Contents
Introduction Introduction 3
Why do we…….
1. Why do we light a lamp? 4
2. Why do we have a prayer room? 4
3. Why do we do Namaste? 5
4. Why do we prostrate before parents and elders? 5
5. Why do we wear marks (tilak, pottu and the like) on the forehead? 6
6. Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet? 7
7. To touch another with the feet is considered an act of misdemeanor.
Why is this so?
7
8. Why do we apply the holy ash? 7
9. Why do offer food to the Lord before eating it? 8
10. Why do we fast? 9
11. Why do we do pradakshina (circumambulate)? 9
12. Why is pradakshina done only in a clockwise manner? 9
13. Why do we regard trees and plants as sacred? 10
14. Why do we ring the bell in a temple? 10
15. Why do we worship the kalasha? 11
16. Why do we consider the lotus as special? 11
17. Why do we worship tulasi? 12
18. Why do we blow the conch? 13
19. Why do we say shaanti thrice? 13
20. Why do we offer a coconut? 14
21. Why do we chant Om? 15
22. Why do we do aarati? 15
Hindu Rituals and Routines Why do we follow them?
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Introduction
Hinduism is not a religion but a way of life. Unlike other religions, Hindu dharma has many
specialties. This is not known as a religion, it is known as the dharma; Sanaathana Dharma.
Sanaathana means, according to Bhagavath Geetha, which cannot be destroyed by fire,
weapons, water, air, and which is present in all living and non living being. Dharma means,
the way of life which is the ‘total of all aachaaraas or customs and rituals’.
Sanaathana Dharma has its foundation on scientific spirituality. In the entire ancient Hindu
literature we can see that science and spirituality are integrated. It is mentioned in the 40th
chapter of the Yajurveda known as Eesaavaasya Upanishad that use scientific knowledge
for solving problems in our life and use the spiritual knowledge for attaining immortality
through philosophical outlook.
Remember that in each and every aachaaraa there will be a component of spirituality in it.
Without spirituality, nothing exists in Sanaathana dharma. Generally everyone bear a wrong
impression that this spirituality is religion. Spirituality is different in Hindu dharma. Here
the question of religion does not exist at all, because Hindu dharma was not created by an
individual, prophet or an incarnation. Spirituality is a part of every Hindu custom in the
normal life of a Hindu.
Aachaaraas are to be followed based on their merits available from the self experience; you
need not blindly follow a teacher or someone who gives advice without reasoning. All these
aachaaraas are mentioned for the prosperity of the human beings and it should be the prime
focus for practicing the Hindu aachaaraas.
Achaaryaath paadam aadatthe
paadam sishya swamedhayaa
paadam sa brahmachaaribhya
sesham kaala kramena cha
This is an important advice given in smruthies. It means a person can get only one quarter
of knowledge from Achaarya - the teacher, another quarter by analyzing self, one quarter by
discussing with others and the last quarter during the process of living by method addition,
deletion, correction, and modification of already known aachaaraas or new aachaaraas.
Aachaaraath labhathe hi ayu:
aachaaraath dhanamakshayam
aachaaraath labhathe suprajaa:
aachaaro ahanthya lakshanam
Aachaaraas are followed for the psychological and physiological health and long life;
Aachaaraas are followed for prosperity and wealth; Aachaaraas are followed for strong family
and social bondage and following the Aachaaraas give a fine personality, dharmic outlook and
vision, says our dharmasaastra.
In India everyone followed Aachaaraas for the above mentioned psychological, physiological,
family relation, social benefits and national integration based benefits. It is your right and
duty to understand scientifically, rationally and logically the meaning of each and every
Aachaaraas and follow the same in your life systematically.
Hindu Rituals and Routines Why do we follow them?
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1. Why do we light a lamp?
In almost every Indian home a lamp is lit daily before the altar of the Lord. In some houses it
is lit at dawn, in some, twice a day – at dawn and dusk – and in a few it is maintained
continuously - Akhanda Deepa. All auspicious functions commence with the lighting of the
lamp, which is often maintained right through the occasion.
Light symbolizes knowledge, and darkness - ignorance. The Lord is the "Knowledge Principle"
(Chaitanya) who is the source, the enlivener and the illuminator of all knowledge. Hence
light is worshiped as the Lord himself.
Knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes darkness. Also knowledge is a lasting
inner wealth by which all outer achievement can be accomplished. Hence we light the lamp
to bow down to knowledge as the greatest of all forms of wealth.
Why not light a bulb or tube light? That too would remove darkness. But the traditional oil
lamp has a further spiritual significance. The oil or ghee in the lamp symbolizes our vaasanas
or negative tendencies and the wick, the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, the vaasanas
get slowly exhausted and the ego too finally perishes. The flame of a lamp always burns
upwards. Similarly we should acquire such knowledge as to take us towards higher ideals.
