Rangoli/kolam known as Rangavalli in Sanskrit, is an enchanting form of visual communication through symmetrical designs since ancient times. Rangoli is an ancient art that combines dots with curved lines to form a design in harmony. Symbolic expressions are in existence in every culture and take precedence at many ceremonies.
In Hindu culture, Rangoli has spiritual and scientific significance and all festivals are incomplete without these beautiful and colourful patterns.
Rangolis are believed to add beauty to the dwelling place and bring peace and prosperity to the inhabitants. Rangoli with its symmetry represents order, pattern, harmony and serenity. Symmetry is inherent, hence Rangoli is a manifestation of natural charm and grace.
All natural crystals available in nature have stunning symmetry in them. Crystals are known for their beautiful appearance and sacred vibrations because of their innate symmetry. There is an intimate connection between symmetry and the human brain according to the science of Cymatics and Neuroscience.
The symmetry of Rangavalli and its symbols form visual vibrations that the brain perceives immediately. The response of brain centres to the visual vibrations is tested and established by using MRI. The visual vibrations from a rangoli induce a pleasant sensation in the brain making the mind quiet.
Rangoli/kolams will be drawn attractively to give an enhanced look in and outside the temple in Tirumala.
The fingertips of humans are neurologically connected to the brain. Rangolis are geometrically balanced designs and drawing them involves brain activity. To draw a rangoli with a symmetrical pattern, one must use both the right and the left parts of the brain and simultaneously run the coarse powder through the fingertips of the thumb and index fingers which together activate the nerve centres in the brain.
Generally, women wake up early in the morning and draw these beautiful rangolis in front of the house and hence remain active and peaceful throughout the day.
Rangoli is also spiritually significant as it invokes divine power. The instances of drawing rangoli are also mentioned in the epics of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavatha to express joy and happiness. Rangoli is given immense prominence, especially in the month of Margashira.
It is auspicious for unmarried girls to wake up early in the morning during the month of Margashira and draw rangoli with beautiful and colourful designs with a wish to get fruitful rewards, especially good companions. A good rangoli design with a nice pattern is a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi.
Rangoli patterns are usually drawn with rice flour or coarse rice powder and hence they serve as food for insects and birds and it’s a beautiful message that we should care for other living beings on earth (Bhutha Yagna).
Women usually come together to draw bigger designs of rangoli during Sankranti festival which strengthen the cultural and social bonds among women. It is said that putting Rangoli in front of the houses is that the Goddess of wealth and prosperity is pleased.
Triphala is an Ayurvedic herbal rasayana (compound) consisting of equal parts of three tropical trees, taken without seed,
Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica – karaka), and
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula – taadi) and
Amalaki (Emblica officinalis – amla).
We can get rid of ordinary diseases as well as long-term illnesses by using this Triphala powder. Since this Triphala has the qualities of ambrosia, doctors call it as Triphala ambrosia for good health.
Purification of Blood
Mix 150 grams of Triphala powder with 50 grams of bavanchala powder (PsoraleaCorylifolia). Take 2 or 3 grams of this powder with honey twice a day in the morning and night. Additionally, mix this powder with curd and apply this cream on the affected areas of skin with ringworm, itching, psoriasis etc.
Immunity from Diseases
Take 60 grams each of Triphala powder, chinakalakanda powder, pure ghee and 100 grams of honey. Mix well and store them in a bottle. Take one tea spoon of this, twice a day in the morning and evening. Consume milk or water along with this. It will improve immunity from diseases.
Pimples
Add two parts of Triphala powder with one part of pure turmeric powder. Make a paste of this adding water and apply on the face. Cleanse the face with lukewarm water after one hour.
Damaged Nails:
One part of the cooking soda with three parts of Triphala powder should be mixed. Take a sufficient quantity of this powder and mix it with water. Apply on the nails twice a day. It will arrest damaged nails.
Piles, Constipation:
Mix 150 grams of triphala powder and 50 grams of sunamukhi powder. Depending upon the gravity of the problem, take half to one spoon of this powder with honey or water at bedtime. Good results are achieved.
