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SrI:

Dear BhakthAs :

Srimathy Shobha Srinivasan has posed some interesting questions that are
often asked and has come up with answers at a personal level and also 
inputted
information that she has recieved from elders and AchAryAs .

She is kindly sharing her views here , which might be of interest to many of 
you .
She belongs to the Maadhva SampradhAyam and is very devout . Other 
sampradhAyins
might have different explanations on answers for questions like # 7 and 
others .

Please enjoy readig the Q&As prepared by Srimathy ShobhA SrinivAsan.
My thanks are to her for sharing this information .

V.Sadagopan

###############################################
#Hindu Rituals and Routines :  Why Do We Follow Those?##
##############################################

 Index of Contents
*********************
 1. Why do we light a lamp?.
 2. Why do we have a prayer room?.
 3. Why do we do namaste?.
 4. Why do we prostrate before parents and elders?.
 5. Why do we wear marks (tilak, pottu and the like) on the forehead?.
 6. Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet?.
 6a. To touch another with the feet is considered an act of misdemeanor. Why
        is this so?.
 7. Why do we apply the holy ash?.
 8. Why do offer food to the Lord before eating it ?
 9. Why do we fast?. 8
 10. Why do we do pradakshina (circumambulate)?.
 12. Why do we regard trees and plants as sacred?.
 12. Why do we ring the bell in a temple?.
 13. Why do we worship the kalasha?.
 14. Why do we consider the lotus as special?.
 15. Why do we worship tulasi?.
 16. Why do we blow the conch?.
 17. Why do we say shaanti thrice?.
 18. Why do we offer a coconut?.
 19. Why do we chant Om?.
 20. Why do we do aarati?.

 1. Why do we light a lamp?
*******************************
 In almost every Indian home a lamp is lit daily before the altar of the
 Lord. In some houses it is lit at dawn, in some, twice a day - at dawn and
 dusk - and in a few it is maintained continuously (akhanda deepa). All
 auspicious functions commence with the lighting of the lamp, which is
 often maintained right through the occasion.


 Light symbolizes knowledge (Jn~Anam) .  The Lord is the
 "Knowledge Principle" (chaitanya) who is the source, the enlivener and
the  illuminator of all knowledge. Hence light is worshiped as the Lord
 himself.

 Knowledge removes ignorance just as light removes darkness. Also knowledge
 is a lasting inner wealth by which all outer achievement can be
 accomplished. Hence we light the lamp to bow down to knowledge as the
 greatest of all forms of wealth

 Why not light a bulb or tube light? That too would remove darkness. But
 the traditional oil lamp has a further spiritual significance. The oil or
 ghee in the lamp symbolizes our vaasanas or negative tendencies and the
 wick, the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, the vaasanas get slowly
 exhausted and the ego too finally perishes. The flame of a lamp always
 burns upwards. Similarly we should acquire such knowledge as to take us
 towards higher ideals.

 Whilst lighting the lamp we thus pray:
 Deepajyothi parabrahma
 Deepa sarva tamopahaha
 Deepena saadhyate sarvam
 Sandhyaa deepo namostute

 I prostrate to the dawn/dusk lamp; whose light is the Knowledge Principle
 (the Supreme Lord), which removes the darkness of ignorance and by which
 all can be achieved in life.

 2. Why do we have a prayer room?
***********************************
 Most Indian homes have a prayer room or altar. A lamp is lit and the Lord
 worshipped each day. Other spiritual practices like japa (repetition of
 the Lord's name), meditation, paaraayana (reading of the scriptures),
 prayers, and devotional singing etc is also done here. Special worship is
 done on auspicious occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, festivals and
 the like. Each member of the family - young or old - communes with and
 worships the Divine here.

 The Lord is the entire creation. He is therefore the true owner of the
 house we live in too. The prayer room is the Master room of the house. We
 are the earthly occupants of His property. This notion rids us of false
 pride and possessiveness.

