How, why and when do you pray to Brahman?

 In ancient Vedic scriptures, Brahman is the word used for the quintessential essence of everything. Brahman, essentially means the eternal reality, the Absolute Truth. It is different from everyday realities (truths) which are temporary & sure to end. Now, since God is also eternal & is said to be the primary (Absolute) Truth, He is also Brahman.

I believe that since the question asks about praying, the author subscribes to the idea of a personal God. In that context, I'd say that I follow the Yuga Dharma of the present times i.e. to chant the holy names of the Lord.

This is my mode of worship as well as the medicine for the disease called materialism. Now the reason for following this mode of worship is three-fold. The first one has to do with the Vedic injunctions & the others are related to my personal capacity.

The 1st reason to choose this mode of worship is that this process has been prescribed by sages & God, for the present age of Kali. Now since God has himself prescribed this method through Vedic scriptures, hence there is no reason for me to doubt this process. Further, many sages have followed this path & have gained success. Hence, I have both authoritative as well as practical proof of the potency of this method of worship.

The 2nd reason is that I do not consider myself to be a great person. The fact that I am born in Kaliyuga is enough to make me realize that I am a very egoistic soul & have missed several chances in past Yugas to attain liberation. This means that I am neither fit for difficult processes like Hatha Yoga or Dhyaan Yoga, nor can I afford to waste my human birth on these mystic processes which are forbidden in Kaliyuga. Hence, without much ado & by understanding the nature of Kaliyuga I follow the Mantra meditation.

The 3rd reason is that my motive to worship Brahman (Krishna) is different. I am not looking for heavenly pleasure, neither am I aiming towards merging with Brahman. If that would have been the case then I'd have chosen the other 'paths'. What I've learned through the scriptures is that the highest aim of life is to become a devotee of the Lord. In that stage one remains blissful at all times & participates directly in transcendental pastimes of the Lord. Hence, I only wish for pure devotional service towards Lord, even if that means missing the chance to get impersonal liberation.

Now when do I worship Brahman (Krishna)? Actually, there is no fixed time. In fact Krishna tells in Gita that one should always remember Him:

man-mana bhava mad-bhakto
mad-yaji mam namaskuru
mam evaisyasi satyam te
pratijane priyo 'si me

Always think of Me and become My devotee. Worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend.

So, I try to remember Him, worship Him at all times. The best thing about devotional service is that you need not leave anything in life or you need not change anything. One has to simply add Krishna to his life. This way, while remaining in this world, one simultaneously lives in Vaikuntha.

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Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare 

- Pranjul

What is the best way to pray to lord Shiva?

 

There are many ways to worship Shiva, the Mahadev.

Shiva is often referred as Bholenath, innocent God since He is easily pleased and has not set any protocol for His worship.

• Chanting :: Chanting Shiva's name or Panchakshari mantra “ Namah Shivaaya “ also pleases the Mahadev.
• Meditation :: meditating on Shiva pleases Him, since that is the best way to connect to our innerselves, God Shiva. Since Shiva is the Aatma Rudra ( soul ) in every living being.
• Chidananda roopah shivoham shivoham, means the blissful state of me ( soul ) is Shiva.
• Abhisekham :: doing Abhisekham to Shivaling even with water pleases the Mahadev, and cools His ferocious Rudra form.
• Bilva leaves :: Shiva is worshipped with Bilva / Bael leaves. He takes away all your worries as a Father and comes to your rescue mere by offering a Bilva leaf.
• Helping the needy :: Shiva is very pleased when you help the needy, since the first Dharma for us humans is Humanity.
• Live according to Dharma :: whatever may be scenario, we should always live according to Dharma. And dharma according to me is fulfilling all our duties and responsibilities and chanting God's name in this Kaliyug.

Why is Lord Vishnu called Achyuta?

 

HARE KRISHNA

Achyuta means infallible. Bhagwan Vishnu is the supreme god and is therefore invincible/infallible that's why he is called Achyuta.

Karthigai Deepam 2023: Date, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Rituals and Significance

Karthigai Deepam, also known as Karthikai Deepam, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya. On this day, people light clay lamps and pray for the wealth of their family. Karthigai Deepam 2023 will be celebrated on November 26. It is observed under the full moon, and devotees take a holy dip in the Ganga river. In Tamil Nadu, the festival is known as Karthikai vilakkidu, and it is celebrated with floral pattern Kolams and lighting clay diyas in homes.

