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The Shivam June, 2016

Shri Hanuman Blesses Shri Shiva Mandir

Shri Shiva Mandir celebrated

the unavaran (unveiling) of the

statue of Shri Hanuman. It was

attended by a large number, an

historic record!

Ceremonies commenced with

usual rituals. Procession of

devotees carried the statue of

Shri Hanuman Ji’s statue

around the temple complex

accompanied by the musicians

and singers.

Family who donated for the

statue unveiled the statue amid

chanting of Shri Hanuman

Bhajans and Mantras.

Devotees showered the

statues with petals and prayed for His blessings.

Ceremonies continued with Shri Hanuman

Yagna participated by the major donors and

sponsors. Ceremony concluded with the

chanting of Shri Hanuman Chalisa. Despite a hot

summer day, devotees stayed till the conclusion

and then got together for the Bhoj (lunch)

cooked by several volunteers.

Statue, fifteen feet, tall is the tallest statue of Shri

Hanuman in the southern hemisphere. It

represents an example of traditional art and craft

of India. Since its installation, it has become an

attraction for the devotees from far and wide and

have a photo session of the statue with families

and friends.

Hanuman was born to Kesari and Anjana Devi,

with the blessings of Lord Siva. He is also known

as the son of Vayu

(Pavanputra). Since He is

Anjana's son, He also bears the

name of Anjaneya. Hanuman

was endowed with miraculous

powers and strengths. He was

the most ancient and most

powerful superman known to

the mankind, with the ability to

expand himself or contract

himself at will, besides the

ability to fly across long

distances and evoke terror in

the hearts of powerful demons

and evil people. As a child he

said to have flown into the

interstellar space and tried to

grab the Sun with his mouth, thinking it was

some kind of a fruit. The Sun god later became

his teacher. Although he possessed supernatural

powers, because of a curse, he would not be

aware of them unless some one reminded him of

his immense strength and abilities.

Hanuman was the ‘Chief Minister’ of Sugreeva,

the brother of Vali whom Rama killed in a rather

controversial manner from behind a tree, instead

of engaging him in a direct fight. Different

reasons are attributed for it, but he did it purely

for his love for Hanuman and knowing well how

important their relationship was going to be once

Vali was out of the way and Sugreeva. Weak as

he was, assumed the power. Hanuman

possessed great intellect, knowledge and

wisdom, qualities that Rama, the divine leader,

was looking for in people he was trying to find

The Shivam June, 2016 2


and develop as a team to confront Ravana.

The epic Ramayans narrates how their first

encounter took place. When Rama and

Lakshmana were wandering in the forests of

Kishkindha searching for Sita, Sugreeva and

Hanuman had a chance meeting with them. At

first Sugreeva was suspicious about the

strangers, but Hanuman assured him that they

were not friends of Vali or spies sent against

him. They seemed to be very respectable and

dignified warriors and harmless. With Sugreeva's

half-hearted permission, he approached the

strangers in the guise of a brahmana and made

enquires about the purpose of their visit. Rama

was mighty pleased when he saw Hanuman and

was impressed by his impeccable manners, his

refined language, his innocence and his simple

trusting heart. He instantly recognized in him the

qualities of a perfect messenger whom he could

himself trust and rely upon when the time came.

Thus began a relationship between god and his

devotee which is spoken about even today as

the perfect example of highest form of devotion

and self-surrender.

Symbolic Significance of Lord Hanuman

Lord Hanuman symbolically stands for pure

devotion, complete surrender and absence of

ego or the lower self. His character tells us what

we can do in our lives by becoming pure

devotees of God, aligning ourselves with the

forces of good, helping the weak, with self

control, unconditional faith and total surrender.

