Adiyen, there are red and yellow coloured Srichoornams. Can men adorn red Srichoornam after undergoing Bharanyasam?
Vidwan’s reply:
There is no link between the colour of Srichoornam and Bharanyasam. Adorning yellow coloured Srichooram is considered superior but no harm in applying red Srichoornam.
Notes:
Generally, Srichoornam mixed in turmeric should be adorned.
Red coloured Srichoornam is obtained only from a mixture of yellow Srichoornam.
So, yellow Srichoornam is considered special.
Can one adorn Srichoornam alone?
It is considered auspicious to apply both Thirumann and Srichoornam together.
What type of flowers can be offered to Perumal? Are there any specific details on this?
Vidwan’s reply:
Ahnika grantham states the type of flowers that can be offered to Perumal. More specifically, one can find elaborate and special details in Thirukundathai Deiskan’s grantha (text) Nikshepa Chintamani. Vaishnava Nerigal by Swami Desikan has brief explanations on this.
Notes:
It is considered befitting to offer fragrant and colorful flowers. Flowers can be white, pure, and pleasing.
Lotus, jasmine, shenbaga, jadhi, lily, bilva, nandhiaavattai, vakula flowers can be offered.
Seasonal flowers are special.
It is better if the number of flowers offered is more. But, flowers from thorny plants must be avoided.
One should pluck flowers with clean hands by chanting Astramantram.
One should not carry the flowers plucked in bare hands or clothes; a flower basket should be used to gather plucked flowers.
Plucked flowers should be preserved well and must not be allowed to wilt.
Flowers should be strung only with plantain string and not thread.
A person should not adorn the flowers that are set aside for Perumal.
Flowers set aside for other gods must not be offered to Perumal.
Flowers that are to be avoided:
Flowers that are dark, ugly, wild, without fragrance are unfit for the offering.
Flowers that have not bloomed, and that are old, ugly, and wilted.
Flowers that are eaten by insects, torn, and flowers that are with holes.
Flowers that are smelt and that which have been crossed over.
Flowers that are crushed and been stomped by animals.
Flowers are to be avoided from the trees struck by thunder and also from moth and insect infected trees.
Flowers that are grown in unhygienic places and from the crematorium.
Flowers that are grown at the intersection of four roads or from temples of Lord Siva.
Flowers that are touched by unhygienic people or people tainted by an asaucam.
Flowers of the wild plantain tree, tamarind tree, mango tree, poisonous tree, a flame of the forest tree (Palaasa tree), wood apple tree (Vilaam), marutam tree, etc. are unfit for offerings.
Can lamps be lit using Kapok cotton wick (Ilavam panju)?
Vidwan’s reply::
No, kapok cotton wick should not be used for lighting lamps.
Notes:
Kapok cotton is like a silk thread; it is not suitable to make wicks. So, lighting them is not possible. But in general kapok cotton wicks are not used for lighting purposes.
During Amavasai (new moon) and masa pirappu (beginning of a new month), is tharpanam performed before or after Tiruaradhanam?
Vidwan’s reply::
On such days, Tiruaradhanam should precede tharpanam as deva karyam should be performed first followed by pitru karyam.
Notes:
On occasions, the onset of a new month is earlier. On such days tharpanam precedes Tiruaradhanam. Tiruaradhanam cannot be performed in the early hours. After performing masa pirappu tharpanam, Tiruaradhanam is done at an appropriate time. Elders also follow such practices.
Can one perform sandhyavandanam during asauca (inauspicious) periods?
Vidwan’s reply::
One must do sandhyavandnam even during asauca time.
Notes:
There are certain rules for asauca periods.
Mantras must be chanted mentally and not aloud.
One should do Sandhyavandanam briefly without angnayasa and karanyasa-s.
Adiyen had already undergone Bharanyasam at a younger age. Can adiyen perform it again?
Vidwan’s reply::
Bharanyasam has to be rendered only once, so one cannot render it again.
Should we wash hands after partaking Perumal teertham and Sripadha teertham as the hand could be considered tainted?
Vidwan’s reply::
We need not wash hands after partaking Perumal teertham and Sripadha teertham as our hands do not get tainted.
Notes:
But we should wash our hands before touching the vessels that are used for Perumal and other kitchen utensils after receiving Sripadha teertham. We should wash our hands before other vaidika karmas after partaking teertham.
