Kunti Devi's worship of Lord Ganesha on Vinayaka chaturthi

In ancient times, ladies used to worship Lord Ganesha on chaturthi by performing a gaja pooja. A real elephant was brought and worshipped in a systematic way and offered the best of delicacies.

Pandavas and Kauravas were staying together in Hastinapuri and Ganesha chaturthi approached. Both Kunti and Gandhari asked their sons to get elephants for the gaja pooja. The sons wanted to get the best elephant around  for their mothers. However, kauravas were the first to spot the best elephant and what pandavas could find was mediocre. Kunti devi was disappointed.

Arjuna consoled her saying he would get for her Airavata, Indra's elephant itself. He sent message to Indra. Indra readily obliged, but who would provide a ladder from heaven to earth for Airavata to come down ?. By this time Airavata started peeping through between the clouds. Arjuna started making a ladder with arrows. With every heavy step of Airavata, the arrows started breaking to pieces and Arjuna went on filling the gaps by shooting more arrows. Finally, Airavata arrived and Kunti Devi was able to perform worship of Lord Ganesha through the best symbol available in all worlds, the Airavata itself.

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Know vedic Gods - Pooshaa

One of the adityas, he is the nourisher God. Being a guide and guardian he is the lord of roads, pathways and journeys. He leads the meritorious to pitruloka after death.He is said to be toothless and is assigned the lordship of Revati nakshatra.

There is a prayoga with Poosha as devata to get back lost/stolen articles. Suktam for this is available in both Rigveda and Atharva veda.

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Aditenumanyasva...... - parishechana mantras

Anyone who has ever performed a vedic havan must have done the parishechanam with water around the kunda with the following mantras. What do they mean?

Aditenumanyasva - Aditi ! the mother of Gods, give me permission to do this.

Anumatenumanyasva - Anumati ! give me permission to do this. Anumati oonachandraa poornamaasee, Anumati is that purnima where the moon is not full or Purnima tithi with touch of chaturdashi or pratipada. This tithi is accorded divine status.

Sarasvatenumanyasva - Sarasvati ! goddess of speech, give me permission to do this.

Deva savita prasuva - Savita ! give me permission to do this.

and after the havan

Aditenvamamsthaha - Aditi ! you permitted

Anumatenvamamsthaha - Anumati ! you permitted

Sarasvatenvamamsthaha - Sarasvati ! you permitted

Deva Savita praasaaveehi - Savita ! you permitted

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Mahalaya Paksha

The krishna paksha of the solar month when Surya transits Kanya rasi is called mahalaya paksha.This corresponds to sun's placement in the nakshatras Uttara phalguni, Hasta and Chitra. . Mahalaya paksha includes the subsequent shukla paksha pratipada also.

As soon as sun enters Kanya rasi, all the pitrus leave pitruloka, rendering it empty and proceed towards their descendents, hungry and thirsty looking forward to receiving the offerings in sraadham. If they are not propitiated, they become disappointed and go back cursing. Unlike in heaven where everything is provided, the pitrus can receive their food and water only through the hands of  their descendents. When they come home visiting and are deprived of even these, naturally that will cause terrible grief. It is even said that, on the days of the sraadham the pitrus come and wait at the doorsteps to be called in and offered food and water.

In old times, mahalaya paksha  was observed by performing sraadham in parvana vidhana everyday during the entire paksha. Nowadays, most of those who observe mahalaya, perform tilatarpanam everyday during the paksha and/or perform hiranyasraddham or sraadham with bhojanam on any particular day during the pasksha often on the tithi of the father and accompanied by special daanams as guided by their family priests.

Sraadham/tarpanam performed on each day of the paksha yields results as follows.

Prathama - wealth
Dwiteeya - progeny
Triteeya - suitable husband
Chaturthy - success over rivals
Panchami - prosperity, this day has a special status.
Shashti - fame
Saptami - leadership
Ashtami - progress, special day
Navami - suitable wife
Dasami - all desires
Ekadasi - vedic knowledge
Dwadasi - gain of gold, special day for sanyasis
Trayodasi - progeny, intellect, wealth, freedom, longevity, prosperity. This is called gajacchaya.
Chaturdasi - mukti for those killed by weapons
Amavasya  - all desires and swargaprapti

Observing mahalayapaksha is no less than performing a yajna. It should be observed with a peaceful mind and sraadham should be performed not in a hurry.

In case of incapability to observe the entire paksha, one may start from panchami, ashtami or dashami and do till pratipada.. Darshasraadham (amavasya tarpanam) should be performed separately even while observing full mahalaya paksha also tarapnams coming within the 96 sraadhams.
The Bharani nakshatra that falls within Mahalaya paksha has special status and it is called Mahabharani. Performance of sraadham on this day is equal in result to gayasraadham.

When it comes to the  ritual part, there are many variations based on the deshachara and family customs. One may take guidance from the family priest for this. One major difference from the normal tarpanam and sraadham is that the kaarunika pitrus (other relatives) are also included in mahalaya sraadham.

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While performing pitrukarya........

such as teerthasraadha and tilahoma, AVOID

Nakshatras - Rohini, Magha, Revati and janma anujanma and trijanma nakshatras of karta, wife and eldest son.

Tithis - prathama, shashti, ekadashi, trayodashi

Days - Friday

Performing on the above forbidden days can lead to death of the eldest son. This doesn't apply to mandatory rituals such as post death rituals and yearly sraadha.

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Who is elder among twins ?

Quite opposite to what most normally think.

kanishta aadya jaataha syat pashchaajjatograjaha smrtaha.

The one born first is the younger one, and the one born later is the elder one.

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Yugadi - the beginning of the four yugas

These yugadis are part of the 96 annual sraadhas for brahmins. The tithis are in chaandramaana.

