The Indian Dharma

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Naarada giving a detailed accord on an important “Punya-Kshetra” called “Prayaag-Raj”, which is the meeting point of three important rivers – Rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. This is a place wherein thousands of people even today, come and take a holy dip and it is believed that all our sins would be completely washed away if we do so. Hence, this place assumes enormous amount of significance in our “Sanaatana Dharma” list of “Punya-Kshetras”. On the banks of the “Sangamam”, there is also a famed Hanuman temple which is also significant. Readers should not miss to worship this temple as well, while visiting Prayagraj. At a distance from here, there are a few Shiva temples as well, which are also extremely significant. Thus, the entire city of Allahabad is full of temples and sacred places of worship! We should never miss this place in our list! 

Moving on thus, Sage Naarada is going to narrate the significance of a few important sages who had resided in all these “Punya-Kshetras” that we’ve witnessed till now. One of the most important sages about whom Sage Naarada is going to talk about, is Sage Vishwamitra. Most of us might be knowing a brief history / background of Sage Vishwamitra, how he was born, and how he gained enormous “Tapo-Bhalam”, etc. I’m not going into this story now in detail, as we’ve already discussed this as part of our previous Ramayana project. Readers can refer to it at their own convenience. However, what is important here is that, Sage Vishwamitra was not a Brahmana Rishi by birth. He was a “Kshatrya prince”. However, as he progressed in his life, he happened to meet Sage Vasishtachaarya amidst the forest, and Vishwamitra wanted Sage Vasishtachaarya’s “Kaamadenu” cow. With this, a war of words broke out between the two, and Vishwamitra being a king, launched an assault on Sage Vasishtachaarya, who resisted it successfully with his “Tapo-Bhalam”. Ultimately, Vishwamitra returned to his kingdom empty-handed. Subsequently, Vishwamitra wanted to avenge Sage Vasishtachaarya for the insult that he had obtained, and hence, he decided that the only way to take on Sage Vasishtachaarya is through “Tapas” and not through warfare. It is with this intent, Vishwamitra took up intense penance and finally, he too obtained all the spiritual powers to take on Sage Vasishtachaarya. There was a fight once again and this time, Vishwamitra was able to succeed in killing all the kith and kin of Sage Vasishtaachaarya successfully as a token of revenge! However, later on, Sage Vasishtaachaarya became compassionate and for the enormous power of penance that Vishwamitra had accummulated over the years, he gave Vishwamitra the highest stature of “Brahmarishi”. Thus, with this, Vishwamitra became an accomplished sage with enormous “Tapo-Bhalam”. 

Thus, Sage Naarada narrates this story to Yudishtra, and explains to him that while visiting all these places, he should go in search of Sage Vishwamitra to obtain his divine “Anugraha” as well. Moving on from this point, Sage Naarada talks about the significance of River Ganga and from where it originates. Again, we’ve witnessed this in detail during our previous Ramayana project, however, I shall give a brief accord on this in our next episode! Stay tuned for an interesting accord on River Ganga! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the significance of three important places – Firstly, the “Ganga-Dvaar” which is the meeting point of River Ganga with the ocean. Secondly, the important place called “Chitrakoota”, which is situated amidst the banks of two rivers, namely River Mandaagini on one side and River Sharabanga on the other. Thirdly, we also spoke about the River Godavari which originates from Maharashtra and flows south-eastwards towards the Indian State of Andhra-Pradesh. It is along this river, the important “Kshetra” called “Panchavati” is located. This “Panchavati” is the place where Bhagawan Rama, along with Lakshmana and Sita resided for almost twelve years of their fourteen-year exile. This is also the place from where Ravana abducted Mother Sita, by engaging with Maareecha who came in the form of a golden deer to attract the attention of Mother Sita. Subsequently, all of us know what happened to Bhagawan Rama – He goes chasing after the golden deer, only to find out that this deer is none other than the Raakshasa “Maareecha”, after a long distance. By this time, Ravana had come in as a “Fake-Sanyasin” and abducts Mother Sita away to Lanka. All these important events took place in this very place called “Panchavati”, which is situated on the banks of River Godavari. Thus, Sage Naarada advises Yudishtra to visit this place as well. 

Moving on further, Sage Naarada talks about various other places en-route, and finally comes to the most important place called “Prayaagraj” or “Triveni Sangamam”. This place is none other than the modern day city of “Allahabad”, whose name has been changed now to “Prayagraj” quite recently. As many of us might be knowing, this Prayagraj is the “Sangamam” (Meeting point) of three important rivers – River Ganga, River Yamuna and River Saraswati. Goddess Mahalakshmi has three plats on her divine hair – One plat is River Ganga, the second one is River Yamuna and the third is River Saraswati. Thus, the meeting point of these three plats in Goddess Mahalakshmi’s divine hair is called the “Prayaagam” or “Prayaagraj”. Of these three rivers, River Ganga and Yamuna are visibly on the surface level and we can see the place where both these two rivers come and join with each other. However, we would not be able to see River Saraswati, because this river has a curse – To run below the ground, and because of this curse, she is invisible. Thus, even today, we would be able to take a holy bath in the junction of these three rivers. We would have to go to that meeting point in a ferry, and there would be a small bund of mud and stones at a distance. The ferry would take us to this point, and this is exactly where we’ve to take the holy dip. There would be a few Brahmin Pandits who would be seated there, and many people perform spiritual offerings in this place to all the three rivers. Thus, the “Prayaagaraj-Kshetra” is very important and Sage Naarada advises Yudishtra to go and visit this place as well. 

