CULTURAL QA 01202408
Q1 Why is a pointed metal top fitted on most of the Hindu temples?
KR If Zakir Naik asks like this viz “METAL TOP ON TEMPLES? -“?Who
asks this? “SRIVATSAN”- A PURE VAISHNAVAITE? QUORA is exclaimed as that of
intelligence whereas, SOMEONE WHO QUESTIONS AS IF INTERESTED tag, EVEN
WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE, NAMES “THE GOPURA KALASAMS as metals? Is Dvajastambha is
metal fitted on top of the temple? A lot of confusion in the answer.
Agama Shastra And Temple Worship
----------------------------------------------------------
Temple tower servers a excellent protection to the city or the
village. Temple Towers Contains Pots. The Pots (or Kailasam) are made up of
Metals such as Gold, Silver, Bronze or Mixture of any 5 different metals.
The Pots filled with Rice, Salt, Raghi, Millet and Corn. These metals give
these kailasam electro-magnetic reception. And seeds for the future in case
of fam9ine to the agriculturists. Hence only we find so many temples
around villages. Grains like rice, salt, ragi, millet, corn, maize and
sesame were poured in. And millet, especially, was used in huge quantities
as the scientific knowledge then, claimed millet could conduct
electro-magnetic waves.Gopuram acts as a lightning seize. A metallic item
mounted on top of a structure, electrically bonded using a wire or
electrical conductor to interface with land or “earth” through an
electrode, engineered to guard the building in the event of lightning hit.
If lightning targets the structure, it will preferentially strike the rod
and be conducted to ground throughout the wire, instead of passing all the
way through the building, where it could create fire or cause
electrocution. [science world].
These objects act as lightning conductors and are considered to be
‘earthing’. Moreover, how many lives could be saved by these lightening
conductors depends on the height of these towers. For example, if a tower
is about 50 metres tall, then it would protect an area that falls in a
100-metre radius. This is approximately about 75,008 sq meters. Some
temples have 4 entrance towers which protect about 75,000 sq meters on all
four sides. However, this is approximate numbers. Periodic renewal of
temple is called kumbabishekam, centres around Kalasams, when elaborate
rituals are performed along with renewing the temple’s physical structures.
Once in 12 years, the grains in the temple kalasams are refilled and
changed during a festival called “Kudamuzhugu Vilzha”. This is because the
grains have a period of 12 years to absorb the electro-magnetic waves,
after which they lose their conduciveness. Moreover, unlike these days
where it rains just 3 days, it used to rain for 3 continuous months.
The number of kalasams depends on the structure and choice and
the total number of kalasams comes in odd number. Fixing kalasams on top of
the temple has been in practise for centuries and it is done on an
auspicious day. In India there are countless 1000 plus year old
historical temples that have metal kalasams(s). According to an ancient
Tamil wheeze: ''Don't live in a place where there is no temple'' (in Tamil:
''kovil illatha ooril kudiyerrukka vendam''). This is the reason why Tamil
Nadu, in particular, has tens of thousands of Hindu temples. Invariably
almost all kalasams are well decorated
--------------------------------------------------------------
Many of us have a habit of bowing by touching the door step while entering
the temple. Our forefathers had a scientific approach to all spiritual
matters. It humbles us when we bend down and try to touch the temple
threshold. Next it runs the solar nadi in our body. After touching the
stairs, pressing the fingers of the right hand on the Ajna chakra in the
middle of the eyebrows on our forehead, it drives away the evil forces and
makes us absorb the blessings from the shrines very easily.
Next inside the temple we can see the flag tree. The temple vine tree known
as Duvajasthambam also contains great philosophies. Our Agamas say that the
flagpole of the temple is like the backbone of our body. There are 32 bony
rings in our spinal column. Similarly, the temple flag tree is erected with
32 rings.
In our spine there are six sources called Mooladhara, Swadishthanam, Mani
Purakam, Anagadam, Visukti, Agnya and three nadis called Adha, Pingalai and
Shujhimuna. Prana vayu, which usually passes through the mid-pingala, is
stopped at the middle nadi called Chuzhimuna to meditate on the Lord, and
the mind becomes stable. It is on this basis that the flag tree is erected.