Whilst lighting the lamp we thus pray:
Deepajyothi parabrahma
Deepa sarva tamopahaha
Deepena saadhyate saram
Sandhyaa deepo namostute
I prostrate to the dawn/dusk lamp; whose light is the Knowledge Principle (the Supreme
Lord), which removes the darkness of ignorance and by which all can be achieved in life.
2. Why do we have a prayer room?
Most Indian homes have a prayer room or altar. A lamp is lit and the Lord worshipped each
day. Other spiritual practices like japa - repetition of the Lord’s name, meditation,
paaraayana - reading of the scriptures, prayers, and devotional singing etc are also done
here. Special worship is done on auspicious occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, festivals
and the like. Each member of the family - young or old - communes with and worships the
Divine here.
The Lord is the entire creation. He is therefore the true owner of the house we live in too.
The prayer room is the Master room of the house. We are the earthly occupants of His
property. This notion rids us of false pride and possessiveness.
The ideal attitude to take is to regard the Lord as the true owner of our homes and us as
caretakers of His home. But if that is rather difficult, we could at least think of Him as a
very welcome guest. Just as we would house an important guest in the best comfort, so too
we felicitate the Lord’s presence in our homes by having a prayer room or altar, which is, at
all times, kept clean and well-decorated.
Also the Lord is all pervading. To remind us that He resides in our homes with us, we have
prayer rooms. Without the grace of the Lord, no task can be successfully or easily
accomplished. We invoke His grace by communing with Him in the prayer room each day and
on special occasions.
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Each room in a house is dedicated to a specific function like the bedroom for resting, the
drawing room to receive guests, the kitchen for cooking etc. The furniture, decor and the
atmosphere of each room are made conducive to the purpose it serves. So too for the
purpose of meditation, worship and prayer, we should have a conducive atmosphere - hence
the need for a prayer room.
Sacred thoughts and sound vibrations pervade the place and influence the minds of those
who spend time there. Spiritual thoughts and vibrations accumulated through regular
meditation, worship and chanting done there pervade the prayer room. Even when we are
tired or agitated, by just sitting in the prayer room for a while, we feel calm, rejuvenated
and spiritually uplifted.
3. Why do we do Namaste?
Indians greet each other with namaste. The two palms are placed together in front of the
chest and the head bows whilst saying the word namaste. This greeting is for all - people
younger than us, of our own age, those older than friends, even strangers and us.
There are five forms of formal traditional greeting enjoined in the shaastras of which
namaskaram is one. This is understood as prostration but it actually refers to paying homage
as we do today when we greet each other with a namaste.
Namaste could be just a casual or formal greeting, a cultural convention or an act of
worship. However there is much more to it than meets the eye. In Sanskrit namah + te =
namaste. It means - I bow to you - my greetings, salutations or prostration to you. Namaha
can also be literally interpreted as "na ma" (not mine). It has a spiritual significance of
negating or reducing one’s ego in the presence of another.
The real meeting between people is the meeting of their minds. When we greet another, we
do so with namaste, which means, "may our minds meet," indicated by the folded palms
placed before the chest. The bowing down of the head is a gracious form of extending
friendship in love and humility
The spiritual meaning is even deeper. The life force, the divinity, the Self or the Lord in me
is the same in all. Recognizing this oneness with the meeting of the palms, we salute with
head bowed the Divinity in the person we meet. That is why sometimes, we close our eyes
as we do namaste to a revered person or the Lord – as if to look within. The gesture is often
accompanied by words like "Ram Ram,” "Jai Shri Krishna", "Namo Narayana", "Jai Siya Ram",
"Om Shanti" etc - indicating the recognition of this divinity.
When we know this significance, our greeting does not remain just a superficial gesture or
word but paves the way for a deeper communion with another in an atmosphere of love and
respect.
4. Why do we prostrate before parents and elders?
Indians prostrate before their parents, elders, teachers and noble souls by touching their
feet. The elder in turn blesses us by placing his or her hand on or over our heads.
Prostration is done daily, when we meet elders and particularly on important occasions like
the beginning of a new task, birthdays, festivals etc. In certain traditional circles,
prostration is accompanied by abhivaadana, which serves to introduce one-self, announce
one’s family and social stature.
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Man stands on his feet. Touching the feet in prostration is a sign of respect for the age,
maturity, nobility and divinity that our elders personify. It symbolizes our recognition of
their selfless love for us and the sacrifices they have done for our welfare. It is a way of
humbly acknowledging the greatness of another. This tradition reflects the strong family
ties, which has been one of India’s enduring strengths.
The good wishes (Sankalpa) and blessings (aashirvaada) of elders are highly valued in India.
