Broken mirror - superstition?

Broken mirror - superstition?

Mirror is a glass materiel which reflects object when it kept in-front of it. Mirrors are used widely in scientific applications but it is integral part in every house for personal grooming. Only humans,Elephants,Money spices can detect their own image in mirror. That may be one of the reason, Hindus have Elephant god and Money gods.

 
Cultural Beliefs:
In Hindu culture it is believed that mirror has a power to seize a part of ones soul. When gods or devils takes another person form or identity, when they contact with mirror it shows original identity or keeps original soul out. This became seed to superstition that mirror shouldn't be broken, broken mirror shouldn't keep in house, mirror which is not showing clear image should be replace and we shouldn't see our face in broken mirror. The person who broke the mirror should face seven years bad luck is popular superstition in western countries. 

Hindus believed that mirror is goddess Lakshmi. both indicates unstable.  Goddess Lakshmi(money) will not live in one place likewise mirror cannot hold single face.

Interesting facts:

• When mirror broken particularly on Friday it believed as a bad omen and brings 7years bad luck.
• Broken mirror pieces should be wrapped in a black cloth and buried under a tree to over come bad luck.
• India imported glass from Belgium on ships in sea route. 
• Dreaming a broken mirror brings life partners death. dreaming a mirror is state of illusion or pride. 
• Our ancients believed our image in mirror is our actual soul.

Scientific Reasons:

• Mirrors are made with sand. mirror was made of certain chemical reactions and filtration of Sand. So many centuries back the process is very critical and involved a great work in making a mirror. So mirror is very precious those days, thus superstitions came to handle mirror with great care. The tiny pieces of mirror or splinters went through foot it cause heavy pain and  sometimes leads to septic wounds. That is main reason to throw out broken mirror from home.
• Broken mirror brings bad luck is a superstition.The person who cant handle a mirror clearly states that he is not concentrated or restless or in a wrong direction of thinking. A person with clatter of thoughts will not handle precious things and moves in wrong path thus brings bad luck.

RamaSetu - An Engineering Marvel

RamaSetu:
Rama Setu which is also called Adam's bridge is built by Vanara Samuha(Monkeys' group) on the order of Lord Sri Rama. Nala is the architect who is descendent of Vishwakarma designed this bridge. This is built with limestone shoals which are chained to each other. It is located between Pamban Island also called Rameswaram Island, the south-eastern coast of TamilNadu, India and Mannar Island, the northwestern coast of SriLanka. It is proven geologically that this bridge the former land connection between SriLanka and India.

The bridge measure 18 miles almost 30 kms long. This bridge is the separation between Palk Strait(northeast) and the Gulf of Mannar(southwest). The sea here is very shallow with a depth of 3 ft to 30 ft(1m to 10 m) where the navigation hindered and some sandbanks are dry.In 15th century, people use to pass by foot until unless it is deepened by the storms and the records in the temple say that Ramasetu is completely above the sea level till it was broken by a cyclone in 1480 CE.

The floating stones are from Rameswaram which are used to construct RamaSetu to cross the sea in order to reach SriLanka. It was clearly stated in ancient text 'Valmiki Ramayana-Yudhakanda 6.22.50 -72. Wood from variety of trees are used as foundation of the bridge on the top the trees large stones were arranged in sequential order.

Interesting Points:

• In 2005 Indian UPA Govt. launched Sethusamudram Shipping Channel Project which aimed to clear the bed of Ramasetu by scooping out mud. But Supreme Court in 2007 involved to stop this process to protect Ramasetu and Hindu religious beliefs.
• A British cartographer in 1804 prepared a map on this bridge which called this bridge Adam's bridge. This is probably named referring Islamic Island which Adam used to reach Adam's peak in SriLanka, where he stood on a single foot for hundreds of years leaving a footprint mark of the same. The peak and the island are named after this legend, Adam.
• In Skanda Purana an interesting point was described that there is a installation of three Shiv-lings at the beginning, middle and end of the RamSetu.
• Many politicians commented on Lord Rama history and Ramasetu origin.
• Ramasetu was built by Vanaras in 5days as per valmiki ramayana. Lord Rama called this bridge as Nala-Setu on the name of engineer but people called it as Ramasetu, SetuBandhanam while generations passed.
• According Atomic Energy commission scientist's there exist large quantity of that radioactive element available below Ramsetu. Which produces 4 Lac Mega watts of electricity every hour for the next 150 years.

Scientific Reasons:

• There is a scientific proof behind these floating stones not to float.These floating stones do have air cavities inside i.e., the air is trapped when formation itself and so the density is very less in water. To be simpler, these stones weigh lesser when compared to other rocks of same size. If the density of a thing is lesser to water then it will float, it is the nature. These stones float 10% above the water, it means the weight of this rocks are 10-20% less than the normal rocks of the same size. Currently, this bridge is covered with an iron mesh. This gives an example of air cavity theory.
• Limestone's will float in salt water(impure) and they sink in normal water(pure).

