Chandramana Yugaadi (New Year’s Day) and Almanac
(panchangam)
(Compilation
for a discourse at Sri Ganesha Temple by N.R.
Srinivasan, USA, March 2015)
1.
Introduction
Nearly every festival in Hinduism has an astronomical basis. Most
ancient cultures had festivals based on astronomical events, especially the Sun
or Moon. There are four landmarks in
the Sun's journey in the heavens (sky): Vernal
Equinox; Autumnal Equinox; Summer Solstice; and Winter Solstice.
Astrology is a part and parcel of everyday life in India even to this day whether people realize it or not. Puranas brought in several celebrations and rituals focused on birthdays of Gods and Goddesses and Puranic events based on Tithis and Zodiacal Nakshatras. Hindu astrologers developed a calendar based on waxing and waning periods of moon and 354 days in a year, convenient to handle for them though Sun was never undermined or left out. Probably they like more the cool demeanor and romantic nature of Moon! Tamil, Malayalam and Bengali Hindus who are more inclined towards religion attach importance to Sun who is meditated upon as Vyaahriti (emanation) of Brahman even today and follow solar calendar based on 365 days based on movements of the Sun. Perhaps these were the origin and initiators for Julian and later modified Gregorian calendar.
Astrology is a part and parcel of everyday life in India even to this day whether people realize it or not. Puranas brought in several celebrations and rituals focused on birthdays of Gods and Goddesses and Puranic events based on Tithis and Zodiacal Nakshatras. Hindu astrologers developed a calendar based on waxing and waning periods of moon and 354 days in a year, convenient to handle for them though Sun was never undermined or left out. Probably they like more the cool demeanor and romantic nature of Moon! Tamil, Malayalam and Bengali Hindus who are more inclined towards religion attach importance to Sun who is meditated upon as Vyaahriti (emanation) of Brahman even today and follow solar calendar based on 365 days based on movements of the Sun. Perhaps these were the origin and initiators for Julian and later modified Gregorian calendar.
The
celebrations and prayers that follow Lunar New Year’s Day called Yugadi fill
people's hearts with joy and contentment. Leaving the past behind and
starting afresh with positive expectation is one of the key aspects of Yugadi.
The day also marks the beginning of spring season, which is considered to be
the first of all seasons, with plants, shoots, and leaves coming to life and
therefore, the day is believed to set things rolling for a fresh and successful
new beginning. Devotees perform rituals and pujas seeking
blessings from God for health, wealth, prosperity, and success in businesses
and work as well. It is for this reason that it is considered the best time to
take on new ventures or personal goals for betterment of oneself. The day is
preceded by the pre-Yugadi preparations that begin a few days before the actual
day. It includes thoroughly cleaning the entire household, white washing or
repainting the house and shopping for
new clothes and other items that go with the requirements of the
festival.
One would wonder why the
above two subjects Yugadi and Panchangam (almanac) are clubbed together. This
is because the two are very closely inter-related. The first religious reading (Panchnga Sravana) of the new Panchangam
is on Yugadi day and the details of the New Year are brought out in the Panchangam.
Yugadi (Also called Ugadi) means “Yuga+
Adi” i.e. “Start of New Year”. It is believed that Lord Brahma started creation
of the Universe on this day which religious belief makes them to cling on to
this calendar in spite of known deficiencies. In the Gregorian calendar January 1 is called New Year’s day. In the
Indian Almanac New Year is reckoned in three ways. The first –based on the movement
of the Sun (This system is called Sowramana); the second-based on the movement
of the Moon (This system is called Chandramaana), and, the third–based on the movement
of planet Guru (This system is called Brahaspatyamaana).
It
is believed that Lord Brahma, the
Creator started creation on this day -- "Chaitra Suddha Padhyami" or
the Yugadi day. Also the calculations of the great Indian Mathematician
Bhaskaracharya proclaim the Yugadi day as the beginning of the New Year, New Month
and New Day. The onset of spring also marks a beginning of new life with plants
acquiring new life, shoots and leaves. The vibrancy of life and verdant fields,
meadows full of colourful blossoms signify growth, prosperity and well-being.
With the coming of Yugadi, the naturally perfumed Jasmine's spread a sweet
fragrance, which is perhaps unmatched by any other in nature's own creation.
While large garlands of Jasmine are offered to Gods in homes and temples,
Jasmine flowers woven in clusters adorn the braids of Hindu women while other
religious followers enjoy the same for fashion.
One Chandramana year is the time
taken for transit of Moon from Chaitra Sukla (Bright half of Moon) Prathama to Phalguna
Krishna Amavasya (Dark half of Moon) and occupies about 354
days. In order to reconcile the difference with the Sowramana year which has
365 days as in the Gregorian calendar, an additional month (13th) is
periodically added to the Chandramana year. This is called Adhikamasa. Why
this reconciliation? Why not adopt the alternative which many others follow?
Hindus celebrate the
first nine lunar days nearest to both the Vernal and Autumnal equinoxes. Both these times are sacred as
the Navaratris. The
first nine lunar days closest to the Spring equinox are celebrated as Vasanta (Spring) Navaratris (nine
nights) while the first nine lunar days closest to Autumnal equinox are
celebrated as the Sharad (Autumn) Navaratris (nine nights). The Hindu New
Year (referred to as 'Ugadi' or 'Yugadi') marks the beginning of the Vasanta
(spring) Navaratris and 'Sri Rama Navami' marks the end. It is not
a mere coincidence that Sri Rama Navami marks the climax of the Spring
Navaratris. Among the incarnations of Vishnu, Parasara identifies Sri Rama with Sun.
Though the Autumnal Navaratris are celebrated in a major way by all Hindus as
the Dusshera Navaratris with holy reading of Ramayana, celebrating Rama
Pattabhishekam on Vijayadasami Day, ardent worshippers of Sakti fast and chant
the 'Devi Mahatmyam' during the Vasant
Navaratri too.
Chandramana calendar reckons dates based on
the Salivahana Era
(Saaleevaahana Saka) which begins its count from the supposed date
of the founding of the Empire by the legendary hero Salivahana. The Satavahana king Salivahana (also identified as Gautamiputra
Satakarni) is credited with the initiation of this era known as Salivahana. He
is from Andhra and therefore this New Year is popularly known as Telugu New
Year’s day in the South. The Salivahana era begins its count of years from the
year corresponding to 78 CE of the Gregorian calendar. Thus, the year 2000 CE corresponds to
the year 1922 of the Salivahana Era. All legal documents in Karnataka and
Andhra include the dates based on Salivahana saka besides Gregorian calendar; May
be other states too.
The Kannada, Telugu, Marathi, Kodava and the Konkani diaspora in
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Goa, Tamil Nadu and Kerala
celebrate the festival with great fan-fare (by those who follow Chandramana calendar); gatherings
of the extended family and a sumptuous feast is the order of the day followed
by cultural celebrations. This is an official religious holiday in all these
states.
The day, begins with ritual showers (oil bath) followed by
prayers to Samvatsara (Year) through their chosen deity. But why do we worship Samvatsara? Almighty is
the custodian of Time and hence the Year. Vedas address Brahman as Samvatsara. “Samvatsaro asaavaadityo ya esha
purushah” (MNU)—The Purusha, who is in Aaditya (Sun), is Samvatsara.
Samvatsara is defined like this in Sanskrit: “Samyak vasanti sarvabhootaani asmin
iti samvatsarah”—All entities are existing in this and
so this is Samvatsara. There is no life without Sun!
Almost
in all parts of India the Brihaspati 60 year cycle prevails from a very long
time. In commenting on Taittiriya Brahmana, I.4.10, Sayana says that this cycle
comprised 12 of the ancient 5 cycles, which are so often referred to in the
Vedic works and in the Vedanga Jyotisha. The sun and the moon take about 5
years to return to the same position at the beginning of a year, which gave
rise to the cycle of the 5 years known as Samvatsara, Parivatsara, Idavatsara,
Anuvatsara and Idvatsara respectively. As Brihaspati makes a complete circuit
of the heavens in about 12 years, all the 3 heavenly bodies were expected to
return to the same celestial region on the expiry of every 60 years. Instead of modern 60 names every twelve years was given a name in series as Samvatsara, Parivastara, UIdavastara, Anuvatsara and Idvatsara in early Vedic period.
Vishnu Sahasranama also addresses Vishu as Chaturvyoohah. That is why New Year Day, and therefore Yugadi, becomes a very sacred day for worship in Hindu concept where as in other religions New Year’s Day celebration is a social event except for Christians who also hold religious masses on January 1 (Circumcision day of Jesus Christ) as it is their religious New Year which was forced on the world as Official and so celebrated as a social event.
Vishnu Sahasranama also addresses Vishu as Chaturvyoohah. That is why New Year Day, and therefore Yugadi, becomes a very sacred day for worship in Hindu concept where as in other religions New Year’s Day celebration is a social event except for Christians who also hold religious masses on January 1 (Circumcision day of Jesus Christ) as it is their religious New Year which was forced on the world as Official and so celebrated as a social event.
2. The Festival
Yugadi is the first among the major festivals
in Hindu calendar. In erstwhile State of
Mysore in Karnataka the following verse was taught to children in
order to remember
festivals and tithis, just as we learn the Rhyme “Thirty days has September April
June and November” at school:
“Yugaadi Padya- Bhanu Bidige -Akshaya Thadhige
-Vinayaka Chowthi -Naga Panchami Subrahmanya Shasti-Ratha Sapthami _Gokula Astami
–Maha Navami –Vijaya Dashami- Vaikuntha
Ekaadasi -Utthana Dwaadasi –Ananga Thrayodashi -Anantha Chaturdashi Mahaalaya Amavasya
and Vyasa poornima “.
[Padya=Prathama,
Bidige=Dwitheeya,Thadhige=Trutheeya, Chowthi=Chaturthi]
Yugadi
heralds Vasantha ruthu, which as Lord Sri Krishna says in SriBhagavadgita-Vibhuthi
yoga-10-35, is his amsha (…masaanaam
margasheershoham Ruthunam kusumaakarah).
This is echoed in nature in the way
all trees have sprouting of new leaves, providing a unique fine aroma in the
atmosphere. Spring season arrives with trees decorating
themselves with tender leaves in different colors, followed by beautiful
blooms. The spring season is a divine reminder to Humanity that there is hope
after desperation and we all will be blessed to be surrounded by beautiful
nature. It is in spring that life comes back to normal after being barren for
months.