 The ideal attitude to take is to regard the Lord as the true owner of our
 homes and us as caretakers of His home. But if that is rather difficult,
 we could at least think of Him as a very welcome guest. Just as we would
 house an important guest in the best comfort, so too we felicitate the
 Lord's presence in our homes by having a prayer room or altar, which is,
 at all times, kept clean and well-decorated.

 Also the Lord is all pervading. To remind us that He resides in our homes
 with us, we have prayer rooms. Without the grace of the Lord, no task can
 be successfully or easily accomplished. We invoke His grace by communing
 with Him in the prayer room each day and on special occasions.

 Each room in a house is dedicated to a specific function like the bedroom
 for resting, the drawing room to receive guests, the kitchen for cooking
 etc. The furniture, decor and the atmosphere of each room are made
 conducive to the purpose it serves. So too for the purpose of meditation,
 worship and prayer, we should have a conducive atmosphere - hence the need
 for a prayer room.

 Sacred thoughts and sound vibrations pervade the place and influence the
 minds of those who spend time there. Spiritual thoughts and vibrations
 accumulated through regular meditation, worship and chanting done there
 pervade the prayer room. Even when we are tired or agitated, by just
 sitting in the prayer room for a while, we feel calm, rejuvenated and
 spiritually uplifted.

 3. Why do we do namaste?
****************************
 Indians greet each other with namaste. The two palms are placed together
 in front of the chest and the head bows whilst saying the word namaste.
 This greeting is for all - people younger than us, of our own age, those
 older than friends, even strangers and us.

 There are five forms of formal traditional greeting enjoined in the
 shaastras of which namaskaram is one. This is understood as prostration
 but it actually refers to paying homage as we do today when we greet each
 other with a namaste.

 Namaste could be just a casual or formal greeting, a cultural convention
 or an act of worship. However there is much more to it than meets the eye.
 In Sanskrit namah + te = namaste. It means - I bow to you - my greetings,
 salutations or prostration to you. Namaha can also be literally
 interpreted as "na ma" (not mine). It has a spiritual significance of
 negating or reducing one's ego in the presence of another.

 The real meeting between people is the meeting of their minds. When we
 greet another, we do so with namaste, which means, "may our minds meet,"
 indicated by the folded palms placed before the chest. The bowing down of
 the head is a gracious form of extending friendship in love and humility.

 The spiritual meaning is even deeper. The life force, the divinity, the
 Self or the Lord in me is the same in all. Recognizing this oneness with
 the meeting of the palms, we salute with head bowed , the Divinity in the
 person we meet. That is why sometimes, we close our eyes as we do namaste
 to a revered person or the Lord - as if to look within. The gesture is
 often accompanied by words like "Ram Ram", "Jai Shri Krishna", "Namo
 Narayana", "Jai Siya Ram", "Om Shanti" etc - indicating the recognition of
 this divinity.

 When we know this significance, our greeting does not remain just a
 superficial gesture or word but paves the way for a deeper communion with
 another in an atmosphere of love and respect.

 4. Why do we prostrate before parents and elders?
*****************************************************
 Indians prostrate before their parents, elders, teachers and noble souls
 by touching their feet. The elder in turn blesses us by placing his or her
 hand on or over our heads. Prostration is done daily, when we meet elders
 and particularly on important occasions like the beginning of a new task,
 birthdays, festivals etc. In certain traditional circles, prostration is
 accompanied by abhivaadana, which serves to introduce one-self, announce
 one's family and social stature.

 Man stands on his feet. Touching the feet in prostration is a sign of
 respect for the age, maturity, nobility and divinity that our elders
 personify. It symbolizes our recognition of their selfless love for us and
 the sacrifices they have done for our welfare. It is a way of humbly
 acknowledging the greatness of another. This tradition reflects the strong
 family ties, which has been one of India's enduring strengths.

