Do you know why Hindu's light a lamp?

Almost in every Hindu 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, wisdom and elimination of darkness - ignorance. The Lord is the "Knowledge Principle" (Chaitanya) who is the source, 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 further spiritual significance. The lamp is lit with sesame oil, or coconut oil or castor oil, or ghee or a mix of oils while each having a significance. The oil or ghee in the lamp symbolizes our negative tendencies and the wick, the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, they 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

Meaning: 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.

Visit Hindu customs on lighting lamps here...

Why do we wear marks (tilak, bindi, chandan, kumkum, bhasma and the like) on the forehead?

The mark on forehead 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 mark on forehead of the shape of "U,” Shiva worshippers applied holy ash in the form three horizontal lines, Devi worshippers a red dot of kumkum and so on. The mark on forehead 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 mark on forehead 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 mark on forehead 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 causes a headache. The mark on forehead 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.

Of all the marks, bhasma or holy ash is something special. But why?

The ash of any burnt object is not regarded as holy ash. Bhasma (the holy ash) is the ash from the Yagna(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.

Yagna (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."

It has immense health benefits also as per Ayurvedic terms if it is a real bhasma obtained from yagna, where Gold, ornaments and many herbs are incinerated.

To get positive powers at home

Sometimes you may sense bad or negative signs flowing within your house. To get rid of it one can choose any of the following choice:

• Ganapathy Homam
• Place dhristi ganapathi photo in the home entrance
• Regularly play divine songs like Suprabhatham songs, skanda shasti kavacham, hanuman chalisa, rig, yajur, sama and atharvana veda sabds
• Light deeps to God in early morning and also in evening
• Light camphor or incense sticks and show it all over he house in all rooms
• Grow tulasi plant at home and daily water it and show aarti.
• At the entrance place a pot of water filled with aromatic flowers
• Or place a small fountain at the entrance
• Above all think positively to have positive signs and follow the good manners as advised by elders.

Hindu customs on Bathing and Haircutting

1. You should never have a oil head bath on Amavasai, Pournami, Janma Nakshatram and on Sundays and also on your birthday and wedding day.
2. When you are returning from the burial ground after attending someone's funeral you should not have head bath with oil on that day.
3. One should never have a bath immediately after returning from the temple.
4. You should never bathe in the sea when your wife is pregnant.
5. Having a haircut on a Sashti (except if it falls on Sundays or Thursdays) is not good for ones brother.
6. Having a haircut on a Pournami (except if it falls on Sundays or Thursdays) is not good for ones father.
7. Having a haircut on a Navami (except if it falls on Sundays or Thursdays) will lead to wealth losses.
8. After a hair cut you should not have head bath with oil on that day.

Hindu Customs on visiting Temple

1. One should always enter the temple through the main entrance.
2. Never enter a temple wearing wet clothes.
3. One should never go to the temple empty handed. You should take some offerings like Coconut, Fruits, Flowers or Camphor.
4. In a temple one can light a burnt out lamp, but should never put out a burning or lit lamp.
5. Vadha Narayana Maram (Tree) represents Air among the Pancha Boodhas. If you worship Lord Ganesh who is set up at the base of such trees your growth will increase.
6. Always enter a temple or a house by placing your right feet first.
7. One should never pray Lord Shani (Saturn) by standing right in front of the deity. One should always stand by the side when worshipping Lord Shani.
8. After returning home from the temple you should give some time before you wash your hands and legs.
9. When a temple is closed one should never worship/pray from outside.
10. One should go to the temple only during the temple visiting hours. You should never sleep inside the temple.
11. One should not carry the items for Pooja/Archana using the left hand.
12. When carrying items for a Pooja in a bag, basket make sure the bag is not left hanging below your hip level.
13. You should never bring home any item that is considered as property of the temple.
14. Arasa Maram (Tree) represents Sky among the Pancha Boodhas. If you worship Lord Ganesh who is set up at the base of the Arasa Maram you will be blessed with children.
15. Vanni Maram (Tree) represents Fire among the Pancha Boodhas. If you worship Lord Ganesh who is set up at the base of the Vanni Maram you will be blessed with all your needs in life.
16. Amla Tree (Nelli Maram) represents Water among the Pancha Boodhas. If you worship Lord Ganesh who is set up at the base of the Nelli Maram your wealth and income will be very satisfactory.
    One should never have a bath immediately after returning from the temple.
17. Inside a temple never pray at a place/sannadhi where there is no lamp lit.
    

