Jaya Jaya Sanakara Hara Hara Sankara – A few more key points on doing Namaskaram, Rama Nama, Importance of Kula Devatha worship (family deity), and Brahma Yagnam has been shared by one of our Periyava devotees. Rama Rama

Sri Rama Jayam – Valmiki’s Rama and Brahma Yagnam

Namaskaram –

Men must do Sashtanga Namaskaram (eight limbs must touch the ground), this is to be done always. This bestows the maximum benefit.

Women must do Panchanga Namaskaram, not completely.

For Sannyasis – Namaskaram must be done 4 times.

For deities in the temples  – 3 times, the number mentioned is the minimum namaskaram limit and this has nothing to do with gender – the number is same for both.

So, for our acharyas and sanyasis – 4 times and 3 times for all temple deities, do the namskarams near the flag pole (Dvajas Sthambam or Kodi Maram) – this means the three namaskarams are done to every God in the temple. If there is no flag pole, do it near the main sannidhi.

Also, one namaskaram after each Abhivaadaye (so, totally 2) mentioned in Sandhyavandanam is a must, please don’t neglect these.

Mahalingaswamy

Satyam Advaitam !!  Mahalingaswamy helped Adi Acharyal when Advaitam faced obstacles. He helps us by strategically placing himself in such a position that whoever prostrates to him will get multiple benefits to prostrating to all the deities of the following temples – (see the picture)

Usually Vaideeswaran or Kapaleeswaran is the name for the Mahalingam only, all the temples have different titles for the Mahalingam ( Mahalingam means the Shiva lingam in the main Sannidhi of Shiva temple) . Only in Thiruvidaimarudhur, Mahalingam has the title “Mahalingam”.

The reason for this is Chola kings wanted their kingdom to appear like a Shiva temple itself, so Mahalingaswamy was made to appear as the Mahalingam of a Shiva temple.

One Namaskaram will please not only Mahalingam also, Swamimalai Murugan, Alangudi Dakshinamurthy and all the other temples’ deities ( mentioned in the picture) will get pleased.

How Suryavamasha shone always ?

The Ikshvaku or Suryavamsha or Raghuvamsha kings were just like any other kings. They were rewarded with special powers and traits, those are the phalan of following KulaGuru – Vasishtar and Kula Devatha – Ranganatha.

Raghuvamsha : Surya Bhagwan – Manu – Ikshvaku – many others – Bhagirathan – many others – Dilipa – Raghu – Aja – Dasharatha – Srirama – Lava Kusha…

In Raghuvamsa of Kalidasa, Vasishtar asks King Dilipa about the kingdom’s prosperity. Dilipa replies the kingdom is prosperous and peaceful only due to the Yagnams done by Vasishtar and Arundathi. Only their Yagnams made the Kshatriyas strong and just rule was ensured. Likewise, our Kanchi Periyavas are doing puja and yatras only for the welfare of the society.

Even Rama did fasting, meditation and worship for Ranganatha. The next generation must be made aware of their Kula Devatha, visiting the Kula Devatha once a year is mandatory for all. Without Kula Devatha, other worship won’t have effect. The punya done by us is sanctioned by our Kula Devatha only.

Whatever be the problem, Rama did only namaskarams to Vasishtar and Ranganatha. He blindly followed their orders. Rama did not do any special puja or Tapas. Vasishtar instructs him, the punya of following Vasishtar’s orders made Rama a great hero. The sandhyavandanam done by Rama without omission helped Rama in many places. Rama not only did Sandhyavandanam under Vasishtar , Bharadwajar or Viswamithrar. He also did Veda Parayanam in their presence, even during the search and war, Nithyakarma wasn’t neglected at all.

Manu had Vasishtar’s help, he brought Narmada to Bhu Lokam. Still, he wanted to bring Ganga to Bhu Lokam.

Later, his descendant, Bhagiratha had Vasishtar’s help, he succeeded in bringing Ganga here. Even Dilipa through GhoSeva (on Vasishtar’s advice) solved his intricate problem.

