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Yajur Upakarma in Tamil - Yajur Veda Avani Avittam Procedure in Tamil

This year Upakarma Avani Avittam for Yajur Veda falls on 29/08/2015.
Gayathri Japam on 30/08/2015.

Yajur Upakarma Procedure in Tamil / Yajur Veda Avani Avittam Procedure in Tamil.

This PDF book in Tamil has been made available by our member smadhu for the benefit of the community.

Download the pdf book and follow the ritual procedure.
Download this book

Download the Full Version of Yajur Upakarma Mantras from Samithadhaanam to Gayathri Japam

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image credit: sastrionline.com
Thanks a lot ! very useful this yajurveda upakarma procedure book !! regards
 
Yajur upakarma - maha sankalpam for USA

Dear Sir
thank you for this post. I would highly appreciate if you can also provide maha sankalpam for USA residents.

thank you and regards.
Ravichandran


Yajur Vedi Avani Avittam for the year 2015*

Avani Avittam 29-8-2015(Saturday )
(Compiled by P.R.Ramachander)

1.Yagnopa veetha dharana manthra
( Manthra for wearing Poonal)
1 - .Aachamanam:Shuklaam Bharadharam………. Santhaye
2.- Om Bhoo…………..Bhoorbhavaswarom
3 .Mamo patha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri paameshwara preethyartham
Sroutha smartha vihitha sadachara nithya karmaanushtanaa yogyatha sidhyartham brhma teja abhivrudyartham yagnopaveetha dharanam karishye.

4 - .Yagnopaveetha dharana maha manthrasya
Parabrhma rishi(Touch forehead)
Trushtup chanda (touch below nose)
Paramathma devatha (touch heart)

5 - .Yagnopaveetha dharane viniyoga

Wear Poonal one by one by reciting(poonal should be held by both hands, the tie in the poonal being held above by the right hand facing upwards)

Yagnopaveetham paramam pavithram praja pathe,
Yat sahajam purasthad aayushyam
Agriyam prathi muncha shubram yagnopaveetham balamasthu theja.

6 - .After wearing all poonals one by one do Aachamanam

7 - .Remove the old poonals and break them to pieces by reciting
Upaveetham bhinna thanthum jeernam kasmala dooshitham, visrujami na hi brahma-varcho deerghayurastu me
8 - .Do aachamanam.

2.Kamo karshet Japam 29-8-2015 morning

A - .Aaachamanam:Shuklaam Bharadharam…….Santhaye
B - Om Bhoo
C - .Mamo patha--- Preethyartham
Tadeva lagnam sudhinam tadaiva, tharaa balam chandra balam thadaiva , vidhya balam daiva balam tadaiva, Sri Lakshmi pathe aangriyugam smaraami
Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama
Tidhir Vishnu, Tatha vaara, nakshatram Vishnu reva cha
Yogascha karanam chaiva sarvam Vishnu mayam Jagat ,
Sri Govinda , Govinda, Govinda
Aadhya sri bagavatha mahaa purushasya Vishnor Agnaya , Pravarthamanasya , Aadhya brhmana , dweethiya parardhe, swetha varaha kalpe, , Vaivaswatha manvanthare, ashta vimsathi thame, kali yuge, prathame padhe, Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe , Bharatha kande, Mero dakshine parswe. Asmin varthamane , vyavaharike prabhavaadheenam sashti samvatsaranaam madhye , manmatha nama samvatsare, Dakshinaayane, varsha rithou, Simha mase, shukla pakshe, aadhya pournamasyam shubha thidou, Sthira vasara yukthayam, Sravishta ** nakshatra yukthayam, shubhayoga, shubha karana evam guna, viseshana visishtaayam, asyam pournamaasyam shubha thidou, taishyaam pournamaasyam* adhyayotsarjana akarana praayaschithartham , samvatsara praayaschithartham, cha ashtothara satha samkhyaa “kamo karsheth manyura karsheth” ithi maha manthra japam karishye.
D - Then chant “Kamo karsheth manyura karsheth ” 108 times
E.- Afterwards perform Aachamana and say”Kama manyu upasthanam karishye” , and saying “Om tat sat brahmaarpanam asthu.” Pour an Udharani of water

