Can people who live abroad perform pancha samaskaram and bharanyasam? Are there any restrictions? Can they continue to live abroad after performing bharanyasam?
Vidwan’s reply:
Everyone has the right to perform bhara-samarpanam – ‘andanar andiyar ellaiyil ninRa anaithulagum’, is the statement. Everyone can do pancha-samaskaram and become a SriVaishnava.
After performing pancha-samaskaram and bharanyasam one must strictly practise the ordained daily rituals. Bharatam is the best place to perform these.
What is the significance of Ekadasi fasting and how to observe it as per the tradition?
Vidwan’s reply:
Ekadasi is a perpetual vratam that occurs repeatedly, and gains importance solely based on this. It can always be observed by everyone and even during a period of impurity. Women should observe this fast even during the menstrual time.
Men should observe this fast without drinking water; if one could not do it, they can take water; if that is not possible, fruits and milk are allowed. One who cannot fast by just taking these two are allowed take light tiffin but always avoid eating cooked rice.
It is not a practice for Sumangalis to observe Ekadasi fast without taking even water as she must take care of her husband and do work for the next day for dwadasi paranai. It is sufficient if they co-operate on this front.
What is the difference among Sarva Ekadasi, Smartha Ekadasi and Sri Vaishnava Ekadasi?
Vidwan’s reply:
Ekadasi fasting varies for Sri Vaishnavas, Madhwas and Smarthas.
If Dasami is present beyond 56 nazhigais (1 Nazhigai is 24 minutes), Ekadasi on the subsequent day is considered deficient; if Dasami exists even after 56 nazhigai, Srivaishanavas do not observe Ekadasi vratam on that day they observe vratam the following day.
For example, if on a Monday Dasami is present for more than 56 nazhigais, Ekadasi is not observed on the Tuesday. That is, because the Ekadasi tithi that occurs on a Tuesday is associated with Dasami during the brahma muhurtam on that Tuesday, Ekadasi is observed the next day on Wednesday.
The Smarthas consider Dwadasi as a basis and treat the day before Dwadasi as Ekadasi day, based on the details we find in a Panchangam.
As per panchangam, if it is smartha Ekadasi on the previous day, the subsequent day would be Srivaishanava Ekadasi.
As per Madhva tradition, if Dasami exists beyond 54 nazhigais, they consider it as tainted.
As can be seen from the panchangam, whenever Dasami is for more than 54 nazhigais but less 56 nazhigais, Srivaishnavas and Smarthas observe Ekadasi on the day before Madhva Ekadasi.
Why do we not accept Thulasi on Ekadasi day?
Vidwan’s reply:
As Thulasi is prasadham of Perumal, those who observe Ekadasi vratam do not even accept Thulasi on that day.
It was mentioned in Ani issue of Sudarsanam, that there is a remedial slokas for ancestral afflictions (Pitru dosham) and afflictions caused by serpents (Naga dosham). Is there any Desika sloka to mitigate the evil eye of relatives. Moreover, for generations we are affected by sarpa dosham (affliction due to serpents), how to safeguard our children from being affected from the afflictions? Shall we recite GarudaDandakam and GarudaPancashath or should the children recite them?
Vidwan’s reply:
Both children and elders can recite GarudaDandakam or GarudaPanacashath to mitigate Naga dosham. Reciting GarudaDandakam on Garuda Panchami will remove the affliction. Prappanas need not be worried about any calamities for Emperuman always protects us. Any type of Naga dosham will be removed when the servitors of Emperuman recites Garuda stotrams.
For safeguarding from jealousy and other evil eyes, recitation of GarudaPancashath would be beneficial as the palasruthi sloka states it destroys mental instability which is the cause of jealousy and other bad motives.
It is clearly mentioned in palasruthi of GarudaPancashath “vyaadhidaiva aadhipIDaa”. In this Aadhi means unhinge, which induces jealous and negative thoughts in us. To eradicate such evil eyes it is best to recite GarudaPancashath.
As adiyen is not aware about samskaram, requesting for clarification.
Vidwan’s reply:
Sampradaya Manjari ePatashala had conducted a session in which samskarams were explained in detail. Please click the following link to know more.
Can those of us who reside abroad perform samasrayanam and bharanayasam and continue to stay abroad due to circumstances or is it a must that they should return to India?
Vidwan’s reply:
Those who reside abroad can perform samasrayanam and bahranyasam which shall protect wherever we are. Hence it is imperative to perform samasrayanam, even though residing abroad is not considered superior. But if there is compulsion to stay outside India, one has to adhere to the traditions and follow the teachings of Azwars, Acaryas and the path shown by Emperumanar. Irrespective of the place of residence it is a must to render bharanyasam.