As Sage Naarada explains all of these, he also adds an important accord – When Parashurama lost all his “Tapo-Bhalam” when he was defeated by Bhagawan Rama, he too had to go on an extensive “Teertha-Yatra” to regain all his lost “Tapas”. All of us might know this story – In our previous Ramayana project, we’ve discussed how Parashurama was defeated by Bhagawan Rama – As Bhagawan Rama was newly married to Mother Sita, and when the entire caravan was returning from Mithilapuri to Ayodhya, along with King Dasharata, Parashurama came in the middle and tried to stop Bhagawan Rama’s chariot. Doing so, Parashurama invited Bhagawan Rama for a fight with him, however, the moment Bhagawan Rama swung into action, He snatched Parashurama’s strong bow and broke it into pieces within fraction of seconds! This brought down Parashurama’s anger and with this, he had lost all his powers of penance! Thus, Sage Naarada draws an important comparison here that just like how Parashurama went on a long “Teertha Yatra” to regain his lost powers, Yudishtra also should do the same, so that he too would be able to regain whatever he had lost! 

So for today, let us understand these points very clearly and we shall wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed an important accord on how our “Sanaatana Dharma” gives enormous importance and utmost respect for women in the society. This is grossly against the myth that is floating around, which claims that our “Sanaatana Dharma” is a male chauvinist religion. This is extremely wrong and with the single accord on the “Pinda-Pradhaanam” that we do for our mother, this myth is completely destroyed. As mentioned yesterday, we offer as many as sixteen “Pindams” for our mother and just two for our father. Right from the time our mother has got married to our father, she has undergone enormous sufferings to bear us in her uterus, give birth to us, clean all our urine and excreta when we were babies, took enormous pain to grow us up, etc. and all the way till we become a fully-grown mature adult. Thus, for all these to happen, we should imagine how much of a sacrifice a mother would have made! In order to remember and respect this selfless sacrifice that our mother has made for us, we offer sixteen “Pindams” to her, and in turn, we can understand how much importance our “Sanaatana Dharma” is giving to a mother! Readers should understand this as we move on further. 

Thus, we’re witnessing here, how important it is to perform the “Pinda-Pradhaanam” at the Badrinaatha Kshetra. Coming back to the context thus, while offering the “Pindams” here one by one, we wouldn’t be able to even hold the “Pindam” in our hands, due to the freezing cold! As we perform the “Pinda-Pradhaanam” procedure, many of us might even start having doubts – Whether this exercise is done for our parents, or for ourselves! 🙂 Because, we might start having doubts within ourselves, whether we would be able to survive in this freezing cold and with the wet cloth that we’ve to wear after we take the holy dip in the River Alakananda (River Ganga). Thus, such is the significance of the Badrinaatha Kshetra and readers should take the effort and time to visit this beautiful paradise on earth. Of course, apart from the spiritual significance, like I mentioned earlier, this Kshetra is surrounded by the great Himalayan mountains and would be full of snow everywhere. For a nature lover, this is the best picturesque place to be! On one side, we would be able to see the River Ganga with all its purity, gushing along with an enormous sound! On the other side, we would find the beautiful Badrinaatha Swamy temple and the “Brahma Kapaalam”. Of course, I can go on and on describing the beauty of this place, but readers should take time out to visit this place, so that this beauty can be experienced in person! 

Moving on further, Sage Naarada explains about the next place – “Ganga-Dvaar”. This is the place where the River Ganga goes and empties itself into the ocean. This place is actually situated in the present day country of Bangladesh, towards the southern tip of that country. If we’ve to worship this from the Indian side, we should go to the place called “Haldia”, which is situated some 100 kilometres south of Kolkata in the east-Indian state of West Bengal. This is the place where the River Hoogly (A main distributary of River Ganga) goes and empties itself into the Bay of Bengal. This River Hoogly passes through the main metropolitan city of Kolkata, where the great pillar-less Howrah bridge stands today with all its beauty. An important “Shakti-Peetham” temple called “Dakshineshwar” is situated onthe banks of River Hoogly, north of Kolkata city, wherein Sage Ramakrishna ParamaHamsa attained the great enlightenment! The Dakshineshwar temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhavatarini (Goddess Parvati Devi), who is in the ferocious “Kaali” form. If one goes here and takes the “Punya-Snaanam” in the banks of River Ganga and worships Goddess Bhavatarini, all the sins get washed away immediately! 

So for today, let us understand the significance of this place, and with this, we’re going to move on to the next important place – Chitrakoota, on the banks of River Mandaagini on one side and River Sharabanga on the other. Even today, we shall worship this place called “Chitrakoot” in the central part of our Bhaarata Desha, and if we take the “Punya-Snaanam” here on the banks of these two rivers, our sins are washed away speedily! Next, Sage Naarada talks about the significance of River Godavari, which is towards the southern part of India. The River Godavari originates from the Indian state of Maharashtra, and flows towards Andhra Pradesh and southern India. There are enormous amounts of Punya-Kshetras along the River Godavari, and one such place is “Panchavati”, wherein Bhagawan Rama, Lakshmana and Sita were residing here for a long time during their fourteen-year exile. 