Those suffering from piles, in addition to consuming the powder as above, should do one more. Take 400 ml of water and add 50 to 100 grams of triphala powder. Boil it to reduce up to 100 ml. Take a tub with water and add this solution after filtering it.
One should sit for about 20 minutes in the tub. The anus area should be in the water. This should be done after passing stools. Mix triphala powder with castor oil. Apply the paste to the anus to relieve pain.
To Reduce Obesity
Add 5 grams of triphala powder to 200 ml of water and a piece of smashed ginger. Keep it overnight. In the morning boil water till it is reduced to half. Add half a piece of lemon to this water and consume it daily. It will burn fat in the body and obesity will be reduced.
Unwanted body substances will be dematerialised by using this water.
Grey Hair to Black Hair
Take a big bowl. Add one kilo of sesame oil, 125 grams of triphala powder and powder of mango seed of 125 grams. Keep it for one week. Mix it well twice a day. Filter the oil. This can be used as hair oil. It will reduce black hair turning grey at a young age. Application of this oil will also glitter and smoothen the hair.
Blisters, Boils
Take these three fruits. Burn till they become ash. This powder should be added to honey or sesame oil and applied to the blisters and boils to obtain good results. Itching and burns of the body will also be reduced.
Triphala Decoction or Extract
Take half a litre of water. Add 10 grams of this powder. Boil it, cool it and filter it. This is called triphala decoction. If this is used externally, wounds and blisters will extinct. If used as mouth lotion, it will reduce blisters and swelling of the throat. Take a cotton bud or clean cloth. Dip the same in the lotion. If applied to the eyes, it will reduce conjunctivitis.
Take this decoction and warm it to a lukewarm temperature. Apply to the scalp. Rinse the hair with lotion. Hair will be smooth, glittering and fine. There will not be a dandruff problem at all.
Excessive Sweating
Mix 30 grams of triphala powder, 10 grams of dry ginger, 10 grams of thugamustala powder, 10 grams of atimadhura powder, add 10 grams of jatamaamsi powder if suffering from mental tension. Take one or two grams of this powder mixed in 50 ml of water three times a day.
Diabetic – Troubles
Mix two or three grams of triphala powder in 50 ml of water and take it twice a day in the morning and in the evening. This will not only help reduce the sugar levels but will also be beneficial to arrest future complications arising out of sugar levels such as problems in the brain, veins, eyes, skin, kidneys etc.
Normal diseases associated with diabetes such as urinary diseases, reproductive organ diseases, and fungus diseases, will be cured.
Dental Problems
Use Triphala as toothpowder once a day. It will reduce tooth-related problems such as pain, swelling, oozing blood, etc. The teeth will become stronger and healthy. Triphala is used in other medicines like mahthriphaladigrutham, thriphalasava, thriphalagugglu, sapthamruthaloham, etc.
Triphala powder is available in Ayurvedic shops and also online. These are some of the remedies to be used. Those who want to follow these remedies may consult a Doctor for more suggestions.
Hathi means elephant in Hindi, and Bhavaji frequently chants Ram
Mahanthula Mattam
In the southwest direction of Ananda Nilaya, there is a big beautiful palace on a hillock. This palace is known as Mahanthula Mattam (monastery of Mahanth). Mahanth means a saint or a monk. A saint by the name of Bavaji had established this Mattam (a monastery).
He was a great devotee of Lord Venkateswara. People out of respect used to address him as ‘Hathee Ramji or Hathee Ram Bavaji or Sri Hathee Ram Bavaji or Hathiram Bhavaji.’ Hathee Ramji belonged to the Bhakti Tradition started by Swamy Ramanandji of North India. He was a great Vaishnavite.
Abhayanandji
About 500 years back there was a Ramanand Matt in a village called Kredal Krela some 25 miles away from Delhi. A monk by the name ‘Abhayanandji’ was heading the matt. He was known as Mahanth of that matt i.e., monastery. Hathee Ramji was his disciple.
