When good fortunes happen to us, we say it is due to the grace of God and blessings of elders, but when misfortunes happen, we say it is our karma. Can you please explain for a better understanding of the next generation?
Vidwan’s reply
Our karma is the cause of both fortunes and misfortunes, we experience good fortunes due to our good deeds and misfortunes due to our bad deeds.
When good fortunes occur, we should not credit ourselves. As Bhagavan Kannan has said in Bhagavad Gita, humans cannot achieve anything on their own; it is only due to the power of God, mankind strives to achieve something. So we have to remove the ego that one’s accomplishments in life are due to one’s own merit. This is the fundamental philosophy of Gita.
NOTES
Crediting oneself is as absurd as if one were to say that the person was the sole reason for pulling a chariot single handedly, which is impossible to accomplish as we need more hands to pull it.
We always need Perumal as a constant companion in all our endeavors. Sometimes we are blessed with good luck by the grace of Perumal and without any effort from our side. But we cannot say that only by Perumal’s grace we are experiencing misfortunes as he does not wish it on us.
If harming another life is considered a sin, is it appropriate to wear silk sarees though silk is considered pure? The younger generation wants to be clarified as adiyen could not clear their doubts.
Vidwan’s reply
This is termed as Kraya Shuddhi. When we buy silk from commercial establishments, we pay for it and thereby we do not accrue sin. Hence, it is fine to buy silk in this manner to offer to Perumal, Bhagavathas as well as for ourselves and this will not accrue any taint.
However if one is very particular in not causing harm for other lives, it is better torefrain form wearing silk. Few of our elders had avoided wearing silk.
NOTES
Buying silk by paying money will nullify the taint due to kraya shuddhi. As regards the sin that may accrue to the manufacturer or the seller, this will get nullified through specific atonements prescribed in the shastras for people in such professions
If a shraddha tithi falls on an Ekadasi day
Will serving rice during the ceremony accrue sin?
Can the kartha, kartha’s mother and brothers partake rice?
Can a widow partake the offerings during shraddha of her mother or father?
Vidwan’s reply
If a sharaddham falls on an Ekadasi day, rice must be served to the Brahmins who are invited to act as manes because the home (sacrificial fire ritual) is performed with rice; huta sesham is associated with the ritual. Hence, only rice must be included in their serving
Since the shraddham is on Ekadasi, the kartha must not partake rice
Widows are allowed to partake the offerings during the shraddham of their mother or father; but they must not partake rice if the shraddham is on Ekadasi.
NOTES
If shraddham falls on Ekadasi, rice must certainly not be consumed. One must also not consume any preparation that has not been offered during the ceremony. It appears only bhakshanams and cooked vegetables alone can be consumed.
This is regarding shrarddam, if there are four brothers and the eldest brother could not perform the ceremony due to illness or any other reason, can any one of the other brothers do in lieu of the eldest?
Vidwan’s reply
It is important to determine whether the ceremony is performed separately or collectively by all at one place
If it is done collectively, the younger brother after the eldest should obtain the darbha grass from the eldest to perform the ceremony.
If each one performs the ceremony separately, at least one of the brothers should acquire the darbha grass from the eldest brother.
Can one recite Divya Prabanda pasuram-s during Ammavasyai and Prathamai?
Vidwan’s reply
One can recite pasurams on these days but sandhai must not be held on these days.
What type of food should be prepared on Adi and Thai Amavasyai-s, and on the masa pirappu days of Adi, Thai, Cittirai and Tula? Kindly clarify.
Vidwan’s reply
During Amavasyai plantain, moong dal, colocasia, bitter gourd, cucumber and agathi leaves can be used; whatever vegetables that are used during shrarddham can be used for this as well.
NOTES
As Vaidya Veeraraghava Perumal appeared on Thai Ammavasyai day, some prepare special feast to celebrate the day. The regular kuzhambu and satruamudhu can be prepared along with the feast. Avoid using brinjal and beans on tharpana days. During the beginning of a new month, it is in tradition to prepare food using toor dal and it is also in practice to cook food with moong dal on tharpanam days.
If the cut off time for morning Sandyavandhanam has exceeded, can one do it without taking bath or should one take bath and do Sandyavandhanam along with prayaschitta mantram?
