Spiritual significance of Pancha muga Kuthu Vilakku - Meaning and Why?

For the benefit of non Tamilians, Kuthu Vilakku is an oil lamp, lighted in pooja room in front of the deities in every home.

One perspective answer:
God is in the form of light In side of U to drive out the darkness of ignorance and to give ultimate happiness. So, Kuthu Vilakku is lighten to drive out all bad things in and around you and to bring you all good things and happiness.This represent god himself come and present before you in the form of light.The number of face( MUGAM) represent the particular deity and the letters of Beja Mandram.

Panchamugam means five face or five split-ed light represents lord Siva the deity who has five face.The basic chanting( BEEJA MANDRAM) is NA MA SI VA YA five letters.When U light Pancha Muga Kuthu vilakku and chanting AUM SI VA YA NA MA then God Siva come there to bless U and the people there . Grant all your prayers .
It is told in the "Nandesar negandu 300 padal 24 as" DEEBAM ENDRA PANCHA ARTHUKU
INEDU DEEPAM:". With blessings of SIVA..

Another perspective::
Worship of a deity is a subject of faith for all of us.

The lamp has its own special place in Sanatan Vaidik Hindu Dharma. It is a form and a symbol of Tej (Absolute fire principle); the lamp leads us from darkness towards light. It burns only to give message of peace and light to the man. This is its greatness. Agni Puran clearly states that only oil or Ghee (clarified butter) be used in the lamp meant for puja and no other combustible substance. According to the Science of spirituality the lamp with clarified butter is more sattvik (spiritually pure) as compared to lamp in which oil is used.
According to yogic path of Kundalini Yog there are seven principle chakras or energy centers in the human being. These chakras influence practically every aspect of human being including physical body, mind and intellect. The oil lamp is effective in purification of Muladhar and Swadhishthan Chakra only to certain extent but the ghee lamp purifies Manipur and Anahat chakras to a significant extent.
Just as there are seven chakras in the human body, there are paths for the flow of vital energy (chetana). These are called as Nadis or channels. The three principle nadis are Chandra nadi (Moon channel), Surya nadi (Sun channel) and Sushumna nadi.When Chandra nadi is active the person perceives coolness. The activation of Surya nadi imparts energy to the person. The Sushumna nadi is activated when the person starts progressing spiritually. The oil lamp activates the Surya nadi of the person while ghee lamp activates only that nadi which is essential to the worshipper in a particular action.
There are other varieties of the lamps also such as lamp with a single wick and lamp called niranjan wherein five wicks are used. The Niranjan with five wicks is symbolic of duality that is the manifest energy of a deity; whereas the lamp with a single wick attracts sattvik frequencies the lamp with five wicks attracts waves with destroyer property and dominant in raja component.

The niranjan with five wicks denotes the relation of Panchpran (five vital air principles) with the Atmajyoti (flame of soul). Niranjan is used for waving Pancharati. Every single flame of niranjan is symbolic of Atmajyoti. Pancharti means invocation of God with the help of panchparanas.While performing Pancharti we should have such a spiritual emotion that the Atmajyoti is kindled in me with the help of five panchaprans present in the body and I am performing the arti with such flame.

Spiritual significance of Pancha muga Kuthu Vilakku - Meaning and Why?

For the benefit of non Tamilians, Kuthu Vilakku is an oil lamp, lighted in pooja room in front of the deities in every home.

One perspective answer:
God is in the form of light In side of U to drive out the darkness of ignorance and to give ultimate happiness. So, Kuthu Vilakku is lighten to drive out all bad things in and around you and to bring you all good things and happiness.This represent god himself come and present before you in the form of light.The number of face( MUGAM) represent the particular deity and the letters of Beja Mandram.

Panchamugam means five face or five split-ed light represents lord Siva the deity who has five face.The basic chanting( BEEJA MANDRAM) is NA MA SI VA YA five letters.When U light Pancha Muga Kuthu vilakku and chanting AUM SI VA YA NA MA then God Siva come there to bless U and the people there . Grant all your prayers .
It is told in the "Nandesar negandu 300 padal 24 as" DEEBAM ENDRA PANCHA ARTHUKU
INEDU DEEPAM:". With blessings of SIVA..