At the behest of his guru, Hathee Ram Bavaji started visiting holy places. Finally, he visited Tirumala Kshethra. Seeing the serenity of the place he selected Tirumala Kshethra for doing penance. He was further attracted by Lord Srinivasa’s Grace, Kindness and Benevolence.
By that time people used to say that if there is any God in this Kaliyuga, He is Venkata Nayaka (Kalou Venkata Nayakaha). So he decided to stay back there permanently. This determination made him establish a monastery on a small hillock near Ananda Nilaya.
Hathee Ramji was a great devotee of Rama. He thought Lord Venkateswara was no other than Ayodhya Ram and started worshipping Him more devotedly.
Bavaji offering food to devotees
Bavaji felt that God was not only dwelling in Ananda Nilaya but also in the hearts of His devotees. He could see God in every devotee who came for Lord Venkateswara’s darshan. This made him offer food to pilgrims and saints.
Lord Venkateswara was satisfied with the selfless services rendered to His devotees by the Bavaji. People say Lord Venkateswara used to answer every call of Bavaji.
Because of these feelings, devotees started visiting Bavaji’s monastery after having the darshan of Lord Venkateswara. This became rather a routine for every pilgrim.
Bavaji became very popular with pilgrims. They started giving first preference to Bavaji. They felt that Bavaji’s darshan was as good as Lord Srinivasa’s darshan because Lord Srinivasa Himself especially liked Bavaji.
Game of Dices
Every night after Ekantha seva silence used to prevail upon Tirumala Kshethra. When everybody was resting in their respective houses, Lord Venkateswara used to step out of Ananda Nilaya. He will visit Bavaji’s monastery and spend some time with Bavaji.
Hathiram Bhavaji playing dice with Lord Venkateswara
They used to play the game of dice. The play it seems had even some betting also. During the play, they used to have some heated discussions. Whatever the discussion it is only Bavaji to the upper hand. Maybe Lord Venkateswara used to lose the play to make His devotee win.
Lord used to derive immense pleasure when His devotee won and He lost the game. This was a daily routine in the monastery during nights.
No one can else see Lord Srinivasa
The disciples of Bavaji and his followers felt that their Guruji was talking to someone during the night. Sometimes they used to hear the rolling sound of brass dice. But nobody could see Lord Srinivasa. Soon the news of some invisible man playing dice with Bavaji spread like wildfire.
Rama Patram
People’s esteem doubled as far as Bavaji was concerned. To show their respect to Bavaji people right from commoners to Kings started donating according to their mite. With donations received from one and all Bavaji began to provide tasty food to pilgrims and visitors to the matt.
He was providing sumptuous food to one and all. But every day he used to eat one leaf by the name “Rama Patram” and used to fast and meditate.
People had high regard for Bavaji. They all knew that Bavaji was a favourite devotee of Lord Venkateswara. People became disease-free when they had the darshan of Bavaji. Their problems were solved by going near to Bavaji.
By his touch people received solace. He fed people but never had anything. His name and fame reached the nook and corner of the world.
King of Chandragiri Testing Bavaji
The King of Chandragiri once thought of testing the great pious monk Sri Bavaji. He called him and started criticizing him. He said: “People say that you not only converse with Lord Venkateswara but also play a game of dice with him. This is a publicity stunt to collect more and more money from innocent followers. You are cheating people.
Why the name Hathee Ram Bavaji
If what people say is true, then you eat a cartload of sugarcane and prove your greatness and spiritual strength. If you fail to prove yourself you will be driven out of Tirumala Kshethra”. On that night he ordered many cartloads of sugar cane to be brought.
The king locked Bavaji in the cattle shed and left the place. As usual, even on that day, Lord Venkateswara came to Bavaji. As usual, they played the game of dice. While playing with Bavaji He assumed the form of a Giant Elephant and started eating them. People outside the locked cattle shed heard elephants roaring. Somebody peeped through the keyhole. They saw a giant elephant.
