Thank you Mr Sekar for reading the QA and response about QA1. In Bangalore the
silent tower of Parsis is next to Godrej woodsman estate where my daughter
reside.
Gopalakrishnan
On Monday, 8 January, 2024 at 01:35:49 pm IST, Narayanaswamy Sekar
<[email protected]> wrote:
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: 'N Sekar' via iyer123 <[email protected]>
Date: Mon, Jan 8, 2024, 1:34 PM
Subject: Re: [iyer123] CULTURAL QA 01-2024-08
To: <[email protected]>, Kerala Iyer <[email protected]>,
Gopa4411 <[email protected]>
Thank you.
Good to read.
Q 1 was informative although many of us are aware of these reasons but still
refreshing our memory is good, as we don't think about all these consciously.
One belief is that you can do the Namaskarans only here - after the
Dwajasthanbam but before the exit - in the Prakaram. It is done after the "
Pradakshinams".
2. Parsis worship Fire and their bodies, after death, are thrown open in a
place where eagles eat them.There is a place for this in Mumbai.
4. As stated there, sll our rituals, as they were originally conceived and
practiced, had very valid scientific reasons.
The reason why women were asked to sit in a separate place during their
menstrual cycle was also because
No napkins were available in those days
Since they must be feeling weak, full rest was endured by this method.
Of course general hygiene.
Without knowing anything, the ignoramuses ridicule our religion - Neither is
there a desire to learn nor we care to explain.
N Sekar
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
On Mon, Jan 8, 2024 at 12:12 PM, 'gopala krishnan' via
iyer123<[email protected]> wrote:
CULTURAL QA 01-2024-08
All the BELOW QA are from Quora digest to me on 08-01-2024. Two good
jokes are alsoincluded to avoid monotonous reading if any felt so.
Quora answers need not be 100% correct answers
.Compiled and posted byR. Gopala krishnan, on 08-01-2024
Q1 Why is a pointed metal top fitted onmost of the Hindu temples?
A1 Srivathsan,I love reading aboutphilosophical aspects of hinduism18h
OM NAMAH SHIVAAYA -Why this metal rod?
In all the templeswe have a pillar in front of the Garbhagraham or Moolasthanam
which is known as Dwajasthambam or Kodimaram.
In Sanskrit, theword Dwaja means ‘Flag’ that raises high. In the religious
sense, whateverraises a man to a higher level of understanding and activity is
a ‘Dwaja.’ The Dwajasthamba is consideredas the symbol of hope and desire to
overcome one’s ignorance.
Dwajasthambam is anindication of the spinal cord in our human body as told in
Agamas. There aretotally 32 spiral bones in our spinal cord and even the flag
pole has 32 rings. There are manyrules mentioned in the Agamas about the
installing of this Dwajasthambam.
Whenever we enterany temple, we will first encounter this Dwajastambham.
The Dwajasthamba is believed to carry the power of the Godin the temple.
The top portion of the flag staff has three horizontalperches or three branches
pointing towards the Sanctum.These3 parts symbolizes or represents the
Trimurthis – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
The dwajastambham is normally made by using a single treeor single stone. They
are decorated with eithergold or silver or bronze or most of the times with
panchalokas.
It is said that oneshould chant only the holy mantras and chant His name while
standing in frontof the God in Garbhagraha. Our worries and wishesshould be
told to god only in front of this Dwajasthambam.
Lastly afterpraying to all the gods, men should perform the Ashtanga namaskaram
while womenshould perform the Panchanga namaskaram in front of Dwajasthambam.
My note- In some temples Dwajasthamba is erected everyyear during festival
time. In such instances the prayer is made in theearmarked area. Manyfamily
temples have no dwajasthambam or festivals. In these templesworship is done in
front of the deity.
An example is the Pandalam Sastha temple,family deity of Pandalam Royal family.
No Dwajasthambam and no specialfestivals. In fact the temple is closed for 10
days when anymember of the royal family dies
There are fewscientific reasons behind the structure of Dwajasthambam.Whenever
lightning strikes, the metal arrestor (A device used to protectequipment from
lightning, electrical storms, etc…), placed at such a highestpoint of the
region, induces the charge to conduct through it. The metalarrestor then
conducts the heavy electrical impulse directly to ground, thuspreventing the
building from getting damaged.
My note- OOn this account present days a rectangular fencing is made around
theflag mast in Kerala temples, where rain is a frequent occurance nowadays.
Q2 What are the key beliefs ofZoroastrianism?