Vidwan’s reply
If one us unable to perform morning Sandyavandhanam on time, one must take bath and perform Sandyavandhanam with atonement. This is done through the ‘turiiya arghyapradaanam’ – the mantra ‘kaalaateeta prayaschitaarham turiiya arghyapradaanam karishye’ is taught during initiation of Sandyavandhanam.
It is not a practice to perform Sandyavandhanam without taking bath.
Can we listen to bhajans of Smartha-s post prapatti? Is one allowed to listen to only songs about Srimannarayana? Can our artistes sing about other gods during concerts?
Vidwan’s reply
It is better to only listen to songs on Perumal and avoid the rest after prapatti.
Can we listen to the discourse of Ramayana and Bhagavatam rendered by Smartha-s? Can we donate to their organization? Will it be considered as form of service?
Vidwan’s reply
Sure, we can listen to such upanyasam and donate for such causes.
It is generally called as Hari Katha and they also talk relevantly; but in case if they talk other than God’s glory it is better to ignore.
Kindly explain rules of consecration of Sudarshana Yantra?
Vidwan’s reply
This has to be explained as per pancharatra method hence seek the advice of the elders.
For tiruvaradhanam of household Perumal, during tirumanjanam (ceremonial bath), must Suktam be chanted? Or, are we allowed recite tirmanjana kattiyam followed by Sikshavalli, Andandavalli, Bhriguvalli, etc.?
Can we perform detailed tiruvaradhanam only on days such as amavasyai, ekadasi, etc. and restrict to performing manaseeka aradhanam on other days?
Due to my laziness, I find it laborious to prepare pure clothes ready everyday for rituals. I perform daily tiruvaradhanam for Shalagrama and other deities by following all the customary requirements. I am asking this as I am very much inclined towards materialistic lifestyle and find these difficult.
Vidwan’s reply
As per the Ahnika Granthams, Purusha Suktam must be recited during tiruvaradhana tirumanjanam of household Perumal. If one has time, one can recite tirmanjana kattiyam, Sikshavalli, etc. Purusha Suktam is prime requirement.
If an idol has been consecreated, tiruvaradhanam must be performed. Failing to do so will diminish the presence of divinity in the idol (sAnnidhya). This will lead to an even bigger offence. If the idol has not been consecrated, no harm results if tiruvaradhanam is not performed.
With regards to Shalagrama tiruvaradhanam, it is special. It is beneficial by making small efforts to begin with, like performing tiruvaradhanam on amavasyai, ekadasi, Fridays, etc. This will gradually lead to the practice of regular tiruvaradhanam.
When one is absolutely not in a position to perform tiruvaradhanam, manasiika aradhanam can be performed. But, Tirukkudantai Andavan used to say it is not difficult to perform daily tiruvaradhanam. According to him it is enough if one ceremonially seats Perumal, perform tirumanjanam and offer prasadham and it is not difficult.
Performance of aradhanam that involves physically touching Perumal requires cleanliness to an extent possible. It is better to make space for the clothes to be dried for the next day tiruaradhanam or one can wrap the dhoti in a woolen blanket and use it the next day.
According to Swami Desikan, one should not be lazy on matters related to tiruvaradhanam sandyavandhanam etc.
Those who do Amavasyai tharpanam, prepare food using moong dal and sundakai kuzhambu for thiruaradhanam. On certain Amavasyai days such as during Aippasi and Thai months, some prepare food using toor dal or mor kuzhambu. Or there any other months that one should prepare similar food during Amavasyai?
Vidwan’s reply
Some celebrate Adi Amavasyai as a festival and if an Acarya thirunakshatram occurs on a Amavasyai it is also celebrated like a festival and if a birth day of a family member occurs on this day, a feast is prepared as a celebration.
When was the 108 Divya Desam list compiled? While there are separate pasurams for places like Brindavanam, Vennattrankarai why are they not considered as Divya Desam?
Vidwan’s reply
About 800 years ago, Pillaiperumal Aiyyangar composed 108 Tirupati Andadhi. Elders used to say the tradition of 108 divya desa count started.
There are no historical refence for such a count or list before this. After his period, several books on 108 divya desams have been released. Even in these, some count varies. For the sake of counting, we consider the sthalams that Azhvars have sung upon. There are no definitive rule for this count.
For example, it used be said that in the olden days, there were disputes whether to include Tirunarayanapuram and Kanchipuram Varadaraja Perumal temple as part of 108 divya desam.
Why should married men and women wear kacham/madisar type attire? Is there any reason that only they should wear this type of attire?