-------------------------------------------------------K R IRS 9 1 24
Q2 What are the key beliefs of Zoroastrianism?
KR Zoroastrianism written here, are all just self-serving
statement taken out by some nonfragrant, without verification. I had
written about the Parsis already so much, detailed but after reading them,
writing without verification, is unpardonable.
Parsi culture started only after the Mahabharatham war. People
who were alive, displaced towards, west to turkey, Greece and Parts of UAE.
It is also seen as the followers of Parasuraman hence Parsis. Zoroastrian
was their first King and Guru in Persia (also interpreted as hence Parsis;
but name Persia came only later from the king who conquered it; but even
before that Old Indians were in the northern part of Persia; so, Persia and
Parsi are remotely connected. AVESTAN ZEND their text book preached by
Zora, was nothing but the replications of the Rig Vedam. Thus, Parsis were
only Hindus practicing Vedic culture and when they were driven out, came to
the Gujarat coast to re enter which is another story. Similarly Greek
settled and displaced Jews text is based only on Rig Veda verses (Vide;
Deivathin Kural; and On Greece books). Their habits allowing the bodies as
food for eagles, is just a coincidence since they were loitering for many
years without a place to settle. Fire worship was out old Yagna Habits.
There are evidences of agreement made where the witnesses were Varuna and
Mitra. Hence Parsi are only Hindus.
-------------------------------------------------------
Q3 What are some things that happen only in India?
KR This shows a low character to criticise India; I had written
this long ago happened in USA California Sanjose. The police officer
stopped my car and charged that CROSSED THE STOP LINE. Wherever a stop line
is seen with board depicting the sign on your right side (left side
driver(ing) in USA. Right side view is blocked by the leaves of a tree. In
spite of the best effort to show the police officer requesting him to take
a photo of that sign, he kept on calling SIR RULE IS RULE. So had to
transfer fine by online. It happens in USA also.
Q4 Why is it prohibited in most Hindu families, to visit
temples for a few days if someone in the family has died?
KR Another blind shot from Srivatsav. Certain views expressed as
sastra emanated only out Manu dharma and Grhya sutras, based on samskaras.
Before thinking in normal way let me show what is the advice of Kamakoti
peetam on SOUCHAM:
“Before hundred years there was not even one in a hundred persons, who did
not clean himself after passing urine and stools with soil and water. Now
the situation is that not even one in a hundred cleans that way. We should
consider properly whether this is advance of humanity or animalism.
Many of us think that the whites are cleaner than us and that we shall
follow their method of cleanliness. They have devised certain expensive
methods of cleanliness with funds obtained through coercing and ruling over
other countries. That method is also mere superficial show. If we go
deeply, it is all very dirty. Though dirty, if we adopt that method, we
will incur huge expenses. We, who are short of food and water, have
abandoned the simple and clean hand- practice handed to us by our
Maharishis, looked up at ‘glass fruit’ and got the name that Hindus are
very ignorant people, by being neither here nor there.
If we understand well the rules prescribed by our Manu and others, spread
that knowledge among all and adopt those practices, the dirt seen in our
streets and on the banks of rivers and ponds, and the ignominy hurled at us
by newspapers like Mail will disappear.
Even the white experts, who came to examine our ancient practices of
construction of towns and villages, have generally opined that the kind of
practices adopted here, suited to comfortable living and good health are
not seen in any other country. In respect of bodily cleanliness, looking at
the indecent practices followed now by our people, they criticise that
nowhere in the world are people so uncivilised.
This indecency is the result of not adopting the practices prescribed in
our Dharma sastras. Kings like Manu and sages have written books of dharma
based on the intent of Vedas. The cleaning (Soucha) method prescribed in
them is not only meant to keep the body clean, but also to keep the mind
pure. This method is inexpensive also.
What is Soucham? Soucham is the quality of one who is ‘suchi’ or the method
of becoming ‘suchi’. One who is pure outside and inside is called ‘suchi’
and also ‘puta’, ‘pavitra’ and ‘medhya’.
