Significance of Hindu New Year!

Significance of UGADI - The Sixty Year Cycle.

Yugaadi-krit Yugaavarto Naikamaayo Mahashanah
Adrishyo Vyaktaroopashcha Sahasrajid Anandajit

Ugadi, a part and parcel of the concept of Hindu time element, marks the beginning of the most auspicious season Vasantha Ruthu (Spring Season), when generally we find trees start to blossom. Yugaadi denote one of the several names of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. Sloka # 33 of Sri Vishnu Sahasra Nama Sthothram describes Lord Vishnu as Yugaadi-krit (one who creates Yugas), Yugaavarto (one who causes the repetition of Yugas)…. Hence, it is befitting to celebrate this day with the worship of the Para Brahma, the Supreme Lord, Sri ManNarayana, who is the cause and effect of this infinite Time element.

As per the Hindu Lunar Calendar, the first day (Prathama thithi) of Sukla Paksha (Bright fortnight) in Chaithra Masam is considered as the day on which the Creation started that marking the beginning of Sri Swetha Varaha Kalpa. That day is being referred to as Kalpaadi. It is also considered the day on which the Yuga had commenced, and hence, it is also referred to as Yugaadi or Ugadi. As per the astrological estimate,s it is said that Lord Sri Krishna’s Niryaana took place at the early hours on the first day of the bright fortnight (Prathipada) in the lunar month of Chaitra Masam corresponding to 18.02.3102 BC that marked the beginning of the Kaliyuga. Hence, Ugadi can also be assumed as the beginning of Kaliyuga.

In the concept of Ugadi the sixty-year cycle has the following names...

Prabhava, Vibhava, Shukla, Pramoda, Prajapathi, Angeerasa, Shrimukha, Bhaava, Yuva, Dhaata, Eeshwara, Bahudhaanya, Pramadhi, Vikrama, Vrusha, Chitrabhanu, Subhanu, Taarana, Paarthiva, Vyaya, Sarvajittu, Sarvadhaari, Virodhi, Vikruthi, Khara, Nandana, Vijaya, Jaya, Manmatha, Durmukha, Hevalambi, Vilambi, Vikaari, Saarvari, Plava, Shubakrut, Shobhakrut, Krodhi, Vishvavasu, Paraabhava, Plavanga, Keelaka, Saumya, Saadhaarana, Virodhikrit, Paridhavi, Pramaadee, Aananda, Raakshasa, Nala, Pingala, Kaalayukthi, Siddharthi, Raudra, Durmathi, Dundubhi, Rudhirodgaari, Raktaakshi, Krodhana, and Akshaya.

As per a popular legend, these sixty names are said to have been associated with the Divine Sage Narada. Considered as Brahma Manasa Puthra, Sage Narada is a great Scholar, Saint and Philosopher depicted as a Divine Messenger. In all the Divine stories, we find Narada playing a key role and his involvement in one way or the other. As per the legend in brief, once upon a time, Sage Narada, caught in the mystery of Sri Maha Vishnu Maya (illusion), added with a cursed by Lord Brahm, and had to become a damsel with a desire to experience the materialistic life. In the process, the Damsel marries a King and gives birth to 60 sons. Later, during the course of time, the King, along with his 60 sons, dies in a battle. Grief-stricken, the damsel (Narada) came out of illusion with Lord’s mercy and realized that it was the Maya of Lord Sri Maha Vishnu. In memory of Narada’s (Damsel’s) sons and to give eternity to their names, Lord Vishnu blessed them that thenceforth, the sixty-year cycle ofthe Hindu time element would be represented by their names.

Ugadi signifies the current period in which we are living as per the Hindu time element in a 60-year cycle, with each new year (Ugadi) denoted by a unique name starting from Prabhava and ending with Akshaya.