Satya yuga - Karthika, Shukla paksha navami

Treta yuga - Vaishakha, shukla paksha triteeya

Dwapara yuga - Magha, amavasya

Kali yuga - Bhadrapada, krishna paksha trayodashi

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Retrieving / reforming a lost mind - vedic suktam

Rigveda. Ashtakam 8. Suktam 13 - This is called manah parivartana suktam.

One is said to have lost his mind when control over the mind is lost. This results in extreme emotions, obsessions, addictions and irrational behavior often needing psychiatric help. People who come out of painful relationships often are unable to get their mind out of it. The pain lingers on.

The manah parivartana suktam is very helpful in such cases. The intention of the mantras goes like this :


Even if your mind has gone to Yama, we bring it back to stay with you for ever.


Even if your mind has gone to heaven or to earth, we bring it back to stay with you for ever.


Even if your mind has gone to the four quarters, we bring it back to stay with you for ever.

Even if your mind has gone to the four regions of space, we bring it back to stay with you for ever.

Even if your mind has gone to the ocean.  we bring it back to stay with you for ever.

Even if your mind has gone far away with light, we bring it back to stay with you for ever.

Even if your mind has gone to the waters and plants, we bring it back to stay with you for ever.

Even if your mind has gone away to the sun or the dawn, we bring it back to stay with you for ever.

Even if your mind has gone to the mountains, we bring it back to stay with you for ever.

Even if your mind has gone to  remote places, we bring it back to stay with you for ever.

Even if your mind has gone to the past or future, we bring it back to stay with you for ever.

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Signs of Mantrasiddhi

Feeling that the devata's body has permeated own body


Feeling brilliant at heart and pleasant in mind

Reduced appetite, reduced excretion, less sleep

Less interest in worldly affairs

Seeing brilliance all around and feeling that own body is emanating bright light

Sometimes without any feeling and sometimes easily excited and happy

Hearing celestial music and seeing celestial beings in the sky

Flashes of divine fragrances and more sensitive to smell

Seeing flashes as if it is  night during day and as if it is day during night

Seeing flashes of thunder and lightning when there is no cloud

Feeling healthy, happy and dignified

Feeling that hereafter only less japa is required (not out of lethargy).

Mantrasiddhi is essential for doing mantra prayogas for self and others.

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Know vedic Gods - Varuna

Varuna encompasses, envelops and permeates everything.He is the upholder of rita - order, physical and moral .He is the ruler of all worlds and often  addressed as the King. He regulates the change of day and night by setting up pathways for the sun. He  causes rivers to flow and makes sure that the rivers do not overfill  the ocean. He beholds everything open and secret in nature and is of unlimited knowledge.

He watches over all activities and is the divine judge as well as executor of the punishment. His watch over the world with thousand eyes is inescapable. He can hear whispers and will come to know even when an offence is thought about. With his famous noose, the Varuna pasha, he ties up the evil doer and hands down punishment. Prayers to Varuna are mostly for forgiveness and freedom from committing further sins. These prayers often contain confessions.

In the puranas, he is described as the lord of the waters.

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Sins and their results in Dharma Sastra : Karma Vipaka

Sins are committed in three ways - Manasaa - with the mind, Vaachaa - with words, Kaayena - with the body.

The manasika paapaas are - to think about taking away another's property, to think about performing bad deeds and not to believe in paraloka or life after death.

The vaachika paapaas are - cruel and harsh words, telling lies, gossip mongering and blabbering.

The Shaareerika paapaas are - Stealing, physical violence and relationship with another's wife.

The results of maanasika paapaas are suffered by the mind, those of vaachika paapaas by word and those of kaayika paapaas with the body. One who performs serious  kaayika paapas will be reborn as immovables such as trees, those performing vaachika paapaas as birds and animals and those performing serious shaareerika paapaas will be reborn as chandala.

The results of these paapaas are experienced either in the present birth, in paraloka or future birth, or some now and some later.

All the sinners spend time in various hells for various durations depending on the intensity of the sin and take rebirth as plants and trees, birds and animals, yonis such as pisachas or humans. In the human birth there will be signs such as deformities or diseases as reminders of past sin.  If suitable prayaschittas are not performed, these will continue birth after birth. In case of mahapatakas the signs will remain for 7 rebirths, for upapatakas 5 and for other sins 3.

The prayaschittas are in the form worship of gods and daanam.

In prayascchitta, the word praya means penance and chittam means determination no to repeat it. The realization that a sin has been committed, a strong determination that it will not be repeated and observing penance for it, these three steps comprise prayschitta.

The smritis classify sins into Mahapatakas, Upapatakas and also Jathibhramshakaras, Samkareekaranas, Apatreekaranas and Ashudhikaras.

The mahapatakas (great sins) are five in number.

1. Brahmahatya - killing of brahmin

The equivalent sins are lying about one's varna, giving false information causing somebody to be punished, false accusation against Guru.

2. Surapanam - drinking alcohol

The equivalent sins are to talk bad about vedas and also to forget the veda learned, being false witness, killing of friend, eating what is forbidden and at forbidden time.

3. Steyam - stealing from brahmin

The equivalent sins are stealing of treasure, children and women, horse, silver, land, diamond and jewels.

4.Gurutalpagamanam - maithuna with the  Guru's wife

The equivalent sins are maithuna  with sister, daughter, daughter-in-law, friend's wife and forbidden women

5. Tatsamsarga - to interact with one who has committed the above sins,

The upapatakas (sub - sins)

1. Killing of cow.

2.Performing yajna for the forbidden cast

3. Having illicit relation with somebody else's wife

4. Selling or pledging oneself

5. Not taking care of guru and parents

6. Relinquishing vedic study

7. Not performing the agni rituals

8. Not taking care of the son

9.Younger brother marrying before the elder

10.To speak ill about the chastity of a girl

11. To make living out of lending money

12.To break vows

13.Selling of lake, garden, wife and son

14.Non performance of upanayanam at the proper time

15. Not helping one's relatives

16. Teaching for salary

17.Learning of vedas and sastras  by paying fee (not gurudakshina)

18.Selling prohibited materials

19.Indiscriminate mining

20.Buiding dam etc.