The spirit
of Yugaadi is exemplified in the following verse composed by one of the
Jnaana-peeth Award winning Kannada poets, D.R.Bendre (Ambikathanayadatta):
Yuga
yugaadi kaledaroo yugaadi marali
baruthide
Hosa varushake hosa harushava hosathu hosathu taruthide
Honge huva tongalalli bhrungada sangItha keli matte kelabaruthide
Bevina kahi balinalli huvina nasugampu susi jIvakaleya taruthde
Varushakondu hosatu janma harushakondu hosatu neleyu akhila jivajatige
Onde ondu janmadali onde balya onde haraya namagadashte etako
Niddegomme nitya marana edda sala navina janana namage eke baarado
Ele sanatkumaradeva ele saahasi chiranjivi ninage illi serado
Yuga yugaadi kaledaroo yugaadi marali barutide
Hosa varushake hosa harushava hosatu hosatu tarutide nammanashte maretide
Hosa varushake hosa harushava hosathu hosathu taruthide
Honge huva tongalalli bhrungada sangItha keli matte kelabaruthide
Bevina kahi balinalli huvina nasugampu susi jIvakaleya taruthde
Varushakondu hosatu janma harushakondu hosatu neleyu akhila jivajatige
Onde ondu janmadali onde balya onde haraya namagadashte etako
Niddegomme nitya marana edda sala navina janana namage eke baarado
Ele sanatkumaradeva ele saahasi chiranjivi ninage illi serado
Yuga yugaadi kaledaroo yugaadi marali barutide
Hosa varushake hosa harushava hosatu hosatu tarutide nammanashte maretide
[Though many
a years and Yugaadis pass by New Year comes again; it brings again and again
new joy spinning further happiness into the New Year! Listening to the melody of humming bees from the hanging flowers of Indian beech (Pongamia Pinnata) smile appears and bestows
richness to life; for the bitter life of
name, the smiling flowers bring joy to
life; One new life per year
and a new status for one
happiness for all ;
we have only one youth and one adulthood, why should it be so (while Yugadi has it every year)? Why don’t we experience the death in sleep
and new life every time after waking up? Oh Lord Santkumara! You are immortal
there and don’t you like it here? Though many a
years and Yugadis pass by, New Year comes again! It brings again and again new joy spinning
further happiness into the New Year!
3. Observance
of festival
Customs vary from region to region
in celebrating Yugaadi. In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh people start
preparations well in advance. The houses and workplaces are cleaned and
decorated with mango leaves and neem (Margosa) leaves and neem flowers hung
across the main entrance doors and puja room doors. Special rangoli (floral
decoration art) is put at the house entrance. Turmeric and vermillion are
applied to the threshold. Mango leaves symbolize prosperity and auspiciousness.
(It may be recalled that even while doing special pujas or receiving with religious
honor spiritual heads (with poorna kumbha), mango leaves are placed in the Kalasham).
Neem leaves and flowers are considered
highly beneficial for good health and for warding off infections.
People get up well before sunrise,
have oil bath, do Sandhyavandanam (daily prayer for the Supreme) wear new
dresses, say special prayers and refrain from taking any food or beverage till
conclusion of puja including puja to the new Panchangam (almanac), and,
distribution of prasadam. The head of the family or the priest conducts special
puja to the deity and Panchangam (almanac) with all upachaaras (steps) like Avahana,
Asana, Arghya, Paadya, Achamaneeya, Mantraasana, Snana, Vastra and Yajnopaveetha
Alankara, Dhoopa,Deepa, Chamara, Neivedya, Tamboola, Neerajana, Punarmantrasana
Paryankasana etc. (These are the progressive steps in Hindu worship Ritual described in my
discourse on Shodasa Upachaara Pooja).
In Maharashtra also people celebrate the
day similarly by decorating their houses, cooking special dishes at home and
offering special prayers at home and temples. It also marks the end of Rabi
season, and the yield is taken to the markets. On this day people fill silver
or brass pots decorated with coconuts,
mango leaves and wrapped in silk clothes and placed on a pole. This represents
appreciation of nature’s bountiful gifts that were given to us by God. Maharashtrians
make Halwa, Srikhand and Kheer on this day as special dishes to celebrate the
New Year.
In Karnataka a special dish called
Obbattu or Holige, is prepared. It consists of a filling (gram and jaggery/sugar
boiled and made into a paste) stuffed in a flat roti-like bread. It is usually
eaten hot or cold with ghee or milk topping or coconut milk at some places of
Karnataka. In Andhra Pradesh, a special dish called Bobbattu (Polelu) (Puran
Poli) (Oliga are prepared on this occasion.
Apart from sweets and other delicacies, the prasadam (blessed food)
includes Bevu-Bella. This is an
intimate mixture of neem flowers, jiggery (unbleached solid molasses) and
tender mango gratings. Sometimes honey is added. Neem is believed to guard against diabetes, skin
disorder and other infections. Jaggery and honey are considered to improve hemoglobin
content. Mango is said to improve functioning of liver.
It
is a combination of bitterness, sweetness and sourness which represent the different
rasas. The following verse is recited while taking this Bevu-Bella:
“Shathayurvajradehaya
sarvasampathkaraya cha
sarvaristavinashaya nimbakamdalabhakshanam “
This sweet and bitter blessed food is for granting
one 100 years of life with strong diamond like body, devoid of all diseases and
for blessing with all wealth. This
Bevu-bella (neem-jaggery mix) is taken immediately after theertha (sacred
water) and before taking any other food or beverage.
In
addition to the health aspects in taking bevu-bella,
there is a higher significance. It represents the harmonious blend of
opposite attributes (Dwandwa) and teaches the person to view with equanimity
the opposite aspects in life –bitter-sweet and sour-sweet, and help
to build a balanced outlook and calm composure even under adverse
conditions. Hindu scriptures often deal with pairs of opposites while
discussing philosophy. Along with Lakshmi Alakshmi was also born (alakshmeem naasamaamyaham) and both are worshiped. During
Upakarma we not only worship Savitri and Gatyati but also Kama and Manyur
devatas (kamokarshit
manuyurakarsheet namo namah),
and Vighnaraja, King of Obstacles we invoke to ward off obstacles. Ganesha is worshiped as Lord of Obstacles as
well as Remover of Obstacles.
This philosophy of pairs of opposites is very well brought out
in the following verses of Sri Bhagavadgita:
Sukha dukhe samey krutwa laabhalabhau jayajayau
Tatoyudhayayujyaswa naivam papamavapsyasi (2-38)
Regarding
pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat, as
alike prepare yourself then for war; then you will not incur sin.
Jithatmanah
prashanthasya paramatma samahitah
Sheethoshnasukhadukheshu tatha manapamanayoh (6-7)
The
Self of one which is self-controlled and serene is alone poised in heat and cold, happiness and misery, as also in honor and dishonor.
Samashatrauchamitre cha tatha manapamanayo
Sheethoshna sukhadukheshu samassangavivarjithah
(12-18)
Tulyanindasthut hirmounee santhusto yenakenachit
Anikethassthiramathi : bhakthiman mey priyo nara : (12-19)
Alike
to foe and friend, in honor and dishonor, in heat and cold, happiness and misery, free from attachment in praise and censure,
reticent, satisfied with anything, without home, steady in mind—such a devoted
person is dear to me.
Manapamanayosthulyah thulyomitraripakshayo
Sarvarambhaparithyagee
gunatheethassa uchyathe (14-25)
The
same in honor and dishonor, the same towards friend and foe, habituated to renounce all actions—such a person is said to
have transcended the three characteristics—Sattva, Rajas and Tamas.
Bevu-Bella symbolizes the
fact that life is a mixture of different experiences (sadness, happiness,
anger, fear, disgust, surprise), which should be accepted together and with
equanimity through the New Year. The
ingredients in these mixtures convey the following message: Neem
Buds/Flowers for its bitterness,
signifying Sadness; Jaggery and ripe
banana pieces for sweetness signifying Happiness; Green Chilli/Pepper for its hot taste, signifying Anger; Salt for saltiness, signifying Fear; Tamarind Juice for its sourness, signifying Disgust; Raw Mango for its tang, signifying Surprise.
After puja and prasaadam, all
members of the family or community gather together for Panchanga Pathanam and Sravanam--the
reading of the New Year almanac and/or listening to the same. This is
considered essential and is believed to bestow the same results as Ganga Snanam/Go-daanam.
(bathing in Ganges or giving cow in
charity). With the Radio and TV stations beaming special programs for Yugaadi,
panchanga pathanam is brought right to the living room. (Details of panchangam
will be dealt with later). It is also customary for people to visit temples,
friends
and relatives and exchange presents.
Apart from the ritualistic Poojas
and social get-together it is an occasion to cleanse
one’s mind of impure thoughts and make new resolutions (to be followed) about values
of Dharma.
SarvE Bhadrani pashyanthu
SarvE Bhadrani
shrunvanthu
SarvE Bhadrani
kurvanthu
[May
all witness welfare all round! May all
listen to good tidings! May all be
involved in doing good deed!]
It is with this intention that after
bevu-bella we take meals with friends and relatives and also visit temples and
offer special pujas for the well-being of all (Sarve janassukhino
bhavanthu samastha sanmangalani bhvanthu).
4. Cultural
Activities
In
Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, special Kavi-sammelans (Poets’ Conference) are
organized. This provides a forum for upcoming poets who bring their new
compositions and recite them at the sammelan (Conference). The poems are normally thematic and include
humor, satire and philosophy. In Andhra Pradesh it is customary to prepare
special pacchadi (semi solid salsa like) with jaggery, tamarind, mango, neem
flower etc. to bring in various rasas (tastes)-sweetness, sourness, saltiness,
bitterness, spicy tinge etc. to correspond to difficulties, pleasures, anger,
love etc. [life is indeed a mixture of
varied emotions!] Hindus wherever they are settled continue with these
traditions and conduct elaborate cultural activities.
B.
Panchangam
1. Introduction
We shall
now come to Panchangam-the almanac. As the name suggests (Pancha+Angam) it
shows five attributes for any day viz., .Vaara, Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga and
Karana.
On
Yugadi day, the head of family or the priest reads out the (highlights) almanac.
This is Panchangapathana. All members of the family/community intently listen
to this. This is Panchanga Sravanam. In earlier days it was customary for people
to gather in temple/community hall for this. Nowadays, it is done in individual
homes. After panchanga patanam/sravanam special puja is offered to the almanac
deifying Panchangam.
1. Sankalpam
It
is seen that at the time of commencement of any ritual, the karta (performer) or
the priest would do/utter sankalpa—a religious declaration of intent/purpose.
In tune with the precepts in all scriptures, this sankalpam is made as a
dedication to God. It begins with invocatory verse to presiding deity/ishtadevtha.
Then the particulars of the place, date, time of the ceremony; the lineage of
the person doing/getting the puja done; the details of the ceremony; the
offering to God etc are spelt out. Typically, sankalpam runs like this.
Invocation slokas:
Agajananapadmarkam Gajananamaharnisham
Anekadanthambhakthanam ekadantamupasmahe
Suklambaradharam Vishnum shashivarnam
chaturbhujam
Prasannavdanam dhyayeth sarvavighnoapashanthaye
Yasyadwiradavakthradyaa : parishadyahaparashadam
Vighnamnighnanthi satatam Visvaksenam
tamashraye
Sankalpa
Harirom tatsat sri Govinda Govinda Govinda
aadya sri brahmanah dwitiya parardhe sri swehavaraha kalpe vaivaswatha
manvanthare kaliyuge prathamea paade Jambudweepe Bharathavarshe Bharathakhande shakabde
meroh dakshine parshwe asmin varthamane vyavaharike chandramanena Prabhavaadi
shasti samvatsaraanaam madhye sri ….. samvatsare…..ayane ….. ruthau …. mase
…..pakshe……. shubhatithau vasaraha ….vasara
yukthaayaam …. nakshtra yukhthaayaam shubha yoga shubha karana yukthaayaam asyaam shubha diney ….gothrasya/gothraaya :……rahau …..nakshatre jathasya/jathaayaa
: naamasya/namnaaya ;…sakutumba
saparivarasya ayurarogyaiswarya vidyabuddhi udyoga sthana vridhhyartham Lokakshemartha
sri bhagavadaajnaya sri parameswara/srimannarayana preethyartham……….pujaam/vratham
karishye/acharyamukhena karayishye.
