Akka Mahadevi

The legendary saint Akka Mahadevi was born around 1130 A.D.  in Udutadi. Udutadi is a small village in Shimoga District, at present in Karnataka, India. 

She hailed from an orthodox Veera Saiva family. Her parents were Nirmalshetti and Sumathi. Both the parents were belongs to a literate community of the time. She was given proper education and brought up as an intellectual and pious maiden. In a early age she displayed a very strong inclination to religious matters. She became a great poet of the time who sang the glory of Lord Siva. 

She was married to king Kaushigan with some prenuptial agreements about her belief and practices . The king was a Jain (follower of Jainism). When time went on, her belief and practices were disrespected by the king. This caused a strong disagreement and conflict between them.  She rejected her family life and left the palace as a Digambari. Digamabari is a practice of nudity as an absolute pre-requisite in Jainism to the medicament's path and to attain moksha.

She covered her body with her tresses.  When Allama Prabu, a mystic-saint and a didactic poet asked her for the reason she is covering her body as she chose to be Digambari. She answered him that it is to prevent others to get distracted by her nudity. He respected her purity of the heart and started to call her as Akka (elder sister) Maha Devi.  

She was  praying to Lord Shiva (Chenna Mallikarjuna) with a Madhura Bhava. Madhura bhava is traditionally understood as a form of devotion where a person is absolutely make the Lord as her worldly and eternal soul mate. Akka Maha Devi declared herself as the bride of Lord Shiva and was singing the glory of Him. All her poems and songs (called as Vachanas) ends with Chenna Mallikarjuna. The poems are simple but with a higher order experiences. For example, this is one of her poems.

Lord, see my mind touches you
Yet doesn’t reach you;
My mind is troubled.
Like a toll-keeper at the city gates,
My mind is unhappy.
It cannot become empty
Forgetting duality.
Show me how you can become me,
O Chennamallikarjuna, jasmine-tender.

She became a wandering saint-poet. She was travelling to many places singing the glory of the Lord. Her life as was a great inspiration for women empowerment and enlightenment at that time. She also took part in many gatherings of the learned to discuss as well as debate about the philosophy of emancipation and enlightenment.  

At the end of a life, she was practicing tapas (spiritual exercise leading to moksha) in the thick forest cave at Kadali, Srisailam. The place was located near to her beloved Lord Chenna Mallikarjuna. She then had herself united with her Lord in 1166 AD.

Karpuravalli

Scientific name : Plectracthus Amboinicus
English : Indian borage / Indian mint / Cuban Oregano
Ayurveda : Patta Ajwain
Siddha : Omavalli
Tamil : Karpuravalli

It is used as a common herb in south Asian countries. It is a tender and fleshy perennial plant. It is planted as a home garden or potted plant. It is highly aromatic (camphor/karpuram aroma) with short, soft and hairy leaves. It can be planted just by stem cutting. It grows very fast with little water and sunlight.

Medicinal use 
treating cold, cough and fever in infants
improve digestion and stimulate appetite for small children
cure hiccough
cure malaria fever
treat sore throat and nasal congestion
relief stomach problems  such as flatulence, nausea and diarrhoea
antiseptic - treating infections, wounds, skin allergy, skin ulcer
prevent rheumatism
cure chronic asthma
promote liver health
treat epilepsy
combat colic pain
treat venomous insect bite
cure headache

Use as Food
dip the leaves in batter to make pakora or mix together to make bajji
flavoring meats
meat tenderizer
use as salad

How to use
1. leaves are crushed and the juice extracted (heated up for a while) will be mix with honey or sweetened water for infant and children
2. brew some leaves to make concoction
3. make tea using the leaves - add sugar (rock sugar) and drink
4. just chew some leaves together with some sweet stuffs
5. crush some leaves and patch it on wounds or insect bites

Mathematics in Yajur Veda

A sloka in Yajur Veda describes how mathematics was used since the time immemorial, even by a layman. 2nd sloka in Chapter seventeen of Yajur Veda is a sloka on prayers to increase the number of cattles. Cattles represent the wealth of a person in those days. Thus, the sloka was used to pray for  a person's success in worldly  life which will lead him to the higher level. Success in worldly life is important for a person to lead a proper karmik  and dharmik life for attaining moksha.

