre and conserve its subtle energy known as ojas.

13. Why do we Fast

The underlying principle behind fasting is to be found in Ayurveda. This ancient Indian medical system sees the basic cause of many diseases as the accumulation of toxic materials in the digestive system. Regular cleansing of toxic materials keeps one healthy. By fasting, the digestive organs get rest and all body mechanisms are cleansed and corrected. A complete fast is good for heath, and the occasional intake of warm lemon juice during the period of fasting prevents the flatulence. Since the human body, as explained by Ayurveda, is composed of 80% liquid and 20% solid, like the earth, the gravitational force of the moon affects the fluid contents of the body. It causes emotional imbalances in the body, making some people tense, irritable and violent. Fasting acts as antidote, for it lowers the acid content in the body which helps people to retain their sanity. Research suggests there are major health benefits to caloric restriction like reduced risks of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, immune disorders etc.

14. The scientific explanation of touching Feet (charan sparsh)

Usually, the person of whose feet you are touching is either old or pious. When they accept your respect which came from your reduced ego (and is called your shraddha) their hearts emit positive thoughts and energy (which is called their karuna) which reaches you through their hands and toes. In essence, the completed circuit enables flow of energy and increases cosmic energy, switching on a quick connect between two minds and hearts. To an extent, the same is achieved through handshakes and hugs. The nerves that start from our brain spread across all your body. These nerves or wires end in the fingertips of your hand and feet. When you join the fingertips of your hand to those of their opposite feet, a circuit is immediately formed and the energies of two bodies are connected. Your fingers and palms become the ‘receptor’ of energy and the feet of other person become the ‘giver’ of energy.

15. Why Married Women apply Sindoor or Vermillion

It is interesting to note that that the application of sindoor by married women carries a physiological significance. This is so because Sindoor is prepared by mixing turmeric-lime and the metal mercury. Due to its intrinsic properties, mercury, besides controlling blood pressure also activates sexual drive. This also explains why Sindoor is prohibited for the widows. For best results, Sindoor should be applied right upto the pituitary gland where all our feelings are centered. Mercury is also known for removing stress and strain.

16. Why do we worship Peepal Tree

‘Peepal’ tree is almost useless for an ordinary person, except for its shadow. ‘Peepal’ does not a have a delicious fruit, its wood is not strong enough for any purpose then why should a common villager or person worship it or even care for it? Our ancestors knew that ‘Peepal’ is one of the very few trees (or probably the only tree) which produces oxygen even at night. So in order to save this tree because of its unique property they related it to God/religion.

17. Why do we worship Tulsi Plant

Hindu religion has bestowed ‘Tulsi’, with the status of mother. Also known as ‘Sacred or Holy Basil’, Tulsi, has been recognized as a religious and spiritual devout in many parts of the world. The vedic sages knew the benefits of Tulsi and that is why they personified it as a Goddess and gave a clear message to the entire community that it needs to be taken care of by the people, literate or illiterate. We try to protect it because it is like Sanjeevani for the mankind. Tulsi has great medicinal properties. It is a remarkable antibiotic. Taking Tulsi everyday in tea or otherwise increases immunity and help the drinker prevent diseases, stabilize his or her health condition, balance his or her body system and most important of all, prolong his or her life. Keeping Tulsi plant at home prevents insects and mosquitoes from entering the house. It is said that snakes do not dare to go near a Tulsi plant. Maybe that is why ancient people would grow lots of Tulsi near their houses.

18. Why do we worship Idol

Hinduism propagates idol worship more than any other religion. Researchers say that this was initiated for the purpose of increasing concentration during prayers. According to psychiatrists, a man will shape his thoughts as per what he sees. If you have 3 different objects in front of you, your thinking will change according to the object you are viewing. Similarly, in ancient India, idol worship was established so that when people view idols it is easy for them to concentrate to gain spiritual energy and meditate without mental diversion

19. Why do Indian Women wear Bangles

Normally the wrist portion is in constant activation on any human. Also the pulse beat in this portion is mostly checked for all sorts of ailments. The Bangles used by women are normally in the wrist part of ones hand and its constant friction increases the blood circulation level. Further more the electricity passing out through outer skin is again reverted to one’s own body because of the ring shaped bangles, which has no ends to pass the energy outside but to send it back to the body.