Our sages attached clear definition to the day and its attributes
at the time the ritual is conducted by way of Sankalpa (resolution) and also
waited for appropriate auspicious time for its success. The details of these
are available in the panchangam based on Jyotisha saastra. These almanacs are
published by religious mutts, astrological pundits and Institutions like
Benares Hindu University. The Indian National Calendar (Which was started
on Chaitra 1, 1879 Saka Era, or March 22, 1957) is the official civil calendar in use
in India. This calendar was introduced by the
Calendar Reforms Committee (Of CSIR) in 1957. This
favoring of Chandramana by Government of India is based on the fact most
astrologers depend on Nakshatra for their religious rites. Tamil Nadu attaches
importance to Tithi. It also leans more towards Gregorian. Yet the most logical
would be to start the New Year on the holiest day of Makara Sankranti following
solar calendar when Uttarayana Punyakaal starts and Sun’s travel to Northern
Solstice begins, a significant most auspicious
astronomical landmark’s day which by coincidence is also Tamil month of
Tha.i Thai pirnadaal vazhi
pirakkum is a popular saying
in Tamil meaning Thai starts the path—to the materialist a good day to start
marriage or auspicious events and to a spiritual seeker an auspicious day that
builds hope towards liberation in the following six months. This was enforced
in Tamil Nadu for some time by an ordinance but later discontinued by another
ordinance, by political games and not logic.
Today there are three popular calendars in India. Vikram Era calendar is followed in Western and Northern India.
Shalivahana Saka calendar is followed in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and
Maharshtra and Solar Calendar followed by Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
A typical
entry in the Almanac reads as under:
Sri…samvatsare….ayane..…rithau…..mase…..pakshe
prathipadadi tithayaha…………kalyabdaa …shakabda …year…month
Date; day
of Chandramana ; day of Sowramana; Tithi; lagna; sunrise; sunset; duration of tithi; duration of Nakshatra; Yoga; Karana;
position of the various planets; festival/puja; if any; Gowri panchangam;
nakshatra of rain; masa/paksha kundali. [The details of the various attributes
are given in appendix}.
In addition
to the data mentioned above, the panchangam contains the following useful
information.
1. Devotional Verses (Stotras) for the day of
the week and general stotras
2.
Forecast
for the year for various rasis/nakshatras
3.
Festivals to be observed at home, in
temples and Holy places
4.
Details of eclipses and shanthi (peace)
for the same
5. Birthdays of deities, saints, alwars, Gurus
6.
Calculation data for
casting/interpreting horoscopes
7. Auspicious Muhurthams for 16
Sacraments like Jaa takarma, Upanayana, Vivaaha,Purchase of vehicles, sowing the crop, cattle purchase,
business transaction etc.
8.
Pravara (lineage) for various gotras
9.
Upakarma vidhi, tarpana krama
10. Ready reckoner for comparing horoscopes of
Kanya (girl) and Vara (boy) for
Wedding* and calculations of astrological
parameters such as Tarabala,
chandrabala, guna etc.
11. Gem therapy
12.
Vaastu Shastra (astrological predictions for constructing a house)
The Panchangam
is thus an astrological encyclopedia and
useful reference handbook for
all.
*(Hindus
strongly believe in these astrological calculations to fix the Marriage and
seek the guidance of the priest or Panchanga if they are themselves not
knowledgeable.
One Panchangam for All Hindu
Traditions
There are
thirty different calendars in India. Indian National Calendar Committee in 1957
brought out a National calendar aligning it with the Gregorian calendar basing
it on Salivahan Saka Era and Chandramana Calendar which was popular with majority
traditions but was not close to Gregorian official calendar. Their task was
complicated by the fact that with calendar reform, religion and local
sentiments were involved. India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in his preface to the Report of the Committee, which was
published in 1955, wrote: “They (different calendars) represent past political
divisions in the country…now that we have attained Independence, it is
obviously desirable that there should be a certain uniformity in the calendar
for our civic, social and other purposes and this should be done on a
scientific approach to this problem.” This National calendar was therefore brought in line with
Gregorian calendar.
It is unfortunate Indian Government in this year
2015 has decided to stop printing National calendar instead of enforcing it on
the people while enjoying absolute majority and popularity. This reform did not belong to any party but
was intended for National unity and convenience to align with International calendar. So much efforts put in by so many experts for
so many years has all gone waste. Some Years back Tamil Nadu went further ahead
in making Makara Sankranti, January 14 as the New Year day beginning with Tamil
Month of Thai which was close to January 1. However, when political situation changed Tamil
Nadu decided to revert back to Tamil New Year’s Day as before to celebrate on April 14 and as traditionally
observed for ages. Politics plays in
India and not religious accuracy based on astronomy and National unity that do
not upset sacred day observances.
Indian Solar calendar is totally based on the movements of
the Sun and is more scientific and convenient like the Gregorian calendar, being
used all over the world. Tamil Hindus, Bengali Hindus and Kerala Hindus, most religious lot among
Hindus, swear
by it and have not gone against scriptural injunctions by following it for
several centuries. Hindus in India have not adopted Indian
National calendar prepared for the benefit of the country by experts and have
ignored astronomical corrections over
centuries because of family ill-trained
astrologers who have not studied astronomy like our ancient Rishis and
tradition oriented priests who follow these Panchangams and stipulate date and
time of worship as is known to them mechanically. Even some authors who are
scholars in astronomy and astrology go the traditional way so as to not to
offend these authoritative Priests, Vadhyars and religious heads who rule and
guide the society. These should not be
the limiting factors for Hindu Americans who are well educated and spiritually
inclined.
Hindu Americans drawn from different
Hindu traditions will be better advised to go by the Indian National Calendar of
365.25 days which will slowly go into archives in India caught between politics
and religious prejudices. They need not follow any of the religious
panchangams currently in use in India which are all inaccurate and do not
comply with scriptural injunctions to perform rituals and worships as
per time, date and place of living. This needs a proper aligning of Hindu
American Panchangam of today with Indian National Calendar or even better
base it on Sauramana Panchangam taking into consideration its serious neglect
in not correcting for astronomical facts that has moved Makara Sankranti by 23
days from actual day of December 22 Winter solstice day when the Sun’s
direction changes towards North (Uttarayana). As highly
enlightened and religious conscious society with lot of computer geniuses they
have to base things on astronomical facts as the basis on which our Rishis
carried out their worships and rituals based on astronomical events based on
Sun. We should not go by blind faith and defective Panchangams of astrologers
which have certain missing links.
Makara Sankranti and
Tamil New Year’s Day fall more or less on the same day of Gregorian calendar
every year as we all know. Even our
Solar calendar is out of harmony with natural seasons on earth because of
the difference of 0.0165656
days in the actual and the assumed lengths
of a solar year which remained
uncorrected over fourteen centuries. The result is we are now celebrating our
fasts and festivals after over 23 days of their actual happening or Saastric
prescribed time. All our Panchangas require
accommodating this change. The present Niryana system is not accurate.
Our calendar is based on seasons, ayanas, and equinoxes etc. Moreover the 27
Stars are not placed evenly in heavens and the view of them through ecliptic
does not yield 2.25 stars per Zodiac to make for 27 stars*. Stars are of
unequal span. No one is prepared to bell the cat to make changes in the
Panchangas as done systematically in
Gregorian calendar. Gregorian calendar
makes leap year correction every four years and also leap-century correction to
set right the calendar over a period. We therefore wonder all the time why our
festivals and rituals do not coincide with the Gregorian calendar. Further
India has adopted Chandramana calendar of 354 days per year based on majority
opinion and not based on scientific compatibility with Gregorian calendar. Indian
National Calendar took care of compatibility but no one adopted it or the country enforced
it, afraid of losing its popularity, ignoring what is good for the country. Today
religious observations do not follow astronomical basis and base them on miscalculated
astrology. This is thus our negligence ignoring conflating science and
religion. Yet another factor is Hindu astrologers thought only about India
which lies in northern Hemisphere. They did not think of Southern Hemisphere
where winter in Northern Hemisphere is summer for them. Fortunately USA and
India are both in the Northern Hemisphere. But think of the religious faith of those living in Southern Hemisphere like Australia
or Bali?
*[In
the Panchangam or in astrology Nakshatra or star is only one of the Zodiacal Belt
whereas in astronomy stars are heavenly bodies twinkling in the sky. The moon’s
path lies within the Zodiacal Belt, which is the region extending about five
degrees on either side of the ecliptic. The moon completes a circuit of its
path with respect to the earth in about 27.33 days. Hence the Zodiacal Belt is
divided into 27 equal parts of 13 degrees and 20 seconds each, called
Nakshatras. The first segment longitude of the moon 0 degrees to 13 degrees and
20 seconds is called Aswini. It goes on further till the last Nakshatra Revati.
Revati completes the circle extending
from 346 degrees and 40 seconds to 360 degrees. (346 deg.
and 40”+13 deg. 20”= 360 degrees)].
At present USA has an American Hindu
Panchangam applicable to this part of
the world, very unique in many respects that need alignment with Indian
National Calendar and the astronomical correction needed for the lapses over centuries. Even the present Hindu American Panchangam
brought out by the Hindu Temple Society
of North America published since 1997 is not followed by all of its members of the Council. Hindu
Americans in spite of their broader outlook still are as religiously biased as
Hindus in India who have not adopted Indian National calendar prepared for the
benefit of the country by experts and are blind to astronomical corrections
over centuries because of family
trained astrologers who have not studied astronomy like our ancient
Rishis. Hindu American Temple
authorities are also guided by these family trained or family tradition
oriented priests imported from India. It should not be difficult for Mr. R. Kumar,
Author of Hindu American Panchangam to correct the situation and provide
Americans with an accurate religious Panchangam aligned to Gregorian calendar,
being an author of several books on astronomy and astrology and also the
recipient of several awards.
I
often wonder while Government of India could force decimal system, against
multiplicity of regional systems of weights and measurements and distances (FPS
System) which even USA could not do, why they are not able to enforce Indian
National calendar which provides astronomical dates as per scriptural injunctions
for all? Hindu Americans drawn from all traditions in India can certainly do it
if they have a will to do it and show the way to Hindus in India to adopt one uniform
calendar like what Pope Gregory did by not only fixing his religious calendar
but also forcing it on the entire world today. Probably his thinking was to
have one religion for the entire world that is Christianity which remains
still a dream though it leads all other
religious followings, may be due to its political and economic supremacy! Are
we concerned about the past glory of Salivahana Saka or worried about the
accuracy of our religious calendar that needs correction due to astronomical
changes that have taken place over several centuries to perform our religious
rituals and celebrate festivals as per scriptural injunctions?
