Holy Pilgrimage - Hindu temples in USA -158/1 at 3:50 AM

 

Holy Pilgrimage - Hindu temples in USA  

Neelkanth Dham Temple, Jamaica,New York, NY

Neelkanth Dham Temple
204-11 Jamaica Ave Hollis New York - 11423 Tel: (718)479-3513 Fax:(718)479-7972
Text: 1(347)480-1674, Email : neelkanthdham@gmail.com

Temple Program 2013
Every Saturday we performing Bhajan, Satsang and Shani Prayer with proper rules and regulations. We are doing Satsang and serving free food every Saturday you all are invited and get rid of Shani from you and your family and as well as from your life because Shani is good to go away from you and Laxmi is always good to come to you. You all are welcome.

Yearly NavGraha Pooja Sunday Jan 6,2013 at 11:00 am

Shani Abhishek Pooja Saturday Mar 9,2013 at 11:00 am

Mahashivratri Pooja and Pitra Dosh Pooja Sunday Mar 10,2013 at 11:00 am

Chaitra Navratri Pooja Starts From Apr 11,2013 To April 20,2013.

Hanuman Jayanti Pooja Thursday Apr 25,2013 at 05:00 pm.

Mothers Day Celebration With Mother's of Universe Mata Durga on Sunday May 12, 2013 at 11:00 am.

Shani Abhishek Pooja Saturday June 8,2013 at 12:00 noon

Father's Day Celebration With father's of Universe Lord Shiv on Sunday Jun 16,2013 at 11:00 am.

Shani Abhishek Pooja Saturday Jul 20,2013 at 12:00 noon

Guru Poornima Pooja Jul 22,2013 Monday at 05:00 pm.

Krishna Janmashtami Pooja Thursday Aug 29,2013 at 07:00 pm.

Shardiya Navratri Starts Oct 5,2013 To Oct 14,2013.

Karwa Chouth Pooja Tuesday Oct 22,2013 at 03:00 pm.

Diwali Pooja Sunday Nov 3,2013 at 11:00 am.

Shani Abhishek Pooja Saturday Nov 30,2013 at 12:00 noon

Shani Abhishek Pooja Saturday Dec 14,2013 at 12:00 noon

For more info Call 718-479-3513

Temple Timings:

Sunday.......................12:00-07:30 P.M

Monday.......................09:00 A.M-07:30 P.M

Tuesday......................09:00 A.M-07:30 P.M

Wednesday................09:00 A.M-07:30 P.M

Thursday....................09:00 A.M-07:30 P.M

Friday.........................09:00 A.M-07:30 P.M

Saturday....................09:00 A.M-07:30 P.M

NITYA KARMA

According to the scriptures, each man is indebted in three ways. Our ancient sages have described the means of being free from these three debts. One must not try to avoid or run away from these debts. If a man dies with the debt over his head, , then he will have to clear those debts in his next birth. Therefore a man must clear all these three debts, which are as under.

1. PITRARINA - (Indebtedness towards the Ancestors)
2. RISHIRINA - (Indebtedness towards the Rishi (Sages)
3. DEVA RINA - (Indebtedness towards Deities & God)

The different ways to clear all these three debts are described as below :

1. PITRARINA - A man is fortunate to have a virtuous son, because being a virtuous soul he would perform all the pitrakarma (Shraadh) - offering of water, food, etc. to the Brahmanas. TARPANA - Libation of water to the deceased ancestors, Brahmana-Bhoja - Feeding the Brahmins).

2. RISHI RINA - By doing Tarpana to the Rishis daily, one gets free from the debts, which Rishis have on us.

3. DEVA RINA - By doing worship of the deities we get liberated from DEVA RINA.

The same thing has been said by Sage AASHVAKAAYAN in the following way

ATHOCCHYATTE GRIHASTHASYA NITYAKARMA YATHAVIDHI
YATKRITVAA NRINYA MAAPNOTI DAIVAAT PAITTRAYAACCH MAANUSHAAT

The Nitya Karma of a man is being explained as in the scriptures, by performing which, a man is liberated from the RINA (Debts) which he has towards DEVA, RISHI and PITRA.

