Monday, February 11, 2013

Yajna & Yajna Kunda


Yajna



 The Inner part decorated is Yajna kund


Yajna’s are described as the pillars of Indian philosophy and culture.

The eternal source of universal knowledge, comprised in the vedic Mantra is deciphered and the cosmic energy of sound contained in Mantra is activated and expanded with the help of Yajna.

Yajna

Yajna’ is a sacred tradition started by ‘Rishis’ and sages of ancient India. It is the worship of the Lord Yajna Naarayan. ‘Yajna’ means worshipping the Lord Vishnu - Aadi Naarayan - riding on the divine serpent and controlling the infinite cosmos, only by will.


यज्ञो वै विष्णु: (शतपथ ब्राह्मण 1|1|2|13)

The Sanskrit word for worship is “Upasana” – ‘Up’ (Near) ‘Aasana’ (Sitting) - Upasana means sitting near the Lord. One who is initiated either by Guru or by the command of the Lord Himself to worship the sacred Fire by offering pious things into it, is known as ‘Hota’, and his ‘Upasana’ is known as ‘Yajna’.

Purification of Environment by Yagna

The industrial wastes, rapid urbanization, deforestation, air and water pollution, disturbances in the ozone layer -formation, radioactive waves etc., have destabilized the human, animal and plant life cycles. The ecological imbalance caused by these acts of ‘civilized men’ has resulted into disastrous threat not only to human survival but to the life as a whole on our planet.

Till recently it was accepted that research into science can furnish answer to all of man’s problems. Today we find increasing number of diseases including malfunctioning of body organs due to increasing severity of pollution in the atmosphere. Ozone layer depletion has been causing ailments like sunburn, skin cancer, cataracts and weakening of the immune system. Viruses are becoming drug-resistant and showing consistent growth trends.

Experimental studies show that the incidence of physical ailments, sickness and disease are reduced in the houses, where the Yagna (Agnihotra) is regularly performed because it creates a pure, nutritional and medicinal atmosphere. It renews the brain cells, revitalizes the skin, purifies blood and prevents growth of pathogenic organisms.

The four Vedas signify the philosophy of the eternity and absolute complementary role of Gayatri and Yagna in the divine creation. Atharvaveda also deals with sound therapy aspects of Mantras for the treatment of the ailing human system at the physical, psycological and spiritual levels. The Samaveda focuses on the musical chanting patterns of the Mantras and the subtle form of Yagna by defining the latter as the process of mental oblation on the surface of internal emotions through the cosmic radiation of the omnipresent subtle energy of sound. The Yajurveda contains the knowledge of principles and methods of performing Yagnas as Spiritual and Scientific experiments for global welfare.

Literally speaking, Yajna means --- selfless sacrifice for noble purposes.
Sacrificing of the ego, selfishness and material attachments and adopting rational thinking, humane compassion and dedicated creativity for the welfare of all ---- is indeed the best Yajna which should be performed by all human beings. The philosophy of Yajna teaches a way of living in the society in harmony, a living style to promote and protect higher humane values in the society --- which is indeed the basis of the ideal human culture.

In fact, ‘Yajna’ is the aggregation of - meditation, remembering the name of the Lord, act of devotion, surrender and Yoga. It is performed in the Vedic manner. Needless to say, only a worthy person is selected as ‘Yadnik’ by the Lord.

In Agnihotra, the evening ‘Yajna’ performed by the ‘Agnihotri’ is offered to the Lord Agni Naarayan and the morning ‘Yajna’ is offered to the Lord Surya Naarayan (Sun).


Types of Yajna
There are two kinds of ‘Yajna’ – the ‘Shraut Yajna’ and the ‘Smart Yajna’.

Yajna Purusha
The vessel or place which contains the sacred fire is known as ‘Kund’. There may be one ‘Kund’, three ‘Kunds or five ‘Kunds for ‘Yajna’. ‘Yadnik’ has to prepare ‘Yajnashala’ according to proper measurements on the basis of the calculations given in Vedas. The ‘Yajna - Kund’ and the ‘Vedi’ (altar) must be in the centre of the ‘Yajnashala’, representing the form of ‘Yajna Purusha’. Thus, ‘Yajnakunda’ is the very mouth of the Lord into which sacrificial things are offered in the morning and in the evening everyday, according to the Vedic methods. The inner part of ‘Yajnashala’ represents the Universe. ‘Yajna Kund’ is considered the centre of the Universe.