Vidwan’s reply
Madisar is ladies kacham. Scriptures have ordained this mode of wearing the clothes to protect the organs and to provide privacy. This was also framed for identification of married men and women.
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Are there any books or illustrations to know on the number of days of asaucam that one needs to follow if a relative attains the divine feet of an Acarya?
Vidwan’s reply
There are books available pertaining to this subject. Navalpakkam Sri U. Ve Mahavidwan Aiyya Swamy had written a book on this titled ‘Praceena Acara Sangraham’. Asauca Shatakam an edited version by Sri U. Ve Mahavidwan Melpakkam Swami is also available.
What is known as Soonya tithi? What tithi must be considered for that day? What to do when that day happens to be an Ekadasi day?
What is atithi? What is considered tithi for that day?
Vidwan’s reply
When the same shraddha tithis occurs twice in a given month, shraddham must be performed during the second tithi and the first tithi is called soonya tithi. If the second tithi is tainted, for example, if it is associated with a period of eclipse or sangramanam, it is considered to be tainted. In such instances, the first tithi must be treated as the shraddha tithi and the second tithi will be termed soonya tithi.
Atithi is referred to pervasion of afternoon period. This is best explained through an example. Srimad Villivalam Azhagiyashingar has explained this with examples in the annexure of his “Ahnikam” – please refer to the same.
NOTES
A kalakshepam of Srimad Villivalam Azhagiyashingar’s Ahinka Grantham has just commenced in GSPK, only for men who have undergone samashrayanam. Those who are interested, complete the form in this link
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Can we add limestone (“sunnambhu”, which is referred to as “the third substance”) to the turmeric water used for harathi when Perumal is brought to our home or during a wedding?
Vidwan’s reply
Elders have followed a practice of adding limestone to the turmeric water as a cleaning agent, so it is considered auspicious to use it.
What are the festivals that one can celebrate during an asauca period? Our priest had told us we can celebrate the festivals that are meant for God and avoid all festivals that are celebrated for us; can we celebrate Thiruvadipooram with offerings for Thayar or should we not celebrate any festival at all?
Vidwan’s reply
In general, no festivals should be celebrated for a year during the period of taint. But one has to cook and offer food for Perumal during that period irrespective of a festival. It is a tradition that sweets are not prepared and festivals are not celebrated for a year with the exception of Azhwar and Acarya thirunakshatram.
NOTES
Sweets can be prepared and offered to Perumal during Azhwar and Acarya’s thirunakshatram.
Kindly clarify should one perform Acarya Paduka thirumanjanam first followed by Perumal tiruvaradhanam on a Dwadasi?
Vidwan’s reply
One must first perform Perumal tiruvaradhanam followed by Paduka aradhanam on Dwadasi.
What is the importance of Sripada tirtham? How should it be accepted? Who should accept it and who should not? At what times can this partaken?
Vidwan’s reply
Sripada tirtham destroys all kinds of sins. This tirtham should be partaken during one’s Acaryan’s thriunakshatram. Thirumanjanam has to be performed for the Paduka on dwadasi and its tirtham should be partaken on that day.
If there are any misdemeanors on our part or if we come across taints it is a practice to partake Sripadha tirtam.
Generally, all the disciples of an Acarya can accept the Sripadha tirtham and those who hold the Acarya in high esteem can also accept the tirtham.
NOTES:
There is sloka that has to be chanted while accepting the tirtham, one can seek the sloka from their respective Acarya-s. Generally, this sloka is chanted while accepting the Sripadha tirtham.
etat samasta pApanAm prayascitta manishibhi:|
nirneetam bhagavad bhakta pAdodaka nishevanam ||
Within what time should one commence paranai on Dwadasi? If Dwadasi is present for longer duration, before what time must one complete the paranai?
Vidwan’s reply
It is better to partake prasadam before 8.15am on dwadasi if there is no alpa dwadasi (that is, dwadasi is present for a longer duration). If it is alpa dwadasi (shorter duration of dwadasi), one must do paranai within the dvadasi period.
According to a tradition, if dwadasi is present for a longer duration, as long as paranai is completed during presence of dwadasi, it is acceptable even when not done within a particular time.
I am learning about sandyavandhanam, Samhita dhanam, etc. from Vidwans through several online classes. When one performs these ritualistic austerities, one becomes a Brahmana. In these rituals, there are mantras through which one can pray for one’s improved health, increased tejas, etc. In what capacity are the Brahmanas are needed for this society? What benefits does a society gain through them?