In North India and Gujarat, people follow the calendar as per the Vikrama Sakha, and accordingly, the commencement of the New Year differs. There, it starts from the first day of Chaitra Bahula Paksha known as Baisakhi. In Gujarat, it will be from the first day of Kartheeka Masam after Deepavali Amavasya. Even in South India, where Salivahana Sakha is followed, the commencement of the New Year is observed on two different dates. In the case of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa, Ugadi is observed on the first day of Sukla Paksha in Chaitra Masam as per the Lunar Calendar known as Chaandramana. In Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Ugadi occurs as per the Solar Calendar known as Sauramana, on the day when the Sun enters into Mesha (Aries) Raasi which generally happens around the 13th or 14th of April every year. While it is known as Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, it is called Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Goa. While in Tamil Nadu it is called as Puthandu festival, in Kerala it is known as the Vishu festival.

Ugadi marks the beginning of a nine-day festival called Vasantha Navaraatri, also known as Sri Rama Navaratri celebrated for a period of nine days ending with Sri Rama Navami. It is a Hindu tradition to begin any new activity on an auspicious note especially if it is coinciding with Ugadi. It is considered as one of the four very auspicious days in Electional Astrology and is known as Sade Theen Muhurtha. On this day, it is prescribed and highly meritorious to perform Thailabhyanganam, Sun worship, Nimba Kusuma Bhakshana, Panchanga Sravanam etc…

Science in the worship of the Gudi

'Gudi Padwa' is the day on which the universe was created. Since on this day, Shri Brahma created the universe and the Satyayug began, it marks the commencement of the New Year.

The Divine consciousness emanating during sunrise, absorbed at that time, lasts longer. Thu,s the Gudi should be worshipped within 5-10 minutes after sunrise!

On Gudi Padwa, the waves consisting of the fire principle (Tej tatva) and the creative Prajapati waves are activated on a large scale. The Divine consciousness emanating during sunrise, absorbed at that time, lasts longer. This consciousness is stored in the body cells and is used as required. Henc,e the Gudi should be worshipped within 5-10 minutes after sunrise.

Method of raising the Gudi

Position of the Gudi: Care should be taken to raise the Gudi next to the main entrance of the house. The spot selected should be on the right side of the entrance(when facing outwards from the entrance of the home). The right side symbolizes the active state of the soul.

1. The area selected for raising the Gudi should be cleaned and then a Swastik rangoli should be drawn on the ground. Turmeric and vermilion (Haldi-kumkum) should be offered at the centre of the Swastik.

2. While raising the Gudi, the 'Shiva-Shakti' principle in the Universe should be invoked. This enables all the constituents of the Gudi to accept divine principles.

3. The Gudi symbolizes the ‘Sushumna nadi’ of our body. Hence, the Gudi should be raised at the entrance. And it should be kept tilted at an angle. - A Scholar (through the medium of Ms. Anjali Gadgil)

Prayer

'O Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu ! Please enable me to absorb the Principle of Creation and the Fire Principle present in the atmosphere. Let the Divine consciousness present in these principles be preserved constantly. Let the energy thus received, be used for my spiritual practice.'

Reason for raising the Gudi during war

The Gudi is a symbol of victory. Amongst the various qualities of God, 'Being Victorious' is one and it symbolizes that God has achieved victory at the outset and at various levels. To symbolize this at every level of war, a Gudi is hoisted.

Significance of Gudi Padwa

There are several ways of commencing a New Year. According to the Christian calendar, 1st January marks the beginning of the year. The financial year begins from 1st April, the Hindu New Year from the first day (Pratipada) of the month of Chaitra from the Hindu lunar calendar, the commercial year from the first day of the Hindu lunar month of ‘Kartik’, the solar (soura) year, the lunar (chandra) year, the luni-solar year and so on. In all these, the year comprises of twelve months. Who first proclaimed that a year should consist of twelve months and how did the world come to accept it ? The foremost exponent of this concept is undoubtedly the Vedas, the most ancient literary texts. The Vedas say, ‘A year consists of twelve months’. It is because they say so that the world has accepted it. Out of all these days of beginning a year the most ideal one is the first day of the month of Chaitra according to the Hindu lunar calendar.

One should note that there is no explanation as to why the 1st of January is the beginning of the New Year. Someone conceived that it should be so and thus it began. Contrary to this, there are natural, historical and spiritual reasons to mark the commencement of the year on the first day of the month of Chaitra.