Akshantulu - Act of Blessing with Rice grains

Akshantulu:
Akshantulu will be prepared by mixing rice with turmeric or Vermillion Powder and ghee. They are used to bless the youngsters. They are often used in Hindu marriages, festivals and in some important days. By sprinkling these on the head, elders bless the youngsters by saying 'Deergayushman bhava' - Live long, 'Santana Praptirastu' - soon you will conceive a child, 'Arogya praptirastu' - Live healthy, 'Ishwarya praptirastu' - Live with Luxury,'Sakala soukhya prapthirasthu' - Bless with a full of happiness.

Cultural Beliefs:
'Akshantulu' is derived from the word 'Akshatalu' means 'AA + Kshitam'(which can't be destroyed). Rice grains will be obtained after hulling the grains. The grains which are not broken in this process, the unbroken rice which are used for giving blessings are called 'Askhintulu'.

Among 'Navagrahas'( nine planets) in astrology, Lord Chandra rules bad habits,mother, behavior and mood. By donating rice, people can overcome ill effects of Lord Moon.

In Hindu marriages, bride and groom used to play Talambralu by pouring lots of akshantulu on their heads. This act indicates, welcoming the bride into the family. Bride is represented as Dhanalakshmi( Goddess of wealth) and bridegroom welcomes her into his family by pouring lots of rice as Talambralu. Bride groom is represented as Lord Vishnu. Bride welcomes him by pouring rice as Talambralu.

Interesting facts:

• Blessings need to take from elders only.like Father,mother,elders and famous people.
• With out considering age all Hindus will take blessings from temple priest and gurus or saints.
• In every traditional ritual we offer 'Akshintulu' to Lord Ganesha.
• The 'Shodopachara puja'( 16 steps of worship) we offer 'akshintulu' to the deity.
• Hindus believe that these 'Akshintulu' has power to fulfill all the desires when used in the act of blessings.
• All kayanotsava mahotsavams perfomed wouold be distributed with akshantalu which are the talambralu for Gods in that function and if the unmarried people who take these as akshantalu from their elders would be maaried soon.
• Especially, talambralu used on the auspicious day called Sri Rama Navami in Bhadrachalam, it is beleived that people who take these as akshantalu would be married by next preceeding Sri Rama Navami. Unmarried people who take these would be married and the married who take these would be blessed with a peaceful married life like Gods'.

Scientific Reasons:

• Scientifically human body is a big electric station. The up and downs of body current indirectly affects the mood and health of a person. When ever people bless their children, the positive current will charge the rice grains when they bless with these rice grains with positive charge will balances the negative currents in the person who take blessings from elders.
• Our body has 24 electrically charged points and from these points, electricity will reach the entire body. In these 24 points, our head is the main distributing point. When ever people receive blessings, the 'Akshantulu'( positively charged particles) will touches the head and head charged with positive currents and distributes positive currents to entire body.
• Mixing turmeric or Vermillion Powder and ghee to rice grains will stop spreading virus or bacteria which causes illness from the person who give blessings to their children.

Check the related article Touching feet of Parents & elders

Deepam - Lighting the Oil lamp

Deepam:
Deepam means an oil lamp. Here, the oil can be any ghee, butter or any type of oil. According to Sanatana Dharma, there is a tradition that every hindu has to lit a lamp every day before the God. Hindus believe that lamp before god makes us travel from darkness to brightness.

Cultural Beliefs:
According to Agni purana, lamp should be lit by pouring Ghee or Oil by keeping cotton wick in it. Sesame oil is considered as auspicious when compared to other types of oils. Ghee which is extracted from Cow milk is considered the most auspicious than sesame oil. Oil is considered as our negative emotions , the cotton wick represents our ignorance and lighting the lamp represents suppressing negative emotions and ignorance with knowledge.

According to Rig-Veda, Goddess Lakshmi will visit the place where the lamps are lit. Lightening lamp before holy basil is considered auspicious.

One of the ancient stories tell us the power of lightening oil lamp. Due to the curse of Sage Durvasa, Lord Indra lost his power, wealth and kingship. He requests Lord Vishnu to give a solution for his problem. Later Lord Vishnu told Indra to worship a lamp by considering lamp as Goddess Lakshmi. After performing the same, his powers were restored.

Some Hindus say that huge lamp with bright light was originated while churning milky ocean by demons and gods using a giant snake as rope.

Interesting facts:

• According to Hindus, when a drop of cow ghee in any oil which is used to lit a lamp is considered as ghee lamp.
• Need to pray Lord Ganapathi before lighting a lamp.
• Need to offer flowers to the lamp.
• Need to lit a lamp before sunrise and after sunset.
• Akanda deepam(Lamp of continuous light) is considered as the most auspicious.
• Diwali and month of Karthika is celebrated by lightening different lamps.
• Gods or Goddesses (Aliens) use this oil lamps and vapors to make telepathic connection with the worshiper. 
• Lightening a lamp means in inviting God to clear the darkness in mind.
• ISKON a religious sect, magnificently celebrate's Deepostav(Festival of lights).
• Hanukkah a Jewish lamp's festival,Tazaungdaing lamp festival of Buddist also celebrate in marvellous manner.