21.Destroying trees and plants

22.Running brothel

23.Black magic

24. Cutting tree for fuel

25. Cooking only for oneself

26.Eating forbidden food

27.Not performiong agnihotra

28. Theft

29.Not repaying debt (deva,pitru and manushya)

30.Learning subjects that are against veda and smrutis.

31.Acting and dancing to entertain others.

32.Having relation with a woman who consumes alcohol

33.Killing

34.Lack of belief in life after death

Jathibhramshakaras

35. Harassing brahmins

36. Smelling forbidden items such as alcohol

37.Wickedness

38. Homosexuality

Samkareekaranas

39. Killing of donkey, horse,camel,deer, elephant, sheep, fish, snake and buffalo

Apatreekaranas

40. Receiving money from evil people

41.Commerce ( not for vaisyas )

42. Serving the lowly

43.Dishonesty

Ashudhikaras

44.Killing insects, worms, birds

45. Eating whatever has been brought with alcohol

46. Theft of flowers, fruits, firewood

47. Cowardice.

One who commits brahmahatya after suffering in hell will be reborn as dog,pig,donkey, camel,cow,goat,deer,bird, chandala.

One who drinks alcohol after spending time in hell will be reborn as insect, worm, those birds feeding on excretion or tiger lke animals.

One who steals gold will be reborn as spider, crocodile, snake or will go into pishaacha yoni.

One who engages in maithuna with  gurupatni, after suffering in hell will be reborn as grass, creeper, bush, flesh eating animals and birds like vulture or cruel animals sucha as tiger.

One who takes life of animals, birds (life in any form) will be reborn as flesh eating animal or bird.

One who eats forbidden food will take rebirth as insect or worm.

Thieves in the next birth will be killing and eating each other.

Those maintain contact with the forbidden or enter itno illicit relationship with a married woman will remain as pretas and will not attain salvation.

One who steals brahmins property ( if he himself is a brahmin ) will become a brahmarakshasa.

One who steals grains will take birth as rat.

One who steals bronze will be reborn as swan.

One who steals water will take birth as bird.

One who steals honey will be born as jungle fly.

Stealing of milk will result in being reborn as a crow.

One who steals juice will take birth as dog.

One who steals ghee will take birth as mongoose.

One who steals meat will be reborn as vulture

One who steals amimal fat will take birth as sea crow

One who steals oil will take birth as bat

One who steals salt will be reborn as cheekhika (?)

One who steals curds will take birth as crain

One who steals silk will take birth as a bird called Tithiri.

One who steals white silk or clothes made of jute will take birth as frog

One who steals cotton clothes will take birth as bird called krouncha

One who steals cow will take birth as  monitor lizard

One who steals jaggery will take birth as a bird called vaagguda

One who steals perfumes will take birth as civet

One who steals edible leaves and vegetables will take birth as peacock

One who steals cooked and uncooked food will take birth as porcupine

One who steals fire will take birth as crain

One who steals domestic tools will take birth as an insect called gruhakaari.

One who steals dyed clothes will take birth as chakora bird.

One who steals elephant will be reborn as fox

One who steals horse will take birth as tiger

One who steals fruits and tubers will take birth as monkey

One who abducts woman will be reborn as bear

One who steals water will be reborn as hombill

One who steals vehicle will be reborn as camel

One who steals any other kind of animal will take birth as goat

A brahmin who leaves his own prescribed duties will becoma a preta called ulkamukha

A kshatriya who abandons his prescibed duties will becoma a preta called katapootana which feeds on excreta.

A Vaishya who leaves his prescribed duties will become a preta called maitakshajyotik which feeds on puss.

A shudra who takes up some other task than the prescribed ones will become a preta called chailashaka.

After spending long tiime as preta, when they take rebirth they become servants of their enemies.

One who disrespects his teacher will be a dog in the next 100 lives and therafter will be born as a chandala.

One who conducts himself in a satwik manner will take birth in devayonis. One who is rajasic in nature will be born again as human and tamasic ones will take birth as birds and animals.

One who performs sins and does not perform peance for it will go to hell and thereafter when takes rebirth will exhibit signs in his physique such as deformities and diseases and also other forms of suffering. These are reminders of past sin and prompts for performing prayaschitta.

One who steals hidden treasures will be childless in the next birth.

One who steals gems will suffer extreme poverty.

One who takes part in a feast uninvited will take birth as crow.

One who gets into unnecessary arguments will be reborn as cat.

One who imparts forbidden knowledge to women will have bad odour in the mouth.

One who teaches veda by taking remuneration ( different from guru dakshina ) will be reborn as fox.

One who abducts women of royal class will take birth as donkey.

One who overprices food will be reborn as tortoise.

An atheist will be reborn as spider or will make a living by entertaining others.

One who is thankless about favours received will be reborn as spider.

One who does not help the needy will become  brahmarakshasa.

One who sells forbidden materials will become brahmarakhasa.

One who steals land will become worms and spend long time amidst the excreta of dogs together with his pitrus for seven generations. He will be tied up with varuna pasha and will be reborn as bird or animal.

One who steals cow, gold or land will spend time in hell till pralaya and any punya that he has gained will be lost.

One who obstructs free movement of cows or destroys cremation ground will spend time in hell till pralaya.

One who kills cow goes to hell called kaalasootra and on rebirth will be genderless for 7 birth and will also suffer from leprosy.

One who kills cow will be born blind.

One who beats up his guru will suffer from epilepsy in the next birth.

