Guru Purnima

The full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashad (July-August) is observed as the auspicious day of Guru Purnima, a day dedicated to the memory of the great sage Vyasa. 

It is said that Guru Vyasa edited the four Vedas, wrote the 18 Puranas, the epic Mahabharata, and the Srimad Bhagavatam and even taught Dattatreya, who is regarded as the 'Guru of Gurus.'

Hindus attach great importance to spiritual Gurus. Gurus are equated with God and always regarded as a link between the individual and the supreme. This day is dedicated to the Gurus and people irrespective of caste or creed offer their prayers to their gurus thanking them for the knowledge they have provided to the learner.

Gurur Brahmma Gurur Vishnu
Gurur Deva Maheshwara
Gurur Saakshaat ParaBrahma
Tasmayi Shree Guruve namaha

Guru is the creator, Guru is the preserver 
Guru is the destroyer
Guru is the Lord himself, the highest consciousness
Salutations to the Guru

The Power of Udi

Udi or Vibhuti is the ash from the sacred fire which Sai Baba had lit. The Udi is supposed to have great power and has been able to cure diseases of the mind and the body.

I was in Higher Secondary when I had suddenly developed an intense pain somewhere in the neck,  behind the ears. The pain would suddenly rise to the extent that I would scream, take my pillows and hold them tight, want to pull the iron rods off the window and cry. Some pain killers would help but again the pain would come unannounced somewhere in the middle of a classroom or while in sleep. On one occasion my tuition teacher's wife had to apply some hot compression for some relief much to my embarrassment.

I saw a doctor, he said the cause was excess accumulation of wax, prescribed some pain killers again and ear drops. This only ensured temporary relief...

This went on for some days when one day my father had gone to meet one of his seniors and probably mentioned that he had to rush home to take his daughter to the doctor. It was then that he handed him a packet of 'Udi' and asked it to be applied to the affected area.

The same day, one of my father's friends mentioned another doctor whom we immediately went to see. He dismissed the wax theory and said this was a nerve dislocation. He knew the exact spot where the trouble was and demonstrated how it brought relief on applying some pressure there.

It would take days of message by my father, morn and night, and some homeopathic medicines to get rid of that pain. Needless to mention that I would also apply Udi sans doubt or disbelief.

Till today I attribute the discovery of that doctor to the 'Udi' and have been applying it ever since as a daily ritual.  I don't question nor do I look for results as to when it worked and when it didn't and why.  I know the power of 'Udi' has benefited my overall well being, body and mind!

Friends visiting Shirdi do not escape my request to get a packet of 'Udi'...

Kamakhya Temple - In Stories and Memories

Kamakhya is to the east and the North East what Vaishno Devi is to the North - and this is purely in a layman's terminology...this happens to be the nearest and most accessible pilgrim spot in the North East and so it is everyone's common religious destination

From our childhood it was the place where small family functions would be held, where eloped couples would head to for marriage, where all rituals took place under the supervision of the 'Panda' and where the yearly pilgrimage would happen.

These are the earliest childhood memories but as years passed I learned more about this place and found bliss in the fact that such a pious place existed so near to our homes.


Situated in Guwahati in the heart of the Neelachal hills, it is one of the Shakti Peethas. 

The temple consists of four chambers: -  garbhagriha and three mandapas locally called calanta, pancharatna and natamandira,  aligned from east to west.

Legend has it that it is here the 'Yoni' of the mother fell after Shiva danced with her dead body. Shiva was not invited to the Yajna ceremony at Parvati's paternal house by her father Daksha, and this had angered her. Also Daksha had insulted Shiva and Sati felt insulted and jumped into the pyre. When Shiva saw the dead body of Sati, he could not stay still any longer and started dancing with Parvati's corpse in his hands. Vishnu jee fearing destruction ran his Sudarshan Chakra and cut Parvati's body into pieces,  and each of these 108 pieces fell in what is today known as 'Peethas'. There are 51 such Shakti Peethas.

Every year the water in the garba griha turns red and it is believed that the Goddess menstruates during this period. The  temples are closed at this time of the year for three days. It is also considered inauspicious to dig Mother Earth during the period or perform any religious functions. Thorough cleaning of the temple happens on the fourth day after which the doors of the temple are opened to the devotees. This period is known as 'Ambubachi' and the mela that is held is very grand attracting thousands of Sadhus and seekers from different parts of the country. 