"JAAYAMAANO VAI BRAHMANAH TRIBHIR RINVAA JAAYATE"

According to the above shlokas, which has been derived from TAITIRIYA UPANISHAD, means that As soon as a man takes birth, he carries three Rinas over his Head. To get liberated from these three Rina (Debts) performing the NITYA KARMA has claimed to be it's remedy.

There are Six Karmas in the NITYA KARMA

SANDHYAA SNAANAM JAPASHCHAIVA DEVATAANAAM CHA POOJANAM |
VAISHVADEVAM TATHATITHYAM SHAT KARMAANI DINE DINE ||

 (A man should take bath SNAAN, perform SANDHYAA (worship in the evening), Japa (Chanting of Mantras) Devapoojan (Worship of Deities), BALIVAISHVADEVA (repenting atonement for such petty sins which are committed daily and are unavoidable, like we kill infinite number of germs while cooking, walking, cleaning the house etc. There are six Karma to be performed daily.

DUTIES (KRITYA) TO BE PERFORMED BEFORE HAVING A BATH IN THE MORNING

The scriptures have explained some compulsory duties, which must be performed. Each GRIHASTHA (a householder) should perform these NITYA KARMA. According to the rules given in the scriptures, only after that he is fit to be called a SHAT-KARMA ADHIKAARI (or performer of six duties.)

GETTING UP IN THE BRAHMA MUHURTA

A man must get up one and a half hour before Sun Rise. There are many disadvantages of not awaking in that time, described in the scriptures like

BRAAHME MUHURTE YAA NIDRAA SAA PUNYAKSHAYA KAARINEEM,
TAAM KAROTI DVIJO MOHAAT PAAD KRICCHREN SHUDHYATI.

 (A sleep during the time of Brahm Muhurta destroys all the virtues, One who sleeps during this time commits a sin, which can be atoned (PRAYASCHIT) by performing PAADAKRICCHA (There is no need for atonement in the case of a sick man or a man who had been performing KEERTANA the previous night.)

KARAAVALOKAN (SEEING THE PALMS)

As soon as one wakes up in the morning, during the Brahmamuhurta period, the first thing he must do is to watch the palms of Both his hands, and say the following SHLOKA.

KARAAGRE VASATE LAKSHAMIH KARMADHYA SARSWATI,
KARMOOLE STHITO BRAHMAA PRABHAATE KARDARSHANAM

 (Laxmi dwells in the foremost part of the palm, Saraswati in the middle part of the palm, At the Base of the palm resides Brahma, One must see his palms everyday.)

By doing this act no matter how misfortunate a man is, his fortune will change for good because the palms where Laxmi, Saraswati and Brahma dwells, how can that man be unfortunate? According to Palmistry, great importance have been attributed to the Lines of the palm. The Palmist, not only give the details of Man's life from the time of his birth till his death, but he can also give details about his previous births and forthcoming births.

So seeing the palms of the hand in the morning not only begins a good day for us but also it turns the bad lines into good lines. Therefore one must say the given Shloka while seeing the palms.

BHOOMI VANDANA (SALUTATION TO MOTHER EARTH)

After getting up from the Bed and before keeping your feet down on the Bhoomi (Mother Earth) one should do salutations to Bhoomi and also beg for pardon for the helplessness of putting your feet on her, by saying this shloka.

SAMUDRAVASANE DEVI PARVAT ASTANMANDALE,
VISHNU PATNI NAMASTUBHYAM PAAD SPARSHAM KSHAMASVAME

 (Salutations to the wife of Lord Vishnu, Vasundhara (Earth), whose Vastra (Apparels) are SAMUDRA (Oceans), and whose STANA (Breast) are the Mountains. Forgive me for the sin, by putting my feet upon you.)