One who sells defective cows and horses ( such as those with one hoof) will be reborn as tiger.

One who depends on the forbidden for a living will be a servant or washerman in his next birth.

One who harasses brahmins or argues for or supports thieves will be genderless in the next birth.

One who undertakes wrong path will suffer from a disease called gandamaala in the next birth.

One who engages in maithuna with woman of same gotra will suffer from elephentiasis in the next birth.

One who performs yajna for the forbidden  will be reborn as chandala.

One who takes money for performing yajna and does not use it  entirely for the purpose  will take birth again and agin as  crow for 100 years

One who steals  God's or brahmin's property  will live amidst donkey dung after death for a long time.

One who steals  gold   will be reborn with crooked nails.

One who drinks  alcohol  will be reborn with black teeth.

One who kills a  brahmin  will suffer from  tuberculosis or  leprosy (Galitkushta) or leucoderma.

One who engages in maithuna with gurupatni  will become lame in subsequent birth and will suffer from skin diseases.

The gossip monger  will emante foul smell from his  nose in the next birth.

One who talks ill of others   will have  foul smell in the mouth in the next birth.

One who steals  grains  will be handicapped in the future birth.

One who performs adulteration in grains, milk etc. will have  excess organ such finger.

One who steals  food  will suffer from chronic indigestion.

One who steals knowledge or engages in unauthorised learning will become dumb in the future birth.

One who steals clothes will suffer skin disease called Shvitra

One who steals horse will be  lame

One who steals  lamp will be blind in the next birth.

One who extinguishes  lamp and fire(agni) improperly  will be  blind in one eye.

One who is cruel towards fellow beings will suffer various ailments

One who engages in illicit relationship  wtih another's wife will suffer from obesity.

One who kills or harasses his father will suffer from congenital nervous disorders such as birth paralysis or cerebral palsy

Killing or harassing one's mother will result in being reborn blind.

Killing or harassing one's sister or or killing of crow will result in being reboen deaf.

One who harasses or kills his brother will become dumb.

Killing or harassing children  or stealing gemstones of a brahmin will cause inpotence or death of childre.e impotence

Killing or harassing of women will cause chronic dysentry in the future birth.

One who kills a person of authority will suffer from tuberculosis in the next birth..

One whi kills a vaishya will suffer from blood cancer

Killing someone from the servant class will result in a k ind of rheumatism called apatanaka where limbs become stiff.

One who kills craftsmen will suffer from dryness of the body

One who kills an elephant will meet with obstacles in everything

Killing of camel or parrot will lead to lead to  speech defects such as stammering

One who kills a horse will be reborn with an ugly and crooked face

One who kills a buffalo will suffer from a disease called krishna gulma

Killing of donkey will lead to having hair like donkey in the next birth.

Killing of deer called tarakshu will cause squint in the eyes in the next birth.

One who kills a pig will have unusually broad teeth

One who kills a deer will be reborn lame.

Killing of fox will lead to rebirth without foot

One who kills a goat will be reborn with excessive organs.

One who kills  a goat called urabhra will suffer from pandu roga.

Killing of cat will lead to yellow eyes in the next birth.

Killing of crane will lead to extraordinarily long nose.

Drinking of alcohol will lead to rebirth with black teeth or raktapitta (haemorrage/urticaria)

Eating forbidden food, those touched women during menstraution and also by lowly class will result in chronic worm trouble in the next birth.

Depriving somebody of food or causing somebody to starve will lead to chronic

Intestinal and digestive problems

One who does not feed others even when he has resources will suffer from Indigestion ( mandagni) in the future birth.

Poisoning someone will lead to chronic vomiting in the next birth.

Blocking or closing pathways or roads will result in foot diseases

A gossip monger in his fuure birth will have chrinic respiratory ailments.

Chronic respiratory problems

A spendthrift will suffer from epilepsy

A tormentor of fellow beings will suffer from shoola roga in the futre birth.

One who has set fire to a jungle will suffer from chronic rakataisara (dysentry with blood)

Defacating or urinating in holy places or water will lead to suffering from fistula or piles

Causing abortion will lead to liver and spleen diseases and jalodara.

One who has broken statues(holy) will be fickle minded and indecisive in the future birth.

One who is rude in his speech will be handicapped in the next birth.

One who teases and talks ill of others will be bald in the next birth.

One who  mocks others will be single eyed in the next birth

One who wrongfully takes side will suffer from paralysis.

One who steals brahmin's wealth will end up destroying his own vamsha

Stealing of copper will lead to a kind of leprosy called udumbara.

Stealing of bronze will lead  to kind of leprosy called pundareeka

One who steals brass will have yellow eyes in the next birth.

Stealing of pearl will result in yellow hair

Stealing of white lead or honey will result in eye diseases

Stealing of black lead will lead to cerebral diseases

Stealing of milk will result in suffering due to frequent urination

One who steals curd will be arrogant  in the future birth.

One who steals  sugar cane products wil suffer from a disease called udaragulma

One who steals iron will suffer from a disease called karbura

One who steals oil will suffer from chronic itching

One who steals raw rice will be reborn toothless

One who steals cooked rice will suffer from tongue disease

One who steals fruits will suffer from ulcer or frequent injuries to fingers

One who steals tamboola will have white lips in rebirth.

One who steals vegetables will have blue eyes when reborn.

Stealing of tubers  will lead to being reborn with short hands

One who steals perfumes will have a foul smelling body in the future birth.

Stealing of wood will lead to being reborn with unusually thin hands

Stealing of books and knowledge will lead to being born dumb.

Stealing of clothes will lead to skin diseases.

Stealing of wool will result in rebirth with excessive hair in the body

Stealing of silk will lead to birth with insufficient hair.

One who steals medicine will suffer from migraine in the next birth.

