Sunday, October 7, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
KAILASANATHAR TEMPLE (One of the Finest Pallava Architechture)
The Kailashnath temple situated at Putleri Street 1.5 km from Kanchipuram. is an ancient temple fine specimen of the Pallava architecture. The Pallava king Rajasimha started the temple in the 7th century AD and was completed by his son Mahendra. It is the oldest structure in Kanchipuram and the finest example of Pallava architecture in South India. The foundation of the temple is made of granite while the superstructure is carved out of sandstone.
The circumambulatory path around the sanctum is made in such a manner that it requires visitors to climb the up and down a flight of seven stairs and to crawl through narrow ways.
The temple is adorned with the sculptures of the Lord Shiva in 64 poses, which presents a picture of different aspects of mythology. The fresco paintings embellish the inner walls of the shrine. The temple is unique in its architecture and is viewed more as an architectural wonder than as a holy place.
It is not a major pilgrimage center. Pujas are offered regularly here to the Lord Shiva-Kailashanatha. The festival of Shivaratri is held here once every year.The Innumerable Forms Of Lord Shiva
Of all the temples in India, no other edifice has been so elaborately filled with all the 64 aspects of Lord Shiva and something else. Two circuits, one outer and another around the sanctum adorn this temple. It is not mere walls that fringe the corridor. Small shrine-like cells have been constructed along the entire length of both sides and filled with the various exploits of Lord Shiva, not found anywhere else.
Shiva Lilarnavam, Sambu Nadaname and such other literatures have exquisitely described the dances of Lord Shiva. Come straight to this temple and walk around the corridor. The cells on the periphery are small, while on the inner wall they are big with big images.
Lord Shiva's leg outstretched and piercing the high heavens; Gajantaka who attired himself with the torn skin of the elephant Asura, with Uma standing coyly nearby; Bhikasadana who with his comely figure disturbed the hearts of the wives of the sages, and as a charming Mohini lured the sages from their rituals; "Ardanari", a half blended with Uma; "Sandya Thandava Shiva who danced at dusk wielding a Trisula (also spelt as Trishula); Gangadara who stemmed the force of Ganga in his locks; Brahma-Chiracheda murthi who clipped off the fifth head of Brahma by his nail; "Vishapaharana" who arrested the poison Alahala in his throat; Gowriprasada who changed the colour from black to a golden hue; "Chanda Thandavan" with "Rowdram" (anger), "Karunai" (mercy), "Sringar" (amour), "Bayam" (fear), "Nagai" (Smile) and "Veeryam" (Valour) exhibited in his face.
Thiripurantakan who without a single weapon destroyed the Asuras (demons) with his mere smile, Kritarjunamurti in the guise of a hunter, Chandesvara Anugraha, LinGodbavar, Bairava, Harihara are some the innumerable forms of Lord Shiva that can be witnessed here.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
SOMANATH TEMPLE,GUJARAT
Significance
According to the legend, Soma or the Moon God built the temple in gold, Ravana in silver, and Shri Krishna in wood. Soma was cursed by his father-in-law Daksha to wane because Soma loved only one of his wives, all of whom happened to be Daksha's daughters. His other wives complained about this negligent behavior of Soma to their father Daksha, and thus the curse. He then built a Shivlinga at the Prabhas tirth (a Hindu pilgrimage) and prayed to Lord Shiva who removed the curse partially because asked upon by Soma's one wife (the one that he loved more than others). Thus, causing the periodic waning of moon.Pleased by the prayers Soma (Moon god), Lord Shiva decided to rest in that Lingam till eternity, and thus the Jyotirlingam.
Timeline
The first temple of Somnath is said to have existed before the beginning of the common era.
The second temple, built by the Yadava kings of Vallabhi in Gujarat, replaced the first one on the same site around 649 CE.
In 725 CE Junayad, the Arab governor of Sind, sent his armies to destroy the second temple.The Gurjara Pratihara kingNagabhata II constructed the third temple in 815, a large structure of red sandstone.