The sloka/prayers sound in such:-
"Our number of cattles ought increase from one to ten, ten to hundred, hundred to thousand, thousand to ten thousand, ten thousand to hundred thousand, hundred thousand to one million, one million to hundred millions, hundred millions to thousand millions, thousand millions to mahapadmam, mahapadmam to shank, shank to samudram, samudram to madyam, madyam to prarthk, prarthak to the higher number that lead me to a wealthy life here and hereafter. To guard the wealth, let it give me the strength and punya that equal to the bricks that guards the homa fire"

This shows that how the Hindu mathematics calculation (probably Yajur Veda was compiled 1400-1000 BCE) at ancient time is outnumber recent mathematics figures of millions, billions, trillions and zillions. 

Gurukulam

 

It is the earliest schooling tradition in Hinduism.   It is a non-profit organization. The venue of the school is the Guru or Master's residence or house. The guru allows the students to live together with him.  The Guru  shelter the students and dispel the the darkness of their ignorance with the torch of his knowledge.  The students to live together with him for the entire the time of their courses or education.

It is called as Guru-Sishya parampara (tradition). 

These Gurukuls (school), preserve and spirited the knowledge handed down to us by the Rishis. Till to this date these Gurukuls are the one keeping alive our Vedas, Upanishad, agamas, yogas and also other body of knowledges (vinyana).

In a Gurukul, the sishyas will live under the same roof, irrespective to their social or economic status. A king's son will stay together with a pauper's son. For example, Krishna was Gurukul at their Guru Santipani, together with Kushela (a poor boy). They will be treated equally by the Guru. He let them live together with him. He act as a parent or substitute as a parent, with all the normal forms of parental disciplines. 

He teaches them formal and informal education. The formal education will be the course he is adjoint for. It will be either learning of vedas and religious based knowledge or other skills such as yoga, astrology, medicine, alchemy, language, grammar, martial arts, weaponry,  music, agriculture etc. 

The basic principle of the system is learning by serving. The serve the Guru during the course as he lives in a remote area. The Guru acting as a  parent,  nurture them mentally, intellectually, emotionally, spiritually. The Guru observes the students' characters and temperaments each and everyday. Then, he imparts the knowledge accordingly. The students make the Guru as their role model. They will learn from him and also help him in doing the mundane things like washing, cleaning, gardening, herding the domestic animals, looking for firewoods and etc. The Guru with his flawless character, imbibe moral and ethical values for the students to lead a successful life.  

Till today there is a Gurukul in every part of India

Sustainable development in Hinduism

In Hinduism, divinity should not be segregated from creation and the all-embracing presence should be constantly felt. It teaches that everything is interrelated and interdependent. It is reflected in the Upanishas which emphasis that:

 “…This Universe is the creation of Supreme power meant for the benefit of all His [sic] creation. Each individual life form must therefore learn to enjoy its benefit by forming part of the system in close relation with other species. Let not any one species encroach upon the rights of the others. The universe along with its creatures, belong to the Lord. No creature is superior to any other. Human beings should not be above nature. Let no one species encroach over the rights and privileges of other species..”.

       Hindu ancient practice already applied sustainability in their life system where they disciplined the society by partitioning the use of natural resources according to specific occupations thus created ‘ecological space’ which help to reduce competition among various people for limited natural resources. 

            Furthermore, a Hindu is expected to be carried out environmental values and duties in daily lives. Even they address their tradition as manava dharma or human culture. Dharma connotes moral value that shows the essentiality to uphold, maintain, support, or nourish the human needs.  Generally, dharma is implied in his daily practices as he sees everything he acquires in abundance belongs to the almighty. As stated in Atharva Veda, versus 12.1:

Earth, in which lie the sea, the river, and other waters,
            in which food and cornfields have come to be,
            in which live all that breathes and that moves,
            may she confer on us the finest of her yield....

            Set me, O Earth, amidst what is thy center and thy navel,
            and vitalizing forces that emanate from thy body.
            Purify us from all sides. Earth is my Mother; her son am I;
            and Heaven my Father: may he fill us with plenty....
                                                                                        Atharva Veda 12.1

          The empathy and compassion to all living and non-living things and to live harmoniously with the nature is inbuilt in their traditions. To live a meaningful life, which in this context can be equated with the notion of living sustainably, Indians adhere to the tat twam asi or ‘Thou art I’ (Chandokya Upanishad) philosophy, a fundamental concepts of compassion towards the whole existence.

Aruvatham Patchai

Scientific name - Ruta Graveolens
English - Rue or herb of grace
Siddha - sada pillai
Tamil- Aruvatham patchai

It is a delicate plant until it is called as herb of grace. It is easily wither if it is happen to be touched with impurity  hands. Indians see it as one of the sacred plants. It has a special fragrance. The leaves are bitter in taste. It is a great help for newborn baby care. But, it is recommended to use in a small quantity.