 The good wishes (Sankalpa) and blessings (aashirvaada) of elders are
 highly valued in India. We prostrate to seek them. Good thoughts create
 positive vibrations. Good wishes springing from a heart full of love,
 divinity and nobility have a tremendous strength. When we prostrate with
 humility and respect, we invoke the good wishes and blessings of elders
 which flow in the form of positive energy to envelop us. This is why the
 posture assumed whether it is in the standing or prone position, enables
 the entire body to receive the energy thus received.
 The different forms of showing respect are :

 Pratuthana - rising to welcome a person.
 Namaskaara - paying homage in the form of namaste (discussed separately in
 this book).
 Upasangrahan - touching the feet of elders or teachers.
 Shaashtaanga - prostrating fully with the feet, knees, stomach, chest,
 forehead and arms touching the ground in front of the elder.
 Pratyabivaadana - returning a greeting.

 Rules are prescribed in our scriptures as to who should prostrate to whom.
 Wealth, family name, age, moral strength and spiritual knowledge in
 ascending order of importance qualified men to receive respect. This is
 why a king though the ruler of the land, would prostrate before a
 spiritual master. Epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata have many
 stories highlighting this aspect.


5. Why do we wear marks (tilak, pottu and the like) on the forehead?
***********************************************************************

 The tilak or pottu invokes a feeling of sanctity in the wearer and others.
 It is recognized as a religious mark. Its form and colour vary according
 to one's caste, religious sect or the form of the Lord worshipped.

 In earlier times, the four castes (based on varna or colour) - Brahmana,
 Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudra - applied marks differently. The brahmin
 applied a white chandan mark signifying purity, as his profession was of a
 priestly or academic nature. The kshatriya applied a red kumkum mark
 signifying valour as he belonged to warrior races. The vaishya wore a
 yellow kesar or turmeric mark signifying prosperity as he was a
 businessman or trader devoted to creation of wealth. The sudra applied a
 black bhasma, kasturi or charcoal mark signifying service as he supported
 the work of the other three divisions.


 Also Vishnu worshippers apply a chandan tilak of the shape of "U", Shiva
 worshippers a tripundra (of the shape of "º ") of bhasma, Devi
 worshippers a red dot of kumkum and so on).

 The tilak cover the spot between the eyebrows, which is the seat of memory
 and thinking. It is known as the Aajna Chakra in the language of Yoga. The
 tilak is applied with the prayer - "May I remember the Lord. May this
 pious feeling pervade all my activities. May I be righteous in my deeds."
 Even when we temporarily forget this prayerful attitude the mark on
 another reminds us of our resolve. The tilak is thus a blessing of the
 Lord and a protection against wrong tendencies and forces.

 The entire body emanates energy in the form of electromagnetic waves - the
 forehead and the subtle spot between the eyebrows especially so. That is
 why worry generates heat and causes a headache. The tilak and pottu cools
 the forehead, protects us and prevents energy loss. Sometimes the entire
 forehead is covered with chandan or bhasma. Using plastic reusable "stick
 bindis" is not very beneficial, even though it serves the purpose of
 decoration.

 6. Why do we not touch papers, books and people with the feet?
********************************************************************

 To Indians, knowledge is sacred and divine. So it must be given respect at
 all times. Nowadays we separate subjects as sacred and secular. But in
 ancient India every subject - academic or spiritual - was considered
 divine and taught by the guru in the gurukula.


 The custom of not stepping on educational tools is a frequent reminder of
 the high position accorded to knowledge in Indian culture. From an early
 age, this wisdom fosters in us a deep reverence for books and education.
 This is also the reason why we worship books, vehicles and instruments
 once a year on Saraswathi Pooja or Ayudha Pooja day, dedicated to the
 Goddess of Learning. In fact, each day before starting our studies, we
 pray:

 Saraswati namasthubhyam
 Varade kaama roopini
 Vidyaarambham karishyaami
 Sidhirbhavatu me sadaa
 O Goddess Saraswati, the giver of
 Boons and fulfiller of wishes,
 I prostrate to You before
 starting my studies.
 May you always fulfill me?


6a. To touch another with the feet is considered an act of misdemeanor. Why
is this so?

 Man is regarded as the most beautiful, living breathing temple of the
 Lord! Therefore touching another with the feet is akin to disrespecting
 the divinity within him or her. This calls for an immediate apology, which
 is offered with reverence and humility.