Soucham:
Purity is of two kinds, bahya (outer) purity and aabhyantara (inner)
purity. Cleaning the outer bodily impurities using soil, water, aamalaka
(nellikkai), madhuka (iluppai) seeds after extracting oil (pinnakku),
madhuka powder, shikakai powder etc. is outer purification. Inner
purification is removal of impurities arising in mind frequently through
practice of contrary good thoughts.
While performing any Vedic karma, dvijas should maintain inner and outer
purity right from beginning of karma till Brahmarpanam (surrendering the
karma to Brahman at the end of karma). At the beginning of each karma,
Aachamanam should be performed to keep inner purity. Karma should be
performed, wearing clean clothes, pavitram (made of darbha) in the finger
and clean yagnopavita. All karmas should be performed only after performing
Sandhyavandanam; this is emphasised in *Smriti.*
Though we may be determined mentally to retain inner and outer purity, we
should do Achamanam to counter any subtle impurity that has occurred or
might occur and begin the karma with thought of Iswara.
At the beginning of sankalpa of karma, we chant the mantra:
‘Apavitrah pavitro va sarvavasthan gathopiva~
Yasmaret Pundarikaksham sa bahyaabhyantarassuchih’, as taught by our
elders, meaning ‘*whether one is pure, impure or is in any despicable
condition, he attains inner and outer purity by thinking of Pundarikaksha
(lotus-eyed) Iswara. As ‘smaranam’ (thinking) is mentioned at the beginning
of the list of nine methods of bhakti,* what doubt can be there in that the
moment one remembers Bhagavan, that Sarveswara, who is captured by
devotion, residing in the heart-lotus of the devotee, would render his body
and mind pure and activate good thoughts?
The great Manu and the Mahayogiswara Yagnavalkya have said that Guru, after
completing the upanayana samskara for the disciple, should first teach him
the methods of Soucham (purification), followed by practices like Snanam,
Aachamanam etc. and Samidadhanam in morning and evening and Sandhyavandanam
three times a day etc. When a pure person sees an impure one, he develops
disgust. One who is impure catches a serious disease called ‘Arochakam’
(meaning loss of shine, appetite; causing disgust etc.). One who is impure
should be called a crow or ‘Huna’ (barbarian).{KR:IN THE HISTORY WE HAVE
READ HOONARGAL; THE SNASKRIT WORD WILL SHOW THE REASON}
The 12 impurities arising in our body are:
Oily exudation, semen, blood, pus, urine, stools, phlegm in nose, wax in
ear, phlegm in mouth, tears, impurity in eyes and sweat.
Out of these, for cleaning the first six impurities, soil and water should
both be used. The latter six may be cleaned by use of water only.
While cleaning, one should take water in containers and clean attentively
till the smell and the impurity go away completely; one should not clean
direct in river or tank.
Sri Vignaneswara, author of Mithakshara, says that specification of the
number of times of use of water, soil etc. relates to the unseen benefits.
Bhagavan teaches in the beginning of 16th chapter of Gita that he alone,
who is born with satva quality leading to development of divine attributes,
owing to merit accumulated in previous lives, is seen to have good
qualities like Soucham etc.; this applies to all four varnas. In the same
chapter, in the 7th sloka, he says that one cannot find Soucham, Aacharam,
interest in good acts, disinterest in bad acts, telling the truth etc. in
those who are endowed with Asuric wealth and tamoguna. Further, in 13th
chapter, he has described twenty attributes like Soucham etc. as instrument
of Gnana:
“Amaanitvam adambhitvam ahimsa kshaantir aarjavam|
Acharyopasanam soucham sthairyam atmavinigrahah||” (7)
In his commentary on this sloka, Srimad Bhagavatpada Acharya has said:
Soucham results from the washing away of bodily defilements with soil and
water externally, and internally, from the removal of defilements like
attachment from mind by cultivating their opposites.