20. Why should we visit temple?

Temples are located strategically at a place where the positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic and electric wave distributions of north/south pole thrust. The main idol is placed in the core center of the temple, known as “*Garbhagriha*” or *Moolasthanam*. In fact, the temple structure is built after the idol has been placed. This *Moolasthanam* is where earth’s magnetic waves are found to be maximum. We know that there are some copper plates, inscribed with Vedic scripts, buried beneath the Main Idol. What are they really? No, they are not God’s / priests’ flash cards when they forget the *shlokas*. The copper plate absorbs earth’s magnetic waves and radiates it to the surroundings. Thus a person regularly visiting a temple and walking clockwise around the Main Idol receives the beamed magnetic waves and his body absorbs it. This is a very slow process and a regular visit will let him absorb more of this positive energy. Scientifically, it is the positive energy that we all require to have a healthy life.

The word 'panchatatva' originates from Sanskrit, where "panch" stands for five and "tatva" indicates elements. Following the universal law of life, every thing on this planet is composed of five basic elements or the "panchamahabhutas". These are : Akash (Sky or Space), Vayu (Air), Jal (Water), Agni (Fire) and Prithvi (Earth).

Body as Earth:

The earth - solid as it is - houses the soil, landscape, flora and fauna. With its tremendous magnetic fields and gravitational force, it keeps every living and non-living thing grounded to the earth.

Right from the birth we try to perceive everything in this world in material "form" or Body. Even using the word "I", we refer to our Physical body. The same happens when we look outside to the World, identifying to all the forms of physical entities. We cannot relate to anything without a physical "Body" or structure. Even those things we cannot perceive with our sense organs, we try to objectify as an image with our imagination. So our world is only full of objects, bodies, entities and images.

We connect to the world outside through our body Sense organs. The five sense organs are Ears, Skin, Eyes, Tongue and Nose which help to perceive five physical attributes of this Universe, which are Sound, Touch, Sight, Taste and Smell.

In summary, we owe our existence to our physical body. This is why the ancient people referred the Body as the Earth element, because our life is on Earth. Anything that is gross, solid, inert , the ancient's referred to as Body or Earth. This Earth is symbolized as the little finger of the hand.

Water as Mind:

Water is the source of life - and it flows within all of us. 70% of the earth is water and the same goes for the human body.

Does our Sense organs really perceive the physical world?. No. There is something subtler than the body that is involved in perception. This is the Mind or Mana. The physical eyes may be looking at an object, but if we are not mentally connected to the physical organ , there is no perception of that object.

So it is the mind that brings reality to the body or the physical world. Without the mind there is no Body. This we experience in sleep or when we are unconscious due to brain injury or anesthetized. So it is the mind that gives the body a reality.

However this mind is not solid like the Body. The mind can change rapidly and flow or alternate between various sense perceptions. The mind also can flow backward in time and leap forward in time. Because of this fluid nature, the ancient's attributed the Mind to the water element.

The Vedic Scholars says that like the fluid water solidifies into a solid block of ice, the Body is nothing but the solidified energy of the mind. The mind is represented by the ring finger. Wedding is the symbolic of the joining of two minds and hence a wedding ring is worn on the "Mind" finger!

Fire as Intelligence:

Fire is the source of energy and light. Light is important for making the beauty of the world visible to all of us - in all its radiant colours.

The sensory signals received by the body-sense-organs is perceived or translated as thoughts. Each thought refers to an object or image and we generate infinite number of such thoughts. The constant flux of thoughts is called as the mind. Interestingly ,the thoughts are stream-lined into a logical information pattern by a subtler aspect called Intelligence or Buddhi.