 7. Why do we apply the holy ash?
**********************************
 The ash of any burnt object is not regarded as holy ash. Bhasma (the holy
 ash) is the ash from the homa (sacrificial fire) where special wood along
 with ghee and other herbs is offered as worship of the Lord. Or the deity
 is worshipped by pouring ash as abhisheka and is then distributed as
 bhasma.

 Bhasma is generally applied on the forehead. Some apply it on certain
 parts of the body like the upper arms, chest etc. Some ascetics rub it all
 over the body. Many consume a pinch of it each time they receive it.

 The word bhasma means, "that by which our sins are destroyed and the Lord
 is remembered". Bha implied bhartsanam ("to destroy") and sma implies
 smaranam ("to remember"). The application of bhasma therefore signifies
 destruction of the evil and remembrance of the divine. Bhasma is called
 vibhuti (which means "glory") as it gives glory to one who applies it and
 raksha (which means a source of protection) as it protects the wearer from
 ill health and evil, by purifying him or her.

 Homa (offering of oblations into the fire with sacred chants) signifies
 the offering or surrender of the ego and egocentric desires into the flame
 of knowledge or a noble and selfless cause. The consequent ash signifies
 the purity of the mind, which results from such actions.
 Also the fire of knowledge burns the oblation and wood signifying
 ignorance and inertia respectively. The ash we apply indicates that we
 should burn false identification with the body and become free of the
 limitations of birth and death. This is not to be misconstrued as a morose
 reminder of death but as a powerful pointer towards the fact that time and
 tide wait for none.

 Bhasma is specially associated with Lord Shiva who applies it all over His
 body. Shiva devotes apply bhasma as a tripundra (the form of "º ").
 When applied with a red spot at the center, the mark symbolizes
 Shiva-Shakti (the unity of energy and matter that creates the entire seen
 and unseen universe).

 Bhasma has medicinal value and is used in many ayurvedic medicines. It
 absorbs excess moisture from the body and prevents colds and headaches.
 The Upanishads say that the famous Mrityunjaya mantra should be chanted
 whilst applying ash on the forehead.

 Tryambakam yajaamahe
 Sugandhim pushtivardhanam
 Urvaa rukamiva bhandhanaan
 Mrytyor muksheeyamaa amrutaat

 "We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva who nourishes and spread fragrance
 in our lives. May He free us from the shackles of sorrow, change and
 death - effortlessly, like the fall of a rip brinjal from its stem."

 8. Why do offer food to the Lord before eating it?
****************************************************
 Indians make an offering of food to the Lord and later partake of it as
 prasaada - a holy gift from the Lord. In our daily ritualistic worship
 (pooja) too we offer naivedyam (food) to the Lord.

 The Lord is omnipotent and omniscient. Man is a part, while the Lord is
 the totality. All that we do is by His strength and knowledge alone. Hence
 what we receive in life as a result of our actions is really His alone. We
 acknowledge this through the act of offering food to Him. This is
 exemplified by the Hindi words "tera tujko arpan"- I offer what is Yours
 to You. Thereafter it is akin to His gift to us, graced by His divine
 touch.

 Knowing this, our entire attitude to food and the act of eating changes.
 The food offered will naturally be pure and the best. We share what we get
 with others before consuming it. We do not demand, complain or criticise
 the quality of the food we get. We eat it with cheerful acceptance
 (prasaada buddhi).

 Before we partake of our daily meals we first sprinkle water around the
 plate as an act of purification. Five morsels of food are placed on the
 side of the plate acknowledging the debt owed by us to the Divine forces
 (devta runa) for their benign grace and protection, our ancestors (pitru
 runa) for giving us their lineage and a family culture, the sages (rishi
 runa) as our religion and culture have been "realised", maintained and
 handed down to us by them, our fellow beings (manushya runa) who
 constitute society without the support of which we could not live as we do
 and other living beings (bhuta runa) for serving us selflessly.

 Thereafter the Lord, the life force, who is also within us as the five
 life-giving physiological functions, is offered the food. This is done
 with the chant

 praanaaya swaahaa,
 apaanaaya swaahaa,
 vyaanaaya swaahaa,
 udaanaaya swaahaa,
 samaanaaya swaahaa,
 brahmane swaahaa


 After offering the food thus, it is eaten as prasaada - blessed food.