[This discourse is based on the article sent
by Mr. B.R.G. Iyengar a free lawns writer on religious topics from Karnataka
based on the above references which is gratefully acknowledged who often
advises and helps me in my endeavors to serve you all along with others but for
whose help this mammoth contributions found on the blog would not have been
possible]
APPENDIX 1
JAMBUDWIPA AND THE SANKALPA
(Compiled
by N.R. Srinivasan, Nashville, TN, USA, December 2018)
Our ancient Maharshis viszualized that The world is considered as having seven
dweepas (islands)-Kusha, Shalmali, Plaksha, Jambu, Krauncha, Saaka,
Pushkara. Jamboodweepa is at the centre.
Mountain Sumeru is at the centre of Jambudweepa. The Present day India is a small part of that
land Called Bharatha Varsham. If you
could obtain and see the map of those days , the present day Afghanistan,
Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Nepal, a part of china and many more surrounding
countries were then in Bharata varsha.
Now we hear of many Hindu temples and Hindu gods idols in those
countries.
Hindu Cosmic cycle details.
1 Mahayuga = Sum of 4 Yugas (Krita, Treta,
Dwapara and Kali) = 4,320,000 years. 1000 such mahayugas comprise a day-time of
Brahma also known as a Kalpa. The Kalpa is ruled by 14 Manus in succession. The
reigning period of a Manu is one Manvantara which is 71.42 Mahayugas. There is
an equivalent night-time of 4,320,000,000 years. The day-night of Brahma
together constitutes one Brahma day (8.64 billion years). 360 Brahma days
constitute a Brahma year while 360 years represent the lifetime of Brahma which
is the life of the cosmos. Doing this simple calculation gives the age of the
cosmos to be 311 trillion years. Carl Sagan, the noted scientist says in
relation to this, ""The Hindu religion is the only one of the world's
great faiths dedicated to the idea that the Cosmos itself undergoes an immense,
indeed an infinite, number of deaths and rebirths. It is the only religion in
which the time scales correspond, to those of modern scientific cosmology. Its
cycles run from our ordinary day and night to a day and night of Brahma, 8.64
billion years long. Longer than the age of the Earth or the Sun and about half
the time since the Big Bang. And there are much longer time scales still."
We are presently in the Sveta-Varaha kalpa in
the reigning period of Vaivaswatha - the 7th Manu. In this Manvantara we are in
the 28th mahayuga. As per our Cosmology, Brahma is supposed to have completed
50 Brahma years and is in his 51st year. That is why he is called
"Parardha-dvaya-jivin" (ie) he lives for two parardhas. A parardha is
half. Two halves make one. He is called so as he has completed one half of his
tenure. These terminology makes better sense in relation to the Sankalpa. The
actual Sankalpa mantra and its meaning runs like this
"....
dviteeya parardhe - in the 2nd half of Brhama's life
Svetavaraha kalpe - in the kalpa of Sveta-Varaha
Vaivaswatha manvantare - in the reining period of the current manu Vaivaswatha
Ashta Vimsati tame - in the 28th mahayuga of the current manavantara
Kaliyuge - in this kali yuga
Prathame Padhe - in the first quarter of this yuga
Jamboodveepe - this denotes the place where the ritual is performed. India was known as Jambudveepa
Bharata Varshe, Bharata Kande - in the land of Bharat
Sakhabde Mero, Dakshine dikbhage - to the South of the Meru mountain
Asmin Varthamane Vyavaharike - in the current period now reigning
Prabhavadi Shasti Samvatsaranam Madya - among the cycle of 60 years starting from Prabhava
Nama Samvatsare - the name of the year in the 60 year Hindu calendar
....Ayane - Dakshinayane (Aadi to Marghazi) or Uttarayane (Thai to Aani)
....Ritou - denotes the 6 seasons or Ritus - Vasantha, Greeshma, Varsha, Sharadh, Hemantha and Shishira
....Mase - one of the 12 months
....Pakshe - either Shukla Paksham (day after Amavasya till and including Pournami) or Krishna Paksham (day after Pournami till and including Amavasya)
....Subha Thithou - one of the 15 days between Pournami and Amavasya (Prathama, Dvithiya, Trithiya, Chaturthi, Panchami, Shasti, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, Dasami, Ekadasi, Dwadashi, Trayodasi, Chaturdasi, Pournami or Amavasya
....Vasara Yuktayam - one of the days of the week (Bhanu, Soma, Bhowma, Soumya, Guru, Brugu and Sthira)
....Nakshatra Yuktayam - the day's star or Nakshatram.
Svetavaraha kalpe - in the kalpa of Sveta-Varaha
Vaivaswatha manvantare - in the reining period of the current manu Vaivaswatha
Ashta Vimsati tame - in the 28th mahayuga of the current manavantara
Kaliyuge - in this kali yuga
Prathame Padhe - in the first quarter of this yuga
Jamboodveepe - this denotes the place where the ritual is performed. India was known as Jambudveepa
Bharata Varshe, Bharata Kande - in the land of Bharat
Sakhabde Mero, Dakshine dikbhage - to the South of the Meru mountain
Asmin Varthamane Vyavaharike - in the current period now reigning
Prabhavadi Shasti Samvatsaranam Madya - among the cycle of 60 years starting from Prabhava
Nama Samvatsare - the name of the year in the 60 year Hindu calendar
....Ayane - Dakshinayane (Aadi to Marghazi) or Uttarayane (Thai to Aani)
....Ritou - denotes the 6 seasons or Ritus - Vasantha, Greeshma, Varsha, Sharadh, Hemantha and Shishira
....Mase - one of the 12 months
....Pakshe - either Shukla Paksham (day after Amavasya till and including Pournami) or Krishna Paksham (day after Pournami till and including Amavasya)
....Subha Thithou - one of the 15 days between Pournami and Amavasya (Prathama, Dvithiya, Trithiya, Chaturthi, Panchami, Shasti, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, Dasami, Ekadasi, Dwadashi, Trayodasi, Chaturdasi, Pournami or Amavasya
....Vasara Yuktayam - one of the days of the week (Bhanu, Soma, Bhowma, Soumya, Guru, Brugu and Sthira)
....Nakshatra Yuktayam - the day's star or Nakshatram.
BHARATA
VARSHA means entire Asian countries including Iran, Afghanistan,TIibet,
Burma, Srilanka, Indonesia,Malaysia, Java and Sumara, Bali, Vietnams, Thailand
etc., based on the past glory
Bharatavarsha
refers to the whole of modern India and many other countries. (may be this has lost its significance as other counties have moved out of Sanatan
Dharma and have built religious walls)
"उत्तरं
यत्समुद्रस्य हिमाद्रेश्चैव दक्षिणम् ।
वर्षं तद् भारतं नाम भारती यत्र संततिः ।।"
'uttaram yatsamudrasya himadrescaiva daksinam
varsam tadbharatam nama bharati yatra santatih'
"The country (varsam) that lies north of the ocean and south of the snowy mountains is called Bharatam; there dwell the descendants of Bharata."
Bharatakandam is the region which is contained in Bharatavarsha, comprising modern South Asia.
According to some Puranas, the term Bharatvarsha applies to planet Earth and not to India based on our assertion Vasudnhaiva Kutumbakam
2) Rig Veda, Book 3, Hyme 53, Verse 12:
"य इमे रोदसी उभे अहमिन्द्रमतुष्टवम |
विश्वामित्रस्यरक्षति बरह्मेदं भारतं जनम ||"
'ya ime rodasi ubhe ahamindramatustavam |
visvamitrasyaraksati brahmedaṃ bhaaratam janam ||'
'Praises to Indra have I sung, sustainer of this earth and heaven. This prayer of Visvamitra keeps secure the race of Bharatas.'
3) Srimad Bhagavatam, Book 5, Chapter 20, Verses 2 to 29:
There are 7 concentric dvipas of varying sizes and surrounded by various types of oceans.
(yojana is the size of 4 gaau, and 1 gaau is 2 miles (thus 1 yojana is 8 miles).
(i) Jambu-dvipa(the central dvipa) with 100,000 yojana at the center. It is surrounded by salt-water ocean of 100,000 yojana.
(ii) Next surrounded by serial one is Plaksh-dvipa with 200,000 yojana. It is surrounded by ikshu or sugarcane juice ocean of 200, 000 yojana.
(iii) Shaalmali-dvip is next with 400,000 yojana wide. This is encircled by the Like suraa or alcohol ocean with 400,000 yijana.
(iv) Kush-dvip is the next one with 800,000 yojan. Beyond this Like ghrut or ghee (melted butter) ocean with 800,000 yojana wide.
(v) Next encircled is Kraunch-dvip with 1,600,000 yojana and beyond this is Like KSHEER or MILK OCEAN with 1,600,000 yojan wide.
(vi) Shaak-dvip is next with 3,200,000 yojana and further with Like dadhi-mandod or yogurt ocean with 3,200,000 yojanaa.
(vii) Pushkar-dvip is the last one with 6,400,000 yojana and surrounded with an ocean of Water sweet as sudhaa or amrut (nectar) of 6,400,000 yojana wide.
वर्षं तद् भारतं नाम भारती यत्र संततिः ।।"
'uttaram yatsamudrasya himadrescaiva daksinam
varsam tadbharatam nama bharati yatra santatih'
"The country (varsam) that lies north of the ocean and south of the snowy mountains is called Bharatam; there dwell the descendants of Bharata."
Bharatakandam is the region which is contained in Bharatavarsha, comprising modern South Asia.
According to some Puranas, the term Bharatvarsha applies to planet Earth and not to India based on our assertion Vasudnhaiva Kutumbakam
2) Rig Veda, Book 3, Hyme 53, Verse 12:
"य इमे रोदसी उभे अहमिन्द्रमतुष्टवम |
विश्वामित्रस्यरक्षति बरह्मेदं भारतं जनम ||"
'ya ime rodasi ubhe ahamindramatustavam |
visvamitrasyaraksati brahmedaṃ bhaaratam janam ||'
'Praises to Indra have I sung, sustainer of this earth and heaven. This prayer of Visvamitra keeps secure the race of Bharatas.'
3) Srimad Bhagavatam, Book 5, Chapter 20, Verses 2 to 29:
There are 7 concentric dvipas of varying sizes and surrounded by various types of oceans.
(yojana is the size of 4 gaau, and 1 gaau is 2 miles (thus 1 yojana is 8 miles).
(i) Jambu-dvipa(the central dvipa) with 100,000 yojana at the center. It is surrounded by salt-water ocean of 100,000 yojana.
(ii) Next surrounded by serial one is Plaksh-dvipa with 200,000 yojana. It is surrounded by ikshu or sugarcane juice ocean of 200, 000 yojana.
(iii) Shaalmali-dvip is next with 400,000 yojana wide. This is encircled by the Like suraa or alcohol ocean with 400,000 yijana.
(iv) Kush-dvip is the next one with 800,000 yojan. Beyond this Like ghrut or ghee (melted butter) ocean with 800,000 yojana wide.
(v) Next encircled is Kraunch-dvip with 1,600,000 yojana and beyond this is Like KSHEER or MILK OCEAN with 1,600,000 yojan wide.
(vi) Shaak-dvip is next with 3,200,000 yojana and further with Like dadhi-mandod or yogurt ocean with 3,200,000 yojanaa.
(vii) Pushkar-dvip is the last one with 6,400,000 yojana and surrounded with an ocean of Water sweet as sudhaa or amrut (nectar) of 6,400,000 yojana wide.
What exactly is this
"Jambudwipa"?