Another perspective::
Worship of a deity is a subject of faith for all of us.

The lamp has its own special place in Sanatan Vaidik Hindu Dharma. It is a form and a symbol of Tej (Absolute fire principle); the lamp leads us from darkness towards light. It burns only to give message of peace and light to the man. This is its greatness. Agni Puran clearly states that only oil or Ghee (clarified butter) be used in the lamp meant for puja and no other combustible substance. According to the Science of spirituality the lamp with clarified butter is more sattvik (spiritually pure) as compared to lamp in which oil is used.
According to yogic path of Kundalini Yog there are seven principle chakras or energy centers in the human being. These chakras influence practically every aspect of human being including physical body, mind and intellect. The oil lamp is effective in purification of Muladhar and Swadhishthan Chakra only to certain extent but the ghee lamp purifies Manipur and Anahat chakras to a significant extent.
Just as there are seven chakras in the human body, there are paths for the flow of vital energy (chetana). These are called as Nadis or channels. The three principle nadis are Chandra nadi (Moon channel), Surya nadi (Sun channel) and Sushumna nadi.When Chandra nadi is active the person perceives coolness. The activation of Surya nadi imparts energy to the person. The Sushumna nadi is activated when the person starts progressing spiritually. The oil lamp activates the Surya nadi of the person while ghee lamp activates only that nadi which is essential to the worshipper in a particular action.
There are other varieties of the lamps also such as lamp with a single wick and lamp called niranjan wherein five wicks are used. The Niranjan with five wicks is symbolic of duality that is the manifest energy of a deity; whereas the lamp with a single wick attracts sattvik frequencies the lamp with five wicks attracts waves with destroyer property and dominant in raja component.

The niranjan with five wicks denotes the relation of Panchpran (five vital air principles) with the Atmajyoti (flame of soul). Niranjan is used for waving Pancharati. Every single flame of niranjan is symbolic of Atmajyoti. Pancharti means invocation of God with the help of panchparanas.While performing Pancharti we should have such a spiritual emotion that the Atmajyoti is kindled in me with the help of five panchaprans present in the body and I am performing the arti with such flame.

Janmashtami Gokulashtami Krishnashtami Krishna Jayanthi 2011

Janmashtami also known as Gokulashtami marks the celebration of the birth of Lord Sri Krishna. Sri Krishna was born in the 'Rohini' nakshatram (star) to King Vasudeva and Devaki Devi on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Sravana. This festival is also known as Sri Krishna Jayanti and Krishnashtmi. The actual day of celebration can be on two different days as the star 'Rohini' and Ashtami may not be on the same day. These days correspond to the August and September months on the Gregorian calendar.

Sri Krishna is considered as the eighth avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu's, (one of three major Hindu Gods) on earth. He is considered to be the Lord's most glorious incarnations. It is said that his remembrance true heart brings extreme joy and pleasure because Sri Krishna himself was a manifestation of joy at all levels and in all walks of life. No other God in the Hindu pantheon, or for that matter in any other religion, is associated with so many romantic tales and so fully radiating with all the divine attributes as Sri Krishna.

Since Sri Krishna lived in luxury throughout his life, Sri Krishna Jayanti is celebrated with pomp and splendor. Plenty of sweets are made on this day. Among these are laddus (yellu oonde), chakli, cheedai, payasam (kheer), and so on. In addition, plenty of milk products especially butter, which was Sri Krishna's favorite childhood food, is given in offerings. A wide variety of fruits are also offered. The most common sweets made laddus and payasam.

Great indeed are his many Leelas and the way in which he charms one and all. Several sages and seers have paid homage to him. Narada, Sri Kulashekara Azhwar, Andal, Tirumangai Azhawar, Nammazhwar have sung glorious verses in praise of Lord Krishna who embodies Shudda Satvam. The Bhagavad Gita coming from the Lord is the absolute truth which has withstood the test of time and has formed the basis and inspiration for many Acharyas and Azhwars.