9. Why do we fast?
********************

 Most devout Indians fast regularly or on special occasions like festivals.
 On such days they do not eat at all, eat once or make do with fruits or a
 special diet of simple food.

 Fasting in Sanskrit is called upavaasa. Upa means "near" + vaasa means "to
 stay". Upavaasa therefore means staying near (the Lord), meaning the
 attainment of close mental proximity with the Lord. Then what has upavaasa
 to do with food?

 A lot of our time and energy is spent in procuring food items, preparing,
 cooking, eating and digesting food. Certain food types make our minds dull
 and agitated. Hence on certain days man decides to save time and conserve
 his energy by eating either simple, light food or totally abstaining from
 eating so that his mind becomes alert and pure. The mind, otherwise
 pre-occupied by the thought of food, now entertains noble thoughts and
 stays with the Lord. Since it is a self-imposed form of discipline it is
 usually adhered to with joy.

 Also every system needs a break and an overhaul to work at its best. Rest
 and a change of diet during fasting is very good for the digestive system
 and the entire body.

 The more you indulge the senses, the more they make their demands. Fasting
 helps us to cultivate control over our senses, sublimate our desires and
 guide our minds to be poised and at peace.


 Fasting should not make us weak, irritable or create an urge to indulge
 later. This happens when there is no noble goal behind fasting.
 The Bhagavad-Gita urges us to eat appropriately - neither too less nor too
 much - yukta-aahaara and to eat simple, pure and healthy food (a saatvik
 diet) even when not fasting.

 10. Why do we do pradakshina (circumambulate)?
******************************************************
 We cannot draw a circle without a center point. The Lord is the center,
 source and essence of our lives. Recognizing Him as the focal point in our
 lives, we go about doing our daily chores. This is the significance of
 pradakshina.

 Also every point on the circumference of a circle is equidistant from the
 center. This means that wherever or whoever we may be, we are equally
 close to the Lord. His grace flows towards us without partiality.

 11. Why is pradakshina done only in a clockwise manner?
************************************************************
 The reason is not, as a person said, to avoid a traffic jam! As
 we do pradakshina, the Lord is always on our right. In India the right
 side symbolizes auspiciousness. So as we circumambulate the sanctum
 sanctorum we remind ourselves to lead an auspicious life of righteousness,
 with the Lord who is the indispensable source of help and strength, as our
 guide - the "right hand".

 Indian scriptures enjoin - matrudevo bhava, pitrudevo bhava, acharyadevo
 bhava. May you consider your parents and teachers as you would the Lord.
 With this in mind we also do pradakshina around our parents and divine
 personages.

 After the completion of traditional worship (pooja), we customarily do
 pradakshina around ourselves. In this way we recognize and remember the
 supreme divinity within us, which alone is idolized in the form of the
 Lord that we worship outside.


 12. Why do we regard trees and plants as sacred?
*******************************************************
 The Lord, the life in us, pervades all living beings, be they plants or
 animals. Hence, they are all regarded as sacred. Human life on earth
 depends on plants and trees. They give us the vital factors that make life
 possible on earth: food, oxygen, clothing, shelter, medicines etc.

 Hence, in India, we are taught to regard trees and plants as sacred.
 Indians scriptures tell us to plant ten trees if, for any reason, we have
 to cut one. We are advised to use parts of trees and plants only as much
 as is needed for food, fuel, shelter etc. we are also urged to apologies
 to a plant or tree before cutting it to avoid incurring a specific sin
 named soona

 Certain trees and plants like tulasi, peepal etc., which have tremendous
 beneficial qualities, are worshipped till today. It is believed that
 divine beings manifest as trees and plants, and many people worship them
 to fulfill their desires or to please the Lord.