In 1024 CE, the temple was once again destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni who raided the temple from across the Thar Desert. The temple was rebuilt by the Gujjar ParamaraKing Bhoj of Malwa and the Solanki king Bhimadev I of Anhilwara, Gujrat (present dayPatan) between 1026 and 1042. The wooden structure was replaced by Kumarpal (r.1143-72), who built the temple of stone.
In 1296 CE, the temple was once again destroyed by Sultan Allauddin Khilji's army.According to Taj-ul-Ma'sir of Hasan Nizami, Raja Karan of Gujarat was defeated and forced to flee, "fifty thousand infidels were dispatched to hell by the sword" and "more than twenty thousand slaves, and cattle beyond all calculation fell into the hands of the victors". The temple was rebuilt by Mahipala Deva, the Chudasama king of Saurashtra in 1308 AD and the Linga was installed by his son Khengar sometime between 1326 and 1351 AD.
In 1375 CE, the temple was once again destroyed by Muzaffar Shah I, the Sultan of Gujarat.
In 1451 CE, the temple was once again destroyed by Mahmud Begda, the Sultan of Gujarat.
In 1701 CE, the temple was once again destroyed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb built a mosque on the site of the Somnath temple, using some columns from the temple, whose Hindu sculptural motifs remained visible.
Later on a joint effort of Peshwa of Pune, Raja Bhonsle of Nagpur, Chhatrapati Bhonsle of Kolhapur, Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore & Shrimant Patilbuwa Shinde of Gwalior rebuilt the temple in 1783 AD at a site adjacent to the ruined temple which was already converted to a mosque.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Konark Sun Temple , Odisha
Konark Sun Temple
Peek into the past:
The most notable marvel of Orissan art is the stately Sun Temple of Konark, Built in AD 1250, during the reign of the Eastern Ganga King Narasimhadeva-I. The temple was built with the intent to enshrine the image of Sun ("Arka"), the patron deity of the place. The temple was built is an interesting fashion, in the shape of a colossal chariot, carrying the sun God, Surya, across the heavens.
Crowning Glory of Orissa- Konark Sun Temple:
The exquisite Sun temple is a living monument of Orissa's glorious past, frozen on the sands of time. The Sun Temple of Konark is regarded as the peak of art and architecture in the ancient Kalinga era. The entire temple complex in Konark was designed in the form of a huge chariot drawn by seven spirited horses on twelve pairs of exquisitely carved wheels. The sanctum symbolises the majestic parade of the Sun God and marks the apex of the Orissan architectural style.
The most notable marvel of Orissan art is the stately Sun Temple of Konark, Built in AD 1250, during the reign of the Eastern Ganga King Narasimhadeva-I. The temple was built with the intent to enshrine the image of Sun ("Arka"), the patron deity of the place. The temple was built is an interesting fashion, in the shape of a colossal chariot, carrying the sun God, Surya, across the heavens.
Crowning Glory of Orissa- Konark Sun Temple:
The exquisite Sun temple is a living monument of Orissa's glorious past, frozen on the sands of time. The Sun Temple of Konark is regarded as the peak of art and architecture in the ancient Kalinga era. The entire temple complex in Konark was designed in the form of a huge chariot drawn by seven spirited horses on twelve pairs of exquisitely carved wheels. The sanctum symbolises the majestic parade of the Sun God and marks the apex of the Orissan architectural style.
Prime attractions:
Konark dance festival: The three-day cultural extravaganza, held every year in the month of December, captivates the audience from world over. Various Indian classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odisi, Kathakali etc perform here. Besides the classical dance forms, Chau-Orissa's own folk dance form is also performed during the festival. | Konark beach: This beach Offers spectacular views of sunrise and sunset. One of the finest beaches of the east coast is the the sprawling beach of Konark known as Chanrabhaga. Thousands of pilgrims assemble here on Kartik Purima and Magha Saptami to take a holy dip in the sea. |
Visit Konark Temples ! Contact Us
» Ramachandi Temple:
About 10 km along the beach is the famous Ramachandi Temple on the banks of the river Kushabhadra. It is an ideal picnic spot.
» Balighai: 20 kms from Konark the unspoiled beach is girdled by casurina forests.It has a Sea Turtle Research Center.