What is Acaram and what is Anushtanam? Kindly clarify them.
Vidwan’s reply:
Vedic rituals like Brahma yagna and Tiruaradhanam are classified as Anushtanam.
Acaram grants the qualification to render Anushtanam.
Notes:
Anushtanam should be performed after purification.
One should bathe before proceeding to perform any ritual. One should perform sandhyavandanam without coming into contact with others and hands must be kept clean to perform any ritual. These are termed Acarams.
Acaram provides the essential cleanliness for performing Anushtanam.
Acaram combined with Anushtanam is considered special.
There is no benefit if one simply follows Acaram without performing Anushtanam asserts Sri Bashyakarar.
The sins we beget during morning and night get destroyed during the morning and evening sandhyavandanams, respectively. Swami Desikan had stated in Aparadha Parihaara adhikaaram of Srimad Rahasyatrayasaaram that atonements are for the sins that we commit intentionally. Please explain this.
Vidwan’s reply:
There are certain mantras in sandhyvandanam that eradicate the sins we commit unknowingly. Atonements are the only solution for the sins we do knowingly.
Notes:
Elders have said, performing sandhyavandanam does not yield benefits but not performing it, will yield sin.
Sandhyavandanam will eradicate the sins that we commit unintentionally, while sins committed intentionally can be removed only through an atonement.
Any action is done only by the grace of Bhagavan. Is Bhagavan a hidden reason for all our virtuous and sinful deeds? Please clarify.
Vidwan’s reply:
Yes, Perumal is the reason for all of it.
If Bhagavan is not the reason, we cannot do anything. Only by His grace, all things happen. It would be appropriate to say that he is the indirect cause because we are the ones who render actions directly. But without Him, we cannot pursue anything.
Notes:
For example, we cannot move a boulder on our own, we need extra hands. Similarly, Perumal acts as an indirect cause.
Perumal acts as a permission grantor for all our actions to be rendered without hindrance.
It is stated that balance virtues and sins of a Prapanna are distributed to others by Perumal before one crosses the holy Viraja. In that case, how do the sins done unintentionally get removed? If another sentient being accrued the virtues of a Prapanna, will this cause delay in attaining Perumal?
Vidwan’s reply::
Scriptures declare that the merits and sins of a Prapanna go to other persons accordingly. If one had offended a Prapanna, one begets the sins and if one had done good deeds, one is entitled to receive the fortunes. Each one has to exhaust them through undergoing the effects of virtues and sins.
If it is distributed to another Prapanna, he or she will undergo the effects before shedding the mortal coil and this shall not hinder attaining salvation.
If everything happens due to fate or karma, is intelligence required?
Vidwan’s reply:
Intelligence is required.
Notes:
There is an adage that fate can be won over by intelligence. One requires the presence of mind to tide over bad fate. Such fate can be turned favorable through God’s grace and our prayers.
How do we differentiate between being egoistic and having self-respect?
Vidwan’s reply::
Those with self-respect will try to rectify their mistakes when pointed out.
An egoistic person will try to justify their mistake when it is pointed out.
Adiyen, Sriman Narayana! Does our custom consider other demigods like Iyappan, Thukkachi as family deities (Kula Daivam)?
Vidwan’s reply::
For Sri Vaishnavas, Sriman Narayana is the Family Deity. Hence, He alone is glorified, and no other demigods are celebrated.
What is the difference between Goloka and Sri Vaikuntham?
Vidwan’s reply::
Vedas say that Sri Vaikuntham is the supreme most abode. It is the eternal abode of the emancipated souls and not made up of matters of this world.
Puranas talk about Golokh. It is one of the supreme abodes in this world, even Vishnu lokam is part of this world.
Can we celebrate festivals like Deepavali and prepare festive food if it occurs during Sankramanam (chitra and vishu) and Amavasai (new moon) periods? Requesting clarification from tharpanam and family perspectives.
Vidwan’s reply::
If a festival occurs during tharpanam days, we should prepare festive food and offer it to Perumal.
Notes:
It is a customary practice that Sankramanam is celebrated like a festival. At beginning of a new month, it is carried out as usual by performing tharpanam. So, this question does not bear anything with regards to Sankramanam.