The life and message of Sri Krishna is the most stirring saga of one of the greatest saviour and profounder of Dharma. Born in the dungeons of Kansa who was out to kill him at the very moment of his birth, Sri Krishna's life is replete with many such mortal dangers which he successfully triumphs over. He was the unchallenged hero of his times both in terms of his bodily prowess and his intellectual brilliance.

Sri Krishna Jayanti, therefore, signifies not merely the birth of a great and Divine teacher of mankind in some distant past but the lighting of the spark of the Divine Power in every one of us, which spurs us on to play our dynamic part in this world of practical and hard realities with a sense of high spiritual purpose. Krishna represents the total power of attraction (Aakarshna Shakti) like a magnet of infinite rise. Hence Krishna is the source of joy.

The cultural aspects are represented by the traditionally dressed devotees. The raas or dance is also done with devotees taking part with spiritual fervor. Sri Krishna who manifests all levels of joy, is also the source of spiritual joy, which overrides mental or emotional joy, just as emotional joy overrides physical joy. If all the three are integrated and interdependent, then the observance of the festival takes on the full meaning of Sri Krishnaarpanamastu - let everything be offered to Sri Krishna.

Janmashtami 2011 - 22 August.

Credit goes to iloveindia dot com

Janmashtami Celebrations, Janmashtami Customs, Janmashtami In Vrindavan, Janmashtami Songs, Janmashtami SMS, Krishna Rasa Leela, Janmashtami Rangoli, Janmashtami Puja, Janmashtami In Mathura, History of Janmashtami, Janmashtami Gifts, Janmashtami Fast
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Aarupadai Veedu Lord Murugan Temples in Madurai, Thiruchendur, Thiruttani, Swami Malai

Coming to the six holy abodes of Muruga as declared by the Tamil poet Nakeerar in his late Sangam period classic of Murugan devotion these are:

1. Tirupparamkundram
2. Tiruchendur
3. Tiruvavinankudi (Palani)
4. Tiruverakam (Swami Malai)
5. Kundruthoraadal (Tiruttani and several other hills) and
6. Pazhamuthircholai

Out of the six above, 3 are in Madurai and two very close to Madurai Thiruchendur (near Tuticorin) and another in Swami malai.

Muruga abundantly blesses devotees who worship at these holy places.

Tirupparamkundran is at a distance of eight kilometers from Madurai in South India. This holy place is associated with the divine marriage of Muruga with Tevayanai. Tiru Jñana Sambhandar and Sundaramurti Swamigal, two of the Saiva Samaya quartet visited Tiruparamkundram. There is a sacred tank known as Saravana Poygai in the temple precincts. It is a joy to see fish leaping in the tank and rushing to accept puffed rice (Pori) offered to them!

The Subramanya shrine at Tiruchendur is situated by the seashore. From Tirunelveli in the South India, one has to travel a distance of about 60 km to reach this beautiful sea resort. Muruga vanquished the demonic forces led by Soorapadma at Tiruchendur. The Lord's heroic fight with Soora is enacted with religious fervor here during the annual Skanda Sashti festival shortly after Deepavali (October-November), which draws half a million devotees on the sixth day alone. Though the temple is in close proximity to sea, if one goes into the interior of the sanctum sanctorum, one is surprised to find a hillock there! Is not the Lord Senthil Andvar also the one Who ever loves to reside at hill tops? We do not find the usual 'Vel' in the deity's hand at this temple, since He is depicted as one offering puja to Siva in recompense for taking so many lives in battle. Jagadguru Adi Sanakara (8th century) visited the Tiruchendur temple and offered prayers. The famous hymn Sri Subramanya Bhujangam and Kandar Kali Venpa were composed at this sacred spot.

Palani is the third Padai Veedu. The other names of Pazhani are Sivagiri and Sivamalai. Pazhani is at a distance of about 60 km from Dindigul in western Tamil Nadu. While Sri Dandayudhapani blesses devotees from the hill top, there is a more ancient Muruga temple at the foot of the hill, which is called Tiruvavinankudi. It is believed that sage Agasthya did penance at Tiruvavinankudi and learned the five grammars of Tamil language under Lord Muruga's expert tutelage.