» Beleswar(20 km): Saiva Shrine and Sea Beach
About 10 km along the beach is the famous Ramachandi Temple on the banks of the river Kushabhadra. It is an ideal picnic spot.
» Balighai: 20 kms from Konark the unspoiled beach is girdled by casurina forests.It has a Sea Turtle Research Center.
» Beleswar(20 km): Saiva Shrine and Sea Beach
Chariot Temple:
The main temple complex consists of a sanctuary, its attached porch(jagamohan) and an isolated pillared edifice. The whole fabric was designed as the celestial chariot of the Sun God who is believed to course across the sky in a chariot of seven horses. The twelve pairs of wheel, which possibly symbolise the twelve months, are carved against the three sides of the platform and two side, of the front(east) staircase.
Sailors once called this Sun Temple of Konarak the Black Pagoda because it was supposed to draw ships into the shore and cause shipwrecks. The nata mandir in front of the Jagamohan is also intricately carved.There are carvings in the erotic style adorning the base and the ceiling of the temple. There are three images of the Sun God, positioned to catch the rays of the sun at dawn, noon and sunset. The beauty of Konark cannot be expressed in words. It has to be visited, seen and savoured again and again.
The main temple complex consists of a sanctuary, its attached porch(jagamohan) and an isolated pillared edifice. The whole fabric was designed as the celestial chariot of the Sun God who is believed to course across the sky in a chariot of seven horses. The twelve pairs of wheel, which possibly symbolise the twelve months, are carved against the three sides of the platform and two side, of the front(east) staircase.
Sailors once called this Sun Temple of Konarak the Black Pagoda because it was supposed to draw ships into the shore and cause shipwrecks. The nata mandir in front of the Jagamohan is also intricately carved.There are carvings in the erotic style adorning the base and the ceiling of the temple. There are three images of the Sun God, positioned to catch the rays of the sun at dawn, noon and sunset. The beauty of Konark cannot be expressed in words. It has to be visited, seen and savoured again and again.
Plan Your Trip:
The grandeur of the Sun temple can be witnessed in one day. However the surrounding areas require you to spend some more time. Climate: The climate of Konark is suitable for tourists to visit throughout the year. The pkush greenery in the surrounding area attracts heavy monsoons in Konark. The best season to visit Konark is between October and March.
Wheels To Konark:
» By Air: Nearest airport Bhubaneshwar- 64 kms is connected with Calcutta, Delhi, Hyderabad, Madras and Nagpur.
» By Rail: Nearest railheads Puri- 31 kms and Bhubaneshwar- 64 kms are connected with the major places.
» By Road: Konark is well-connected with Bhubaneshwar as well as the major places.
The grandeur of the Sun temple can be witnessed in one day. However the surrounding areas require you to spend some more time. Climate: The climate of Konark is suitable for tourists to visit throughout the year. The pkush greenery in the surrounding area attracts heavy monsoons in Konark. The best season to visit Konark is between October and March.
Wheels To Konark:
» By Air: Nearest airport Bhubaneshwar- 64 kms is connected with Calcutta, Delhi, Hyderabad, Madras and Nagpur.
» By Rail: Nearest railheads Puri- 31 kms and Bhubaneshwar- 64 kms are connected with the major places.
» By Road: Konark is well-connected with Bhubaneshwar as well as the major places.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
TIRUPATI, ANDHRA PRADESH
Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (Tamil: திருமலை திருப்பதி கோவில்,Telugu: తిరుమల వెంకటేశ్వర దేవాలయము), is aHindu temple in the hill town of Tirumala, near Tirupati in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, earlier Tamil Nadu South India. It is around 150 km (93 mi) from Chennai, 500 km (310 mi) from Hyderabad, and 250 km (160 mi) from Bangalore.
