CULTURAL QUES ANSW NEW 11
Dear friends
I am continuing the cultural QA and this is Part 10 of the series. I am really happy to note the number of responses on reading this series and my other postings. The QA is posted intermittent with other postings to avoid monotony. The QA is compiled mostly from member postings in the groups.
Sincerely
Gopala Krishnan 22-10-2011
Q1 Is there any dharma sasthra advocating tonsure of hair by widows?
A1 The English version of the Sankshepa Dharma Shasthram (Shri Ramachander has provided it)... under Sthri Dharmam:
9.Vyasa:- When her husband dies a woman becomes a widow. If she strictly follows the duties of a widow, she can attain comfort with her husband in the next world.
Widows should cut their hair.. If she ties her hair, her husband in heaven will suffer.
She should take meals only once. She should not use scents.
She could offer oblations to her husband daily using Gingelly and Durba grass
She should worship Lord Vishnu daily. She should imagine that her husband is Vishnu. A widow who observes all this would live comfortably.
Based on the above, if a widow does not cut her hair, then it is a sin as her husband, if in heaven, would suffer...
So, perhaps the widow who has not removed her hair is a sinner in the above context... maybe the reason why the acharya refused to see widows... or fasted if he saw one?
My note- I have added this question not to advocate why Paramacharya did not meet widows who has not tonsured. Nor to point out what our Dharma sasthras say.
My reasoning for adding this is for many reasons we have diverted from old rules and we are flexible.
Q2 What is the purpose of tuft?
A2 Kanchi periyaval was against men having western style cropped hair style and wanted all to sport tuft (kudumi), stating that as per shastras after bath squeezing the water out of the tuft to the earth quenches the Pithrukal's thirst
Q3 What are the details of Sri Ramanja spreading mysteries of Ashtaakshari manthra?
A3 Shri Ramanujacharya was initiated into the mysteries of the Ashtakshari Mantra (OM NAMO NARAAYANAYA!!) by Goshti Purnacharya '.
At the time of the upadesa the Guru told him that the Mantra is very powerful and is capable of breaking loose the fetters of Karma of any individual who chants the Mantra. The Guru also wrested a promise from him that he would not reveal the import of the Mantra indiscreetly to all and sundry. He also threatened Ramanuja that in case he broke his promise he would go to hell.
The next day Ramanuja collected all the people of the village before the village temple and preached to them the hidden meaning of the Mantra.
Goshtispurnacharya came to know of this and Ramanuja was informed of the impending consequences of this impudence.
Ramanuja replied thus: " having learnt the secrets of the Mantra all of these people will attain Moksha after this birth - what if I alone go to hell in the process."
The Guru was so impressed by this logic that he not only pardoned Ramanuja but also actually acknowledged to be his real Guru.
Q4 What are the three bodies with in us?
A4 We actually have three bodies viz. Sthoola Sariram, Sookshma Sariram and KARANA SARIRAM. While Sthoola Sariram is physical the other two are metaphysical.
They cannot be combined for the sake of argument. On waking state all the three sarirams are present in us
While in dream state the sthoola sariram is absent and in deep sleep only the karana sariram is present
Q5 Do genetic theories are 100% convincing?
A5 It is difficult to endorse the idea that the genetic materials of women contribute to nothing more than physical attributes told in genetic theories.
This does not explain how and why in one single house some siblings have the father's character and others have the mother's character.
To use an example from mythology - Prahalada was the son of Hiranyakashipu. Yet he showed no signs of the Asura nature of Hiranyakashipu.
Similarly Rama was the son of Dasharata - yet Dasharata had four wives and Rama was strictly monogamous.
if the Y chromosome of the father is the ONLY source of character then these are very honorable exceptions indeed.
Q6 Can we change dharma sasthras as per social situation?
A6 Yes is the answer. All our religious rituals are followed from Dharmasastras only.
While discussing "Hindu Law givers", Sri Sivananda Saraswathi writes " The laws and rules WHICH ARE BASED ENTIRELY UPON OUR SOCIAL POSITIONS, TIME AND CLIME, MUST CHANGE WITH THE CHANGES IN SOCIETY AND CHANGING CONDITIONS OF TIME AND CLIME.
Hinduism is not a static religion, it has always been a dynamic religion. We accepted the changes and adopted ourselves without changing the core of our basic beliefs enunciated in Sruti (Vedas). This is our Strength.
