Puttugam2

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

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

Lemon contains tremendous shakti (energy). It has the capacity to grant that trait which is beyond the trigunas (the three attributes of Nature). Mother Goddess, in many instances, is seen wearing a garland of skulls. These are the skulls of the demons killed by her. This reflects Her compassion, mercy and immeasurable love towards those demons killed. Strewing together a garland of lemons and placing around the deity’s neck symbolizes the garland of skulls that she wears.

Coconut symbolizes the head. In those situations where coconuts are not available, lemons are offered to the deity. If 2 lemons were offered to the Guru, he would normally return 1 lemon as his blessing. The juice of the lemons offered to the Lord is generally consumed as prasadam. As per medical science, lemon juice taken in with a pinch of salt, sugar and honey is considered as a great remedy for many illnesses.

-Glimpses of Bhaktimala 4

These ingredients signify auspiciousness and traits of sacrifice (tyaga). In a puja they symbolize a prayer to the Almighty that the person’s life should be blessed with auspiciousness.

In our Hindu dharma they are considered as symbols of Goddess Gauri. Among Hindu ladies, they also symbolize her status as suvasini (married woman). Turmeric is applied liberally on the feet, hands and face. As per our Hindu tradition, a married woman (suvasini) is considered as a form of the Goddess and is offered haldi-kumkum (turmeric and kumkum). Both these items are naturally blessed with extensive medicinal properties that grant good physical health and this is yet another important reason to propagate its usage.

Turmeric is a natural antiseptic, a quick wound healer and also has anti-poison properties. It has in it an inherent capacity to destroy germs. Our hands and feet are primarily exposed to germs as we walk about completing our daily chores. Applying turmeric on feet protects them from the various germs or diseases that could attack. It heals throat cancer. Many skin disorders are cured. Applying turmeric on the feet of the person suffering from intense cold and rubbing them vigourously helps in generating heat within the body. At times of common cold, turmeric is sprinkled in burning charcoal and the smoke is inhaled. In addition to all these, it also signifies dhyana. As it symbolizes auspiciousness and prosperity, it is used in every auspicious occasion.

In many families, at the beginning of any important puja or vrata, turmeric Ganapati or turmeric Gauri are prepared and are decorated with kumkum. Who then is Mother Gowri? She is none other than the energy present in the Nature. In other words, it symbolizes that energy of Nature (Prakriti) that is being worshipped.

Kumkum refers to the red colour powder used mainly during pujas. Similar to turmeric it has many good properties and is considered auspicious. It is prepared out of turmeric. The red colour kumkum water is used for removing the evil effects caused by evil eye (drishti). According to the maanasika shastras (Scriptures), when we look at that red coloured water the ill effects of evil eye are destroyed. Mental agitations are thus destroyed and the mind acquires peace/ calmness.

As both these ingredients contain so many positive properties, they have been necessarily incorporated in our daily rituals. Perhaps you may consider them as mere blind beliefs. Nevertheless it is a procedure that is strongly advocated by the experts in natural medicine.

Why is akshata (raw rice grains mixed with turmeric or kumkum) used? It is impractical to state that during every puja, flowers and fruits will be available in plenty. In their absence, akshata is used as a substitute. Akshata symbolizes purity. It symbolizes that which is hidden deep inside every living being in this vast universe. It also reminds us that all living beings are similar to us and are equal. Devoid of all our impurities, we are that pure akshata.

-Glimpses of Bhaktimala 4