1.Natural : Towards the first day of the month of Chaitra (Padva), the sun assumes a position above the Vasant intersection (the point of intersection of the equator and the meridians) and the spring season commences. In Shrimadbhagvadgita (10.35), The Lord says, ‘Among the seasons, the exhilarating Vasant season (spring) is my manifestation’. In this season, the weather is pleasant and exhilarating. In the Shishir season (autumn) the trees shed their leaves. Towards Padva, trees bear new foliage and appear fresh.

2. Historical : Rama slayed Vali on this day. The Shakas too defeated the Huns on this day. This day also commemorates the commencement of the Shalivahan calendar after Shalivahan vanquished his enemies.

3. Spiritual

3 A. Creation of the universe: Since on this day Shri Brahma created the universe and the Satyayug began, it marks the commencement of the New Year.

3 B. One among the three and a half auspicious days (‘Muhurts’): Gudhipadva, Akshay trutiya and Dasra(Vijayadashmi) each make up one, and the first day of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik comprises half of the total three and a half auspicious days. The special feature of these three and a half auspicious days is that, unlike other days when one has to choose an auspicious moment to perform a ritual, in contrast, on these auspicious day,s one does not need to, as every moment of these days is auspicious.

3 C. The higher incidence of prajapati sanyukta (conjoint) frequencies on the earth: The tantra text Ganeshyamal states that in all 108 frequencies, one each from the four parts (charans) of the twenty-seven lunar asterisms from the region of lunar asterisms (nakshtralok / karmadevlok) 27×4=108 reach the earth. They disintegrate further into four types of frequencies - yama, surya, prajapati and sanyukta (conjoint).

On this day, the Tej and Prajapati frequencies are effective in large measures. During sunrise on this day, the Chaitanya (Divine Consciousness) emitted from these frequencies can be retained for a longer period. It is accumulated in the cells of the embodied soul and is used by the embodied soul as and when required. Therefore, within 5-10 minutes of sunris,e one should perform ritualistic worship of the Gudi.

HAPPY UGADI TO YOU ALL ...............

My Thoughts.....................69

 

1) You don't need a companion to shine, being alone too you can, learn from the SUN!

2) If your nature is sweet, relatives like ants will come and will try to take advantage of your sweetness and in the process will bite you too!

3) Just find yourself, rather than putting your energy into being special!

4) Sun is not happiness, neither the Moon nor stars nor things, nothing other than YOU, Yourself!

5) Krishna cannot be reached thru struggle but only with surrender, total surrender.

6) Move within, but without fear, don't fear your buried monsters, they cannot hurt you without you wanting them to!

7) "The fear of death makes you human and the acceptance makes you a Yogi".

8) Happiness for any object or person is a limited edition!

9) When you help the needy, their smile and tears of joy are bliss!

10) Spirituality and Humility go together, if you are not humble, and have the ego to appreciate others then there will be no progress spiritually!

My Thoughts.....................68

 

 1) If you want to fly with eagles, don't swim with the ducks!

2) The absence of Awareness is Ego, and the absence of Light is Darkness!

3) The real contentment is within there is nothing external that can content you!

4) Life does not give free lessons, everyone has paid the price to learn the lessons, and if you have learned anything, you will not commit the same mistakes!

5) Life is just like a melody, as melody is not just the sum of all the notes and all the sounds; it is something greater. Sometimes it gives you happy tunes, and sometimes it is sad!

6) The fish gets caught in the hook as it does not keep its mouth shut. Learn!

7) Relationships without love are useless and ugly, both tolerate each other and drag on for the sake of society

8) You're not here to please others or to live a life the way they want, you're here for self-realization, liberation from the cycle of birth and re-birth, and live the life the way you wish!

9) Why are you quiet? No, only if you can listen to the chaos inside my mind!

10) Being alone is not boring but it is bliss, try it!

What do the two strings of black beads in the mangalsutra represent?

 

What do the two strings of black beads in the mangalsutra represent?

1. Mangalsutra

As per Hindu Dharma, mangalsutra is an ornament of a woman denoting her married status. Each person makes a mangalsutra for the bride as per his capacity. If it is not possible to make a mangalsutra with a cord of gold or silver, they make it by stringing black beads in a thread.

