Pranam Q1 Shalagrama is repeated again and again. I answered already from (Indian Iconography vol 6) as "Śālagrāma (शालग्राम) refers to “ammonite fossil stones”.—Śālagrāma stones are very ancient geological specimens, rendered rounded and smooth by water-currents in a great length of time. They are distinguished by the ammonite (*śālā*, described as “*vajra-kīṭa*”, “adamantine worms”) which having entered into them for residence, are fossilized in course of time, leaving discus-like marks inside the stone. Such marks alone make the stone eligible to be called a *śālagrāma* and worshipped. Legends describe that Viṣṇu himself enters into these stones in the form of *śāla* creatures and makes his presence felt by the discus-marks. Thus a *śālagrāma* is verily the image of Viṣṇu. Śālagrāmas (ammonite fossil stones), recovered from the Gaṇḍaki river-bed in Nepāl, are regarded as exceedingly precious and sacred. Viṣṇnu is believed to be present in them, and these stones require neither consecration nor any ritual in fusion of divinity in them; they are worship-worthy as they are. The *śālagrāma* to become one must not only have one or more discus-like marks (*cakras*) near an opening in the stone (called ‘vadana’, “mouth” or ‘ *śīla-dvāra*’, “the gate by which the *śāla* had entered”), but also lines, scratches or holes on the surface suggesting several emblems of Viṣṇu, like *vana-mālā* (garland), *padma* (lotus), *gadā* (mace), *kaustubha* (chest-ornament) and so on. Perfectly smooth (*snigdha*) and blue-black (*mecaka*) Śālagrāmas are regarded as best if the colour is like washed coal or bluish, the *śālagrāma* stone is of middling merit If the colour is tawny ( *piṅgala*), yellowish (*pīta*), ash-grey (*dhūmābha*) or red (*rakta-varṇa*) the stone is to be avoided. 2 Characteristics and vARIETIES OF SALAGRAMA STONES: 2. The *Saṅkarṣaṇa <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/sankarshana#purana>* (stone) is red (in colour) and has marks
3. The *Aniruddha <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/aniruddha#purana>* (stone) is yellow (in colour) and has the mark of a lotus. It is circular (in shape) and has two or three rays. The *Nārāyaṇa <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/narayana#purana>* (stone) is black (in colour) with an elevated, and deep hole. 4. The *Parameṣṭi* (stone) (has the marks of) the lotus and. disc. It is perforated at the back and has dots on the surface. The *Viṣṇu <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/vishnu#purana>* (stone) has a big disc (mark). It is black (in colour). It has a line in the middle part. It is of the shape of a mace. 5-6. The *Nṛsiṃha <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/nrisimha#purana>* (stone) is tawny. It has (the mark of) a big disc and five dots. The Varāha <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/varaha#purana> (stone) is of the shape of the female divinity. It has unequal discs. It is of the colour of sapphire. It is large with the marks of three lines and is good. The *Kūrma <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/kurma#purana>* stone has an elevated hinder part with circular lines. and is black (in colour). 7. The *Hayagrīva <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/hayagriva#purana>* (stone) has a line of the shape of a good. It is blue (coloured) and is dotted. The Vaikuṇṭha <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/vaikuntha#purana> (stone) has (the mark of) a disc and lotus. It has the radiance of a gem. It has tail-shaped lines. 8. The *Matsya <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/matsya#purana>* stone is long and has three dots. It is crystalline-coloured and is well formed. The Srīdhara (stone) has a garland of wild flowers and five lines and is circular. 