One of the special ability of Ikshvaku kings is that they can hear the thoughts of those who converse with them.

All of these can be credited to Guru Bhakthi and Kula Devatha Bhakthi, and nothing else.

Rama’s Magnificence –

If one understands the greatness behind a specific work, that work will never be done carelessly. Acharyaal asks us to know the meaning of the Samskaras done.

That is called “Taram”, don’t they use தரமான for denoting better quality. Let us make ourselves aware of our Rama’s splendour then begin Rama Bhakthi.

Science involved in the pronunciation of Sanskrit letters –

Narada gave Valmiki the initiation – ma ra ma ra

But there is a science involved in this tricky tactic.

Ma sound comes from the nose (Nasika) – so, it will make the mind to start from Ra – which comes from somewhere above the nose (Murdha). There is origin for each sound in Sanskrit (Utpathi Sthana). The sound Ra starts from above the nose then ends with Ma from the nose region. The shabdha (sound not word) from above will suggest the brain to start from Ra then goes to Ma.

So, Valmiki Bhagwan would have chanted Rama Rama only not mara mara. Even you try this, you will start saying only Rama not mara.

Valmiki then completed his tapas then Narada arrives then Ramayana epic is composed. Narada was asked to show a human with 16 excellent attributes, to which Narada replies Rama is the hero needed for his work. Valmiki did Rama japam for a big task ahead. From Amasvasya to Pournami, 16 days are needed for a full moon which will delight those who view it. Like that, Rama has 16 qualities, and these qualities make Rama like a radiant full moon which will delight whoever hears Ramayanam or tells Rama nama.

1. गुणवान् Gunavaan – One who has excellent and humble nature.

Rama followed his well wishers’ advice to the letter. He never questioned his father’s order. He convinced Bharata, Shatrugna, Jaabaali (a minister in Dasharatha’s court) and many others that dharma must be followed no matter what.

2. वीर्यवान् Viryavaan – Excellent Atma, Deha and Mano balam ( soul, physical and mental prowess).

Rama single-handedly fought 14,000 Rakshashaas when Khara and Dhuushana came for a fight. During Mahabharata war, Arjuna asked Anjayneyar how his skills were, to this Anjaneya replies, Arjuna’s skills was nothing compared to Sri Rama. Sri Rama fought so many fierce warriors at a young age and Rama alone could win many a great battles whereas Arjuna had Garuda as his horses, Hanuman in his chariot and Rama himself as Krishna guiding Arjuna.

3. धर्मज्ञनः Dharmajnah – Righteous in all his actions.

One may think Rama’s actions were not proper but every single deed by Rama is righteous, it has deeper reasons. Krishna did lots of mischief, he managed it easily using his exposed identity as Maha Vishnu. Both faced lots of difficulties.

4. कृतज्ञः Krithajnah – Always thankful to those who rendered even a small help.

We all are aware of the story of the squirrel’s help in the construction of the bridge. The squirrels took a dip in some water then rolled over the sand then came over the gaps in the bridge. Then they filled the gaps with the sand by wriggling their body. The bears and monkeys were laughing at the squirrels then Rama comes to the rescue. Then the three lines on their back were given by Rama for their gratitude. Even a small help rendered rewards a huge merit, just imagine how much we will get if follow Nithyakarma and dharma like Rama.

5. सत्य वाक्यः Satya Vaakyah – Truthful in speech.
6. धृढ व्रतः Dhridha vratah – Self confident and strongly determined to complete his vows and deeds.

Agastya Maharishi came to Rama, taught him Aditya Hrdayam then Rama should have won the war easily. But it wasn’t that easy, Rama tried to kill Ravana by severing a hundred of Ravana’s head, fought for more than seven days still he couldn’t then he takes Matali’s advice and uses the arrow given by Agastya, then he uses the special arrow of Brahma killing Ravana by aiming at his heart.

(Matali is the Charioteer of Indra, Indra gave his own chariot to Rama for the war also sent his charioteer. Arjuna also once had Indra’s chariot given to him along with Matali as charioteer to fight Rakshashas during Dwapara Yuga.)