We prostrate to seek them. Good thoughts create positive vibrations. Good wishes springing
from a heart full of love, divinity and nobility have a tremendous strength. When we
prostrate with humility and respect, we invoke the good wishes and blessings of elders, which
flow in the form of positive energy to envelop us. This is why the posture assumed whether
it is in the standing or prone position, enables the entire body to receive the energy thus
received.
The different forms of showing respect are :
Pratuthana: Rising to welcome a person.
Namaskaara: Paying homage in the form of namaste
Upasangrahan: Touching the feet of elders or teachers.
Shaashtaanga: Prostrating fully with the feet, knees, stomach, chest, forehead and
arms touching the ground in front of the elder.
Pratyabivaadana: Returning a greeting.
Rules are prescribed in our scriptures as to who should prostrate to whom. Wealth, family
name, age, moral strength and spiritual knowledge in ascending order of importance
qualified men to receive respect. This is why a king though the ruler of the land, would
prostrate before a spiritual master. Epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata have many
stories highlighting this aspect.
5. Why do we wear marks (tilak, pottu and the like) on the forehead?
The tilak or pottu invokes a feeling of sanctity in the wearer and others. It is recognized as a
religious mark. Its form and colour vary according to one’s caste, religious sect or the form
of the Lord worshipped.
In earlier times, the four castes (based on varna or colour) - Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaishya
and Sudra - applied marks differently. The brahmin applied a white chandan mark signifying
purity, as his profession was of a priestly or academic nature. The kshatriya applied a red
kumkum mark signifying valour as he belonged to warrior races. The vaishya wore a yellow
kesar or turmeric mark signifying prosperity as he was a businessman or trader devoted to
creation of wealth. The sudra applied a black bhasma, kasturi or charcoal mark signifying
service as he supported the work of the other three divisions.
Also Vishnu worshippers apply a chandan tilak of the shape of "U,” Shiva worshippers a
tripundra of bhasma, Devi worshippers a red dot of kumkum and so on).
The tilak cover the spot between the eyebrows, which is the seat of memory and thinking. It
is known as the Aajna Chakra in the language of Yoga. The tilak is applied with the prayer -
"May I remember the Lord. May this pious feeling pervade all my activities. May I be
righteous in my deeds.” Even when we temporarily forget this prayerful attitude the mark
on another reminds us of our resolve. The tilak is thus a blessing of the Lord and a
protection against wrong tendencies and forces.
The entire body emanates energy in the form of electromagnetic waves - the forehead and
the subtle spot between the eyebrows especially so. That is why worry generates heat and
Hindu Rituals and Routines Why do we follow them?
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causes a headache. The tilak and pottu cools the forehead, protects us and prevents energy
loss. Sometimes the entire forehead is covered with chandan or bhasma. Using plastic
reusable "stick bindis" is not very beneficial, even though it serves the purpose of decoration.
6. Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet?
To Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine. So it must be given respect at all times.
Nowadays we separate subjects as sacred and secular. But in ancient India every subject -
academic or spiritual - was considered divine and taught by the guru in the gurukula.
The custom of not stepping on educational tools is a frequent reminder of the high position
accorded to knowledge in Indian culture. From an early age, this wisdom fosters in us a deep
reverence for books and education. This is also the reason why we worship books, vehicles
and instruments once a year on Saraswathi Pooja or Ayudha Pooja day, dedicated to the
Goddess of Learning. In fact, each day before starting our studies, we pray:
Saraswati namasthubhyam
Varade kaama roopini
Vidyaarambham karishyaami
Sidhirbhavatu me sadaa
O Goddess Saraswati, the giver of
Boons and fulfiller of wishes,
I prostrate to You before
starting my studies.
May you always fulfill me?
7. To touch another with the feet is considered an act of misdemeanor.
Why is this so?
Man is regarded as the most beautiful, living breathing temple of the Lord! Therefore
touching another with the feet is akin to disrespecting the divinity within him or her. This
calls for an immediate apology, which is offered with reverence and humility.
8. Why do we apply the holy ash?
The ash of any burnt object is not regarded as holy ash. Bhasma (the holy ash) is the ash
from the homa (sacrificial fire) where special wood along with ghee and other herbs is
offered as worship of the Lord. Or the deity is worshipped by pouring ash as abhisheka and is
then distributed as bhasma.
Bhasma is generally applied on the forehead. Some apply it on certain parts of the body like
the upper arms, chest etc. Some ascetics rub it all over the body. Many consume a pinch of
it each time they receive it.
The word bhasma means, "that by which our sins are destroyed and the Lord is
remembered.” Bha implied bhartsanam ("to destroy") and sma implies smaranam ("to
remember"). The application of bhasma therefore signifies destruction of the evil and
remembrance of the divine. Bhasma is called vibhuti (which means "glory") as it gives glory
to one who applies it and raksha (which means a source of protection) as it protects the
wearer from ill health and evil, by purifying him or her.