Thus, let us understand these points for today, and we shall continue this discussion further in the next episode as well! Stay tuned for an interesting accord! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the significance and history of the famed “Bhadrinaatha-Kshetra” and why it is important for us to perform the “Pinda-Pradhaanam”. Just like how we perform the “Pinda-Pradhaanam” for our “Pitru-Devatas”, it is a customary practice for many of us to perform the “Pinda-Pradhaanam” at the Badrinaatha-Kshetra as well near the “Brahma-Kapaalam”. We’ve witnessed the significance of this Brahma-Kapaalam and the Badrinaatha-Kshetra as a whole in the previous episode in detail. Here, we should understand that when we perform the “Pinda-Pradhaanam” in both the places, we offer a total of eighteen “Pindams” for our parents, out of which, two are for the father and the rest sixteen are for the mother! Many of us feel that our “Sanaatana Dharma” doesn’t give much prominence to women, but for those who feel so, should understand this very clearly. If we’re reading through this section of today’s episode, we would understand how much importance our “Sanaatana Dharma” is giving to women. 

As mentioned above, out of the eighteen “Pindams” that we offer for our parents, sixteen of them are for our mother. For each and every “Pindam” that we offer for our mother, there is a separate set of “Mantras” that are chanted for them. Right from the time when our mother got married to our father, how much suffering would she have undergone in her life? For instance, there is a “Pindam” that is offered for our mother’s marriage with our father. Subsequently, for bearing us in her uterus, we’ve to offer one “Pindam”. Inside the uterus, we would have grown and once we get our legs, we would have banged her with our legs from within, isn’t it? Thus, for hurting her enormously, we’ve to offer one “Pindam”. Once we take birth in this world, our mother is the one who cleans all our wastes that we excrete, isn’t it? For doing that selflessly, we’ve to offer one “Pindam”. As we grow up, we would have disobeyed our mother’s words on many occasions. Thus, for all that, we’ve to offer one “Pindam”. Similarly, as we mature into adults, we would have hurt our mother in various ways during her last days in this world! For that, we’ve to offer one “Pindam”. In this way, we’ve to offer sixteen “Pindams” for our mother, and this is why we always revere and respect our mother so highly in our “Sanaatana Dharma”. 

Moreover, as we offer these sixteen “Pindams” for the mother, there wouldn’t be even a single person amidst us who wouldn’t be in tears! Of course, when we do this “Pinda-Pradhaanam” exercise, mostly we might not be the lone person who would be doing it. There would be many others also who would jointly do along with us. In every person’s eyes, we would see tears rolling down as each Mantra is chanted and the meaning explained! Thus, we can clearly see here, how important is a woman’s contribution to the wellness of the world and how much importance the Vedas give for the woman. We should thus understand the significance explained here and then talk and debate. Just because a few listless individuals who are half-read and half-baked in their knowledge are talking and blabbering something, we shouldn’t pay heed to all of that. There will always be a few people who will be ranting some senseless stuff everytime. We, as ardent followers of our “Sanaatana Dharma” should never get carried away by these useless rantings, and instead, focus our mind in researching and reading a lot of our “Sanaatana Dharma” literature to understand facts. 

Our “Shaashtras” are extremely full-proof and there is no scope of any kind of error or loophole. This is because, almost all the contents of the “Shaastras” are directly from the mouth of Bhagawan Himself! If such is the case, where is the question of error here? Our “Sanaatana Dharma” is directly based on whatever Bhagawan has exclusively explained! For instance, we see the Bhagawad Gita, directly coming from the mouth of Bhagawan Krishna. The “Shrimad Bhaagawatha Puraana” comprises of enormous “Charitras” which have directly come from Bhagawan Krishna Himself – For instance, the “Keshava-Uddhava Samvaadham”. Hence, there is no doubt that such things are error-free and are 100% perfect in whatever is said. Moreover, all the contents are documented by great Mahatmas like Sage Vyaasa, Sage Yagnyavalkya, Sage Valmiki, Sage Paraashara, etc., who are themselves experts in the subject! They are people who have extreme “Tapo-Balam” in them and whatever words come from their mouths, are extremely divine and sacred. Hence, we should never give in to these half-baked characters today who keep making useless noise here and there about our “Sanaatana Dharma”. If at all we’ve to debate on various aspects in our literature, we’ve to first research the subject thoroughly and then do it. Instead, there is no point in picking up a topic and simply piling up baseless arguments, which has an ulterior motive of demeaning our “Sanaatana Dharma”. We should also understand that our literature is extremely old and time-tested, and has withstood the onslaught of such crooks for thousands and thousands of years! Hence, it is not new that such crooks try and raise their ugly heads on and off in the present day, and Bhagawan knows how to handle such people. 

Thus, we should have the basic understanding here that unlike certain crooks’ narratives, our “Sanaathana Dharma” gives extreme significance for women and respects their enormous contribution to this world! So for today, let us understand this point very clearly and let us wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the significance of performing our regular “Tarpanam” and “Shraadham” and this is apart from the “Gaya-Shraadham” that we’ve to perform once in a lifetime. We’ve witnessed for the past couple of episodes, various myths circulating around us, with regards to the regular performing of our monthly “Tarpanams” and yearly “Shraadhams” and how it is important for all of us to adhere to these principles in our life. We witnessed a detailed accord yesterday, with comparisons to certain simple analogies as to how important it is for us to serve our “Pitru-Devatas”, whose “Anugraha” is extremely important for our well-being and a contented life. This is exactly what Sage Naarada is advising Yudishtra too. As the Paandavas enter slowly into the crucial phase of defending the “Dharma”, Sage Naarada feels the importance of Yudishtra and Co. obtaining the divine “Anugraha” of all the “Pitru-Devatas” as they embark into it. Such is the significance of the Gaya-Kshetra and readers should understand this clearly. 