Hindu customs on fasting and day to day life

1. When you are leaving the town from home, you should leave from the front entrance of your home and not from the rear side.  
2. On Wednesdays and Saturdays never give or lend Gold or Silver Items.
3. You should never do auspicious things wearing wet clothes. Only inauspicious things are performed wearing wet clothes.
4. If you start repaying the first installment or payback regularly on Tuesdays your loan will be settled quickly.
5. Fasing on Chadurthi makes your life happier and increases the chances of attaining more benefits at work.
6. Fasting on Sankadahara Chadurthi protects you from sudden death and accidents.
7. Fasting on Sashti, Kirthigai protects you from evil forces and from health problems.
8. Fasting on Ekadesi brings you peace of mind and happiness.
9. Fasting on Pradosha fulfills all the desires and makes your life of no wants.
10. Fasting on Shivarathri makes your wishes come true.
11. When a person prays or performs a pooja for the benefit of others it is called as Paarartha Pooja.
12. You should never have a oil head bath on Amavasai, Pournami, Janma Nakshatram and on Sundays and also on your birthday and wedding day.
13. It is believed that Parvati resides at the base, Saraswati at the centre of the palm of your hand and Laksmi at the upper portion of the hand ie., fingertips. It is therefore advised that the first thing you see after you wake up in the morning is your right hand palm.
14. When a person prays or performs a pooja for himself ie., for his benefit it is called as Suvartha Pooja.
15. Hindu Customs on visiting Temple
16. Never sleep in a room that is completely dark. There should be at least some light in the room.
17. You should never put out a burning lamp, camphor or incense sticks by blowing with your mouth.
18. You should never sleep with your head placed in the North Direction.
19. You should always begin a Hanuman Pooja on a day when the star is Moolam and you should offer pooja only in the mornings.
20. On Tuesdays and Fridays never give or lend Rice or other Food Grains.
21. Avoid buying dress materials, gold and property on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
    
22. In the pooja room do not place pictures of Gods along with pictures of departed souls like grandfathers, great grandfathers etc. You can place them in the pooja room on a different side. For eg., if Gods are placed facing east you can place the pictures of the deceased facing south or north etc., If you worship this way then the blessings you will receive will be several fold.
    
    
    
    
    
    

Hindu customs on lighting lamps

1. Brahma Muhurtam is between 3:00 am and 6:00 am in the early morning. Lighting a lamp in this period makes all your desires come true.
2. Do not light a lamp or allow the lamp to glow from 9pm till brahma muhurtam.
3. When lighting a lamp in the pooja room make sure that the lamp is not facing south.
4. Lighting of Burnt Red Sand lamps (Agal Vilaku) will give you more power.
5. Lighting of lamps with Coconut oil or Ilupai oil brings you health and wealth.
6. Lighting of lamps with threads made from the lotus plant will relieve you from sins committed in the previous birth (Purva Janma Pavam) and bring wealth.
7. Lighting of lamps with threads made from cotton will maintain harmony in the family.
8. Lighting a lamp with threads of pure cotton and dipped in ganga water, turmeric water and rose water and then dried removes all sorts of thoshas and brings all sorts of wealth to entire family.
9. Lighting of lamps with Castor Oil brings you all kinds of wealth.
10. Lighting of lamps with pure ghee protects you from all kinds of health defects and gives you a prolonged healthy life.
11. You should never sleep in a room that is completely dark. There should be at least some light in the room..
12. Lighting of Bronze lamps will relieve you from your sins.
13. When praying to the family deity(Kula Dievam) you should light lamps with a mixture of Neem & Ilupai Oils along with Pure Cow Ghee.
14. One should worship Lord Narayanan by lighting lamps with Gingelly Oil.
15. You should never put out a burning lamp, camphor or incense sticks by blowing with your mouth.
16. One should worship Godess Mahalakshmi by lighting lamps with Pure Cow Ghee.
17. When adjusting the thread in lamps in a temple, your fingers will come in to contact with the oil of the lamp. One should never rub that oil on the head

Hindu Customs on having food?