My note- I am interested to add this writing of Sivananda saraswathi also. In fact with time most of us have done many changes.
One such thing is oupasanam. Practical difficulties have made us to stop these practices after performing . Infact it is this fire has to be used!!
We all use gas stoves now due to changed life style. Agni for homa is prepared by simply lighting a camphor piece, in the chattukam brought by the wife.
Most people take coffee or tea or milk and perform sraadha just by after noon.
Q7 We know sage Parasara was the grand son of sage Vasistha. We also know his father was sage Sakthi Question- who was his mother?
A7 sage Parashara was the son of Adrushyanti and Sakthi grew up in Vasishta's hermitage. Vasishta taught him everything. When he grew up into a man, his mother told him all about his father.
Q8 Do Bhageeratha succeded after reciting a manthra advised by sage Vasistha to bring Ganga down?
A8 Yes is the answer. When sage Bhagiratha was unsuccessful in his attempts to bring the Ganges from heaven to earth, Sage Vashishta was the one who gave him a mantra with which he succeeded.
Q9 What are the other names of Kamadhenu?
A9 Kamadhenu is also well-known through its other five forms: Nanda, Sunanda, Surabhi, Susheela and Sumana.
Q10 What are the attributes of Kamadhenu?
A10 Kamadhenu's complexion is like the white clouds. Every part of cow's body has a religious significance. Its four legs symbolize the four Vedas, and its teats the four Purusharthas.
Its horns symbolize the gods, its face the sun and the moon, its shoulders Agni and its legs also symbolize the Himalayas.
The second outcome from this Samudhra Manthan was a cow. She was named as "Kamdhenu" and she was able to fulfil all the needs, ambitions and requirements of all.
God's Saints and Sages welcomed Kamdhenu, and since she was young and tender, she was given for nursing to Maharshi Vasistha who constituted "Go Loka" separately.
Kamdhenu gave birth to "Nandini". The Sage "Dhanwanthri" had great respect for Kamadhenu, whom he worshipped and with her blessings, he made a great medicine called "Panchagavya", consisting of Cow milk, cow ghee, Cow curd, cow urine and cow dung.
The mythological version goes on to say that "Dhanwanthri" was taken by Narad to Bhagwan Vishnu, who predicted that he would himself do Go Seva, in an exemplary manner, in one of his incarnations or Avatars as "Sri Krishna" and, thereafter, the cow would also be identified with the name of Lord Krishna.
Q11 Is there any verse in Mahabharatha that Brahma created cow first
A11 Maharishi Vedavyas states in the great epic "Mahabharat' in Anu 195 that Bhagvan Brahma, the Creator of the Universe, first created the mother-like cow for all the living creatures.
My note- From member posting only. I have not verified by reading.
Q12 Where is mount abu? What is the speciality of Mount Abu ?
A12 Mount Abu is located in the south western corner of Rajasthan and is Rajasthan's only hill station. It is also a major pilgrim centre.
Q13 Where do we have pattanis in Kerala?
A13 There is a sect of Muslims known as Pattanis in Palghat. They are also called Decanese. They came from Decan with the Mysore rulers and settled here.
Traditionally, they are well-trained horsemen. Their influence in Palakkad can be seen from the fact that a street is named after them as Pattani Street.
They also belong to 'Hanafi' sect of Muslims. The rest of the Muslim community is known as Moppilas.
Q14 What are the details of planet Venus?
A14 After doing a tremendous penance he had pleased lord Shiva and received the `learning' of `Mritasanjivani' (bringing alive a dead person). By the help of this learning he used to bring back to life the demons that got killed in the battles with the deities. (Mahabharat, Adiparva 76/8) This part is known to us.
According to the Mahabharat (AdiParva (78/39) Shukracharya was not only the lord of wealth BUT HE IS ALSO THE MASTER OF THE MEDICINAL HERBS, THE MANTRAS AND ALL KINDS OF TASTE. His capabilities are wonderful. He had donated all his wealth to the demons and had accepted the life of a hermit.
For the pacification of Venus, the worship of cow should be done and a diamond should be worn
My note- Now our members who have acendent as Rishabham or Tulam owned by Venus can verify they have such qualties like appreciating tastes , interest in reciting manthras and more liking for herbal medicines,
Q15 What is the speciality of Brihadeeshwar temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
A15 The Gopuram of this Temple does not cast any Shadow which most of us know. But the Vimaanam( top of the gopuram) of this temple is made of ONE SINGLE STONE.
