Engagement Day - Indian/Tamil Tradition Engagement

15 September 2013, another important day in my life, my Engagement Day. We Indians have a lot of "procedure" to be followed, stay tuned for the colorful photos, I guess ??

Engagement Photo *Album Version*, a set on Flickr.

A Bit of Culture - Ponggal/Pongal

On the occasion of Pongal, the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu, we bring you some traditional, easy to make recipes you can treat your loved ones to.

The harvest festival of Tamil Nadu, Pongal, is celebrated as a thanksgiving to nature for a bountiful harvest and prosperity.

This is a season when rice, sugarcane, turmeric and various other cereals are harvested.

Local markets are also flooded with different varieties of fresh colourful vegetables, many of which are available only during this season.

The traditional Pongal menu that includes both the sweet and salt pongal, sambar, avial, other veggies, masala vada, and not to forget the crispappalam served piping hot on a banana leaf -- definitely a temptation few can resist.

Here are some traditional recipes you can try your hands at this harvest season:

Ven Pongal

Avial

Sakkarai Pongal

Ven Pongal/ Brown Rice with the traditional Pongal Sambar

For Ven Pongal 

• 1 cup raw rice 
• ¼ cup moong dal 
• 4 cups water 
• Salt to taste 

For seasoning 

• 2-3 tbs ghee 
• 1 tsp pepper 
• 1 tsp jeera 
• A generous pinch of asafetida 
• Curry leaves 
• 5 to 6 cashews 

Method

• Dry roast the moong dal for one to two minutes, till fragrant. 
• Wash the rice and pressure cook along with the dal for about four to five whistles. 
• When the pressure goes down, open the cooker and lightly mash the rice 
• Heat the ghee, add pepper, jeera, asafetida, curry leaves and finally the cashew 
• Saute till the cashew is golden and pour over the pongal. 

For Brown Rice

• Ingredients 
• 1 cup brown rice 
• 2 1/2 cups water 
• Salt to taste 

Method

• The only difference between cooking brown rice and white rice is the rice to water ratio. Because of the outer bran coating, more water and a slightly longer cooking time (approximately five minutes extra) is needed to cook brown rice. 
• Alternately you can cook the rice in a pot with lots of water and drain the excess water after the rice is cooked. 

For Sambar

• 2 cups arhar dal/toor dal 
• 4 cups assorted vegetables 
• (Choose the vegetable and their quantity according to your preference; brinjal, carrot, drumstick, beans, radish, peas, diff varieties of pumpkin, yam, etc) 
• Half raw mango chopped 
• 1 tomato 
• 5 to 6 green chillies 
• 6 to 8 garlic pods 
• 4 to 5 shallots (whole) 
• A pinch of turmeric powder 
• lemon sized tamarind ball 
• 2 1/2 tbs sambar powder 
• Salt to taste 

For seasoning

• 3 to 4 shallots (chopped) 
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds 
• 2 dried red chillies 
• A generous pinch of asafetida 
• Curry leaves 
• Coriander leaves 
• Oil 

Method

• Pressure cook the dal with the tomatoes, shallots, green chillies, garlic and turmeric powder in four cups of water for three to four whistles (seven to eight minutes). 
• Meanwhile, soak the tamarind in water for 10 to 15 minutes, and extract the juice. Keep aside. 
• Wash and chop the vegetables. 
• Pour some oil in a pan; add the vegetables and saute for a few minutes. 
• Now add a cup of water and cook the vegetables for six to seven minutes. 
• Open the cooker, mash the dal well, and add the tamarind extract, the chopped raw mango, boiled vegetables and salt to taste. 
• Keep it back on the flame and allow it to boil. 
• Cook over low heat for four to five minutes. 
• For seasoning, heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, when it splutters, add chopped shallots, dried red chillies, curry leaves, asafetida and sambar powder. 
• Saute for a few minutes and pour over the dal. 
• Garnish with lots of fresh coriander and your delicious sambar is ready.