When they opened the door of the cattle shed, they could neither see the elephant nor the cartload of sugarcane. People were taken aback. They got themselves convinced that Bavaji is a great devotee and could do some miracles.
Out of respect, they began to address him as ‘Hathee Ram Bavaji’. In Hindi Hathee means an elephant. After knowing about the miracle, emperor Giridhar Das felt very happy. He approached saint Hathee Ram Bavaji and prostrated before him.
He asked to pardon him and take him as one of his disciples. He became Giridhar Das. He became a Viragi i.e., Bairagi. Some began to address him Bairagi. Disciples of Hathee Ram Bavaji began to call him by the name Viragi emperor, Bairagi emperor.
From that day onwards Hathee Ram Bavaji had kingly status. He had a crown, throne, palanquin etc. The palaces belonging to the king in Tirupati became the monasteries of Mahanth. Even though Mahanth Hathee Ram Bavaji had no administrative control over temple management he became a prominent person in most of the affairs connected with the temple and its day-to-day activities.
The tradition of offering fresh cow’s milk, and butter in the morning was introduced from that day onwards. He also started giving crude camphor Harati to the Chief Idol. Even to this day these services like offering fresh cow’s milk and butter are being carried out only in the name of Hathee Ram Bavaji.
Afterwards, because of the disciples and their donations, he acquired lands and property. Because of enormous movable and immovable property, the monastery acquired the status of a kingdom. It has now become a prominent guest house for pilgrims coming from far north and south.
Many Years in Service of Lord Venkateswara
After spending many years in the service of Lord Venkateswara, Mahanth Hathee Ram Bavaji settled down in an Ashram built between Gogarbha Theertham and Akasa Ganga. He started spending his time observing silence and also doing penance.
Gogarbha Theertham – Tirumala
He used to have sweet Rama Patram only as his food. His penance was disturbed because of ever growing number of his devotees. Therefore on a Bahula Thrayodasi day of Aswayuja month, near Homagundam, a fireplace of Venugopala Swamy temple which he had himself constructed, attained Jeeva Samadhi.
Sri Hathee Ram Bavaji Barsi
A day before Naraka Chaturdasi in the Aswayuja masa i.e., two days before Deepavali even to this day his death anniversary is celebrated on a grand scale in the monastery. It is called ‘Sri Hathee Ram Bavaji Barsi’ (tomb). On that day the Idol of Laddu Gopala Krishna will be taken up to Venugopala Swamy temple which is very near Akasa Ganga Theertham, in procession.
Even to this day, T.T.D. provides two big umbrellas, two elephants and also a piped music party for this grand procession. There at the Venugopala Swamy temple poojas will be performed on a very grand scale. At the Samadhi apart from Abhishekam even special poojas will be performed.
A large number of devotees of Hathee Ram Bavaji, pilgrims, and the natives of Tirumala actively participate in this celebration.
On the southern side wall of the silver door (Nadimi padikavali) entrance we can see a sculpture. This sculpture depicts a dice play being played by Hathee Ram Bavaji and Lord Venkateswara. By their side, we can also see the sculpture of Giridhar Rayalu (Giridhar Das) the king of Chandragiri interestingly watching the game of dice.
Even this sculpture is gold-plated. The silver door entrance tower, it is said, was last renovated during the years 1472- 1482 A.D. There is one more similar sculpture at the exact point where Hathee Ram Bavaji and Lord Venkateswara played the game of dice. This sculpture is placed on an elevated platform in Mahanth Hathee Ram Bavaji’s monastery.
An interesting tale associated with the day is the appearance of ‘Ekadasi Devi’. Once upon a time in Krutha Yuga, a demon called ‘Murasura’ defeated the Devas and tortured them. Upon the request of Devas, Sri Maha Vishnuentered the battlefield, fought with him for a thousand years and got thoroughly exhausted.