Without Intelligence, Mind would just be a random flow of thoughts without any logic in it. In other words, Intelligence illuminates the path for the Mind to flow logically. Hence the ancients associated the fire element with Intelligence.

Our mind, is droplets of thoughts flowing like a river and cannot be still. It flows forward to the future or backwards to the past. The most important attribute of Intelligence is that, it pulls the mind inward to the present moment, the Being, the Awareness. The intelligence ignites or fuses the Mind to the inner Awareness. Thus Intelligence is the middle man between the Mind and the inner Awareness and hence symbolized as the middle finger.

Air as Awareness:

Air, which can also be linked to space and atmosphere is a powerful life source that is important to sustain life.

Only when we are alive we can feel our Body, Mind and Intelligence. That Aliveness is known as Awareness. Without Awareness, we are dead. It is the Awareness that enlivens all the three, the Body, Mind and Intelligence. Like the air is needed for the fire to burn, Awareness is needed for the fire of intelligence to propel the functioning of the Mind and the Body. Hence the ancients rightly called the Awareness as the Air element.

According to the Ancient Vedic Science, Awareness which we feel as liveliness is the most subtlest Energy form. Like the water vapor that condenses to form fluid water and finally solidifies to ice form, Awareness-energy condenses to form the fluid Mind and solid Body. The Sum total of Awareness, intelligence, Mind and Body is called as energy. Modern Quantum physics arrives at this same conclusion that the material world (matter) is only condensed Energy.

Sky as Consciousness:

The sky is the vast open space that accommodates everything. The clear blue sky above us acts as a shelter to the earth in the day, while at night it serves as a gateway to the starry galaxies that exist light years ahead of us.

The puzzlingly fact is that we lose the Awareness of the Body, Mind and intelligence during the dream-less deep sleep state. This state is called as Consciousness by Vedic Scholars. So in deep sleep state, the Awareness of Consciousness is never lost at any time because it is the Consciousness that is manifested as Awareness, Intelligence, Mind and Body. Being in Awareness without being Aware of Intelligence, Mind and Body is known as Consciousness. In other words Consciousness is Unconditional Awareness (without any form).

Without Consciousness nothing can exist. Everything exists in Consciousness, the living , the dead, the moving the immobile, the small the big. Like everything exists in space , all existence come into "Being due to Consciousness. This is why the ancients associated Consciousness to the space element.

Like the thumb finger needed for all the other fingers to function, without Consciousness nothing can exist and function. So Consciousness is symbolized as the thumb finger.

Like the thumb that remains untouched yet needed for other fingers, so is Consciousness remains undisturbed by Awareness, Intelligence, Mind and Body. Consciousness like thumb does not depend on the other four, but all the four cannot function or exist without Consciousness. All the four, the Awareness, intelligence, Mind and Body can be experienced, but not the Consciousness, because it is the experiencer itself. This Truth is not obvious to our normal state of mind and hence the ancients termed this Truth to be secretive (Guhya) or mystical. Unfortunately common man took the statement literally and thought this Truth should not be revealed to anyone. All revelations that people experience is this Self-revealing Truth or Knowledge.

Hope you will understand relation, these five aspects of Consciousness, Awareness, Intelligence, Mind and Body are the fundamental to all attributes in this Universe. This is mirrored in every walk of life.

Maha Shivratri, the night of the worship of Lord Shiva, occurs on the 14th night of the new moon during the dark half of the month of Phalguna.
It falls on a moonless February night, when Hindus offer special prayer to the lord of destruction. Shivratri (Sanskrit ‘ratri’ = night) is the night when he is said to have performed the Tandava Nritya or the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction. The festival is observed for one day and one night only.