9. The Vāmana <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/vamana#purana> (stone) is circular and is very short. It is. blue (coloured) and has a dot. The Trivikrama <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/trivikrama#purana> (stone) is black (coloured). It has a line on the right and a dot on the left side. 10. The *Ananta <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/ananta#purana>* (stone) has the mark of the hood of a serpent, it has variegated colours and manifold forms. The *Dāmodara <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/damodara#purana>* (stone) is big and has a disc in the middle part with two minute dots. 11. The *Sudarśana <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/sudarshana#purana>* (stone) has (the mark of) a disc. The *Lakṣmīnārāyaṇa <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/lakshminarayana#hinduism>* (stone) (is that which has the marks of) two discs. The *Acyuta <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/acyuta#purana>* (stone) (has the marks of) three discs. Or the *Trivikrama* (stone) may have (the marks of) three discs. 12. The *Janārdana <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/janardana#purana>* (stone) has (the marks of) four discs. The *Vāsudeva* (stone) has (the marks of) five discs. The *Pradyumna <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/pradyumna#purana>* (stone) has (the marks of) six discs. The *Saṅkarṣaṇa*. (stone) has (the marks of) seven discs. 13. The *Puruṣottama <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/purushottama#purana>* (stone) has (the marks) of eight discs. The *Navavyūha <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/navavyuha#hinduism>* form has the marks of nine discs. (The stone representing) the ten manifestations (of Viṣṇu) (is marked) with ten (discs). The *Aniruddha* form (is marked) with eleven (discs). The *Dvādaśātman <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/dvadashatman#hinduism>* (class of *śālagrāma*) (is marked) by twelve (discs). (One is deemed to be) the *Ananta* (class of *śālagrāma*) (if it has) more (discs) than these. :The *śālagrāma* stones obtained from the beds of Gandaki river in Nepal are associated with the worship of Viṣṇu. The different stones bearing different marks are taken to represent different forms ofViṣṇu. of two discs (and is considered as) excellent. The *Pradyumna* (stone) has many holes, elongated and is blue (coloured). Q4 Svastika (स्वस्तिक):—[from *sv-asti*] m. a kind of bard (who utters words of welcome or eulogy), [Rāmāyaṇa] 2) [v.s. ...] any lucky or auspicious object, ([especially]) a kind of mystical cross or mark made on persons and things to denote good luck (it is shaped like a Greek cross with the extremities of the four arms bent round in the same direction; the majority of scholars regard it as a solar symbol; that is, as representing a curtailed form of the wheel of the Solar Viṣṇu, consisting of four spokes crossing each other at right angles with short fragments of the periphery of the circle at the end of each spoke turning round in one direction to denote the course of the Sun. 24b-30a. One should draw a great circle in connection with the investiture of the sacred thread on the idol etc. A piece of ground (measuring) eight cubits should be divided into eight chambers. There should be a lotus in two chambers at the centre and the pathway in one chamber. Eight blue lotuses should be marked in the different directions and the spaces in between. Thirty blue lotuses without the union of petals (should be drawn) measuring the same size as the central lotus. There should be a pathway behind occupying a chamber. There should be (the figure of) *svastikas <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/svastika#purana>* above that. As before the pathway outside should be in eight (chambers) divided into twenty parts having (the figure of) *svastikas* in two chambers. The doors and the boundaries should be proportionate to the lotus. The angular point, the pathway and the lotus in the circle should be red, yellow and blue respectively. O Guha! the *svastika <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/svastika#purana>* (figure) etc. of varied colour are capable of fulfilling all the desires. 30b-33. (The circle having) five lotuses should measure five cubits. It should be wholly divided into ten parts. The pathway (should occupy) two chambers of the lotus, and the tablet (in one chamber). There should be four lotuses at the cardinal points. There should be a pathway on the rear in one chamber or two chambers. The doors should be endowed with boundaries and adjacent spaces. There should be a lotus at the centre. In this circle consisting of five lotuses, (the lotus) in the east (is) white and yellow, the lotus in the south (is) of the hue of lapis lazuli, the lotus in the west (is) of the colour of jasmine <https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/jasmine#hinduism>, the lotus in the north (is) of the colour of a conch and all the rest of varied colour. 