Next in the list, is the famed Bhadrinaatha-Kshetra – We’ve already discussed this in quite a detail in our past few episodes as well. We’ve seen in detail how Bhagawan Krishna and Arjuna originally hail from the Bhadrinaatha-Kshetra, as the Nara-Narayana combine. As Bhagawan Krishna is none other than Bhagawan Narayana and Arjuna is His disciple (Nara), the Bhadrinaatha-Kshetra assumes enormous significance. Normally, it is a practice for a few people to visit the Bhadrinaatha Kshetra immediately after the Gaya-Shraadham is over. There is something called as “Brahma-Kapaalam” in this Bhadrinaatha-Kshetra where, people perform the “Pinda-Pradhaanam” after the Gaya-Shraadham. There is a history behind this as well – Bhagawan Brahma’s fifth head (“Kapaalam”) is being pinched by Bhagawan Shiva, and somehow the head gets stuck to His hands. This is why, Bhagawan Shiva is also referred to as “Bhagwan Kapali”.  Now that the head has got stuck in Bhagawan Shiva’s hands, it can’t be broken at all, no matter how much He tried! This was creating a problem for both of them and in order to release the head from His hand, Bhagawan Shiva and Bhagawan Brahma ran in search of Bhagawan Vishnu all over the world. They finally came to this Bhadrinaatha Kshetra and prayed to Bhagawan Vishnu here. Acknowledging their prayers, with His drops of sweat from His chest, Bhagawan Vishnu frees Bhagawan Brahma’s head from Bhagawan Shiva’s hands and breaks into a hundred pieces! With this, Bhagawan Shiva’s hands were freed and Bhagawan Brahma was also freed from Bhagawan Shiva’s cusp! 

Thus, this “Brahma-Kapaalam” is still there in this Bhadrinaatha-Kshetra and it is near this Brahma-Kapaalam is the “Pinda-Pradhaanam” performed. Now comes the question – How do we obtain the “Pindams” and from where do we get them? Here, the Bhadrinaatha-Kshetra has its own significance – We need not prepare the “Pindams” (Rice balls) like we do in the Gaya-Kshetra. Here in the Badrinaatha-Kshetra, we get the “Pindams” ready-made in the temple premises itself. Normally, the “Pindams” are made using cooked rice and balls of this cooked rice are prepared. However, given the temperature in the location, it is next to impossible for us to boil rice. Since the Badrinaatha-Kshetra is amidst the Himalayas and it is snowy everywhere around, it is very difficult for us to even boil water. Amidst this cold, we’ve to take a “Punya-Snaanam” in the River Alakananda (RIver Ganga) and with the “Wet Vasthram” we’ve to wait for the “Prasaadham” (Pindams) to come from the temple premises. Once it comes, we’ve to hold the “Pindams” in our hands, which itself would be tough, given our hands would be extremely numb due to the freezing cold! This problem is not there in Gaya. Since Gaya is in the plain, the temperature is quite normal and is not extremely cold here. But in Badrinaatha-Kshetra, it is the opposite of what is there in the Gaya-Kshetra! Thus, the “Pinda-Pradhaanam” in the Badrinaatha Kshetra is also equally significant as that of the Gaya-Kshetrea”. 

So for today, let us understand up to this point, and we shall wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the significance of “Gaya-Shraadham” and how it is important for all of us to perform this procedure once in our lifetime for our ancestors (“Pitru-Devatas”). However, having said thus, it is imperative that we perform our regular monthly “Tarpanam” and our yearly “Shraadham” for our ancestors without fail, even though we’ve performed the “Gaya-Shraadham”. It is a myth in the present day that if we’ve performed the “Gaya-Shraadham”, nothing else needs to be done. It is totally wrong and baseless. Our “Sanaatana Dharma” literature clearly says that of course, the “Gaya-Shraadham” is mandatory and is extremely important, however, this cannot be an excuse for forgoing the other regular “Tarpanams” and annual “Shraadham”. We’ve to continue performing our regular duties, and if some of our readers might have been misled by this above-mentioned myth, we request you to henceforth recommence your regular routines. Also, in the previous episode, we had answered a few other myths as well – Why at all should we perform the “Tarpanam” or “Shraadham” for our departed parents, if they’ve already attained “Moksha” or “Svarga Lokha” or whatever, depending upon their past “Karma-Phalam”? What is the use of us doing all these procedures if these have no connections with our parents reaching wherever they’ve to reach? The answer is very simple – At the end of this birth, tomorrow we should attain “Moksha”, isn’t it? It is for this reason we’re performing all these procedures. If we perform these duties stipulated by Bhagawan, He is going to get happy and with His happiness, we’re going to attain “Moksha”. We’ve to understand this point very clearly. 

Moreover, another question might come here – We’re performing these duties with water, “Thila”, “Pindams” (Rice balls), etc., aren’t we? Are these going to straightaway feed the “Pitru Devatas”? Of course, the answer is “No”! Whatever we offer as water or Thila or Pindams, or whatever, aren’t going to straightaway feed anybody! In fact, we’re disposing off everything once the procedure is over. Then why are we offering all these? The answer is very simple – Whatever we offer in terms of physical entities like water, etc. get combined with the “Mantras” that we chant and transform into food / drink that the “Pitru Devatas” in the “Pitru Lokham” would eat! Sitting on this earth, none of us know what is the type of food that the “Pitru Devatas” consume. It is for this reason, we offer whatever we consume in this earth, along with the “Mantras” that we chant. These “Mantras”, along with our offerings, would transform into the requisite food that the “Pitru-Devatas” consume. For instance, if we go to a bank and transfer some money to a friend or a relative, does the same currency notes go to the other person who is living far away? Only the amount gets transferred and the currency notes that the other person would withdraw from his / her place would be different from what we deposit here, isn’t it? Similarly here also, whatever we offer in the form of water, “Pindams”, etc. as physical entities get transferred into the food items that is edible for the “Pitru-Devatas”. This is what we’ve to understand here. 