Scientific Reasons:

• Lightening a lamp will kill virus, bacteria which causes diseases. Indirectly an oil lamp will keep us healthy.
• The oil lamp vapors hardens the ozone layer which acts as a protection layer for environment. 
• The oil lamp vapors increase magnetic field of earth which act as a protection shield from the attacks of meteors or hard rocks from universe. Due to this shield, meteors always diverts to fall on places with lesser magnetic field which causes lesser damage or no damage.
• It is believed that India is never hit by a meteor from decades. Think how many people who lit a lamp daily in their places and temples directly or indirectly contributing in saving earth.
• People also visit temple to worship as the temple would be decorated lightening the lamps which enhances their creativity.

Gayatri Mantra

Gayatri Mantra:

Gayatri mantra is a Sanskrit verse of a hymn in Rigveda (3.62.10).  Gayatri Mantra creates a resonance in the nerves which connected to several important parts of body. when a person repeats the mantra, certain pressure points on lips,tongue, vocal cord and palate got elevated to give excitement on extrasensory energy centers.

Cultural beliefs:

Gayatri devi was an incarnation of Saraswati Devi which have powers of Goddess Sri Lakshmi and Goddess Shakti. The Four vedas(ancient texts) was given by her to creator(Lord Brahma).Hence Gayatri was called as Veda-Mata (Mother of Vedas). Gayatri mantra was repeated 3 times in day by Hindus. This mantra will remove all obstacles , dispel darkness and increase wisdom from one's path.It is believed that Sage Vishwamitra arranged these hymn in his meditation.It is believed that the words are arranged carefully which conveys meaning and creates specific powerful vibrations in the body through utterance.

Interesting facts:

• It was praised in popular ancient hindu texts such as Manusmṛti and the Bhagavad Gita.
• Gayatri Mantra was recited as part of daily rituals(Sandhyavandanam) in hinduism. It was introduced for every Brahmin in upanayam.
• Hindus majorly believed that reciting the mantra bestows intelligence and awareness, through the vehicle of the Sun (Savitr), who is the source of the universe.
• There are multiple citations describing this verses as manta of mother goddess, mantra of Sun, Mantra which is a definition for sacred word OM.

Scientific reasons:

• Dr.Howard Steingeril, Who was an american scientist, collected Mantras, Hymns and invocation from all parts of the world and measured their strength in his Physiology Laboratory. Approx 1,10,000 sound waves/second were produced by Gayathri Mantra .This was the highest count and was found to be the most powerful mantra in the world. Gayatri Mantra is claimed capable of developing specific spiritual potentialities though the combination of sound waves of a particular frequency.
• The Hamburg university,Germany initiated research into the potency of the Gayathri Mantra both on the mental and physical plane of creation.
• The power of brain was utilized only to 4% by humans.when practicing or listening Gayatri Mantra will excite trillions of neurons in the brain and gradually expands intelligence.  
• The Gayatri Mantra recited on a mass scale creates powerful sound waves which affect every human being like heat and cold waves in a subtle way, and the result is instantaneous.
• When we see this mantra as science we can draw a conclusion that KE = 1/2 MV2 = PV when Mass of galaxies(M),Velocity(V) Momentum (P),Kinetic Energy(KE) .The amount of kinetic energy when an object was moving has half the mass multiplied by the squared velocity i.e The total kinetic energy produced by the motion of galaxies acts as an umbrella and balances the total energy consumption of the cosmos. 

Bhagiratha - King or Engineer

Bhagiratha - King or Engineer:
Bhagiratha was a great king of Kosala-nadu kingdom which is approximate region of Awadh in the state of Utter Pradesh,India. It is believed that he is forefather of Lord Rama. Hindus believe King Bhagirath made crucial effect to bring River Ganga to earth from heaven.

Several Hindu holy places lie on the banks of river Ganga. Ganga raises at Himalaya mountains and touches Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal states in India and empties at Bay of Bengal. It is  trans-boundary river of countries Bangladesh and  India. Hindus believe that taking a dip in this river will liberate them from life-death cycle.

Traditional story:
Sagara, the king of Kosala-nadu chose to perform Aswamedha yaga. His servants lost the track of ritual horse. According to his sources, he believed that Lord Indra took the horse and kept it hidden under ground(pathalalokha). King Sagara ordered his 60,000 sons to track the horse. They went to underground by digging earth. At last, they found horse at Sage Kapila's place. His sons thought that Sage Kapila had theft the horse and attacked him when he was doing meditation. By this act, Sage Kapila got angry and turned  60,000 sons into ashes. To make their souls rest in peace, king sagara decided to do cremation rites by immersing their ashes in Ganges. Then he called grand-son Anshumanthu to bring river ganga to the kingdom. He did severe penance and died without succeeding the request of Sagara. Later, his son Dilipa also died without succeeding the request. Finally, Bhagiratha who is the son of Dilipa performed penance to please Ganga-devi and got succeeded on a condition to make Ganga fall on Lord Shiva  matted hair locks and then proceed to earth. Later, he done penance to Lord Shiva for stopping ganga flow using his hair locks. He got succeeded to bring Ganga river to earth from heaven with the help of Lord Shiva.

Later, Ganga river followed King Bhagiratha. On the way it immersed Sage Jhuhnu's place. Due to anger Sage Jhuhnu swallowed ganga with mouth. Bhagiratha pleased Sage Jhuhnu to release ganga. Upon his sincere request, Sage Jhuhnu released ganga from his ear and ganga went through on ashes to release 60,000 souls from Sage Kapila's curse. Hence river Ganga is called by names Bhagirathi and Jhuhnavi.