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Homa (offering of oblations into the fire with sacred chants) signifies the offering or
surrender of the ego and egocentric desires into the flame of knowledge or a noble and
selfless cause. The consequent ash signifies the purity of the mind, which results from such
actions.
Also the fire of knowledge burns the oblation and wood signifying ignorance and inertia
respectively. The ash we apply indicates that we should burn false identification with the
body and become free of the limitations of birth and death. This is not to be misconstrued as
a morose reminder of death but as a powerful pointer towards the fact that time and tide
wait for none.
Bhasma is specially associated with Lord Shiva who applies it all over His body. Shiva devotes
apply bhasma as a tripundra. When applied with a red spot at the center, the mark
symbolizes Shiva-Shakti (the unity of energy and matter that creates the entire seen and
unseen universe).
Tryambakam yajaamahe
Sugandhim pushtivardhanam
Urvaa rukamiva bhandhanaan
Mrytyor muksheeyamaa amrutaat
"We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva who nourishes and spread fragrance in our lives. May
He free us from the shackles of sorrow, change and death – effortlessly, like the fall of a rip
brinjal from its stem."
9. Why do offer food to the Lord before eating it?
Indians make an offering of food to the Lord and later partake of it as prasaada - a holy gift
from the Lord. In our daily ritualistic worship (pooja) too we offer naivedyam (food) to the
Lord.
The Lord is omnipotent and omniscient. Man is a part, while the Lord is the totality. All that
we do is by His strength and knowledge alone. Hence what we receive in life as a result of
our actions is really His alone. We acknowledge this through the act of offering food to Him.
This is exemplified by the Hindi words "tera tujko arpan"– I offer what is Yours to You.
Thereafter it is akin to His gift to us, graced by His divine touch.
Knowing this, our entire attitude to food and the act of eating changes. The food offered will
naturally be pure and the best. We share what we get with others before consuming it. We
do not demand, complain or criticise the quality of the food we get. We eat it with cheerful
acceptance (prasaada buddhi).
Before we partake of our daily meals we first sprinkle water around the plate as an act of
purification. Five morsels of food are placed on the side of the plate acknowledging the debt
owed by us to the Divine forces (devta runa) for their benign grace and protection, our
ancestors (pitru runa) for giving us their lineage and a family culture, the sages (rishi runa)
as our religion and culture have been "realised", aintained and handed down to us by them,
our fellow beings (manushya runa) who constitute society without the support of which we
could not live as we do and other living beings (bhuta runa) for serving us selflessly.
Thereafter the Lord, the life force, who is also within us as the five life-giving physiological
functions, is offered the food. This is done with the chant
praanaaya swaahaa,
apaanaaya swaahaa,
vyaanaaya swaahaa,
Hindu Rituals and Routines Why do we follow them?
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udaanaaya swaahaa,
samaanaaya swaahaa,
brahmane swaahaa
After offering the food thus, it is eaten as prasaada - blessed food.
10. Why do we fast?
Most devout Indians fast regularly or on special occasions like festivals. On such days they do
not eat at all, eat once or make do with fruits or a special diet of simple food.
Fasting in Sanskrit is called upavaasa. Upa means "near" + vaasa means "to stay". Upavaasa
therefore means staying near (the Lord), meaning the attainment of close mental proximity
with the Lord. Then what has upavaasa to do with food?
A lot of our time and energy is spent in procuring food items, preparing, cooking, eating and
digesting food. Certain food types make our minds dull and agitated. Hence on certain days
man decides to save time and conserve his energy by eating either simple, light food or
totally abstaining from eating so that his mind becomes alert and pure. The mind, otherwise
pre-occupied by the thought of food, now entertains noble thoughts and stays with the Lord.
Since it is a self-imposed form of discipline it is usually adhered to with joy
Also every system needs a break and an overhaul to work at its best. Rest and a change of
diet during fasting is very good for the digestive system and the entire body.
The more you indulge the senses, the more they make their demands. Fasting helps us to
cultivate control over our senses, sublimate our desires and guide our minds to be poised and
at peace.
Fasting should not make us weak, irritable or create an urge to indulge later. This happens
when there is no noble goal behind fasting.
The Bhagavad-Gita urges us to eat appropriately - neither too less nor too much - yuktaaahaara
and to eat simple, pure and healthy food (a saatvik diet) even when not fasting.
11. Why do we do pradakshina (circumambulate)?
We cannot draw a circle without a center point. The Lord is the center, source and essence
of our lives. Recognizing Him as the focal point in our lives, we go about doing our daily
chores. This is the significance of pradakshina.