Source Link

What is Garbh Sanskar - The Science Behind Garbh Sanskar

The Sanskrit word Garbh means foetus in the womb and Sanskar means educating the mind. So, Garbh Sanskar essentially means educating the mind of the foetus. It is traditionally believed that a child’s mental and behavioural development starts as soon as he is conceived. His personality begins to take shape in the womb, and this can be influenced by the mother’s state of mind during pregnancy. This knowledge can be traced back to ancient scriptures and is included in the Ayurveda.

Although it may sound strange and weird, your bond with your child starts right from the time you conceive. It is not that when the child is born you know him. The baby listens to you and feels your feelings even when it is developing in your womb. You can shape up your baby’s first impressions by listening to good music, visualizing, massaging gently meditating and of course, with the help of positive thinking.

The popularity of Garbh sanskar is also because researchers have proved its relevance and importance in the development of the child. There are scientific evidences that prove that a baby inside the mother’s womb responds to the outside stimulus and has the ability to listen. Doctors and experts also believe that there is a significant effect of the hormonal secretions that are activated by the thoughts of a mother on the unborn baby.

The advantages of Garbh sanskar are not only that you educate your child and there is development of a bond between the mother and the child. In fact, this has a great impact on the health of the mother also. The positive thinking and attitude promotes physical well being of the mother.

Experts encourage some of the practices of Garbha sanskar and say it may be worth talking to your baby, listening to music and reading educative books while you are pregnant. This shall make your baby have better sleeping habits, be more alert and confident, more content, more active at birth, better at breastfeeding and bond with parents better

Ancient Indian medicine has recognized the need for the mental, spiritual and physical preparation of the mother-to-be for the momentous event of childbirth. Ayurveda describes this theory as “Supraja janan” or eu-maternity This “Supraja janan”, as conceptualised in Ayurveda, involves the preparation of the couple planning pregnancy, three months prior to conception.

The beginning is by pinda shuddhi or the purification of the gametes (sperm and ovum). If the couple is not in a state of mental stability and calmness, even if they are physically fit, they cannot give birth to a healthy child. This mental calmness and stability (“Sathwa Guna”) of mind is closely related to ones food habits and many other factors. Abstinence from spicy foods and addictive substances is advised.

Mother’s bond with the child starts right from the time of conception. The mother can shape up baby’s first impressions. The positive thinking and attitude promotes physical wellbeing of the mother and the baby throughout the pregnancy and after. The advantages of Garbh sanskar are not only that you educate your child but there is development of a bond between the mother and the child.

Chants, Meditation, and Mantras are most important during the process of Garbh Sanskar. From the seventh month, foetus can hear the sounds from mother’s womb and from the surroundings of mother and also responds to them. Sound of mother’s heartbeats is the first and nearest sound heard by the foetus and hence when the mother takes her crying child close to her the child stops crying and becomes calm.

It is possible to give energy for the development of body mind and sole of the child in the womb by listening to special kind of music. For example, the sound of the veena, flute and Samaveda mantras gives health to the pregnant woman and the child within. There are various music cassettes and CDs of “Garbha sangeet” available in the market.

Garbha sanskar can be traced back to ancient Hindu texts like the Vedas which date to 1500-500 BC. It also finds reference in the Mahabharata which was written roughly around 400 BC. It finds a place in traditional ayurvedic medicine as a guide for pregnant women in prenatal education.

Indian mythology is littered with stories that illustrate the power of Garbha sanskar. One of the most famous and well-known tales is that of Abhimanyu from the Mahabharata. When Arjuna’s wife was pregnant with their son Abhimanyu, he told her about how to penetrate the Chakravyuh, a particular war formation. When Abhimanyu became a young man and a warrior in the Kurukshetra war, he remembered his father’s story. He was able to employ the strategy that he had heard his father tell his mother while he was in her womb.

There has been a growing interest in the subject of learning in the womb, which is the concept underlying the Garbha sanskar philosophy. Research indicates that a baby’s brain develops up to 60 per cent while in the tummy. Opinions, however, differ on whether you should actively try to stimulate your baby’s development or not. On the other hand, there are other experts who are of the view that learning should not be forced on a fetus. Your unborn baby has enough on his plate trying to grow inside you.