As a prominent warrior of the monkey race, he

symbolically represents the lower or animal

(neanderthal) nature in man, which when refined

and transformed becomes stabilized in God and

serves the divine cause in total surrender, just as

it happened in case of Hanuman. As the son of

Vayu, he represents symbolically the subtle

bodies, namely the breath body, the mental body

and the intelligence body. The breath body is

responsible for the movement of life energy or

prana in our bodies. It is especially strong in

people who lead ethically clean and celibate

lives, performing austerities, for which Anjaneya

was particularly famous. The mental body is

made up of the thought currents that float in our

chitta or consciousness. It is responsible for our

imagination, astral travel and dream

experiences. The intelligence body is made up of

buddhi or discretionary intelligence, which is

considered one of the highest tattvas or

principles of Nature. Our buddhi is said to be a

direct reflection of divine intelligence. It is

responsible for our decision making ability,

rational thinking and conscience. As an epitome

of virtue and supernatural prowess, Hanuman

represents all these abilities.

Hanuman is a symbolic significance as the

mental body representing the human mind and

its various qualities and powers.

The mind is fickle (like a monkey) and jumps

from place to place, going after things, engaging

itself in innumerable activities that disturb the

peace of the place. The mind, like Hanuman can

also travel where it wants to. It can fly in the air,

cross the continents and the worlds in an instant

with the speed of thought and reach any one and

anything it wants to mentally.

It can also expand or contracts itself at will

(again like Hanuman). So long as it remains

under the control of pure animal passions and

the activities of the sense, it remains unstable

and mischievous, causing a lot of the

disturbance in the world of the individual. But

once it surrenders to the inner self and becomes

devoted to it completely and unconditionally, it

assumes miraculous powers and performs

stupendous feats like Hanuman, working for the

divine cause helping the lower self (Sita) and the

Soul (Rama) to come together and merged.

By killing all the evil thoughts with its

determination, it also lays a firm foundation for

the kingdom of God (Ramarajya) to become

established in the body. Hanuman is thus

symbolically the mind principle ever absorbed in

the contemplation of God and totally surrendered


to Him.

"Hanuman", he is the one without any doubt

(anuman or guess) as to the existence of Rama

(God). As anjaniputra, he is the one who comes

accidentally into this world, but by his efforts

ascends to the greater heights of spiritual

evolution.

As Vayuputra (son of wind) he is the breath

body in us and can help the lower self (Sita) that

is lost to ignorance to reunite with its true

companion, the inner soul (Rama). As

Veeranjaneya, he is the source of courage and

confidence for many a timid heart.

As Bhajarangbali (strong like a rock), he is

strong in both devotion and physical strength.

He is an ocean of virtues and friend of the pure

hearted. He loves the ascetic qualities in man

because only those who are detached and

mentally free from the luxuries of life and desires

of their bodies can truly concentrate on the divine

and attain Him.

Hanuman is regarded as the Superman, the

perfect man, the knowledge body (gnana guna

sagara) in man, the immortal man (chiranjeevi),

the animal man and the flying human (va+nara).

He is a perfect example of true devotion and

complete surrender. He also symbolizes the story

of animal man in us who through the path of

devotion and service to God, can purify himself

and attain immortality.

Truly in the entire Hindu pantheon there in none

like Shri Hanuman, for he was an evolved God,

born strangely as a manifestation of Lord Shiva,

but became a great devotee of Shri Mahavishnu

through Lord Rama.

The Meaning Of The Name Hanuman The word Hanuman is derived from two Sanksrit words ‘Hanu’ and ‘Man’. While the word ‘Hanu’ means jaw, ‘Man’ means disfig-ured. According to legend, Hanuman tried to swallow the sun, as a child, thinking it to be a huge fruit. To dissuade him from his pursuit, Lord Indra had to use his vajra on Anjaneya, who was thrown onto earth thus disfiguring his jaw forever.

Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman

Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman is the swaroop (form) of Lord Hanuman with five faces.

Five faces are that of Hayagriva, Narasimha, Hanuman, Varaha and Garuda.

The meanings of Five Faces of Lord Hanuman are:

1.East facing Anjaneya to grant humanity lshta Siddhi (desired boon).

2.South facing Karala Ugraveera Narasimha to grant humanity Abhista Siddhi (desired .