Also every point on the circumference of a circle is equidistant from the center. This means
that wherever or whoever we may be, we are equally close to the Lord. His grace flows
towards us without partiality.
12. Why is pradakshina done only in a clockwise manner?
The reason is not, as a person said, to avoid a traffic jam! As we do pradakshina, the Lord is
always on our right. In India the right side symbolizes auspiciousness. So as we
circumambulate the sanctum sanctorum we remind ourselves to lead an auspicious life of
righteousness, with the Lord who is the indispensable source of help and strength, as our
guide - the "right hand".
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Indian scriptures enjoin - matrudevo bhava, pitrudevo bhava, acharyadevo bhava. May
you consider your parents and teachers as you would the Lord. With this in mind we also do
pradakshina around our parents and divine personages.
After the completion of traditional worship (pooja), we customarily do pradakshina around
ourselves. In this way we recognize and remember the supreme divinity within us, which
alone is idolized in the form of the Lord that we worship outside.
13. Why do we regard trees and plants as sacred?
The Lord, the life in us, pervades all living beings, be they plants or animals. Hence, they are
all regarded as sacred. Human life on earth depends on plants and trees. They give us the
vital factors that make life possible on earth: food, oxygen, clothing, shelter, medicines etc.
Hence, in India, we are taught to regard trees and plants as sacred. Indians scriptures tell us
to plant ten trees if, for any reason, we have to cut one. We are advised to use parts of trees
and plants only as much as is needed for food, fuel, shelter etc. we are also urged to
apologies to a plant or tree before cutting it to avoid incurring a specific sin named soona.
Certain trees and plants like tulasi, peepal etc., which have tremendous beneficial qualities,
are worshipped till today. It is believed that divine beings manifest as trees and plants, and
many people worship them to fulfill their desires or to please the Lord.
14. Why do we ring the bell in a temple?
Is it to wake up the Lord? But the Lord never sleeps. Is it to let the Lord know we have come?
He does not need to be told, as He is all knowing. Is it a form of seeking permission to enter
His precinct? It is a homecoming and therefore entry needs no permission. The Lord
welcomes us at all times. Then why do we ring the bell?
The ringing of the bell produces what is regarded as an auspicious sound. It produces the
sound Om, the universal name of the Lord. There should be auspiciousness within and
without, to gain the vision of the Lord who is all-auspiciousness.
Even while doing the ritualistic aarati, we ring the bell. It is sometimes accompanied by the
auspicious sounds of the conch and other musical instruments. An added significance of
ringing the bell, conch and other instruments is that they help drowned any inauspicious or
irrelevant noises and comments that might disturb or distract the worshippers in their
devotional ardour, concentration and inner peace.
As we start the daily ritualistic worship (pooja) we ring the bell, chanting:
Aagamaarthamtu devaanaam
gamanaarthamtu rakshasaam
Kurve ghantaaravam tatra
devataahvaahna lakshanam
I ring this bell indicating
the invocation of divinity,
So that virtuous and noble forces
enter (my home and heart);
and the demonic and evil forces
from within and without, depart.
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15. Why do we worship the kalasha?
First of all what is a kalasha? A brass, mud or copper pot is filled with water. Mango leaves
are placed in the mouth of the pot and a coconut is placed over it. A red or white thread is
tied around its neck or sometimes all around it in a intricate diamond-shaped pattern. The
pot may be decorated wit designs. Such a pot is known as a kalasha.
When the pot is filled with water or rice, it is known as purnakumbha representing the inert
body which when filled with the divine life force gains the power to do all the wonderful
things that makes life what it is.
A kalasha is placed with due rituals on all-important occasions like the traditional house
warming (grihapravesa), wedding, daily worship etc. It is placed near the entrance as a sign
of welcome. It is also used in a traditional manner while receiving holy personages. Why do
we worship the kalasha? Before the creation came into being, Lord Vishnu was reclining on
His snake-bed in the milky ocean. From His navel emerged a lotus from which appeared Lord
Brahma, the creator, who thereafter created this world.
The water in the kalasha symbolizes the primordial water from which the entire creation
emerged. It is the giver of life to all and has the potential of creating innumerable names and
forms, the inert objects and the sentient beings and all that is auspicious in the world from
the energy behind the universe. The leaves and coconut represent creation.
The thread represents the love that "binds" all in creation. The kalasha is therefore
considered auspicious and worshipped. The waters from all the holy rivers, the knowledge of
all the Vedas and the blessings of all the deities are invoked in the kalasha and its water is
thereafter used for all the rituals, including the abhisheka.
The consecration (kumbhaabhisheka) of a temple is done in a grand manner with elaborate
rituals including the pouring of one or more kalashas of holy water on the top of the temple.
When the asuras and devas churned the milky ocean, the Lord appeared bearing the pot of
nectar, which blessed one with everlasting life.