7. चारित्रवान् Chaaritravaan – One who does charity.

When it comes to charity, Raghuvamsa kings donate in huge amounts to all. When it came to serving food, none could overtake Dasharatha in receiving the guests with a delicious meal. Anna Dhanam is a Maha Dharmam, Rama chose Dasharatha as his father due to this reason also.

Rama bestows us all kinds of boons upon us, says Valmiki Bhagwan. Once while giving charity, a poor Brahmana came to Rama asking for running his livelihood. That Brahmana was having a tough time in managing his family needs, so he decided to go to our Rama. When he entered, he thought all the charities to be given were over and was a bit uncertain to ask for something. Rama notices him and tells him that I haven’t started to give anything yet (to convince the uncertain Brahmana). Then the Brahmama asks for cows, and Rama asks the number of cows required. The Brahmana asks a javelin, then tells he wants cows as many that would fill the space in the area covered by the javelin thrown. Rama agrees and the javelin thrown lands near the Sarayu River covering a long distance. Rama happily donates many cows covering those area.

Then Lakshmana tells the Brahmana, my brother will give you more, don’t hesitate to ask more from Rama. The Brahmana was content with the cows and blessed Rama Lakhsmana, then proceeded cheerfully after loosening his burden.

8. सर्व भूतेषु हितः Sarva Bhuuteshu Hitah – Supporter of all the living creatures.
9. विद्वान् Vidvaan – One who knows the Shruti (Vedas), Smriti(Shastras) and Puranas very well.
10. समर्थः Samarthah – Capable of doing deeds which seem impossible to others.

Whoever met Rama in Treta Yuga went to Moksha, even Vibhishana though a Chiranjeevi didn’t want to stay anymore after Treta Yuga and left BhuLokam. Only a very few lived after Rama’s departure. After the war, Rama is greeted by Indra. He thanked Indra for the assistance then Rama wanted to revive the dead monkeys who had died for Rama in the battle. Indra requests Brahma to help, then the monkeys woke up as if they had woken up from deep slumber.

Rama did not want anyone to suffer during his reign, his compassion is all that we need. Although the killing of Vaali is justified by Shastras, he made himself to be killed in Dwapara Yuga by Vaali who was a hunter and Rama was Krishna.

Then Jambavan felt unsatisfactory after his service to Rama. Rama never touched anyone, only exception was Hanuman who was embraced tightly who rendered a great help. So, Jambhavan’s desire was fulfilled when he had to fight Krishna during the story of Syamantaka Mani then he gives his sister’s hand to Krishna.

11. एक प्रिय दर्शनः Eka Priya Darshanah – Delightful and soothing in appearance.
12. आत्मवान् Aatmavaan – Valiant and unafraid of death.
13. जित क्रोधः Jita Krodhah – Conqueror of anger.

Jita is always used to denote one has conquered someone, Indrajeeth – One who conquered Indra. There is a Vishwajeeth Yagnam, it was done by Raghu. Vishwajeeth means one conquered the Vishwam ( Vishwam = Brahmandam = 14 Lokas of the entire universe).

One can say even Andal (Kodhai), Acharyaal, great bhaktas like Sundarar, Kannappan Nayanmar, Pradhosa Mama conquered Vishwam. (Vishwam is the first nama of Vishnu Sahasranama, both Shiva and Vishnu are one and the same, everything is just the manifestation of Parameshwara, isn’t it ?)

14. द्युतिमान् Dyutimaan – Radiant complexion (this means the Brahma Tejas got by Acharam, Samskaram, Nithyakarma etc.)

15. अनसूयकः Anasuuyakah – Free from all jealousy and envy
    Rama, Lakshmana and Janaki once visited Atri Maharishi’s Ashram. They prostrated to Atri and Anasuya. (Anasuya = one devoid of envy.) All creatures around Anasuya devi learnt good things from her, blessing of this couple was very important to them.  Rama did service to so many rishis like Bharadwaja, Agastya, Atri, Vasishta, Kasyapa and Vishwamitra. The kainkaryam by Rama done crushed his agony due to the Tapo Balam of these great Rishis.