3.West facing Mahaveera Garuda to grant humanity Sakala Sowbhagya (alround fortune).

4.North facing Lakshmi Varaha to grant humanity Dhana Prapthi (boon of wealth).

5.Urdhva Mukha {atop} being Hayagriva to grant humanity Sarva Vidya Jaya Prapthi (education and knowledge to achieve anything).

Shri Hanuman attempting to swallow

the sun thinking ti (sun) as a fruit.


Sunder Kaand Recitation By Shri Ashwin Pathak (Guru Ji)


Yaj in Sanskrit means fire sacrifice. That is, a Yagna (Homam) is a ritual to oblate sacrifice in a fire. It is accompanied by chanting mantras and prayers depending on the objective of perfomers (devotees). Sri Krishana dictates Yagna as a supreme form of worship. Lord commands in the slok 4:23 that any aspect that is associated with a ritual of sacrifice, the act of offering, oblation, and the sacrificial fire is Brahma. In ninth chapter He declares that I am Kratu (Veda), Yagna, Svadha (offering), aushdham (medicine), ajyam (ghee), agni (fire). He concludes that Yagna is a superior form of worship. Chhandoyga Upnishad, and the Rigveda highlight the significance of the Yagna for the creatures, vegetation, and the environment. This ancient ritual has a scientific basis for the welfare of human beings, creatures, vegetation, and the environment as described here. Effects of Yagna on human mind, animals,

and vegetation Heat and sound (chanting) are the two basic forms of energies in the universe. Heat from the Yagnakun accompanied by sound generate strong magnetic fields that have the capability to penetrate through atmosphere to the cosmic levels. This generates the desired physical, mental, and spiritual benefits prayed for from the Yagna. Role of ghee and fatty substances Ghee accelerates the combustion of cellulose of wood to keep the fire alight. Other fatty substances produce hydrocarbons like glycerol, acetones, pyruvic aldehyde and gloxal that in turn produce methyl and ethyl alcohols, formaldehyde acetaldehyde, form acid, and acetic acid. Chemicals formed so undergo photochemical reactions in the sunlight. (That is why it is recommended to perform Yagna in strong sunlight, say mornings). These reactions take place in the

ultra-violet and other short wavelength regions of sunlight. Oxidation and reduction of these products release oxygen as per the chemical

equation: CO2 + H2O + Heat = HCHO = O2. So large quantity of oxygen is released in the atmosphere for the benefit of all human beings, animals, and vegetation. Shape of Agni Kunda Shape of an Agni Kuna is vital for abovementioned electromagnetic field generated in the Agni Kund. Pyramid allows

controlled generation and multidirectional dissipation of energy to spread them in its surroundings. The word ‘pyramid’ means the fire in the middle’. This ancient-word meaning for pyramid is closely connected with the inexplicable energies emanating from its central shape. The pyramid shape is widely experienced to generate and store a special energy field, which possess bacteriostatic properties. The inverted pyramid shape of the Agni kunda (also called Havan Kunda)1 allows controlled generation and multidirectional dissipation of energy. It acts as a generator of unusual energy fields and spreads them in its

surrounding atmosphere. It acts as an

effective bacteriostatic and antimicrobial

reactor. As to the material of Agni Kunda,

copper is preferred as an excellent conductor

of heat and electricity/magnetic field.

Chanting of Sanskrit Mantras The power of sound vibrations is well acknowledged in science. These vibrations can penetrate the energy spheres at the subtle and cosmic levels. All the alphabets of the Sanskrit language are

Yagna (Homam): A Scientific Perspective

Various studies conclude that the Yagna (Homam) is a scientific process that cleanses the air,

affects the human mind, animals, and vegetation to produce the desired effect from it.


endowed with special vibrational powers, which set out harmonious wave patterns when pronounced. Dr. Howard Steingull, an American Scientist has established that recitation of Gayatri Mantra produces 110,000 sound waves per second. The patterns of chanting of Mantras are so designed that they latently contain the essence of the music or the quite essential sound of the torrent of life, sustaining energies emanating from the cosmic energy centre of the corresponding Mantras. Uttering of these Mantras produces vibrations which are soothing to human mind, all plant and animal life. These vibrations spread specific energy waves in the surrounding atmosphere as the oblations are offered.

