WHY DO WE KEEP TILAK & BINDI ON FOREHEAD?
WHY DO WE KEEP TILAK & BINDI ON FOREHEAD?
The Tilak 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. Religious marks are worn by men and women with ashes, clay, kumkum (Powdered red turmeric) or sandalwood powder. It is a visible sign of a person as belonging to Hindu culture.
In earlier times, The brahmin applied a white chandan mark signifying purity. The kshatriya applied a red kumkum mark.The vaishya wore a yellow kesar or turmeric mark.The sudra applied a black bhasma, kasturi or charcoal mark.Vishnu worshippers apply a chandan tilak of the shape of "U," Shiva worshippers a tripundra of bhasma, Devi worshippers a red dot of kumkum.
"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 scriptures say that a Hindu without tilak is worthy of condemnation and is compared to intellect without clarity
Traditionally Bindi is red in colour.'Bindi' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'bindu' or a drop, and suggests the mystic third eye of a person.It is applied as an ornamental mark on the forehead between the two eyebrows — a spot considered a major nerve point in human body since ancient times. The bindi is believed to prevent the loss of "energy", as well as bringing spiritual protection against demons or bad luck.The red 'kumkum' between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. It is also the central point of the base of the creation itself — symbolising auspiciousness and good fortune.
The Kumkum which ladies keep on the forehead , is to symbolize that they are married. Normally guys walk straight and ladies would walk with head down.By seeing the Kumkum on the forehead, one can understand that the girl is married.. In early days, there had been a custom that married guys would have a ring in their second foot finger, as metti seeing that the girl would identify that he is married...
We are told that in ancient times, in Aryan society, a groom used to apply his blood on-his bride's forehead as a recognition of wedlock. The existing practice among Indian women of applying a round shaped red Tilaka called Bindiya or Kumkum could be a survival of this idea.No one knows exactly when the tradition of putting a bindi started,
The Tilak 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. Religious marks are worn by men and women with ashes, clay, kumkum (Powdered red turmeric) or sandalwood powder. It is a visible sign of a person as belonging to Hindu culture.
In earlier times, The brahmin applied a white chandan mark signifying purity. The kshatriya applied a red kumkum mark.The vaishya wore a yellow kesar or turmeric mark.The sudra applied a black bhasma, kasturi or charcoal mark.Vishnu worshippers apply a chandan tilak of the shape of "U," Shiva worshippers a tripundra of bhasma, Devi worshippers a red dot of kumkum.
- Saivites typically use ashes ( called Vibhuti) and draw their tilaks as three horizontal lines ( tripundra). Vibhuti used by Saivites, means glory and it is also called bhasma (that by which our sins are destroyed and the Lord is remembered ). The holy ash is worn with adoration and respect. This is also known as “ thiru neeru” in Tamil. The holy Ash has lots of spiritual meaning. Vibhuti is so named because it endows one wih prosperity.Ash is the substance that results when things are completely burnt off. In natural terms it is a final state. It is also known as Bhasma because it burns away all sins. This ash is the ultimate reality and cannot be changed any more. By applying this as a symbol of Divinity, we prepare ourselves to give up all desires, burn our attachments and temptations and make ourselves pure, holy and sacred, for liberation.
- Vaishnavites apply clay (preferably from holy rivers) or sandalwood paste. They apply the material in two vertical lines, which may be connected at the bottom, forming either a simple U shape or a form said to be like a tulasi leaf. Their Tilak is called the urdhva-pundra. Vaishnavites use clay for their Srichurnam. This is also called“thirumann” ( mann is the tamil word for clay).This is known as Srichurnam and wearing this is as an important part of the daily rites of a Sri Vaishnavite. The Tilak is applied to twelve parts of the body, reciting the twelve names of the Lord. Vedas say, by wearing this mark, he becomes fortunate, gets released of all the worldly bondages and attains liberation.
- In Sri Vaishnava sampradaya the tilak is made out of the white mud found in anthills. The scriptures tell us that the mud from the base of a Tulasi plant and the white mud from within the anthill are both pure and best for making tilak. The Sri Vaishnavas will draw two lines representing the feet of Sri Narayana, and in the middle they will put a red line to represent Lakshmi Devi. Because the Sri Vaishnava sampradaya begins with Sri Lakshmi Devi, and they approach Narayana only through Lakshmi, their tilak reflects this process of surrender. Using mud also makes us reflect that we come from clay and go back to clay.