The Tirumala Hill is 853m above sea level and is about 10.33 square miles (27 km2) in area. It comprises seven peaks, representing the seven heads of Adisesha, thus earning the name Seshachalam. The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabadri, Narayanadri, and Venkatadri. The temple is on Venkatadri (also known as Venkatachala or Venkata Hill), the seventh peak, and is also known as the "Temple of Seven Hills" (Saptagiri सप्तगिरी in Sanskrit,Ezhumalai ஏழுமலை in Tamil). The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Venkateswara, a form of the Hindu god Vishnu. Venkateswara is known by other names: Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa The temple lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini, a holy water tank. The temple complex comprises a traditional temple building, with a number of modern queue and pilgrim lodging sites.
The temple is the richest pilgrimage center, after the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, of any faith (at more than INR 50,000 crore) and the most-visited place of worship in the world.The temple is visited by about 50,000 to 100,000 pilgrims daily (30 to 40 million people annually on average), while on special occasions and festivals, like the annualBrahmotsavam, the number of pilgrims shoots up to 500,000, making it the most-visited holy place in the world.
There are several legends associated with the manifestation of the Lord in Tirumala. According to one legend, the temple has a murti(deity) of Lord Venkateswara, which it is believed shall remain here for the entire duration of the present Kali Yuga. Tirumala has remained a highly frequented pilgrimage site in Tamilakam throughout most of its history and was a principle temple in the country of Tondai Nadu before the territory was transferred to Andhra Pradesh in the 20th century CE. Almost all the epigraphs of the temple are in Tamil and interspersed with Grantha characters and 50 inscriptions are in Kannada and Telugu,thanks toKrishnadevaraya in 16th century.
Murugan Temple,Bantu caves,Malaysia
Batu Caves is a limestone hill that has a series of caves and cave temples in the Gombak district, 13 kilometres (8 mi) north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It takes its name from the Sungai Batu or Batu River, which flows past the hill. Batu Caves is also the name of the nearby village.
The cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India, dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is the focal point of Hindu festival of Thaipusam in Malaysia.
MURUDESHWAR TEMPLE,KARNATAKA ·
Murudeshwar (Kannada: ಮುರುಡೇಶ್ವರ) is a town in Bhatkal talukof UttaraKannada district in the state of Karnataka, India. "Murudeshwar" is another name of the Hindu god Shiva. Famous for the world's second-tallest Shiva statue, Murudeshwar beach town lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea and is also famous for the Murudeshwar Temple. The nearest airport to Murudeshwar is Mangalore International Airport at distance of 160 kilometer. Murudeshwar has railway station on Konkan railway route.
Ambarnath Temple , Maharastra
The Ambarnath Temple is situated in the town of Ambarnath (which takes its name from this
ancient temple), a station near Kalyan, Ulhasnagar on the central railway route of Mumbai
railway.
The temples construction started sometime in 1061 AD (in the year Saka 982), by Chittaraja , a
Shilhara king and continued in the time of his successor Nagarjuna. His younger brother,
Mammuni is said to have made latter additions to its structure and completed its constructions
.
The Shilharas were vassals of the Rashtrakutas and later the Kadambas. They ruled over regions
of Kolhapur , Thane, Kolaba and Mumbai in present day Maharashtra state
ancient temple), a station near Kalyan, Ulhasnagar on the central railway route of Mumbai
railway.
The temples construction started sometime in 1061 AD (in the year Saka 982), by Chittaraja , a
Shilhara king and continued in the time of his successor Nagarjuna. His younger brother,
Mammuni is said to have made latter additions to its structure and completed its constructions
.
The Shilharas were vassals of the Rashtrakutas and later the Kadambas. They ruled over regions
of Kolhapur , Thane, Kolaba and Mumbai in present day Maharashtra state
The temple is built from black basalt stone and is constructed in the Bhumija style, which was so
popular in the Deccan region of those times.A lot of Chalukyan and Gujrat Solanki (like in the
Sun temple at Modhera) architectural influence is also evident.