1.1 Importance of Mangalsutra

Due to the mangalsutra the woman remains conscious of Dharma, duty and rules. Wearing mangalsutra is an important conduct for a married woman. This is called code of Righteousness for women. Due to this the woman does not indulge in wanton behaviour and her conduct remains ideal.

Due to the mangalsutra the woman and others are conscious of her married status. Mangalsutra is a marital bondage. Its main objective is that the woman should remember this sacred bondage and there should not be any immoral behaviour on her part. That others should also be conscious that the woman wearing a mangalsutra is a married woman and she should be respected properly is also an objective of the mangalsutra.

Due to the mangalsutra, the consciousness of the husband in the form of Shiva remains constantly awakened in the woman.

Mangalsutra is symbolic of Shiva and Shakti. In this, gold is in the form of Shakti and the structure of stringed black beads is in the form of Shiva.

Mangalsutra is an ornament that attracts the Divine Principle in the highest proportion. In the mangalsutra both the cups are empty from one side and are raised from the other. The mangalsutra is worn facing the empty side of her body. The Divine Principle is attracted in the voids of the cups in higher proportion than any other ornaments.

Through the mangalsutra the woman gains Energy of Desire, Action and Knowledge. The mangalsutra is a link that provides Shakti in the form of the Absolute Fire Element (Tej) to the woman to actually perform a task.

In the left part of the mangalsutra, there is the flow of Energy of Desire, in the central part of Energy of Action and in the right part of Energy of Knowledge. From the mangalsutra, the Desire, Action and Knowledge Energies are also emitted.

With the help of the Desire, Action and Knowledge energies, it becomes easy for a woman to proceed towards the Nirgun Principle.

Due to the mangalsutra and kantha-mani the Vishuddha-chakra remains constantly awakened. One of the types of mangalsutra is Kanthamani mangalsutra. The gold bead stringed in its centre is called Kanthamani. It is near the Vishuddha chakra. It is also called Muhurtamani.

The waves of the Absolute Fire Principle (Tej-tattva) of the Universe are attracted to the kantha-mani worn by the woman around the neck.

Due to these waves, the Vishuddha-chakra constantly remains awakened. Nowadays, it is customary to remove the Muhurtamani worn around the bride’s neck 16 days after the marriage. Kanthamani is considered a form of Shiva and hence it is symbolic of the sense of detachment of the woman. When the energy of Anahat-chakra flows towards Vishuddha-chakra, it merges in the awakened Vishuddha-chakra by touching the Kanthamani.

The length of the mangalsutra should be such that it reaches the Anahat-chakra or the centre of the chest. As the length of the mangalsutra is up to the Anahat-chakra, due to the sattvic in the mangalsutra the increased raja-guna in the woman is reduced. As a result, her attitude of detachment is generated in her. With this it becomes possible for the woman to dwell in the present constantly.


1.2 Why is the empty part of the central cups of the mangalsutra placed towards the Anahat-chakra?

In the centre of the mangalsutra, there are two cups. The cups should be round and there should not be any design on the front part.

Round shape is associated with zero, that is, with the Brahman consisting of void. The ability to absorb and emit the waves of specific level as per the need of the person is more in the round shape compared to the other shapes.

The round shape is symbolic of the Energy of Knowledge.

Round shape is associated with the sattva-guna in the form of Shiva-Shakti.

The central point of the round shape provides waves in the form of striking Shakti (Energy) whereas the raised part is associated with Brahman in the form of Shiva.

On both sides of each cup, there are two round beads of gold. This structure is associated with the Energy of Knowledge.

The subtle effect of the structure is:

The waves of emotions are activated in the Anahat-chakra of the woman.

The waves of Energy of Knowledge are attracted towards the circular figure of the voids of the cups of the mangalsutra.

The waves of Knowledge assimilate the waves of the woman’s emotions.

Through this process the woman’s actions (karmas) become non-action (akarmas), that is, the law of action-and-fruit is not applicable to the karmas done by the woman because of this the awareness of doership of the woman reduces.

The four-petal flowers above the cups of the mangalsutra:

Above every cup of the mangalsutra, there is a figure of four-petal flower. This is associated with the Action energy.