"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 scriptures say that a Hindu without tilak is worthy of condemnation and is compared to intellect without clarity
Traditionally Bindi is red in colour.'Bindi' is derived from the Sanskrit word 'bindu' or a drop, and suggests the mystic third eye of a person.It is applied as an ornamental mark on the forehead between the two eyebrows — a spot considered a major nerve point in human body since ancient times. The bindi is believed to prevent the loss of "energy", as well as bringing spiritual protection against demons or bad luck.The red 'kumkum' between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. It is also the central point of the base of the creation itself — symbolising auspiciousness and good fortune.
The Kumkum which ladies keep on the forehead , is to symbolize that they are married. Normally guys walk straight and ladies would walk with head down.By seeing the Kumkum on the forehead, one can understand that the girl is married.. In early days, there had been a custom that married guys would have a ring in their second foot finger, as metti seeing that the girl would identify that he is married...
We are told that in ancient times, in Aryan society, a groom used to apply his blood on-his bride's forehead as a recognition of wedlock. The existing practice among Indian women of applying a round shaped red Tilaka called Bindiya or Kumkum could be a survival of this idea.No one knows exactly when the tradition of putting a bindi started,
Why are there 108 beads on a Mara?
Why are there 108 beads on a Mara?
A mara is used to aid concentration whilst chanting the divine name of the Lord. As each bead is turned the supreme mantra should be chanted. All other thoughts should be eliminated from one's mind.
The number 108 has an auspicious significance in Hinduism. The ‘one' represents the Lord. The ‘eight' represents the everlasting cycle of birth and death for souls. However, when a soul meets a true guru, he will take a soul to the Lord and nullify (break) the cycle, thereby leading the soul to salvation.
A mara is used to aid concentration whilst chanting the divine name of the Lord. As each bead is turned the supreme mantra should be chanted. All other thoughts should be eliminated from one's mind.
The number 108 has an auspicious significance in Hinduism. The ‘one' represents the Lord. The ‘eight' represents the everlasting cycle of birth and death for souls. However, when a soul meets a true guru, he will take a soul to the Lord and nullify (break) the cycle, thereby leading the soul to salvation.
Why is there a bell rung during aarti?
Why is there a bell rung during aarti?
The nagara (sounding of drums, symbols, bells, etc) invites all the devs to the aarti, so they can have the darshan of the Supreme Lord. In much the same way, the gantadi (bell) is rung in temples and homes to tell everyone that aarti is taking place so they too can have this divine darshan. The divine sound overpowers any other noise and helps to focus our senses on the Lord
The nagara (sounding of drums, symbols, bells, etc) invites all the devs to the aarti, so they can have the darshan of the Supreme Lord. In much the same way, the gantadi (bell) is rung in temples and homes to tell everyone that aarti is taking place so they too can have this divine darshan. The divine sound overpowers any other noise and helps to focus our senses on the Lord
Why do we do Aarti?
Why do we do Aarti?
Before electrical lighting was introduced, an aarti would be waved in front of a Murti so every part of the Lord murti could be seen.The aarti is done by in a circular motion moving it in the clockwise direction, highlighting the five kamars (lotus flowers) of the Lord’s Murti;
The vaat (sticks burned during aarti) are dowsed in ghee (purified butter) because milk derivatives are considered pavitra (spiritually pure and purifying). (Amongst all mammals, the cow is considered to be pavitra and sacred.
Before electrical lighting was introduced, an aarti would be waved in front of a Murti so every part of the Lord murti could be seen.The aarti is done by in a circular motion moving it in the clockwise direction, highlighting the five kamars (lotus flowers) of the Lord’s Murti;
- Mukh kamar – face
- Hrday kamar – heart
- Hasta kamar – hands
- Naabhi kamar – naval
- Chaaran kamar – feet
The vaat (sticks burned during aarti) are dowsed in ghee (purified butter) because milk derivatives are considered pavitra (spiritually pure and purifying). (Amongst all mammals, the cow is considered to be pavitra and sacred.
What is a Mahotsav and why do we celebrate them?
What is a Mahotsav and why do we celebrate them?
The word Mahotsav means festival.