Jambu Dweepa means “An Island of Jambu
trees (Syzygium
fruit or Java Plum)”. The fruit is called as Naval Pazlam in
Tamil and nerale hannu in Kannada.
Jambudveepa consisted of modern Asia, Europe,
Africa and North America and not merely the Indian subcontinent.
This Jambudveepa was divided into nine Varshas
(geographical regions) of which one was
Bharatha Varsha. The other eight varshas were: 2. Ketumula Varsha;
3.Hari Varsha; 4. Ilavrita Varsha; 5. Kuru Varsha; 6. Hiranyaka Varsha; 7. Ramyaka Varsha; 8. Kimpurusha Varsha; and 9. Bhadrasva
Varsha.
According to Wikipedia in ancient times this
Globe was partitioned into Saptha Dweepas (seven islands) namely:
o Jambu ( Java Plum) (Asia, Eurasia)
o Plaksha ( Ficus religiosa or
sacred fig ) (South America )
o Saalmalli ( Bombax ceiba,
cotton tree) ( Australia )
o Kusha ( Grass) (oceania)
o Krouncha ( Africa)
o Saaka ( Europe, Atlantis)
o Pushkara ( North America, Canada)
“According to Puranic
cosmography, the world is divided into seven concentric island continents (sapta-dvipa
vasumati) separated by the seven encircling oceans (Sapta Sindhus), each
double the size of the preceding one (going out from within). The seven
continents of the Puranas are
stated as Jambudvipa, Plaksadvipa,
Salmalidvipa, Kusadvipa, Krounchadvipa, Sakadvipa, and Pushkaradvipa. Seven
intermediate oceans consist of salt-water, sugarcane juice, wine, ghee,
yogurt, milk and water respectively. The
mountain range called Lokaloka,
meaning "world-no-world", stretches across this final sea,
delineating the known world from the dark void.
Continent Jambudvipa (Indian Blackberry Island), also known as Sudarshanadvipa,
forms the innermost concentric island in the above scheme. Its name is said to
derive from a Jambu tree (another name for the Indian Blackberry).
The fruits of the Jambu tree are said, in the Viṣṇupurāṇa (ch.2) to be as large
as elephants and when they become very ripe and fall upon the crest of the
mountains, a river of juice is formed from their expressed juice. The river so
formed is called Jambunadi (Jambu river) and flows through Jambudvipa, whose
inhabitants drink its waters. Insular continent Jambudvipa is said to comprise
nine varshas (zones) and eight significant parvatas (mountains).”
India which was then called Bharata Varsha
named after Bharata son of Rishabha Deva, the land including Sumeria up to
Caspian Sea (which was called Kashyapa Samudra in those days). Within this
Bharata Varsha was located the Bharata Khanda which was the heart of the Vedic
civilization & the place where
Indians resided that too got progressively curtailed due to partition and gifts to
Prince of Wales! Aryan Invasion is a
conspiracy theory molded by Western Countries to show us in poor light. All of the regions so mentioned in the race
theory are a part of Bharata Varsha and there was never a so called
"invasion".
What is amazing is the fact that our ancestors
had an excellent overview of the geography of the world back then.
It can be observed that in those times, most
of South American continent, southern half of African Continent and entire
Australia were submerged under water. On the other hand most of modern day
Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean, and the entire Arctic Ocean were above sea
level.
This also proves the logical fallacy of the
Western missionaries which claim that the Vedic civilization is just 5000 years
old, Kurukshetra war took place just a few thousand years back, etc. The Vedic
civilization existed at times when Australia was submerged below the ocean!
Imagine how long back that must have been!
The common names of the dvīpas, having their
varṣas (9 for Jambu-dvīpa, 7 for the other dvīpas) with a mountain and a river
in each varṣa, is given in several Purāṇas. There is a distinct set of names
provides, however, in other Purāṇas The most detailed geography is that described
in the Vāyu Purāṇa.
Surya Siddhanta, an astronomical text, refers to Northern Hemisphere of the earth
as Jambudvipa whereas the Southern hemisphere is referred
to as Patala.
The
credits for this discovery go to the great soul Lokamanya Balagangadhar Tilak.
More information can be found in his book *The Arctic Home in the Vedas*
For
USA : Krouncha
dveepE, ramaNaka varshE, aindra kaNDE, amerikA desE , prasAnta sAgarE (pacific
ocean , which is optional to say if you live on west coast of USA), your city
etc...
For UK : SAlmali dvIpE, vinyascita paschima dhigbhAgE samudra madyasthita brihadharanya kshetrE, London mahAnagare (replace with any city in the UK you live in)
North America is Pushkara dveepa as pushkara trees (maple) are found there.
For UK : SAlmali dvIpE, vinyascita paschima dhigbhAgE samudra madyasthita brihadharanya kshetrE, London mahAnagare (replace with any city in the UK you live in)
North America is Pushkara dveepa as pushkara trees (maple) are found there.
Africa can be Krouncha dveepa (as krouncha = bird, kilimanjaro
(kili means parrot in Tamil) mountain exists there and popular episode of
Skanda's life is his feat of breaking the Krauncha mountain.
SOME THOUGHTS FOR OUR RELIGIOUS PUNDITS AND SPIRITUAL GURUS
SOME THOUGHTS FOR OUR RELIGIOUS PUNDITS AND SPIRITUAL GURUS
American Hindus might think Krouncha as North America but it
is Pushkara dveepa.
Salmali could be Australia for the reason that tall pine
trees (salmali) are found between Indonesia and Australia (also described by Sugreeva in Ramayana)
Similar way : Plaksha dveepa is South America
Saaka is West Europe (towards Atlantic Ocean, like UK,
Greenland, Ireland (has Skanda connection from Tamil Nadu. Try to find meaning
for common Tamil name Sendhil/Senthil, which mean red one and Irish people have
read skin+hair), Iceland etc.
Kusa dveepa is Oceania (smaller islands of Pacific ocean)
MY THOUGHTS
Priests in USA often replace “Bharatakande” with Aindra Kande in
Sankalpa. “America, which is at the antipodes may be taken to be Patala, or the
Nether World. Kapilaranya we may further take it as situated here. “It is
likely Kapilaranya changed to California in the same manner as Madurai
sometimes altered to Marudai. Also noteworthy is the fact that there is Horse
islands near California as well as Ash Islands” writes HH Chandrasekaharendra
Saraswati in his book Hindu Dharma. This reminds us of the story of Sagara, his
horse, the curse of sage Kapila who reduced his sons to ashes. This makes us
believe the migration of Red Indians from India in the ancient past.
Recently
an ancient Siva temple in ruins has been discovered in the dense
forests of USA. Hinduism had been
the religion of the world from the beginning of times. Today it is again
spreading in all countries of the world as world religion. The ancient Indians
settled in America are known to the world as Red Indians.
Generations of present Kaliyuga migrated from Bharat traveling
through frozen sea between 20000 to 30000 years settled in the continent of
America and were called Red Indians say the expert historians. Settling there they worshiped
Siva says a research publication Sadathala.
According
to Wikipedia in ancient times this Globe was partitioned into Saptha Dweepas.
Pushkara Dweepa constituted North America, Canada. Then, I am not sure of Krouncha dweepa, Ramanaka
Varsha and Aindra Kanda adopted by priests in USA for Sankalpas!
ANBIL RAMASWAMY
The tendency to link California with Kapilaranya and Horse islands to Ash Islands seem far- fetched and
smack of trying to glorify Hinduism.
HINDUISM
DISCOVERED ON SANKALPAM IN INDIA AND IN U.S.A.
The
following are excerpts from Chapter 25 of “Hinduism Rediscovered” book which
inter alia deals with the location that is recited in our Sankalpa.
DVEEPAS (ISLANDS)
While
the Mahabhaarata gives an older version of the world model with just four
dveepas arranged around Mount Meru, a fully developed model which is
much more complex is also seen depicted in the Puranas. They mention seven
dveepas surrounded by seven concentric oceans with Mount Meru standing at the
center in what is known as Jambudveepa surrounded by an ocean of salt water
which itself is surrounded alternately by circles of land and other oceans.
This
Mount Meru, or the “Golden Mountain” is described as 84,000 Yojanas in height,
16,000 Yojanas in depth unimaginably far above the surface of the earth, with a
diameter of 32,000 Yojanas and a base of 16,000 Yojanas.
The
Jambudveepa itself is divided into 9 parts, with Bharata varsha
at the center. The other 8 parts are described as “places of perfect enjoyment”
(Bhoga Bhumi), where happiness is spontaneous and uninterrupted, without
vicissitude, without age and death, without distinction of virtue or vice,
without any change brought about by the cycle of ages.
NOTE:
U.S.A.
may be described as “BhOga Bhoomi” may be in relation to India but it cannot be
said to have the characteristics mentioned in the case of India – namely “where
happiness is spontaneous and uninterrupted, without vicissitude, without age
and death, without distinction of virtue or vice, without any change brought
about by the cycle of ages”.
Bharatavarsha
is subject to the deterioration brought about by the succession of the four
yugas; it knows suffering and death. But, it is the land of works (Karma
Bhumi) which enables people to gain heaven or even final
emancipation”
The
Sankalpa that every Hindu makes while initiating any religious practice
invariably refers to the exact locale where the rite is performed with
reference to the Hindu Cosmology. In India, the locale part of the Sankalpa
would be as follows:
mErO: DakshiNE paarsvE
On the southern side of Mount mEru
Jambudveepe
In the isle of the rose apple
Bharata
Varshe
In the region called Bharata Varsha
Bharatah
Khande
In the continent of Bharata
etc.
Those doing the rites in the U.S.A,
adopt the same as follows:
mErO: paschima dig bhaagE;
on the western side of Mount mERu*
Ramanaka
Varshe
In the region called Ramanaka Varsha
Aindra
Khande
In
the continent called Aindra
Rocky
– McKinley Parvatayor Madhye:
Between the mountains of Rockey and McKinley
Misissipi- Missouri Ityaadhi Aneka
Shodasa Jeeva Nadeenaam sameepa stite:
the place that is surrounded by such perennial rivers like Mississippi, Missouri and 16 other rivers.
the place that is surrounded by such perennial rivers like Mississippi, Missouri and 16 other rivers.
COMMENT:
·
This does
not seem to be correct because Mount mERu is situated unimaginably north and therefore mErO: dakshiNE paarsvE
is to be applied anywhere in our world whether in India or U.S.A or Australia.*
·
Also,
it is not correct to recite Krouncha Dweepa because according to Hindu
Cosmology, Krouncha Dweepa is surrounded by Dashy or yogurt whereas we find
that the waters of the oceans surrounding USA are saline and therefore more
appropriate to include it in Bhaarta Varsha, Bharata: Khanda, mErO: DakshinE
PaarsvE
·
In other
words, the references to Dveepa, Varsha, Khanda etc should be as indicated for
India.
* Mount Meru of Hindu
traditions has clearly mythical aspects, being described as 84,000 Yojana
high (about 1,082,000 km (672,000 mi), which would be 85 times the
Earth's diameter, and notes that the Sun along with all the planets in the
Solar System revolve around Mt. Meru as one unit.