Interesting Things:

• Aswhamedha-yagam : Sacrificial horse was left freely, when ever the horse captured by others they need to fight with king or else need to leave their land.
• Unbelievably, King Sagara of the Surya Dynasty have 60,000 sons.
• Sage Kapila was meditating at underground. How a person can live beneath the earth?
• Sage Jhuhnu swallowing river which is impossible.
• Doing penance for life time by king Dilipa and Anshumanthu.
• Why do they penance for getting river Ganga to flow on earth instead of asking directly to liberate their sins?

Scientific Assumptions:

• Ashwamedha yagam was done when there is a severe drought in the place.Here 'Ashwha' means Horse but there are so many synonyms for the word Ashwha like Color,Water. Yagam means fire ritual and also have synonym 'Experiment'. When we consider Ashwamedhayagam as experiment to search water, it gives new dimension to the story.
• King Sagara have 60,000 sons represents the total population in his kingdom Koshala-nadu.
• The word Kapila mean in the synonyms as Vishnu, black color, coal.But, characterized as sage.
• When 60,000 people used to search for water by digging the land.They sighted coal mines instead of water. They went through digging the coal mines for water.This act was described as hiding horse at Sage Kapila place. Unfortunately, from the two holes big volumes of natural gas came out. Due to misfire 60,000 people turned into ashes. It can be described as Blow-out.  After blow-out they came to conclusion that there is no source of water and decided to divert river ganges to bring it to their land from highest place called heaven, which can be assumed as Himalaya mountains. In this diversion, king Anshumanthu and his son King Dilipa were died in the mean of work. King Bhagiratha succeeded with the help of Lord Shiva.
• Lord Shiva with-standing to the flow of Ganga river on his head, represents King Bhagiratha built a great dam to control the flow of Ganga river. 
• Sage Jhuhnu swallowing ganga river and releasing through ear represents, constructing a diversion channel to change the direction of ganga river.
• Sagara, Anshumanthu,Dilipa and Bhagiratha are not only kings they are also good Engineers according to my view.

Niyoga - Miraculous birth Conceptions

Niyoga - Miraculous birth Conceptions
Niyoga is a process of conceiving a child, when a person is dead or incapable to attain fatherhood can  designate or request another person to make her women to conceive a child. The selection of appointing person for this duty likely be elected on the basis of respect and admiration towards concern.This process of conceiving is to protect 'dharma' or righteousness of family. It is not to fulfill the pleasure.
Artificial insemination without joining any intercourse and Cloning the fertilization of egg in laboratories,Stem cells are the other methods which comes parallel with niyoga process.
 

Traditional Stories:

• In the epic Ramayana, Kalmashapada who is ancestor of Lord Rama. Kalmashpada was the son of Raghu from his name Raghuvamsh name originated.Rama is a descendant of Kalmashapada. Kalmashapada queen Madayanti done niyoga process with sage Vashista to bear a child named as Ashmaka.
• In the epic Mahabharata, Bharata kingdom queen Satyavathi called her son Sage Vyasa to do Niyoga process for her widow daughter-in-laws Ambika, Ambalika and her maid Parishrami to produce Dhritarashtra, Panduraj and Vidura as sons. Again Panduraj was incapable to give a child to her wives Kunti and madri, they got pandavas by performing Niyoga process.
• Again Vyasa protected unfertilized egg which came out from Queen gandhari womb by keeping them in Ghee pots to give births to 101 Kauravas.
• In Bhagavatha- 4 skanda, Their is a story of King Vena, Due to Vena curel intentions and evil activities great sages killed him. But to establish a king or legal heir for kingdom, sages churned thighs and arms of king vena to give births to Prithu, Archi and a demon. These children were born without intervention of female.
• Another story which revolve on birth of King Balarama who is brother of Lord Krishna.In the presence of Vasudeva( father of Krishna & Balarama) Devaki 7th womb was transferred to Rohini by Yogamaya. Balarama was taken birth from Rohini.

 Interesting Facts:

• Kshetrabijam, to beget a son on his wife was also explained in Kautilya Arthasastra.
• Child who born in this niyoga process is considered the child of Wife and Husband. The selected person for niyoga process will not become father of child.
• The born child was called as kshetraja - child of wife and husband.
• The selected person will not allow to make relationship with mother or child in future.
• The selected person will allow only three times for niyoga process in his life time.
• The persons who participate in niyoga process, their whole bodies will be covered by ghee to eliminate lust from their minds.
• According to Manusmriti this process was forbidden. And treated it as social custom, not as religious custom.

Scientific Assumptions:

• In Ramayana, the origin of Ashmaka may give an idea of Artificial insemination. Injecting a sperm in womb to fertilize egg without any physical intercourse. Even pandavs birth may be related to Artificial insemination.
• The story of Kauravas will remind us Test-tube baby. Which means an egg is fertilized by sperm in outside environment.
• In Bhagavatham, The story of king Vena will raise thoughts on Cloning. Reproducing genetic xerox copy of a person by propagating an organism or cell.
• Balarama birth may be taken place with technology of surrogate baby or rent a womb. When health related issues arouse in pregnant lady she can transfer womb to another womb to protect the baby which is called as Surrogate baby.
• In this criteria Foster father differs from biological father. But child remains as a son of foster father.