Benefits:-
1. the leaves are used for treating discomfort or indigestion (non-stop crying) and also sudden burst of tremors or quivering among newborn babies - the leaves (one or two) are rolled to make small amulet and tie it to the infant hand as a wristband. Baby will sniff the leaves whenever it brings the hand close to the nose. This cures the discomfort in the baby.

2. crushed leaves are use to make cough syrup or decoction to prevent or combat phlegm.

3. boil few leaves to make decoction and drink it for improve bowel movement and detoxification.

4. smoke the dried leaves to purify the air and deter insects and also to fungal free our home environment.

5. can be used as edible food and salad dressing.

Now it is planted as an ornamental garden plant. Its bluish leaves and tolerance to the extreme climate and poor soil  make it  gardeners choice to beautify gardens. Its also good as insect repellent. It can be used to deter some animals that messing up our garden like cats - cats dislike the smell of this plant.

Rivers

The flowing water on the land, the so called river are given a divine status in Indian culture. All the Indian civilizations was began and nurtured either at the river banks, river basins or river mouth. The rivers are worshiped as for its divinity and purity. It is believed that a bath taken in a flowing water removes all our sins. Water is considered as a powerful media of purification and also as a source of energy. It is considered sacred and respectable. For Hindus to pollute rivers meaning to go against their religion and certainly goes to hell. 

There are seven rivers which are named, particularly, as most sacred for Hindus. They are river Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu (Indus) and Kaveri. Thus, everytime we cleanse our body before prayers or even for a normal bath, it is better for us to recite the sloka below. 

" Ganga Cha Yamuna Chaiva Godavari Saraswati,

Narmada Sindhu Kaveri Jalesmin Sannidhim Kuru" 

(In this water, I invoke the presence of divine waters from rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu and Kaveri. They are the river goddesses, and I pray to them for their blessings")

Though we never get the chance to bath in these rivers always, by reciting this sloka it is considered that our bath is auspicious as a holy bath.  

There are some other rivers, beside the above seven, that also given a sacred status. They are Saryu, Gandaki, Gomathi, Sabarmati, Tamsa, Chandarbhaga, Shirpa and Kratmala. 

But, recent studies shows that many or  almost all the rivers are in a poor condition. Uncontrolled urbanisation, industrialisation, illegal mining, pollution due to discharge of untreated industrial effluents, changing agricultural practices, shift to water intensive crops, over exploitation of groundwater and agriculture have contributed to the death of rivers. 

To make sure the ecological flow of the rivers, we need to educate the locals to plants more trees, remove the silt from the river's catchment area and curb solid and hazardous waste from dumped in the waters. 

Cheruk Tok Kun Relics

A shed to protect the relics

The boulder inside the shed

Cheruk Tok Kun Relics is in Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang. It is located at the compound of the St. Anne's Church, Bukit Mertajam. The relics is a large granite boulder with carved inscription on it. The carving is believed to be the southernmost inscription found in this region. If Bujang Valley is Kingdoms are recorded as early as  2nd or 3rd century, Cheruk Tok Kun is carving is probably latter than that. The boulder was gazetted by Malaysian government on 1973. 

Inscription on the boulder

According to Dr Jayabarathi (renowned researcher in Malaysia), this inscription was probably carved around the 5th - 6th centuries.The script is Pre-Pallava and the language is Sanskrit. The inscriptions speaks about 'Thus vanquish, the enemies of King Ramaunnibha'.  

The Southeast Asian Archaeological Blog verifies that there are seven inscriptions all together on the boulder. One of the inscriptions translates as 'pratame vayasi' or in the time of youth. But the other  inscriptions that yet be translated.

St Anne Church, Bukit Mertajam

Gist of Taittriya Upanishad

He who realizes Brahman attains the supreme with reference to that very fact it has been declared:

"Brahman is Existence, Intelligence, Infinitude;

he who realizes him treasured in the cave,
in the highest ether,
fulfills all wants together,
as Brahman the omniscient.

Brahman being the ground and substratum of all,
he is immanent even in contradictories.
Whatever is perceived,
intuited, or imagined,
all that is He".

-Taittirioupanishad by Swami Sarvananda, Ramakrishna Math

Traditional farming

Worldwide, poor agricultural practices has reduced soil organic carbon (SOC) in an alarming level. SOC is carbon stored in the soil.  It is part of the soil organic matter (SOM) which  is made up of a complex and varied mixture of materials such as crop residues, humus and animal matters in a various stages of decay.  SOC in a healthy soil should be >10 percent. But in a heavily exploited soil, the SOC level is  <1 percent.  