Cleansing the environment by Yagna

Experimental studies show that the incidence of physical ailments, sickness and disease are reduced in the houses, where the Yagna (Agnihotra) is regularly performed because it creates a pure, nutritional and medicinal atmosphere. It renews the brain cells, revitalizes the skin, purifies blood and prevents growth of pathogenic organisms.

Agnihotra is basically a healing process. ‘Heal the atmosphere and the healed atmosphere will heal you’--- is the Modus Operandi. Purification of environment through the constituent electrons of the substances fumigated in the Yagna is an obvious effect of this process. The observation of some distinguished scientists is note worthy in this regard. Dr. Hafkine has mentioned that --- “mixing ghee and sugar and burning them creates smoke which kills the germs of certain diseases and secretion takes place from some glands relate to the wind-pipe, which fill our heart and mind with pleasure. Sugars present in Havishya have great power to purify the atmosphere. It kills the germs of T.B., measles, smallpox and cow-pox --- remarks Prof. Tilward. According to Dr. Shirowich, a Russian scientist has remarked that (i) Cow’s milk

contains great power of protection from atomic radiation; (ii) Houses having cow-dung covered floors enjoy complete protection from atomic radiation; (iii) If cow’s ghee is put into Yagna fire, its fumes lessen the effect of atomic radiation to a great extent. The medicinal fumes emanating from Agnihotra have been observed by researchers in the field of microbiology to be

clearly bacteriolethal in nature. These eradicate

bacteria and other micro-organisms, are the

root cause of illness and diseases. This must

be the reason why the incidence of physical

ailments, sickness and diseases becomes less

in the households, where Agnihotra is regularly

performed.

Abovementioned phenomena in the Yagna purifies the air in the following ways. .Removal of Foul Odors Due to intense heat in the Yagnakund, the various volatile oils get diffused in the surrounding atmosphere along with steam and smoke. Since these oils have distinct good smell, the foul odors are automatically replaced. This aroma can be experienced easily in the surroundings when Yagna is performed due to diffusion of substances like thymol, eugenol, pine, terpinol and oils of sandal-wood, camphor and clove.

.Removal of Bacteria Partial oxidation of hydrocarbons and decomposition of complex organic substances of ingredients of Yagna, produce formal aldehyde which is a powerful antiseptic. Germicidal action of formaldehyde is only effective in the presence of water vapor which is also produced in large quantities in Yagna. The use of formaldehyde spray for disinfecting of walls, ceiling etc., is common practice and such a spray’’ is automatically produced in Yagna. The oxidation of hydrocarbons also produces formic acid and acetic acid both of which are good disinfectants. Use of formic acid for preservation of fruits and that of acetic acid in preserving vinegar is a common practice. The antiseptic and antibiotic effects of fumes of


Yagna have also been examined by conducting suitable experiments on rabbits and mice and it has been established that fumes emitted in Yagna are powerful antibiotic. Agnihotra ash purifies and cleanses the water

making it fit for drinking.

Removal of insects There are non-bacterial parasites like flies, ringworm, dice, fleas etc., which are immune to bactericides, are also harmful to other living beings. Such insects are generally immune to ordinary reagents. However they either get killed or are driven away, when they come in contact with the fumes of volatile oils like camphor diffused in the environment.

Effects on Plants and Vegetation

The disinfection of air is not only useful to animal life but also helps plant’s life though the bacteria responsible for diseases in both may be different. The aromatic substances during Yagna get diffused in the air and offer protection to plant life against harmful organisms. This ensures healthy plant growth. Agnihotra’s atmosphere and ash can be used as adjutants in the ‘Natural farming’ methods --- also known as the Agnihotra farming methods. It is a holistic concept of growing plants in healthy atmosphere and maintaining ecological balance by performing Agnihotra (Yagna) in the middle of the farm and using the Yagna - ash as a fertilizer. It is not only safe and productive but also holistic in its approach towards environment.