The vibrations of the woman’s Energy of Action solidify in the round beads and are at the forefront in functioning as per the need.

It helps generate a protective sheath near the Anahat-chakra of the woman.

1.3 Why should there be no design on the raised front part of the cups?

If there is no design on the front part of the cups, there is no restriction on the ability of the structure to absorb and emit the Absolute Fire Element (Tej-tattva) in gold. Similarly the gold cups and the bead of the mangalsutra being design-free, its ability to absorb and emit the Chaitanya in the Universe increases. Hence, the woman is protected from the attacks of the negative energies.

1.4 Why are two strings of black beads present in the mangalsutra?

The two strands of black beads of mangalsutra symbolise Shiva and Shakti. From the task performed by the union of Shiva and Shakti, one gains fruit in the form of Chaitanya. This gain of fruit is depicted in the form of the central gold cups that join the strands. The two strands of the mangalsutra symbolise duality. Duality means continuity of task. The two strands of the beads are used from this perspective also.

The rectangular-shaped void created in one part of the two strands of black beads attracts the waves of Energy of Desire. The nine black beads stringed in each part of the strand symbolise the nine forms of the Primal Energy (Adishakti). The black beads stringed in the gold cord collect the negative vibrations of the attack of negative energies on the body of the woman from time to time and destroy them.

There are seven parts of nine black beads each in both strands of the mangalsutra. In order to demonstrate these parts, four gold round-shaped beads are arranged in a square shape as a central link. With this, the Shakti Principle in the woman remains in a constantly activated state and it is protected from the attacks by negative energies.

1.5 Importance of structure of mangalsutra

In the mangalsutra there are two gold cups in the centre, one gold bead at each side and then black beads are strung. In each of the two strands of the mangalsutra nine beads followed by two gold beads are strung. Due to the black beads strung in the mangalsutra, the woman is harmed to some extent.

Waves of black energy associated with the Absolute Earth and Water element are attracted to the black beads of the mangalsutra.

A cover of these waves is generated around the body of the woman.

Through the black beads waves of black energy are emitted into the atmosphere. Due to the covering of black energy waves, there is distress like pain, giddiness, restlessness etc. Considering the harm, one may wonder why the black beads should be used. Though there is 30 per cent harm due to the black beads strung in the mangalsutra, there is 70 per cent benefit also. The reason for this is that mangalsutra is beaded with a thin wire of gold. The gold wire destroys the distressing vibrations present in the Universe through its Energy of the Absolute Fire element (Tej-Shakti).

The reason for the destruction of distressing vibrations by the Tej-Shakti of gold:

The use of black beads and gold in mangalsutra is akin to the amulet, that is, a talisman. For alleviation of distress by negative energies, an amulet or a talisman is worn around the neck. The black thread of the amulet attracts the black energy and the Holy ash in the amulet destroys it. In a mangalsutra black beads are used in place of black thread and gold in the place of Holy ash. When a woman with more than 50 percent spiritual level wears a mangalsutra the ability of the gold in it to emit the Absolute Fire Element (Tej-tattva) remains awakened.

The structure of the cups and the beads strung on both sides of the mangalsutra are associated with the woman’s Energy of procreation. One cup and the beads at its sides make a figure of a triangle. This figure keeps the woman’s Energy of procreation continuously awakened. The energy of procreation is the Energy spreading enthusiasm continuously in the entire Universe through the medium of Creation. Thereby, she constantly remains in a loving mode.

The round shape of the mangalsutra awakens the woman’s Central channel (Sushumna-nadi). The elliptical shape of the mangalsutra is associated with the unmanifest Energy of Action of Srivishnu. This shape awakens the Central channel (Sushumna-nadi) of the woman. Hence, it helps the Prakriti in the form of a woman to merge with Shiv in the form of a man. As per the design of the mangalsutra, its effect is expressed either at the Sagun or Nirgun level.

In the mangalsutra of Sagun design, in each thread after every nine black beads, two gold beads are strung. For the woman wearing a mangalsutra of Sagun design to acquire its complete benefit, her minimum spiritual level has to be 30 per cent.
In the mangalsutra of Nirgun design, only black beads are strung and gold beads are not present. For the woman wearing a mangalsutra of Nirgun design to acquire its complete benefit, her minimum spiritual level has to be 50 per cent.