The temple is an architectural marvel with beautifull sculptures,statuetes,figur ines and motifs
covering almost every nook and corner of the temple.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva .It measures 60 ft in length. The plan is star shaped.The
Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum,13ft in length and breadth, its door being 9X4 ft) is in a
underground cellar accessible after climbing down a series of stairs (9 nos, 8 ft below level) and
houses a 'swayambhu' (not man made) Shivalinga. The vestibule consisits of pillars carved with
figurines of various Gods and Godesses along with a a ornate lotus shaped ceiling which
immediately catches the eye. The roof is missing and temple is directly exposed to the sky (ambar) ,
which is how the temple may have derived its name.
popular in the Deccan region of those times.A lot of Chalukyan and Gujrat Solanki (like in the
Sun temple at Modhera) architectural influence is also evident.
The temple is an architectural marvel with beautifull sculptures,statuetes,figur
covering almost every nook and corner of the temple.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva .It measures 60 ft in length. The plan is star shaped.The
Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum,13ft in length and breadth, its door being 9X4 ft) is in a
underground cellar accessible after climbing down a series of stairs (9 nos, 8 ft below level) and
houses a 'swayambhu' (not man made) Shivalinga. The vestibule consisits of pillars carved with
figurines of various Gods and Godesses along with a a ornate lotus shaped ceiling which
immediately catches the eye. The roof is missing and temple is directly exposed to the sky (ambar) ,
which is how the temple may have derived its name.
MEENAKSHI TEMPLE, MADURAI
Meenakshi Amman Temple (also called: Meenakshi SundareswararTemple, Tiruaalavaai and Meenakshi Amman Kovil) is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated toParvati, known as Meenakshi, and her consort, Shiva, here named Sundareswarar. The temple forms the heart and lifeline of the 2500 year old city of Madurai and is a significant symbol for the Tamil people, mentioned since antiquity in Tamil literature though the present structure was built between 1623 and 1655 CE. It houses 14 gopurams (gateway towers), ranging from 45-50m in height. The tallest is the southern tower, 51.9 metres (170 ft) high, and two golden sculptured vimanas, the shrines over the garbhagrihas (sanctums) of the main deities. The temple attracts 15,000 visitors a day, around 25,000 on Fridays and receives an annual revenue of sixty million . There are an estimated 33,000 sculptures in the temple. It was on the list of top 30 nominees for the "New Seven Wonders of the World". The annual 10-day Meenakshi Tirukalyanam festival, celebrated during April and May, attracts 1 million visitors.
DHARBA
DHARBA
Dharbham the Holy Grass
The Holy Grass known as Dharbham or Dharbai - Kush Grass, Kusa - Eragrostis cynosuroides
This article is on one of the practices widely used by Indian Brahmins all over using a Holy Grass named Dharbham or Dharbai. The botonical name is Eragrostis cynosuroides and Hindi they call
as Kus or Kusha. Brahmins in general and Srivaishnavites in particular use this Darbai grass in all functions, auspicious or inauspicious, a performing person needs to wear a ring made of this
Dharbham. But many have lost the reason of why it is to be used in the first place.
What I learnt from my father is proved to be accurately correct by a Medicine Practitioner. A medical practitioner named Dr. Sadhashiv Rao, once visited my home. When the topic turned to many
subjects, I needed to tell him about the Holy Grass named Dharbham. When I told him about the usage and the values, he could not just believe my words. So, he took out a bunch of the Dharbham
from me, went straight to the clinic to take an x-ray of his palm, by covering his hand with the Dharbham. To his utter surprise, he found that the grass absorbed about 60% of the (x-ray) radiation!
When the so powerful X-ray radiation can be absorbed by the Holy Grass, why can it not absorb the ill-radiations spread over the atmosphere? While chanting and reciting some Vedic phrases and
versus, one needs to wear a ring made of Dharbham on his right hand ring finger. This is most essential, while performing all the rituals, such as Agni Santhanam, Thiru-Aaradhanam, all sorts of
Havans known as Homam etc.
The count of leaves depends upon the function that is held viz.: for some functions related to death only Single leaf Dharbham is used; for Auspicious and daily routine a ring made of two leaves is
used; for inauspicious but not death related functions, (i.e. Amavasya Tharppanam,Pithru Pooja etc) a three leaf Dharbham ring is used. And for the Temple Prayer and Pooja, a Four-leaf Dharbham
ring is used.