अयं यज्ञो भुवनस्य नाभि:| (ऋग्वेद 1|164|35)

Qualities of Agnihotri
‘Agnihotri’ should be a Brahmin, selected by God/Guru. He may be a celibate or a householder. If a householder becomes a widow or a widower, she/he cannot perform as ‘Agnihotri’. The ‘Agnihotri’ has to worship the Lord as an ideal householder. He can not beg even for his own livelihood. When his right hand remains occupied with offerings to the Lord Yajna Naarayan every morning and evening, how can he extend it for begging? In fact, the last ‘Aahuti’ of the ‘Agnihotri’ is the sacrifice of his own body to the Lord.


यस्यै देवतायै हविर्गृहीतं स्यात्, तां मनसा ध्यायेत्|
(निरुक्त 8|22|11)
Then waving of lights (‘Aarti’), offering flowers – ‘Mantra Pushpaanjali’ by reciting excellent ‘Ved Mantras’, circum ambulation–‘Pradakshina’, prayers are lovingly offered to the Lord. Then this performed Pooja is dedicated (Arpan) to the Lord ‘Maha Vishnu’. Finally, with motherly love, the ‘Yadnik’ makes the Lord sleep by covering the Agni with ‘Bhasma’ (Ashes).

A person must visit ‘Yajnashala’ with good thoughts and noble desires because the desire of a person gets fulfilled in this sacred place. Nobel thoughts and meditation on the Lord are highly desirable for a person who visits the ‘Yajnashala’. After the worship of the Lord Yajna Naarayan, the Lord Shiva (Mahadev) is worshipped.

On every first day of Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha the ‘yadnik’ gets his head completely shaved – ‘Mundan’. Every one likes hair on the head. Such dear hair is to be offered to the dearest Lord as a mark of intense love for the Lord. Removing hair is considered as an act of repentance that makes a person free from sins.


Nourishing the World by Agnihotra

अन्नाद्भवन्ति भूतानि पर्जन्यादन्नसम्भव:|
यज्ञाद्भवति पर्जन्यो यज्ञ: कर्मसमुद्भव:|| ( गीता 3|14)

अग्नौ प्रास्ताहुति: सम्यगादित्यमुपतिष्ठते|
आदित्याज्जायते वृष्टिर्वृष्टेरन्नं तत: प्रजा:||
(मनु समृति 3|76)

The scarified offering is known as ‘Aahuti’. These ‘Aahutis’, going to the province of the Lord Sun, which in turn form clouds, give rain and make the earth wet for giving food-grains and the creatures of the world are nourished by food. Thus, ‘Agnihotra’ is a great religion meant for nourishing the world. It is unique because we do not find such religion in the past or in the future.

अग्निहोत्र समो धर्मो न भूतो न भविष्यति|
यज्ञैराप्यायिता देवा......यज्ञा: कल्याणहेतव:| (विष्णुपुराण 1|6|8)

All Devas nourished by Yajnas….Yajnas are for good.
In Shukla Yajurveda, there is a talk between the Yajmaan and the Deva (Indra) indicating the relation between Humans and Devas.
Yajmaan to Indra -
वस्नेव विक्रीणावहा इषमूर्ज& शतक्रतो|
(शुक्ल यजुर्वेद 3|49)
O Indra! Let we exchange the Havi (Objects offered to lord) and Fal (the fruit in reward of the Have). I am giving you Havi, you give me Fal.
Indra to Yajmaan –
देहि मे ददामि ते नि मे धेहि नि ते दधे|
(शुक्ल यजुर्वेद 3|49)
“You first give Havi then I will give you Fal.”
Another Mantra in Veda clarifies that when Devas are satisfied (Trupt) then they satisfies the Yajmaan.
तृप्त एव एनमिन्द्र: प्रजया पशुभिश्च तर्पयति|
Thus, By giving Devas humans can get. As said by the Lord Krishna Himself in Geeta,
देवान्भावयतानेन ते देवा भावयन्तु व:|
परस्परं भावयन्त: श्रेय: परमवाप्स्यथ||
(गीता 3|11)

Having pleased the Devas by sacrifices, the Devas will please you and thus mutually pleasing one another you will achieve the Supreme.