The Status of Mother Earth is higher than our own mother, who has given birth to us, because our Mothers look after our welfare till we are grown up i.e. (feeding, Sanitation etc.) but the Mother earth looks after us and care for us, since the time of birth, till we die by nourishing us with food, and accepting even our excrement. Even after being indebted to Mother, Earth, a man acts unfaithfully to her by causing numerous harms to her, like digging, filling the earth with waste products, felling trees etc. To make her sons happy and satisfied, Mother Earth accepts all the pains.

MANGAL DARSHANA (AUSPICIOUS SIGHT)

After the salutations to the Mother Earth sight of Chandana (Sandalwood) Sona (Gold), Shankh (Conch), Mridanga (a Rhythmic musical instrument), Darpana (Mirror), Mani (diamond) are considered Auspicious. After that one should make salutations to his GURU (Teacher, Mother-Father, elders) Agni (Fire) and the Sun (Surya).

PROSTRATION TO MOTHER FATHER AND GURU (TEACHER)

One must daily prostrate before his parents GURU (TEACHER) and all the elders, because according to the VEDAS, Parents and Teachers have been compared with the Devta (Deities) like,

MATRI DEVO BHAVAH, PITRA DEVO BHAVAH, AACHAARYA DEVO BHAVAH

(Mother, Father and Teacher are deities)

Great importance of Prostration has been described in our scriptures :-

ABHIVAADAN SHEELASYA NITYAM VRIDDHO UPASEVINAH,
CHATVAARI TASYA VARADAHANTE AAYURVIDDYA YASHOBALAM

 (One who is a prostrator by nature, and is always in the service of Old (VRIDDHA) (GYAANVRIDDHA (Senior on account of his knowledge), KARMAVRIDDHA- Being Senior on account of his Superior Actions).

AVASTHAVRIDDHA (Senior on account of his Age) achieves four things AAYU (Long-Life) VIDDYA (Knowledge) YASHA (FAME) and BALA (Strength).

These four things have invaluable importance in the life of a Man. A person who possesses all these four things, does not lack anything in the life. Therefore a Man should try to practice Prostration. After the Prostration, it is necessary to purify our minds.

MANTRA FOR PURIFICATION OF MIND (MAANASIK SHUDDHI MANTRA)

OM APAVITRAH PAVITRO VAA SARVAAVASTHAAM GATOPIVAA,
YAH SMARET PUNDAREEKA AKSHAM SA VAAHYAA BHYANTARAH SHUCHIH

ATINEEL GHANSHYAAMAM NALINAAYAT LOCHANAM
SMARAAMI PUNDAREEKAAKSHAM TEN SNAATO BHAVAAMYAHAM

One should sprinkle water on his body after saying these two Mantras. By doing this one purifies his body.Then one should remember the Almighty God by doing JAPA (Chanting of Mantras), Kirtan (devotional song) etc according to his liking.

that one should remember the PANCHA DEVATAA (five deities)
Surya- Sun
Ganapati (Lord Ganesha)
Devi (Goddess)
Shiva & Vishnu or
Whichever Deity you prefer to worship.

Since a Man Mortal body is made up of Panchatatva (Five fundamental elements), therefore one must remember these five Deities as they are considered as the representatives of the PANCHATATVA.

SHLOKAS TO BE SAID IN THE MORNING

The following Shlokas, which are given below, are a cause of great benediction, like -
1) The day is spent without any problem.
2) Vanishes all the fears
3) No fear of Visha (fears)
4) Increases Religiousness, Spiritualism
5) Free from Diseases
6) Achievement of Long Life.
7) Helps in being victorious
8) A poor achieves Wealth
9) Helps to diminish the Hunger, thirst and lust
10) One become free from all the hurdles problems and calamities of life.