Also, when a fire ritual known as Agni Santhana is performed, these Dharbham are spread all the four sides of the Agni Kundam. Also, during the Eclipse time, these Dharbham are used to cover all
food items to protect them from the harmful ultra violet radiation.
Whenever any function is held, firstly they perform a site-cleansing act known as "Sudhhi Punyaahavachanam". While reciting the selective versus, they hold the Dharbham bunch in their hand and
placing the tip point of it over the vessel containing water. Thus the recited vibration values are absorbed by water in the vessel through the Dharbham.
They found that the Holy Grass known as Dharbham has the highest value in conducting the phonetic vibrations through its tip. Later, they sprinkle the Holy water at every nook and corner of the place,
where the function is held. A Dharbham without the tip is considered of no value, as the conductor-type value is lost in it.
If dharbam is cut & collected on the Avani Amavasya day (falls during 15th August & 15th Sept) it can be retained for usage for one full year. Also, if cut on the Masi Amavasya day then also one can
use it for full year. There is a specific slokha for cutting dharbam (the holy grass) that is to be recited while cutting it; I give below the same for readers to know. If Dharbam is obtained from a
Brahmin who doesn't know this slokam or versus, the Dharbam is useless, states the Vedic scripts!
My father, Late Shri Ramabathrachariar of Mukkur, fondly called by everyone as Sriraman, has taught me the immense values of Dharbham and its usage. With Sanskrit phonetic sound and
vibration, using the Dharbham increases its value. The usage varies according to the functions. It is really a marvel, that in those days of Vedic Era, the Sages & Saints of Hindu land used to control
the Magnetic path disturbances, just by simply using this Dharbham! One more important thing about the Dharbam is, which is not commonly known to many, that one case use the same Dharbam again and
again for seven times, provided, it is washed and dried properly before reuse. This is permitted only when/where no fresh Kusa Grass the Dharbai is available for regular usage. However, the Dharbam used for
any inauspicious ceremonies viz. Death and karma rituals, should never be used again!
While I was just preparing this article, I received an interesting E-mail from Sri. Vijay Narasimhan, which I give below without
editing:
Quote:
Basically all our Vedas and Upanishads are written in Sanskrit, Which basically is a phonetic based language. So I have a feeling that it is not just the mantras being powerful but mainly due to
the effects "Sound" has over a humans body. I feel that our ancestors had mastered the art of sound; phonetics and acoustics as such. So when the Vedas was written and the tone set for its
deliverance that had no effect whatsoever on a "Man's" body but it should have definitely had a profound effect on a "Woman's" body that would have been the reason why ladies are not allowed
to chant mantra or the Vedas or Upanishads or for that matter any of the slokas that a man recites. When we do Paaraayanam, I feel that the reason why girls are not allowed to do that is basically
their physique cannot take the tremendous changes effected due to sustained practice of known as Recital.
This is something that my grandpa's younger brother told me about, when we perform the Kumbabhishekam in a temple, At least 20 learned Vedic scholars would stand near the "kumba jalam"
( holy water kept in the copper or brass vessel) and holding a "Dharbam",one end in their hand and other end in the water would recite all the slokas need or rather do the "Japam" - I think this is
because "Dharbam" is a very good conductor of acoustic vibrations - When this happens you can surely find the difference in the water's state before and after such a japam. The reason why i am
saying this has reference to my stating that Sanskrit is a phonetic based language and "Sound and Acoustics" does really change things.
Our ancestors would have done lot of research into acoustics management resulting in they mastering the art of sound and acoustics and using them to both, their constructive and destructive benefits.
Again this is purely my and only my own opinion.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks and Regards - Vijay Narasimham
Unquote.
Apart from the above, Dharbham cannot be planted and grown everywhere. It only grows naturally at selective places and available almost in every state in India. Several persons at many
occasions tried to cultivate this plant but failed to see its growth. Why, anyone can try this now if it is possible for them to plant & cultivate in their locations! Sorry, it will not grow as one might
think. It has its potential soil selection, magnetic path locations and soil conditions that add value to its growth only in selective places! Some learned scholars name it after Saint Vishwaamitra - hence
Dharbham is known and also called as "Vishwaamitra". If it is kept for a longer time, say for more than six months, (excepting the one cut during Masi & Avani Amavasya days.) then it loses its
value and the power of absorbing the radiation or magnetic path control values. However, the same can be used even after six month, only if it is re-energized with specific counts of Gayatri Mantra
and when the Gayatri Japa mantra water is sprinkled on it. There is a system and ritual to revibrate/renergize the Dharbam after its lapes of six month!