*On 29-8-2015 , Pournami is up to 6 minutes past midnight , and Prathama is up to 8.28 PM of 30-8-2015 IST ** Sravishta Nakshatra is up to 3.37PM IST on 29/8/2015 and sathabishak Nakshatra afterwards till 12.46 PM next day according to the Madathu Panchanga.., Before you do the Upakarma , please calculate corresponding IST and take the proper Thidhi and Nakshatra. This is also applicable to mantras of Maha Sankalpam given below.
3.Maha Samkalpam
(29-8-2015 after Madhyaanikam and Brahma yagnam-Manthras for Brahma Yajnam for Apasthambha suthram and Bodhayana are given one after another at the end )
a.Aachamanam
b.Shuklam baradharam……..
c.Om bhoo
d.Maha samkalpam
Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama rama
Tidhir Vishnu, Tatha vaara, nakshatram Vishnu reva cha
Yogascha karanam chaiva sarvam Vishnu mayam Jagat ,
Sri Govinda , Govinda, Govinda
Aadya sri bhagawatha, Aadi vishno, Aadinarayanasya achinthyaya , aparimithaya, sakthyaa, briyamaanasya, mahaa jaloughasya madhye,
paribrhamatham aneka koti brhmaandanam madhye, eka thame, prithya aptejo vayvakaasaa ahankaradhi -mahada vyakthai-aavaranair- aavruthe- asmin mahathi bramanda-karandaka-madhye aadhara sakthi –koormaa nandathi ashta diggajopari prathishtithasya , athala-vithala-suthala-rasaathala-thalaa thala-mahaathala-pathalakyai loka sapthakasya upari thale, punya kruthaam nivaasabhuthe bhoor –bhuvar-suvar-mahar-janarr-thapa-satyaakhyai loka shatkasya adho bhage mahaa nalayamana phani raja seshasya sahasra phanaa mani mandala mandithe, dighdanthi-shunda dhanda-uttambhithe, panchasath koti yojana vistheerne, lokaloka –achalena valayithe lavaneshu-sura-sarpi-dhadhi-ksheera-udakaarnavischa parivruthe, jambhu-plaksha-saka-salmali-kusa-krouncha-pushkarakhya saptha dweepanaam madhye, Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe, bharatha kande, prajaapathi kshetre dandakaaranya-chamapakaaranya-vindhyaaranya-veekshaaranya-vedaaranayaadhi, aneka punya aaranyaanam Madhya pradeshe, karma bhoomou, rama –sethu-kedharayoo madya pradaeshe , Bhaageerathi-Gouthami-Krishna veni-Yamuna-Narmadaa-Thungabadhraa-Triveni-Malaapahaarini-kaveri- ithyadi , aaneka punya nadhi viraajithe, Indraprastha-Yamaprastha-Aavanthikaapuri-Hasthinaapuri-Ayodhyaa puri-Maayaa puri-Kasi puri-Kanchi puri-Dwarakaa aadi aneka punya puree viraajithe Sakala jagat srushta, parardha dwaya jeevana, bramana dweethiya parardhe, Pancha sathabdhou, prathame varshe, prathame mase, prathame pakshe, prathame divasae, aahni, dweethiye yame, trithiye muhurthe, swayambhuva-swarochisha-uthama-thamasa-raivatha-chakshu shakheshu, shatsu manusha atheetheshu, sapthame vaivaswathe manvanthare, aashta vimsathi thame, kali yuge, prathame padhe, Jamboo dweepe, Bharatha varshe , Bharatha kande, Mero dakshine parswe. Asmin varthamane , vyavaharike prabhavaadheenam sashtya samvatsaranaam madhye , manmatha nama samvatsare, Dakshinaayane, varsha rithou, Simha mase, shukla pakshe, aadhya pournamasyam shubha thidou, Sthira vasara yukthayam, Sravishta ** nakshatra yukthayam, shubhayoga, shubha karana evam guna, viseshana visishtaayam, asyam pournamaasyam shubha thidou anaadhya vidhya pravarthamane asmin mahathi samsara chakre vichitrabhi karma gathibhi vichitrasu yonishu puna puna anekadha janithwa kenapi punya karma viseshena idhaanimthana manushye dwijanma visesham prapthavatho mama jjanmabhyasa jjanama prabruthi ethath kshana paryantham , baalye, vayasi kaumare yowane vaardhake cha jagrath swapna sushupthya avasthamsu mano vak kaya karmendriya jnanendriya vyaparai kama-krodha-lobha-moha-madha-mathsaryaadhi sambhavithaanam iha janmani janmanthare cha jnana ajnana kruthaanam maha pathakanaam mahaa patathakanumanthratwadeenam , samapathakaanaam upapaathakaanaam malini karanaanam nindhitha dhana dhaano upa jeevanaadeenam aapathrikarananaam jathi bramsa karaanam vihitha karma thyaagaaadeenam jnanadha sakruth kruthanaam ajnanatha asakruth kruthaanam sarveeshaam papaanam sadhya aapanodhanartham
aswatha narayana sannidhou-deva brahmana sannidhou-tryaa trimsath koti devathaa sannidhou-sri visaalakshi sametha visweswara swami sannidhou-mahaa ganapathi sannidhou-seetha lakshmana bharatha sathrugna-hanumt samedha sri rama chandra swmai sannidhou-sri rukmani sathyabhama samedha sri gopala Krishna swami sannidhou-hari hara puthra swami sannidhou-sri lakshmi narayana swami sannidhou sraavanyaam pournamasyaam adhyopakrama karma karishye.Thadangam sravanee pournamasi punyakale sareera shudhartam shuddhodhaka snanam aham karishye
Athi krura maha kaya, kalpanthahanopama,
Bairavaya namasthubhyam anujnam dathu marhasi

@ Brahma Yagna Manthras are given at the end.
*.*On 29-8-2015 , Pournami is up to 6 minutes past midnight , and Prathama is up to 8.28 PM of 30-8-2015 IST ** Sravishta Nakshatra is up to 3.37PM IST on 29/8/2015 and sathabishak Nakshatra afterwards till 12.46 PM next day according to the Madathu Panchanga.., Before you do the Upakarma , please calculate corresponding IST and take the proper Thidhi and Nakshatra This is also applicable to mantras of Maha Sankalpam given below.