Hence, the point is very simple – No matter whatever false narratives float and circulate amidst all of us, the fact remains simple – We should never compromise on our fundamental duties towards our “Pitru-Devatas”, in the form of “Shraadham” or “Tarpanam”. Moreover, many people might even have this myth – “Oh! We’re chanting so many slokas and “Mantras”! We’re already on the spiritual path, with the advice of our Guru / Spiritual Master! We’ve already ascended to a very high level in spirituality! Hence, we’re no more in the “state” wherein we need to perform these kinds of “Shraadhams” and “Tarpanams”!” All these are heights of stupidity! We should first of all realize that we’ve not ascended to any higher levels of spirituality. We’re all normal ordinary human beings, aspiring to walk the path of spiritual growth. We should of course have confidence in us, but over-confidence can be dangerous! Moreover, no “Guru” or “Spiritual Master” in this world would ever advise their disciples that they should forgo their “Tarpanam” and “Shraadham” and walk the spiritual path. This can never happen, and all these narratives are highly misleading! We should not get carried away by all this. 

Of course, obtaining a “Mantra-Updadesha” from a “Sadguru” or a “Spiritual Master” and chanting it constantly is extremely significant. In fact, I’ve written multiple episodes on the importance of obtaining a “Mantra” from a “Sadguru” on multiple occasions and we should consider ourselves extremely fortunate if we’re getting this opportunity. However, this doesn’t mean that we sacrifice our regular spiritual practices and focus on “Mantra-Chanting” only. The inner meaning is very simple – “Mantra-Chanting” on a constant basis will drive us towards “Moksha”, however, this practice would not be able to remove our “Karma” that would be a stumbling block in the middle, which would prevent us from going forward. Our duties like “Shraadham” and “Tarpanam” when performed regularly, would keep washing our “Karma” away, and if we keep chanting our “Mantra” along with this, we would be able to ascend towards “Moksha” easily. It is like this – Imagine there is a plant that produces beautiful flowers or fruits. Of course, we water the plant everyday and ensure that the plant is well-nourished. However, along with the nourishment, we should also keep plucking off all the weeds / poisonous shrubs that might grow near this plant, which would infect this plant and drain all the water / nourishment from it! Our “Karma” is like these weeds and poisonous plants. The procedure of plucking these weeds and poisonous plants is like performing our “Tarpanam” and “Shraadham” regularly. Thus, performing the “Tarpanam” and “Shraadham” would keep plucking away all the weed-like “Karma” and ensure that our “Mantra-chanting” which is like nourishment to the plant in terms of water would gain fruits and flowers, which is like transcending towards the ultimate “Moksha”! 

So for today, let us understand this point very clearly, and let us wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the significance of the “Gaya-Kshetra” and subsequently of the “Gaya-Shraadham” that we do for our ancestors (“Pitru Devatas”), including our parents after they depart from this world. This is something that all of us, as ardent followers of our “Sanaatana Dharma” should perform once in a lifetime, and it is mandatory as per the Vedas. We’ve witnessed how the “Pinda-Pradhaanam” procedure that we perform as part of the “Shraadha Karma” is very important. We perform the “Pinda-Pradhaanam” under the auspicious “Akshaya-Vatam” tree on the banks of River Phalguni. The “Pindams” are offered mainly to our mother, and subsequently to our father and the people of our previous three generations in our family. Apart from this, the “Pindams” can also be offered to those people who have had an unforeseen death due to medical conditions, accidents, suicides, etc. at an early age itself. Finally, the offerings can also be made for animals (“Bhoota-Pindam”) and also for our own self, if at all our subsequent generations might not offer for us when we pass away. Subsequently, after this “Pinda-Pradhaanam” procedure, we’ve to feed Brahmin Pandits (Gaya-Vaalis) who are present there, with a nice and a sumptuous meal. This would conclude the entire “Shraadham” exercise and with this, our “Pitru Devatas” would become extremely happy with our dedication and devotion. 

Of course, performing the “Shraadha Kaaryam” is quite strenuous and is quite expensive as well. One trip to Varanasi / Bhadreenaatha Kshetra and Gaya would cost us more than INR 1.5 to 2 Lakhs with all the procedures that we’ve to perform. We’ve to somehow allocate this funds for our own spiritual growth and do it, just like how we allocate our money for various other activities that we like to do. Many of us wouldn’t realize the significance of the “Gaya-Shraadham” and hence, we wouldn’t give much preference to this, and thus, we would conveniently say that we do not have the financial strength to perform the ‘Gaya-Shraadham”. The point here is that, this “Gaya-Shraadham” should be in our priority list. Just like how we give importance with regards to time and money for our personal and professional development, we should also give the same importance for our spiritual development and upliftment, isn’t it? As a human being born in this world, and as a son to our parents, Bhagawan has drafted a set of duties that we should perform towards our parents, and one of the most important duties is performing the “Gaya-Shraadham”. We should never miss this duty in our lifetime by giving some lame excuses. Some of us might complain that we have underlying health issues and because of this, we’re not able to travel all the way to Gaya to perform the “Shraadham”. All these are mere excuses. Where there is a will, there is a way. Gone are those days when transportation and connectivity were a challenge in our Bhaarata Desha. Now, we have excellent connectivity to Gaya and Varanasi and such things can never be an excuse. Moreover, if we have the willpower and the right intent, nothing in this world can be a hurdle. Hence, readers should think about all these points and do the needful. 