The poor soil cause the farmers to use excess amount of artificial fertilizers and pesticides. By doing this, farmers try to yield quick results. But, do they know these will give a negative impact on the natural nutrients and potential of the soil? The excess use of pesticides and fertilizers will contaminate and pollute the water and environment. 

Thus, we need a sustainable, environment friendly and socially responsible farming. Traditional farming system that fit into the desired agrosystem, able to produce sufficient high quality food whilst maintaining and enhancing biodiversity and our natural environment. This type of  farming  uses local techniques such as crop rotation, green manure compost and biological pest control. 

Nowadays,  farmers are advised to implement integrated farming with agricultural and horticulture crops, cattle and sheep rearing, poultry and bee keeping and vermin-culture. Dairy farming is pursued with native breeds of cattle, which were disease-resistant and sturdy.

In India,traditional farming uses mixture containing cow dung, cow urine, organic jaggery, humus soil and flour made from assorted grams ( It is said that one cow is sufficient to produce enough manure for 30 acres). This mixture will rejuvenate soil where the micro-nutrients of the soil give an immune system that capable for the crop to protect itself from diseases.  It also gives better nutrient value to the soil to produce bigger and better sizes crops. Furthermore, there is a huge demands for organic products worldwide.

In small household gardens, one can try using traditional farming method by using a smaller quantity of cow dung, cow urine and sugar. The mixture will be :-

1 kg cow dung

5 liters of cow urine

1 kg jaggery/ sugar

additional  

neem leaves

pungan leaves (punggai mara ilai)

Dump cow dung, cow urine and sugar in a drum. Water will be let in into the drums. neem leaves and pungan leaves in gunny bags will be dumped in the drum. This leaves as a value added input to the to the manure produced. After fermentation for 24 hours , the generated manure from the drum would be let to the plants using drip irrigation. The plants or crops grown in these manure and method are surely disease resistant. 

Arulmigu Bala Thandayuthapani Hilltop Waterfall temple, Penang

Original waterfall temple

The original temple was located within the ground of Penang Botanical gardens. A sadhu (holy man) has chose a spot close to the waterfall (see picture) to build a temple for Murugan around mid of 18th century. It was called as Tanneer malayaan temple. The early Tamil traders, merchants-bankers and moneylenders (Chettiars) and laborers (ferried water to Georgetown) are the devotees of the temple. Since 1800 the temple shrine become the centre for Thaipusam celebration. But, in 1850 the temple was replaced with a new one, when the Penang population swelled drastically and the need for clean water increased. British government  planned to build a reservoir and the site is reserved.  

Now, the temple is in a restricted area controlled by Penang Water Board. Every Thaipusam celebrations the temple committee members with the priest will have a special prayers at the temple and five pots of water will be carried from the waterfall for Abishegam to Lord Muruga and the presiding deities of the old temple.  

 Old temple

The old Thandayuthapani temple was dates from 1850. The British Government has offered an eleven acre land on hillside to build a new temple at the hillside.  A temple was built in a new site (see picture) with name Waterfall temple. Thaipusam celebration was continued. It draws a huge crowd year after year. Though it has undergone renovations in every 12 years cycles (punarutharanam), according to Agamas, the temple site was too small and unable to handle the devotees needs and welfare. Besides Thaipusam, the devotees also increased in number during Chitra Pournami, Kanda Sasti, Karthigai, Adi Pournami festivals. A new temple site was planned to accommodate the increasing number of devotees (estimated up to 700,000 visitors at a time).

New waterfall Hilltop temple

The new site was located at the top of the hill. One has to climb 511 steps - leading from the foothills to reach the temple. The world renowned temple architect  and vaastu expert Dr V. Ganapathy Stapathi was consulted in building the temple. Skilled Indian craftsmen were brought to complete the temple structure according to the temple Agamas. Now, it stands magnificently -  with 21.6m tall raja gopuram (equal to seven storeys building) and 20, 000 sq ft hall (maha mandapam).  It temple interior and exterior was ornately adorned with intricate south Indian architecture. The temple pillars feature the 14th and 15th century Chola and Pallava kingdoms temple designs. The Maha kumbhabishegam or consecration ceremony was done on 29th June 2012. 

maha mandapam

Gopal's Ma

Gopal Ma

Born as Aghormani Devi(1822) at Kamarhati, Kolkata. She was a child widow. She was initiated with her chosen deity (Child Krishna) and given  Gopala mantra. Since then, her spiritual life began. She has devoted her whole love, life and energy to the child Krishna.

She was born in a orthodox brahmin family. She shaved her head as customary rules for a widow. She started a hermit life with a little money  she got from selling her jewellery and properties. She led a intensively contemplative life in a temple garden at Kamarhati.