Mount Meru,
in Hindu mythology, a golden mountain that stands in the center of the universe
and is the axis of the world. It is the abode of
gods, and its foothills are the Himalayas, to the south of which extends
Bhāratavarṣa (“Land of the Sons of Bharata”), the ancient name for India.
The roof tower crowning the shrine in a Hindu temple represents Meru. As the
world axis, Mount Meru
reaches down below the ground, into the nether regions, as far as it extends
into the heavens. All of the principal deities have their own celestial
kingdoms on or near it, where their devotees reside with them after death,
while awaiting their next reincarnation.
You can see
now the confusion that our priests have in USA in deciding right text for Sankalpa for conducting rituals and
worships. Based on the above “Meroh dakshine parsve” can be left as such in Sankalpa wherever Hindus
are settled on the globe.
For
USA : Pushkara dveepE, RamaNaka
varshE, Aindra kaNDE, AmerikA desE , Rocey
McKinley Parvatayor Madhye: (Between the mountains of Rockey and
McKinley) Misissipi- Missouri Ityaadhi Aneka Shodasa Jeeva Nadeenaam sameepe
sthite:
the place that is surrounded by such perennial rivers like Mississippi, Missouri and 16 other rivers seems to be logical that needs to be blessed by our religious and astrological Pundits.
the place that is surrounded by such perennial rivers like Mississippi, Missouri and 16 other rivers seems to be logical that needs to be blessed by our religious and astrological Pundits.
However
man y of the priests trained in mechanical chanting of mantra without exposed
to their purport and deeper meaning think the Sanklpa as chanted in Hindu Temples in India is equally
applicable to USA or an y other country where Hindu Temples are built.
Definitions of the various words in Sankalpa
1, Kalpa-Para
This refers
to the life span of the Creator, Lord Brahma and the computation is given
below:
There are four yugas in
the Hindu calendar as described in Puranas.
a) Krutha
yuga(sathya yuga) 1728000 years
(known as total virtue era;
golden age)
b). Threthayuga 1296000
years
(threefourths virtue;one fourth
sin: silver age
c) Dwaparayuga 864000
years
(halfvirtue half sin:bronze age)
d) Kaliyuga 432000 years
(one quarter virtue; three quarters
in iron age
e) one Mahayuga (total of a to d) 4320000
years
A kalpa is made up of 1000 Mahayugas or 4320000000
years. A night of Brahma is of equal duration.
A full day of Brahma is thus two Kalpas
or 8640000000 years. A year of Brahma is 360 days (720 Kalpas). Lifespan
of Brahma is 100 such years or 311.04 Trillion
years. This is called Para and is considered in two parts-prathama parardha(first
half of para) i.e the first 50 years of
Brahma’s lifespan and dwitiya parardha(second
half of para)i.e the second 50 years of Brahma’s lifespan. We are now
in dwitiyaparardha, in the 51st year,1st Day called Shwethavaraha
Kalpa.
According
to Vishnupurana at the end of Brahma’s daytime period, the three worlds Bhooloka,
Bhuvarloka and Suvarloka (and the seven
netherworlds Atala, Vitala, Sutala
Bhootala, Rasatala, Mahatala
and Patala) are temporarily dissolved (naimittika pralaya/incidental deluge). A dreadful
draught occurs and lasts for 100 years. This is followed by a deluge. Lord
Vishnu reclines in meditative pose (Yoganidra) for another kalpa before
starting re-creation.
2.
Manvanthare
The Lord
has appointed Manu as ruler of all worlds.
Each
kalpa is reigned by a succession of 14 Manus and the period of
reign is called Manvanthara and corresponds to
approximately 71 Mahayugas. The Manus are Swayambhuva, Svarochisha, Uthama,
Thamasa, Raivatha, Chakshusha, Vaivaswatha, Savarni,Dakshasavarni, Brahmasavarni,
Dharmasavarni, Rudrasavarni, Devasavarni, Indrasavarni
We
are now in the 7th Manvanthara called Vaivaswatha Manvanthara and in
the 28th Mahayuga of that Manvanthara. This is around 454th
Mahayuga (of the 1000 mahayugas that form one daytime of Brahma.
3. Kaliyuge/prathamepade
Within
this Mahayuga we are now in Kaliyuga, 5115 th year of Kaliyuga(corresponding to
2014 AD). Kaliyuga is believed to have started on midnight of Friday, 17th/18th
February 3102 BC corresponding to Pramathi samvatsara,Sravana masa, Krishna
paksha Astami((some refer to Bhadrapada masa krishna paksha thrayodashi)
Shukravara. This is also the day when Lord Krishna chose to give up his mortal
body at Prabhasa theertha to return to His permanent abode(Paramapada).Thus we
are in the very early part of kaliyuga (first leg) with more than 426000 years
to go.
4. Jambudweepe/Bharthavarshe/Bhrathakhande
The world
is considered as having seven dweepas (islands)-Kusha, Shalmali, Plaksha,
Jambu, Krauncha,Saaka, Pushkara. Jambudweepa is at the center. Mountain Sumeru
is at the centre of Jambudweepa. To the south of Meru is Bharathavarsha the
land ruled by Bharatha. Present India is Bharathakhanda (not including the
lands we lost to Pakistan, Afghanistan (ghandaara), Nepal, Sikkim, Bangladesh,
Burma and Srilanka).
5. Shakabde
This refers
to Shalivahana saka. We are now in saka 1936.This corresponds to Kali year 5115.
6. meroh dakshine
parswe
This is
already mentioned in 4 above.
7. Asmin varthamane
At the
present time
8. Vyavaharike Prabhavadi shasti samvatsaraanaam madhye
The
Hindu calendar is drawn on the basis of a cycle of 60 Samvatsaras(Years). There
is a mythological reference that these are manifestations of progeny of sage
Narada who after having stray thoughts was ordained to take birth in this world
and beget the sixty issues. These sixty names are as under:
Prabhava,
Vibhava, Shukla Pramodootha,Prajotpatti,Angirasa,Srimukha,Bhava,Yuva,Dhathru,
Easwara,
Bahudhanya,Pramathi, Vikrama, Vishnu, Chitrabhanu, Swabhau, Tharana, Parthiva,
Vyaya,Sarvajit,Sarvadhari,Virodhi,Vikruthi,Khara,Nandana,,Vijaya,Jaya,Manmatha,Durmukhi,
Hevilambi,
Vilambi, Vikari, Sharvari, Plava,Shubhakruth, Shobhakruth, Krodhi, Viswavasu,
Parabhava,
Plavanga, Keelaka, Soumya, Sadharana, Virodhikruth, Pareedhavi, Pramathicha,
Ananda,
Rakshasa, Nala, Pingala, Kalayukthi, Siddharthi, Roudri, Durmathi, Dundhubhi,
Rudhirodgari,
Rakthakshi, Krodhana and Akshaya.
9…..Ayane
The
year is divided into two ayanas-Uttarayana and Dakshinayana. Uttarayana
refers to the period Makara to Mithuna and Dakshinayana refers to the period Kataka to Dhanus. Uttarayana is considered to
be auspicious(The departing souls take the Archiradi marga while in Dakshinayana
it is the Pitru marga).That is the reason that Bheeshma, the Icchamarani(One
who was given the boon -option to give
up his mortal frame on the day of his choice) was waiting for Uttarayana for
leaving this world.
10….Ruthau
There are
six ruthus in the year. These are Vasantha, Greeshma, Varsha, Sharad, Hemantha, and Sisira.
11……Masae
Each ruthu
comprises two Chandramana masas(Months) as under:
Chaitra-Vaishakha;
Jyesta-Ashada; Sravana-Bhadrapada; Ashwayuja-Karthika; Margashira-Pushya; Magha-Phalguna:
These twelve names of months are derived from the Nakshatras obtaining on the Poornima
day of the month.
The
corresponding Souramana month names (alongwith tamil names) are as under:
Mesha-Vrushabha
(Chittirai-Vaikaasi); Mithuna-Kataka Ani-Adi); Simha-Kanya (Avani-Purattaasi);
Thula-Vruschika (Aippasi-Karthigai); Dhanus-Makara (Marhazhi-Thai);
Kumbha-Meena(Maasi-Panguni)
The English
names for the twelve zodiacal months are as under:
Aries,
Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius,
Pisces.
12……Pakshe
Each
masa is divided into two Pakshas (fortnights).-Shukla paksha--the bright fortnight, the period of the waxing
moon-from Prathama to Poornima. Krishna paksha--the
dark fortnight period of the waning Moon--from Prathama to Amavasya.
13….Tithau
There
are 15 tithis in each paksha. These are Prathama, Dwiteeya, Ttrut eeyaa, Chaturthi, Panchami, Shasti,
Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, Dashami, Ekadashi, Dwadashi, Thrayodashi, Chaturdashi, Poornima/Amavasya.
14……Vasare
There are
seven days in the week. Bhanuvara (Ravi,Adithya), Somavara (Indu) Kujavara(Mangala)
, Budhavara(Soumya) , Guruvara(Bruhaspathi),
Shukravara(Bhargavasara )and
Shanivara(Sthira). Equivalent tamil and
english names are
Nyayitrukilamai(Sunday),
Thingalkilamai(Monday), Shevvaykilamai(Tuesday), Budhankilamai(Wednesday),
Vyalakilamai (Thursday), Vellikilamai(Friday) and Shanikilamai(Saturday).
15……Nakshatre
There are
27 stars (Each with four paadas) as under. Their placement (With particular
paadas) in various rashis is indicated below:
Ashwini, Bharani,
Krittika1- Mesha:
Krittika2, 3,
4, Rohini, Mrugashira 1, 2- Vrushabha
Mrugashira
3, , Arudhra, Punarvasu1, 2, 3- Mithuna
Punarvasu4,
Pushya, Ashlesha- Karkataka
Makha,Pubba,
Uttara1- Simha
Uttara2, 3,
4, Hasta, Chitta 1, 2- Kanya
Chitta3, 4,
Swathi, Vishakha1, 2, 3- Thula
Vishakha4, Anuradha ,,Jyeshtha- Vrushchika
Moola,Poorvashada,
Uttarashada1-
Dhanus
Dhanista 3,
4, Shatabhisha, Poorvabhadra, 1, 2, 3-
Kumbha
Uttarashada
2, 3, 4, Shravana, Dhanista1, 2- Makara
Poorvabhadra
4, Uttarabhadra, Revathi - Meena
Tamil names
for the twenty seven stars are:
Aswini,
Bharani, Krittigai,Rohini,Mrugashiridam, Thiruvaadirai,Punarpoosam,Poosam,Ayiliyam,
Magam,Pooram, Uttiram, Astham, Chittirai, Swaathi, Vishakam, Anusham, Kettai, Moolam,
Puraadam, Uttiraadam,Thiruvonam, Avittam, Shadaayam,Poorattadi.Uttirattadi, Revathi.
16……Yoga
There are
27 yogaas as under:
Ishkumbha ,
Preethi, Ayushman, Soubhagya, Shobhana, Athiganda, Sukarma, Dhruthi, Shoola,
Ganda, Vruddhi,
Dhruva, Vyaghatha, Harshana, Vajra, Siddhi,Vyatheepatha, Vareeyan,Parigha,
Shivasiddha,
Sadhya, Shubha, Shukla (Shukra), Brahma,
ndra, Vaidhruthi
Some are
considered auspicious and some inauspicious. Normally the name of the yoga on
the day is not spelt out during Sankalpa.