Importance of use of mangalsutra of Sagun and Nirgun level by a woman affected by negative energy:

Sagun level Nirgun level

1. Distress by ghosts, ancestors etc 50% - 20%

2. Distress by sorcerers (mantriks) 30% - 30%

If there is distress due to sorcerers (mantriks), that is, the powerful demonic energies of Hell, the woman can wear mangalsutra either of Sagun or Nirgun design. Women of more than 60 per cent spiritual level should wear mangalsutra of Nirgun level for protection from the mantriks of the sixth or seventh Hell.

1.6 Benefits of gold beads strung in the mangalsutra

Waves of the Absolute Fire Element (Tej-tattva) in the Universe are attracted to the gold beads of the mangalsutra.

Due to the black beads, waves of black energy are attracted which are disintegrated by the Tej-tattva waves emitted by the gold.

A protective sheath is generated around the woman’s body.

The Sun channel (Surya-nadi) of the woman remains in an activated state because of which the Energy Principle (Shakti-tattva) inherent in it is awakened.

Due to the disintegration of the black energy attracted to the black beads, the woman is less affected by the evil eye. With this the importance of gold in destroying the negative vibrations with Tej-Shakti is evident.

1.7 Why do we say that mangalsutra has lost its sanctity if it breaks?

Many a time, a mangalsutra can break without any apparent reason. Breaking of a mangalsutra is a bad omen. On breaking the beads get charged with black energy, that is, due to the black energy their weight increases. Sattvikta of the beads is lost. From this sense, the action or act of breaking a mangalsutra amounts to it losing its sanctity.

Effect of breaking a mangalsutra without any reason: Breaking of a mangalsutra is a symptom of severe distress arising out of black magic performed on a woman. As a result, there is a possibility that the woman will have fatal thoughts of self-harm, suicide, death in an accident, killing someone etc. In this process, the mantriks kill the husband with black magic and transmit black energy to the wife too. The mantriks make a replica doll of the woman and transmit black energy on it through some ritual. Then distressing vibrations are also transmitted into the objects associated with the woman, which are attracted by the black beads of the mangalsutra. As a result, the mangalsutra breaks. Only God or Guru's grace can protect from all such distress.

Spiritual experience: Breaking of the new small mangalsutra within fifteen days and the bigger mangalsutra too eight days later: On the night of 12th November 2008, her small mangalsutra suddenly broke and the beads scattered. This mangalsutra with a small muhurta mani was earlier strung in a thread and just fifteen days earlier, she had got it strung in gold. She wondered if this had happened due to the distress caused by negative energies! Thereafter, on 19th November 2008, the bigger mangalsutra around her neck also broke. This example validates the precept that ‘The mangalsutra can break due to distress caused by negative energies’. - A seeker.

1.8 Why Scriptures do not allow widows to wear a mangalsutra?

There are two chief reasons for this.

Waves / Vibrations associated with the husband’s desire are present in the mangalsutra, due to which the subtle body of the deceased husband can get trapped: Waves associated with the husband’s desire are present in the mangalsutra. After the death of the husband, some women continue to wear mangalsutra as fashion. Thus, with the help of the vibrations associated with the husband’s desires, his subtle body can get trapped.

The onward journey of the subtle body of the husband is obstructed: Looking at the mangalsutra reminds the woman of her husband and his subtle body has to return to the Earth region. Hence, the onward journey of the subtle body of the husband is obstructed.

'So what if my husband is no more?', with this thought intellectual women nowadays continue to wear the mangalsutra even after they are widowed. This act harms the woman as well as her deceased husband at the spiritual level. Hence, one should determinedly abide by religious Conduct. Mangalsutra is a marital bond. Its objective is to remind the woman of this bond and restrain her from behaving as per her own wishes.

1.9 Why do men not have to wear a mangalsutra?

Every Conduct for men and women has been propounded with a specific objective. If wearing a mangalsutra is Dharma for women, wearing a Janeu (sacred thread) is Dharma for men. On this, some people may question why is there no custom for men to wear a mangalsutra?