When a festival occurs during the new moon day (Amavasai), the festival must be celebrated. One might have this specific query when Deepavali and Amavasai occur together.
Sometimes birthdays or other festivals can occur on the day of a tharpanam. In such instances, tharpanam should be done first followed by tiruaradhanam and offering of special festival food to Perumal.
Can Srivaishnavas recite Narayaneeyam?
Vidwan’s reply::
Yes, they can recite Narayaneeyam.
Notes:
Bhagavatam is a puranam, hence women do not recite it. Narayaneeyam is a condensed form of Bhagavatam written by Narayana Bhatadhri as slokas. As it is about Bhagavan, both men and women can chant it.
How to compare our anushtanam with science? For example, as per scriptures, food should not be consumed during an eclipse while westerners do not follow any such practices. As we are unable to provide logical reasons, we fear that children would move away from our tradition.
Vidwan’s reply::
Scriptures are always of utmost primacy. One should not try to understand scriptures through science and attempt to find a solution through science.
Favors done by scriptures are equivalent to the help done by several mothers.
Notes:
Possessing unflinching faith in scriptures is deemed sensible, the same belief should be imparted to children.
Having realized that science had originated only from scriptures, we should inculcate them to the children.
Not only scriptures, but even science has also accepted that food should not be consumed during an eclipse as the ultraviolet rays and magnetic field are intense which affects the digestive capacity.
The modern-day airplane was invented based on the Pushpaka Viman-s mentioned in the Purana-s. Scriptures are the basis of everything.
Please explain what Koil Thiruaradhanam is
Vidwan’s reply::
Koil Thiruaradhanam follow one of the two aagama shaastras, the Vaikanasa and Pancarathra.
How to continue Nitya-Aradhana for Salagrama deity when one travels overseas? Can we carry the deities while travelling abroad?
Vidwan’s reply::
Salagrama deity should be carried along to continue the Nitya-aradhanam. If we feel that the deity could have been exposed to impurity, we should perform thriumanjanam (sacred bath) with milk for the removal of impurities and proceed with aradhanam.
Please clarify the basics of Visishtadwaita philosophy.
Vidwan’s reply::
vishiSTam – One who is the soul of all the worlds (One who is with the worlds)
advaitam – Sriman Narayanan alone.
Notes:
Sriman Narayana is the one who creates, protects, and destroys all the worlds; He is antaryAmi (indweller), Supreme Being, one who grants salvation. This is the vishiSTadvaita philosophy.
Further details can be found in the various texts that can be learned through kalakshepam.
Swami adiyen is not a Brahmin, what are the Acaram and Anushtanam that adiyen must follow?
Vidwan’s reply::
One must follow Sri Vaishnava dharmas such as to learn Divya Prabandham and other stotras, do relevant and appropriate services in Temples, adorn Thirumann.
Notes:
Undergo samAshrayaNam and bharanyAsam.
Be impartial towards all, with moral conduct, pious, and respect Sri Vaishnavas.
What is the meaning and importance of this tradition?
Vidwan’s reply::
Tradition (sampradayam) is a belief that is passed down from one to another in society and does not involve perpetuating own theories.
Notes:
Our Acarya who preaches about the principle, benefit and the goal do not float their theories but impart what has been traditionally passed down from their Acaryas. These form the tradition.
Nathamunigal, Bhagavad Ramanujar, Swami Desikan, had all preached whatever they have learned from their Acaryas. This is how it has been collectively formed as a tradition.
The meaning of Veda and Dharma sastra are complex by nature, it is very difficult for us to infer. One might even end up misinterpreting its meaning. So, it is always better to learn them through what has been passed down from the wise sages. It must be learned in a tradition-based manner to ensure the meanings are not lost.
In 106 Divyadesam can we see the Thirupiridhy? Where is it located? I think Joshi mutt and Thirupiridhy are different. Can you explain?
Vidwan’s reply::
Many believe that both Joshimutt and Thirupiridhy are the same. Some say they are different. As Thriupiridhy could not be identified, instead of scrutinizing we can consider both are the same or both are different.
When a soul attains the lowest forms of birth such as an animal, plant, etc. as a result of sinful deeds in the past, how can that soul uplift itself through virtuous deeds? If we consider the act of a plant giving itself to be eaten as a virtuous deed, what virtuous deeds can be attributed to animals?