On an Ekadasi day, he entered a cave and slept inside due to fatigue. Coming to know of Maha Vishnu’s location, Murasura rushed to the spot to kill him. It was then that a divine beam of light came out of Maha Vishnu’s body and attained the shape of a young girl, armed with an array of lethal weapons.
When Murasura reached the spot, the protective girl killed the demon. On waking up, Vishnu found the demon dead and offered a boon to the girl.
As she came out of the Lord’s body on ‘Ekadasi’ Day, she was called ‘Ekadasi Devi’. She requested Him to grant the boon of salvation to all those praying to her on this sacred day. Since then, those praying to ‘Ekadasi Devi’ are assured of a place in Vishnu Lokam.
Ekadasi
The special feature of Ekadasi, as most people know it, is a fast, abstinence from diet. Usually there are 24 Ekadasis in a calendar year. Occasionally, there are two extra Ekadasis that happen in a leap year. Each Ekadasi day is purported to have particular benefits and blessings.
Shayana Ekadasi / Toli Ekadasi
Shayana Ekadasi means “sleeping eleventh is the eleventh lunar day (Ekadasi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla paksha) of the Hindu month of Ashadha (June – July). Thus it is also known as Ashadhi Ekadasi or Ashadhi. It is also known as Toli Ekadasi in Telugu. This holy day is of special significance to all.
Bhavishyottara Purana
In the scripture Bhavishyottara Purana, god Krishna narrates the significance of Shayana Ekadasi to Yudhishthira, as the creator Brahma narrated the significance to his son Narada once. The story of King Mandata is narrated in this context.
The pious king’s country had faced drought for three years, but the king was unable to find a solution to please the rain gods. Finally, sage Angiras advised the king to observe the vrata (vow) of Dev-Shayana Ekadasi. On doing so by the grace of Lord Vishnu, there was rain in the kingdom.
Ekadasi should be observed by all classes of people including women. According to scriptures, from the age of eight to the age of eighty, a person should fast on Ekadasi days.
Deeparadhana comprises two Sanskritwords ‘Deepa:’ and ‘Aaraadhana’.
‘Deepa:’ means lamp and ‘Aaraadhana’ refers to ‘worship’ or ‘propitiation of deities’. Hence, ‘Deeparadhana’ refers to the god worship through a lamp.
We do find reference to the word ‘Aaraadhana’ in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 7 Shloka 22 – Endowed with faith, the devotee worships a particular celestial god – conveying the meaning ‘worship’ for the term ‘Aaraadhana’.
Significance of Deeparadhana
The lighting of lamps is an important aspect of any Puja or Hindu ritual. The significance of Deepaaraadhana is mentioned in various ancient scriptures – Upanishads, Samhitas, Brahmanas and Puranas. Skanda Purana states “Among the light of fire, the light of the Sun, the light of the Moon, the lamp is the best of Lights”.
Deeparadhana also refers to the Aaraadhana (Arati) done to God in the temples. Various types of lamps are used while performing this Aaraadhana.
When we think of the lamp, we are reminded of the following lines from Poigai Alwar’s Mudhal Thiruvandadi first Pasuram:
In this Pasuram the earth itself is considered as the Lamp. “Keeping the earth as the vessel and the seas as the lubricating oil, the Creator lights the universal lamp called the Sun who shines brightly to illuminate the entire universe”.
Swami Desikan
Swami Desikan, in his Saranagati Deepika Shlokam 3, has very nicely brought out the significance of ‘Deepam’ or ‘Light’ which the chEthana gets from the Divya Dampati:
God of Light! You are the Only One, who is the deepam for the entire World. You are the deepam and your divine consort, who never leaves your side, is the prakaasham/ lustre for the deepam.
The long-lasting darkness of ‘Agjnaanam’ (nescience) can only be removed by both of you. Therefore this chEthanam wishes to eulogize You.
Light is equated with Knowledge, darkness with ignorance. The Lord is the “Knowledge Principle” (Chaitanya) who is the source and illuminator of all knowledge. Hence, the Light is worshipped as the Lord himself.