4.Yagnopa veetha dharana manthra

After bath again change poonal by reciting manthra as given in s.No.1.Please note that now a days very rarely people take bath after mahaa sankalpam but do prokshana snanam i.e bath by sprinkling of water on the head.

5.Kanda Rishi Tharpanam
1,Aachamanam
2,Shklaama baradharam
3.Om bhoo
4.Mamo patha samastha durida kshya dwara sri parameshwata preethyartham sravanyaam pournamaasyam adhyoyapakrama karmangam kanda rishi tharpanam karishye.
Wear poonal as garland and do tharpanam using water mixed with thil (black gingely) and akshatha
Each manthra has to be chanted thrice and tharpanam done.

1.Prajapathim kanda rishim tharpayami
2,Somam kanda rishim tharpayami
3.Agnim kanda rishim tharpayami
4.Viswaan devaan kanda rishim tharpayaami
5.Saahinkeer devatha upanishadha tharpayami
6.Yagnigeer devatha upanishadha tharpayaami
7.Vaaruneer devatha upanishadha tharpayami
8.Brhamanagum swayubhuvam tharpayaami
9.Sadasaspathim tharpayami
wear poonal in the normal fashion and then do aachamana.

5.Vedarambham

Though these are essential part of Avani avittam , I am not giving this because Vedic manthraas are very difficult to transliterate in to English and reading them wrongly would be counter productive.

6.Gaayathri japam (30-8-2015)
For Yajur, Rig and Sama Vedis

1.Aachamanam
2,Shuklaam baradharam
3.Om bhoo
4.Mamo patha samastha duritha kshya dwara sri parameshwara preethyartham Tadeva lagnam sudhinam tadaiva, tharaa balam chandra balam thadaiva , vidhya balam daiva balam tadaiva, Sri Lakshmi pathe aangriyugam smaramaami
Apavithra pavithro vaa sarvaavasthaam gathopi vaa , ya smareth pundari kaksham, sabahyanthara suchi , manasam vaachikam paapam , karmanaa
Samuparjitham, sri Rama smaranenaiva vyopahathi na samsaya .Sree rama Rama Shubhe Shobane muhurthe adya Brahmana dwiteeya paradhe , Swetha varaha kalpe, Vaivaswatha Manvanthare, Ashtavimsathi thame , Kali yuge, Prathame pade, Jambhu Dwipe, Bharatha Varshe,Bhartaha Kande, Mero Dakshine Parswe, Sakabdhe, Asmin Varthamane Vyavaharike, Prabhavadhi Sashti Samavathsaranaam Madhye,
Manmatha nama Samvathsare , Dakshinayane, Varsha Rithou, Simha mase Krishna pakshe aadhya prathamaayam* shubha thidou Bhanu vaasara yukthayaam sathabishak ** nakshatra yukthaayam shubha yoga shubha karana evam guna viseshana visisishtaayam asyaam prathamaayam shubha thidou mithyaa theetha prayaschittartham ashtothara sahasra samkya gayatri maha manthra japam karishye.
Start from Pravasya Rishi brahma…. followed by aayathith anuvagasya… and then chant the gaythri manthra 1008 times.
Complete with Abhivaadaye and then complete with
Kayena vacha…….

* Taken from book on Sandhya Vandhana Bhashyam published by Ramakrishna mutt. Mylapore, Chennai, and Yajur upa karma prayoga published by R.S.Vadhyar , Kalapathy. Transliteration done by P.R.Ramachander
 
Good initiative. One suggestion. On page 6 of 13, there is a part of Pithru tharpanam. Can you please confirm that this has to be performed by those who does not have their father alive ?
 
Dear Sri Ravichandran,
Sorry for delay on reply to your mail. Its already very late. However I can suggest you a site which will be immensily helpful for you people leive iin abroad.
Sankara Vedic Culture and Arts Inc.
(A not-for-profit organization registered in Canada)
http://www.saveca.ca/index.htm

If have any further query please do not hesitate. I shall help you to the beat of my contacts.
Regards,
A V RAMAKRISHNAN

Dear Sir
thank you for this post. I would highly appreciate if you can also provide maha sankalpam for USA residents.