Here is the little description of  her daily routine for more than 30 years starting from 1852 till 1883.
She would rise at 2 am to do her spiritual practices (pooja, japa and tapa) till 8 am. She cleans the temple and all the pooja vessels, picking flowers, making garlands and sandal paste for the temple deities. And then she takes  a bath at the Ganga river and meditate under a Bilva tree. After meditation she will cook food and offered it as prasad for the the boy Krishna. She partakes the prasad and takes little rest. She then starts again her japa until evening . It is followed by listening to the bhajan and kirtans sang in the temple. She takes a light supper at night and starts her japa again until midnight.

Gopal Ma stayed here alone

In 1884 she met her Guru, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Sri Ramakrishna has never talked any spiritual matters to Gopal's Ma but he was the one who started to call her as Gopal's Ma. He would ask for food whenever she contacted him. 1885 she gained a vision that Sri Ramakrishna is melting into boy Krishna. Since then, she started to have uninterrupted visions of boy Krishna day and night - singing, dancing and playing. Sri Ramakrishna has told her that she has attained the goal of her spiritual practices.  

She was grief stricken when Sri Ramakrishna passed away (1886). But she had the repeated vision of the Master who had consoled her and brought her out from the grief. She went on with her daily routine of doing japa with her Gopala Mantra. Occasionally, she visited the Baranagore monastery (Sri Ramakrishna's monk disciples stayed here, led by Swami Vivekananada). She fell ill in 1903 but never stop her daily japas. She had chanted her Gopala Mantra million and million of times until the day of her demise. She was taken care by Sister Nivedita during her last few years. She died on 9th July 1906 at the bank of the river Ganga.

Puli

Scientific name - Tamarindus indica
English - Tamarind
Ayurveda -  Thinthrinee
Tamil - Puli

Its native is Sudan, Africa. But, it was introduced to India long ago. It has been adopted into Indian culture until worldwide it has been perpetuates the illusion of Indian origin.

Tamarind fruits are collected/ harvested by shaking the branches or let the ripe fruits fall naturally. The fruit is shelled and sprinkled lightly with salt as preservative. To store it for long the pulp should be steamed or sun dried for several days.

The fruit is generally, sour in taste. But, there are some sweet varieties  also, such as "Makhamwaan" from Thailand and "Manila Sweet" from USA.

The pulp of the is rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. Tender or young green fruits are rich in ascorbic acid.

The use:-

Food
1. tender fruit is cooked as seasoning with rice, fish or meat
2. the pulp is soaked and extracted to make chudneys, curries and sauces
3. seeded pulps are coated with sugar to eat as sweetmeats
4. homemade tamarind cordial drinks
5. commercial production of spiced tamarind beverages

In Industry
6. kernels are used to produce 'jellose', 'polyose' or 'pectin' -gel-forming substance.
-  It is used in manufacturing jellies, jams and marmalade.
-  It can be used to preserve fruits
-  It is used as stabilizer in ice cream, mayonnaise and cheese.
-  It is used as an ingredient or agent in some pharmaceutical products
7. The powder made from grinding the tamarind kernels are used:-
-  to sizing and finishing cotton, jute and spun viscose
-  for dressing homemade blankets
-  for colour printing of textiles, paper sizing, leather treating
-  for manufacturing structural plastic, a type of glue for wood, a stabilizer in bricks, a binder in         sawdust briquettes and a thickener in some explosives
-  painting dolls and idols as it produce  amber oil which works as illuminant or varnish
7. Its wood it hard, heavy, strong , durable and insect resistance. It is a good source for:-
-  furniture, tool handles, wheel, panelling, planks for boats, ploughs, rice pounders, mortars and
    pestles etc.
-  charcoal for manufacturing gun-powder
-  fuel for brick kiln
-  ashes for tanning and de-hairing goat-skin
-  young stems for walking sticks

Medicine
8. The tamarind pulp preparation is used as :-
-   refrigerants in fevers
-   laxatives
-   combating flatulence
-   remedy for biliousness or bile disorders
-   pulp extract and salt mixture (diluted) to gargle for sore throat
-   pulp extract and salt mixture (thick) applied as ointments for rheumatism and sun strokes
-   pulp extract for the restoration of senses for paralysis cases
-   tamarind drinks for digestion and alcoholic intoxication
-   vermifuge domestic animals - cattle, goats, elephant
9. The tamarind leaves and flowers (dried and boiled) are used  as :-
-   bandages for swollen joints, sprains and boils
-   treating Pink eye (Madras eye/conjunctivitis)  
-   antiseptic
-   treating dysentery
-   combating jaundice
-   curing erysipelas (red skin)
-   treating hemorrhoids
10. The bark of the tree (fried with salt and powdered)
-   cures indigestion and colic
-   herbal drinks curbs gingivitis, asthma and eye inflammations
-   ashes are applied open sores and rashes
11. The tamarind roots are made herbal drinks to cure :-
-   chest complaints
-   leprosy   