Thus the kalasha also symbolizes immortality. Men of wisdom are full and complete as they
identify with the infinite Truth (poornatvam). They brim with joy and love and respect all
that is auspicious. We greet them with a purnakumbha ("full pot") acknowledging their
greatness and as a sign of respectful and reverential welcome, with a "full heart".
16. Why do we consider the lotus as special?
The lotus is the symbol of truth, auspiciousness and beauty (satyam, shivam, sundaram).
The Lord is also that nature and therefore, His various aspects are compared to a lotus (i.e.
lotus-eyes, lotus feet, lotus hands, the lotus of the heart etc.).
The lotus blooms with the rising sun and close at night. Similarly, our minds open up and
expand with the light of knowledge. The lotus grows even in slushy areas. It remains
beautiful and untainted despite its surroundings, reminding us that we too can and should
strive to remain pure and beautiful within, under all circumstances.
The lotus leaf never gets wet even though it is always in water. It symbolizes the man of
wisdom (gyaani) who remains ever joyous, unaffected by the world of sorrow and change.
This is revealed in a shloka from the Bhagwad-Geeta:
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Brahmanyaadhaaya karmaani
Sangam tyaktvaa karoti yaha
Lipyate na sa paapena
Padma patram ivaambhasaa
He who does actions, offering them to Brahman (the Supreme), abandoning attachment, is
not tainted by sin, just as a lotus leaf remains unaffected by the water on it.
From this, we learn that what is natural to the man of wisdom becomes a discipline to be
practiced by all saadhakas or spiritual seekers and devotees. Our bodies have certain energy
centers described in the Yoga Shaastras as chakras.
Each one is associated with lotus that has a certain number of petals. For example, a lotus
with a thousand petals represents the Sahasra chakra at the top of the head, which opens
when the yogi attains Godhood or Realisation. Also, the lotus posture (padmaasana) is
recommended when one sits for meditation. A lotus emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu.
Lord Brahma originated from it to create the world. Hence, the lotus symbolizes the link
between the creator and the supreme Cause.
It also symbolizes Brahmaloka, the abode of Lord Brahma. The auspicious sign of the swastika
is said to have evolved from the lotus.
17. Why do we worship tulasi?
In Sanskrit, tulanaa naasti athaiva tulasi - that which is incomparable (in its qualities) is the
tulasi
For Indians it is one of the most sacred plants. In fact it is known to be the only thing used in
worship, which, once used, can be washed and reused in pooja - as it is regarded so selfpurifying.
As one story goes, Tulasi was the devoted wife of Shankhachuda, a celestial being. She
believed that Lord Krishna tricked her into sinning. So she cursed Him to become a stone
(shaaligraama). Seeing her devotion and adhered to righteousness, the Lord blessed her
saying that she would become the worshipped plant, tulasi that would adorn His head.
Also that all offerings would be incomplete without the tulasi leaf - hence the worship of
tulasi.
She also symbolises Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. Those who wish to be
righteous and have a happy family life worship the tulasi.
Tulasi is married to the Lord with all pomp and show as in any wedding.
This is because according to another legend, the Lord blessed her to be His consort.
Satyabhama once weighed Lord Krishna against all her legendary wealth. The scales did not
balance till a single tulasi leaf was placed along with the wealth on the scale by Rukmini with
devotion.
Thus the tulasi played the vital role of demonstrating to the world that even a small object
offered with devotion means more to the Lord than all the wealth in the world.
The tulasi leaf has great medicinal value and is used to cure various ailments, including the
common cold.
Yanmule sarvatirhaani
Yannagre sarvadevataa
Yanmadhye sarvavedaascha
Tulasi taam namaamyaham
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I bow down to the tulasi, At whose base are all the holy places, At whose top reside all the
deities and In whose middle are all the Vedas.
18. Why do we blow the conch?
When the conch is blown, the primordial sound of Om emanates. Om is an auspicious sound
that was chanted by the Lord before creating the world. It represents the world and the
Truth behind it.
As the story goes, the demon Shankhaasura defeated devas, the Vedas and went to the
bottom of the ocean. The devas appealed to Lord Vishnu for help. He incarnated as Matsya
Avataara - the "fish incarnation" and killed Shankhaasura. The Lord blew the conch-shaped
bone of his ear and head. The Om sound emanated, from which emerged the Vedas.
All knowledge enshrined in the Vedas is an elaboration of Om. The conch therefore is known
as shankha after Shankaasua. The conch blown by the Lord is called Paanchajanya. He
carries it at all times in one of His four hands.
It represents dharma or righteousness that is one of the four goals (purushaarthas) of life.
The sound of the conch is thus also the victory call of good over evil.