The lighting of lamp also symbolises the removal of ignorance and the awakening of the divine light within us.
Significance of Oil Lamp
Traditionally we used to light lamps made of clay (diya). We use oil, and wicks. It is said that we can see God in the light that emanates from the lamp. If we consider the Vessel as our ‘Body’, the Wick as our ‘Guru’, and the oil our ‘Faith’, then the Light that it produces is God.
The oil or ghee in the lamp symbolises our negative thoughts (Vasanas) and the wick, the ego. When lit by spiritual knowledge, the vasanas slowly vanish and the ego perishes.
The lamp flame always burns upwards figuratively indicating that we should always strive for such knowledge that would lead us to reach higher echelons of spiritual life.
Types of Lamps used for Deeparadhana
Clay Lamp
Commonly called ‘Diya’, less in cost, considered to be the best but due to its brittleness, we use this only during Deepavali and Kartika Festivals.
Brass Lamp
The cost of this is not much. In addition, it is also highly durable. Most of the lamps used in temples are brass lamps.
Silver Lamp
Little Costlier but these are also durable. We use this in houses and some temples have important lamps made of silver.
Gold Lamp
Costliest of all. Not much in use.
The most popular are clay and brass lamps because of their easy availability and affordability. In addition to these, only in temples (particularly Devi/Shakti temples) lamps using lemon are lit by the devotees.
Benefits of Lighting a Lamp
The lighting lamp signifies the destruction of Agjnana (andhakara or thamas).
They create a pure, nourishing and healing atmosphere.
Fire of lamps acts as an insecticide for the house.
Lighting a ghee lamp in the house invites positivity and helps remove all negative energy from the house. Also brings health, wealth and prosperity to the family. –
Lamps can attract sattvic vibrations from the surrounding atmosphere. The effect of sattvikata (the quality of being sattvic) on the atmosphere is felt even hours after the lamp stops burning.
Slokam
After lighting the lamp, the following slokam should be chanted :
Deepa-Jyothi is the supreme Brahman, Deepa-Jyothi is Janardhana. May the divine lamp eradicate my sins. Salutations to the divine lamp of the evening.
Deeparadhana Haarati
In all temples at least twice a day – once in the morning and the other time in the evening – Deeparadhana (also called ‘Haarati’/ ‘Mangalaharati’) is performed to the God. In big temples, five to six times it is done. It is performed at the end of any Puja and also while offering naivedyam to God.
Types of Haarati performed for God
Eka Deeparadhana: with a single wick.
Pancha Deeparadhana: with five wicks.
Kumbha Deeparadhana: Lamp in a triangle shape.
Ekadasa Deeparadhana: With Eleven lights, performed with a special plate.
Sahasra Deeparadhana: with 1000 lamps – on special occasions done in Temples – In Tirumala it is done daily. In Sahasra Deepalankarana seva, Sri Malayappa Swami along with Sridevi and Bhudevi are decorated with 1000 wick lamps.
The seva is performed in the Unjal mandapam at 05:30 PM every day. The Lord and His consorts are rocked gently amidst the Vedic chanting by the priests and the singing of Annamayya songs. This is the only daily seva that is performed outside the temple.
Final Word
In every house, the lamps must lit both in the morning and the evening. As already seen, lamps offer both spiritual benefits as well as cleansing the atmosphere of the home we live in. Very importantly, we should not use steel lamps.
We should internalise the good qualities and put them into practice in our daily life. Lighting lamp is east will bring good health and peace of mind. Ghee and sesame oil are considered the most important in lighting the lamp.
Lit the diyas (lamps) in your houses/temples and get prosperity, health/wealth and good luck.
Data Source – Article posted by – Dr Murali Santhanam
PRA – The letter “Pra” removes all fears and worries, DA – The letter “Da” blesses with moksha/renunciation, KSHI- “KSHI” removes all kinds of diseases (Sarva vyaadhi nivaarana), NAM – “NAM” blesses with all-round prosperity and wealth.