सर्वं यज्ञमयं जगत्| (कालिकाउपपुराण 31|40)

Pious things offered in Agnihotra - Yajna:
‘Agnihotra’ rituals require the objects of offering like Barley, Sesame, Ghee, Dry fruits, ‘Kamal Kakdi’, the powder of Dung of Bull/Cow, ‘Samidh’ (pieces of small branches of wood with specific measurement) from Mango tree, Pipal tree, Palash tree or from any tree having flowers/fruit in place of Palash (Khakhar) tree. ‘Samidh’ may not be taken from thorny or dry trees.

Dev Yaag, Pitru Yaag
The Yajna starting from the evening of the first day of the Lunar month - the first evening of the white period – Shukla Paksha - to the morning of the first day of Krishna Paksha is known as ‘Dev Yaag’ (Paurnamase Isht) and the Yajna from the first evening of the black period – Krishna Paksha – to the morning of Shukla Paksha is known as ‘Pitru Yaag’ (Darsh Isht).

Ishti Yaag:
The morning Yajna of the first day of the white period – Shukla Paksha and the morning Yajna of the first day of the black period – Krishna Paksha are special Yaags known as ‘Ishti Yaag’. For the Ishti Yaag, rice is cooked in milk, which is known as ‘Paayas’. ‘Aahutis’ of ‘Payas’ are offered to the Lord and some portion of the ‘Paayas’ is to be fed to a cow. The offering prepared from the flour of Barley is known as ‘Purodash’. ‘Aahutis’ of ‘Purodash’ are to be offered to the Lord Agni according to the Vedic rituals. As a mother lovingly feeds her child with small mouthfuls, the ‘Agnihotri’ also is supposed to feed the Lord with such ‘Aahutis’ with intense motherly love, care and concentration. After the act of offering ‘Aahutis’ the routine Pooja is performed.


अग्निर्हि देवानां मुखम् (शतपथ ब्राह्मण 3|7|4|10)
After the act of offering ‘Aahutis’ the routine Pooja is performed.

Yagna tradition in times of Kings

In ancient times, every Brahmin was ‘Yadnik’. To be without ‘Yajna’ was considered a curse (‘Shraap’). The ‘Yadnik’ may require a house, land for ‘Yajnashala’ and for implanting trees and plants for taking care of cows and for such other things. Kings used to appreciate and respect ‘Yadniks’ for their divine worship. They used to look after them by maintaining their families. ‘Yadniks’ had not to worry about their livelihood or money so they used to dedicate their lives to the service of the Lord and to the different research projects. Thus, in fact, ancient Rishis were also scientists.
One who maintains the ‘Yadnik’ family for the whole year will earn 16 % (6th part) of the total merit (‘Punya’) of ‘Yajna’. Such was the tradition in the times of the Kings.

Monday, January 22, 2007

Numerology


NUMEROLOGY
There is certain connection between our apprehension of things as facts of experience and the cosmic laws which underline those facts. In the study of numbers, we are not concerned with figurelogy or mere symbolism, but with qualities and geometrical relations. This study has its principles, its alphabet, its language and terminology and its significance.There are only nine planets in our Solar System, also there are only nine numbers by which all our calculations on this earth are made. Beyond these nine numbers all the rest are just repititions as 10 is 1 plus 0 added. The final single number that remains is called SPIRIT OR SOUL NUMBER of all previous numbers added together.Sometimes the birth number of an individual is incompatible to the name number and if change is made in the name by adding or subtracting some part or altogether changing it, one really gets very favourable results.
THE NUMBER-1

The number 1 stands in the symbolism for the planet SUN. This number represents all that is creative, individual and positive. Thus person represented by this number is creative, inventive, strong individuals, definite in his/her views, and in consequence more or less obstinate and determined in all the projects the individual undertakes. They are bold and like restraint in life. They always rise in whatever their profession or occupation may be. They have a desire to be at the top of each and every venture.CAUTION: People represented by this sign are incompatible to Number 6 and 8. If the Birth Number is 1 while Name Number is 6 or 8 (and vice-versa) there are definite conflicting traits in personality and fortunes and name needs rectification.LUCKY TIME: Lucky time to start any venture are all the days that vibrate to their own numbers, such as on 1st, 10th, 19th or 20th of any month but specially when Sun is transitting Leo or Aries.LUCKY COLOURS: Gold, Yellows and bronze to golden brown.LUCKY STONE: Ruby.
THE NUMBER-2