Karthigai Deepam festival has a great religious significance in Hindu religion. This festival is mainly celebrated in Andhra Pradesh. Karthigai Deepam is also known as Karthikai Deepam. The day is dedicated to Lord Kartikeya and people light clay lamps on this day and pray for the wealth of their family. Karthigai Festival is going to be celebrated on Kartik Purnima on November 26, 2023.

Karthigai Deepam 2023

Karthigai Nakshathram Begins - November 26, 2023 - 02:05 PM

Karthigai Nakshathram Ends - November 27, 2023 - 01:35 PM

Karthigai Deepam 2023: Significance

Karthikai Deepam is also called Karthikai vilakkidu in Tamil Nadu. Karthika Deepam, Trikartika, Kartika Villaku, Tirrukarttikai, Karthikai Natchathiram, Bharani deepam, Vishnu deepam. In Kerala, it is Thrikarthika or Karthika Deepam.
Karthigai Deepam, also called Karthika Deepam, will occur on November 26, 2023. Under the full moon, people light diyas on Karthigai Deepam. People celebrate the Karthika Deepam festival and seek blessings of the Lord during the month of Karthigai. Karthigai Deepam is another festival of light that is widely observed throughout India. It is considered to be one of the most significant festivals observed by the ancient Tamil people in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

On this day, devotees take a holy dip in Ganga river. The festival honours Goddess Karthiyayeni Bhagavati (Chottanikkara Amma) and derives its name from the name of the God Kartikeya. The celebration is also known as Karthik Purnima in North India. After performing puja, Deepam ceremony is held in the evening. This festival is joyfully and enthusiastically observed, and it holds special significance.
Karthigai Deepam 2023: How it is celebrated?
People wake up early in the morning and take a bath. They clean their house first and then make floral pattern Kolams which is made up with rice flour paste to welcome the deity. Lamps are lit in front of God. People observe fast and break their fast in the evening. People light their home with clay diyas. Different patterns of lamps symbolic of mythological tales are used - Lakshmi villaku shaped like a woman with folded hands, Kuthu villaku shaped like a five petal flower and the Gajalakshmi villaku, the elephant lamp.
In Andhra Pradesh, on the day of full moon or Karthika pournami, a big lamp with 365 wicks is lit to remove evil energies and people read the Kartheeka puranam to celebrate this auspicious festival. This festival is celebrated with much pomp and glory at the Shiva temples of Tirruvanna malai hills of Tamil Nadu. This is a three day festival. Bharani Deepam on the first day, Annamalai Deepam on the second, and Pancharatra Deepam on the third day. - TimesofIndia

"Thennaadudaiya Sivaneh Pottri , Ennaattavarkkum Irraiva Pottri" Sentul AhthiEaswaran Temple, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Today - SUNDAY , 8.30pm. 26.11..2023. BHARANI DEEPAM

"Thennaadudaiya Sivaneh Pottri , Ennaattavarkkum Irraiva Pottri" Sentul AhthiEaswaran TEMPLE BLESSINGS. Today - SUNDAY , 8.30pm. 26.11..2023. BHARANI DEEPAM

The photo and videos of today's Bharani Deepam:

- photo and videos given by Mr. Naga.

THIRUKARTHIGAI DHEEPAM AT THE SRI RAJA RAJESWARY TEMPLE, AMPANG, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA ON 26TH NOVEMBER, 2023.

  The photos and videos from today's prayers:-

- photos and videos courtesy of Mr. Subhas Kannan

Significance of Karthigai Deepam

 

Karthigai Deepam happens to be an important and auspicious occasion in Tamil calendar. Most Tamils respect this occasion when Lord Muruga was born. The household matters are taken care of and lamps are lit almost every part of the house to bring peace and prosperity. The woman worship to bring happiness in the lives of their children and ward off all the troubles in life.

 

Spiritual Significance of Karthigai Deepam

The functioning of lamp implies a great spiritual notion. The wick in the lamp symbolizes our ego and the oil that is used to light the lamp denotes our innate nature that is responsible for the ego to thrive. The flame, the spiritual knowledge has the capacity to blaze our ego, the wick by emptying our innate tendencies. This is the significance of Karthigai Deepam.