A2 Maryam Alizadeh, Bachelor in BusinessManagement, Oxford Brookes
University (Expected 2026)Dec 13
Zoroastrianism is an ancient monotheistic religionfounded in ancient Persia
(present-day Iran) by theprophet Zoroaster (also known as Zarathustra) around
1500 BCE. It is one of theworld's oldest monotheistic religions, predating
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Here are the keybeliefs of Zoroastrianism:
1. Monotheism: Zoroastrians believe in onesupreme deity, Ahura Mazda, who is
the creator of all that is good and just.Ahura Mazda is often referred to as
the "Wise Lord" or "Lord ofLight."
2. Dualism: While Zoroastrianism is fundamentallymonotheistic, it also
incorporates a dualistic element in its worldview. AhuraMazda is opposed by
Angra Mainyu (also known as Ahriman), the spirit of chaos,darkness, and evil.
This ongoing struggle between good and evil is central toZoroastrian thought.
3. Asha (Truth): Zoroastrians believe that theuniverse is governed by Asha
(Truth), which is the divine order of theuniverse. By following the path of
Asha, one aligns oneself with the forces ofgood and contributes to the victory
of Ahura Mazda over Angra Mainyu.
4. Threefold Path: The path of Asha is embodied inthe Threefold Path, which
consists of:
Good Thoughts: Zoroastrians strive to think pure,positive, and helpful thoughts.
Good Words: They also strive to speak truthfully,kindly, and honestly.
Good Deeds: Finally, they strive to act with integrity,compassion, and justice.
5. Free Will: Zoroastrianism emphasizes theimportance of free will. Humans have
the ability to choose between the path ofAsha and the path of Druj (Deception),
which leads to darkness and evil.
6. Judgement After Death: Zoroastrians believe thatafter death, individuals are
judged according to their actions in life.Thosewho have followed the path of
Asha will be rewarded with a blissful afterlife,while those who have chosen
Druj will be punished.
7. Resurrection: Zoroastrians believe in theresurrection of the soul and the
eventual destruction of Angra Mainyu and theforces of darkness. In the end,
Ahura Mazda and Asha will triumph, and theuniverse will be restored to a state
of perfect harmony.
Zoroastrianism has had a profound influence on thedevelopment of other
religions, including Judaism,Christianity, and Islam. Its emphasis on
monotheism, free will, and thestruggle between good and evil has resonated with
believers across cultures andthroughout history.
Q3 What are some things that happen onlyin India?
A3 Vijay Godhi,Lead - Supply ChainUpdated3y
Couple of monthsback. I was in Mumbai to visit my friend’s dad who was in
hospital for asurgery. Since the hospitaldidn’t have parking, I had to park my
car on the road side which is whereusually everyone parks their vehicles. Below
is the image - locationof where I had parked my car.
I met my friend’sdad and came back 2–3 hrs later to see that my car had
disappeared. I was shocked. InitiallyI thought I was looking for my car at the
wrong place. I searched the wholestretch of road and my car was nowhere. I came
back to the place where I hadparked by car and was thinking. I thought my car
was stolen and I need to approach the police and makea complaint.
Just then a cab driver had parked his car at the samelocation and he kept
watching me. After couple ofminutes, he approached me and asked what’s the
problem?. I told him my concernand said it looks like my car is stolen. I was
surprised then he just smiledand said no sir, your car is not stolen but it’s
towed andwill be in the near by police station.
I said “WHAT” !!Why ?? . The cab driver said sir. You have parked in a place
which is reservedfor cabs.
Now, look at piccarefully ….
That board saysthis place is reserved for cabs. Can anyone really see this !!!
I for sure couldn’tsee this.
The cab driver directed me to the nearby police stationand I got my car back.
Thought I had to pay a fine forparking illegally. When I showed them the pic of
location , the police officer said “ I know that board is not visible and we
haveinformed the concerned authorities to make it more visible but that’s not
ourdepartment. You have to pay the fine now”
One thing what I liked is the cop at the station didn’taccept any cash as mode
of payments for fine. Only cards are accepted.And a proper acknowledgement is
given. When I asked why no cash, he had asimple answer - cash means people will
try to bribe us and not payfines.
My experiencewas a good one. Cops spoke nice and were not rude.
Why did I writethis here - becausethis can only happen in India where the board
is not visible and still you endup paying … LOL
Edit 1: Assuggested, the area was in Bandra near Leelavati Hospital.
Q4 Why is it prohibited in mostHindu families, to visit temples
for a few days if someone in the family hasdied?
A4 Srivathsan,I love reading aboutphilosophical aspects of hinduism18h
Prohibition to temples - Science or superstition
In Hinduism, eachevent has a traditional history. Birth and Death are one such
part of theseevents, whenever some person dies or whenever a new child is
born,Hindus follow the tradition of Sutak. Sutak is the period of abstention
observedby the Hindus after birth or a death of a family member.