34-37. I shall describe a circle of ten cubits which yields all the desires. It should be a four-sided one divided into ten parts. The door would occupy two chambers. As (described) earlier (there should be) a lotus at the centre. I shall now describe (the circle known as) the destroyer of obstacles. After having made (ready) a place (measuring) four cubits, a circle measuring two arms length (should be drawn). The pathway (should measure) only a cubit. It should be made to contain many figures of *svastika*. The doors should measure a cubit. There should be a circle containing lotus (figures) in the cardinal points. Five white coloured lotuses (should be drawn). God without any attributes should be worshipped at the centre. The heart (and other limbs) (should be worshipped) in the east and other directions. The weapons should be worshipped in the directions in between (these directions). ( agni puranam chap 320). Q5 Ajna chakra Again a repeat and I wrote about the third eye. Ajna, meaning “command' or 'summoning”, is the sixth primary chakra according to Hindu tradition. The *Ajna chakra *is positioned in the stomata directly behind the center of the forehead. Its kshetram, or superficial activation site, is in the eyebrow region at the position of the “third eye”. The *seed syllable *is Aum, or "Pranava Om", the supreme sound. Function:* Ajna *translates as 'command' and is considered as the eye of intuition and intellect. When something is seen in the mind's eye, or in a dream, it is being 'seen' by Ajna. It is a bridge that links gurus with disciples, allowing mind communication to occur between two people. The sense organ and action organ associated with Ajna is the mind. 2 Lalitha sahasranamam: मूलाधारैकनिलया ब्रह्मग्रन्थिविभेदिनी मणिपूरान्तरुदिता विष्णुग्रन्थिविभेदिनी आज्ञाचक्रान्तरालस्था रुद्रग्रन्थिविभेदिनी सहस्राराम्बुजारूढा सुधासाराभिवर्षिणी षट्चक्रोपरिसंस्थिता महासक्तिः कुण्डलिनी Mooladhaaraikanilaiya Brahmagranthivibhedhini Manipuraantharudhita Vishnugranthivibhedhini Ajnachakraantaalasthaa Rudragranthivibhedini Sahasraaraambujaaudhaa Sudhaasaaraabhivarshini; The Kundalini Shakti has three Naadis (Channels). Ida (the left part), Pingala (the right part) & Sushumna (the subtle central part). They intertwine & intersect at three Chakras. This is what the snakes on the sculpture indicate. Granthi is a knot that is hard to unravel or a doubt that is hard to understand. There are three Granthis that have to be unraveled for us to know the ultimate truth. These represent the dots between the serpent intersections. In the Indic traditions (such as Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism), scriptures are referred to as Granth, since they reveal spiritual truths that are also hard to understand. The first Chakra at the base of the spine represents Ganesha & is the Mooladhaara Chakra. Brahma Granthi is the knot of creation, dealing with earthly desires such as food & sex and our insecurities about the unknown. She is one who resides in the Mooladhara Chakra & unravels the Brahma Granthi. She then emerges in the Manipura Chakra & unravels the Vishnu Granthi. This represents Ahamkaaram & Mamakaaram (our desires for material possessions & power). Next, she resides in the Ajna Chakra & unravels the Rudra Granthi. The Ajna Chakra represents the fiery third eye (representing the fire of true knowledge) & Karthikeya (Jnana Panditha), again associated with learning. Unraveling this final Rudra Granthi will reveal the secret of existence. Finally, she ascends to the Sahasraara Ambuja (thousand petaled lotus) also called Sahasraara Chakra, representing Shiva. This represents the union of Shiva & Shakthi, ending the material existence. As Sudhaa Saarabhi Varshini, she rains the nectar of immortality & happiness. This is the final state of eternal bliss. After these verses, she is called Shat chakro pari samsthitaa Mahashakthi Kundalini. After the final state, she establishes herself as the great Shakthi (power) of Kundalini residing above the six chakras. She is also called इच्छाशक्तिज्ञानशक्तिक्रियाशक्तिस्वरूपिणी (Icchaa Shakthi Jnana Shakthi Kriya Shakthi swaroopini). How do you become a visionary CEO like Steve