 12. Why do we ring the bell in a temple?
*********************************************
 Is it to wake up the Lord? But the Lord never sleeps. Is it to let the
 Lord know we have come? He does not need to be told, as He is all knowing.
 Is it a form of seeking permission to enter His precinct? It is a
 homecoming and therefore entry needs no permission. The Lord welcomes us
 at all times. Then why do we ring the bell?

 The ringing of the bell produces what is regarded as an auspicious sound.
 It produces the sound Om, the universal name of the Lord. There should be
 auspiciousness within and without, to gain the vision of the Lord who is
 all-auspiciousness.

 Even while doing the ritualistic aarati, we ring the bell. It is sometimes
 accompanied by the auspicious sounds of the conch and other musical
 instruments. An added significance of ringing the bell, conch and other
 instruments is that they help drown any inauspicious or irrelevant
 noises and comments that might disturb or distract the worshippers in
 their devotional ardour, concentration and inner peace.

 As we start the daily ritualistic worship (pooja) we ring the bell,
 chanting:

 Aagamaarthamtu devaanaam
 gamanaarthamtu rakshasaam
 Kurve ghantaaravam tatra
 devataahvaahna lakshanam
 I ring this bell indicating
 the invocation of divinity,
 So that virtuous and noble forces
 enter (my home and heart);
 and the demonic and evil forces
 from within and without, depart.

 13. Why do we worship the kalasha?
*****************************************
 First of all what is a kalasha? A brass, mud or copper pot is filled with
 water. Mango leaves are placed in the mouth of the pot and a coconut is
 placed over it. A red or white thread is tied around its neck or sometimes
 all around it in a intricate diamond-shaped pattern. The pot may be
 decorated wit designs. Such a pot is known as a kalasha.

 When the pot is filled with water or rice, it is known as purnakumbha
 representing the inert body which when filled with the divine life force
 gains the power to do all the wonderful things that makes life what it is.

 A kalasha is placed with due rituals on all-important occasions like the
 traditional house warming (grihapravesa), wedding, daily worship etc. It
 is placed near the entrance as a sign of welcome. It is also used in a
 traditional manner while receiving holy personages. Why do we worship the
 kalasha? Before the creation came into being, Lord Vishnu was reclining on
 His snake-bed in the milky ocean. From His navel emerged a lotus from
 which appeared Lord Brahma, the creator, who thereafter created this
 world.

 The water in the kalasha symbolizes the primordial water from which the
 entire creation emerged. It is the giver of life to all and has the
 potential of creating innumerable names and forms, the inert objects and
 the sentient beings and all that is auspicious in the world from the
 energy behind the universe. The leaves and coconut represent creation.

 The thread represents the love that "binds" all in creation. The kalasha
 is therefore considered auspicious and worshipped. The waters from all the
 holy rivers, the knowledge of all the Vedas and the blessings of all the
 deities are invoked in the kalasha and its water is thereafter used for
 all the rituals, including the abhisheka.

 The consecration (kumbhaabhisheka) of a temple is done in a grand manner
 with elaborate rituals including the pouring of one or more kalashas of
 holy water on the top of the temple. When the asuras and devas churned the
 milky ocean, the Lord appeared bearing the pot of nectar, which blessed
 one with everlasting life.

 Thus the kalasha also symbolizes immortality. Men of wisdom are full and
 complete as they identify with the infinite Truth (poornatvam). They brim
 with joy and love and respect all that is auspicious. We greet them with a
 purnakumbha ("full pot") acknowledging their greatness and as a sign of
 respectful and reverential welcome, with a "full heart".

 14. Why do we consider the lotus as special?
*************************************************
 The lotus is the symbol of truth, auspiciousness and beauty. The Lord is
 also that nature and therefore, His various aspects are compared to a
 lotus (i.e. lotus-eyes, lotus feet, lotus hands, the lotus of the heart
 etc.).

 The lotus blooms with the rising sun and close at night. Similarly, our
 minds open up and expand with the light of knowledge. The lotus grows even
 in slushy areas. It remains beautiful and untainted despite its
 surroundings, reminding us that we too can and should strive to remain
 pure and beautiful within, under all circumstances.