Dear friends
I am continuing the cultural QA and this is Part 10 of the series. I am really happy to note the number of responses on reading this series and my other postings. The QA is posted intermittent with other postings to avoid monotony. The QA is compiled mostly from member postings in the groups.
Sincerely
Gopala Krishnan 22-10-2011
Q1 Is there any dharma sasthra advocating tonsure of hair by widows?
A1 The English version of the Sankshepa Dharma Shasthram (Shri Ramachander has provided it)... under Sthri Dharmam:
9.Vyasa:- When her husband dies a woman becomes a widow. If she strictly follows the duties of a widow, she can attain comfort with her husband in the next world.
Widows should cut their hair.. If she ties her hair, her husband in heaven will suffer.
She should take meals only once. She should not use scents.
She could offer oblations to her husband daily using Gingelly and Durba grass
She should worship Lord Vishnu daily. She should imagine that her husband is Vishnu. A widow who observes all this would live comfortably.
Based on the above, if a widow does not cut her hair, then it is a sin as her husband, if in heaven, would suffer...
So, perhaps the widow who has not removed her hair is a sinner in the above context... maybe the reason why the acharya refused to see widows... or fasted if he saw one?
My note- I have added this question not to advocate why Paramacharya did not meet widows who has not tonsured. Nor to point out what our Dharma sasthras say.
My reasoning for adding this is for many reasons we have diverted from old rules and we are flexible.
Q2 What is the purpose of tuft?
A2 Kanchi periyaval was against men having western style cropped hair style and wanted all to sport tuft (kudumi), stating that as per shastras after bath squeezing the water out of the tuft to the earth quenches the Pithrukal's thirst
Q3 What are the details of Sri Ramanja spreading mysteries of Ashtaakshari manthra?
A3 Shri Ramanujacharya was initiated into the mysteries of the Ashtakshari Mantra (OM NAMO NARAAYANAYA!!) by Goshti Purnacharya '.
At the time of the upadesa the Guru told him that the Mantra is very powerful and is capable of breaking loose the fetters of Karma of any individual who chants the Mantra. The Guru also wrested a promise from him that he would not reveal the import of the Mantra indiscreetly to all and sundry. He also threatened Ramanuja that in case he broke his promise he would go to hell.
The next day Ramanuja collected all the people of the village before the village temple and preached to them the hidden meaning of the Mantra.
Goshtispurnacharya came to know of this and Ramanuja was informed of the impending consequences of this impudence.
Ramanuja replied thus: " having learnt the secrets of the Mantra all of these people will attain Moksha after this birth - what if I alone go to hell in the process."
The Guru was so impressed by this logic that he not only pardoned Ramanuja but also actually acknowledged to be his real Guru.
Q4 What are the three bodies with in us?
A4 We actually have three bodies viz. Sthoola Sariram, Sookshma Sariram and KARANA SARIRAM. While Sthoola Sariram is physical the other two are metaphysical.
They cannot be combined for the sake of argument. On waking state all the three sarirams are present in us
While in dream state the sthoola sariram is absent and in deep sleep only the karana sariram is present
Q5 Do genetic theories are 100% convincing?
A5 It is difficult to endorse the idea that the genetic materials of women contribute to nothing more than physical attributes told in genetic theories.
This does not explain how and why in one single house some siblings have the father's character and others have the mother's character.
To use an example from mythology - Prahalada was the son of Hiranyakashipu. Yet he showed no signs of the Asura nature of Hiranyakashipu.
Similarly Rama was the son of Dasharata - yet Dasharata had four wives and Rama was strictly monogamous.
if the Y chromosome of the father is the ONLY source of character then these are very honorable exceptions indeed.
Q6 Can we change dharma sasthras as per social situation?
A6 Yes is the answer. All our religious rituals are followed from Dharmasastras only.
While discussing "Hindu Law givers", Sri Sivananda Saraswathi writes " The laws and rules WHICH ARE BASED ENTIRELY UPON OUR SOCIAL POSITIONS, TIME AND CLIME, MUST CHANGE WITH THE CHANGES IN SOCIETY AND CHANGING CONDITIONS OF TIME AND CLIME.
Hinduism is not a static religion, it has always been a dynamic religion. We accepted the changes and adopted ourselves without changing the core of our basic beliefs enunciated in Sruti (Vedas). This is our Strength.
My note- I am interested to add this writing of Sivananda saraswathi also. In fact with time most of us have done many changes.
