Vedic Talks

Of the four directions, east is the most sacred for orthodox Hindus. The ancient Indians believed that one magnetic field passes from the south to north and another one in east to west directions. The latter force field is considered essential for the sustainance of life on earth. They are analogous to the modern day longitude and lattitude. Based on this, Hindus give a lot of importance to the directions while doing day to day activities. While sleeping, it is okay to keep the head towards east. After waking up, turn towards the east and bow to our parents, teachers, look at both palms of the hand (and chant the Karagre vasate lakshmi.. mantra). Touch the ground and touch the forehead as a symbol of paying respect to mother earth. It is while facing the east that one should light the sacred diya (deepam / oil lamp). The sacred plants like tulsi, neem, jasmine etc should be planted facing the east. The entrance and the front side of a house should be ideally facing the east. If you hav...

Harivarasanam was written by Kumbakudi Kulathur Iyer in 1950. Swami Vimochanananda recited this song for the first time at Sabarimala in 1955. This beautiful song originally has 16 padas of which only the first 7 are sung at Sabarimala. This song is in the language of Sanskrit and is sung in Madhyamaavati raagam. It is said that the then Mel Santhi of Sannidhanam, Thirumeni Easwaran Nampoothiri had a companion called VR Gopala Menon of Alappuzha. Mr. Menon used to stay on in a shack at the Sannidhanam even when the temple is closed. Wild animals never used to trouble him and he used to feed them. Revered Menon used to recite Harivarasanam with great devotion. Later when Devaswom Board was formed, he was asked to move out. He died as an orphan in a tea estate at Vandiperiyar. It was with immense grief that the Mel Santhi heard about the demise of Revered Menon. At that end of the pooja that day, when he was about to close the doors of the Sanctum Sanctorum, he remembered Revered Meno...

In Malaysia, Hindu activists have protested severe repression, including forcible conversions and the destruction of scores of temples. Frustrations among the country’s Indian minority has been bubbling under the surface for decades. Adding to the woes of Malaysian Indians, the Malaysian government has said that 28 Hindu temples, which are currently situated on disputed land around the national capital, will be relocated by next month. Read the news article at http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/003200904211451.htm

Since I have already given an Introduction to Transcendental Meditation in my previous blog post, I would like to discuss the steps involved in the technique in this post. The technique of TM is taught in seven systematic steps. Step 1 – Introductory lecture – a vision of possiblilities through the technique of TM (about 90 min) Step 2 – Preparatory lecture – the origin and mechanics of TM (about 90 min) Step 3 – Personal interview with the teacher (about 15 min) Step 4 – Personal instruction – learning the technique (about 20 min) Step 5, 6 and 7 – Verification and validation of experiences of the previous days. I attended the TM course by Acharya Mr. Sasidharan at Maharishi Ved Vigyan Bhavan, Mithranandapuram, in Thiruvananthapuram. The following 7 steps is the way I would interpret the technique. 1) Sit comfortably 2) Close your eyes 3) Wait for about 30 seconds 4) Meditation proper 5) Stop meditation 6) Wait for about 2 min with eyes closed 7) Open your eyes slowly...

In today’s hectic world with extreme day to day stress, the ways to alleviate stress is vital for a peaceful life. Meditation has always been practiced in India in many different ways and is a proven means to ease the stress. His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi introduced the simple, natural and effortless technique of Transcendental Meditation in 1957. It is a simple, natural, effort-less and effective technique which one can practice by sitting comfortably anywhere. Transcendental Meditation or TM is a technique as old as Rig Veda. But unfortunately meditation is misinterpreted in different ways by people and mysticism and religious experiences have been added to it. Maharshi Mahesh Yogi has revived and purified this technique to its basic form and re introduced to the world in a scientific manner. TM is an experience of the mind similar to other experiences like happiness, joy and love. Transcendental Consciousness is an infinite source of energy, intelligence and creativity. The nat...

The word Aarti brings to our mind the very familiar song – Om Jai Jagadeesh Hare. It can be even said that it is the most popular prayer sung in most Hindu households. Ever wondered who created this popular prayer. It is the work of Pt. Shardha Ram Phillauri who was a powerful literary figure of the 19th century. You can read more about him at http://www.tribuneindia.com/2005/20050317/aplus.htm#1 Even during his lifetime, the popularity of this prayer tempted many persons to appropriate it. Click on the link below to hear a unique rendering of a modified version of this bhajan.

After all the mega serials on the television, almost everyone knows the story of Jatayu from Ramayana. For those who don't, I'll brief the story to give an idea. Jatayu is the son of Aruna and nephew of Garuda who has the form of a vulture. When Ravana was on his way to Lanka on his flying chariot after abducting Sita, he encountered Jatayu. This noble souled bird could not bear to hear poor Sita's cry for help and got into a fight with the mighty Ravana. Ravana cut off Jatayu's wings and he collapsed. According to legend, Chadayamangalam, as it is called in the present day, was known as Jatayu mangalam in olden days was the place where Jatayu fell after losing to Ravana. It is believed that when Lord Shri Rama was on exile he passed through this place and met Jatayu who informed him about Sita's adduction and died.It is a beautiful place lying between Kilimanoor and Kottarakara in Kollam district of Kerala, India. There is a small pond at the top of the hill in th...

A unique marriage of Indian culture with that of the west – That is what Jennifer Kumar’s "Alaivani" is. She is the first American to earn a Master’s degree in Social Work from Madras Christian College. She has been an indophile since 1994. Her social work and interaction with different segments of the Indian society made her adopt the magnificent culture of India and Hinduism. If you are the kind of person who has got to do with both India and US, you will find her blog helpful to find a unique identity for yourself and get in touch with similar people stuck in both the worlds. If you are a westerner, you will find the site helpful to know more about Indian culture from a westerner's perspective. You can stay updated by joining their Facebook group. The interfaith calendar on the website is very useful to get notified about all the important dates of most world religions. Link: http://www.alaivani.com