PRAATAH SMARAAMI KHALU TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM ||
RUPAM HI MANDALA BHRICHOTHA TANUR YAJUNSHI ||
SAAMAANI YASYA KIRNAAH PRABHAVAADI HETUM ||
BRAHMAAH RAATMA KAMALASYAM ACHINTYA ROOPAM ||

 (I remember the vast Roopa of Sun, whose Mandala (Halo round the sun) is the Rig Veda, SHAREER (Body) is the YAJURVEDA, and the KIRANE (Rays) are the SAMAVEDA, who is the cause for creation, and who resembles BRAHMA and SHIVA and who is beyond the perception)

GANESH SMARAN

PRAATAH SMARAAMI GANA NAATHAM NAATH BANDHUM ||
SINDOOR POOR PARISHOBHIT GANDA YUGMAM ||
UDDAND VIGHNA PARIKHANDANA CHANDA DANDA ||
MAAKHANDA LAANDI SURNAAYAKA VRINDAVAADDYAM ||

I do salutations to Lord Ganesha, who is a helper of ANAATHA (Orphan), who is beautified by SINDOOR (Vermilion) on his, both the GANDA (Cheeks), who destroys the hurdles on the path and who is adored by even by all the Deities (DEVA) and INDRA).

DEVI SMARANA (REMEMBRANCE OF GODDESS DURGA)

PRAATAH SMARAAMI SHARADINDU KAR UJJVALAABHAAM ||
SADRATNA VANMAKARA KUNDALAHAAR BHOOSHAAM ||
DIVYAYUDHORJITA SUNEELA SAHASTRAHASTAAM ||
RAKTOTPALAABH CHARANAAM BHAKTEEM PARESHAAM ||

 (I Prostrate in the Morning before Goddess Durga, who has the bright Halo (AABHA) like the moon during the winter season, who has high quality ear rings in her ear and Necklace around her Neck made up of gems and jewels, who has DIVYAYAYUDHA, (Celestial Weapons) in her thousand hands, which are blue in color, who has beautiful feet like the Red Lotus.)

SHIVA SMARAN (REMEMBERANCE OF LORD SHIVA)

PRAATAH SMARAAMI BHAVABHEETI HARAM SURESHAM ||
GANGADHARAM VRISHABH VAAHANA MAMBIKESHAM ||
KHATVAANGASHOOL VARADAA MAYA HASTAMEESHAM ||
SANSAAR ROGAHARM AOUSHADHAMAM DVITIYAM ||

 (I prostate in the morning before Shiva who destroys all the fears of the world, who holds Ganga on his head, who rides a Bullock, who holds KHATVAANG and TRISHULA (A kind of Weapon) in his hands and whose hands are blessing us with fearlessness, and who is an incomparable Medicine destroyer of all Diseases..

VISHNU SMARANA (REMEBRANCE OF LORD VISHNU)

PRAATAH SMARAAMI BHAVABHEETI MAHAARTI NAASHAM ||
NAARAAYANAM GAROODA VAAHANA MABJANAABHAM ||
GRAAHAABHI BHOOT VARVAARAN MUKTI HETUM ||
 

(I Prostrate in the morning before Lord Vishnu, who is the destroyer of all the sorrows, Fears, who saved the Elephant from the crocodile, who hold CHAKRA (a weapon) in his hands, who has eyes like a fresh Lotus, Padmanabha (Who has Lotus in his Navel), and who Rides on GARUDA (Vehicle of Vishnu).

REMEMBRANCE OF LORD RAMA

PRAATAH SMARAAMI RAGHUNAATHA MUKHAARVINDAM ||
MANDAH SMITAM MADHUR BHASHI VISHAAL BHAALAM ||
KARNAAVA LAMBI CHALKUNDALA SHOBHIGANDAM ||
KARNAANTA DEERGHA NAYANAM NAYANA ABHIRAAMAM ||

 (I Prostrate in the morning before MARYAADAPURSHOTTAM Lord RAMA, who has a majestic face, Sweet smile, beautiful and expanded forehead, beautiful Kundala (Ring) in the ears, Majestic cheeks and slanting eyes, touching the ears and who (RAGHUNAATH, another name of Lord Rama) appeals to our eyes.

the remembrance of above mentioned Gods one should remember TRIDEVAA & NAVAGRAHA

BRAHMAA MURAARI STRIPURAANTA KAAREE ||
BHAANUH SHASHI BHOOMISUTO BUDHASHCHA ||
GURUSHCHA SHUKRAH SHANI RAAHU KETAVAH ||
KURVANTU SARVE MAMA SUPRABHAATAM ||

 (May Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Sun and all the nine planets, bless us with benediction.)