Vanara - The monkey like people in Ramayan

Vanara:

Vanara's are also called as 'vana-chara'. Vanachara means people who lives in forest and called as forest-dwellers. Their presence was sighted in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. Vanara kingdom helped Lord Rama in search of sita and fought against Ravana. In Mahabharata one of vanara Jambavan met Lord Krishna and Hanuman met Bhima and Arjuna. Vanara's lived on mount Rishyamukha in Kishkindha of Dandaka forest.

Traditional Beliefs:

Vanaras posse’s superhuman powers. Some of stories about vanara's states that, Jambavan he is one who involved in churning of milky ocean and he encircled Lord Vamana (who occupied three worlds with his foot while suppressing demon king Bali) seven times. He has strength of ten million lions and fight against Lord Krishna for the precious gem 'Syamantaka mani'. He is the one who made Hanuman to realize his true powers. Hanuman belongs to vanara fly across the sea in search of sita. Hanuman saved laxman life by bringing life saving herbs and popularly called as 'Rambant'. Likewise so many vanara worriers like Sugriva,Angadha, ..Etc exhibited their powers and helped Rama in the battle.

Interesting Facts:

• 'Rama-Bant' means a Rama follower. Mudirajas of Andhra Pradesh, Tuluva speaking Shettys of Karnataka are also called as BANTS.
• Vanacharas tuned as Vanjaras and now they called as banjaras. Banjaras are tribal people live in Andhra region.
• The forest area where vanara's lived, are in the parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka at present.
• Lepakshi is the place in Andhra Pradesh where Eagle king Jatayuvu fought with Ravan when Sita was kidnapped. 
• Lord Rama met Sabari in the place around hampi and Rushyamukh hill is very close to Hampi. In an approx the forest area around Tirupathi in Andhrapradesh, Kishkind in Karnataka around Bellary  and around border of Maharashtra is the exact forest place where this vanara tribe resided.
• Hanuman birth took place in Vengadam at Tirumala hills, Andhrapradesh according to Parashar Samhita.
• Vanaras are vegetarians, depend on fruits, honey and roots as primary food. 

Scientific Reasons:

• In present day different tribes who lives in forest areas are identified with  totem or emblem probably vanaras are humans with monkey as emblem, Jambavan belongs to another tribe with bear as emblem and Jatayuvu with eagle as totem.
• May be vanaras are Neanderthaloids (humans of Middle Paleolithic age) who survived in the period of HomoSapiens(species belongs to modern humans ). Jambavan may be Yeti(a large hairy creature resembling a human and bear). Neanderthaloids also described as ill mannered, harsh, rude and contemptible in appearance which exactly matches with monkey people in Ramayana.
• Archeology surveys are suggested that  Neanderthaloids lived in south India around 5lakhs - 40k years.
• According to Darwin theory we can say Jambavan and vanara's are partially bipedal primates( Half men - half animal - walk on legs) . Just like wolf-man in movies.
• According to traditional stories Jambavan is oldest and survived from ages also draws a conclusion that he is the last survival of his race and vanaras who are Neanderthaloids co-existed with HomoSapiens. Ramayana is the war between Neanderthaloids and HomoSapiens.

Rahu & Ketu - Invisible celestial bodies

Rahu & Ketu:

Rahu and Ketu are one of navagrahs in Indian astrology. Rahu separated head of demon and ketu is the body of demon. Rahu kaal is powerful inauspicious time in a day which is ruled by Rahu. Yamaganda is also an inauspicious time in a day ruled by ketu.

Cultural beliefs:

At the time of Samudra Mathan(churning of milky ocean ), Upon signaling of Sun and Moon, Vishnu in the form Mohini avatar separated the head of Asura ‘Swarbhanu’  when he wisely tried to drank the immortal nectar. Due to the power of nectar, head remained immortal and turned as Rahu and body turned as Ketu. Due to enmity against the Sun and the Moon, Rahu used swallow sun and ketu used to swallow moon causing eclipse.

Interesting facts:

• According to the Ancient texts Rahu was born to demon Vipracitthi and Simhika who was daughter of Hiranyakashyap.
• Rahu was the lord of Ardra, Swati and Shatabisha stars and ketu was the lord of Ashvini, Magha and Moola stars.
• Rahu is exalted in Taurus and Virgo is his own house. Ketu exalted in Scorpio and Sagittarius and Pisces are his own houses. Rahu debilitated in Scorpio while ketu in Taurus.
• Kala sarpadosha is a powerful dosha in astrology caused by Rahu and Ketu.
• Rahu and ketu are not only planets they are two astronomical points in the Zodiac which are imaginary.
• As per Astrology, Rahu is feminine (significator of spiritual knowledge) and ketu is no gender (significator of Moksha).
• As per applied astrology, Rahu and ketu do not have any own characteristics; they only act as per the signs and planets related by the position.
• People donate Black gram and Horse gram to please the lords Rahu-Ketu. Tuesday was dedicated to Rahu along with Mars and Saturday was dedicated to ketu along with Saturn.
• Lord Hanuman released Navagrahas from the prison of demon Ravan. So the bad influences of Rahu - Ketu will be suppressed by worshipping Hanuman.
• Ketu belongs to Jaimini Gotra, whereas Rahu is form Paiteenasa gotra.
• Rahu and Ketu ill effects can be reduced by worshipping Lord Ganesha (preferably on Wednesday, Saturday for Ketu) and  Goddess Durga (preferably on Tuesday) in the Rahu kal time.
• At Chidambaram temple (Tamilnadu) when milk is poured on rahu idol the milk color changes to blue in color and changes again to white when leaving the body. It is believed that doing milk abishekam at this place during the rahu kalam will neutralize the ill effects of marriage obstacles, progeny, troubles in martial life and kala sarpa dosham.