One who steals  red clothes and ruby will suffer from raktavata

Stealing of God's properties will result in chronic fever,

Stealing in general will result in suffering from grahani roga

Maithuna with mother will result in penile diseases

Maithuna with forbidden women will lead to azoospermia and a kind of leprosy called mandalam.

Maithuna with gurupatni will lead to difficulty in urination (mootrakruccha)

Maithuna wih daughter will result in suffering from raktakushta

Maithuna with sister will result in peetakushta

Maithuna with brother's wife will result in skin disease called galatkushta

Maithuna with daughter in law will result in skin disease called krishnakushta

Maithuna with step mother will lead to kidney and bladder stones.

Maithuna with father's sister will result in boils or ulcer on the right side of the body

Maithuna with maternal uncle's wife will result in rebirth with hunch back

Maithuna with mother's sister will cause boils or ulcer on the left side of the body

Maithuna with a widow will cause untimely death of wife in the next birth.

Maithuna with woman of the same gotra will cause suffering from fistula

Maithuna with  deekshitastree ( woman under vow) will be reborn with red eyes.

Illicit relationship with a married woman of the same caste will result in heart ailments.

Maithuna with  cow will lead to urinary diseases

Maithuna with horse will cause suffering from frozen shoulder ( bhuja stambha)

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Vedic suktam for peace and concord in the family

Atharva veda Kandam 3.Suktam 30 - Saammanasya suktam.

The meaning goes like this.

I am making you like-hearted, like-minded and non-hostile towards each other. You show affection towards each other just like between the cow and a new born calf.

Let the son be obedient to the father, like minded with the mother. Let the wife speak to the husband words sweet as honey.

Let the brother not dislike the brother, let the sister not dislike the sister. Being accordant, let them all speak words that are auspicious.

The same procedure with which the devas stay in concord, we are performing in your house for peace and affection among you.

You, undivided, work together, accomplish together and speak what is agreeable to each other. I am making you like minded and united.

Let your food be common and drinks be common and you worship together the god Agni.


I am making you united and like minded into a single bunch. You be like minded always.

Prayogas such as chanting of this suktam and havan have been prescribed.
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Parasurama and Nalla Sopara of Mumbai

Nalla Sopara is a suburban coastal town of Mumbai. Most are familiar with the legend of Parasurama and creation of Kerala.

Brahmandapurana, Upodghata pada, ch.58 narrates the following episode. The holy coastal town of Gokarna was once engulfed by the ocean due to indiscriminate excavation by sons of King Sagara. The munis of Gokarna approached sage Parasurama and sought relief. He went there and requested lord Varuna the ruler of the ocean to recede.Varuna refused. Parasurama took out his bow and arrow , pointed at Varuna and threatened to evaporate the entire ocean. Varuna conceded. Parasurama stood facing north and threw his ladle ( in the case of Kerala it was axe ) to the north in the north west direction. The ladle came and fell at Shoopaaraka which is the present day Nalla Sopara reclaiming land 200 yojanas ( a measure of distance ) in length.

The purana also accords holy status to the sea at Nalla Sopara just like Gokarna. Bathing there is said to relieve one of sins.

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Indians knew gravity way back in Upanishadic times

There goes Newton's famous apple.

In Prashnopanishad chapter 3 while describing the panchapranas, the apana vayu is said to be residing in the anus and genitals - paayoopasthepaanam.

It is responsible for throwing out from the body faeces, urine, semen, menstrual blood and foetus. Further, the upanishad says -

prithivyaam yaa devataa saisha purushasya apaanamavashatabhyaantaraa .....

The devata that is in earth she supports this apana. She helps apana for throwing out from the body. Space travellers face difficulty in excretion due to absence of gravitational force there. The link between apana and the earth aiding it is quite clear in this upanishad.

Further in his commentary to this upanishad, Adi Shankara ( 7th century AD ? ) says

tathaa prithivyaam abhimaaninee yaa devataa prasiddhaa saishaa purushasya apaanavrithimavashtabhyaakrishya vasheekrityaadha evapakarshanenanugraham kurvati vartata ityarthaha.  anyathaa hi shareeram gurutvat patetsavakashe vaa udagacheta.

This devata blesses by supporting apana by pulling in the downward direction. Or else, the body would have floated up.

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Do you know your Vedic Gods ?

Vedas talk about three strata or spheres to which various devatas belong. They are prithivi - terrestrial, antariksha - middle and dyou -heaven.

Agni is the primary deity for the terrestrial sphere, Vayu and Indra for antariksha and Surya for the uppermost.

The deities associated with each sphere are -

Prithivi - Agni in its various aspects as Jaataveda, Vaishvanara, Dravinodaa, Tanoonapat and Naraashamsa, Ila (cow) , Raatri (night) , Ushas (dawn), Devyou hotarou ( two sacrificers) , Devyastisraha ( 3 devies), Vanaspati, Svahakrits, Agnaayee (wife of Agni), Aranyaani (devata of forest), Joshtree (  two goddesses),
Urjaahuthee , Shunaaseera, Aaptyaas, Vasus.

There are also objects, articles and beings of quasidivine nature. They are often addressed to, prayed to or instructed upon in mantras. In the terrestrial plane they are - Idhma (fuel in yajna), Barhi (grass),Dvarou ( two doors ), Ashva ( horse ), Shakuni (bird), Manduka (frog), Graavaana (pressing stones), Aksha (dice),
Ratha (chariot), Dundubhi (drum), Ishudhi (quiver), Hastaghna (hand guard), Dhanu (bow), Abheeshava (reins), Jyaa (bow string), Ishu (arrow), Ashvajanee (whip), Vrushabha (bull), Drughana (long pestle), Ulookhalam (mortar), Nadyaha (rivers), Aapaha (water), Oshadhayaha (plants), Shraddha (piety), prithivi
(earth), Aartnee (two ends of the bow), Rodasee ( two worlds consisting of earth and heaven), Musalolookhale ( the pair of mortar and pestle), Havirdhane (the twin holders of sacrifice), Vipaat ( a river), Shutudree (sutlej river), loka (world), pratassavana (morning extraction of soma juice), Vasantasharadou (spring and autumn), Stoma (yajna), Anushtup, Trivrut (yajna), Gayatri, Ekavimsha (yajna), Rahtantara, Vairaja, Saama, Saadhyas.