Dharbham cannot just be plucked straight or cut on any day; There is a specific Slokha given above, that is to be recited before cutting it; That too it can be cut only on the day next to Full Moon -
known as Krishna Paksha Pradamai. A Dharbham without its tip portion is not to be used for making a Ring like item known as "Pavithram".
A word of caution for the new users of this Dharbai / Dharbam. It is sharper than a blade! The edges are so sharp, it might even hurt & cut your palm if handled carelessly, that you'll notice only
when you find blood oozing from your palm! Yes, you'll not feel the pain while injuring, but later one feels it. Only when it is wet, you can twist it to the form you need to make the called Pavithram
or Bugnams.
Dharbham the Holy Grass
The Holy Grass known as Dharbham or Dharbai - Kush Grass, Kusa - Eragrostis cynosuroides
This article is on one of the practices widely used by Indian Brahmins all over using a Holy Grass named Dharbham or Dharbai. The botonical name is Eragrostis cynosuroides and Hindi they call
as Kus or Kusha. Brahmins in general and Srivaishnavites in particular use this Darbai grass in all functions, auspicious or inauspicious, a performing person needs to wear a ring made of this
Dharbham. But many have lost the reason of why it is to be used in the first place.
What I learnt from my father is proved to be accurately correct by a Medicine Practitioner. A medical practitioner named Dr. Sadhashiv Rao, once visited my home. When the topic turned to many
subjects, I needed to tell him about the Holy Grass named Dharbham. When I told him about the usage and the values, he could not just believe my words. So, he took out a bunch of the Dharbham
from me, went straight to the clinic to take an x-ray of his palm, by covering his hand with the Dharbham. To his utter surprise, he found that the grass absorbed about 60% of the (x-ray) radiation!
When the so powerful X-ray radiation can be absorbed by the Holy Grass, why can it not absorb the ill-radiations spread over the atmosphere? While chanting and reciting some Vedic phrases and
versus, one needs to wear a ring made of Dharbham on his right hand ring finger. This is most essential, while performing all the rituals, such as Agni Santhanam, Thiru-Aaradhanam, all sorts of
Havans known as Homam etc.
The count of leaves depends upon the function that is held viz.: for some functions related to death only Single leaf Dharbham is used; for Auspicious and daily routine a ring made of two leaves is
used; for inauspicious but not death related functions, (i.e. Amavasya Tharppanam,Pithru Pooja etc) a three leaf Dharbham ring is used. And for the Temple Prayer and Pooja, a Four-leaf Dharbham
ring is used.
Also, when a fire ritual known as Agni Santhana is performed, these Dharbham are spread all the four sides of the Agni Kundam. Also, during the Eclipse time, these Dharbham are used to cover all
food items to protect them from the harmful ultra violet radiation.
Whenever any function is held, firstly they perform a site-cleansing act known as "Sudhhi Punyaahavachanam". While reciting the selective versus, they hold the Dharbham bunch in their hand and
placing the tip point of it over the vessel containing water. Thus the recited vibration values are absorbed by water in the vessel through the Dharbham.
They found that the Holy Grass known as Dharbham has the highest value in conducting the phonetic vibrations through its tip. Later, they sprinkle the Holy water at every nook and corner of the place,
where the function is held. A Dharbham without the tip is considered of no value, as the conductor-type value is lost in it.
If dharbam is cut & collected on the Avani Amavasya day (falls during 15th August & 15th Sept) it can be retained for usage for one full year. Also, if cut on the Masi Amavasya day then also one can
use it for full year. There is a specific slokha for cutting dharbam (the holy grass) that is to be recited while cutting it; I give below the same for readers to know. If Dharbam is obtained from a
Brahmin who doesn't know this slokam or versus, the Dharbam is useless, states the Vedic scripts!