Having said thus, there are certain myths that we also need to understand and overcome. Many people say that if we perform the “Shraadha-Karma” in Gaya, it is implied that we do not need to perform the “Tarpanam” on Amaavaashya days, or the “Tarpanam” that we perform during the beginning of every month, or the annual “Shraadha-Karma” that we do every year on the date when our parents attained “Moksha”. All these are wrong. Even though we perform the “Gaya-Shraadham” once in a lifetime, it is imperative that we perform all the other “Karma” like “Tarpanam”, annual “Shraadham”, etc. as per the rules and regulations. Nowhere in the Vedas it is mentioned that if we perform the “Gaya-Shraadham” once, we needn’t perform any other thing after that. All these are just mere methods of escapism from our duties. Thus, the bottomline here is that, irrespective of whether we perform the “Gaya-Shraadham” or not, we’ve to continue doing our routine “Karma” without fail. We should never miss out on our “Nitya-Karma” which includes our basic “Sandhyavandanam”, etc. and our “Naimitthika Karma” which includes all these “Shraadham” procedures. We should continue performing our regular “Tarpanam” on the “Amaavashya” (No Moon days), every starting day of the month as per our regional calendars, on the days when there is a “Grahanam” (Solar / Lunar eclipse), etc. We should also perform our “Samvatsara-Shraadham” for our parents without fail every year. 

Also, there is another myth that our parents, irrespective of whether we perform the “Shraadham”, “Tarpanam”, etc. would or wouldn’t reach the “Moksha”, depending upon their “Paapa” and “Punya” accounts. If such is the case, who are we in the middle to “send” our parents to “Moksha” or to the “Pitru Lokha”? Of course, every “Atman” travels either to the “Naraka Lokha” or “Svarga Lokha” or “Pitru Lokha” or to the “Vaikuntam”, depending upon our “Karma” records. There is no denying that. Never in any “Shaastra” it is said that our parents ascend to the “Vaikunta” or wherever, only with the “Shraadham” that we perform. However, we perform all these “Karma” because, tomorrow we too should ascend to “Vaikuntam” isn’t it? These are rules and regulations given to us by Bhagawan. If we perform all these “Karma” properly, Bhagawan’s heart is going to melt in happiness that we’re obeying Bhagawan’s orders correctly. It is only with this happiness, is Bhagawan going to give us the ultimate “Moksha”. We should understand this point very clearly. Thus, it is obvious that our ancestors aren’t going to attain “Moksha” with the “Tarpanam” and “Shraaadham” that we perform. All these are performed because we should go to “Moksha” tomorrow after our demise from this world. 

So for today, let us understand and introspect these points very clearly, and let us wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed the significance of the next important “Punya-Kshetra” after the accord on Kurukshetra. Sage Naarada now talks about the “Gaya-Kshetra”, which is extremely important for performing the “Shraadham” for all our “Pitru-Devatas”. We had witnessed the background story behind the Gaya-Kshetra, which is located in the modern-day Indian state of Bihar. We’ve witnessed that Bhagawan Brahma wanted to perform a “Yaaga” by using the Raakshasa called Gayaasura, who was residing in this particular place. However, since Gayaasura was a stumbling block for Bhagawan Brahma, Bhagawan Vishnu had to interfere. In order to ensure the continuity of the “Yaaga” and to make sure that Gayaasura doesn’t create any hurdles, Bhagawan Vishnu keeps one of His divine lotus feet over Gayaasura’s chest, thus, preventing him from getting up and wreaking havoc! This is why the “Vishnu Paadam” (Bhagawan Vishnu’s lotus feet) is very significant in this “Gaya-Kshetra”. Many families have the “Vishnu Paadam” in their “Puja-room” and they perform all the daily rituals for it meticulously. It is also a customary practice for all those people who go to the “Gaya-Kshetra”, to buy a “Vishnu Paadam” (Available in all the nearby shops around the temple, and also inside the temple premises itself) and keep it in our “Puja-Room”. Thus, such is the significance of the “Gaya-Kshetra” and in today’s episode, we shall continue this discussion further. 

Moving on thus, all of us know that the most important “Karma” that we’ve to perform in this “Kshetra” is the “Shraadham”. We’ve already seen a glimpse of this in the previous episode as well, and we shall talk about it in detail. Readers should always remember this constantly – After our demise of both our parents, it is our bound duty as an ardent follower of our “Sanaatana Dharma” to perform the “Gaya-Shraadham” atleast once in our lifetime. This is very important for all of us to do, irrespective of whatever section, caste, etc. we belong to within our “Sanaatana Dharma”. There is this place called “Akshayavatam”, at some distance from the banks of River Phalguni, which flows through the place. This “Akshayavatam” is a tree, under which the “Shraadha Karma” is performed. It is believed that all the “Pitru Devatas” assemble in this particular tree and once we perform the “Shraadha Karma” here, they become extremely happy and provide their divine “Anugraha” straightaway without any question! It is a normal practice that we perform the “Pinda-Pradhaanam” to both our father and mother under this tree, with all the “Mantras” being chanted. Basically, a “Pindam” is nothing but a handful of boiled rice that is kept as a small ball, as part of the offering. More importance is given to the mother, than the father in this customary practice. In this, we first perform the normal “Tarpanam” for our “Pitru Devatas”, followed by the “Pinda-Pradhaanam”. We usually do it for three generations before ours – Our parental, grandparents and great grandparents’ generations. Thus, in general, we offer twelve “Pindams”. 