Antariksha - Indra, Parjanya, Vayu, Rudra, Bruhaspati, Varuna, kaha, Mrutyu, Brahmanaspati, Manyu, Vishavakarma, Mitra, Kshetrapati, Yama, Taarkshya, Vastoshpati, Sarasvaan, Apaannapat, Dadhikrava, Suprana, Purooravaas, Ruta, Asooneeti, Vena, Aditi, Tvashtaa, Savitaa, Vaataha, Vaachaspati, Dhaataa,
Prajapati, Atharvans, Shyena, Agni, Ila, Vidhaataa, Indu, Ahirbudhnya, Soma, Ahiratha, Chandramas, Vishavanaras, Rudragana, Maruta, Angirasas, Pitrus, Rubhus, Raakaa, Vak, Saramaa, Aapti, Bhrugus, Aghnya, Sarasvati, Yamee, Urvashi, Sineevaalee, Pathyaa, Svasti, Ushas, Kuhu,Prithivi, Anumati,  Gauri, Rodasee, Indraani,

Other associations with this sphere are Vimanani (aeroplanes), Seetaa, Laashaa, Gou, Dhenu,Trishtup, Pankti, Madhyamam savanam (mid day extraction of soma),  the two seasons Greeshma and Hemanta, Bruhat, Shakavaree, Panchadasa and Trinava yajnas.

Dyou - Surya, Ashvins, Vrishakapaayee, Sooryaa and Ushas (the three wives of Surya), Yama, Vaishvanara, Vishnu, Varuna, Aja ekapad, Prithivi, Saptarshis, Aadityaas, Keshee, Saadhyaa, Savitaa, Vasus, Manu, Dadhyang, Atharvas,  Devapatnyaha (wives of Devas).

Other associations are Vaajinaha (horses),Samudra, Truteeyam Savanam ( third extraction of soma), Raivatam and Vairoopam, Varsha and Shishira rutus, Trayastrimsha and Saptadasha yajnas, Jagati and Atichhandas.

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How to place durva while worshipping Lord Ganesha

The tip should be facing towards the worshiper. The durvankura should ideally have three or five leaves. Hold it between the thumb,middle finger and ring finger while placing. Make sure that durva is cleaned properly because unlike flowers it grows on the ground and chances of soiling is high.

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Do not use champaka flowers to worship Lord Shiva

This was shared by a reader of my blog. I am reproducing it as it is.

Even Champaka flower also should not be used for Shiva Puja.

The story is :

In the land of Gokarna there was a temple dedicated to Shiva. Narada decided that he would go and visit the temple. On the way, he saw a flowering champaka tree and stopped to admire it. A brahmana came there to pluck flowers from the tree. But seeing that Narada was there, the brahmana refrained from plucking any flowers.

Where are you going? asked Narada.

The brahmana lied and replied, To beg some alms.

Narada went to the temple. Meanwhile, the brahmana plucked flowers from the champaka tree and placed them in a basket that he covered up well. Narada met the brahmana again on his way back from the temple.

Where are you going now? He asked the brahmana.

The brahmana lied again, Home, he said, I could n't get any alms.

Narada's suspicions were aroused. He went to the champaka tree and asked, Has that brahmana plucked any flowers?

What brahmana? replied the tree. I don't know of any brahmana. No one has plucked any flowers. Narada went back to the temple and discovered fresh champaka flowers lying there on top of the Shiva linga. There was another devotee praying there. Narada asked him, Do you know who came to worship with these champaka flowers?

Yes, I do, replied the devotee, It is an evil brahmana. He worships Shiva every day with champaka flowers. Thanks to Shiva's blessings, he has completely brainwashed the king and has secretly been stealing the king's wealth. He also oppresses other brahmanas.

Narada asked Shiva, Why do you encourage such evil?

I am helpless, replied Shiva. I cannot resist it if someone worships me with champaka flowers.

Just then, a brahmana woman came running with her tale of woe. Her husband was crippled. But they had managed to get some money from the king so that their daughter could be married. They had also received a cow from the king. But the evil brahmana was claiming that half of whatever they had received was his. It was due to his good offices that the king had been so generous, he was saying.

The evil brahmana had already appropriated half of the money. But how was a cow to be divided?

Narada then decided that something needed to be done about the champaka tree and the evil brahmana. 

Apart from everything else, the champaka tree was a liar. Narada cursed the champaka tree that its flowers would never be accepted by Shiva as an offering. He cursed the evil brahmana that he would be born as a rakshasa (demon) named Viradha. But the brahmana had been a devotee of Shiva. So the curse was qualified by the stipulation that Viradha would be killed by Rama and would then again become a brahmana.

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Winning over an assembly - mantra prayoga for our statesmen

When you have to impress upon an assembly of people and take them into confidence about your point of view and establish your supremacy in that group, there is a suktam in Atharva veda called Sabhajaya suktam.(A.V.7.13). The meaning goes like this -

Let this assembly favor me and let my speech be pleasant to all those who have gathered here. Let all those who have assembled here also support me by their words. I take to myself the splendor and discretion of this assembly to make myself fortunes.Your minds which have gone elsewhere, let them come back stay firmly with me.

Various prayogas such as chanting and havan with this mantra are done to achieve the desired result.

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The four types of pralaya

The pralaya or dissolution is of four types.