Instead it is just mentioned as shubhayoga.
(good Yoga)
17… Karana
There are11
Karanas as under:
Bhava,
Balava, Kaulava, Thaithila, Gara, Vanij, Vishtee, Shakuni, Chatushpada, Naga, Kimsthughna
Some are
considered auspicious and some inauspicious. Normally the name of the Karana on the day is not spelt out at the time of Sankalpa. Instead
it is just mentioned as shubhakarana.
It can be
seen that the Panchangam is an essential tool in any religious function.
REFERENCES:
1.
Sri Valmiki Ramayanam
2.
Sri Mahabharatha
3.
Sri Bhagavadgita
4.
Srimad Bhagavatha
5.
SriVishnupuranam
6.
Jain panchangam
7.
Vontikoppal panchangam
8.
Sri Sampathkrisnajosyar’s panchangam
9.
Bhavan’s journal
10.
Sai Mandir
11.
BRG Iyengar’s article in Kannada on the subject, published by Ubhayaveda
12. Internet
12. Internet
13.
Mahanarayana Upanishad
14.
Economist, Science and Technology, March 2015
15.
North American Panchangam, The Council of Hindu Temples of North America, 2015
Hindu Complex and Confusing Units of Time
Hinduism
is known for its complex and confusing units of time. Because of the
extensive span of Hinduism and Hindu mythology, time can become
increasingly complex and enigmatic. Just as there
are multiple systems of measuring time today, there are multiple Hindu
systems as well. Here is the the most comprehensive one. Let us start
with the smallest unit of time and move forward: This would also help
forthcoming lecture on Historic Global Rama
and Invincible Ayodhya. Keep it handy to understand -Puranic times
The Smallest Units of Time
The smallest unit of time in Hindu mythology is known as
Alpakala. If two leaves are placed on top of each other
and they are pierced by a needle, the time required for the needle to
pass from the first leaf to the second leaf is known as Alpakala. The
next units of time are pretty simple:
- Truti: Thirty Alpakalas make up one Truti
- Kala: Thirty Trutis make up one Kala
- Kastha: Thirty Kalas make up one Kastha, which is also known as a Nimisha, Noti, or Matra
- Ganita: Four Kasthas make up one Ganita
- Netuvirppu: Ten Ganitas make up one Netuvirppu
- Vinazhika: Six Netuvirppus make up one Vinazhika
- Ghatika: Sixty Vinazhikas make up one Ghatika
Now,
this is where it became confusing for me, especially with the obscure
wording of the Bhagavata Purana. Sixty Ghatikas comprise one
Ahoratra, which is one 24-hour day for regular human beings. Fifteen days (ahoratras) constitute one
Paksha and two Pakshas constitute a Chandra masa, which is a 30-day lunar month. Twelve Chandra masas (lunar months) make up one
year for human beings.
Human Years vs. Deva Years
We are
now going to move away from the human scale and transitioning to the
godly scale. One year for human beings (twelve Chandra-masas) is
equivalent to one ahoratra (one day and night) for
the devas! 360 deva-ahoratras form one year for the devas. A deva-year
is known as a Deva-Vatsara, also known as a Divya-Vatsara.
The Yuga Scheme
This
post might not have been very interesting so far. But this is when it
gets really fascinating. 12,000 Deva-Vatsaras make up one
Chaturyuga, also known as a Divya-yuga or Mahayuga. A Chaturyuga consists of 4 Yugas:
Kritayuga (Satyayuga), Tretayuga, Dwaparayuga, and
Kaliyuga. Kritayuga is 4,800 Deva-Vatsaras, Tretayuga
spans 3,600 Deva-Vatsaras, Dwaparayuga is 2,400 Deva-Vatsaras long, and
Kaliyuga is 1,200 Deva-Vatsaras long.
Thus,
if the calculations are performed, Kritayuga lasts approximately for
1,728,000 human years. Tretayuga lasts for 1,296,000 human years.
Dwaparayuga lasts for 864,000 human years. And Kaliyuga
lasts for 432,000 human years. Those are enormous numbers! Thus, a
Chaturyuga lasts for 4,320,000 human years.
Kritayuga
is known as the Golden Age as it is the best Yuga. During Kritayuga,
there is no crime and everybody is righteous. All men resemble religious
saints. The weather is always pleasant during
Kritayuga, there is no mining or agriculture because the Earth produces
its own resources, and there is an absence of disease. Everybody is
gigantic and big-built, but also virtuous and honest. Everybody lives on
for thousands of years.
Treta
Yuga is next Yuga. During Treta Yuga, humans become slightly less
virtuous and righteous. Violent kings are born and cause bloody wars.
The weather starts becoming extreme and humans start
mining and farming.
The
third Yuga is Dwapara Yuga. During this time period, humans, in general,
become less strong and able. Diseases become common and humans start
fighting each other for power. The average life
span is reduced to a couple centuries.
Kali
Yuga is the final age. “Kali” means “dark”, so it an age of darkness and
ignorance. It is the opposite of Kritayuga. Humans become dishonest
sinners and commit unbelievable sins. Knowledge
is disregarded as useless and the scriptures fade into the past. The
wealth and strength of humans are lesser than the previous Yugas. By the
end of Kali Yuga,
humans have ruined the environment and their average lifespan is merely 20 years.
Manvantaras and the Time Scale of Brahma
Now, there are 71 Chaturyugas in a
Manvantara. Thus, a Manvantara lasts for 852,000 Deva-Vatsaras, or 306,720,000 human years. Every Manvantara has a new
Indra,
a new group of gods, and a new Manu. This is when we must understand
that
the terms “Indra” and “Manu” are just positions, not names of specific
people. Every Manvantara, the Manu is the one who is the progenitor of
the human race and is the first man on Earth. Each Manvantara also has a
new group of Saptarishis (seven great sages).
There are 14 Manvantaras in a
Kalpa, which is one day-time of the creator god,
Brahma. Before the first Manvantara, after the last Manvantara, and
between all the Manvantaras, there are periods called Sandhikalas. A
Sandhikala is essentially a transitional period during
which the Earth is submerged in the Garbodhaka ocean. There are 15
Sandhikalas and each Sandhikala has the same duration as a Kritayuga
(4,800 Deva-Vatsaras, or 1,728,000 human years). If we add up all of the
Sandhikalas and all of the Manvantaras, we get 4,320,000,000
human years, or 11,935,200 Deva-Vatsaras.
Thus,
one day-time of Lord Brahma lasts for 4,320,000,000 human years
(11,935,200 Deva-Vatsaras). Obviously, after every Kalpa (day-time of
Lord Brahma), there is a night-time of Lord Brahma,
which is known as a Brahma-Ratra. The Brahma-Ratra is
the same length as a Kalpa. Thus, one full day of Lord Brahma consists
of a Kalpa and a Brahma-Ratra and is 8,640,000,000 human years
(23,870,400 Deva-Vatsaras). Just think about that for
a second!
The Creation and Destruction Cycle
At the beginning of every Kalpa (day-time of Lord Brahma),
the entire universe is created by Lord Brahma.
He creates the aspects of nature,
immovable objects, qualities of beings, rishis, devas, etc. Throughout
the Kalpa, life exists in the universe. In every Manvantara of the
Kalpa, a new Indra and group of gods, a new Manu, and new Saptarishis
are born. At the end of the Kalpa, the lower ten
realms of the universe are destroyed. Spiritual beings transcend to
higher realms or to the spiritual Vaikuntha planets which are outside
the material universe. Others who aren’t free from the bonds of
materialism perish and are reborn in the next Kalpa. Then,
during the Brahma-Ratra, the universe is dark and nothing exists.
During the Brahma-Ratra, Lord Vishnu sleeps on Ananta-Sesha in the
Garbodhaka Ocean. Soon enough, the Brahma-Ratra is over and the Kalpa
cycle starts again.
Thirty
days (Kalpa + Brahma-Ratra) of Brahma make on month and 12 months make
one year. Thus one year of Brahma is 360 days of Brahma, or 3.1104
trillion human years (8,593,344,000 Deva-Vatsaras).
A year of Brahma is known as a Brahmavarsha. Brahma lives for 100 years. Thus, the lifespan of Brahma, known as the
Mahakalpa consists of one hundred Brahmavarshas. A
Mahakalpa is 311.04 trillion years (859,334,400,000 Deva-Vatsaras)! At
the beginning of the Mahakalpa, Brahma is born and at the end, Brahma
passes away.
These
numbers just make us realize how insignificant we are in the grand
scheme of things. A mayfly’s lifespan of just 24-hours is minuscule
compared to our lifespan. Similarly, our lifespan is
insignificant when compared to the lifespan of the devas. But their
lifespan is atomic when compared to the lifespan of Lord Brahma.
Where are we?
You are probably wondering: Where are we in this endless expanse of time?
Our
Brahma is currently 51 years old. We are living during the first day
(Kalpa) of his 51st year. The previous Kalpa was known as the
Padma-Kalpa. The current day of Brahma (Kalpa) is known as
the Shveta-Varaha Kalpa. Within this Kalpa, six Manvantaras have
already passed and we are living during the seventh Manvantara, known as
the Shraddhadeva Manvantara, also known as Vaivasvata Manvantara. The
name of our Manu is Vaivasvata Manu, the son of
Surya and Sanjana. The name of our Indra is Purandar. Our Saptarishis
are Kashyapa,
Atri, Vasistha,
Vishwamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni and Bharadvaja.
Within
this Manvantara, we are currently in the Kali Yuga of the 28th
Chaturyuga. This Kali Yuga is said to have begun at midnight of 18th
February, 3102 B.C.E. in the Julian calendar. Thus, 5,121
years of this Kali Yuga have passed and 426,879 years are left till the
end of this Kali Yuga.
As stated above, there are 14 Manavantaras in the Kalpa. The Manavantaras of our Kalpa are:
- Swayambhava Manvantara
- Swarochisa Manvantara
- Uttama Manvantara
- Tamasa/Tapasa Manvantara
- Raivata Manvantara
- Chakshusa Manvantara
- Vaivasvata/Shraddhadeva Manvantara (current)
- Savarni Manvantara
- Daksha Savarni Manvantara
- Brahma Savarni Manvantara
- Dharma Savarni Manvantara
- Rudra Savarni Manvantara
- Rauchya/Deva Savarni Manvantara
- Indra Savarni Manvantara
You now
know about all 14 Manvantaras of our current Kalpa. Below is a
chronological timeline of notable events that have taken place in our
Kalpa:
- Beginning of Swayambhava Manavantara: Brahma creates the Universe, Vishnu takes Matsya Avatar and kills the demon Hayagriva, Vishnu takes Varaha Avatar and rescues the Earth
- Swayambhava Manavantara: Story of Dhruva
- Tamas Manavantara: Lord Vishnu saves Gajendra
- End of Chakshusha Manvantara: Matsya Avatar saves King Satyavrata
- 4th Treta Yuga of Vaivasvata Manvantara: Narasimha kills Hiranyakashipu
- 7th Treta Yuga of Vaivasvata Manvantara: Vamana seizes the land of the asura king Bali
- 10th Treta Yuga of Vaivasvata Manvantara: Birth of Dattatreya
- 15th Treta Yuga of Vaivasvata Manvantara: Reign of King Mandhata
- 19th Treta Yuga of Vaivasvata Manvantara: Parshuram annihilates Kartavirya Arjuna and other Kshatiyas
- 24th Treta Yuga of Vaivasvata Manvantara: The Ramayana
- End of 28th Dwapara Yuga of Vaivasvata Manvantara: The Mahabharata
- End of 28th Kali Yuga of Vaivasvata Manvantara
APPENDIX 2
Indian National Calendar moving
towards its Doomsday in 2015
[Senior Indian Astrophysicist Maeghanad saha was
the head of the Calendar Reform Committee under the aegis of the CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research). Other members of the Committee were: A. C. Banerjee, K. K.