RISHI SMARANA (REMEMBRANCE OF THE SAGES)

BHRIGUR VASISHTHAH KRATUR ANGIRAASHCHA ||
MANUH PULASTYAH PULAHASHCHA GAUTAMAH ||
RAIBHYO MAREECHISH CHAVANASHCHA DAKSHAH ||
KURVANTU SARVE MAM SUPRABHAATAM ||

 (May the sages BHRIGU VASISTHA KRATU, ANGIRA MANU PULASTYA PULAHA, GAUTAM, and all the others bless my morning.

SANATKUMAARAH SANAKAH SANANDANAH SANAATANOPYAA SURIPINGALAU CHA ||
SAPTA SWARAAH SAPTA RASAATALAANI KURVANTU SARVE MAMSUPRABHAATAM ||
SAPTAAR NAVAAH SAPTAKULAA CHALAASHCHA SAPTARSHYO DWEEPVANAANI SAPTA ||
BHOORAADI KRITVAA BHUVANAANI SAPTA KURVANTU SARVE MAM SUPRABHAATAM ||

 (May the sages SANATAKUMAR, SANAK, SANANDAN, SANAATAN, AASURI and PINGALA, the SAAT SWARAS (Seven Notes of Music) SHADAJ (SA), RISHABHA (RE), GAANDHAAR (GA), MADHYAM (MA), PANCHAM (PA), DHAIWAT (DHA) & NISHAD (NI), ATALA, VITALA SUTAL TALAATAL MAHAATAL RASAATAL & PAATAAL (Seven worlds as described in the Scriptures), bless our morning. May the Seven Ocean (SAPTARNAVA), the Seven Mountains (KULAACHALAASCHA), the Seven Sages (SAPATARISHI), the Seven Forests & Seven Inlands - (SATAVANA & SAPTADWEEPA), the Seven Lokas (BHURLOK BHUVARLOKA ETC) bless our morning.

PRAKRITI SMARANA (REMEMBRANCE OF NATURE)

PRITHVEE SAGANDHAA SARSAAS TATHAAPAH
SPARSHEE CHA VAAYUR JVALITAM CHA TEJAH
NABHAH SASHABDAM MAHATAA SAHAIVA
KURVANTU SARVE MAM SUPRABHAATAM

 (May the Nature with fragrance, Water (Jala) with Juice, Air with touch, effulgent-Radiance (TEJA) including Sound, Space, (AAKAASH) and great elements MAHTTATVA - All these bless our morning.

EFFECT OF REMEMBERING (SAYING) THESE SHLOKAS IN THE MORNING

ITHAM PRABHAATE PARAMAM PAVITRAM ||
PATHET SMAREDVAA SRINUYAACCHA BHAKTYAA ||
DUH SWAPNA NAASHASTIH SUPRABHAATAM ||
BHAVECCHA NITYAM BHAGAVAT PRASAADAAT||

This way, one who says either this shloka in the morning or remembers or listens to it. By the Grace of God his morning is blessed and his bad dreams DUHSWAPNA are destroyed.

There is a saying well begun work half done, So a man whose morning is blessed his whole day remains blessed. If we want to live without quarrels, Diseases, Sorrows, Sadness, Poverty and want to make our lives Joyous & Peaceful than we must say these Morning-Shlokas which PUNYASHLOKA should be remembered.