Vidwan’s reply::
It is difficult for a soul to do virtuous deeds if it is born as an animal, plant, etc., because of its sinful deeds.
Notes:
Only in a human form of life, can one do virtuous or sinful deeds. It is not possible to do so when born as a plant or animal. (It is a different matter that sin or virtuous deed befall them).
Only sins are destroyed through taking birth as animals or birds. Once the results of sins and virtues are exhausted through such births, they area gain born as human beings. Through a human birth, one has the opportunity to do virtuous deeds and attain an elevated state. If one end up committing sins once again in the human birth, they might end up taking the birth of insects, etc. All of these births are for us to exhaust effects all the sins and virtues and to accumulate them.
Bharatam is known as Karma Bhumi. To eradicate the effects of karma, people visit holy places, taking a dip in the sacred rivers, provide offerings and perform penance. What about America and Europe as they are known as Bhoga Bhumi (place of enjoyment)?
Vidwan’s reply::
Even those who are in America and Europe must perform all righteous and religious austerities. But, according to the scriptures, performing them in Bharatam is superior.
Notes:
Samaashrayan, bharnyAsam, Sri Vaishnava dharmams, kainkaryam (servitude), Bhagavad anugraham (Perumal’s grace), and belief in salvation (moksha) are common to all in whichever corner of this world they might be in.
What are the daily ritualistic duties (nitya karmaanusthaanam) in Sri Vaishnava tradition? And what are they?
Vidwan’s reply::
All the duties such as waking up, sandhyavandanam, going to sleep in the night, etc. that one does every day are nitya karmaanusthaanam. One can learn about these from texts such as Ahnikam.
Notes:
Let us look briefly at the duties that must be carried out every day.
The daily ritual begins with meditating upon Hari while waking up. After taking bath, one must adorn urdhva pundaram and perform Sandhyavandanam and other duties.
A bachelor who has undergone upanayanam, must do samitaadhanam; if one is a married male, must perform aupaasanam and devarishi, kaandarishi, pitru thrapanams. Those who have undergone upadesam, must also perform aadharasakthi tharpanam, brahma yagyam, maadhyaanikam, nityaaraadhanam, and anuyagam (partaking of the prasadam offered to Perumal).
For self-study, one must read books that advance thoughts of the Lord. Earning the materials needed for Tiruaradhanam, retiring for sleep with the thought of Bhagavan, etc., are all considered nitya karmaanushthaanam.
My father passed away due to Corona, as adiyen was also suffering from Corona, could not perform any last rites. My elder brother did all the thirteen-day rites. After a month, under the guidance of our spiritual advisor performed tharpanam for ten days but it still worries me that I did not perform the final rites. Are there any atonements for this?
Vidwan’s reply::
As the elder brother had performed the required oblations and other prescribed duties had been observed as per the family vaadyar’s advice, there is no need for any more atonements in this regard.
Notes:
Being contrite for not performing the rites is an atonement. A younger brother needs to perform Udakadanam. Having done that there is nothing more.
Apart from oblation day, new moon, and days on which tharpanam is performed, do we need to feed cooked rice to crows?
Vidwan’s reply::
One can feed crows daily. This is not ordained by scriptures.
Notes:
Those who do Anna Vaishvadevam ritual keep the cooked rice outside so that crows and other birds will eat.
It is a rule that a clump of cooked rice to be placed for crow in shrAddham.
Ahobila Mutt’s book on Thiruaradhanam mentions that only after performing Sandhyavandanam, one should proceed to do Thiruaradhanam. Does this include the dawn (prAta) and noon (mAdhyAnika) sandhyavandanams or only prAta sandhyavandanam?
Vidwan’s reply::
One should complete the sandhyavandanams, including mAdhyAnikam before performing the ijyArAdhanam.
What is the meaning behind being in Svarupam at least during Thiruaradhanam and Kalakshepam? Please state its importance.
Vidwan’s reply::
Being a servant of the Bhagavan is our svarupam. This means applying twelve thiruman and wearing dhoti as prescribed by the scriptures. This is what they mean by being in svarupam.
Our physical appearance should be such that it conveys that we are servants of Bhagavan. If we don’t, implies that we have not understood our svarupam.
Notes:
Once everyone sported tuft, due to circumstances of the current times, many do not keep tuft.