Scientific reasons:

• Rahu and ketu are two mathematical points are called as lunar nodes which explain the Lunar and Solar Eclipse astronomical phenomena.
• The places where Sun and moon paths intersect by considering view from earth are called lunar nodes. The north and south nodes of interactions are called as Rahu and Ketu in Hindu mythology.
• Sun completes his single revolution in one year while moon in one month. When moon is above the sun’s path full moon occurs when moon is below the sun’s path new moon occurs. When they intersect in their paths solar and lunar eclipse occurs.
• These lunar nodes are mixture of magnetic and gravitational forces of two celestial objects hence they show powerful impact on human beings. They directly impact on neural transmission process of brain which carries signals to all parts of body and also reflects blood circulation and heart functionality.
• In rahu kaal and yamaganda time in a day increases stress levels of mind so people avoid important tasks at that time.
• Rahu and ketu are the intersection points of moons orbit around the earth and are separated at an angle of 180 degress in the zodiac of opposite directions.

Lord Rama - Legend or God

Lord Rama :
Hindus consider Lord Rama as seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Rama is the one who given more prominence to dharma and never crossed eternal laws. He was worshiped along with his wife Sita, brother Laxman and devotee Hanuman. He was legendary king ruled the place called Kosala with capital as Ayodhya. One of the greatest epic Ramayana written based on life of Lord Rama.

Cultural Belief's:

The story of Ramayana was narrated in Sanskrit language by Maharishi Valmiki hence it is called as Valmiki Ramayana. It has  24,000 verses, 500 sub chapters and 7 main chapters. Lord Rama was courageous and ideal man from childhood. He married Sita by breaking the bow of Lord Shiva. He went to forest with his wife and brother for the sake of his father request. He spent fourteen years exile with his wife and brother. He killed Ravana and others with help of tribes (vanara's) upon the kidnapping of his wife sita.

Interesting facts:

• At the age of 60years king dasarath conducted Putrakameshti Yaga(Fire ritual) for the birth of his son Rama.
• At the age of 15 Lord Rama went with Sage Vishwamitra and married Sita.
• At the age of 26 years Lord Rama went to exile.
• Lord Rama belongs to Suryavamsh or raghuvamsh dynasty and he is 64th ruler of Kosala kingdom.
• Lord Rama constructed Ramasetu (Adams Bridge) in 5 days with help of vanara's.
• Ravana was great scholar and musician. He studied Vedas and excellent player of instrument Veena.
• Laxman didn't sleep for 14 years of exile to kill ravana son Indrajeet.
• Laxman draws a powerful line called as Laxman Rekha to protect her sister-in-law sita.
• Lord Rama traveled all over India from Ayodhya to Rameshwaram and went to Srilanka.
• Lord Rama scarifies his life by taking jala Samadhi(water burial) in Sarayu river, when mother(earth) of sita taken back her upon her request.
• King Brihadbala who was the 28th descendant of Rama’s Son Kusha fought against pandavas in kurukshetra war. Legend Abhimanyu son of Arjuna killed Brihadbala.
• Sage Valmiki is a thief turned sage.His original name is Ratnakar.
• Kamba Ramayana written in Tamil language by Kamban based on Valmiki Ramayana in the eleventh century. Rama Charita Manas written in Hindi(Avadhi) by Tulsidas in the sixteenth century.
• According to Valmiki Ramayan Lord Rama is a legendary human being but Tulsidas narrated Lord Rama as God in Rama Charita Manas.

Scientific Reasons:

• As per Valmiki Ramayana, Lord Rama was born on lunar day-Navami of Chitra month and sage Valmiki given detailed list of planetary positions and zodiac constellations at the time of birth. When the details were fed by researchers in software called Planetarium  it was exactly matched with the details of planetary positions given by Sage Valmiki. Lord Rama born on the date January 10, 5114 BC at noon around 12-1PM. The same day was celebrated as SriRama Navami(birthday of Rama) festival every year all over India.
•  Researchers stated that Lord Rama went to forest on January 5, 5089 BC at the age of 25 and ravan was killed by Rama on December 4,5076 BC, after completion of 14 years of exile at the age of 39 years he returned Ayodhya on January 2, 5075 BC  based on planetary positions given in Valmiki Ramayana.
• Sage Vamilki explained a solar eclipse occurred during the war between Rama and Ravan which was very accurate and could be seen from the place called panchavati.
• In 1975 the Archaeological Survey of India conformed that Lord Rama was born in Ayodhya and married Sita in Mithila which was now in Nepal.
• NASA revealed the ruins of bridge which was submerged in Palk Strait between Rameshwaram(in Tamilnadu) and Sri Lanka was manmade based on unique structure and composition by age.