Nitya- This is death of beings which happens every day.


Naimithhika - A kalpa consists of 1000 chaturyugas. At the end of the kalpa, there will be drought for 100 years.Sun will burn everything and evaporate all water from the oceans. The four worlds (bhu,bhuva,suva,maha) will completely burn down by a fire called samvartaka fire. Then the samvartaka clouds will unleash torrential rains and everything will be destroyed and dissolved into water. Brahma will go to sleep for a time equivalent to 1000 chaturyugas before waking up to create again. This is called naimithhika pralaya.


Praakritika pralaya - At the end of Brahma's period (lifetime), each tatva will dissolve into the higher one ie:- prithivi  together with subtle gandha tanmatra into jala and so on until only paramatma remains in a state of equilibrium. This is called prakritika pralaya.


Aatyanthika pralaya - This is when one attains liberation through spiritual knowledge and there is no rebirth.

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Legal status of astrology in India

In the High Court of Andhra Pradesh , a writ of mandamus was filed by one Dr.Bhargava challenging the UGC’ decision to introduce astrology as a course of study in Indian Universities in April, 2001. The court dismissed the writ on the following grounds –

Firstly, no final decision had been made and the court could not interfere in the UGC’s decision-making processes. Secondly, the judge quoted from the second edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica, published in the first half of the 19th century, which was ambiguous on the scientific nature of astrology. The opinion of experts differ and change from time to time, he concluded. Being ill-equipped regarding such matters, the court would exercise “the doctrine of self-restraint” and leave the issue to the UGC expert commitee

The petitioners moved the Supreme Court after a two-member Bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court comprising Justices S.B. Sinha and V.V.S Rao summarily dismissed the public interest petition filed on April 11, 2001. In its ruling on April 27, 2001, the High Court had said that astrology was a subject that required further studies. Further, invoking Article 226 of the Constitution, it ruled that in exercise of its powers, as enshrined in the constitution, it cannot interfere with a policy decision of the UGC and, as such, the UGC (at that point of time) had not taken any final decision on the matter.In May, 2004 a Bench, comprising Justice S. Rajendra Babu and Justice G.P. Mathur, rejected the SLP which was directed against the April 2001 judgment of the Andhra Pradesh High Court declining to entertain a writ petition.The petitioners, had in their writ petition questioned the decision of the UGC in according permission to the universities for starting graduate, post-graduate and research courses in jyotir vigyan.

They had contended that the guidelines issued by the UGC were totally irrational, as Vedic astrology could not be held to see the unforeseen.They submitted that as a pseudoscience, astrology was considered to be diametrically opposed to the findings and theories of modern Western science.

The High Court dismissed the petition holding that it could not interfere in the policy decision of the Government unless it was found to be contrary to the law or made on extraneous considerations.

In their SLP, the petitioners contended that the scientific community considered the action of the respondents in starting the Vedic astrology course as a giant leap backwards, undermining whatever scientific credibility the country had so far achieved. They sought a direction to set aside the judgment and a direction to restrain the UGC and other respondents from implementing the decision to start the astrology course in Indian universities.

On behalf of the Union Government it was submitted that there was no compulsion in taking up the astrology course, which would be only an optional subject. Even in several Western countries, astrology had been included as a subject of study.The apprehensions of the petitioners were misplaced, the Government said seeking dismissal of the appeal.

The Supreme Court Bench agreed with the Centre's contention and dismissed the SLP.While dismissing the appeal the following observations were made by the eminent judges :

"Astrology requires study of celestial bodies, of their positions, magnitudes , motions and distances etc. Astronomy is a pure science. It was studied as a subject in ancient India and India has produced great astronomers long before anyone in the Western world studied it as a subject. Since astrology is partly based upon movement of the sun, earth, planets and other celestial bodies, it is a study of science at least to some extent"

“The precise question as to whether Jyotir Vigyan should be included as a course of study having been considered and examined by an expert body of the UGC and they having recommended for including the said course for study and award of degrees in universities, it will not be proper for this court to interfere with the aforesaid decision specially when no violation of any statutory provisions is demonstrated."

The Bench rejected the contention of counsel for the petitioners that the introduction of Jyotir Vigyan in the curricula militates against the concept of secularism inherent in the structure of the Constitution. The judges cited a case in 1971 that challenged certain provisions of the Guru Nanak University Act, which provided for the study of the teachings and life of Guru Nanak. The petition was struck down on the grounds that this could not be construed to be amounting to religious instruction

The Bombay high court also dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking action against astrology on 03,February,2011.A division bench of Chief Justice Mohit Shah and Justice S J Vajifdar was hearing a PIL filed by the NGO Janhit Manch questioning the validity astrology and similar practices.

"So far as prayer related to astrology is concerned, the Supreme Court has already considered the issue and ruled that astrology is a science. The Court had in 2004 also directed the universities to consider if astrology science can be added to the syllabus. The decision of the apex court is binding on this court," observed the judges.

The judges also took on record an affidavit submitted by the Union government. The Centre had in its affidavit stated that astrology is a 4000-year-old 'trusted science' and the same does not fall under the purview of The Drugs and Magical Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. "The said Act does not cover astrology and related sciences. Astrology is a trusted science and is being practised for over 4,000 years," said an affidavit filed by Dr R Ramakrishna, deputy drug contoller of India west zone.


"The said Act is aimed at prohibiting misleading advertisements relating to drugs and magic remedies. The Act does not cover and/or relate to astrology and/or allied sciences like palmistry, vaastu shastra etc. In view thereof, a purported ban on practices promoting astrology and related sciences sought by the petitioner, which is a time-tested science more than 4,000 years old is totally misconceived and unjustifiable," says the affidavit.