Another well-known purpose of blowing the conch and the instruments, known traditionally
to produce auspicious sounds is to drown or mask negative comments or noises that may
disturb or upset the atmosphere or the minds of worshippers.
Ancient India lived in her villages. Each village was presided over by a primary temple and
several small ones. During the aarati performed after all-important poojas and on sacred
occasions, the conch used to be blown. Since villages were generally small, the sound of the
conch would be heard all over the village. People who could not make it to the temple were
reminded to stop whatever they were doing, at least for a few seconds, and mentally bow to
the Lord. The conch sound served to briefly elevate people's minds to a prayerful attitude
even in the middle of their busy daily routine.
The conch is placed at the altar in temples and homes next to the Lord as a symbol of Naada
Brahma (Truth), the Vedas, Om, dharma, victory and auspiciousness. It is often used to offer
devotees thirtha (sanctified water) to raise their minds to the highest Truth. It is worshipped
with the following verse.
Twam puraa saagarot pannaha
Vishnunaa vidhrutahakare
Devaischa poojitha sarvahi
Panchjanya namostu te
Salutations to Panchajanya
the conch born of the ocean
Held in the hand of Lord Vishnu
and worshipped by all devaas
19. Why do we say shaanti thrice?
Shaanti, meaning "peace", is a natural state of being. Disturbances are created either by
others or us. For example, peace already exists in a place until someone makes noise.
Therefore, peace underlies all our agitations. When agitations end, peace is naturally
experienced since it was already there. Where there is peace, there is happiness. Therefore,
every one without exception desires peace in his/her life.
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However, peace within or without seems very hard to attain because it is covered by our own
agitations. A rare few manage to remain peaceful within even in the midst of external
agitation and troubles. To invoke peace, we chant prayers. By chanting prayers, troubles end
and peace is experienced internally, irrespective of the external disturbances. All such
prayers end by chanting shaanti thrice.
It is believed that trivaram satyam - that which is said thrice comes true. For emphasizing a
point we repeat a thing thrice. In the court of law also, one who takes the witness stands
says, "I shall speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth".
We chant shaanti thrice to emphasise our intense desire for peace. All obstacles, problems
and sorrows originate from three sources.
Aadhidaivika : The unseen divine forces over which we have little or no control like
earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions etc.
Aadhibhautika: The known factors around us like accidents, human contacts, pollution,
crime etc.
Aadhyaatmika : We sincerely pray to the Lord that at least while we undertake special tasks
or even in our daily lives, there are no problems or that, problems are minimised from the
three sources written about above.
May peace alone prevail. Hence shaanti is chanted thrice.
It is chanted aloud the first time, addressing the unseen forces. It is chanted softer the
second time, directed to our immediate surroundings and those around, and softest the last
time as it is addressed to oneself.
20. Why do we offer a coconut?
In India one of the most common offerings in a temple is a coconut. It is also offered on
occasions like weddings, festivals, the use of a new vehicle, bridge, house etc. It is offered in
the sacrificial fire whilst performing homa. The coconut is broken and placed before the
Lord. It is later distributed as prasaada.
The fibre covering of the dried coconut is removed except for a tuft on the top. The marks
on the coconut make it look like the head of a human being. The coconut is broken,
symbolising the breaking of the ego. The juice within, representing the inner tendencies
(vaasanas) is offered along with the white kernel - the mind, to the Lord.
A mind thus purified by the touch of the Lord is used as prasaada ( a holy gift). In the
traditional abhishekha ritual done in all temples and many homes, several materials are
poured over the deity like milk, curd, honey, tender coconut water, sandal paste, holy ash
etc. Each material has a specific significance of bestowing certain benefits on worshippers.
Tender coconut water is used in abhisheka rituals since it is believed to bestow spiritual
growth on the seeker.
The coconut also symbolises selfless service. Every part of the tree -the trunk, leaves, fruit,
coir etc. Is used in innumerable ways like thatches, mats, tasty dishes, oil, soap etc. It takes
in even salty water from the earth and converts it into sweet nutritive water that is
especially beneficial to sick people. It is used in the preparation of many ayurvedic medicines
and in other alternative medicinal systems.
The marks on the coconut are even thought to represent the three-eyed Lord Shiva and
therefore it is considered to be a means to fulfill our desires.
Hindu Rituals and Routines Why do we follow them?
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21. Why do we chant Om?
Om is one of the most chanted sound symbols in India. It has a profound effect on the body
and mind of the one who chants and also on the surroundings. Most mantras and vedic
prayers start with Om.
All auspicious actions begin with Om. It is even used as a greeting - Om, Hari Om etc. It is
repeated as a mantra or meditated upon. Its form is worshipped, contemplated upon or used
as an auspicious sign.