One such thing is oupasanam. Practical difficulties have made us to stop these practices after performing . Infact it is this fire has to be used!!
We all use gas stoves now due to changed life style. Agni for homa is prepared by simply lighting a camphor piece, in the chattukam brought by the wife.
Most people take coffee or tea or milk and perform sraadha just by after noon.
Q7 We know sage Parasara was the grand son of sage Vasistha. We also know his father was sage Sakthi Question- who was his mother?
A7 sage Parashara was the son of Adrushyanti and Sakthi grew up in Vasishta's hermitage. Vasishta taught him everything. When he grew up into a man, his mother told him all about his father.
Q8 Do Bhageeratha succeded after reciting a manthra advised by sage Vasistha to bring Ganga down?
A8 Yes is the answer. When sage Bhagiratha was unsuccessful in his attempts to bring the Ganges from heaven to earth, Sage Vashishta was the one who gave him a mantra with which he succeeded.
Q9 What are the other names of Kamadhenu?
A9 Kamadhenu is also well-known through its other five forms: Nanda, Sunanda, Surabhi, Susheela and Sumana.
Q10 What are the attributes of Kamadhenu?
A10 Kamadhenu's complexion is like the white clouds. Every part of cow's body has a religious significance. Its four legs symbolize the four Vedas, and its teats the four Purusharthas.
Its horns symbolize the gods, its face the sun and the moon, its shoulders Agni and its legs also symbolize the Himalayas.
The second outcome from this Samudhra Manthan was a cow. She was named as "Kamdhenu" and she was able to fulfil all the needs, ambitions and requirements of all.
God's Saints and Sages welcomed Kamdhenu, and since she was young and tender, she was given for nursing to Maharshi Vasistha who constituted "Go Loka" separately.
Kamdhenu gave birth to "Nandini". The Sage "Dhanwanthri" had great respect for Kamadhenu, whom he worshipped and with her blessings, he made a great medicine called "Panchagavya", consisting of Cow milk, cow ghee, Cow curd, cow urine and cow dung.
The mythological version goes on to say that "Dhanwanthri" was taken by Narad to Bhagwan Vishnu, who predicted that he would himself do Go Seva, in an exemplary manner, in one of his incarnations or Avatars as "Sri Krishna" and, thereafter, the cow would also be identified with the name of Lord Krishna.
Q11 Is there any verse in Mahabharatha that Brahma created cow first
A11 Maharishi Vedavyas states in the great epic "Mahabharat' in Anu 195 that Bhagvan Brahma, the Creator of the Universe, first created the mother-like cow for all the living creatures.
My note- From member posting only. I have not verified by reading.
Q12 Where is mount abu? What is the speciality of Mount Abu ?
A12 Mount Abu is located in the south western corner of Rajasthan and is Rajasthan's only hill station. It is also a major pilgrim centre.
Q13 Where do we have pattanis in Kerala?
A13 There is a sect of Muslims known as Pattanis in Palghat. They are also called Decanese. They came from Decan with the Mysore rulers and settled here.
Traditionally, they are well-trained horsemen. Their influence in Palakkad can be seen from the fact that a street is named after them as Pattani Street.
They also belong to 'Hanafi' sect of Muslims. The rest of the Muslim community is known as Moppilas.
Q14 What are the details of planet Venus?
A14 After doing a tremendous penance he had pleased lord Shiva and received the `learning' of `Mritasanjivani' (bringing alive a dead person). By the help of this learning he used to bring back to life the demons that got killed in the battles with the deities. (Mahabharat, Adiparva 76/8) This part is known to us.
According to the Mahabharat (AdiParva (78/39) Shukracharya was not only the lord of wealth BUT HE IS ALSO THE MASTER OF THE MEDICINAL HERBS, THE MANTRAS AND ALL KINDS OF TASTE. His capabilities are wonderful. He had donated all his wealth to the demons and had accepted the life of a hermit.
For the pacification of Venus, the worship of cow should be done and a diamond should be worn
My note- Now our members who have acendent as Rishabham or Tulam owned by Venus can verify they have such qualties like appreciating tastes , interest in reciting manthras and more liking for herbal medicines,
Q15 What is the speciality of Brihadeeshwar temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
A15 The Gopuram of this Temple does not cast any Shadow which most of us know. But the Vimaanam( top of the gopuram) of this temple is made of ONE SINGLE STONE.
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