Role of CO2 generated in Yagna Consignment of the wood and other organic maters to flames has been always controversial because of generation of CO and CO 2 and increase in consequent ‘green house’ effect. It had been argued that performance of Yagna also produces CO and CO2. It should be noted here that the way in which the Samidhas and Havishya are burnt in Yagna is a process of slow combustion at higher temperature. While the burning of coal in

factories or in the household fire involves rapid combustion. where oxygen is sucked in large quantities and enormous CO2 is emitted. In the slow combustion taking place in the process of Yagna, small quantity of O2 is utilized, meager CO2 is emitted that poses no threat to the environment. In fact whatever CO2 is generated it is readily absorbed by the surrounding vegetation and CO2 cycle is strengthened.. The other important aspect is the fact that CO2 produced in Yagna is not always free CO2 but it remains mixed with other aromatic oils and antiseptic products. It therefore, acts as a vehicle in transporting such

products to distant surroundings. The use of CO2 as a cerebral stimulant to assist the patients suffering from lack of ventilation is common in medical world. Its use to control and cure many mental disorders is also known to medical science. Small amounts of CO2

inhaled by the persons performing Yagna acts as a stimulant and more and more aromatic fumes are inhaled which help in curing mental disorders. Particularly effective results with respect to the elimination or reduction in radiation were achieved through Yagna’s fire and ash. These observations are made by Dr. L. Maela Anatoninhowska of

Poland after using P.S.I. techniques.

Results of Some Recent Scientifc Experiments

A group of scientists led by Dr. Manoj Garg, Director, Environmental and Technical Consultants and the Uttar Pradesh pollution control board conducted experiments during the Ashwamedha Yagna at Gorakhpur, U.P. Their findings are summarized below. Effect on the air

(continues on page 9)


Bacteria count in the water sample

Minerals in the Ash (Bhasm) of Yagna Phosphorous 4076 mg per kg. Potassium 3407 mg per kg. Calcium 7822 mg per kg. Magnesium 6424 mg per kg. Nitrogen 32 mg per kg. Quispar 2% W/WThese results clearly support the claims made about the role of Yagna in control of air pollution. The Deputy Director, Agriculture had submitted a technical report based on such findings, recommending the use of Yagna’s ash as an effective fertilizer.results!

Instant Level of Sulphur Dioxide/mgm Level of Nitrous Oxide/mgm

Before Yagna 3.38 1.16

During Yagna 2.82 1.14

After Yagna 0.80 1.02

Instant Bacteria Count

Before Yagna 4500

During Yagna 2470

After Yagna 1250


Pradakshina (circumambulation) is going around

a divine object such as a Mandir, statue of a

deity etc in a circle as a form of worship.

Pradakshina literally means: to the right . So in

Pradakshina, one walks around to keep the deity

on his/her right side. According to the Skanda

Purana Ch.9 v.68 - Pradakishina is composed of

twords: Pra-Da-Ksi-Na. Pra

dispels sin, Da bestows

what is desired, Ksi causes

the destruction of Karman

and Na is the bestower of

salvation.

Why is Pradakshina done

only in a clockwise

manner?

We assume God is the center of our existence.

The center point is always fixed and remains the

same at whatever distance we do the

pradakshina. So we are reminded of the eternal

truth that God is the center of gravity and the

main focus of our existence.

The Pradakshinam should be done slowly and

never in a hurry. Our thoughts and actions must

dwell on God.

Pradakshinam is always done in a clockwise

direction. This is because we assume that Lord

is always on our right side. This reminds that we

must always lead a righteous life , in the right

path called Dharma.

Skanda Purana Ch.9 v.28 dictates that the sins

committed by the mind are destroyed by the first

step (of pradaksina), the sins committed in

speech by the second and the sins perpetrated

by the body by the third step.