SUTAK DURING BIRTH
Sutak is observedduring the time, when a child is born. The family members of
the new born observea period of Sutak for ten days. They restrict themselves
from going to templesand attending any ceremonies, etc. Though, the overall
environment is jubilantand joyful. The mother of the child is restrained to go
inthe kitchen and the newborn is not brought outside of the home. Afterthe
delivery, the mother does not mix with people and remains confined to thehouse.
Family members call a priest for the spiritual Puja. Sweets and othergifts are
distributed among the people.
Scientific Aspect
A woman after giving birth to a child becomes very weak andtired. She requires
a period of great rest, so that her body replenishes thestrength,lost while
giving birth. Her body also secretes many fluids and odor, thus sheis refrained
from entering or using the kitchen for cooking. She is confined to her roomfor
a period ten to fourteen days, so that her body recovers well. Sheis not
allowed to work and do any task because of this reason only.
Traditionally,the period of Sutak is ten days for Brahmins, twelve for
Kshatriyas, sixteen totwenty days for Vaishyas and thirty days for Shudras.As
in the medieval times, women of Shudra caste had to do a lot of physicalhard
work in the fields and homes of upper caste people. Their bodies didn’tremain
in great shape due to the physical stress and poverty. This was thereason that
their Sutak period was the longest, so that their bodies completelyrecover to
sustain their daily chores. The Sutak period of other castes was also relative
totheir work nature.
Moreover, thenewborn child is very sensitive and fragile to infections. Its
body is notimmune to antigens and its immunity develops slowly with time. It
could catchinfections from the people around it. That’s why, Sutak forbids
touching orgoing near the newborn for ten to thirty days. Our ancient system
made sure theproper development of every newborn child with the help of Sutak.
In moderntimes, doctors keep weak infants in incubators for weeks, so that
their bodiesslowly acclimatize to the earthly environment. But, Hinduism had
this systemthousand years back in its own style.
SUTAKDURING DEATH
Sutak observed during Death is also known as Patak.It is the period of
renouncing daily life activities for twelve to sixteen daysafter the death of a
family member. It is observed by all the family membersand relatives of the
dead individual.
Accordingto the Garuda Purana, when someone dies, the family must observe Patak
fortwelve days. Theyshould call a priest to narrate the Garuda Purana and
dictate them the rulesand regulations of Patak. The execution of Patak includes
restrictionto – any worship or Puja of a deity, recitation of holy books,
consuming spicyfood, visiting temples, attending a public function or a
ceremony, and exchanginggifts.
On the thirteenthday, the “kriya” ceremony is observed, narration of the Garuda
Purana isconcluded and that ends the Patak period. The belongings of the dead
person including its new and old clothes aredistributed among the poor and
needy.
Scientific Reason
Observation ofSutak after the death of a family member is a highly meaningful
ceremony. As death may occur due to any reason – Sickness, disease, old
age,accident, etc. The duration of Patak is corresponding to the reason of
death.
If a person diesfrom a serious sickness, the environment of its home could be
very contagiousfor others. So, the people gathered there for mourning,must take
a bath after returning to their respective homes to ensure hygiene. Even after
cremation of the dead body, a bath is compulsory according toour traditions.
Scientifically, the fumes and ashes arising from theburning pyre may infect us.
Thus, a proper bath and change of clothes preventsuch a case.
Even the family members of the dead individual may actas carriers of the
infection. Scientifically, a “carrier”is a person who himself is not infected
by the disease but may transfer thedisease into another person by coming into
direct contact.
That’s whyto prevent such a happening, Patak is observed and the family members
areforbidden to attend any public ceremonies, visit any temple and go out
morefrequently. Only, because their contact with others mayresult in spread of
a sickness. In ancient times, Patak acted as a greatmethod to quarantine such
sicknesses. But today, ignorance has blindedour thought process and we consider
it as a superstition.
Moreover, If afamily member dies in a foreign country, irrespective of the
reason of thedeath. No abstention for twelve days is observed by its family.
Only a bathcompletes the Patak.
Ancient Hindu scholars and scientists had researched onevery issue and life
aspect deeply. They had devised propertechniques and methods to cope up with
differing circumstances in a scientificand rational manner. But with time, our
society has started to forget ourtraditions and started to label them as
mythology or superstition. We tend tofollow the western lifestyle, culture and
ethics but in return we aredisgracing and disrespecting our rich cultural
heritage.
Sutak and Patak are traditional ceremonies with greatscientific logic
incorporated into them. I hope this postclarifies and breaks all the myths
surrounding them.
My note- Earlier in Kerala temples there used tohave a black notice
boardintimating no entry for those having, Pula, Valaima, or on menses. For
reasonsnot known now no such noticeboard is there.
However Pula is observed by all family membersand going to temple Only after
sama44radhana. Valaima is observed only veryclose family members.
Q5 Do you know a joke about a son fleecinghis father?