My father, Late Shri Ramabathrachariar of Mukkur, fondly called by everyone as Sriraman, has taught me the immense values of Dharbham and its usage. With Sanskrit phonetic sound and
vibration, using the Dharbham increases its value. The usage varies according to the functions. It is really a marvel, that in those days of Vedic Era, the Sages & Saints of Hindu land used to control
the Magnetic path disturbances, just by simply using this Dharbham! One more important thing about the Dharbam is, which is not commonly known to many, that one case use the same Dharbam again and
again for seven times, provided, it is washed and dried properly before reuse. This is permitted only when/where no fresh Kusa Grass the Dharbai is available for regular usage. However, the Dharbam used for
any inauspicious ceremonies viz. Death and karma rituals, should never be used again!
While I was just preparing this article, I received an interesting E-mail from Sri. Vijay Narasimhan, which I give below without
editing:
Quote:
Basically all our Vedas and Upanishads are written in Sanskrit, Which basically is a phonetic based language. So I have a feeling that it is not just the mantras being powerful but mainly due to
the effects "Sound" has over a humans body. I feel that our ancestors had mastered the art of sound; phonetics and acoustics as such. So when the Vedas was written and the tone set for its
deliverance that had no effect whatsoever on a "Man's" body but it should have definitely had a profound effect on a "Woman's" body that would have been the reason why ladies are not allowed
to chant mantra or the Vedas or Upanishads or for that matter any of the slokas that a man recites. When we do Paaraayanam, I feel that the reason why girls are not allowed to do that is basically
their physique cannot take the tremendous changes effected due to sustained practice of known as Recital.
This is something that my grandpa's younger brother told me about, when we perform the Kumbabhishekam in a temple, At least 20 learned Vedic scholars would stand near the "kumba jalam"
( holy water kept in the copper or brass vessel) and holding a "Dharbam",one end in their hand and other end in the water would recite all the slokas need or rather do the "Japam" - I think this is
because "Dharbam" is a very good conductor of acoustic vibrations - When this happens you can surely find the difference in the water's state before and after such a japam. The reason why i am
saying this has reference to my stating that Sanskrit is a phonetic based language and "Sound and Acoustics" does really change things.
Our ancestors would have done lot of research into acoustics management resulting in they mastering the art of sound and acoustics and using them to both, their constructive and destructive benefits.
Again this is purely my and only my own opinion.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks and Regards - Vijay Narasimham
Unquote.
Apart from the above, Dharbham cannot be planted and grown everywhere. It only grows naturally at selective places and available almost in every state in India. Several persons at many
occasions tried to cultivate this plant but failed to see its growth. Why, anyone can try this now if it is possible for them to plant & cultivate in their locations! Sorry, it will not grow as one might
think. It has its potential soil selection, magnetic path locations and soil conditions that add value to its growth only in selective places! Some learned scholars name it after Saint Vishwaamitra - hence
Dharbham is known and also called as "Vishwaamitra". If it is kept for a longer time, say for more than six months, (excepting the one cut during Masi & Avani Amavasya days.) then it loses its
value and the power of absorbing the radiation or magnetic path control values. However, the same can be used even after six month, only if it is re-energized with specific counts of Gayatri Mantra
and when the Gayatri Japa mantra water is sprinkled on it. There is a system and ritual to revibrate/renergize the Dharbam after its lapes of six month!
Dharbham cannot just be plucked straight or cut on any day; There is a specific Slokha given above, that is to be recited before cutting it; That too it can be cut only on the day next to Full Moon -
known as Krishna Paksha Pradamai. A Dharbham without its tip portion is not to be used for making a Ring like item known as "Pavithram".
A word of caution for the new users of this Dharbai / Dharbam. It is sharper than a blade! The edges are so sharp, it might even hurt & cut your palm if handled carelessly, that you'll notice only
when you find blood oozing from your palm! Yes, you'll not feel the pain while injuring, but later one feels it. Only when it is wet, you can twist it to the form you need to make the called Pavithram
or Bugnams.
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