Swami, if a Brahmin realizes this, him and the society will get to know the various benefits that accrue to them. Plus, the Brahmanas will perform their duties with dedication. A better understanding might lead to avoidance of unreasonable arguments when people other than the Brahmins clamoring to perform such ritualistic duties.
Vidwan’s reply
A Brahmana always aims for the welfare of the larger society through Vedic duties and Devata aradhanam.
If water is insentient, how can it purify when one takes head bath? Why are turmeric and vermilion powder considered auspicious? What makes them auspicious?
Vidwan’s reply
Water is considered a purifying material both in the scripturally speaking as well as on matters related to the material world. As water cleanses physical body, it is considered as a purifying material in the materialistic world. Scriptures say that when physical body is cleansed, it also cleanses the soul.
Likewise, both turmeric and vermilion powder are said to be auspicious materials in the tradition for ages. Solely because our tradition has shown this for us, we accept this obediently.
Turmeric is one of the supreme materials that is acceptable for a human body. Since it is said that there is a presence of Bhagavan in such superior materials, this is applicable to turmeric as well. A component of Thayar is said to be present in turmeric, lotus and gold.
Why should we not visit temple during Pradosham?
Vidwan’s reply
The agamas say that we should not worship the Perumal in the sanctum sanctorum on Pradosham. It is our duty to perform aradhanam for Bhagavan, as per the agamas. Going by this, not worshipping the Perumal at the sanctum sanctorum at temple is also a duty to Bhagavan. As pradosham period is a period for Srinrusimha Perumal, agamas allow worshipping him at temples.
Since mahapradosham period is the time of Rudra tandavam, we are to be silent at homes during this period. This is a type of kainkaryam (service) to Perumal. Elders take vows before entering a period of silence, which is a type of fasting (mouna vratam).
One and half hours before and after sunset is the pradosha period.
Is it enough to recite every day the invocatory verse (thaniyan) of a Samasraya Acarya or should we recite that Acaryan’s Acarya thaniyan as well?
Vidwan’s reply
We must recite our Acarya thaniyan and his Acarya thanian as well. The preceptors would have preached about the recitation.
We need to worship the entire lineage of Preceptors (Guruparampara) as per the preaching of the respective preceptors and in the order that it has to be recited. The scriptures say that each Acaryan must be worshipped by individually reciting their names or thaniyan.
Can the disciples and devotees accept their preceptors and their consorts’ tiruvadhyayana prasadam?
Vidwan’s reply
Disciples and devotees can certainly accept the prasadam of their preceptors and their consorts’ tiruvadhyayana prasadam
What are fruits and vegetables that one can consume to nurture the sattvic trait as per the Aharaniyamam? It will be better if it is uploaded as a video.
Vidwan’s reply
We will upload it soon.
Under what basis were the last rites that was performed by Peria Nambi to Maraneri Nambi accepted? Does this not violate the concerned varnashrama dharma (caste-based ethics)?
Vidwan’s reply
The service rendered by Periya Nambigal for Maraneri Nambi is not found in our Guruparampara. It appears that even Svami Desikan has not dealt with this. Even if Periya Nambi has performed such a kainkaryam, it should be as per the strictures of varnashrama dharma as he never violated the ordains of varnashrama dharma even a minute; Svami Desikan has said in the Srimad Rahasyatrayasaaram, that he strictly performed all the ritualistic austerities.
Even though none of his relatives were Srivaishnavas, Maraneri Nambi was a strict Srivaishnava. He had a desire that his body must not be given away to his relatives for last rites and he had requested for this. Given this, certain rites can be performed within the boundaries of scriptures.
Hence, last rites for Maraneri Nambi might have been performed conforming to the scriptural and varnashrama dharma requirements. If no relative is available to perform last rites, scriptures allow others to perform
What is Harivasaram?
Vidwan’s reply
The first quarter period of the whole dwadasi is called Harivasaram. It is equivalent to Ekadasi. Consuming rice will result in severe sin. Mostly, dwadasi starts on the same day as the Ekadasi vratam; hence, the first quarter period finishes on that day itself. A few times, the first quarter portion is present on the day following ekadasi vratam day. During such times, only after the Harivasaram period, dwadasi paranai must be done. Because this period is a favored period for Hari, the Perumal, it is named Harivasaram.
