April 3, 2017 archive

What is the significance behind constructing Datta temples?

Dattatreya swami is the first Guru for the universe in the field of spirituality. Moreover Datta swami is the combined form of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Hence a worshiper of any God or Goddess is eligible to worship Lord Datta. Another important aspect is that Datta swami is above differentiation of religion, caste, creed, language, region, etc. Any person is thus eligible to worship Him. Dattta upasakas and sadhakas are gaining progress in every field.

16 Datta temples represent the 16 incarnations taken on by Datta. Based on the worthiness of the place, temples are being constructed as per the rules laid down in the shastras. To fulfill the desire of His devotees, more than 16 Datta temples have been constructed.

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What are Sri Swamiji’s goals?

Call it Swamiji’s desire or goal or intent, it is multifaceted. It is exhibited through the various activities undertaken by Swamiji. One of the goals is to slowly bring about a change in the hearts of those devotees who have taken complete shelter under me and totally surrendered to me and to create in them a liking towards spirituality and based on their tastes put them on to the suitable path for this progress. Swamiji blesses those who come to him, with suitable and appropriate blessings.

Swamiji offers appropriate guidance and indications to the individual depending on the need. With this, ethical values in the person are increased and the person gets the energy, the shakti to overcome his weaknesses. Further, the understanding of the true goal behind the human birth and the path in which it is to be achieved is attained by the person. At times, to treat devotees suffering from mental weaknesses, Swamiji also plays the role of an expert mental doctor. Swamiji’s ashram can also be called natural therapy centre (prakriti chikitsa). There both physical and mental growth can be achieved.

Among the religious activities protection of human dharma takes an important place. As part of that is solving the woes and the miseries of life, learning the methods of acquiring peace and happiness, all of which are essential in life. Understanding and sharing the pain and sorrows of the common man who is going through the hurdles of life, assisting them or trying to be of help to them and thus strengthening the friendship with them are part of it. Towards this, Swamiji adheres to his own methods. All these above mentioned gunas happen merely by Swamiji’s presence at that place and thus the devotees get relief.

Only after these come, Swamiji’s other tasks such as assisting with spiritual progress, introspection etc occur. In addition to this, Swamiji listens to the family and personal issues of every devotee and as the head of the family resolves or guides them accordingly. Swamiji travels along with them as they face the hurdles of life and sharing their pain and troubles, guides them throughout and struggles to get them out of it. Many devotees have personal experience in this context. To such devotees, Swamiji is not merely a God or a Guru, but to them he is the head of the family, a well-wisher and a true friend. Travelling with them as a companion in their life’s journey and being by their side at every hardship that they face, gradually and slowly Swamiji shifts them from a total materialistic life into the path towards self realization. Everyone has to experience this limitless love, the very significant energy (mahatvapoorna shakti) and the blessings of Sadguru Datta. In Swamiji’s presence, devotees endlessly experience this.

Over and above this, Swamiji uses methods such as homas, pujas, japa, namasankeertana to help the person reach his natural state of bliss. Reciting the various names of that Almighty such as Rama, Krishna, Datta the devotees participate in the bhajans and totally immersing themselves in that recitation, they experience bliss. Isn’t that true worship? Swamiji physically demonstrates all these to his devotees through his involvement and thus shows them the way and teaches them through it. True spiritual aspirants can learn a lot about our ancient rich culture and dharmas through this. All these activities happen per Swamiji’s will. Where the devotee takes one step, Swamiji will take 10 steps towards him.

-Glimpses of Bhaktimala 4

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Why are flowers worn behind one’s ears?

Flowers are the special symbols of akasha tattva (element of space). Fresh flowers that have been offered to the deity or are offered at the feet of the Sadguru are picked and kept behind the ear as a blessing. This practice has not come into vogue because of the convenience in placing the flower behind the ear or as a safe place which protects the flower from falling down.

The back of the ear is the home for all nādis (subtle astral nerves) that are a cause behind the movement of all the organs in our body. Keeping the flower there is to reduce the heat generated within them and to cool them. It can be said that it is to de-stress them. Thus this flower seated behind the ear sharpens the intellect and reduces the stress on the nādis. However, of late, this tradition is fading away.

-Glimpses of Bhaktimala 4

Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/why-are-flowers-worn-behind-ones-ears/

Is it mandatory to conduct sraardha ceremony (annual death ceremony) for departed ancestors?

Why do you even think that it should not be conducted? Are you not eating daily? What is it that you are losing in setting aside one day in a year in memory of parents who tenderly and lovingly raised you? Why can’t you have one meal a year in their memory? It is immaterial to you whether they come and eat what you have offered or not. Are you going to lose your entire wealth in conducting the rituals, offering food to a Brahmin or by feeding a crow?

The scriptures have specified that these rituals should be performed within our means. There is no necessity to stretch beyond one’s financial limits. It is natural to get depressed and upset when someone loved dies. At the same time the person gets irritated that the person whom he/she dislikes continues to be alive. There is no concept of ‘adjustment’ in us. Setting aside one day in a year for our departed elder and partaking food in their memory is our duty (dharma) as laid down by our scriptures. It is also our way of showing our gratitude towards them.

-Glimpses of Bhaktimala 4

Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/is-it-mandatory-to-conduct-sraardha-ceremony-annual-death-ceremony-for-departed-ancestors/

What is the significance behind the worshipping kalasha (sacred pot) during worship?

Worship of a kalasha occupies a significant position among our rituals. Kalasha is far more superior than any idol, irrespective of whether it is made of mud, wood or metal, or to any wall poster or to any figurine of the deity worshipped as God. It is the intent behind the preparation of the kalasha that makes it significant. The feelings and belief play a very vital role.

The grains of rice poured inside the kalasha represent the 33 crore Devatas (deities). The sacred pot (kalasha) in itself represents Vishnu. The water in it is considered to be the holy water from all the sacred ponds and rivers. Mango leaves at the top signify auspiciousness (Gowri). The coconut symbolizes Shiva.

When with these feelings and beliefs it is consecrated, it turns into a Purna kumbha. Thus in such a Kumbha (pot), Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Gowri devi together with the 33 crore Devatas as well as all the sacred waters exist. It is at this point that we invoke the presiding deity who is to be worshipped into the kalasha.

This is the reason why, be it Navaratri or Shivaratri, it is an ancient practice that the main puja is always done to the kalasha.

-Glimpses of Bhaktimala 4

Permanent link to this article: https://puttugam.com/what-is-the-significance-behind-the-worshipping-kalasha-sacred-pot-during-worship/

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