The PIL filed by Janhit Manch and its convener Bhagwanji Raiyani, along with his associate Dattaram Kumkar, had questioned the validity of predictions by many well-known astrologers and urged the authorities to ban articles, advertisements, episodes and practices promoting astrology and related subjects like vaastu, Reiki, Feng Shui, tarot, palmistry and zodiac signs. The more than 100-page petition pointed to several cases including that of Indira Gandhi and Charan Singh becoming prime ministers, despite predictions to the contrary.

Representing the Union government, advocate Advait Sethna told the court that even the SC accepted that astrology was a science and many universities had included it as a subject. Advocate for Maharashtra government, Bharat Mehta too supported the stand taken by the Centre. Mehta submitted an affidavit filed by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) which said necessary action is being taken against the guilty under the Drugs and Magical Remedies Act.

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Indians knew Electricity in 6th or 7th century BC

Source : Agasthya Samhita ( 6th or 7th century BC)

samsthapya mrunmaye paatre taamrapatram susamskritam
chhadayet shikhigreevenaardraabhih kaashtapaamsubhih

In an earthen pot keep a copper plate (taamrapatram) and cover it copper sulphate(shikhigreeva - of the colour of a peacock's neck) and wet wooden dust.

dastaloshto nidhaatavya paaradaacchadistastata
samyogat jaayate tejo mitravaruna samjnitam

On top of that place a zinc(dastaa)  plate coated with mercury (paarad). From this combination is produced an energy called Mitravaruna ( Electricity !!!!)

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The names of Hindu calendar months

There are two systems, Chandramana and Sauramana. Chandramana is based on the movement of Moon and Sauramana is based on the movement of Sun.

In Chandramana, name of the month is associated with nakshatra (constellation) near or on which the Moon is placed on Purnima. For example, in the lunar month of Chaitra, Purnima occurs when Moon is in Chitra Nakshatra, in the month of Vaishakaha in Vishakha nakshatra and so on.

In Sauramana, a month is when Sun traverses a particular Rashi. For example during the month of Simha, sun traverses the Simha Rashi.

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Do not use Ketaki flower to worship Lord Shiva !

Ketaki flower once used to adorn Lord Shiva's head. It got cursed twice, once by Lord Shiva himself and once by Sita devi.

In Satyayuga Mahavisnu performed intense penance on the gveta island for the attainment of eternal happiness. Brahma also performed penance at a beautiful place for the annihilation of desires. During their tapas Visnu and Brahma, for a rest, left their seats and walked about in the forest when they met each other. There arose a controversy between them about their respective greatness when Siva, in the form of a Linga, appeared between the two contestants and told them that he, who first found out his (Siva's) head or feet was greater than the other. Accordingly Visnu went down and Brahma went up on a tour of enquiry.

Though Visnu went down deeper and deeper for a long time to find out Siva's feet he failed in the attempt and so returned and sat at the place whence he started for the search. Brahma went up a very long distance when he saw a Ketaki flower falling down from the sky. He took the flower in his hands and went to Visnu and told him that he had found out Siva's head and showed the Ketaki flower as proof of his discovery claiming that it was taken from Siva's head. But Visnu did not believe Brahma and asked the Ketaki flower to bear witness to Brahma's claim. The flower gave false evidence in favour of Brahma. Siva got angry at this false evidence of Ketaki and cursed it. The Ketaki lost its place among the best flowers from that day onwards.

In the second case,

Rama’s father Dasharatha asked Rama to spend fourteen years in the forest.  So Rama went to the forest with his brother Lakshmana and his wife Sita.  The three of them started to live on the banks of the river Falgu.  News reached the forest that Dasharatha had died in their absence and a shraddha ceremony had to performed for the dead king.
 Rama sent Lakshmana to a nearby village to get the necessary ingredients.  Time passed and Lakshmana did not return.  Rama then went to get the ingredients and look for Lakshmana.  But Rama too did not return.  It was almost noon and the ceremony had to be performed before noon.  In desperation, Sita decided to perform the ceremony herself.  She went and bathed in the Falgu river and lit an earthen lamp.  She then made the offerings (pinda) to the dead ancestors herself.
Immediately, a voice was heard.  Sita, you are blessed, it said.  We are satisfied.In utter amazement Sita watched some disembodied hands appear in the air to accept the offerings.

Who are you? Asked Sita.

I am your dead father-in-law, answered the voice. The shraadha ceremony has been successful.  I have accepted your offerings.

But Rama and Lakshmana are going to believe me, said Sita.  They will never believe that such disembodied hands appeared out of thin air to accept the offerings.They have to, answered the voice.  You have four witnesses.  The first is the Falgu river.  The second is the cow over there.  The third will be the fire.  And the last one will be the ketaki bush.

Rama and Lakshmana returned and said, Cook the food quickly.  There is very little time left.  We have to complete the  ceremony before noon. Sita told them what happened, and naturally, the two brothers did not believe her.  They made fun of her and suggested that she was lying.  Sita called upon her four witnesses, but each denied that it had seen anything.  Without arguing any further, Sita cooked the food and Rama made offerings to his ancestors.

A  voice was then heard from the sky.  Why are you calling us again? it said.  Sita has already satisfied us.    I refuse to believe that, said Rama.Indeed, it is true, retorted the voice.  Ask the sun god.  The sun god confirmed that everything had happened just as Sita had said it had.  Rama and Lakshmana were ashamed that they had doubted Sita and were also impressed with the power of her virtue.  But Sita cursed the four false witnesses.  She cursed the Falgu river that it would henceforth only flow underground.  She cursed the ketaki flower (pandanus odoratissimus) that it would never be accepted by Shiva as an offering.  She cursed the cow that its mouth would henceforth become impure.  It had, after all, lied with its mouth.   The hind sections of the cow would however continue to be pure.  And finally Sita cursed the fire that it would consume everything indiscriminately.

That is the reason why a ketaki flower must never be used to worship Shiva.

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