Also check Lord Rama Festival 'Sri rama Navami' post.

Eclipse - Super Natual Phenomenon

Eclipse:

A time where Sun or Moon covered with darkness is called eclipse. From the perspective of viewer when a shadow of an astronomical object falls on another object obscuring the object temporarily.

Cultural beliefs:

In ancient texts Rig Veda it was stated that Sage Atri removed darkness of solar eclipse by reciting sacred mantras. Sage Atri alone have knowledge of eclipse and removal procedures. In Valmiki Ramayana, eclipse is explained as demon Rahu swallowing Sun temporarily. In Mahabharata Lord Krishna utilized the time of solar eclipse and helps Arjuna to kill his son assassin. The phenomenon also existed in sacred texts such as Manusmriti and Atharvanaveda.

All the temples in India were closed during eclipse time. Hindus believe strong negative charge will discharge on earth during eclipse time. As sun and moon are considered as gods due to their discharge of energies on the earth. Eclipse time is considered as inauspicious due to blockage of light from the sun and moon. People who belong to Scorpion and Sagittarius zodiac signs will donate charity to others to overcome ill effects of lunar eclipse. Darbha the sacred grass is considered as protector from ill effects of eclipse. People spread sacred grass around the house to overcome the effects.

As per puranas during the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, Rahu has got hold of the nectar and had it. Other Devas got frightened, sun and moon went to Lord Vishnu (in the form of Mohini) and appealed then he separated the head from his body and later he became a planet. Due to this Rahu swallows sun and moon, thus caused eclipse(Grahana) temporally, as Rahu don’t have body sun and moon will come out from the throat. This process of coming out from Rahu called as Grahana Moksha.

Interesting facts:

• Chinese also mentioned about solar eclipse in 2137 B.C.
• There is a relation between birth (569 A.D) and death (632 A.D.) of Mohammed prophet with solar eclipse
• Scientists examined total solar eclipse in the date 18 August 1961 at Guntur district, AndhraPradesh.
• When solar eclipse occur at a place it can only repeated in that place after 360 years.
• Some of Lord Shiva temples were opened during eclipse time because he is considered as 'Layakara'.
• One should keep stomach empty and shouldn't cook at that time. Food should be prepared and consumed by taking bath only after eclipse time. People chant mantras during eclipse by keeping fast entire day.
• Majorly Lunar eclipse occurs on Full Moon Day and Solar eclipse occurs on New Moon Day. 
• Lunar eclipse occurs 0-3 times a year. Solar eclipse occur 2-5 times in a year.

Scientific reasons:

• Moon revolves around earth, earth revolve around sun, thus moon ends up revolving around sun along with earth. When these three objects often interact with other in a straight line forms eclipse. 
• When moon comes in between sun and earth, the moon will block the sun rays to certain extent of earth as shadow thus forms solar eclipse. 
• When earth comes in between sun and moon, the earth will block the sun rays to certain extent of moon as shadow thus forms Lunar eclipse.
• Solar eclipse is divided into three types. when moon completely shadows the sun is known as Umbra. When moon is small (due to distance) to shadow entire sun is known as antumbra. When moon partially shadow sun is known as penumbra.
• Lunar eclipse is also divided into two types. When earth completely shadows the moon is known as umbra. When earth partially shadows moon is known as penumbra. There is no antumbra in lunar eclipse because earth is greater in its diameter when compared with moon.
• During eclipse time the ultraviolet rays and x-rays emitted from sun causes some distraction on humans. This can seen particularly babies born with dysmorphic feature.
• All the planets which have moon’s (satellites) their occur eclipse. There is no eclipse on mercury and Venus because they have no moons.
• Scientific experiments proved that food turns to poisonous at the time of eclipse. Placing darbha grass (non conductor of electrical waves and rays) will protect the place and food items.In Jaipur Zoo, Animals not accepted Meat at the time eclipse. 

KalaChakra - Life cycle of Time

KalaChakra - Life cycle of Time
Time is the measurement which connects past,present and future. The intervals,duration and events occur based on the time. Simply we check the time using clocks. Clocks are present measures of time. Time is never ending phenomena and our entire life depends on time.

Cultural beliefs :
According to our ancients, time is not a linear phenomenon, it is a cyclic phenomena. The course of time passes through  intervals(creation,destruction and re-creation) in a cyclic order. Time is divided into 'Krutha,Treta, Dwapara and Kali yugas'.  These four yugas combined named as 'Mahayuga' and 71 'Mahayugas' called 'Manvantra'. Such 1000 Mahayugas is called Kalpa.