Great men like Srimad Madhusudana Saraswati {KR: ADVAITHA TREATISE WRITER}
have written in detail in a manner clear even to ordinary people about
Southam. Further, in Manusmrithi, while talking about the duty of
protecting women, he says in the 9th chapter that women can never be
protected by coercion, but could be made to obey through kind advice and
assigning certain duties to them. These duties are:
Attending to expenses on household maintenance; *carrying out Soucham*;
dharma including service to father-in-law, mother-in-law and husband,
cooking, looking after materials in the house etc. It is clear that because
all dharma of grihastha will be carried out properly only with the the
purity and sincerity of wife, souchaam is essential for the couple. From
the following it will be clear that there is no special effort needed for
knowing and practising the soucha methods.
For passing urine and stools, one must face north in day time and south in
night time. Southam (cleaning) follows the same rule. Soucham should be
done first for anus, then for urinary organ, followed by left hand, right
hand and feet in that order. Soil and water should be used alternately in
souchaam. Soil should be used 5 times for anus, 2 times for urinary organ,
10 times for left hand, 7 times each for both hands and 7 times each for
both feet. The number of times may be reduced slightly if bad smell has
gone away. But souchaam should never be done sitting direct in water. If
unavoidable on a rare occasion, one should sit outside water, take water in
right hand and pour in left hand and do the washing.
Eating food and passing stools and urine should be done secretly; if done
openly, Lakshmi will go away.
The number of times souchaam with soil required to be done by brahmacharis
is twice as stated earlier and for sanyasis, it is four times.
The required number of times of souchaam in night is half of what is given
above, quarter in case of journey and as much as feasible in case of the
sick.
The quantity of soil to be taken every time is of an aamalaka size; for
urination, it can be of ‘karira’ (tuduvilangai) size.
If excreta and urine come into contact with any body part, souchaam with
soil should be done there.
After souchaam is done, one should wear dhoti (kachcham) and tuft of hair
properly, wash feet up to knees and hands up to elbows and do achamanam.
Rule for achamanam: One should sit facing east, north-east or north in
‘kukkutasanam’ (on feet), have both hands inside the knees, touch water
with the finger of left hand and do achamanam. After achamanam, he should
wipe the lips twice with the base of thumb and once with the remaining four
fingers, utter names of the Lord starting with Kesava and touch the
respective part of body. While doing achamanam, he should keep his right
hand like the ear of cow and take water which will just immerse one piece
of urid dal for sipping. At no time achamanam should be done facing south
or west. Aachamanam should not be done with hot water or perfumed water.
Aachamanam may be done, standing in water upto knee level. The benefit of
purity of achamanam done as per rules is high.”
KR Thus during those times of birth and death, following the
souchaam may not be feasible since family Impurity or dukka or rituals of
pitris etc may not adopt, absolutely the souchaam-rites; so, going to
temple as impure was prohibited.
However, as Tiruvalluvar said:
Purathooymai neeraan amaiyum; agathuymai vaymayark kanappadum. Meaning Body
cleaning can be done by water; but purity of mind only Satyam can do. So,
what is the use of body-clean, when the mind is not clean? and when the
mind is clean, why body clean and all? Cleanliness is practiced by all;
all over the world; but many advocated systems here, are not practiced,
elsewhere on the earth; suppose a so is not aware of his father’s death, is
at that time in the temple in USA, well, will it offend? The science says
that cohabiting during manses, when kept maintained, is not a crime. Hence
as an adopter of a path, we shall adopt what sastra says, as far as
possible.
----------------------------------------------------
Q6 What and why do some people whisper in Nandi's ears at Lord
Shiva temples?
KR 3rd time srivathsan. I think only a couple of days ago all
exhausted Nandi including ear-pronouncements but a kid again with his
little knowledge writes something? Problem is refusal to accept the
knowledge from 3rd parties EGO.
-----------------------------------------------------
Q7 Do you know a joke about a priest and a nun?
KR There are many jokes open and shut about Priest and nun.