 

Lights symbolize the victory of the good over the evil. People try to make their homes protected from evil eyes and evil forces. They want to bring in peace and prosperity in the families for life. They pray honestly to God to give them good feelings for other human beings. Lamps CAN give the power to shed of fear and bring in victory in the lives of people.

 

Legends associated with Karthigai Deepam

Lord Shiva was very depressed after Parvati's death and secluded him in deep meditation. During this time, six babies including Lord Muruga, Kartik and Subrahmaniya were born as children of Lord Shiva. Parvati became Sati so Krittika stars looked after the six babies. Later on the force of Sati joined the six babies into one being or great force. The krittika star cluster becomes seven when the Muruga God joins them.

 

Muruga later on acted as a teaching guide to Shiva, according to another famous legend. He taught Shiva the actual meaning of the word "Om" which is very important in Hindu culture. The lamps also represent that Lord Shiva understood the actual meaning of the ultimate word "Om". He was enlightened by knowing the value of the word. Tamils want to live in peace and enjoy the best of life. They want to stay away from all sorts of worries and quarrels. Lamps are lighted everywhere to give them the power to say no to all bad temptations in life.

 

Parvati fought with Mahisasura as he was disturbing her and the other Gods in heaven. Her victory was also celebrated by lighting lamps. This festival represents the victory of the good over the evil forces. People always want to stay away from bad things and the lights lamps to bring in wealth and well being in the family.

 

Nowadays, The people use a range of lamps of various shapes, sizes and colors . The lamps are easily available in the market. The women prepare the oil and the wick to make the lamps glow for a long time. The main idea is to enjoy to the fullest and forget all the sufferings of life. Women take the lamps in their alms and move around the house to spread the feeling of joy. Hanging lamps and imported varieties are also available in this age of globalization.

 

Life is short and must be spent in a happy way. People worship to Lord Shiva to give them power to fulfill all the activities in life in an honest manner. The lamp actually represents linga of Shiva that reminds people over and over again about the fact of staying on the right path. People keep lamps in the places of the home where the pictures of God are kept. Temples of South India look amazing with wonderfully lit lamps almost everywhere.

 

Science and technology have progressed a lot but the Hindu rituals and belief will keep mankind involved in every way. Even the best scientists and doctors know the significance of such great festivals. They come back home during this time to be with the family and share their joys and sorrows. People shed of all the misunderstandings and quarrels and unite during this wonderful festival of lights. This festival represents giving and sharing among humans. Wearing new clothes, shoes and praying in front of God gives people the power to start life in a new way during the coming year.

 

One must not think of failures but look forward to get new things in the life by praying to God. The lamps will act as guiding lights in their lives.

Wishing everyone A HAPPY KARTHIGAI DEEPAM TODAY (26 November 2023).

OUR AROLI TEMPLE UPDATE

 

We were able to conduct Puthari Vellattam of our Aroli Temple in compliance with the ritual. We used the  newly harvested rice for preparing Nivedyam.

Renovation work of our Temple is going very fast. We have completed plastering works of the west Padippura, Sapthahamandapam, hall, South Nadavazhi , Thanthri’s room and Kshetra Kalavara. Next pending work is roof and the related works. After that we need to start granite flooring. We are hoping to complete these construction works before Punaprathishta (March 2024). 

An astrologer suggested 20th November for Balalaya Prathishta (temporary Sreekovil). 

Kshetra Thanthri reached the Temple on 19th November and started the Sthalashudhi pooja. Next day Balalaya Prathishta pooja was held. 

 

We are planning to change old stone flooring of Sreekovil and to put Karinkall slabs instead. Other than this there are some Sreekovil related works like renovating the Ovu. 

 

We need to construct a bathroom and toilet for priests and worshippers on the recently bought land. Once we have completed all the current works, we shall start these works.

From:

Praveen 

Aroli Temple Committee Chairman

FRIDAY MORNING ALANGARAM AT THE SRI RAJA RAJESWARY TEMPLE, AMPANG, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA ON 24TH NOVEMBER, 2023.

 FRIDAY MORNING ALANGARAM AT THE SRI RAJA RAJESWARY TEMPLE, AMPANG, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA ON 24TH NOVEMBER, 2023.

The photos from this morning's prayers:-