Siakai

Scientific name - Acaccia Cincinna
English - Shikakai/ Soap pod
Ayurveda - Shikakai
Siddha - Siakai/Shikaikai ( Shikai-treses , Kai-fruit)

Part to be used :- fruit pods, leaves and bar

How to use :- sun dried and ground to make powder or paste

Benefits:-
1. traditional shampoo (preserve scalp's natural oils)
2. good scalp cleanser (extremely mild cleanser with very low pH)
3. hair detangler (no need to use conditioner)
4. anti-dandruff
5. strengthen hair roots
6. promotes hair growth
7. coolant for the scalp
8. increase bounciness and silkiness of the hair
9. remove dirt and excess oil accumulated on the scalp
10. helps darken the hair
11. enhance natural hair dye (good preparation before hair colouring)

 Dried shikakai pod

powdered shikakai

Temple

This body of ours is the temple of God - Kathoupanishad

The structure of the temple represents the macrocosm (the universe) and the human body as microcosm (the inner space).Temples' ground plan is described as a symbolic miniature of a cosmos.

Temples are built based on Vedic Shastras with a firm concept and aesthetic sense. The procedure for building a temple is called as Karshanadi Pratisthantam. According to our Veda agamas a temple should be built in a square shape. It would be divided into 64 or 81 smaller squares, each squares represent a specific divinity. The square in the centre house the main deity of the temple. Image of the deity that used is called archa (by Panini- great grammarian).

                                                    Prambanan Shiva temple in Indonesia

                                                         Cross section of a main temple

                                                               Ground plan o f a temple

The archa or the deity is housed in garbhagraha (womb of the temple). The garbhagraha is crowned by a Vimana. Pillared halls called mandapas is place in front of the garbhagraha.  It is joint together with the main temple to form a hall for public rituals . There are few type of mandapams -  artha mandapam, asthana mandapam, kalyana mandapam, maha mandapam. The mandapam are bulit to use as balconies, assembly halls and auditoriums.There are also outer pillars and pilasters known as gopuras which are the getaways for the temples.

A Stapathi (traditional temple architect)  is the one who has full authority in delivering and interpreting the Hindu temple art and architectural elements. Currently, the iconic Dr. V. Ganapathi Stapathi and his grand nephew Santhanam Krishna Stapathi are patronizing the knowledge of Sthaptya Veda architecture.

Indian bath

Purity and hygiene is very important for a Hindu. From birth till to the death there are different type of bathing and bathing rituals are being done in our culture.

Human body is the centre of electric currents and impulses. Maharishi Vaatsyaayana has described various powers centres in our human body. Energy is generated and emanated in all our deeds and activities throughout the day. Our body get lethargic and need to be refreshed. Thus, we need to freshen up ourselves mentally and physically.
  

Bathing or refreshing the whole body is the  best option to rejuvenate oneself. Bathing in a flowing water and merge oneself in chest deep water as enumerated by our ancient scriptures enhances electro magnetic activity in our body.

1. Morning bath

காதார் குழையாடப் பைம்பூண் கலனாடக் 
கோதை குழலாட வண்டின் குழாம் ஆடச் 
சீதப் புனல்ஆடிச் சிற்றம் பலம்பாடி 
வேதப் பொருள்பாடி...

(First 4 versus (Pasuram 14 of Thiruvembavai by Manickavasagar)

மார்கழித் திங்கள் மதி நிறைந்த நன்னாளால்
நீராட போதுவீர்...
(First 2 versus from Pasuram 1 of Thirupavai by Andal)

Both the Pasurams from Thiruvembavai and Thirupavai  talk about the beginning of the day that start with a morning bath. It plays an integral part Indians daily routine. Bathing in flowing water is considered the best. We should wet our feet first before wetting the other parts of the body. Then enter into the water to wet the top of the head. These  is considered as the proper way to cleanse and energize our body.

Since there is a bathroom in every household nowadays, bathing styles changes according to the priority. Some use shower to bath and others use tap water collected in a bucket (using mugs to pour the water to the head and the body).