---------------------------------------------------------- KR IRS 9124
On Mon, 8 Jan 2024 at 12:12, '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 also included to avoid monotonous reading if any felt so.*
>
> *Quora answers need not be 100% correct answers *
>
> *.Compiled* *and posted by R. Gopala krishnan, on 08-01-2024*
>
> Q1 Why is a pointed metal top fitted on most of the Hindu temples?
>
> A1 Srivathsan,I love reading about philosophical aspects of
> hinduism18h
>
> OM NAMAH SHIVAAYA - Why this metal rod?
>
> In all the temples we have a pillar in front of the Garbhagraham or
> Moolasthanam which is known *as Dwajasthambam or Kodimaram.*
>
> In Sanskrit, the word Dwaja means ‘Flag’ that raises high. In the
> religious sense, whatever raises a man to a higher level of understanding
> and activity is a ‘Dwaja.’ *The Dwajasthamba is considered as the symbol
> of hope and desire to overcome one’s ignorance.*
>
> Dwajasthambam is an indication of the spinal cord in our human body as
> told in Agamas. There are totally 32 spiral bones in our spinal cord and
> even the flag pole has 32 rings. There are many rules mentioned in the
> Agamas about the installing of this Dwajasthambam.
>
> Whenever we enter any temple, we will first encounter this Dwajastambham.
>
> *The Dwajasthamba is believed to carry the power of the God in the temple.*
>
> *The top portion of the flag staff has three horizontal perches or three
> branches pointing towards the Sanctum.* These 3 parts symbolizes or
> represents the Trimurthis – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
>
> *The dwajastambham is normally made by using a single tree or single stone*.
> They are decorated with either gold or silver or bronze or most of the
> times with panchalokas.
>
> It is said that one should chant only the holy mantras and chant His name
> while standing in front of the God in Garbhagraha. *Our worries and
> wishes should be told to god only in front of this Dwajasthambam.*
>
> Lastly after praying to all the gods, men should perform the Ashtanga
> namaskaram while women should perform the Panchanga namaskaram in front of
> Dwajasthambam.
>
> My note- In some temples Dwajasthamba is erected every year during
> festival time. In such instances the prayer is made in the earmarked
> area. Many family temples have no dwajasthambam or festivals. In these
> temples worship is done in front of the deity.
>
> An example is the Pandalam Sastha temple, family deity of Pandalam Royal
> family. No Dwajasthambam and no special festivals. In fact the temple is
> closed for 10 days when any member of the royal family dies
>
> There are few scientific reasons behind the structure of Dwajasthambam.
> Whenever lightning strikes, the metal arrestor (A device used to protect
> equipment from lightning, electrical storms, etc…), placed at such a
> highest point of the region, induces the charge to conduct through it. The
> metal arrestor then conducts the heavy electrical impulse directly to
> ground, thus preventing the building from getting damaged.
>
> My note- OOn this account present days a rectangular fencing is made
> around the flag mast in Kerala temples, where rain is a frequent occurance
> nowadays.
>
> Q2 What are the key beliefs of Zoroastrianism?
>
> A2 Maryam Alizadeh, Bachelor in Business Management, Oxford
> Brookes University (Expected 2026)Dec 13
>
> *Zoroastrianism is an ancient monotheistic religion founded in ancient
> Persia* (present-day Iran) by the prophet Zoroaster (also known as
> Zarathustra) around 1500 BCE. It is one of the world's oldest monotheistic
> religions, predating Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Here are the key
> beliefs of Zoroastrianism:
>
> 1. Monotheism: Zoroastrians believe in one supreme 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 of Light."
>
> 2. Dualism: While Zoroastrianism is fundamentally monotheistic, it also
> incorporates a dualistic element in its worldview. Ahura Mazda 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 to Zoroastrian
> thought.
>
> 3. Asha (Truth): Zoroastrians believe that the universe is governed by
> Asha (Truth), which is the divine order of the universe. By following the
> path of Asha, one aligns oneself with the forces of good and contributes to
> the victory of Ahura Mazda over Angra Mainyu.
>
> 4. Threefold Path: The path of Asha is embodied in the 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 the importance of free will.