Below are the reference of rough time spans of respective Yugas
Krutha Yuga     - 17,28,000 Years.
Treta Yuga       - 12,96,000 Years.
Dwapara Yuga - 8,64,000 Years.
Kali yuga          - 4,32,000 Years.
Each 'Manvantra' is ruled by one of Manu gods. A day of Lord Brahma(creator) is equal to 1000 Maha yugas or 1 Kalpa. A day/night of Lord brahma is equivalent to two kalpas. Lord Brahma evolved from the navel of Lord Vishnu. When Lord Brahma sleeps at night, Lord Shiva destructs everything and when Lord Brahma wake up, he creates everything again.
Currently we are in Kali yuga which is 28th Maha Yuga in Vaivasvatha Manvantara of ShvetaVaraha Kalpa. Approximately Lord Brahma has completed his 50 years in his total age of 100 years. Life span of Manu is one manvantra and at present Manu’s age  is 28 Mahayugas completed out of 71 Mahayugas.

Scientific Reasons:

• 'Aryabhatta', a famous astronomer from the time of Gupta emperor (476 A.D) given a value of one sidereal rotation of earth is 23 hours 56 minutes 4 seconds 0.1 fraction which is accurate with modern value 23 hours 56 minutes 4 seconds 0.09 fraction.
• 'Manvantra' which is 30,84,48,000 years is a time span to complete one revolution of Sun around the center of Milky-way.
• 'Kalpa' which is 432,00,00,000 years is referred as the age of universe. Life span of universe is 4 to 8 billion years which is compared to 1day,1 night of Lord Brahma. Modern scientists estimated the age of universe (elapsed time since big bang) as 13 billion years.
• Earth rotates around the Sun and the Sun rotates around another star. As the entire solar system moves in an orbit which is closer to Center of Universe which is narrated as navel of Lord Vishnu where the creator Lord Brahma evolved from.
• Lord Manu symbolically represents  the evolution of life. At the end of each Manu life span, destruction or dissolution of entire life forms takes place which is compared to one night of Brahma(state of rest) where Lord Shiva destruction happens. The final incarnation of Lord Vishnu known as Kalki avatar represents end of world that means destruction.

Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple

Location: Anantagiri Village, Ranga Reddy District,Andhra Pradesh,India.

Conveyance: The temple is located 75 kilometers from Hyderabad and 5 kilometers from Vikarabad. The buses to Tandur have a halt here. Also, we can avail buses to Vikarabad and catch a shared auto to reach the temple. The temple can also be reached by coming via train halting at Vikarabad Railway Station and have a different means of transport which 7 kilometers away from the railway station.

Notorious:

• Thick forest around compounded with multiple herbs.
• Lord Hanuman and Garuda statues at the entrance.
• Caves where Saint Markandeya performed his tapas(deep meditation).

Shrine:Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple.

Legend about the temple:
The immortal saint Markandeya prayed Lord Brahma for an effective place for his tapas in order the deity had shown him this place called Anantagiri. By his great tapas for thousands of years, Markandeya made Lord Anantapadmanabha Swamy to make his presence here. The same way he had brought Ganga devi into hislakes over there. There onwards, the lakes are named as “Bhavanasi”. Considering an auspicious day i.e., on Ashada shuddha Ekadashi, at the early morning Bhagiradhi shows her presence in Bhavanasi every year.

Saint got disappeared after the Kali’s entrance(Kaliyug). The Lord Ananta Padmanabha Swamy, he prayed had become an famous place. Almost a 400 years ago, one of the Nijam rulers had lived in a summer with his horse by making a hut for some days in Anantagiri considering it as a place where to fight with many kinds of animals.

In order to fetch food for the horses, the fellow beings use to get grass everyday and the horses use to be fulfilled. Nawab by observing this, questioned the people that where the grass is being fetched from as I observe the difference day to day. Even they dont know of it and told Nawab “nearby there is a place where we observe the grass getting grown the same amount which is been cut the before day and so we are fetching from the same place.” Surprised Nawab went to the auspicious place and observed the same and had digged there which in resulted with a vasudeva salagramam. He didnt understand and slept for that day and dreampt of the Lord asking for constructing a temple for the Lord and so you will be well blessed.Awaken Nawab had been to the same place and asked to remove the bullet from his leg thereby to contruct the temple for him. Soon he was out of it and the temple is been built by Nawab along with a guest house over there.

As Nawab had built, we observe their traditions over there and as it is thick forest and a home for wild animals, all poojas had been stopped.

Later the Lord came into Allampalli village officer's dream and asked to move him to his village buliding a temple followed by all pooja procedures so that the officer's wish will be fulfilled. The village officer gathered people and informed that “it is a good morning for us. Anantagiri Lord told he is going to show his presence in our village so that we have to go and get him here”. With a great enthusiasm, people got the Lord to their village, bulit a temple and pooja procedures are followed by there onwards.

Many medicanal herbs are present here.medical facilities are available since 1945 and now it had become easy for everyone to visit as the forest is been reduced.

Places nearby to visit:

• Forest near the temple
• “Markandeya maharshi tapovanam” next to the temple premises.
• “Bugga temple” (Rama Lingeswara swamy).The main attraction here is water that comes from nandi.On a great research of scientists even didn’t come to know from where the water had originated from.

Darshan Timings:
Monday to Saturday:
Morning 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Evening 3:00PM to 8:00 PM

Sunday
Morning 7:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Evening 3:00PM to 8:00 PM

Temple Glimpses:

Lord Hanuman at entrance of the temple


Main Entrance





 
Inside Premises


Markandeya maharshi tapovanam


Forest