Om is the universal name of the Lord. It is made up of the letters A (phonetically as in
"around"), U (phonetically as in "put") and M (phonetically as in "mum"). The sound emerging
from the vocal chords starts from the base of the throat as "A". With the coming together of
the lips, "U" is formed and when the lips are closed, all sounds end in "M".
The three letters symbolize the three states (waking, dream and deep sleep), the three
deities (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva), the three Vedas (Rig, Yajur and Sama) the three worlds
(Bhuh, Bhuvah, Suvah) etc. The Lord is all these and beyond.
The formless, attributeless Lord (Brahman) is represented by the silence between two Om
Chants. Om is also called pranava that means, "that (symbol or sound) by which the Lord is
praised". The entire essence of the Vedas is enshrined in the word Om. It is said that the Lord
started creating the world after chanting Om and atha. Hence its sound is considered to
create an auspicious beginning for any task that we undertake. The Om chant should have
the resounding sound of a bell (aaooommm).
Om is written in different ways in different places. The most common form symbolizes Lord
Ganesha’s. The upper curve is the head; the lower large one, the stomach; the side one, the
trunk; and the semi-circular mark with the dot, the sweetmeat ball (modaka) in Lord
Ganesha's hand. Thus Om symbolizes everything - the means and the goal of life, the world
and the Truth behind it, the material and the Sacred, all form and the Formless.
22. Why do we do aarati?
Towards the end of every ritualistic worship (pooja or bhajan) of the Lord or to welcome an
honored guest or saint, we perform the aarati. This is always accompanied by the ringing of
the bell and sometimes by singing, playing of musical instruments and clapping.
It is one of the sixteen steps (shodasha upachaara) of the pooja ritual. It is referred to as the
lighted lamp in the right hand, which we wave in a clockwise circling movement to light the
entire form of the Lord.
Each part is revealed individually and also the entire form of the Lord. As the light is waved
we either do mental or loud chanting of prayers or simply behold the beautiful form of the
Lord, illumined by the lamp. At the end of the aarati we place our hands over the
flame and then gently touch our eyes and the top of the head.
We have seen and participated in this ritual from our childhood. Let us find out why we do
the aarati?
Having worshipped the Lord of love - performing abhisheka, decorating the image and
offering fruits and delicacies, we see the beauty of the Lord in all His glory. Our minds are
focused on each limb of the Lord as the lamp lights it up. It is akin to silent open-eyed
meditation on His beauty. The singing, clapping, ringing of the bell etc. denote the joy and
auspiciousness, which accompanies the vision of the Lord.
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Aarati is often performed with camphor. This holds a telling spiritual significance. Camphor
when lit, burns itself out completely without leaving a trace of it. It represents our inherent
tendencies (vaasanas). When lit by the fire of knowledge which illumines the Lord (Truth),
our vaasanas thereafter burn themselves out completely, not leaving a trace of ego which
creates in us a sense of individuality that keeps us separate from the Lord.
Also while camphor burns to reveal the glory of Lord, it emits a pleasant perfume even while
it sacrifices itself. In our spiritual progress, even as we serve the guru and society, we should
willingly sacrifice ourselves and all we have, to spread the "perfume" of love to all. We often
wait a long while to see the illumined Lord but when the aarati is actually performed, our
eyes close automatically as if to look within. This is to signify that each of us is a temple of
the Lord.
Just as the priest reveals the form of the Lord clearly with the aarati flame, so too the guru
reveals to us the divinity within each of us with the help of the "flame" of knowledge (or the
light of spiritual knowledge). At the end of the aarati, we place our hands over the flame and
then touch our eyes and the top of the head. It means - may the light that illuminated the
Lord light up my vision; may my vision be divine and my thoughts noble and beautiful.
The philosophical meaning of aarati extends further. The sun, moon, stars, lightning and fire
are the natural sources of light. The Lord is the source of this wonderous phenomenon of the
universe. It is due to Him alone that all else exist and shine. As we light up the Lord with the
flame of the aarati, we turn our attention to the very source of all light, which symbolizes
knowledge and life.
Also the sun is the presiding deity of the intellect, the moon, that of the mind, and fire, that
of speech. The Lord is the supreme consciousness that illuminates all of them. Without Him,
the intellect cannot think, nor can the mind feel nor the tongue speaks. The Lord is beyond
the mind, intellect and speech. How can this finite equipment illuminate the Lord?
Therefore, as we perform the aarati we chant;
Na tatra suryo bhaati na chandra taarakam
Nemaa vidyuto bhaanti kutoyamagnib
Tameva bhaantam anubhaati sarvam
Tasya bhasa sarvam idam vibhaati
He is there where the sun does not shine,
Nor the moon, stars and lightning.
then what to talk of this small flame (in my hand),
Everything (in the universe) shines only after the Lord,
And by His light alone are we all illumined.
Swami Chinmayananda
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