Is there a way to learn Srimad Ramayanam, Mahabharatam, and Bhagavad Gita as per our samparadayam through santhai form? If not, why? Are these Kalakshepa granthams?
Vidwan’s reply:
Do not understand under what aspect you have asked to learn.
Srimad Ramayana kalakshepam has been conducted at all places, at least partially or in a summarized form.
There are 24,000 shlokas in Ramayanam and Mahabharatam consists of a lakh shlokas. Learning them all will take a lifetime; no one will teach each shloka and there is no need to do so because all these shlokas are simple. It has been in practice to listen to these shlokas through preceptors. Both Ramayana and Mahabharata are similar in terms of authenticity. But as per sampradayam, few specific portions in Mahabharata are rendered as kalakshepams, unlike Srimad Ramayanam. Initially, we can obtain it as preaching from Acharya and later learn it on our own.
Which verse is accurate in Desika Thirunalpattu, is it ‘teedAgiya mAyakkalaigaLai’ or ‘teedAgiya mAyakkaLaigaLai’?
Vidwan’s reply:
We shall provide the answer to this question later.
Can a prapanna recite Gita Govindam of Jayadeva? Can ladies wear Thulasi garland as practiced by those associated with ISKCON and chant ‘Hare Krishan’ japam?
Vidwan’s reply:
A prapanna can certainly recite Jayadeva’s Gita Govindam. Can do japam of Hare Krishna mantra. But there exist some regulations governing the wearing of Thulasi garland and it is not a practice of our tradition. If Thulasi garland has been consecrated, ladies must not touch it. Men can wear it. There are restrictions as to when a Thulasi garland must not be worn. These days a few wear Thulasi garland that has not been consecrated. It is not a practice of our elders and hence we must follow the path shown by our elders.