> Humans have the ability to choose between the path of Asha and the path of
> Druj (Deception), which leads to darkness and evil.
>
> 6. Judgement After Death: Zoroastrians believe that after death,
> individuals are judged according to their actions in life.Those who 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 the resurrection of the soul and
> the eventual destruction of Angra Mainyu and the forces of darkness. In the
> end, Ahura Mazda and Asha will triumph, and the universe will be restored
> to a state of perfect harmony.
>
> Zoroastrianism has had a profound influence on the development of other
> religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Its emphasis on
> monotheism, free will, and the struggle between good and evil has resonated
> with believers across cultures and throughout history.
>
> Q3 What are some things that happen only in India?
>
> A3 Vijay Godhi,Lead - Supply ChainUpdated 3y
>
> Couple of months back. I was in Mumbai to visit my friend’s dad who was in
> hospital for a surgery. *Since the hospital didn’t have parking, I had to
> park my car on the road side which is where usually everyone parks their
> vehicles*. Below is the image - location of where I had parked my car.
>
> I met my friend’s dad and came back 2–3 hrs later to see that my car had
> disappeared. I was shocked. Initially I thought I was looking for my car
> at the wrong place. I searched the whole stretch of road and my car was
> nowhere. I came back to the place where I had parked by car and was
> thinking. I thought my car was stolen and I need to approach the police
> and make a complaint.
>
> Just then a cab driver had parked his car at the same location and he kept
> watching me. After couple of minutes, he approached me and asked what’s
> the problem?. I told him my concern and said it looks like my car is
> stolen. I was surprised then he just smiled and said no sir, your car is
> not stolen but it’s towed and will be in the near by police station.
>
> I said “WHAT” !! Why ?? . The cab driver said sir. You have parked in a
> place which is reserved for cabs.
>
> Now, look at pic carefully ….
>
> That board says this place is reserved for cabs. Can anyone really see
> this !!!
>
> I for sure couldn’t see this.
>
> The cab driver directed me to the nearby police station and I got my car
> back. Thought I had to pay a fine for parking illegally. When I showed
> them the pic of location , the police officer said “ I know that board is
> not visible and we have informed the concerned authorities to make it more
> visible but that’s not our department. You have to pay the fine now”
>
> One thing what I liked is the cop at the station didn’t accept 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 a simple answer
> - cash means people will try to bribe us and not pay fines.
>
> My experience was a good one. Cops spoke nice and were not rude.
>
> Why did I write this here - *because this can only happen in India where
> the board is not visible and still you end up paying … LOL*
>
> Edit 1: As suggested, the area was in Bandra near Leelavati Hospital.
>
> Q4 Why is it prohibited in most Hindu families, to visit
> temples for a few days if someone in the family has died?
>
> A4 Srivathsan,I love reading about philosophical aspects of
> hinduism18h
>
> *Prohibition to temples - Science or superstition*
>
> In Hinduism, each event has a traditional history. Birth and Death are one
> such part of these events, whenever some person dies or whenever a new
> child is born, Hindus follow the tradition of Sutak. Sutak is the period
> of abstention observed by the Hindus after birth or a death of a family
> member.
>
> SUTAK DURING BIRTH
>
> Sutak is observed during the time, when a child is born. The family
> members of the new born observe a period of Sutak for ten days. They
> restrict themselves from going to temples and attending any ceremonies,
> etc. Though, the overall environment is jubilant and joyful. The mother
> of the child is restrained to go in the kitchen and the newborn is not
> brought outside of the home. After the delivery, the mother does not mix
> with people and remains confined to the house. Family members call a priest
> for the spiritual Puja. Sweets and other gifts are distributed among the
> people.
>
> Scientific Aspect
>
> *A woman after giving birth to a child becomes very weak and tired. She
> requires a period of great rest, so that her body replenishes the strength*
> , lost while giving birth. Her body also secretes many fluids and odor,
> thus she is refrained from entering or using the kitchen for cooking. She
> is confined to her room for a period ten to fourteen days, so that her
> body recovers well. She is 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 to twenty days for Vaishyas and thirty days for Shudras.