Tiruverakam comes next. Popularly known as Swamimalai, it is located at a distance 8 km from Kumbakonam in Tanjore District on the northern banks of the river Cauvery. The Lord here presents Himself as Gurunatha Who taught the essence of Pranava to His Father, Siva ('Swami') and thus became Swaminatha. Arunagirinatha obtained darshan of the divine lotus feet of Lord Muruga here.

Kundruthoraadal is a generic term which denotes many a hill having holy shrines of Muruga. Tiruttani is prominent among them. Situated at a distance of 13km from Arakonam, near Madras, Tiruttani abounds in scenic beauty. In Tiruttanai, so it is said, Murugan is in a soothing and relaxed mood. His ire over Soora and his kinsmen, whom He vanquished in battle, has cooled down. His two divine consorts, Valli and Teyvayanai are with Him at this temple. Tiruttani has a unique distinction since it is the favourite hill of Muruga among all the hills in the world. The Lord Himself has said so to Valli, as we learn from the Valliammai Tirumanam chapter of the Kanda Puranam. There is a school of thought which professes that Muruga preached the essence of Pranava to His Father Siva in Tiruttani, which is also known as Santadri and Paripoornachalam. Every year, on December 31, a large number of devotees congregate at Tiruttani. They sing Tiruppugazh while climbing the steps leading to the temple at the hill top and worship the Lord Tanigesa (Muruga).

Pazhamuthircholai comes last in the series of six holy places. This is at a distance of about 20 km from Madurai in Tamil Nadu. The temple of Muruga, Who is flanked by Valli and Teyvayanai, is located amidst quiet and beautiful landscape. At the top of the hill, is Noopura Ganga, a perennial waterfall with a temple dedicated to Raakkayi Amman. Azhagar Kovil, the temple of Sri Narayana, is also near Pazhamuthircholai.

thanks to lordmurugan.com and murugan.org

Swamijis in India are wealthy!! Why?

India is a developing country, but we have significant amount of population of India below poverty line and still struggling for life.

However, there is a very good business identified by few people and taking that route for their existence, but effectively they become rich and wealthy people due to the ignorance of people.

I am writing this article in reference to some news I read. Nithyananda trying to come back and get his popularity back. (Not related to the above 'swami') Sathya Sai Baba's demise and following that who will hold the wealth of Baba.

Here, in this article, we won't see any Swamiji is correct or pure or honest or not! Here we will just discuss on the mistake of people. It depends on individual's perspective.

Swamijis do not produce or run a manufacturing division or office for creating wealth. How can Swamijis become this wealthy? People go and pour money, gold, silver to these ashrams and make them wealthy.

Recently around 59 crores worth of wealth is seen in the Baba's few cabins. Just few cabins are opened. Still more to be opened. Around 100 kilograms of Gold and many more of Silver etc., are found.

People feed yourself or help the poor and just not pour into Swamijis. Why do you need a middle man for meeting or talking to God?!!

There are many swamijis every nook and corner and even in Madurai I can mention many more. But I don't want to go into this. This is definitely a cool business to make lot of money!!!:)

Madurai Meenakshi Car (Ther) to be lighted bright in night

As we all know, there are two cars for Madurai Meenakshi Amman God and for Sivan Saami.
There is lot of significance for these thers (cars). The thers were built during the period of Thirumalai Naicker Period.

These cars are used during the Chithra Festival and comes around the Maasi street. After this festival, immediately these cars were kept safe inside a closed course. Only when it is in needed once in a year, the cars are taken out. Not much maintenance is done during the year, since it is not used.

Recently there was news that ignorant people who do not know the significance of the ther (god's car) 'pee' (urinate) near or around the ther. This is totally frustrating.

Later temple officials prepared a transparent glass for anybody to see the ther anytime in the day. Now, it is decided that lights are going to be lit to showcase the ther even in the night time and tourists can see the significance and magnificence of the ther car anytime and even during night time. This is sponsored by some company, looks like.

Also, regular cleaning is ordered by the temple officials and to maintain these thers properly.

In other hand, 10 inch LCD TVs (each worth Rs.30,000) are planned to be placed near the queues so that devotees can spend their time easily while standing and waiting to see the god in garbagraham.