thank you and regards.
Ravichandran
 
Good initiative. One suggestion. On page 6 of 13, there is a part of Pithru tharpanam. Can you please confirm that this has to be performed by those who does not have their father alive ?
Yes Sir. I am giving hereunder the significance of Upakarma heard from some Ghanapadigals.
QUOTE:
UPAKARMA (AVANI AVITTAM): NATURE AND PURPOSE
Upakarma (/upaakarma/) means beginning or “Arambham”, i.e. to begin the study of the
Veda (Veda Adhyayanam). For example, Yajur Upakarma means to begin the study of the
Yajur Veda. Those belonging to the Yajur Veda observe the Upakarma in the month of Sravana
(August-September), on the day of the full moon (paurnami). Why begin study of the Vedas on
this particular day? This auspicious day also happens to be the day when Lord Narayana took
the avatara as Lord Hayagriva. Lord Hayagriva as we all know restored the Vedas to Brahma
and also is the God of Knowledge.
The next question is: why do this every year? In the not too distant a past, Veda Adhyayanam
was performed only during the period Avani to Tai (from mid-August to mid-January).
Therefore, one is supposed to perform an “utsarjanam” in the month of Tai, i.e., a giving up of
the learning of Vedas from Tai to Avani. Just like a Upakarma function there was a Utsarjana
function in Tai. The period between January to August was then devoted to learning other
branches of our shastras. Thus the cycle of Upakarma and Utsarjana with regard to Vedic
studies was established. However, this method took 12 or more years to learn just one veda.
Slowly this became impractical and Vedic studies continued throughout the year.
Therefore, the first thing to do before the Upakarma function is to do a praayaschitta
(atonement) for having learned Vedas during the prohibited period. Specifically, one atones for
not having performed the Utsarjanam in the month of Tai. That’s why we begin the function by
doing the “kAmo’ karshIt…” japam. The purpose is declared as “adhyAya-utsarjana-akaranaprAyaScittArtham..”
(to atone for not doing the utsarjana of Vedic study) and the sankalpam
continues as “...ashTottara-sahasra-sankhyayA kAmo’karshIt manyur akArshIt mahA-mantrajapam
karishye” (I will now do recite the great “kAmo’kArshIt” mantra 1008 times). The
meaning in Tamil is “kAmaththAl seyya pattadhu, kOpaththAl seyya pattadhu” -- done out of
desire, done out of anger. The correct way of chanting this mantra is “kAmo’karshIt manyur
akArshIt”. Don’t add namo nama: etc. The right time to perform is immediately after your
morning anushthanam like sandhya, samidaadaanam (if you are a brahmachari), brahmayajnam
etc. This is performed during the abhigamana kaalam. Brahmacharis are supposed to
have a hair-cut (preferably by a man!) after this.
THE KANDA RISHIS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE
We saw that the “kAmo’karshIt manyur akArshIt” japam is done with a sense of contrition.
Who else but Vasudeva can bear the burden of our acts of omissions and commissions with
regard to shastras? SAstramayena sthira pradIpena -- Daya Devi (compassion of the Lord
personified) lights the lamp of shastras so that the jiva can find its way to its home in the
Absolute.

After the kamo’ karsheeth japam, we proceed to perform the Upakarma function. It is done
after mAdhyAhnikam and bhagavad-ArAdhanam (ijyA). The main purpose of the Upakarma
function is to offer prayers and express our gratitude to those rishis who gave us the Vedas --
the rishis through whom the Vedic mantras were revealed. These rishis are known as “kaanda
rishis”. There are different rishis for the different Vedas. We are expected to worship those
rishis who belong to our shakha or branch of the Veda, one of Yajur, Rk, Samam etc. The Yajur
Veda consists of 4 kaandams. These are known as
1. prAjApatya kaaNDam
2. saumya kaaNDam
3. Agneya kaaNDam and
4. vaishvadeva kaaNDam.
These kaandams are named after those rishis who first taught the Vedas, viz., Prajapati, Soma,
Agni and Vishvadeva. Subsequently we also offer our prayers to the Upanishads saamhiti,
yaajniki, and vaaruni, and finally to Svayambhu and Sadasaspati, through whom the Yajur Veda
came down to us.
The sankalpam is mainly taken for performing the Upakarma Homam. Then we say tad angam
snAnam karishye, tad angam yajnopavIta-dhAraNam karishye, tad angam kANDarshi
tarpaNam karishye -- which implies that all other activities like snaanam, yajnopaveeta
dhaaranam, tarpanam etc., are only performed as an ‘angam’ or subsidiary to the Upakarma
Homam (which is the angi or primary).
In the Upakarma Homam as well as in the tarpanam, the offerings are made to the kaanda
rishis. In fact this tarpanam is so important that it is included as part of our nitya karmaanushthaanam,
our daily worship. There are other minor points that are worth noting:
Brahmacharis should wear maunji (belt made of sacred grass), ajinam (deerskin) and dandam
(stick made of palaasa wood) after they wear the poonool (sacred thread). There are separate
mantras for each.
It is said that: purAtanAn parityajya which implies that you should wear a new set of clothes
(veshti and uttarIyam) before the tarpanam and homam.
It is also said that: kAndarshi tarpaNa-kAle punaH snAtvA Ardra vastra eva tat kuryAt, i.e,
before performing the kaanda rishi tarpanam you should once again take a dip in the water and
do it with wet clothes.
The rishi tarpanam is done with the poonool in the nivita position (like a garland) and the
water along with rice and sesame seeds should leave the root of the small finger.
In some traditions you fast on the Upakarma day or at least fast till the end.
In some traditions a general pitr tarpanam is also done.
With regards,
A V RAMAKRISHNAN
 
Thanks for the upload - I was able to complete the upakarma and the gayatri japa comfortably.
I have one general doubt - By and large in all of the upakarma and sandhyavandhana mantras,
Lord Shiva is largely left out while Lord Vishnu has innumerable mentions.. Why is this so?
 