Since in Karmakanda, man is recognized as a father-figure, the possibility of adultery by him is less. The nature of men is basically strong, determined and conducive to leadership. Hence, in the performance of Karmakanda, the man is recognised as a father-figure. Due to the authority of a father, the possibility aof dultery is less. In society, men are more adulterous than women. If this is so, why is it said that the possibility of adultery by man is less ?

Compared to a woman, a man's attitude is less emotional, more introverted and rational. So there is less possibility of his being adulterous/wilful. Yet various Conducts have been prescribed for him in Hindu Dharma. In Kaliyug, men and women are equally adulterous. In this situation, what should men do to acquire the same benefits as that of wearing a mangalsutra? The answer is that when the man carries out his father-figure duties and inculcates an attitude of listening to others, it will foster unity in the family. Holy thread (Janeuu) worn by him will remind him of his father-figure duties.

Why is a gold chain not used in place of a mangalsutra?

The black beads in the mangalsutra contain waves of the Absolute Earth (Pruthvi-tattva) and Absolute Water (Apa-tattva) elements and the gold beads contain waves of the Absolute Fire element (Tej-tattva). With the union of these waves, Raja-Tama-dominant waves associated with inferior negative energies are eliminated from their origin. Hence, an average woman who wears a mangalsutra has the ability to tolerate the war-like effects of the destruction of Raja-Tama-dominant waves.

However, the Tej element dominant waves emitted by the gold affect the superior negative energies. An average woman does not possess the ability to tolerate their attacks. Hence, there is a possibility of distress to the woman. Therefore, instead of a chain, it is beneficial for a sensitive woman to wear a mangalsutra. Unmarried women and men also wear a gold chain. They too can experience distress, such as an increase in body heat.

My Thoughts.....................67

 

1) One need not learn anything to gain ignorance, it is always there!

2) As the spider gets caught in its web, you are caught in your illusions, come out of it and know your true self!

3) Knowledge doesn't solve your problem but dissolves your problem by making you realise there is no problem!

4) The more wealth you acquire the more you feel insecure!

5) Let your swabhava be simple and soft, and mingle with all, which makes people seek you and feel proud to be associated with you!

6) Don't make yourself mechanical and predictive, sometimes surprise yourself by doing something unexpected or what you fear the most!

7) When you are free you create, bonded minds follow the dotted lines!

8) Knowledge brings you out of distress and makes you destress!

9) It is not your problem to make everyone understand you, you are here to understand yourself and merge into HIM!

10) Remember whatever objects you see in your dreams are not outside your dreams and no one can see them, they are subjective to your mind!

My Thoughts.....................66

 

1) The mind has tricked your-self, in order to become extraordinary it has ruined your simplicity and left you hanging in between!

2) Remember, a greedy man is always poor!

3) The best way to beat the fear is not to run away from it, but to run towards it and face it head-on!

4) Who is a good man and a bad man for you? It all depends on your selfish perception!

5) You suffer because you want people to be good to you, for once, try to be good to others, and that will change your world!

6) Coward and Courageous people both have fears, the difference is the coward holds back and the courageous person puts aside his fear and plunges into the unknown!

7) Love when you are alive, later on, even if you want to love your dear ones, they will run for some talisman, mantra, totka, to keep you away from them! 

8 ) Remember, the wealthy run behind the one who has renounced worldly wealth!

9) Be kind to people for no reason, and appreciate life, life is beautiful!

10) Remember, what others think of you is none of your business!

Significance of Mangalsutra and its importance in The Hindu way of life!

 

Significance of Mangalsutra and its importance in The Hindu way of life!

(South Indian Tali) .... Part 1

The Sacred Symbol of Marriage..

Mangal = auspicious
Sutra = thread

A mangalsutra (also mangala sutra or mangal sutra) is an Indian symbol of Hindu marriage, consisting of a gold ornament strung from a yellow thread, a string of black beads or a gold chain.

The word mangalsutra can be deciphered as 'sacred thread or cord'; as 'mangal' means auspicious and 'sutra' means thread or cord.