The number 2 stands in symbolism for the MOON. It has a few attributes of the number 1. Such persons are gentle by nature, imaginatve, artistic and romantic. They are inventive by nature but are not very forceful in carrying out their ideas. Their qualities are more on the mental plane than the physical plane and they are seldom as strong physically as those born under number 1. They should guard against being restless and unsettled and the lack of continuity in their plans and ideas. They too easily get despodent and melancholy if they are not in happy surroundings.CAUTION: The number 2 are incompatible with number 5, 6 and 8. If the Name Number is 2 and Birth Number is 5, 6 or 8 (and vice-versa) there is a definite tension in daily sphere and the person is always at odds in his mental state of being.LUCKY TIME: Number 2 persons should endeavour to carry out their chief plans and ideas on 2nd, 11th, 20th or 29th of any month but specially when Moon is transitting Cancer and Taurus.LUCKY COLOURS: Cream and White. All dark colours should be avoided.LUCKY STONE: Pearls White and Red. Round shaped pearls are the best while flat pearls should always be avoided.
THE NUMBER-3

The number 3 Stands for the planet JUPITER. Number 3 people are decidedly ambitious, they are never satisfied by being in subordinate positions, their aim is to rise in the world, to have central place and authority over others. They are excellent in execution of commands, law order and decipline in all things and are extremely conscietious in carrying out their duties. They are sometimes overdominating. For this reason, although they are not quarrelsome, they succeed in making many enemies.CAUTION: Number 3 people are incompatible to Numbers 6 and 8. If the Birth Number is 3 and Name Number is 6 or 8 (and vice-versa) there is need for rectification as all the plans, no matter how big and promising, they appear to give disgrace as the final result.LUCKY TIME: Number 3 people should endeavour to carry out their plans and aims on all days that vibrate to their own number such as 3rd, 12th, 21st, 30th of any month but more specially when Sun is transitting Saggitarius, Pisces and Cancer.LUCKY COLOURS:Yellow colour is the best.LUCKY STONE: Yellow Sapphire.
THE NUMBER-4

The number 4 stands in symbolism for planet URANUS. Number 4 people have a distinct character of their own. They appears to view everything from an opposite side angle to everyone else. In an argument they will always take the opposite side, and although not meaning to quarrelsome, yet they bring about opposition and make a great number of secret enemies who constantly work against them. They often rebel against constituitional authority and set up rules and regulations either in the domestic or public life. They do not make true friends easily.CAUTION: The number 4 is incompatible to number 6, 8 and 5. If Birth Number is 4 and Name Number is 5, 6 or 8 (and vice-versa) causes lots of tensions in friendly sphere and the family life of the person is also not good and needs rectification.LUCKY TIME: The number 4 people should endeavour to carry out their plans and ideas on all days that have their number 4 such as 4th, 13th, 22nd and 31st of any month especially when Sun is in Leo or Aries.LUCKY COLOURS: Half Shades, Half Tones, Electric colours, Electric blue and gray.LUCKY STONE: Ruby and Pearl.
THE NUMBER-5

The Number 5 stands in symbolism for the planet MERCURY and is versatile and mercurial in all its characterstics. Number 5 people make friends easily and get on with persons born under almost any other numbers, but their best friends are people representing their own number. The number 5 people are mentally very highly strong. They live on their own and appear to crave for excitement. They are quick in thoughts and decisions, and impulsive and seem naturally to drift into all methods of making quick money. Have keen sense of making money by inventions and new ideas. They have the most wonderful elasticity of character and nothing seems to affect them for very long. When tested, they easily become irritable and quick tempered.CAUTION: Number 5 shows incompatibility to Number 9. If Birth Number is 5 and Name Number is 9 (and vice-versa) the person is always at adverse with his surroundings and is always mentally tensed about one thing or other, lacks consistency of thought and action; and needs rectification.LUCKY TIME: Number 5 people should endeavour to carry out their plans and aims on all days that fall under their ' own number ' such as 5th, 14th, 23rd of any month, but more specially when Sun is transitting in Gemini and Virgo.LUCKY COLOURS: All shades of light green, white and glistening materials and should wear dark clothes as rarely as possible.LUCKY STONE: Emerald and Diamond.
THE NUMBER-6