Normally, modern Indians use soap to cleanse their body. Initially, sandalwood powder, green gram powder, flowers, siakai (shikakai), coconut milk, coconut/neem or sesame oil and fire ashes are the things commonly used in Indian bathing culture to cleanse the body and hair.

2. Evening bath

Tropical and warm climate make it necessary for us to take an evening bath.  Furthermore, a hindu need to take a bath before prayers. Thus bathing is needed for the to offer their prayers. However, it is advised to take evening bath before seven o'clock. According to elders, taking a late bath will cause nerves  or lung problem.

    

3. Infant bath

A newly born is washed with a great care. Bathing the infant is make the baby clean,  healthy and to enhance its overall development. Traditional baby care customs is followed by Indian till today for the first 40 days. Usually, a midwife is appointed to carry out the custom. Green Gram powder and fresh turmeric paste will be used to bath a newborn in a lukewarm water. The baby will be laid on the thigh and front leg of the midwife and the body and leg is washed with a gentle massage. Finally the face and the hair will be washed gently without suffocating the baby. Styrax resin (sambrani) mixed with turmeric smoke is used to dried out the hair and body. Finally, vasambu is scrubbed and applied on baby's palm and feet.

4. New mother bath

A mother in confinement  is need to be taken care from infection and exhaustion of childbirth. She will be given a full body massage usually oil massage. Once she is ready to take a bath, a house elder or midwife will be bathing the new mother. Herbal bath is given using herbs and spices- such as nunaa leaves, notchi leaves, lemon grass, neem leaves (boiled and mixed with water), turmeric and so on. Then, she will be toweled to dry and proceeded with sambrani to perfume the body and hair.

5. Puberty bath

When a Hindu girl is gets her first period, Ruthu Sadanggu will be done. It is meant to educate the girl about the culture, customs, maturity, hygiene and health so that she gets herself prepared to face the new world as a woman. One of the rituals done is bathing the girl with specially prepared water. The water is added with turmeric powder (anti bacterial), seven type of flowers (fragrance) and lime (anti-oxidant and ward of evil energy)). Her close relatives (usually aunts) will help the girl to get her first bath after attaining puberty and the ritual is on for two weeks. Sandalwood powder and green gram powder are used to scrub the body.  A sesame oil massage will be given and shikakai and turmeric is used to rinse of the excess oil.

6. Marriage bath

A hindu bride is given an elaborate wedding ritual bath prior the wedding day. The nalanggu ceremony done three or five days consecutively before the wedding is actually connected to the wedding ritual ceremony. Her hair will be oiled (aromatic oil). Paste of milk, turmeric, sandalwood, green gram powder is applied on her face, body, hand and leg. Rose water will be sprinkled and she will be adorned with flowers by married ladies. Finally, she will be taken  to a flower and herbal bath before get dressed up. these process will be done until the wedding day to make the bride glow radiantly on a wedding day.

7. Ritual bath

A hindu man or woman's life is very much connected to water usually flowing waters or rivers. A hindu believes that water has spiritually cleaning power. It is considered by Hindus to be a purifier, life-giver, and destroyer of evil. It represents the "non-manifested substratum from which all manifestations derive". Thus, he takes a dip in water before offering prayers. Every big temples or ancient temples will be having a sizable water tank or pond for the bakthas to cleanse themselves. 

8. healing bath

Ayurveda, siddha and unani treatment is very much related to nature and its resources.  An oil massage is given prior to a steam bath in Kerala Ayurvedic treatment. it is to improve skin note and stimulates blood circulation. At times, herbal, spices, flowers and essences bath are recommended  to rejuvenate mental, physical and spiritual self.

9. Funeral bath 

It is a must for the body to be washed before the burial or cremation. A decent bath is given to the body using sandalwood paste, milk and rose water. Close family members will be doing it or a funeral director can be hired in conducting it accordingly. Then body will be anointed with sandalwood paste, decked with flowers and covered with new unbleached clothes. A person who has attended a funeral rite is required to take a bath. It is customary belief as warding off any evil or negative energy. 

10. Sacred Bath

The mark of penance for a Hindu pilgrim starts with a bath. He/she will take a holy dip in a flowing water either rivers or ocean before offering their prayer. Maha Kubh Mela is a biggest religious gathering that involves bathing as on of the important ceremony followed by prayers, religious and vedantic discourses, chanting, meeting the sadhus and so on.