 The lotus leaf never gets wet even though it is always in water. It
 symbolizes the man of wisdom (gyaani) who remains ever joyous, unaffected
 by the world of sorrow and change. This is revealed in a shloka from the
 Bhagwad-Geeta:

 Brahmanyaadhaaya karmaani
 Sangam tyaktvaa karoti yaha
 Lipyate na sa paapena
 Padma patram ivaambhasaa

 He who does actions, offering them to Brahman (the Supreme), abandoning
 attachment, is not tainted by sin, just as a lotus leaf remains unaffected
 by the water on it.

>From this, we learn that what is natural to the man of wisdom becomes a
 discipline to be practiced by all saadhakas or spiritual seekers and
 devotees. Our bodies have certain energy centers described in the Yoga
 Shaastras as chakras.

 Each one is associated with lotus that has a certain number of petals. For
 example, a lotus with a thousand petals represents the Sahasra chakra at
 the top of the head, which opens when the yogi attains Godhood or
 Realisation. Also, the lotus posture (padmaasana) is recommended when one
 sits for meditation. A lotus emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu. Lord
 Brahma originated from it to create the world. Hence, the lotus symbolizes
 the link between the creator and the supreme Cause.

            It also symbolizes Brahmaloka, the abode of Lord Brahma. The
 auspicious sign of the swastika is said to have evolved from the lotus.


 15. Why do we worship tulasi?
*********************************
 In Sanskrit, tulanaa naasti athaiva tulasi - that which is incomparable
 (in its qualities) is the tulasi.

 For Indians it is one of the most sacred plants. In fact it is known to be
 the only thing used in worship, which, once used, can be washed and reused
 in pooja - as it is regarded so self-purifying.

 Also that all offerings would be incomplete without the tulasi leaf -
 hence the worship of tulasi.

 She also symbolises Goddess Lakshmi (Jambavathi avatara), the consort of
 Lord Vishnu. Those who wish to be righteous and have a happy family life
 worship the tulasi.

 Tulasi is married to the Lord with all pomp and show as in any wedding.

 This is because according to another legend, the Lord blessed her to be
 His consort. Satyabhama once weighed Lord Krishna against all her
 legendary wealth. The scales did not balance till a single tulasi leaf was
 placed along with the wealth on the scale by Rukmini with devotion.

 Thus the tulasi played the vital role of demonstrating to the world that
 even a small object offered with devotion means more to the Lord than all
 the wealth in the world.
 The tulasi leaf has great medicinal value and is used to cure various
 ailments, including the common cold.

 Yanmule sarvatirhaani
 Yannagre sarvadevataa
 Yanmadhye sarvavedaascha
 Tulasi taam namaamyaham

 I bow down to the tulasi, At whose base are all the holy places, At whose
 top reside all the deities and In whose middle are all the Vedas.


 16. Why do we blow the conch?
*************************************

 When the conch is blown, the primordial sound of Om emanates. Om is an
 auspicious sound that was chanted by the Lord before creating the world.
 It represents the world and the Truth behind it.

 As the story goes, the demon Shankhaasura defeated devas, the Vedas and
 went to the bottom of the ocean. The devas appealed to Lord Vishnu for
 help. He incarnated as Matsya Avataara - the "fish incarnation" and killed
 Shankhaasura. The Lord blew the conch-shaped bone of his ear and head. The
 Om sound emanated, from which emerged the Vedas.

 All knowledge enshrined in the Vedas is an elaboration of Om. The conch
 therefore is known as shankha after Shankaasua. The conch blown by the
 Lord is called Paanchajanya. He carries it at all times in one of His four
 hands.

 It represents dharma or righteousness that is one of the four goals
 (purushaarthas) of life. The sound of the conch is thus also the victory
 call of good over evil.

 Another well-known purpose of blowing the conch and the instruments, known
 traditionally to produce auspicious sounds is to drown or mask negative
 comments or noises that may disturb or upset the atmosphere or the minds
 of worshippers.