A5 ,Andras Lu15h
Brad's first yearaway at university was a lot of partying and paying for his
friend's. He quickly runs out of money.His father would not be pleased with his
wastefulness, so Brad sends him amessage stating he has a professor that can
teach his father's doghow to read and write for a bargain price. The father
can't believe theadvances the school has made, but also can't pass up the
opportunity. Brad soon receives his dog and the money, but promptly burns
throughit again.
This time hisfather is sent another message that another professor of Brad's
canteach the dog to talk to people for more money. Brad again receives themoney.
Soon the father is bragging toeveryone in town about how when Brad comes home
with the dog, the dog can notonly read and write, but can also converse with
everyone.
Word spreads and atthe end of the school year a hugethrong of people are
waiting to see the dog arrive at the train station. However, neither Brad nor
the dog are to be seen. The fatherlooks off at the caboose and sees a slumped
shouldered Brad slowly get off the train.
The father runs to greet his son and asks where the dogis.Between whimpers Brad
tells him that, while they were ridingthe train back home, the dog put down the
newspaper he was reading and said,"Brad, I'm so glad I can speak. Because now I
want to tell your motherwhat I saw your father and the housemaid doing when she
wasn't around.
" Brad told his father, "I got so angry...Igrabbed that dog by the neck and
threw it off the train. We must have beengoing 100. There's no way it could
have survived."
Brad's fathergrasped him by the shoulders and looked directly into his eyes
before saying,"Son, are you sure that lying dog is dead?"
Q6 What and why do some people whisper inNandi's ears at Lord Shiva
temples?
A6 Srivathsan, I love reading aboutphilosophical aspects of hinduism18h
SUPERSTITION BUTWHY PHILOSOPHICAL ASPECT OF NANDI BHAGWAN
According to ourSanatan dharma, the purpose of human life is to attain moksha
which can begained by controlling our Indriyas or senses. Moksha can also be
defined asmerging Jeeva or Individual soul with the supreme god. Our scriptures
have deepsignificance in all the symbolic forms. Similarly; Linga is the symbol
of thesupreme God and Nandi is the symbol of Jeeva or the individual soul like
us. By constant devotion, Nandi theJeeva merges with Linga the Eeshwara to
become Nandeeshwara. Thus, thesitting position of Nandi is the symbolic form of
stability and realizingoneness. So it explain the jeeva and paramatma concept.
WHY WHISPER ?
One such story is about Jalandhara, a demon whocomes in stories about both Lord
Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The tale says that, once when Lord Shiva wasmeditating,
Jalandhara kidnapped Parvathi. All the other Gods tried toinform Lord Shiva
about this but failed. Lord Ganesha himself couldn’t wake upLord Shiva from
Dhyana / Meditation. After thinking for a while, Ganesha then thought to tell
this to Nandiwho was sitting in front of Ishwara. Lord Ganesha then narrated
theentire thing in Nandi’s ears and Nandi conveyed the whole thing to Lord
Shiva.
>From then, thepractice of speaking wishes in Nandi’s ears started, and is
>believed thatwhatever we speak in his ears will be conveyed to the Lord
>directly.
IS IT GOOD?
Actually no. Nandi bhagwan has ears and Shiva isall pervading that one can stop
putting post letters or telegrams through nandibhagwan. It is just a mere
SUPERSTITION as none of our scripturesadvices us to do so.
OM NAMAH SHIVAAYA
Q7 Do you know a joke about a priest and anun?
A7 Andras Lu,Sep 17
A priest and ayoung nun are on a journey in the Alps. On their journey they are
surprised bya huge snowstorm. Fortunately,they can fight their way to an empty
hut. Once there, they prepare forthe overnight stay. There'seven a whole closet
full of blankets and a sleeping bag, but only one bed.As a gentleman, the
priest of course knows what is appropriate and says to thenun: "Sister, sleep
in bed. I'll take the sleeping bag."
The priest has justzipped up his sleeping bag and closed his eyes when he hears
from the bed: "Father, I'mcold." The priest frees himself from the sleeping
bag, grabs another blanket and spreads itover the nun. Then he mumbles into his
sleeping bag for the second timeand begins to slip back into the realm of
dreams.
Some five minuteslater you can hear it again: "Father, I'm still cold." The
same procedure: Thepriest crawls out of the sleeping bag, spreads another
blanket over the nun andgoes back to sleep.
He has just closedhis eyes when she says again: "Father, I'm soooooooo
cold...!" This time the prieststays where he is and replies, "Sister, I have an
idea. We're cut off fromthe outside world up here and not a soul will ever know
what happened heretonight!" He grins mischievously and adds: "We could just
pretend we're married..."
The nun hassecretly been waiting for this with hope and breathes: "Oh yes...
that would be nice."
The priest thenshouts: “Then get up and get your damn blanket yourself!”
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