Origin of Shivratri:
According to the Puranas, during the great mythical churning of the ocean called Samudra Manthan, a pot of poison emerged from the ocean. The gods and the demons were terrified as it could destroy the entire world. When they ran to Shiva for help, he in order to protect the world, drank the deadly poison but held it in his throat instead of swallowing it. This turned his throat blue, and since then he came to be known as ‘Nilkantha’, the blue-throated one. Shivratri celebrates this event by which Shiva saved the world.

Shiva Rituals:
On the day of Shivratri, a three-tiered platform is built around a fire. The topmost plank represents ‘swargaloka’ (heaven), the middle one ‘antarikshaloka’ (space) and the bottom one ‘bhuloka’ (earth). Eleven ‘kalash’ or urns, are kept on the ‘swargaloka’ plank symbolizing the 11 manifestations of the ‘Rudra’ or destructive Shiva. These are decorated with the leaves of ‘bilva’ or ‘bael’ (Aegle marmelos) and mango atop a coconut representing the head of Shiva. The uncut shank of the coconut symbolizes his tangled hair and the three spots on the fruit Shiva’s three eyes.
Bathing the Shiva Lingam:
The symbol representing Shiva is called the Shiva lingam. It is usually made of granite, soapstone, quartz, marble or metal, and has a ‘yoni’ as its base. Devotees circumambulate the lingam and worship it throughout the night. It is bathed every three hours with the 5 sacred offerings of a cow, called the ‘panchagavya’ – milk, yogurt (curd) , urine, ghee and dung. Then the 5 foods of immortality – milk, clarified butter (ghee), curd (yogurt), honey and sugar water are placed before the lingam. Datura fruit and flower, though poisonous, are believed to be sacred to Shiva and thus offered to him.
“Om Namah Shivaya!”:
All through the day the devotees keep severe fast, chant the sacred Panchakshara mantra “Om Namah Shivaya”, make offerings of flowers and incense to the Lord amidst ringing of temple bells. They maintain long vigils during the night, keeping awake to listen to stories, hymns and songs. The fast is broken only the next morning, after the nightlong worship. In Kashmir, the festival is held for 15 days. The 13th day is observed as a day of fast followed by a family feast.

The toTakAShTaka has been composed in the toTaka meter, in which
each pAda (quarter) has four sa-gaNa's . Here a sa-gaNa is made up of
two short syllables followed by a long one . The hymn naturally lends itself
to be set to music . A suggested RAga is (HindustAni) toDi.

विदिताखिलशास्त्रसुधाजलधे महितोपनिषत् कथितार्थनिधे ।
हृदये कलये विमलं चरणं भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ १॥

O knower of the nectar-ocean of the scriptures, the expounder of the
knowledge of the great upanishadic treasure! I meditate on Your pure lotus
feet in my heart . O Preceptor Shankara, be my refuge.

करुणावरुणालय पालय मां भवसागरदुःखविदूनहृदम् ।
रचयाखिलदर्शनतत्त्वविदं भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ २॥

Save me whose heart is afflicted by the misery of the ocean of births,
O (You who are) the ocean of compassion! (By Your grace) make me the
knower of the truths of all the systems of philosophy . O Preceptor Shankara,
be my refuge.

भवता जनता सुहिता भविता निजबोधविचारण चारुमते ।
कलयेश्वरजीवविवेकविदं भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ ३॥

The people have found happiness due to You, who have the intellect adept in
the inquiry into Self-knowledge . Make me understand the knowledge of God
and the soul . O Preceptor Shankara, be my refuge.

भव एव भवानिति मे नितरां समजायत चेतसि कौतुकिता ।
मम वारय मोहमहाजलधिं भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणं ॥ ४॥

You are Lord Shiva Himself . Knowing this my mind is filled with an
abundance of joy . Put an end to my sea of delusion . O Preceptor Shankara,
be my refuge.