Mahotsavs create a feeling of great devotion that warms the hearts of all who attend and participate. The main reason for the organisation of a Mahotsav is for peace (shanti) of the mind (maanseek), body (sarireek) and soul (aadhyatmik).
A Mahotsav has several core elements:
Spiritual
To create an atmosphere of purity and the prayers enlighten the soul. Further they replenish the devotee's faith towards Lord.
Moral
To remind the devotees of their duties to Lord and all mankind, the sacrifices and discipline required to satisfy Lord.
Cultural
To provide the facilities to explore the traditions of the Santha and strengthen our cultural roots further
The word Mahotsav means festival.
Mahotsavs create a feeling of great devotion that warms the hearts of all who attend and participate. The main reason for the organisation of a Mahotsav is for peace (shanti) of the mind (maanseek), body (sarireek) and soul (aadhyatmik).
A Mahotsav has several core elements:
Spiritual
To create an atmosphere of purity and the prayers enlighten the soul. Further they replenish the devotee's faith towards Lord.
Moral
To remind the devotees of their duties to Lord and all mankind, the sacrifices and discipline required to satisfy Lord.
Cultural
To provide the facilities to explore the traditions of the Santha and strengthen our cultural roots further
What is a Kuldevi Maa? ...
What is a Kuldevi Maa? ... And who is Dasha Maa an avatar of?
Kula devata is the family god of any family generally originates back to the time when the family originated. It can be a male or a female... when it is a goddess the kuladevata is referred to as kuladevi.
Goddess Durga is also called Mahamaya and the corruption of Mahamaya is Momai. Momai is also known as Ashapura and Dasha Maa.
In the month of Shravan the women folk of the state of gujarat observe a ten days vrat (a vrat is a penance undertaken as a ritual occasion and calls for fasting, prayer often for a particular boon, and ritual worship according to set rules – at such times stories appropriate to the religious occasion, with the deity concerned appearing as a figure in the tale, are told by an older woman to a group of women) in the honour of Dasha Maa, and also in the honour of other folk deities: Nagbai Maa and Momai Maa. A small statue is made of these mother goddesses, to which chandalo (sandalwood paste and kanku), and puja is offered daily. The image is immersed on the tenth day. During this period women pray for the improvement of their dasha or condition, perhaps their economic well being or health. They wear a thread with ten knots, and each day one knot is united. The worshipper lives on one meal a day and the food is made of wheat. Dasama stories are told in the morning, and in the evening women dance the garba. Men do not participate in any of this.
During the ten days vrat though the mata’s power is still present in the songs of garba, yet it is dwelt upon love and admiration rather than fear. The goddess is given familiar human attributes. She dresses, plays and moves as the women themselves do. The only difference is – she does it alone and in complete freedom. She is sufficiently like them in her joyful play and yet quite different in her single status.
Kula devata is the family god of any family generally originates back to the time when the family originated. It can be a male or a female... when it is a goddess the kuladevata is referred to as kuladevi.
Goddess Durga is also called Mahamaya and the corruption of Mahamaya is Momai. Momai is also known as Ashapura and Dasha Maa.
In the month of Shravan the women folk of the state of gujarat observe a ten days vrat (a vrat is a penance undertaken as a ritual occasion and calls for fasting, prayer often for a particular boon, and ritual worship according to set rules – at such times stories appropriate to the religious occasion, with the deity concerned appearing as a figure in the tale, are told by an older woman to a group of women) in the honour of Dasha Maa, and also in the honour of other folk deities: Nagbai Maa and Momai Maa. A small statue is made of these mother goddesses, to which chandalo (sandalwood paste and kanku), and puja is offered daily. The image is immersed on the tenth day. During this period women pray for the improvement of their dasha or condition, perhaps their economic well being or health. They wear a thread with ten knots, and each day one knot is united. The worshipper lives on one meal a day and the food is made of wheat. Dasama stories are told in the morning, and in the evening women dance the garba. Men do not participate in any of this.
During the ten days vrat though the mata’s power is still present in the songs of garba, yet it is dwelt upon love and admiration rather than fear. The goddess is given familiar human attributes. She dresses, plays and moves as the women themselves do. The only difference is – she does it alone and in complete freedom. She is sufficiently like them in her joyful play and yet quite different in her single status.