16. जात रोषस्य सम्युगे  बिभ्यति देवाः Jaata Roshasya Samuge Bibhyatidevaah –

When provoked , even the Devas will panic to face such a person in battle.

Even Markendeya Rishi started telling Ramayanam to pacify the wounded heart of Yuddhishtra, then he told many tales including the story of Nala and Damayanti even about Rudram Mahimai and punya Theertas.
Only Ramayanam has the absolute power to restore happiness in one’s family. Which is why Ramayanam is found in Vana Parva of Mahabharatam also. Veda took an avatar as Ramayanam just to please us with an outstanding simple yet elegant story.
Reading even a single chapter for a month has excellent phalan, upanyasam in those days, for Ramayanam went on for years. It would have been impossible to write down the vast Vedas.
Ladies don’t do nyasam for stotras (I had mentioned do nyasam for Aditya Hrdayam), just tell the stotra part only. Only those who had initiation for mantras can do nyasam for the initiated mantra. Mantra is not given advised for Achamanam and Pranayamam etc. If men do it, the effect of Nyasam will automatically get shared with the wife also. A few may get confused due to the misleading propaganda spread these days. Vedas are never biased.

Brahma Yagnam

This is included in the Pancha Maha Yagnas, even yagnams like Rajasuya or Aswamedha is not given the prefix “Maha”. Brahma Yagnam’s phalan is very huge. All you need is just water and ten minutes. (chant at least a small part of the Veda, even your Upasthana Mantras can be chanted here. You keep chanting Varuna Upasthanam in the evening, try to learn the full Varuna part from the Veda, this will help us to get rains !!)

Sama veda is pleasing to Parameshwara due to the musical tone, that is why Mahans made sure that everyone can please Bhagawan in Sama Veda style by singing stotras in a melodious way. Even Amrithavarshini raga helps…

Chanting Veda will help us to get rains, if you know Indra’s or Surya’s or Varuna’s  Veda portion or Rudram, it is very beneficial. Gayatri can make us learn any Veda portion, any stotram of your Ishta Devatha also will help you. Believe that Periyava himself has asked us chant to some Veda portion during Brahma Yagnam, he is Dakshinamurthy and he won’t tell directly in person. Do learn Pranayamam and then do Japa, Ramana Maharishi himself advised a person to do 10 Pranayamam then do Gayatri Japa.

This is a boon given to us by our Rishis, at least on holidays, one must perform this without fail. One more thing, Pitri Tharpanam can be performed by all. Those who do Amavasya Tharpanam have an extra set of mantras while doing Pitri tharpanam.

There are small corrections here, these ones are very important.

Achamanam –

Achamanam and Anga Vandanam must be done twice before Madhyanikam and Brahma Yagnam.

Even women can do Achamanam (not along with Anga Vandanam), but without mantras. A few of you may not know this, before doing any pooja, please do Achamanam.

Deva, Rishi and Pitri Tarpanam –

All Deva Tarpana Mantras must be told once and oblation is offered once.

All Rishi Tarpana Mantras must be told twice and oblations are given twice, even for Brahmanam Swambuyam.

All Pitru Tarpana Mantras must be told thrice and oblations are given thrice.

This is a Maha Yagnam, this can’t be completed properly if Rishi and Pitru Tarpanam is done only once.

“Ghis” Tarpayaami – (Only for Krishna Yajurvedins)

In Krishna Yajur Veda, the sound ‘Ghis’ tarpayami must come when “n”  comes before tarpayaami.

Ghis sounds like “Gh” from “Gho” , “is” like from “his”.

Other Veda Brahmanas don’t have this rule, every Veda has special swara pronunciation. Krishna Yajur Veda has this due to a special rule from a Sutra.

In this link, you can hear the pronunciation – Ghis. The intonation need not be in the form of musical tone, see the video mainly for Ghis pronunciation.  Some correctly do everything, but Ghis is left out. The same Ghis sound has another pronunciation in Boudhyana Sutram,  couldn’t find the right pronunciation.

Categories: Deivathin Kural

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