In South India, the Maangalyam is made up of a yellow thread painted with Turmeric paste. The thread is tied with three knots around the bride’s neck. In some of the weddings the first knot is tied by the groom, while the remaining two knots are tied by his sister. In North India the Mangalsutra is a golden ornament having black beads and a gold or Diamond pendant in it.

Mangalsutra is Lord Brahma. Mangalsutra. That is to say Thali is both creator and destroyer. When tied to a girl’s neck, thali promotes her to wifehood and when removed from her neck it demotes her to widowhood.

It is called mangal sutra, because it represents “auspiciousness”. By wearing it, a woman announces that she is happy and fulfilled in her life, this is what makes her “auspicious”. The sutra represents the many strands of emotions, love, faith, trust, friendship etc that go into making up a relationship, especially one that is suppose to last a life time. It also represents the many relationships that bind them now, those of the two families that are now woven into one.

"Historically, the custom of tying a mangalsutra, the auspicious emblem or cord, on the wedding day, appears to have become popular only after the 6th century AD. Before this, a yellow protective cord known as 'kankanabandhana' was tied around the wrists of the bride and the groom to signal their commitment to marriage.

The mangalsutra is considered a talisman to ward off the evil eye. The black colour of the beads is said to absorb all negative vibrations before they can reach the bride and her family. The stringing together of the beads into one thread has its significance as well. Just as each bead contributes to making a beautiful necklace, so does the woman have to blend and integrate into the new family after marriage."

According to Hindu culture, there are five signs of marital status of women. They are mangalsutra, Toe rings, Kumkum, bangles and a nose ring. Mangalsutra is the most important among them.

The Mangalsutra consists of two pieces, ONE FROM EACH FAMILY, traditionally dangling on a yellow thread. The variations in the Mangalsutra and the way it is made / arranged varies from region to region. It contains images of the Shiva Lingam - Iyers The Namam and Sudarshana Chakra - Iyengars A pair of shell (shakha) and red coral (paula) bangles - Bengali Ivory -Punjab and Rajastan Gold chain with black beads and a gold pendant - West and other parts of India. Kashitali - gold chain with coral beads and two black beads on either side of a diamond shaped gold pendant - Karnataka, specifically "Konkini" Soft 24 Karat Gold is fashioned into necklaces modelled on the local flora and fauna—earrings like the hona, which replicate the orchid, and the lokaparo, which consists of two birds placed back to back. - Assam Gold is used to craft imitations of the human head and long funnel-shaped beads which are used in combination with shells, animal claws and teeth and precious and semi-precious stones. - Nagaland Rice grains, the Cobra’s hood, Melon and Cucumber seeds are some of the common motifs of nature inspired jewellery. - Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Silversmiths craft large ornaments, which have a very delicate and intricate appearance. Headdresses called chak, long earrings and large nose rings with papal leaf or bird motifs are the specialties of the region. - Himachal Pradesh Turquoise, Cornelian (sort of reddish quartz), Coral and Agate - Ladakh and East Indian States Our humble Mangalsutra had a very humble Beginning.

A Hindu marriage symbolizes not just a bonding of two individuals but also the bonding of understanding, commitment, mutual love and spiritual growth. In Hindu tradition marriage is not just about celebration and fun it demands sacrifice, companionship, dedication, and surrender by both the partners. Each and every rituals and customs associated with marriage portrays the real essence of wedding. Mangalsutra is one such symbol of marriage. It is not just a jewelry item it has lots of significance to an Indian married woman. It is a sacred thread of love and goodwill worn by married women as a symbol of their marriage.

Mangalsutra is the guardian of the wearer; a sort of fence as the South Indian saying goes. To every woman Mangalsutra is precious, as precious as her loving husband. Temple goers invariably touch their Mangalsutra with the Kumkum offered by poojaris as prasad.

Married women who value their Mangalsutra perform ‘Sumangali pooja’ for strengthening the life span of their Mangalsutra. When they prostrate before elders to receive their blessings and good wishes, they are blessed with the words ‘Dheerga Sumangali Bhava’, meaning ‘Let you lead a long married life’, which only tells indirectly ‘Let your husband be hale and hearty forever so as to make you happy’.