Dear Members,
For the next 15 days I will be away from Mumbai. I am leaving to Chennai, Palakkad and Bangalore this morning. Any qurey on my posts shall be answered/explained after coming back to Mumbai. I am thankful to you all for the recognition in Tamil Brahmin Forum.
Namste.
With all regards,
A V RAMAKRISHNAN
 
Sri. Jaiganesh,
I shall give hereunder a mail received from a scholar on this subject.
QUOTE:
In the beginning, there was water everywhere and the Brahman slept on this water in the form of Vishnu. Since water is called nara and since ayana means a bed, Vishnu is known as Narayana. In the water there emerged a golden egg. Brahma was born inside this egg. Since he created himself, he is called Svayambhu, born (bhu) by himself (svayam). For one whole year, Brahma lived inside the egg. He then split the egg into two and created heaven and the earth from the two parts of the egg. Skies, directions, time, language and senses were created in both heaven and earth. From the powers of his mind, Brahma gave birth to seven great sages. Their names were Marichi, Atri, Angira, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu and Vashishtha. Brahma also created the god Rudra and the sage Sanatkumara
Before we enter into these matters, just let us simply ask one question that everyone needs an answer. What is the meaning of life, birth and death? Is it just a cycle that caused by nature or does it imply any reactions to the past and future? (before we are born and after our death) ?
Is there any life after death? Does it exist and apply for every creature on this Universe? Practically, those who have seen, never spoke about it and those who speak about these never seen it. (This is according to the Vaishnavite Azhwars Divya Prabhandam phrase in Tamil)
Lord Sri Krishna says in the Bhagavad-Gita (this in itself is with many more contradictions), that He Himself is everything. And this script is widely accepted by every sect and sub-sect of Hindu faiths/followers. Further more, Bhagavad-Gita is essence of the four Veda known as Rig, YAJUR, Saama & Adharvana.
Lord Sri Krishna Himself declared that He is the one for Saama Veda. Saama Veda is in poetic form and sung with Raaga. Does this mean that He is not in favour of other Veda or He just recommends only Sama Veda to all?
I do agree, there are contradictions aplenty even within one chapter to other in any specific Upanishad. It is the interpretations and individual understanding that matters. The splinter groups within Hindu religion are, no doubt, a creation of the confused lots.
To state that Sri Krishna or Srimann Naaraayana is Supreme to other Demy & Semi Gods is - one small conclusive evidence in every Vedic scripts - viz.: a surrender note. This is recited (by all the Brahmans from Dwaitham/ Adwaitham & VISHISHTAATHVAITHAM) at the end of their daily prayers & after finishing each and every rituals, all the Brahmans used to offer their Karma to Sri Krishna, who is known with 1008 Names. (This even the Shaivites who worship Shiva, recites at the end of each and every rituals!).
Dwaitham, Adwaitham and VISHISHTAATHVAITHAM - are the three major groups formed within the Brahman society. But at the end of each performance, rituals and routines, all the three sects including the Shaivites, offer the benefits to Lord Sri Krishna with two different slokhas, which are common to all. (Versus rough translation):
(A)
If I had erred in my offerings, whether in Mantra (recital of Slokhas), Tanrta (in practice) or in Bhakti (in my devotion), Oh Lord, please Pardon me and accept these offerings, the benefits of it belong to You, Sri Krishna. This is the rough translation of the following slokha or versus.
(Mantra heenam, kriyaa heenam, Bhakti heenam, uthaasana:
yaththu thamthu mayaa deva, paripoornam thathasthuthe.
Praayachithaani, aseshaani, thapapa karma aathmakaanivai,
yaani desham aseshaanam, sarvam
Sri Krishna anusmaranam param. Krishna, Krishna, Krishna).

(B)
Whatever just I did perform & Spoke/recited, (including the daily prayer, any special puja etc) the Heart & mind as power, the entire benefits of which I dedicate to the Lord Srimann Naaraayana.
(Kaayenu Vaacha, manase Indriyairva,
Bhuddiyaathmanava, prakruthe: svabhaavaath.
Karomi yathyath sakalam parasmai
Sriman Naaraayanaayethi samarpayaami).
Thus irrespective of the Sects and Sub sects including the
Shaivites, they begin their rituals with "Achyuthaaya Nama:" (the first of the 1008 names of Lord Sri Mahavishnu) and finish it with above offering the same to Lord Krishna. Is it not in itself a proof that all the divisions within the Brahmans accepted Lord Sri Krishna as Supreme?
I agree there are millions of Gods and demy Gods in this subcontinent. Yes, you name a subject; you will find a God in that name in one or other corner of this land called Bharat
i.e. India. Alas! All the human creations.
About Religion, to the best of my knowledge, what I learnt from the olden scripts and also through ages, generations and experience, I found that Hinduism is by far the flexible one for everyone to follow of on own. No compulsions, no forces or pressures. Here one is free to adhere or leave it if he/she doesn't like.,
For the sake of knowledge, I did read the other religious books, to some extent, but firmly settled with Hinduism, maybe it is because I was born in the Community. But what I Could I sum up in few line is the following paragraph:
" Shiva or Vishnu? Who is great? Who stands tall? What qualitative difference is going to happen by knowing who's greater than whom?
It's a very childish idea. Greatness and other concepts have killed the sensitivity in man. He does not bother about real things, whereas he is ready to argue about the things which he doesn't know really, he just collected the bookish knowledge and started arguing about this.
Wonder how people could accept the concept of God without really had the inquisitiveness to know about it. They think it is the cheapest thing in the world! But you have to put yourself at stake! That's why it is dangerous to accept mere theologies any religion, be it Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Jainism or any other you name it.
Now, here I agree with Shri. Bansi Pandit (Ref: Bansi Pandit, The Hindu Mind (Glen Ellyn, Illinois: B & V Enterprise). His theory is most acceptable one than others views.
People are carrying the corpses instead of real-life experiences. Thousands of people killed all over the worldvery day in the name of dictates from any religion. Hatred and enmity spread venom amongst each other. Does this world need such of these religions really ?
If the world drops the so-called religions, then the world would have a different dimension of living. People would take responsibility for what they are doing they will not simply dump it on the ' one above '. Then the real freedom happens. Freedom leads to responsibility, Joy and Happiness"
In my personal opinion, religions are creations of the society, which wanted to have full control on the growing populace. To make sense and also to discipline them, they made several conditions put forth for the commons. Veda is immortal. But the interpretations by many people at different stages manipulated the entire value of the Subjects. That is the fact one will come to conclusion.
The great known saints who lived in the 19th and 20th centuries are more enlightened ones on Religion. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda is a few to mention. And about Sri Krishna mission (ISKON) I am not making any comments. The Bhakti is there but with some mixtures of west and east. Surely not traditional way of worship.
I am not a scholar nor I claim any religious status for me. I am a layman with ordinary qualities. I am not preaching/ propagating Srivaishnavam culture. My aim and intentions are just to publicize the inner meaning of rituals performed by Srivaishnavites and make them understand what they do. I never mentioned any Vedic reliance, slokha or versus from any Upanishad.
I know this letter does not give you any reply to your search. Yet, it is a small way of clarification as a layman I can extend. If the world drops the isms & Religion, then we can see a more different dimensions in life! That is the TRUTH.
UNQUOTE:
Thank you very much for your patience to go through this lengthy mail. I do hope all the answers given to you can benefit all the visitors to my web site too while published. Thank you for your patronage of putting so many queries and giving me an opportunity to answer such weighted queries from elder peoples like you
 