While we go there, we should remember all the names of people in our grandfather and great grandfather generations, which, unfortunately today, many of us don’t! We might of course remember our grandfather generation people, but if we’ve to recollect those of our great grandfather generation, it becomes tough. Hence, it is better to do some prior research and note down all the names before we embark for the “Gaya-Shraadham”. This is the normal routine, however, we can also offer “Pinda-Pradhaanams” to a variety of others as well – For instance, we can do the offering for people who had passed away in our own “Gothram” as well as our spouse’s. Some people in our family might have passed away at a young age due to various reasons such as diseases, accidents, etc. We can offer the “Pinda-Pradhaanams” to these people as well. Moreover, we can perform the offering to our own self as well. This is the most important point here – Even if our next generation doesn’t offer, we do not need to worry. We can offer them for ourselves and finish it off. 

Also, if there were pregnant women who had passed away in our family, they will also be eligible to obtain our offerings. Moreover, even animals are eligible for this. We can offer the “Pindams” for animals as well, and this is called “Bhoota-Pindam”. Normally, the total number of “Pindams” accounts to 32, which is all inclusive of the above mentioned list. Subsequent to the “Pinda-Pradhaanam” exercise, we normally offer tasty food to all the Brahmin Pandits who are present there. This exercise is called “Brahmana-Bhojanam”, and the entire “Shraadha-Karma” gets fulfilled with this practice. Hence, we should not stop with just the “Pinda-Pradhaanam” alone. We should also feed all the Brahmin Pandits there, who are referred to as “Gaya-Vaalis”. This is of course, a strenuous exercise, but we’ve to do all this once in a lifetime. Such is the importance of the Gaya-Kshetra, and this brings enormous spiritual benefits to all of us and also to our subsequent generations as well! 

So for today, let us understand this point very clearly and if we’ve not performed the “Gaya-Shraadham” till now, we should immediately take steps to perform the same! We shall continue this discussion in the next episode as well! Stay tuned! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed Sage Naarada rendering some important advice to Yudishtra upon visiting Kurukshetra and performing the “Jala-Tarpanam” for the “Pitru-Devatas” in this particular place. Sage Naarada emphasizes this point indirectly to Yudishtra, without revealing the fact that the great Mahabharata war is going to subsequently take place in this Kurukshetra-Bhoomi. However, without revealing the future, Sage Naarada advises Yudishtra to go and obtain the “Anugraha” of all the “Pitru-Devatas”, who in turn are going to be influential in some way or the other in the victory that Yudishtra is going to see against Duryodhana and Co. This is where we’ve discussed the significance of a Mahatma’s words and instructions. Unlike all of us, wherein our minds only have a limited capacity of thinking of the present moment, Mahatmas can think of all the three states – Present, past and future. Thus, with the requisite futuristic outlook, Sage Naarada is rendering this advice to Yudishtra, who in turn obeys his words without asking a question. Perhaps, if we were in Yudishtra’s state, we might have asked Sage Naarada thus, “Oh Sage! Why should I go all the way to Kurukshetra, which is thousands of kilometers away from where I am and perform the “Jala-Tharpanam”? I can do it sitting right here, isn’t it? Why should I specifically go and do it there?” Our so-called “intellect” will make us ask such questions, for which, Mahatmas would never directly reveal any answer. If they do so, they would be talking about some future happenings, which we might not even be able to connect! This is why, it is always better to go ahead and obey the words and instructions of the Mahatma, rather than cross-questioning him / her! This is something that all of us must understand as we move forward. 

Advancing further with the discussion thus, I shall talk about just two more “Punya-Kshetras” as we proceed further. After a detailed accord on the Kurukshetra, now Sage Naarada is talking about the “Gaya-Kshetra” and “Prayaga-Kshetra”. We shall see the uniqueness of these two places. We shall commence with the “Gaya-Kshetra”, which is currently in the North-Indian state of Bihar, on the banks of river Phalguni. Sage Naarada explains why this place called Gaya is very important. There was a Raakshasa by the name “Gayaasura”. Bhagawan Brahma wanted to perform a “Yaaga” (Spiritual Offering) by making use of this Raakshasa somehow. If Bhagawan Brahma wants to convince Gayaasura for the Yaaga, he is not going to do it by himself. Hence, Bhagawan Brahma decided to kill him and use his body as an instrument to perform the “Yaaga”. Thus, as per the plan, Gayaasura was killed and the “Yaaga” commences. However, even if Gayaasura was killed, he was threatening to come back to life again! Unable to understand the mystery behind this, Bhagawan Brahma straightaway went to Bhagwan Vishnu in Gaya, who is referred to as “Bhagawan Gathaadhara”. According to Bhagawan Brahma’s request, Bhagawan Gathaadhara pressed one of His legs on Gayaasura’s chest, thus, preventing him from standing up again. 

As Bhagawan Vishnu presses His leg upon him, Gayaasura himself pledges thus, “Oh Bhagawan! Until your divine lotus feet is pressing my chest, I wouldn’t stand and be of any hindrance to the “Yaaga”. However, the moment you take off your feet from me, I will stand up again!” Obeying Gayaasura’s words, until today, Bhagawan Vishnu is pressing Gayaasura’s chest with His divine lotus feet! This is why, Bhagawan Vishnu’s “Paada-Darshanam” (Vishnu Paadam) is extremely important in Gaya. Hence, whenever we go to Gaya, we should worship the most important “Vishnu Paadam”, that is pressing Gayaasura’s chest even today. We can even get small carvings of the “Vishnu Paadam” in the temple, and we shall buy it and keep it in our “Puja-Room”. We should be very careful with it and should perform all the austerities as per the rule-book, because, having the “Vishnu-Paadam” at our home is extremely significant. It is like having Bhagawan Himself residing in our homes! Many of our grandfathers and great grandfathers might be having the “Vishnu Paadam” already with them, and if it comes with generations, we should protect the “Vishnu Paadam” carefully. For those of us who have never had the “Vishnu Paadam” at home till now, we shall always go to Gaya and get it. 