Accordingly the first padakshina destroys all

sins, second makes the worshipper an adhikaari

(qualified person for material and spiritual

pursuits) and the third step helps the person in

obtaining naindra-sampaada (pleasures of life

which lead to final liberation). Twenty one

pradakshinas in a day is

considered most beneficial as

per Swayambhoo Aagama

scripture. Further he makes

pradakshinas slowly with

folded hands and visualizing

the deity in his mind all the

time.

Atma (self) Pradakshina

At the end of the pujas , it is a custom to do

pradakshinam around ourselves three times,

called “Atma Pradakshinam”. The proper

pradakshina is going round the Self (Atma

Pradakshina) to realize that we are the Self and

that within us all the countless spheres revolve,

going round and round. We bow to the supreme

divinity within us, chanting:

Yani kani cha paapaani janmanthara

kruthaani cha

Thaani thaani vinas(h)yanthi pradakshina

padae padae

May those omissions done in this life and in the

previous births and the resulting afflictions perish

with every pradakshina.

Parikrama (Circumambulation)


Effect of touching temple steps


Purpose of Bell

Five metals alloyed to mould the bell would

generate sound waves to ward off the negative

energies around the temple and retain the

divine radiation for the spiritual welfare of the

devotees.

In ancient times temples were built in remote

areas. Intense sound of the bell would scare

away the insects and small creatures, keep the

large animals away from the temples. It is

evident from the electronic devices available

these days to kill/scare the insects.

In villages it would signal the start of a function

such an aarti so that the villagers could join.


Mandir wishes to draw devotees attention to

the following urgent matters and seeks their

cooperation.

Milk

Devotees bring in milk for Shivalinga Abhishek

or for other rituals/worships. Quantity brought

in by them ranges to three litre bottles of milk.

Mandir understands and respects their

devotion. However milk in large quantities

cannot be consumed by the Mandir. For health

reasons and regulations it has to be disposed

of, resulting in a waste.

Mandir requests that preferably devotees do

not bring milk at all. Small quantity is available

from the mandir for a token donation. If the

devotees do decide to bring, please limit the

quantity to not more than 300mls. Also Mandir

will not accept long life milk cartons, only the

fresh milk!

Prasadam from home

Mandit has its own arrangements for Naivedya

and therefore does not need additional cooked

food/prasadam from home. If a devotee has to

bring it, it is devotee’s responsibility to

distribute it among the devotees at the Mandir,

and take home the remaining prasadam.

Mandir will not provide facilities such as

serving spoons, disposable plates etc for

distribution. For health reasons mandir shall

not allow food to be left at the Mandir.

For large functions at the Mandir, it arranges

for prasadam for the devotees. If anyone

wishes to contribute by their own food, please

arrange with the Mandir before bringing the

prasadam. Unsolicited food leads to excessive

accumulation. Health regulations require it to

be disposed of!

Archana

Fruit arachana is available from the Mandir.

Mandir does not encourage fruit from outside.

If you do, please offer it with donation.

We regret to bring above matters to the

attention of the devotees with a hope that they

understand the issues and consequently

cooperate with the Mandir.

Priests have been advised to implement above

changes.

Using Kitchen/Canteen Facilities

Several devotees require use of canteen/

kitchen facilities for celebrating various events

such as weddings, birthdays etc. Devotees

must book these facilities in advance stating

their requirements. Forms for bookings are

available from the priests. Please fill in these

forms to state your requirements such as

tables, chairs etc. Depending on your

requirements, please pay appropriate charges

to use these facilities.

Please note that bookings for Pooja at the

Mandir do not require forms to be filled in.

Volunteers Needed

Mandir needs several volunteers to manage

the service desk, and for other tasks.

Volunteers can choose hours to serve the

Mandir during weekdays, weekends, and

public holidays. Please express your interest to

serve the mandir to the priests or email to

[email protected] mob. 0421 376384.


“Many of the

advances in sciences

that we consider to

have been made in

Europe were in fact

made in India

centuries ago”. Grant

Duff, British Historian

of India

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