The other times of the year when the pilgrims flock to the temple are during both the Navratras. The autumn Navratra when Durga Puja is celebrated sees scores of devotees rushing in to offer their prayers. It is not otherwise during the spring Navratra when believers rush in to seek blessings of the Goddess. On the Ashtami day, 'kumaris' or little girls are worshiped. They are believed to be the embodiment of the Mother. Girls are beautifully dressed and taken around the temple before and after the Puja.

The 'Pandas' or priests have been the official caretakers of all the ceremonies and most of our families have a designated Panda. He takes care of all the rituals, his forefathers have done so in the past but it is not too sure if his next generation will carry on with the same job and responsibility. Only time will tell.

Our family 'Panda'

 Kamakhya temple is an ode to Mother Nature's power to create, nurture and sustain        life. 

The Final Journey

Human birth and death are phases that are not only unpredictable, these bring changes to the family, bring about learning and acceptance. While the former brings joy & hope, the latter leaves us shattered and in pain.

In Hinduism there are specific rituals that are followed in both of these times, and all these have a deeper meaning and significance. Why I have chosen to write on the latter I am not sure; it's probably to assure the self that this is the way of the world, the way of life and death.

The journey to the other world is mysterious and Hinduism has well defined norms to allow space for your own kind of interpretation. Some who are near to the end may themselves have a sense of realization that their journey on the earth is but a matter of time. I remember my own grandfather in his last moments, in a state of semi consciousness, folded his legs in an 'asana' like posture and indicated that the photo of his Guruji be brought near him. His hands were then folded and he indicated all the threads on his hand and waist to be cut. This indicated detachment from all earthly materials, to leave everything behind and leave in the same manner one had arrived.

Once the souls leaves the body, it is free however the body is treated with respect. The send-off happens after providing a bath and making the departed body adorn new clothes. It is a formal good bye with wishes for the next journey, in all finery.

The mourning period varies, it's from 11 to 13 depending on different customs in different parts of India. The mourning period for the immediate family lasts up-to one year in certain parts of the country during which the family does not participate in any religious ceremonies.

During the first 11 or 13 days, the family of the departed eat one plane food. The person who performs the main rituals cooks his own food and eats only once a day. The reason for plain foods is not only to pay respect to the departed but also ensure that the nerves stay calm during this tragic period.

Per ritual, the family is not supposed to light the kitchen fire during the mourning period and the food is usually provided by neighbors and relatives.

There is a belief that the soul does not usually leave the surroundings till the Shradda ceremony is performed.  Ceremonies are performed on the 4th, 11th or 13th days to enable the journey of the soul to the next stage.

Crows are fed daily on these days as the Hindus believe that by feeding the crows, the soul of the departed is also being fed. Crows are believed to be the messengers between this world and the other world. It is generally a practice to go and check if the crow has had the offering as this symbolises that the ancestors have accepted the offerings. This process is called 'Pinda-dan'. Pinda is a ball of cooked rice and 'Pinda-da' ensures that the soul of the deceased is not in hunger or thirst.

There are stories where someone has forgotten to feed the crow on a particular day and then he or his family member has been reminded of the miss, either in a dream or a vision.

There are annual rites that are performed and food offered symbolically to the departed souls. This is a way to pay respect to the ancestors.

During the mourning period, the family does not perform or attend any religious ceremonies. They do not enter religious shrines, or attend any social functions like birthdays or marriages.

The intense mourning period provides the opportunity to express one's grief rather than suppressing the same. Most of the rituals that are performed is to encourage the free flow of emotions. Feelings that remain unexpressed are usually harmful to the body and the mind.

During the Shraddha ceremony, food and other items of daily use are provided as a symbol of sustenance for the journey of the departed.

On the event of the one-year anniversary, prayers and other rituals take place in memory of the departed. The date is not the date on the English calendar but is the 'tithi' as prescribed by the 'Panchang'.

The ashes are finally immersed in the Ganges or any other holy river, indicating the oneness of the souls with the elements. The air that leaves the body merges with the sky, the body becomes part of the earth and the water. Full circle.

Thus Hinduism through these rituals protects the basic essence of life, promotes feel flow of emotions and provides psychological healing to the family and friends of the departed! The rituals are no doubt a way of life.

A Shirdi Experience

I have been following Sai Baba since a long time now and had many personal experiences at different points in time. I have spoken about these in select groups from time to time but this is the first time I am writing one down.