Jobs or Bill Gates. Can you do it right away? No? What needs to happen first? The first is desire. To perform any action, you first need the desire to perform that action. Icchaa is desire. Now that you have the desire to become a CEO, is that sufficient? No. Next, you need the knowledge to perform the action. Jnana is knowledge. Ok, now you have the desire & knowledge on how to become the CEO. But you sit on this & do nothing. Will your desire succeed? No. What's missing? You need to perform the action to fulfill this desire. Kriya is action. You have performed your action. Will your desire succeed? Maybe. Maybe not. It is external circumstances & Deiva Sankalpam (divine will) that determines if your action will succeed or not. Quoting from the बृहदारण्यक उपनिषद् 4.4.5 (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad) in an expression of similar thoughts: काममय एवायं पुरुष इति; स यथाकामो भवति तत्क्रतुर्भवति, यत्क्रतुर्भवति तत्कर्म कुरुते, यत्कर्म कुरुते तदभिसंपद्यते. Loosely translated: You are your desire. Resolving your desire results in knowledge, action & your destiny. She is the underlying power (Shakthi) & form (swaroopini) behind desire, knowledge & action. KR IRS 25322 On Fri, 25 Mar 2022 at 05:22, 'gopala krishnan' via iyer123 < [email protected]> wrote: > QUES ANSW DIVINE 03-2022-25 > > Dear friends, > > These are information compiled as QA by me in 1998’s-2004’s and stored in > my computer. They are posted by *very learnt members*. > > *BEING COMPILATION THERE MAY BE ERRORS.* > > > Sincerely, > > *R. Gopalakrishnan, 78, dated 25-03-2022* > > Q1 Do salagrama is mentioned in Vedas? > > *A1 YES YES. The salagrama is mentioned in the Atharva Veda* where it is > written that any Brahmin’s house that does not contain the salagrama is to > be considered as impure as a cemetery. > > Q2 Do sala grama require any special worship? > > A2 The worship of Salagrama does not call for elaborate prayer ceremonies. > *Its > very presence assures happiness. Purohit.com * > > Q3 What is the swasthika? > > *A3 The word ‘Swasti’ means auspicious,* benevolent, a good deed or good > wishes. The Swastika is considered auspicious and is painted on the doors > of houses in India to ward off evil spirits. Its origin goes back to the > Vedic times (4500-2500 B.C.), may be even earlier. > > *Seals with the Swastika symbol have been found at excavation sites in > Harappa which date back to about 2000 years. * > > Q4 Do swasthika and sudarsana chakra are the same? > > A4 The Swastika is said to represent the Sun or Lord Vishnu. In the > Puranas it has been described as the ‘Sudarshana Chakra’ or the wheel of > Vishnu and also symbolizes the constant changes in the universe. > > The Swastika has also been associated with the Sun (the arms > representing the sun’s rays) and also with Ganesha, the pathfinder whose > image is often found at the crossroads. > > In the ‘Siddhanta Saar’ the hub of the Swastika has been described as the > navel of Vishnu and the four lines as the four faces and four arms of Brahma. > > > Q5 Where is the third eye(AJNA chakra) location? > > A5 The centre of the forehead between the eyebrows is the most important > psychic location in the human body and its importance is stressed by > putting a coloured mark at this spot. > > This central spot is where the sixth chakra (Ajna) is located. It is also > called the third eye or the eye of wisdom. It is the aim of yogis and > devout Hindus to ‘open’ this third eye by constant meditation. > > Q6 What is pure belief? > > A6 A tale is told of two persons (narrated by Sringeri Acharya) facing the > problem of crossing a river. One uttered God's name and reached the other > shore safely. The other, who also restored to chanting, doubted, while in > midstream, whether the mantra would prove effective and he was washed away. > > Q7 What is the benefit of believing in the power of unseen power like > incarnation? > > *A7 The belief in the existence of an unseen power leads a man to right > action (Karma) because he* believes that his actions are being watched by > an unseen power. > > The belief in reincarnation keeps the man away from wrongful acts > because he believes that in order to have a good birth in next life, he > must do good acts in this life. > > The belief in Nemesis also regulates man’s behaviour because he believes > that he will be