The Number 6 stands in symbolism for planet VENUS. Persons having Number 6 as their number are extremely magnetic, they attract others to them, and are loved and often worshipped by those under them. They are very determined in carrying out their plans, and may infact be deemed obstimate and unyielding, except when they themselves become deeply attached, in such a case they become slaves to those they love. They lean to be romantic and ideal in all matters of the affections. They love beautiful things, make most artistic homes, and fond of rich colours, also paintings and music. They cannot stand in discard and jealousy.CAUTION: Number 6 people are incompatible to Number 5. If the Birth Number is 6 and Name Number is 5, tensions in regards matter of opposite sex and general surroundings and needs rectification.LUCKY TIME: The Number 6 people should endeavour to carry out their plans and aims on all dates that fall under the Number 6th, 15th and 24th of any month but especially when Sun is in Taurus, Libra and Pisces.LUCKY COLOURS: All shades of yellow, from the light to the darkest.LUCKY STONE: Diamond.
THE NUMBER-7

The Number 7 stands in symbolism for the planet NEPTUNE. People representing number 7 are very independent, original and have strongly marked individuality. At heart they love change and travel, being restless in their nature. They devour books on travel and have a wide universal knowledge of the world at large. They often make good writers, painters or poets, but in everything they do, they sooner or later, show a peculiar philosphical outlook on life that reflects in all their work. As a class they care little about the material things of life, they become rich by their original ideas or methods of businesses. They have peculiar ideas about religion and dislike to follow the beaten track. They create a religion of their own. They have usually remarkable dreams and a peculiar magnetism of their own.CAUTION: Number 7 is incompatible to number 5, 6 and 8 (and vice-versa) If the Birth Number is 7 and Name Number is 5, 6 or 8 there will be frustration and mental tension and will live in the past ; hence needs rectification.LUCKY TIME: The number 7 people should undertake all important plans for early success on all days which are compatible to their number 7th, 16th, and 25th of any month and especially when Sun is in Cancer and Taurus.LUCKY COLOURS: White and Yellow also all pale shades. Avoid wearing dark colours.LUCKY STONE: Pearl and Cat's eye.
THE NUMBER-8

The Number 8 stands is symbolism for the planet SATURN. These people are invariably much misunderstood in their lives and perhaps for this reason they feel intensely lonely at heart. They have deep and intense natures, great strength of individuality, they generally play some important role in life's stage, but usually one which is fatalistic, or in the instrument of fate for others. If at all religious they go to extremes and are fanatics in their zeal. They gradually make bitter and restless enemies. They are distinct and different from their follows. One side of the nature of this number represents, revolution, waywardness and eccentricities of all kinds and the other side represents philosophic thought, a strong leaning towards occult studies, religious devotion, concenteration o fpurpose, zeal and a fatalistic outlook colouring all actions.CAUTION: Number 8 is incompatible to number 1, 2, 4, 7 and 9. If the Birth Number is 8 and Name Number is incompatible, it will only add to tensions in their already tensed thinking and lack of drive to execute any work.LUCKY TIME: The number 8 people should endeavour all their important plans on 8th, 17th and 26th of any month and especially when Sun is in Aquarius, Libra or Capricorn for an early success.LUCKY COLOURS: Black and Dark GreenLUCKY STONE: Yellow Sapphire.

THE NUMBER-9

The number 9 stands in symbolism for the planet MARS. They are fighters in all attempts in life. They usually have diificult times in their early years, but generally they are, in the end, successful by their strong will and determination. In character, they are hasty in temper, impulsive independent, and desire to be their own masters. They like to be called as the head of the family and dislike subordination. Their greatest danger arise from fool hardiness and impulsiveness in word and action. They are peculiary prone to accidents from fire/explosions and rarely get through life without injury from such causes. As a general rule they go under many operations by the surgeon's knife. They usually experience many quarrels and strife in their home. This number is supposed to be a fortunate number to be born under, provided one control's one's thoughts and is not carried by excess of temper and violence that it also represents.CAUTION: Number 9 is incompatible to number 5, 6 and 8. if the Birth Number is 9 and Name Number is incompatible, it makes them misunderstood as headstrong / bullish and brings ill repute in social life. Hence needs correction.LUCKY TIME: Number 9 people should start their projects on 9th, 18th, 27th of any month and especially when Sun is transitting Aries, Capricorn and Scorpio.LUCKY COLOURS: Crimson or Red, also all rose tones and pink.LUCKY STONE: RedCoral