Daftari, J. S. Karandikar, Gorakh Prasad, R. V. Vaidya and N. C. Lahiri. It was
Saha’s effort, which led to the formation of the Committee. The task before the
Committee was to prepare an accurate calendar based on scientific study, which
could be adopted uniformly throughout India. It was a mammoth task. The
Committee had to undertake a detailed study of different calendars prevalent in
different parts of the country. There were thirty different calendars. The task
was further complicated by the fact that with calendar religion and local
sentiments were involved. India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in his preface to the Report of the Committee, which was
published in 1955, wrote: “They (different calendars) represent past political
divisions in the country…now that we have attained Independence, it is
obviously desirable that there should be a certain uniformity in the calendar
for our civic, social and other purposes and this should be done on a
scientific approach to this problem”]
The Hindu (Indian National) Calendar
The Indian National Calendar, often called the “Hindu Calendar,”
is based on both lunar and solar years. This calendar was introduced in 1957 in
a government push for all of India to use the same calendar, but various
traditional regional calendars continue to be in use
for religious observances. The start of the Indian National Calendar year
coincides with March 22, except in a leap year, when it coincides with March
21. The year is counted from the first year of the Saka era, in A.D. 78. The year 2015 translates to Saka era 1936-1937.
Indian National Month Gregorian calendar
Chaitra
|
30/31
|
March 22*
|
Vaisakha
|
31
|
April 21
|
Jyeshtha
|
31
|
May 22
|
Aashaadha
|
31
|
June 22
|
Sraavana
|
31
|
July 23
|
Bhadrapada
|
31
|
August 23
|
Aasvina
|
30
|
September 23
|
Kaartika
|
30
|
October 23
|
Maargaseersha
|
30
|
November 22
|
Pushya
|
30
|
December 22
|
Maagha
|
30
|
January 21
|
Phaalguna
|
30
|
February 20
|
* In a leap year Chaitra has 31 days.
Tamil Months for Vijaya No of Days (365)
Chittirai 31
Chittirai 31
Vaigaasi 31
Aani 31
Aadi 32
Aavani 31
Purattasi 30
Aippasi 30
Kaartigai 30
Maargazhi 29
Thai 30
Maasi 30
Panguni 30
Formation
of Saka Calendar:
In the Indian civil calendar, the initial period is the Saka Era. The Calendar
is said to have begun with King Salivahana's accession to the throne. It is
used as a reference for most astronomical works in Sanskrit literature written
after 500 AD. The calculation of ‘Thitis’ i.e. dates in this Calendar are done
in accordance with the actual positions of Sun and Moon in the universe. In the
Saka calendar, the year 2009 AD is 1932.
Adoption
of Saka Calendar as National Calendar:
The current national calendar of India i.e. the Saka Calendar was adopted as
the National Calendar in 1957 by the Calendar Reform Committee which also made
efforts to coincide the astronomical data and harmonize the usage of this
calendar after rectification of some local errors. It came into usage from
March 22, 1957 according to the Gregorian calendar which was actually Saka Era,
Chaitra 1, 1879 according to the Saka Samvat. It was adopted as the National
calendar in order to synchronize the usage of 30 different kinds of Calendar
used in India at that time.
An
Overview of the Saka Calendar:
Saka Calendar is said to have begun from the vernal equinox of A.D. 79. The
usage of the Calendar began from aka Era 1879, Chaitra 1, which corresponds to
A.D. 1957 March 22. The Saka Calendar is similar to the Gregorian calendar on
the terms that even the Saka calendar has a normal year of 365 days and a leap
year has 366 days. In a leap year, an intercalary day is added to the end of
Chaitra month of the year. There are 12 months in Saka Calendar which are named
as Vaisaakha, Jyestha, Aashaadha, Sraavana, Bhaadrapada, Asvina, Kaartika, Maargasirsha,
Pausha, Maagha, Phaalguna, Chaitra.
On
this basis there was nothing wrong in starting the Solar Year on Makara
Sankranti Day when Tamil Month of Thai
starts and is closest to January 1. But Tamil
Nadu which made the change for some time reverted back when political situation
changed. This Year (2015) Indian Government stopped the publication of National
Calendar. All efforts put in by all experts motivated by the then congress in
the interest of National Unity and alignment with International Gregorian calendar
without upsetting religious practices of various Hindu Traditions has seen its
dooms day during the most popular Government of recent years.
APPENDIX 3
PLANETS IN SCIENCE AND
HINDUISM
A dwarf planet is a Planetary mass-object that is neither a planet or a natural satellite. That is, it is in direct orbit of the Sun, and is massive enough
for its shape to be in hydro-static equilibrium under its own
gravity, but has not cleared the neighborhood around its orbit. The IAU (International Astronomical Union) currently recognizes five dwarf planets: Ceres, Pluto, Haumea, Makeamake, and Eris..
It is suspected that another hundred or so known objects in the Solar System are dwarf planets. Estimates are that up to 200 dwarf planets may
be found when the entire region known as the Kuiper Belt is explored, and that the number may exceed 10,000 when objects scattered
outside the Kuiper belt are considered. However, only two of these bodies, Ceres and Pluto, have
been observed in enough detail to demonstrate that they actually fit the IAU's
definition. The IAU accepted Eris as a dwarf planet because it is more massive
than Pluto. The only two such objects
known at the time, Makemake and Haumea, went through this naming procedure and
were declared to be dwarf planets. Ceres named after Roman Goddess of
Agriculture is the smallest of dwarf planets officially recognized, the freshly
created category into which Pluto has moved. Following Pluto’s demotion in the
past generation of school children has grown up learning that the solar system
has eight planets. On March 6, assuming
everything goes according to plan, Ceres will become the first of those dwarf
planets to be orbited by space probe. This Earth’s nearest dwarf planet could
not only shed light on how the solar system got started but also how life did
too. Water is essential for life on
Earth and many believe that because of its peculiar chemical properties, this
will be true anywhere else that harbors living things.
he concept of dwarf planets is
not known to Hindu astrology or Panchangam. Among Navagrahas the Sun Star and
the Moon, the only satellite of the earth are included. They are also termed as
Grahas like five other planets Kuja (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter),
Sukra (Venus) and Sani (Saturn). Seven
days in the week are named after these five planets on which both science and religion
agree, the Star Sun and the satellite of the earth Moon which are also found in
Latin language. That means seven days of the week are named after of these
seven grahas leaving behind Rahu and Ketu
the other two notional grahas.
Grahas are translated as planets by all religious writers though they
include a Star Sun, a satellite Moon and its two nodes Rahu and Ketu. Uranus,
Neptune and Pluto are called in Sanskrit as Varuna, Indra and Prjaapati. It is
rather a coincidence that Indra and Varuna enjoy a higher status along with
other six dikpalakas (guards of eight directions) and figure in all Hindu
worships as Vedic deities. Prajapati,
Rahu and Ketu (nodes of the moon) are given a lower status. How is religion
justified in calling Navagrahas as Nine palnetary deities? In Scientific
definition Planetarium though named
after Planets describes planetarium as the large dome-shaped projection screen onto which scenes of stars, planets and other
celestial objects can
be made to appear and move realistically to simulate the complex 'motions of
the heavens'. The name of Navagrahas by Puranas as nine planets can thus be
justified to describe as nine planetary deities which contains star (Sun), a
satellite (moon), two nodes of moon and five planets like science that includes stars, planets and
other celestial objects in describing Planetarium.
Appendix
4
A Note
on Vaara, Nakshatra and Tithi
VAARA
The day is divided into 24 equal duration
called “horas”. Each hora is associated with a planet in the solar syatem, the
Sun and the Moon and the horas following each other are named after these
heavenly bodies. If the first hora of a certain day is associated with the Sun,
say, the day is named Sunday. The 22nd hora after three repetition
(7x3=21) will belong to Sun, 23rd hora to Venus, 24th
hora to Mercury and the 25th hora i.e. the first hora of the next
day will belong to Moon and is therefore called Monday. The names of the
successive days are given in this way and this is the familiar order of the
succession of the week. Vaara or day of the week is common all over the world.
Latin language naming follows Hinduism.
English language days of the week are named
after Gods and Mythological figures:
Sunday—Sun’s Day (Star in the Solar system)
Monday—Moon’s Day (satellite of Earth)
Tuesday—Twi’s day (Norse God); Latin--Day of
Planet Mars
Wednesday—Woodman’s Day (German God);
Latin—Day of Planet Mercury
Thursday—Thor’s Day (Norse God): Latin—Day of
Planet Jupiter
Friday—Fridge’s day (Anglo-Saxon Goddess): Latin—Day
of Planet Venus
Saturday—Saturn (roman God); Latin—Day of
Planet Saturn
NAKSHATRA
The Moon’s path lies with the Zodiacal Belt
which is the region extending to about 5 degrees on either side of the ecliptic. The Moon completes a circuit of its
path with respect to the earth in about 27.33 days. Hence the Zodiacal Belt is
divided into 27 equal segments of 13 degrees and 20 seconds called Nakshatra.
The first segment longitude of the moon,
0 degree to 13 degrees and 20
seconds is called Aswini and so on. 346 degrees 40 seconds to 360 degrees is
Revati the last Nakshatra. In Panchangam only one of the 27 segments of the
Zodiacal Belt is called Nakshatra whereas in astronomy stars are heavenly
bodies twinkling in the sky.
TITHI
The Tithi
sphuta (span) is the Niraayana longitude of the Moon minus that of the Sun.
First Tithi (Prathama begins when Tithi sphuta 0 degrees and ends with 12
degrees. 12 degrees to 24 degrees is
Dwitiya and so on; 168 degrees to 180 degrees is Poornima. 180 degrees 192
degrees is Dark Fortnight Prathama and so on. 348 degrees to 360 degrees is
Amaavaasya. So there are 30 Tithis—15 are called Sukla Paksha (Bright Fortnight
or waxing phase); the other 15 Krishna Paksha (Dark Fortnight or waning phase
of the moon)
This discourse material is a lecture material prepared for me from the
references above for delivering at Vedanta Class of Sri Ganesha
Temple which is gratefully acknowledged. I do not claim anything as original of
mine though I have included my explanations and comments suitably editing. Anybody is free to download
partly or fully this discourse, modify and redistribute this as well as
other discourses from the blog Hindu
Reflections <nrsrini.blogspot.com> for spreading the wisdom of Vedas and
scriptures further. These lectures are
posted on the blog for the benefit of those who are not able to attend
my lectures personally due to personal reasons or due to not living in
Nashville or able to go through the various sources as I have done.]
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