Every point on the circumference of a circle is equidistant from the centre. This means that everywhere one is equally close to the lord. His grace flows towards us without partiality.
Parikrama or Pradakshina
Parikrama or Pradakshina refers to the circumambulation of sacred places like fire, trees and plants in the Hindu tradition. It is walking around in a circle as a form of worship. Pradakshina is done around the Tulsi plant and Peepal tree.
Parikrama means “the path surrounding something” in Sanskrit and is also known as Pradakshina (“to the right”) representing circumambulation.
Pradakshina means – to the right (Dakshina means right). So, in Pradakshina, one goes in the left-hand direction to keep the deity around the Sanctum Sanctorum on one’s right side. Pradakshina is one of the customary aspects that is to be performed in the temple.
Pradakshina is supposed to be done with a meditative mood. It is done in a clockwise direction assuming God in the centre of our existence. The main principle of Pradakshina is the eternal truth that God is the centre of gravity and the main focus of our existence.
It is one among the upacharas in Shodasoupachara (16 steps of prayer), it symbolizes complete surrender to the lord and seeks his blessings for the fulfilment of the truth of life.
While making Pradakshinams
The Pradakshinams must be started from the Dhwajastamba in a clockwise direction.
While observing this seva, one must walk or roll slowly chanting the lord’s name (the deity for whom you are offering the seva).
Don’t hurry or rush while making pradakshinam.
Generally, devotees offer a minimum of 3, 9, 11, 21 or sometimes 108 pradakshinams depending upon their vow for wish fulfilment. While doing these pradakshinams, one must hold both hands together in Namashkar pose.
Concentration is must
While doing pradakshinams, our concentration should be mainly on God, thus chant Ashtotra or any short verses on the Deity. It is also advisable to hold a Haldi stick (Pasupu kommu) or Betel nut (Vakka) or flowers (When making 108 pradakshinams, hold 108 flowers or any auspicious materials) for easy remembrance of the count.
Otherwise, thoughts go around counting the pradakshinams and there is no result in doing such seva.
Dhwajasthambha is included in the pradakshinams. After completion of each Pradakshina, Namaskara is made holding both hands together near Dhwajasthamba and proceed further. After doing Pradakshinams, enter the temple from the right side of Dhwajasthambha and exit on the left side of the Dhwajasthambha.
Procession of Chariot on Mada Streets
TYPES OF PRADAKSHINAMS
Atma Pradakshina: After completion of vrata or daily pooja, Atma Pradakshinam is to be done. In this type of Pradakshina, we go around ourselves, The significance is that the ego which goes around like a whirlwind will be destroyed.
Paada Pradakshina: In this type of Pradakshina, the devotee must walk around the temple.
Danda Pradakshina: In this type of Pradakshina, the devotee must take a step to do Sashtanga Pranama, again take another step and do Sashtanga Pranama (Sa ashta anga means Eight parts of the body touching the ground).
Anga Pradakshina: In this type of Pradakshina, the devotee must lie prostrate and roll around the temple. Generally, this Pradakshina will be done with wet clothes. This is the most powerful Pradakshinam for wish fulfilment.
First and Foremost
As we all know, the story leads to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Ganesha and Karthikeya. Lord Shiva had instructed his sons, Ganesha and Karthikeya, to go around the world in the pursuit of knowledge.
Karthikeya hopped onto his peacock and went all over the world, while Ganesha, circumambulated his father, Lord Shiva and mother Parvathi, justifying his actions by saying that the whole world is His Mother & Father.
This legend justifies the importance of our parents. We should adopt these types of traditions in our daily lives in educating our children.
The scientific reason behind ‘Pradakshinam’
Performing Pradakshinam is a very physical and practical aspect. Scientifically speaking, every point on the circumference of the circle is equidistant from the centre which means equally close to the Lord.
Therefore, when Parikrama around the idol is done, one gets charged with all the positive energies radiating from the idol. It cures many illnesses and rejuvenates the mind.
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