At least wear a kaccam and apply twelve thiruman while performing Thiruaradhanam, pitru karmas, and participating in Kalakshepam.
Tharpanam is usually performed for two groups of ancestors. My doubt is related to when a sumangali attains AcAryan Tiruvadi – in such case, her son performs pratyAptika shrAddham only and does not perform tharpanam on other occasions amavasai, etc. as the husband/father is still alive. The husband/father performs tharpanam only for his pitru and mAtru vargams (groups). The departed soul of the sumangali, though it has joined her varga during sabindikarana, is that soul left out while performing tharpana? What is its situation until the time the husband attains the ParamaPadam? Pray to the elders to clarify this.
Vidwan’s reply::
Scriptures have ordained the types of food that need to be offered to the devas and pitrus and the times when they should be offered. It is enough that we do as ordained and ensure no shortcomings occur.
Notes:
As per Sri Vaishnava tradition, if a sumangali passes away after prapatti, she will attain salvation, after which there is no hunger or thirst. That soul is not sustained by the performance of tharpanam. We perform tharpanam to please the Paramatma, who is an antaryAmi in that soul.
The performance of tharpanam does not satisfy a father or grandfather who is in the forms of pitru devatas, but it satisfies the antaryAmi Bhagavan. That is the reason when we begin tharpanam, we say ‘Bhagavat preethyartham’.
During Thiruaradhanam can we perfrom Thirumanjanam to the silver satari along with Salagrama Perumal?
Vidwan’s reply::
If silver satari has been consecrated, thrirumanjanam can be performed along with the Salagrama Perumal. If it is not consecrated, then a separate thirumanjanam should be performed.
What are the Acara Anushtanams that are to be followed specifically by Sri Vaishnavas?
Vidwan’s reply::
Sri Vaishnavas must apply thiruman and performing Perumal thiruaradhanam is important.
Vaishnava scriptures and Mahabaratam denotes only Perumal must be worshipped and no other demigods.
In general, Acaram and Anushtanam involve cleansing and performing the prescribed daily rituals.
Should Parehanee tharpanam be performed the next day after performing a shrAddham? If so, is it done before or after a bath? Must one avoid partaking rice the night of parehanee tharpanam? Pray clarify what other restrictions must be observed.
Vidwan’s reply::
Parehanee tharpanam is done on the day following a shrAddham as a component of the main shrAddham. Pare Ahanee means ‘during the following day’. Rules related to the cleanliness of Amavasya are applicable here.
Notes:
Parehanee tharpanam must not be performed before sunrise. It is performed after taking bath, adorning Thirumann-Srichoornam, performance of morning sandhyavandanam.
One must fast during the nighttime on the day of parehanee tharpanam. Those who are unable to fast can partake fruits. No other specific restrictions are applicable.
Q14Jul21005
What are the services (kainkaryam) that pleases Perumal?
Vidwan’s reply::
Any work that we do as a service, will please Perumal.
Notes:
Starting from daily ritual, any charity or virtue done by contemplating and offering it to Sriman Narayana will please Perumal (SrimannArAyana preethyartham).
The mere mention of charitable deeds pleases Perumal and when we do them selflessly, his affection will increase further.
What are the compulsory daily rituals that our ancient preceptors had insisted on?
Vidwan’s reply::
Our ancient preceptors insisted to perform the prescribed daily rituals (sandhyavandanam and thiruaradhanam).
Notes
Perumal thiruaradhanam is done by one person while others worship. Sandhyvandhanam must be done by all men. Apart from this, one must do services at the temple to their ability.
Are there any slokas to control emotions and remove fear?
Vidwan’s reply::
Abithistavam is meant to remove fears and there are other stotras like Lakshmi Narasimha Karavalambam.
Notes:
There are many slokas to remove fear. Sri Vishnu Sahasranama stortram declares that it shall remove fears, reciting it shall be an atonement for our anger as well.
The following sloka can be chanted.
आपतामपहर्तारं दातारं सर्वसम्पदाम्।
लोकाभिरामं श्रीरामं भूयो-भूयो नमाम्यहम्॥
āpatāmapahartāraṁ dātāraṁ sarvasampadām |
lokābhirāmaṁ śrīrāmaṁ bhūyo-bhūyo namāmyaham ||
Describe the greatness of Sravana Vratam? How to observe the vratam?