Sri. Jaiganesh,
I shall give hereunder a mail received from a scholar on this subject.
QUOTE:
...
To state that Sri Krishna or Srimann Naaraayana is Supreme to other Demy & Semi Gods is - one small conclusive evidence in every Vedic scripts - viz.: a surrender note. This is recited (by all the Brahmans from Dwaitham/ Adwaitham & VISHISHTAATHVAITHAM) at the end of their daily prayers & after finishing each and every rituals, all the Brahmans used to offer their Karma to Sri Krishna, who is known with 1008 Names. (This even the Shaivites who worship Shiva, recites at the end of each and every rituals!).
Dwaitham, Adwaitham and VISHISHTAATHVAITHAM - are the three major groups formed within the Brahman society. But at the end of each performance, rituals and routines, all the three sects including the Shaivites, offer the benefits to Lord Sri Krishna with two different slokhas, which are common to all. (Versus rough translation):
(A)
If I had erred in my offerings, whether in Mantra (recital of Slokhas), Tanrta (in practice) or in Bhakti (in my devotion), Oh Lord, please Pardon me and accept these offerings, the benefits of it belong to You, Sri Krishna. This is the rough translation of the following slokha or versus.
(Mantra heenam, kriyaa heenam, Bhakti heenam, uthaasana:
yaththu thamthu mayaa deva, paripoornam thathasthuthe.
Praayachithaani, aseshaani, thapapa karma aathmakaanivai,
yaani desham aseshaanam, sarvam
Sri Krishna anusmaranam param. Krishna, Krishna, Krishna).

I feel that the above cited sloka is not universal. I have heard different versions substituting the word "Sri Krishna" in "Sree Krishnaanusmaranam param", with suitable names of other gods or goddesses for which a particular pooja is done. In the case of almost all the homas the prAyascitta SlOka is
mantrahiinam kriyaahiinam bhaktihiinam hutaasana|
yaddhutam tu mayaa deva paripuurnam tadastu te||

Therefore, the argument in trying to establish that Krishna is the supreme god, is somewhat weak, I feel.

(B)
Whatever just I did perform & Spoke/recited, (including the daily prayer, any special puja etc) the Heart & mind as power, the entire benefits of which I dedicate to the Lord Srimann Naaraayana.
(Kaayenu Vaacha, manase Indriyairva,
Bhuddiyaathmanava, prakruthe: svabhaavaath.
Karomi yathyath sakalam parasmai
Sriman Naaraayanaayethi samarpayaami).

smArtA brahmins also recite this sloka, many of them by simple rote and unawares of its meaning. nArAyaNa, the word means unchanging and hence for the smArtAs who have even some knowledge of advaita, this word nArAyaNa indicates the (nirguNa) brahman which alone is the only unchanging reality. But for the aam brAhmin, this word nArAyaNa may well mean vishnu, padmanabha, krishna or any other vaishnavite diety.

Thus irrespective of the Sects and Sub sects including the
Shaivites, they begin their rituals with "Achyuthaaya Nama:" (the first of the 1008 names of Lord Sri Mahavishnu) and finish it with above offering the same to Lord Krishna. Is it not in itself a proof that all the divisions within the Brahmans accepted Lord Sri Krishna as Supreme?