Goat Sacrifice - Keda Vetti Saami kumbiduvathu - Madurai temples - Madurai Culture

Madurai Culture...

I like this Culture....Have you heard about Goat Sacrifice or in Tamil it is said Keda Vetti Saami Kumbiduvathu. Whatever position or level we might be, but in order to not to forget where we came from and praying our kula deivam or kula saamy is a great festival and great Tamil Culture in Tamil Nadu and especially in Madurai.

Madurai Sathya Sai Baba, Shirdi Sai Baba: Madurai God : Madurai Spirituality and TVS Company, Madurai

Making of Sai baba temple in Madurai in 1999

::Sathya Sai baba's visit to Madurai in 1999::

Madurai is major city in South India. This city is famous for the Goddess Meenakshi Amman Temple, and also for the fragrant Jasmine flowers. Swami had provided another land mark in this city. On the 22nd this month, Swami inaugurated a beautiful Sai Mandir in this city.

Swami arrived in the city by air from Bangalore well before noontime. He was offered the traditional welcome. A majestic elephant (procured locally and not Sai Geetha) was present to receive Swami with flowers on its trunk. Nada Swaram(piped music) was played as Swami alighted from the car when He arrived from the aair port. The vedic priests, welcomed Swami offering Poorna Kumbham, amidst chanting Vedas. On both sides of the roads thick crowds had assembled and Bhajan was in progress. After blessing the dedvotees thronged outside, Swami unveiled a curtain covering the plaque, with its inscriptions of the inauguration by Swami
on that day.

Mr. Venu Srinivasan, Managing Director and C.E.O. of M/s. TVS SUZUKI Ltd., was the man selected by Swami to undertake to construct this beautiful Mandir complex at Madurai. Mr.Srinivasan, with the blessings of Swami, was able to complete the work within 6 months from that of commencement of work. The structure is a beauty by itself, as is always, in all the projects of Swami. Immediately after opening the plaque, Swami materialised a beautiful golden chain with beads of various jewels with gold caps on each bead, and put it across the neck of Mr. Venu Srinivasan.

Swami pushed open the door to the Mandir and entered the main hall of the to the thundeerous applause from the devotees. Swami walked in, closely looking at every feature of the Mandir. He ascended the raised platform accompanied by Mr. Srinivasan. Once more the Divine Hand moved in circular motion and materilised a beautiful Golden Bracelet and placed on the hands of Mr. Venu Srinivasan, who deserved the twin presentation within a matter of few minutes, for all the devoted and dedicated service he had rendered in the construction of a beautiful Mandir within a shortest possible time.

Mr. Subramania Chettiar's family had also brought a life size marble statue of Shirdi Baba, and Padhuka on a granite. Swami did not give them the permission to install them on this day. He said the time has not come yet for installation and that He would install them very soon. But Swami climbed and stood upon the Granite Padhuka and also blessed the stature of Shirdi Baba.

Swami walked around all the other parts of the Mandir including the room specially provided for Swami to stay, interview rooms, and guest rooms etc. There are balconies running on all three sides overlooking the Main hall. Swami walked along the balcony and stepped on the Lotus shaped opening overlooking the front yard of the Manidr. Swami raised both His Divine hands to the devotees seated outside the hall.

The convenor of the Madurai Samithi(centre) of Sri Sathya Sai seva Organisations, welcomed Swami to the city, and prayed to Him that Swami should visit this mandir and bless the devotees every year.

Mr. Srinivasan, son of Late Subramania Chettiar was called to speak. He recalled how, with the Divine Grace, the colony, Sri Sathya Sai Nagar had come up in that location some 30 years ago. He also mentioned that it was his father's desire to have this Mandir built up in this colony and that he had prayed Swami, that whoever comes and make prayers in ths Mandir should be saved by the Divine Grace. He told that His illustrious father had never prayed or asked for anything for himself or his family. His prayers to Swami was always for the benefit of the humanity and especially for the devotees of Bhagavan Baba. He mentioned that his father had left the world exactly ten days earlier and had merged with Bhagavan, and he and his family members were very happy to have Swami with them on this important day, and receive His Blessings.