Garbha sanskar is all about being in a good state emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually for the sake of your growing baby. To do this, ancient scriptures suggest: listening to music, thinking positive, eating healthily, yoga, meditation and prayer, being creative and communicating with your unborn child.

~ By Pallavi Tyagi

- Source

A Bit of Culture - The Rudraksha ( Total Explanation )

The word Rudra is the name of Lord Shiva and aksha means tears. There are several versions about the origin of the Rudrakshas.

Some epics say that there was a demon called Tripura Sur who was gaining more and power and becoming invincible. Lord Brahma, Vishnu and other Gods and Goddess went to Lord Shiva for help. They asked him to control the devil and conquer him.

Lord Shiva used his most fierce fire weapon called ‘Aaghor’ to destroy the demon. But Lord Shiva knew about the devastating effet of this weapon and this brought tears to his eyes. When he opened his eyes, a few teardrops fell on the earth. Wherever his tears fell, trees grew and were named the Rudraksha trees meaning ‘Tears of Lord Shiva’, though the English name for the Rudraksha tree is ‘UTRASUM BEAD TREE’ .

What are Mukhis ?

A Rudraksha bead can have several faces or mukhis. Mukhis or faces are visible vertical lines seen across the Rudraksha bead. Each bead has a different effect on you, depending on the number of mukhis it has. There are 38 varieties of Rudrakshas in total available in upto 21 mukhis or faces. Not all are available. Some are more easy to get than others and hence the large variation in their prices.

What is Rudraksh?

Rudraksh is the divine power blessed with auspicious energies of Lord Shiva. We get the details about Rudraksha in number of “Granthas” and “Shastras” (the holy books of Indian Mythology). There are various stories about the origin of Rudraksha. One can find the greatness and detailed literature about the properties of Rudraksha in ancient Vedic scriptures like, Maha Shiva Purana, AkshaMaalikaoapnashida, Srimad Bhagwata, Mantra Maharnava, Padam Purana and Jabbalaoapanishada etc. Rudraksha is believed to have the direct blessings of Lord Shiva, which contains the properties to remove the affects of sins of the wearer. It is even said that if one wears the Rudraksha (in any form) on his body, even without worshiping or energizing it, does not get near any sinful act or thought.

Rudraksh is procured from the trees called ELAEOCARPUS GRANITRUS (it is the botanical name of the tree). The sacred and holy people of India (“Sadhus”, “Munis” and “Yogies”) are using the Rudraksh from ancient time. They use to wear it on their head, around their arms or neck in the form of rosary or pendant. In the society of religion, Rudraksha is not a new or surprising matter. The Vedic people know and understand the importance of Rudraksha. As per their belief, Rudraksha gets them closer to their God and plays an important role to provide them “MOKSHA”.
The word Rudraksh is formed with the combination of two different Sanskrit words, “Rudra” and “Aksha”. The word “Rudra” stands for Great Lord Shiva and the word “Aksha” stands for the tears of Rudra (Lord Shiva).

One ancient story explains the origin of Rudraksha. Once upon a time, Lord Shiva was very upset and depressed due to the death of “Gauri”, his wife. He started crying and roaming here and there in search of “Gauri”. And while searching too he was crying and his tears were falling on the earth.
This is said that his tears were converted in Rudraksha. Rudrakshas are found in India, Nepal and Indonesia. Rudraksha is said to contain the secrets of entire evolution of the Cosmos within it.