Moreover, apart from this, there is an important tree by name “Akshaya-Vatam”. This is where all of us would go and perform the “Pinda-Pradhaanam” for our departed parents. Thus, apart from the significance of Bhagawan Vishnu, Gaya is an extremely important place for performing the “Pinda-Pradhaanam” for our parents, after they depart from this human birth. As we perform the “Pinda-Pradhaanam”, we should also offer the “Bhojanam” (Food with all ingredients) to the Brahmin Pandits who are there. The Brahmin Pandits who reside there are referred to as “Gaya-Vaalis”, and it is to these people, we should offer the “Bhojanam” after the “Pinda-Pradhaanam” is over. Readers should understand here that the “Pinda-Pradhaanam” is offered separately for both the mother and the father. In fact, the highest importance in this exercise is given to the mother, who has undergone enormous suffering and sacrifice to give birth to us. We can thus understand how much of importance is given to women in our “Sanaatana Dharma”.

So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall witness why the “Gaya-Shraadham” is extremely important. Stay tuned for an important accord! 🙂 

In the previous episode, we had witnessed an important accord given by Sage Vyaasa about Kurukshetra and how it is important that we perform the “Jala-Tarpanam” in this holy place. We’re witnessing this lengthy accord as part of the “Teertha-Yatra” Parva wherein, Sage Naarada is explaining all these points to Yudishtra, and Sage Vyaasa has documented all these details. Thus, the significance of various “Punya-Kshetras” of our Bhaarata Desha have been brought about here very beautifully along with the benefits that we would obtain by visiting each of these places. Of course, due to various constraints, we’re discussing only a few of them here and readers can have a lengthy understanding / reading on their own convenience at a later context. If we look at the Kurukshetra today, of course, at a later stage, Bhagawan Krishna has gifted the Bhagawad Gita to the entire world in this very particular “Kshetra” and for all of us, it is extremely important that we visit this holy place without fail. Even if we’re visiting or not visiting other important “Kshetras”, we should never miss this Kurukshetra at any cost. Even today if we go, there is a special place that is earmarked with a beautiful chariot wherein Bhagawan Krishna and Arjuna are seated upon. This is the very place where Bhagawan Krishna had gifted the “Gita-Shaastra” to Arjuna, and also to all of us. Even today we can see a huge barren land / ground near this Bhagawan Krishna’s chariot, and it is believed that the marque battle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas took place at this very place. 

To elaborate the significance of Kurukshetra even further, all of us should understand that it is not only the birthplace of the “Gita-Shaastra”, but also, the birthplace of the famed “Shri Vishnu Sahasranamam” as well! We’re going to witness all these in detail in the upcoming “Parvas” and episodes, but just to fit this into the current context, Bhishmachaarya is going to sing in praise of Bhagawan Krishna, as Bhagawan Krishna Himself is looking on! At the end of the war when the Pandavas emerge victorious, Bhishmachaarya is going to render some important pieces of advice pertaining to the “Raaja-Dharma”, and as part of this explanation, Bhishmachaarya is going to reveal the significance and the inner-truth about Bhagawan Krishna, who is none other than Bhagawan Vishnu Himself in a human form! Thus, the “Vishnu Sahasranamam” (Thousand names of Bhagawan Vishnu) was born in this very place of Kurukshetra only! 

This is exactly why Sage Narada is stressing upon this place repeatedly. In fact, we should understand that Sage Naarada is a “Tri-Kaala-Gnyaani”, which means, a person who is aware of the past, present and the future as well. Sage Naarada obviously knows that this is the very place wherein the battle is going to take place, and the entire Kaurava camp is going to be destroyed here. However, he doesn’t show that out to Yudishtra directly, but stresses that Yudishtra and Co. should pay a visit to Kurukshetra and perform his spiritual duties from here. This itself was a morale-booster to Yudishtra and Co. Thus, the inner meaning to what Sage Naarada is trying to explain is very simple – He guides Yudishtra to obtain the divine “Anugraha” of all the “Pitru-Devatas” from the very place where the fight is going to take place. This would automatically aid Yudishtra to win the war quite easily, as he would clearly have all the “Pitru-Devatas” lending their support and providing their divine “Anugraha” to him! 

Thus, the message is loud and clear – If a Mahatma (Divine Spiritual Master) says something, it might outwardly sound very simple and like a mere story / explanation. However, the in-depth meaning of the words that come out of a Mahatma’s mouth can be extremely significant that many a time, we might even fail to understand even a small percentage of it! This is why we always emphasize that if a Mahatma or a Spiritual Guru is saying something to us, we should blindly obey it without asking back even a single word! This is because, our minds have an obvious limitation to think only about the present moment, and we do not have the capacity to think beyond. Whereas, this is not the case with Mahatmas. Because of their intense power of “Tapas” (Penance), their minds have breached this limitation, and can go to any extent to think about the past and future as well. Thus, if a Spiritual Master is rendering us some advice, it is obvious that He / She is deeply concerned about our past and future too, while doing so. Since, we do not have the capacity to comprehend what our future would be, it is better that we listen and obey our Mahatma’s words without fail, which ultimately would put us on the track to achieve the ultimate goal – “Moksha”! This is exactly what Sage Naarada is also doing here! 

So for today, let us understand up to this point, and in the next episode, we shall continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