Mr. Venu Srinivasan also addressed the gathering as per the command of Bhagavan. Mr. Srinivasan admitted that it was a very great responsibilty to undertake any of Swami's time bound projects. But for Swami's constant guidance and Grace, it was humanly impossible to erect such a grand temple within such a short time. He admitted that he experienced and learnt during those days, that though he worked with others on this site, it was really Bhagavan Himself who had been the motivator and supervisor of the project.

In the end, Swami gave a Divine Discourse. Swami spoke exhorting devotees to develop shanthi and prema, and not bound the greed to earn money and wealth. "The earth revolves around the sun; Likewise man, to day revolves around wealth and money only" said Swami. "The heart is important to human beings and if stops the life come to an end. We should try to install God in the hear, and He is Hrudayavasi (Indweller of Heart). On the contrary, man today develops desires and more desires and has no time to think of God, and make prayers. There is no pleasure unless there is pain (troubles) also. As such we should accept both pleasure and pain willingly, as gifts from God equally."

Swami announced that He had willed and had inaugurated this Mandir on this particular day, the 22nd April, 1999, because it was the desire of Late Subramania Chetiar that this should be done this day.

Swami spoke to the family members of Late Chettiar privately and consoled them, and urged them that they need not have any grief, since Mr. Chettiar had come to him. He had assured them that he will come to this Mandir every year to give joy to the people of Madurai.

Before leaving, Swami visited the site where a small temple for Lord Vinayaka had been constructed. He blessed the statue of the diety, which will be installed later on with all needed rites and rituals.

Swami left Madurai by car to Kodaikanal followed by many devotees and a group of selected students and staff of Swami's colleges.

By evening Swami was in Sai Smruthi in Kodaikanal, and back on His routine, evening Darshan and blessings to devotees already gathered in thousands. Swami's programme is uncertain. He had given clues that Swami will be at Kodaikanal on the day of "Easwaramma Day" which falls on the 5th of May. May be He may leave for Bangalore by early second week. But no one knows the Divine Programme, except that on this day Bhagavan Baba is in Kodaikanal!

Jai Sai Ram!

If you are interested in Madurai Sai Baba links

Kili Josiyam - Astrology with Parrot, parrot astrology, palm reading, numerology, vaastu sastra: Madurai Astrology

Kili Josiyam - Astrology with Parrot: Madurai Astrology

As you know Madurai is famous for the astrology, in number of different ways.
How to check out the future? Madurai people are crazy about the parrot astrology, palm reading, numerology, vaastu sastra, nameology, kuri sollrathu(Verbal astrology by touching hand with a little stick), saamiyaar(priest) etc.,

For some astrology in madurai might make lot of sense, but for some it might mean stupidity. Why should I rely on a parrot for my future. The future is in our own hands.

If you are wondering what is parrot astrology(josium), here is an explanation -
A man sits on teh streets with his little carpet. His forehead is filled with sandal powder, holy ash and kumkumam. He looks lot holier than he is. He is clad with dhothi and a shirt. He has a little cage, which has a green parrot in it - red peak.
Also a bunch of cards, which has photos in it.

What he does is - if you request for a session, he agrees to you and he tells(gives signals) to the parrot to come out and take a card and give it to him. In fact, if you closely notice, the man will give the parrot something to eat, as a token everytime the parrot takes the card for him. Anyway, that apart, your future is told based on the photo in the card. Crazy, isn't it?!
It usually cost Rs.10 - one fourth of a US dollar.

Madurai Palm Reading - By seeing your palm's lines, the astrologer would say your future! Again Crazy!!

Madurai Numerology - Based on various numbers involved in your life, your future is decided! That is the philosophy and again crazy!!

Madurai Vaastu Saastra - House or a building is built based on a particular ancient science called Vaastu saastra. I have even seen existing buildings demolished for renovating based on vaastu. Crazy!! Some believe it - i respect their belief.

Madurai Nameology - Based on your name, your future is decided - Crazy!!

Madurai Kuri Sollrathu - Most Crazy stuff! The lady who tells you kuri, has a big red bindhi.


Madurai Saamiyaar(Priest) - Pray the god, instead of men and women!