> As in the medieval times, women of Shudra caste had to do a lot of physical
> hard work in the fields and homes of upper caste people. Their bodies
> didn’t remain in great shape due to the physical stress and poverty. This
> was the reason that their Sutak period was the longest, so that their
> bodies completely recover to sustain their daily chores. The Sutak period
> of other castes was also relative to their work nature.
>
> Moreover, the newborn child is very sensitive and fragile to infections.
> Its body is not immune to antigens and its immunity develops slowly with
> time. It could catch infections from the people around it. That’s why,
> Sutak forbids touching or going near the newborn for ten to thirty days.
> Our ancient system made sure the proper development of every newborn child
> with the help of Sutak. In modern times, doctors keep weak infants in
> incubators for weeks, so that their bodies slowly acclimatize to the
> earthly environment. But, Hinduism had this system thousand years back in
> its own style.
>
> SUTAK DURING DEATH
>
> Sutak observed during Death is also known as Patak. It is the period of
> renouncing daily life activities for twelve to sixteen days after the
> death of a family member. It is observed by all the family members and
> relatives of the dead individual.
>
> According to the Garuda Purana, when someone dies, the family must observe
> Patak for twelve days. They should call a priest to narrate the Garuda
> Purana and dictate them the rules and regulations of Patak. The execution
> of Patak includes restriction to – any worship or Puja of a deity,
> recitation of holy books, consuming spicy food, visiting temples, attending
> a public function or a ceremony, and exchanging gifts.
>
> On the thirteenth day, the “kriya” ceremony is observed, narration of the
> Garuda Purana is concluded and that ends the Patak period. The belongings
> of the dead person including its new and old clothes are distributed among
> the poor and needy.
>
> Scientific Reason
>
> Observation of Sutak 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 dies from a serious sickness, the environment of its home
> could be very contagious for 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 to our traditions. Scientifically, the fumes and
> ashes arising from the burning pyre may infect us. Thus, a proper bath and
> change of clothes prevent such a case.
>
> Even the family members of the dead individual may act as carriers of the
> infection. Scientifically, a “carrier” is a person who himself is not
> infected by the disease but may transfer the disease into another person by
> coming into direct contact.
>
> That’s why to prevent such a happening, Patak is observed and the family
> members are forbidden to attend any public ceremonies, visit any temple and
> go out more frequently. Only, because their contact with others may
> result in spread of a sickness. In ancient times, Patak acted as a great
> method to quarantine such sicknesses. But today, ignorance has blinded
> our thought process and we consider it as a superstition.
>
> Moreover, If a family member dies in a foreign country, irrespective of
> the reason of the death. No abstention for twelve days is observed by its
> family. Only a bath completes the Patak.
>
> Ancient Hindu scholars and scientists had researched on every issue and
> life aspect deeply. They had devised proper techniques and methods to cope
> up with differing circumstances in a scientific and rational manner. But
> with time, our society has started to forget our traditions and started to
> label them as mythology or superstition. We tend to follow the western
> lifestyle, culture and ethics but in return we are disgracing and
> disrespecting our rich cultural heritage.
>
> Sutak and Patak are traditional ceremonies with great scientific logic
> incorporated into them. I hope this post clarifies and breaks all the
> myths surrounding them.
>
> My note- Earlier in Kerala temples there used to have a black notice board
> intimating no entry for those having, Pula, Valaima, or on menses. For
> reasons not known now no such noticeboard is there.
>
> However Pula is observed by all family members and going to temple Only
> after sama44radhana. Valaima is observed only very close family members.
>
> Q5 Do you know a joke about a son fleecing his father?
>
> A5 ,Andras Lu15h
>
> Brad's first year away 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 a message stating he has
> a professor that can teach his father's dog how to read and write for a
> bargain price. The father can't believe the advances the school has made,
> but also can't pass up the opportunity. Brad soon receives his dog and
> the money, but promptly burns through it again.
>
> This time his father is sent another message that another professor of
> Brad's can teach the dog to talk to people for more money. Brad again
> receives the money.