सुकृते । अधिकृते बहुधा भवतो भविता समदर्शनलालसता ।
अतिदीनमिमं परिपालय मां भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ ५॥

Only after numerous virtuous deeds have been performed in many
ways, does a keen desire for the experience of Brahman through You arise.
Protect (me who am) extremely helpless . O Preceptor Shankara, be my refuge.

जगतीमवितुं कलिताकृतयो विचरन्ति महामहसश्छलतः ।
अहिमांशुरिवात्र विभासि गुरो भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ ६॥

For the sake of saving the world, (Your) great (disciples) wander assuming
various forms and guises . O Guru, You shine like the sun (among them).
O Preceptor Shankara, be my refuge.

गुरुपुङ्गव पुङ्गवकेतन ते समतामयतां नहि को । अपि सुधीः ।
शरणागतवत्सल तत्त्वनिधे भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ ७॥

O Best among the Gurus! The Lord whose flag bears the emblem of the
bull! You have no equal among the wise . You who are affectionate to those
who seek refuge! The treasure of truth! O Preceptor Shankara, be my refuge.

विदिता न मया विशदैककला न च किञ्चन काञ्चनमस्ति गुरो ।
द्रुतमेव विधेहि कृपां सहजां भव शङ्कर देशिक मे शरणम् ॥ ८॥

I have neither understood even one branch of knowledge clearly, nor do I
possess any wealth, O Guru . Quickly bestow on me the compassion which is
natural to You . O Preceptor Shankara, be my refuge.

Sage Markandeya was saved by Lord Shiva of certain death at the age of 16 by killing the God of death. This stotra is supposed to have been sung by the sage after that.

Rathna sanu sarasanam, rajathadri srunga nikethanam,
Sinchini krutha pannageswarachyuthahana sayakam,
Kshipra dhagdha pura thrayam thri divalayairabhi vanditham,
Chandra shekaramasraye mama kim karishyathi vai yama.

I seek refuge in Him, who has the moon,
Who made the mountain of jewels in to his bow,
Who resides on the mountain of silver,
Who made the serpent Vasuki as rope,
Who made Lord Vishnu as arrows,
And quickly destroyed the three cities,
And who is saluted by the three worlds,
And so what can the God of death do to me?

Pancha paada pa pushpa gandhambhuja dwaya shobitham,
Phala lochana jatha pavaka dagdha manmatha vigraham,
Basma digdha kalebharam, bhava nasanam, bhava mavyayam,
Chandra shekaramasraye mama kim karishyathi vai yama.

I seek refuge in Him, who has the moon,
Who shines with the pair of his lotus like feet,
Which are worshipped by the scented flowers of five kalpaka trees,
Who burnt the body of God of love,
Using the fire from the eyes on his forehead,
Who applies ash all over his body,
Who destroys the sorrow of life,
And who does not have destruction,
And so what can the God of death do to me?

Matha varana mukhya charma kruthothareeya mahoharam,
Pankajasana padma lochana poojithangri saroruham,
Deva sindhu tharanga seekara siktha jatadharam,
Chandra shekaramasraye mama kim karishyathi vai yama.

I seek refuge in Him, who has the moon,
Who is the stealer of minds because of his upper cloth,
Made of the skin of the ferocious elephant,
Who has lotus like feet which are worshipped,
By Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu,
And who has matted hair drenched by drops,
Of the waves of the holy river Ganga,
And so what can God of death do to me?

Yaksha raja sakham bhagaksha haram bhujanga bhooshanam,
Shila raje suthaa parish krutha charu vama kalebharam,
Kshweda neela galam praswadha dharinam mruga dharinam,
Chandra shekaramasraye mama kim karishyathi vai yama.

I seek refuge in Him, who has the moon,
Who is friend of Lord Khubhera,
Who destroyed the eyes of Bhaga,
Who wears serpent as ornament,
Whose left part of the body is decorated,
By the daughter of the king of mountain,
Whose neck is blue because of the poison,
Who is armed with an axe,
And who carries a deer with Him,