I don't know about the Shaivites, and so my comments here apply only to the smArtA brahmins like me. Though these words like acyuta, ananta, gOvinda, kEsava, nArAyaNa, etc., are all names of vishnu, we smArtAs consider this vishnu also as one of the several godheads like siva, brahma, devi, etc., and the chanting has, therefore, no intention at all to elevate vishnu as the ultimate god. On the contrary, in the samkalpam for sandhyAvandanam or poojas, we say "...Sree Parameswara preetyartham..." and hence the 12 Acamana mantras used by smArtas only show their broad-mindedness towards all the hindu devatas. To form any different conclusion will be erroneous. Also, it will not be difficult to use any 12 names from the Siva sahasranamam for the Acamanam.
 
Respected Sir,

First of all I am not trying to establish Sri Krishna is greater than Siva or any other Gods. Or Siva is greater than any other Gods. Foremost I need to explain what the main goal i.e. the ultimate important goal of Hinduism is Moksha not the worship of a god or 2 gods or many gods. This is a very important point to understand in Hinduism. We do not pray to gods because we believe in their superiority but because we believe that they can show us the path towards enlightenment and consequently Moksha.

Gajendra Moksha (pictured) is a symbolic tale in Vaishnavism. The elephant Gajendra enters a lake where a crocodile Huhu clutches his leg and becomes his suffering. Despite his pain, he constantly remembers God Vishnu. God liberates him. Gajendra symbolically represents man, Huhu represents sins and the lake is saṃsāra.
Let me explain, now, the different forms of Theism in Hinduism.

Monotheism : is the belief in theology that only one deity (God) exists. This form is not widely practiced in Hindusim today but Hindus can believe in monotheism.

Polytheism : Polytheism is the belief that there is more than one deity. This is a widely popular belief in Hinduism of today and one of the defining characteristics of Hinduism because no other mainstream religion believes in Polytheism.Within polytheism there are hard and soft varieties:

Within polytheism there are hard and soft varieties:

Hard polytheism views the gods as being distinct and separate beings; an example of this would be certain schools of Hinduism as well as Hellenismos.

Soft polytheism views the gods as being subsumed into a greater whole. Some other forms of Hinduism such as Smartism / Advaita Vedanta serve as examples of soft polytheism.

Your question arises because perhaps, you believe in soft polytheism or have only seen soft polytheism around you.
Other forms are Pantheism, Panentheism, Pandeism, Panendeism, Polydeism.

One very important aspect of Hinduism that I don't know if you are aware but used to be a very important aspect of Hinduism before the invasion of India by the foreign invaders was Atheism. Hindus can be atheists and call themselves Hindus unlike Christianity, Judaism or Islam and more like Buddhism. I personally am a Hindu atheist and for me Hinduism is a 'way of life' and not an institution for prayers to god.

All the different forms of Theism mentioned above are acceptable in Hindusim (Links attached, if you want to understand these different forms of theism.)

Now that you know the differences between different practices of Hinduism, I believe you will have a much clearer aspect of your question, why do contemporary Hindus worship in many gods if they believe in one God. It arises from Soft Polytheism.
But to answer your question better let me begin again by saying that the ultimate goal of Hinduism is Moksha and a very common belief in Hinduism that generates from the belief in Soft Polytheism is that God is one but to attain Moksha, you can have different paths and beliefs and thus worship different Gods that are nothing but manifestations of a singular and mighty God.

There are a great number of deities in Hinduism, such as Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesha, Hanuman, Lakshmi, and Kali, but they are essentially different forms of the same "Being". So in a way what you perceive as different gods and goddesses are manifestations of the oneUltimate Brahman/Bhagvan.

Most people claim and believe that Hinduism is a monotheistic religion, but as with the usual confusion involved with religious matters (Mostly because religion is not something as accurate or true as most believe it to be) nothing is certain, and everything is open to ones perception. That said, you can expect multitudes of different answers to this question.

Hindus have a very broader approach to the concept of God. The names that people give to Him are just mere reference points for the sake of our understanding. How can He have names, which is actually beyond all words and thoughts? He represents the loftiest ideal which mankind can aspire to achieve. He is the goal and reaching Him in our individual ways is the very purpose of our lives. That is called Parabrhmam which is beyond figure and thought. Those who quarrel on his name are blind men who grope in darkness and go to the worlds of ignorance.

Here I want to quote Annamaacharya, the great Vaak-geya-kaaraka of Aandhra Pradesh, in one of his divya sankeertana “Enta maatramuna evvaru talichina …..….” says:

"How much ever one imagines that much only is You:
• For Vaishnavas You are Vishnu
• For Vedaantas You are Parabrahma
• For Shaivas and other bhaktas You are Shiva
• For Kaapaalikas You are Kaala-Bhairava
• For Shaakteyaas You are Shakti
• For people with alpa-buddhi You appear as alpam
• For people who know Your Garima and have Ghana-buddhi You are a Ghana
• For people who are Sharanaagati You are Venkateshvara"

You can hear this beautiful keerthana done by Late MS Subhalakshmi in Youtube website.
Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNNVnXd0mJM

Well I’m not too good in languages but the basic meaning is understood that God will be to people in whatever form they choose to believe in. To a Vishnavite He appears as Vishnu and to a person who worships Shiva he would appear as Shiva but in the end they’re all the same God. And also that He can only appear to a person having as much power as they believe he has. So if you believe He can lift mountains He will be able to do but if you believe that He doesn’t exist then He will never grace you. It lies all in our belief.
Namaste. Great regards.
A V Ramakrishnan
 