>
> Soon the father is bragging to everyone in town about how when Brad
> comes home with the dog, the dog can not only read and write, but can also
> converse with everyone.
>
> Word spreads and at the end of the school year a huge throng of people
> are waiting to see the dog arrive at the train station. However, neither
> Brad nor the dog are to be seen. The father looks 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 dog is. Between
> whimpers Brad tells him that, while they were riding the 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 mother what I saw your father
> and the housemaid doing when she wasn't around.
>
> *" Brad told his father, "I got so angry...I grabbed that dog by the neck
> and threw it off the train. We must have been going 100. There's no way it
> could have survived."*
>
> Brad's father grasped 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 in Nandi's ears at Lord
> Shiva temples?
>
> A6 Srivathsan, I love reading about philosophical aspects of
> hinduism18h
>
> SUPERSTITION BUT WHY PHILOSOPHICAL ASPECT OF NANDI BHAGWAN
>
> According to our Sanatan dharma, the purpose of human life is to attain
> moksha which can be gained by controlling our Indriyas or senses. Moksha
> can also be defined as merging Jeeva or Individual soul with the supreme
> god. Our scriptures have deep significance in all the symbolic forms.
> Similarly; Linga is the symbol of the supreme God and Nandi is the symbol
> of Jeeva or the individual soul like us. By constant devotion, Nandi the
> Jeeva merges with Linga the Eeshwara to become Nandeeshwara. Thus, the
> sitting position of Nandi is the symbolic form of stability and realizing
> oneness. So it explain the jeeva and paramatma concept.
>
> WHY WHISPER ?
>
> One such story is about Jalandhara, a demon who comes in stories about
> both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The tale says that, once when Lord Shiva
> was meditating, Jalandhara kidnapped Parvathi. All the other Gods tried
> to inform Lord Shiva about this but failed. Lord Ganesha himself couldn’t
> wake up Lord Shiva from Dhyana / Meditation. After thinking for a while,
> Ganesha then thought to tell this to Nandi who was sitting in front of
> Ishwara. Lord Ganesha then narrated the entire thing in Nandi’s ears and Nandi
> conveyed the whole thing to Lord Shiva.
>
> From then, the practice of speaking wishes in Nandi’s ears started, and is
> believed that whatever we speak in his ears will be conveyed to the Lord
> directly.
>
> IS IT GOOD?
>
> Actually no. Nandi bhagwan has ears and Shiva is all pervading that one
> can stop putting post letters or telegrams through nandi bhagwan. It is
> just a mere SUPERSTITION as none of our scriptures advices us to do so.
>
> OM NAMAH SHIVAAYA
>
> Q7 Do you know a joke about a priest and a nun?
>
> A7 Andras Lu,Sep 17
>
> A priest and a young nun are on a journey in the Alps. On their journey
> they are surprised by a huge snowstorm. Fortunately, they can fight their
> way to an empty hut. Once there, they prepare for the overnight stay. There's
> even 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
> the nun: "Sister, sleep in bed. I'll take the sleeping bag."
>
> The priest has just zipped up his sleeping bag and closed his eyes when he
> hears from the bed: "Father, I'm cold." The priest frees himself from the
> sleeping bag, grabs another blanket and spreads it over the nun. Then he
> mumbles into his sleeping bag for the second time and begins to slip back
> into the realm of dreams.
>
> Some five minutes later you can hear it again: "Father, I'm still cold."
> The same procedure: The priest crawls out of the sleeping bag, spreads
> another blanket over the nun and goes back to sleep.
>
> He has just closed his eyes when she says again: "Father, I'm soooooooo
> cold...!" This time the priest stays where he is and replies, "Sister, I
> have an idea. We're cut off from the outside world up here and not a soul
> will ever know what happened here tonight!" He grins mischievously and
> adds: "We could just pretend we're married..."
>
> The nun has secretly been waiting for this with hope and breathes: "Oh
> yes... that would be nice."
>
> The priest then shouts: “Then get up and get your damn blanket yourself!”
>
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