The most vivid experience I had was back in 2007 I believe when we were returning to Delhi after our Shirdi visit. The trip was eventful and all of us were in a state of bliss and relaxation. Our group was singing Bhajans while waiting to reach the destination back home.

Just then a group of Hijras got in, it was some place before Ghaziabad, and they started demanding money. The group gave them may be a notes of 10 or 20 Rs but it was obvious that they were not satisfied and they started using abusive language. Till this day I don't know what they had said but our group was visibly upset and it seemed like all the good feelings after the blissful trip were erased with a single stroke of careless words.

Within the span of less than a minute, a beggar appeared out of nowhere and he sat in the passage between compartments waiting for alms. He was facing the passage and his side face was visible to us. It was obvious that he could not walk. I will not be exaggerating if I say that his posture, his face and the orange patka he wore on his head resembled Sai baba to the core. And this is the posture I am talking about, only that the side face was visible.

I think I instantly said 'inko do' (give to him) to lift ourselves up from that wretched mood where we fell into within seconds.  All of us dug into our pockets and purses and gave him what we could. And then he left in a few seconds and while we tried to understand what had happened he was just gone, gone from the nearby compartments as well. The train  was moving, he did not have legs to walk, then where did he vanish in such quick time...we looked at each other for answers, with tears in our eyes.

Till this day it gives me goosebumps to narrate this story but I know whoever he was, he lifted us and made us forget those cruel words. He also gave us a reason to believe in the existence of the unknown.

Faith!

Eating with Hands

The other day I happened to have dinner with a Punjabi family. And at the table Aunty encouraged us to have the food with our hands. This was most appropriate as food never tastes so good when we use a spoon and fork. I was quick to grab the opportunity. It also came as a surprise because years of living in Delhi have got me into the belief that Delhites live in a world of show and may be even eat samosas with forks and knives. But not only was Aunty's cooking awesome, I am kind of trying to make a resolve not to feel awkward having food with hands in public. At home using a spoon would make us a laughing stock anyway.

This made me remember my Nandos experience in London where eating with hands was encouraged as this meant less use of cutlery, leading to need less use of water for cleaning the utensils etc.

The real taste of food can only be felt by licking the fingers, no wonder we say 'finger-licking'. I have always enjoyed licking the remnants of the sweet curd on earthen pots. This was kind of a ritual every Sunday many years ago. I also particularly enjoy finger licking the remnants of any sweet dish after all the content has been transferred to a bowl.

If we go deeper into the science and the health benefits, we would know that when we use our fingers, our system releases digestive juices and enzymes which aids in overall digestion process. Also according to Ayurveda, eating with fingers stimulates all the elements which naturally aids in the all round development of the body. Eating with the hands creates awareness as we feel and relish the food. We not only feel the warmth of the food but the body also knows now what to expect.

Going back to traditions, we would be served food in banana or palm leaves during festivals. These were so economical when we think about them now, not only could you dispose them easily, there was no labour involved in cleaning the cutlery, no wastage of water and no worrying if these plates were degradable or if we were consuming chemicals along with food.

Going back traditional is not only the most logical thing to do now but it is also scientific. So we need not be suddenly conscious of our environment on certain occasions if we can inculcate these habits back in our daily lives.

Akshardham Temple, New Delhi

My second visit to the Akshardham Temple after more than 10 years. It remains a wonder to the eye as it was when it was newly constructed.

I frowned that they did not let our mobile with us, the fact that the beauty and the grandeur of the place could not be captured.

But trust me it's not all that bad without the camera or the mobile. You see the people thronging there, you notice the diverse population that flocks in there, you understand how rich our culture is, how varied our interests are, how much pride we take in knowing our temples, you almost don't miss the camera and you don't care that the selfie was not taken.

The peace, the calm is beyond words and to add to that the absolute cleanliness which adds to the overall charm. You could keep walking or you could rest and reflect.

The shows are an absolute pleasure for both the young and the old, we show the world that we lead  both in technology and in spiritual progress.

The boat ride is an absolute must, it's like a fast track rewind of what we were and where we are. We led in every socio, economic or scientific fields.

The laser show was a delight, it was beyond beautiful. I don't know when they started doing this but during my visit in 2006, we missed the light show because of our time constraints. I hope by doing these shows, they keep telling this generation the value of our own tradition and how we must feel blessed to be born in this sacred land.