punished for his sins, here and now. > > Q8 Can you state some habits unconsciously followed ? > > A8 The Brahmins shall not take meat or the Jains shall not take curd, are > some of the habits, unconsciously followed. > > Q9 What is the meaning of Puthra? > > A9 Son is fancifully said to mean one who delivers a parent from a hell > called Put. > > The well being of the parent’s soul, after death, is believed to depend on > the proper performance of the shraddha ceremonies by a son, and that the > partition of the family inheritance is by law made dependent on the due > celebration of such rites. > > Q10 Do acquisition of wealth is good? > > A10 Yes. Hindu scriptural texts have *said in unambiguous terms that > acquisition of wealth is no sin; nor is there any virtue in being poor. * > > The ancient thinkers-the venerable seers-have included wealth (Artha) in > the four Purusharthas, the fundamental aspirations one should have, the > other three being Dharma (righteousness) Kama (pleasure) and Moksha > (deliverance of the soul). > > In Tamil, the four Purusharthas are described. As Aram, Porul, lnbam and > Veedu. All that the thinkers insisted was that wealth be earned through > proper means. Similarly, there is no harm in enjoying pleasures which are > not opposed to the dictates and principles of Dharma. One is entitled to > all happiness that is derived from leading a pure and noble life, the > individual performing his duties faithfully. > > Q11Do destiny play its role? > > A11 Yes is the answer. Sri Jayendra Saraswathi narrated an episode in > which a housewife, taking pity on a hungry man, offered him a glass of > milk. Instead of drinking it straightway, he went to a nearby tank to > wash his hands and face, keeping the tumbler underneath a tree. Right above > was a falcon clawing a snake. A drop of poison from the reptile > accidentally fell into the receptacle containing the milk, though no one > noticed it. > > The hungry man drank it and collapsed and the housewife thought that she > was responsible for his death and started crying. > > Ultimately, when sages visualised what had happened, the air of mystery > was cleared and no one was declared a sinner. Destiny played its role. > > Q12 What is Krishna as cowheard yagya story? > > A12 An incident in Bhagavatham narrates how God in human form (as Sri > Krishna boy ) was once approached by His cowherd companions for getting > their hunger satisfied. > > The Divine Child asked them to seek the help of scholars who were > conducting a sacrifice but the latter disregarded the young men's request > and even treated them with contempt. > > Young Sri Krishna then made them submit their request to the womenfolk > (the Sages' wives) who readily responded, despite the prohibitory orders > of the men and gave them the food. > > Sri Vishvesha Thirtha Swami of Pejawar Math said: "We are all in the same > situation. Lord Krishna is hungry even now. We cannot satisfy Him by > outward forms of worship. We should behave good and help men in distress". > > Q13 What is Bhishmashtami? > > A13 The eighth day of the Shukla Paksha of the Magha month is known as > Bheemashtami. It was this day when Bheesma Pitamah expired. That person > who alike Bheeshma Pitamah sacrifices sesamum and performs rites to pacify > ancestral souls is blessed with fortunate progeny/child It is mentioned in > the Padma Puran that a boy whose father is alive should also observe > Bheeshma Tarpan (Gratification). > > Q14 Do cow and prostitute are good omens? > > A14 It is a belief that the occupants of such a house, at the gate of > which is tethered a cow , always win. > > If starting for an urgent work one sees a well-dressed prostitute in > jolly mood it is an auspicious sign. Success is assured because of this > omen. > > *However if a person sees a prostitute with unkept hair and in > helter-skelter condititon, while going for some work obstacles arise in the > completion of that work.* > > > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "iyer123" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/iyer123/288720968.12259.1648165966216%40mail.yahoo.com > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/iyer123/288720968.12259.1648165966216%40mail.yahoo.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/CAL5XZoq5DoxdZxjVVevK4b1_58qkhtOj2zrc8Y-1R-0HBAwQNQ%40mail.gmail.com.