Most of the Rudrakshas are found in round shape with different number of faces (“mukhi”) on it. But few Rudrakshas are also found with the shape of cashew nuts. Sometime they are found as a pair of two Rudrakshas, naturally joined with each other, known as “Gauri Shankar Rudraksha”. It is believed to have the blessings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. And sometime, though very rare, a pair of three Rudrakshas is also found, again naturally joined with each other, known as “TRIJUTI Rudraksha”. It is believed to have the blessings of Great Lord Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva all together. Rudrakshas are found with different faces (mukhi), 1 to 21 faced.
2 to 8 faced Rudrakshas are normally found Rudrakshas, 1 faced, 9 to 21 faced Rudrakshas are rare found Rudrakshas. Each Rudraksha has its own benefits and properties. Each Rudraksha is blessed with auspicious energies of Lord Shiva, but still is believed to under the Lordship different Gods and Goddesses, thus having the blessings of those Gods and Goddesses too.

In astrology, Rudraksha is used as remedy of malefic planets. Unlike gems and stones, Rudrakshas are said to be always beneficial for the wearer. As the direct blessings of Lord Shiva is involved, no question of illness or negative results arises.

The Rudraksha is used for their benefic nature. The Rudraksha is very powerful and they help to achieve wonders, of energized (Praanpratishthit) properly and empowered by adopting the right Vedic procedure, It is important to purify the Rudraksha by milk, ghee etc and also to energized it (Praanpratishthit) before wearing it.

It is believed that wherever a Rudraksha (of any form, in any shape) is kept and worshiped, that place is free of sins. That place cannot be affected with devil effect (Bhoot-Pret Badha). That place is believed to be protected from theft, robbery and fire. The people living in that place are safe and protected from diseases, untimely accidents and death. They are protected from Super-Natural powers. The residents are blessed with never-ending wealth.

The love, faith, brotherhood, affection and sympathy is always there among the relationships. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi takes the permanent residence in that place. Lord Shiva himself along with Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha are present there to protect the family.

Who can wear a Rudraksha?

Any human being in the world, related to any religion, society or community could wear Rudraksha. But as some precautions are to be taken while wearing a Rudraksha, it is suggested to wear Rudraksha only by the people over 14 years of age, as children are careless and may cause disrespect to the Rudraksha.

What are the precautions to wear a Rudraksha?

As told earlier, Rudraksha is the direct blessings of Lord Shiva; one should not act (in his belief and knowledge) that gives disrespect to the Rudraksha. One should not wear a Rudraksha while attending a funeral. One should remove Rudraksha before going to sleep (especially in case of new married couples). They can wear it next morning. One should not wear a Rudraksha while eating non-vegetarian food or while having alcoholic products. One should always wear an energized (Praanpratishthit) Rudraksha.

Is Rudraksha useful for Meditation or Chanting Mantras only?

By wearing a Rudraksha one gets the peace of mind, good feelings and activeness. Also his thoughts are centralized to the mission. And in today’s modern and fast moving life, the centralization of the thoughts is necessary. It helps you to overcome the state of depression and tension, which is increasing day by day due to competition. Rudraksha is believed to be self-energized tool to get success in every field of the life.

Rudraksha has a specific benefit – it overcomes the fear. In today’s time, take any country, take any society or community or religion, the whole mankind is scared and full of fear. The man is scared of himself. Rudraksha is an excellent source of energy to kill fear. That’s the reason that our “Sadhu”, “Munis” and “ Gurus” use to roam in jungles, different states and countries without any fear. They use to wear Rudrakshas, as they knew the importance and properties of the Rudrakshas. Today Rudraksha is used as a source of completeness. There is no purpose in that can’t be fulfilled by using Rudraksha.

Can different faced Rudrakshas be worn at one time?

Yes, it is a very effective experiment. To get the blessings of Different Planets and to get the benefits of different Rudrakshas one can wear Rudrakshas of different faces at one time. The importance of procuring and wearing 1 to 14 faced Rudrakshas all together is clearly defined in Indian “Shastras” and “Granthas” (the holy books on Indian Mythology). One can make the group of Rudrakshas as per his own choice according to his need and priority. There are some gems that can’t be worn together due to enmity and antagonism between the planets. But as Rudrakshas are the direct blessings of Lord Shiva, they are free from any illness or bad effects of any kind, so can be worn in any combination.