1. Doing Prayer of thanks to God before taking food is appreciated in all religions as it assures the blessings from God that there will be no scarcity of food for the entire life.
2. If you sit facing east and have your food it increases your life span.
3. Lighting of lamps with threads made from cotton will maintain harmony in the family.
4. If you sit facing south and have your food it brings you fame.
5. You should never sit facing north when having food
6. It is always good to keep a handful of food to the crows before eating in the noon. The crow is considered as Lord Shani and by feeding him we try to appease him from his anger. It is also believed that feeding of crows is as good as feeding our deceased.
7. You should always donate food or money to beggars while going into the temple and not when returning from the temple.

Hindu rituals on Solar Eclipse

The Solar Eclipse will be visible in India from 11:25:32 AM to 03:15:13 PM hrs (Indian Standard Time) on January 15th, 2010. The eclipse will pass between southern tip of India and northern Sri Lanka.While it will not be visible in USA and Canada, its visible also in
Africa, Bahrain, China, Dubai, Europe, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka.

1. Do not perform any work during Surya Grahanam
2. Temples are closed during Surya Grahan
3. Take bath in Ganga or Brahma Sarovar rivers on Solar Eclipse
4. Chant Mahamritunjaya Mantra of Lord Shiva and Ashtakshara Mantra of Lord Shri Krishna

Mahamritunjaya Mantra

         Ashtakshara Mantra

Shri Krishnah Sharnam Mamah

Subh Saguns

Subh Saguns or good omens based on " Jothida Sasthras" or "Astrology" as given by "Jathaga Brahma" R. Chandrasekar M.A.D.A. are listed here. It is a belief followed traditionally in India among Indians who are strict in following all sorts of Sastra's based on Hindu religion.

1. When you start for a good work if you could happen to see the following, Pot of curd, Elephant, Horse, virgin women, cow, many brahmins, diamond, fire, grains, sandal, dead body, Poornakumb or kalasam, Atchathai or turmeric pasted rice, cow with calf, mother and baby, sesame, laundry clothes, ox, lotus, conch, ghee, milk, meat, instrumental music then the work ends up successfully as expected.

2. If the following species Eagle, Quail, Garud or vulture, Udumbu or monitor lizard, owl, Keeri, monkey goes from right to left before us then its good.

3. If you happened to see the following cow, buffalo, elephant, temples, palaces, hill top, climbing up the tree, meat food, eating curd rice, wearing white clothes, diamond jewels, applying sanda, conuming betel leaf and nuts, camphor, white flowers in dreams then some good incident is to happen very soon.

4. If you happened to see the following bite of white snake, bite of scorpion, crossing the sea, being tied, caught in fire then there is to be increase in your prosperity.

5. If you happened to see the Garud on Sundays, incurable diseases will be cured.

6. If you happened to see the Garud on Mondays, Tuesdays you could overcome worries soon.

7. If you happened to see the Garud on Wednesdays, Thursdays bad omens covering you will be cleared.

8. If you happened to see the Garud on Fridays, Saturdays, your prosperity will increase.

9. As soon as you awake if you could see lotus, gold, king, deep, mirror, sun, fire, sandal, sea, field, Gopuram of temple, Lingam, mountains covered with clouds, cow with calf, your right palm, wife, Mrithangam, Forest elephamt, gorilla then you are expecting a good incident.

10. If you happen to feel a good breeze, expected work being ready, hymn of vedas, ringing of bell, Deepam, when you are starting out then that job is a successful one.