What are Ashtaka and Anvashtaka? Why do we perform tarpanam on these days?
Vidwan’s reply:
The Krishna paksha Ashtami that occurs after Paurnami tithi during Maagha maasam, is Ashtaka. The next day is Anvashtaka, which is because it follows Ashtami, it is called Anvashtaka.
Maagha maasam is pitru maasam, suitable for departed ancestors. The Pitru-s are the devataa for the Magha nakshatram. When Paurnami occurs in that nakshatram, it is called Maagha maasam. According to our calculations, it is Masi Maasam. As the Ashtami that occurs in this Pitru maasam is a Pitru tithi, it is special. It is said in the Smriti-s that one must perform Ekashtaka sraddha. Since it is special for Pitru-s we perform the tarpanam as a result.
‘Anu’ means that which follows. It is mentioned in the scriptures that Anvashtaka tarpanam must be performed the day after Ashtami.
To move into a rental house, can we observe the milk boiling ritual on an auspicious day in the month of Panguni?
Vidwan’s reply:
This is not a practice that is observed in the month of Panguni.
Why must one not partake any food items associated with Bananas, Plantain fruit, etc. on Dwadasi?
Vidwan’s reply:
It is mentioned in the scriptures that food items associated with bananas need to be avoided on Dwadasi. A scientific reason is, that since one would have fasted on Ekadasi the previous day, there could be gastric disturbances within the body. Since a Banana increases the gas content of the body, partaking Banana could have been prohibited. From this one can realize that our tradition is about both spiritual and physical well-being.
Adiyen performs maasa pirappu and amavasyai tarpanam-s along with the annual shraddha of my father without fail. I also perform Ashtaka and Anvashtaka. But I failed to perform Ashtaka and Anvashtaka during the Shobhakrut Maci maasam. What should I do?
Vidwan’s reply:
Ashtaka and Anvashtaka that were not performed cannot be done for that year. There is no possibility to perform them at any later period.
Why is Perumal not worshipped with akshatai? Is this prohibited only for Salagrama worship or is it also applicable for worship of idols and Dwaraka Shila?
Vidwan’s reply:
As per the Agama-s, the daily Tiruvaradhanam for Salagrama Perumal must be done with tirtham. The performance of Tiruvaradhanam with akshatai is a method allowed by certain traditions for certain types of worship. As Sri Pancharathra Agama specifically mentions that Perumal Tiruvaradhanam be performed with tirtham, etc., we do so. At times when Perumal is invoked in a Kumhbam, akshtai is used. Besides, there are procedures prescribed by Shaunaka Bhagavan. Since the procedures prescribed by Sri Pancharathra Agam are considered to be primary, we follow them.
The incarnation of Narasimha happened in the evening on a Chaturdasi day. Mahapradosham is evening period of Trayodasi. Why then do we specifically worship Lakshmi Narasimhan during Mahapradosham period? Why do some say that during Mahaprodasham except SriNarasimha and SriRama, other Perumal-s such as Ranganathan must not be worshipped?
What is the relation between SriRama and Mahapradosham period?
Why do we offer Panagam for SriNarasimha?
Vidwan’s reply:
The incarnation of Sri Narasimha was on Chaturdasi and not during Mahapradosham; generally, the evening period after sunset is called Pradosha kalam; based on which this period is special for Sri Narasimha. Moreover, the Agama-s have mentioned that aradhanam of Sri Narasimha during Mahapradosham period is special; hence we follow this.
The Agama-s say “nrisimhaM rAghavaM vinA” – one can also worship Raghavan during the Pradosha kalam; not sure about any other specific association that could exist. Because there is a mention in the Agama-s, some also worship Raghavan during the Pradosha kalam. Some others worship SriNarasimha only and not other Perumal-s.
Because it is said that Panagam is a special offering to Sri Narasimha and is included in our tradition, we do so.
What is the reason to worship Perumal as Sri Varahanarasimhan only at Ahobilam and Simhachalam?
Vidwan’s reply:
Sri Varahanarasimhan deities are at Ahobilam and Simhachalam. Varaha Perumal and Narasimha Perumal are connected; Hiranyakshan and Hiranyakasipu are twins. To kill them Emperuman incarnated as Varaha Perumal and Narasimha Perumal respectively to remove a huge danger. For Narasimha Perumal, Agama-s have prescribed procedures to consecrate several types of idols. One among them is the Varahanarasimha murthy. This murthy has been consecrated at Ahobilam and Simhachalam which we worship.
Can we carry our Salagrama Perumal by train along with us? If yes, what is the procedure? What precautions must be taken?
Vidwan’s reply:
If there is no alternative, one can carry the Salagrama Perumal by train. Place the Perumal carefully inside a box and wrap the Perumal in silk and soft clothes to ensure no contact with impurities. Place the box inside a bag and do not place the bag on the floor where it might come into contact with impurities. As far as possible retain the bag in your hands and carry Him with respect.
How to practice religious penances such as Chatrayam, Prajapatyam, etc, which are prescribed by the dharma shastras? Are the practical possibilities for present times?
Vidwan’s reply:
These types of penances are not possible to practice these days. Instead, one is advised to chant “kRcchra pratinidhi yat kincit hiraNya dhAnam” and donate money. And many do so based on the advice of the respective family priests. It is enough to do this.
How to express condolences to a close relative using Srivaishnava terms (Paribhasha)?
Vidwan’s reply:
Usually, we can express our condolences as everyone does – ‘I take part in your sadness. What can we do? There is such a thing as Perumal’s will (Bhagavat Sankalpam). All of us are subjected to that’. We can only talk about such sentiments and express them. While conveying our thoughts, we must ensure to refer to Bhagavat sankalpam.
When one’s mother or father attains Paramapadam, through traditional words we can remark that one whose mother or father has passed away has gotten the opportunity to perform matru or pitru kainkaryam.
When a very old person has passed away, we can say that Perumal has called them to perform services at Paramapadam.
When younger ones pass away, we can express our sympathies by saying that Bhagavat sankalpam that they have passed away.
The above are some of the ways to express condolences using Sri Vaishnava terms.
For a Thirunakshatram, one says that adiyen prostrates before the respected Svami and asks for their grace. If so inclined, one can recite Tiruppallandu.