The Group of 1 to 14 Mukhi Rudraksha is known as “Sidha Rudraksha Yoga” and when Gauri Shankar Rudraksha is involved in the group of “Sidha Yoga” it becomes “Param Sidha Rudraksha Yoga”.

The group of 1 to 21 Mukhi Rudraksha is known as “Indra Sidha Rudraksha Yoga”. The Group of “Tri Juti Rudraksha with Gauri Shankar Rudraksha is known as “Maha Param Sidha Rudraksha Yoga”.

Do a wearer has to perform any Pooja (prayer)?

It is recommended to chant the “Panchakshari Mantra” of Lord Shiva for 11 times before wearing it. The Mantra is: “OM NAMAH SHIVAYE”. In case of rosary of Rudraksha, it is always suggested to use it for the purpose of chanting mantras related to any God. The more the mantras will be chanted on Rudraksha Rosary, the more it will be energized, thus giving its wearer more better results.

What is the difference between Gems and Rudraksha?

As told earlier, Rudraksha is the direct blessings of Lord Shiva. It has no ill or negative effects on its wearer, whereas the gems are associated with specific planets. If wrongly prescribed by an astrologer or if the quality of the gem is not good as required, it may cause enhancement in the tribulations caused by the malefic planet. On the other hand, Rudrakshas are used for both the purposes, to reduce the tribulations caused by malefic planets and to enhance the positive results of benefic planets.

What are the diseases cured by Rudraksha?

First of all one must understand that as per astrology, each planet has its effects on the human body. Each planet covers different organs of the human body. The malefic situation of the planet may cause the diseases related to the organs that comes under the specific planet. Rudraksha plays an important role in reducing the tribulations (including diseases) caused by the malefic planets. 1 to 9 faced (mukhi) Rudrakshas are related to the planets. An astrologer suggests the native to wear the specific Rudraksha for specific planet, thus preventing the native from the diseases related to that planet.

Important Tips about One(Single) Mukhi Rudraksha
- Rudraksha can be used to reduce the tribulations caused by malefic planets.
- Rudraksha can be used to enhance the positive results given by the benefic planets.
- Rudraksha can be used as a remedy to “Vaastu Doshas”.
- Rudraksha can be worn or can be kept in the temple at home or work place.
- Properly maintained Rudraksha can go up to next generation.
- Rudraksha should be kept clean and oiled.
- Rudraksha is a great medicine for Hypertension (Blood Pressure).
- Rudraksha can be worn in any form, may it be rosary, single bead or with combination of any Rudraksha.
- Rudrakshas can be hanged on the front doors of the temple, home and workplace (in shape of bunch).
..Also hanging it in the corners of your Office, Board Room, Meeting room will help you in a great deal.
- One should remove Rudraksha from his body while attending a funeral ceremony.
- Rudraksha never gives negative energies; therefore they don’t have ill effects of any kind on anyone.
- Rudraksha is an excellent tool to get protected from Devil effects (Bhoot-Pret Badha).
- Rudraksha is an excellent tool to get protected from diseases, untimely accidents and death.
- Rudraksha is a great energy one should wear to get fame, name, good fortune, never-ending wealth,
- property and respect in the society.
- Everyone in the world should wear Rudraksha on his body to enhance love, affection, faith, brotherhood and sympathy among each other.

What are the astrological purposes of Rudraksha?

In a horoscope of a native, there are 9 main planets. Each planet has its own nature and character. There are 12 houses in the horoscope. The snapshot of the situation of these 9 planets in 12 houses (at the time of birth of the native) is called a Horoscope. 12 houses of the horoscope represent different aspects of the life of the native. These houses contain different numbers from 1 to 12. These numbers represents different Signs (e.g. 1 represent Aries, 5 represents Leo and 12 represent Pisces). Each sign has the lordship of particular planet (e.g. Aries, Leo and Pisces are under the Lordship of planet Mars, Sun and Jupiter respectively). Now, in astrology some planets are friends to each other, some planets are enemies to each other and some planets are average to each other. When a planet is situated in the sign of his friend planet, he use to give good results related to that house and if a planet is situated in the sign of his enemy planet, he use to cause tribulations related to that house.