Vidwan’s reply::
Puranas mention that Thiruvonam is the thirunakshtram of Emperuman. Sravana Vratam is associated with Him.
As the vratam is observed for Emperuman, all our good activities are fructified due to His grace. Hence it is considered special.
How to observe the Vratam?
One should observe Vratam after purification and recite Daya Satakam, and other Keertanas.
One must avoid indulging in leisure activities and entertainment.
This is observed for the Lord Thiruvenkatamudayan and Oppiliappan. If it is observed for Lord Oppiliappan food must be cooked without salt.
One should partake in food only once and if required one can take palahaaram (light refreshments) in the evening.
It is not a must to observe this Vratam like Ekadasi Vratam.
It is said that an oil bath is taken only during sunrise. Is this applicable to women also?
Vidwan’s reply::
Oil baths should be taken only after sunrises and this is also applicable to women.
If Dwadasi occurs on Fridays, can one eat gooseberry? Are there any regulations that stipulate when gooseberries can be consumed?
Vidwan’s reply::
If Dwadasi falls on Fridays, one can partake gooseberry.
Notes:
As a rule, gooseberries have not partaken during night times, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.
If Dwadasi falls on the aforementioned days, one must partake gooseberries as Dwadasi is considered to be more sacred than these days and including gooseberries in the food is important
I heard during a discourse that Sita performed sandhyavandanam and learned the Vedas. If women were allowed to do this in the other yuga-s, why did it not continue in the Kaliyuga? Pray clarify what put stop to this practice?
Vidwan’s reply:
Compared to other yuga-s in Kaliyuga wisdom, capability, sincerity, purity, etc., are lesser. Hence the scriptures have excluded certain rituals.
For example, scriptures indicate tapas and yAgam are likely to be performed lesser in Kaliyuga. Similarly, they have indicated that ladies can avoid sandhyavandanam, etc., and chant stotras.
Why is there a difference of opinion between vadakalai and thenkalai sects of Sri Vaishnavam? Did these exist from the times of Jagadacharya Sri Ramanuja?
Vidwan’s reply:
These differences did not exist during Sri Bhashyakarar times.
Notes:
There is a difference in terms of doctrine. The meanings provided by Acarya are interpreted differently by everyone in their way. In course of time, the difference in doctrine had ended up with differences in anushtanam.
What is Hiranya Srardham? What is the meaning of Hiranyam?
Vidwan’s reply::
Hiranyam, refers to material wealth such as gold, silver, coins.
Notes:
In those days, exchanges were not in paper currency but coins only.
Performing Srardham by giving coins is called Hiranya Srardham.
Food is not offered but only silver or gold coins are given as dakshina to conduct Hiranya srardham.
What is the greatness of charity that is done while conducting pitru karyam? What is the difference between this charity and other charities?
Vidwan’s reply::
The period when pitru karyam is carried out is considered auspicious. So, charity done at that period is also considered the same.
Notes:
All charities done during a Punya kalam are more valuable
We are doing it as per karma, by associating it with our pitrus. Our Pitrus attained a good status and Since a charity being done during that Punya Kalam is considered as special.
What are the rituals to be done during an eclipse?
Vidwan’s reply::
One must follow six rituals during an eclipse.
Fasting
Bathing
Doing good deeds
The above three are common for all including ladies and children.
Tharpanam (should be done even if one has asaucam)
Charity
Aradhanam
Those who are eligible to do the above three should perform them.
Notes:
Both solar and lunar eclipse is a rare auspicious occurrence that should be adhered to as ordained.
Upavasam- fasting should begin 12 hours before a solar eclipse and 9 hours before a lunar eclipse. Food cooked before the eclipse should not be consumed after the eclipse. Food items like pickles, papad are fit for consumption when a darba grass is placed on them before eclipse.
Snanam – taking bath when the eclipse commences will yield the fruits equivalent of taking a holy dip at the Ganges. To get rid of the malefic effects of the eclipse one should take bath after the eclipse.
The Japa-s done during this period will yield good fruits. One who has obtained mantras through proper invocation can chant them, children who have learned stotra patam can recite them for good benefits. One should know the austerities that are to be performed during the eclipse and follow them.
To know further, please click the following YouTube link: https://youtu.be/YMnUTXaQo34