 Ancient India lived in her villages. Each village was presided over by a
 primary temple and several small ones. During the aarati performed after
 all-important poojas and on sacred occasions, the conch used to be blown.
 Since villages were generally small, the sound of the conch would be heard
 all over the village. People who could not make it to the temple were
 reminded to stop whatever they were doing, at least for a few seconds, and
 mentally bow to the Lord. The conch sound served to briefly elevate
 people's minds to a prayerful attitude even in the middle of their busy
 daily routine.

 The conch is placed at the altar in temples and homes next to the Lord as
 a symbol of Naada Brahma (Truth), the Vedas, Om, dharma, victory and
 auspiciousness. It is often used to offer devotees thirtha (sanctified
 water) to raise their minds to the highest Truth. It is worshipped with
 the following verse.

 Twam puraa saagarot pannaha
 Vishnunaa vidhrutahakare
 Devaischa poojitha sarvahi
 Panchjanya namostu te
 Salutations to Panchajanya
 the conch born of the ocean
 Held in the hand of Lord Vishnu
 and worshipped by all devaas


17. Why do we say shaanti thrice?
************************************

 Shaanti, meaning "peace", is a natural state of being. Disturbances are
 created either by others or us. For example, peace already exists in a
 place until someone makes noise.
 Therefore, peace underlies all our agitations. When agitations end, peace
 is naturally experienced since it was already there. Where there is peace,
 there is happiness. Therefore, every one without exception desires peace
 in his/her life.

 However, peace within or without seems very hard to attain because it is
 covered by our own agitations. A rare few manage to remain peaceful within
 even in the midst of external agitation and troubles. To invoke peace, we
 chant prayers. By chanting prayers, troubles end and peace is experienced
 internally, irrespective of the external disturbances. All such prayers
 end by chanting shaanti thrice.

 It is believed that trivaram satyam - that which is said thrice comes
 true. For emphasizing a point we repeat a thing thrice. In the court of
 law also, one who takes the witness stands says, "I shall speak the truth,
 the whole truth and nothing but the truth".


 We chant shaanti thrice to emphasise our intense desire for peace. All
 obstacles, problems and sorrows originate from three sources.

 Aadhidaivika : The unseen divine forces over which we have little or no
 control like earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions etc.

 Aadhibhautika: The known factors around us like accidents, human contacts,
 pollution, crime etc.

 Aadhyaatmika : We sincerely pray to the Lord that at least while we
 undertake special tasks or even in our daily lives, there are no problems
 or that, problems are minimised from the three sources written about
 above.


 May peace alone prevail. Hence shaanti is chanted thrice.


 It is chanted aloud the first time, addressing the unseen forces. It is
 chanted softer the second time, directed to our immediate surroundings and
 those around, and softest the last time as it is addressed to oneself.


18. Why do we offer a coconut?
**********************************

 In India one of the most common offerings in a temple is a coconut. It is
 also offered on occasions like weddings, festivals, the use of a new
 vehicle, bridge, house etc. It is offered in the sacrificial fire whilst
 performing homa. The coconut is broken and placed before the Lord. It is
 later distributed as prasaada.

 The fibre covering of the dried coconut is removed except for a tuft on
 the top. The marks on the coconut make it look like the head of a human
 being. The coconut is broken, symbolising the breaking of the ego. The
 juice within, representing the inner tendencies (vaasanas) is offered
 along with the white kernel - the mind, to the Lord.

 A mind thus purified by the touch of the Lord is used as prasaada ( a holy
 gift). In the traditional abhishekha ritual done in all temples and many
 homes, several materials are poured over the deity like milk, curd, honey,
 tender coconut water, sandal paste, holy ash etc. Each material has a
 specific significance of bestowing certain benefits on worshippers. Tender
 coconut water is used in abhisheka rituals since it is believed to bestow
 spiritual growth on the seeker.


 The coconut also symbolises selfless service. Every part of the tree -the
 trunk, leaves, fruit, coir etc. Is used in innumerable ways like thatches,
 mats, tasty dishes, oil, soap etc. It takes in even salty water from the
 earth and converts it into sweet nutritive water that is especially
 beneficial to sick people. It is used in the preparation of many ayurvedic
 medicines and in other alternative medicinal systems.




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