Om Namah Shivay

***Write ” Om Namah Shivay ” if you ask for God’s blessing on your life today.

Source Link

A Bit of Culture - What does Aum signifies ?

Essentially Aum is a symbol for consciousness that reflects our conscious awareness, sleeping awareness, unconsicous awareness and our higher consciousness. The dot is named "turiya".

Fittingly, the symbol of Aum consists of three curves, one semi-circle curve and a dot. The large lower curve symbolizes the waking state (jagrat).

The larger size signifies that this is the most common (‘majority’) state of the human consciousness. The upper curve denotes the state of deep sleep (sushupti) or the unconscious state. This is a state where the sleeper desires nothing nor beholds any dream.

The middle curve (between the deep sleep & the waking state) signifies the dream state (swapna). In this state the consciousness is turned inwards and the dreaming self beholds an enthralling view of the world behind the lids of the eyes.

The dot signifies the fourth state of consciousness, known in Sanskrit as turiya. It signifies the coming to rest of all differentiated, relative existence. This Absolute (non-relative) state illuminates the other three states.

Finally, the semi circle symbolizes maya and separates the dot from the other three curves. Thus, it is the illusion of maya that prevents us from the realization of this highest state of bliss, the semi circle is open at the top and does not touch the dot. This means that this highest state is not affected by maya. In this manner, the form of Om represents both the unmanifest & the manifest, the noumenon & the phenomenon, the realization of the One, “Isha Shiva.”

A Bit of Culture - Chitra Pournami

Chitra Pournami is the important function for females. They are meant this day for worshipping Chitragupta.

Chitragupta was born to parvathidevi through a painting (chitira puthiran). Later he entered into the uterus of Gomatha Kamdhenu and born on other chitra pournami and got the name chitra gupta, who is the assistant of Yamadharma in accounting one's Papa-Punya karmas.

Worshipping him with chakkarai pongal and other things without salt will give immense pleasure to the whole family throughout the year.
...
NOTE: One should avoid uptaking milk and milk-products on that day sicne he came out from kamadhenu. (It is preferrable to take buffalo milk if available). Then after finishing usual pooja and naivedhya, we have to donate rice, vegetables, dhal and dakshina in a "MURAM" (I couldn't get exact english word for that).

Also some persons will draw a kolam (padi kolam) with the south side alone leaving empty as a mark of entrance to him. After finishing pooja they will immediately wipe the kolam.

Worshipping Ambal in pournamis is a very special thing. Chithra pournami is famous for Meenakshi amman and Kallazhagar also. So, worshipping them also will be fruitful to us.

A Bit of Culture - Rajendra Chola

THROUGH HIS NAVAL CONQUESTS in 11th Century, for the very first time, HINDUISM HAD SPREAD AND REPLACED BUDDHISM AS THE MAIN RELIGION OF SOUTH EAST ASIA, before this naval conquest Hinduism had not spread offshore India.

Rajendra Chola the Great, was the son of Rajaraja Chola I and was one of the greatest rulers of Tamil Chola dynasty of India. He succeeded his father in 1014 CE as the Chola emper...or. During his reign, he extended the influences of the already vast Chola empire up to the banks of the river Ganges in the north and across the ocean. Rajendra’s territories extended coastal Burma, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Maldives, conquered the kings of Srivijaya (Sumatra, Java and Malay Peninsula in South East Asia) and Pegu islands with his fleet of ships. He defeated Mahipala, the Pala king of Bengal and Bihar, and to commemorate his victory he built a new capital called Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

The Cholas became one of the most powerful dynasties in Asia during his reign. The Tamil Chola armies exacted tribute from Thailand and the Khmer kingdom of Cambodia. Like the predecessors of the Cholas, the Pallavas and the contemporaneous Pandiyans, the Cholas too under Raja Raja I the father of Rajendra and then Rajendra Chola I too undertook several expeditions to occupy territories outside Indian shores.