Respected Sir,
In Indian tradition Atharva Veda is considered to be fourth and last Veda. The mainstream Vedic cult did not admit this book as Veda in their fold till very late times. Only three Veda’s, i.e. Rig, Sam and Yajur Veda’s were recognized by them for their sacrificial rituals.
Also the tradition is to consider Atharva Veda to be younger and last in the Vedic compositions.
The main reason behind this, it is postulated that the Atharva Veda is not meant for sacrificial purpose. Rather it is all about occultist practices, mostly followed by Atharvan priests for charms, omens or casting evil spells to cure from various deceases, victories over enemies, safeguarding people from epidemics etc. Atharva Veda also carries seeds of spiritual science that later have been expanded in 52 Upanisada’s. Other Veda’s too at some or other places have carried the occultist’s elements, but not much. In a way Atharva Veda is book of charms
Atharva Veda is special. The priestly class (Atharvan) of Atharva Veda was also known as “Kshatra-Brahmin” (Warrior Priests) as they not only conducted various rituals for Kings and nobles but participated in the wars as well. In fact in ancient times Atharvan religion, based on Atharva Veda was treated independent of all other religions. The main reason behind this was the Atharva Veda’s verses are not at all meant for sacrificial rituals. Its purpose, context and application were far different than of Vedic religion. Interestingly Atharva Veda does not mention Varna system anywhere, which too makes it unique
According to Nirnaya Sindhu following conditions should be taken care for deciding the date of upakarma
• Rigveda Upakarma:Should be done on the day in shraavana where shravana is the star and spans at least from sunrise to mid day.But not in Uttara Ashadha if present during sunrise.
• Samaveda Upakarma: Should be done on hasta nakshatra on bhadrapada shuklapaksha
• Krishna Yajurveda: i.e. Taittiriyas & Maitrayanis should do on shravistha, dhanistha,(avittam in Tamil),on shraavana month,whether it falls on purnima yukta Pratipada (Pratipat)during sunrise (Telugu- paadyami) or prathama.
• Shukla Yajurveda: i.e. Vajasaneyi Kanvas and Madhyandinas do in purnima day if purnima is present up to evening.But if punima and pratipada both are present on next day(para viddha) they should do on previous day when chaturdashi stays in day and then purnima comes after mid day(purva viddha).Under no condition they should do/avoid doing in krishna paksha pratipat or broadly speaking they should finish upakarma before approach of krishna paksha.but they postpone upakarma to the next day if purnima is having Uttara Ashadha nakshatra.
• Atharva Veda: They do on the day when purnima lasts during sunrise.(udaya vyapini tithi)
Upakarma in Eclipse/Solar Sankramana
• If there occurs Eclipse and sankranti when sun enters Leo (masa pirrapu/avani 1st in Tamil) during purnima,the people having upakrama for that day should be finished prior to punima when hasta nakshatra is available(generally shravana shukla Panchami/shashti.and for samaveda,if there is sankramana(purattasi 1st) to kanya in bhadrapada then shraavana month's hasta should be considered.
• If shraavana suddha Panchami(hasta) day is having sankramana/sankranti and purnima is having eclipse then upakarma is postponed to Samaveda upakarma day,i'e. bhadrapada hasta nakshatra but only Vajasaneyi Shukla Yajurveda people can do upakarma on the Panchami(hasta) having simha sankramana and avoid upakarma on purnima having eclipse.
• No one should do upakarma on a day having uttarashadha nakshatra or a lunar eclipse
Atharva Veda Upakarma, or Atharva Vedi Shravani, is the sacred thread changing ceremony observed by the Brahmins who follow the Atharva Veda. In 2015, date of Atharva Vedi Shravani 2015 is September 28. The Upakarma prayogam or method employed by Atharva Vedi Brahmins is different from Upakarma of Rig and Yajur Vedis. The sacred thread worn by AtharvaVedi Brahmins known as ‘Yagnopavitam’ is changed on this day.

The ritual is also known by the name of Upanayanam or Upanayana and Avani Avittam. The sacred thread Yagnopavitam is known as Poonol in Malayalam, Jandhyamu in Telugu and Janivaara in Kannada.
The Upakarma ritual is usually performed by a group in a temple or by the side of a river or sacred pond (Tirth). Today, people also perform the ritual at home.
Atharva Vedi Shravani is observed on the Bhadrapad Purnima day September 28, 2015..
Namaste. With regards,
A V Ramakrishnan
 
sir
This is real good information about vedas and upakarma secret.
We all knew that, 4th veda that is Athrva Veda genarlly indicated regarding science, technology, and as you mentioned war relted weapon usage, development of weapon etc, as i was told by my elders, this veda taken over by germans, becaus of this, they are very much forward in their technology,
Good information.
Thanks
Arvind srinivas
 
All the mantras of the upakarma is in Sanskrit. We should make efforts to teach Sanskrit to those who want to learn it. Now we are reading those mantras in Tamil and very few of us know the meaning of what we say. So if there is a Sanskrit Pandit among us or if we can spot one and request that person to teach it on line, that will be a big service to all.
 

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