Vastu-shastra

Vastu - to dwell/to exit
Shastra - science
Vastushastra - science to create building spaces to live in harmony with subtle nature

It unfolds the scientific principles and models of spiritual art and architecture to yield a harmonious flows of energy in the physical environment, attaining good health, wealth, intelligence, happiness and attunment with the wider universe - Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami (Hawaii)

Yet modifications of a building lead to a disturbance of energy inside the enclosed space. Hence, the shastras do not recommend any post-construction alteration - Dr. V. Ganapathi Sthapati (Renowed Indian architect and Vastushastra expert)

Vastushastra is an ancient knowledge that started with the main focus on the sacred architecture of Hindu temples around 6000 BCE to 3000 BCE. It is based on the harmony of  5 elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space- pritvi,appu, agni, vahyu and akasha). Indian science advocates that our universe is made up of these 5 elements and it coordinates with the human body as well.

 

 

Besides the 5 elements, the directions are important in Vastu practice. The directions correlate with the 5 elements. 8 directions ( north, east, west south, north east, north west, south east and south west) are given utmost importance with each as specific characteristic in deciding a harmonious life.
It can be simplified to:-

a. East - sun rise/ new beginning
b.West - sun set/ the success is not big
c. North - best for business people
d. South - successful in the beginning
e. Northeast - most auspicious
f. Northwest- good for interpersonal relationship
g. Southeast - good for logical and reasoning people
h. Southwest - direction for demons/ can command in business field

But this is only a basic. There are other sciences such as astrology, numerology and other Vastu factors also taken into consideration when planning a new structure or building.

Though the Northeast is auspicious in Vastushastra but the centre (Brahmasthan) is the one emanating the energy flow for the whole structure or site. The subtle energy flowing originate from Vastu Purusha and then spread into the four corners of a building.

(Vastu purusha the presiding deity of any site and his position is keep changing throughout the year)

 

Ramalingga Swamigal

Ramalingga Swamigal also known as - Ramaligga Adigalaar
                                                       - Arutprakasa Vallalaar Ramalingga Swami 
                                                       - Vallalaar

Parents - Ramaiah Pillai and Chinnamaiar

Birth Place - Maruthur (a village in Chitambaram, Tamil Nadu)

Born on 5th October 1823 and lived until 30th January 1874.

One of the greatest saints of 19th century, he...

a. was a critic, poet, writer, publisher and commentator and

b. had knowledge in occultism, alchemy, astrology and

c. traditional medicine practitioner particularly in the nutritional and medical values of herbs and leaves.

d. was a musician  with a keen musical taste for lyrical songs

e. a great soul with his highest and sublime realizations of the Divine, particularly that of Truth-consciousness (Satya Jnana).

Centres

He established 'Samarasa Suddha Sanmarga Satya Sanggam" , 'Satya Ngana Sabai" and 'Satya Darma Sala".

a. Samarasa Suddha Sanmarga Satya Sanggam -  centre for advocating a casteless society and equanimity in achieving universal self-hood

b. Satya Ngana Sabai - centre for teaching the True Knowledge (nyana)

c. Satya Darma Sala - centre for feeding the poor

Literary works

1. Thiruvarutpa  (compilations of 5818 poems about universal love and peace)

2. Manumurai Kanda Vaasagam

3. Jeeva Karunya Ozhukkam

Teachings

1. Service to the mankind is the path to Moksha.

2. God is the personifications of mercy and knowledge.

3. Path of final intelligence is "Jeevakarunyam" (mercy, compassion and benevolence).

His Maha Mantra is

" ArutperunJothi ArutperunJothi TaniperumKarunai ArutperunJothi". 

Thiruneetru patchai

Scientific name - Ocimum basilicum Linn
English - Java Tea/ Cat's Whiskers
Tamil - Thiruneetru patchai/ Siva Tulasi

It is an tropical herbaceous shrub (height of 1.5 meters). Its flowers are  unique (purple or white and bluish with filaments) resembling a cat’s whiskers. It can be seen growing in the forest and along roadsides.
 

The benefits :-
1. treats ailments of the kidney, kidney stone, bladder stone, gall bladder,  
2. treats urinary tract infection
3. control and normalize the urge to urinate
4. treats back pain
5. treats cold and cough
6.anti-allergic, antihypertensive, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory
7. remedy for capillary and circulatory disorders
8. prevents and control diabetes/ stabilize and normalize sugar level
9. remedy for rheumatism and gout
10. Anti fungal and anti-bacterial
11. treats muscle and joints pain associated with cold
12. reduces cholesterol and high blood pressure

 

 

How to use:-
 
1. flowers, stem and leaves (fresh or dried) are used make  herbal tea drinks
2. fresh flowers and leaves are crushed or mashed to extract herbal substance
3. chew fresh leaves
4. make salad
5. cook as vegetable
6. dried flowers, stem, leaves are powdered to make capsules

                                                                                           dried leaves