PUNYASHLOKA

PUNUASHLOKO NALO RAAJAA PUNYASHLOKO JANAARDANAH ||
PUNYASHLOKAA CHA VAIDEHEE PUNYASHLOKO YUDHISHTHIRAH ||

remembering the PUNYASHLOKAS a man should settle his Nitya-Karma (Daily Duties)

KAARYASOOCHI NIRDHARNA (PREPARING LIST OF WORK TO BE DONE)

BRAAHME MUHOORTE BUDHYETA ||
DHARMAARTHAU CHANU CHINTAYET ||
KAAYA KLESHAANSHCHA TANMULAAN ||
VEDA TATVAARTHA MEVA CHA ||

After the remembrance of the Punya-Shlokas, a man should make a list of all the important works which is to be done, that day. For example the works connected with Religion (Dharma) and those work which would help us to earn money? List of those works should be made. We must make sure that our Body is Healthy. If there is any problem in our body, looking for the reason behind it and its remedy etc.

THE NECESSITY OF PURITY (PAVITRATAA)

SAUCHE YATNAH SADAA KAARYAH SAUCHMOOLO DWIJAH SMRITAH
SAUCHAACHAAR VIHEENASYA SAMASTAA NISHPHALAAH KRIYAAH.

 (One should constantly try to make 'Practice of purity' as one's habit, because it is the most important thing for a man. Actions performed by us are useless, and don't give results if we are impure.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PAVITRATA (PURITY) AND SWACCHATA (CLEANLINESS)

There is a great difference between PURITY & CLEANLINESS, because anything can be pure, even if it is not so clean. But Purity does not require absolute cleanliness. For example, clothes washed in the laundry is clean, but not pure because the washer man washes those clothes along with many other clothes, and in the same washing Machine. He makes the dirty clothes very clean by the help of chemicals, but because he uses same dirty water for every and each clothes, the clothes remain clean but impure.

On the other hand clothes washed in the Homes, although may not be so clean, like clothes washed in the laundry, but it is certainly PURE.

SAUCHA-VIDHI (METHOD OF EVACUATION OF BOWELS)

DIVAA SANDHYAASU KARNASTHA BRAHMASOOTRA UDANGMUKHAH
KURYAAN MOOTRA PUREESHETU RAATRAV CHA DAKSHINAA MUKHAH

 (During evacuating bowels, the body and the head should not be left uncovered. One should sit facing the North Side in the Morning-Evening and during the Night one should sit facing the SOUTH SIDE. one should keep silence should not spit during the time of evacuating bowels.

After the evacuation of bowel is complete than one should first of all wash his LINGA (Penis) once with Water. After that he should wash his MULA STHANA (ANUS) thrice with water. Wash your Left hand ten times and Right hand Seven times with Soil, Soap or Water. One should wash his Right and Left Feet alternatively for seven times. After that he should do KULLA (Rinsing and Washing of Mouth), on the left side for twelve times. After Urination, one should wash his LINGA (Penis) for one time with water, the left hand should be washed thrice, and both the hands twice with water.

Variation of Shaucha

A BRAHMACHARI (one who maintains celibacy) should evacuate thrice, and a Sanyaasi (me) who has renounced the worldly life), should evacuate four times.

INTERNAL PURITY (AANTARIK PAVITRATA)

It is impossible to have 'Internal-Purity' without having external purity. , but it does not have any meaning without the Internal Purity. To keep the thoughts of our mind pure is considered as 'Internal Purity'. Defects like being Jealous, Angry, Greedy, Attached to other, are hurdles in the path of being 'Internally-Pure'.

Since God dwells in every being why should we be jealous, angry and hate other. Seeing God in each individual, accepting every Conditions as a boon of God, we should try to maintain friendliness with others and do our duties by following the scriptures.

METHOD OF BRUSHING TEETH

It is useless to do all the spiritual works like Worship, Chanting of Mantras without cleaning your mouth or brushing your teeth. Therefore one must brush his teeth everyday, with Toothpowder, Toothpaste or Dantmanjan (Toothbrush made up of Neem Trees, branches, generally used in the villages).
There are two Directions facing which one should brush his teeth - ISHAAN KONA - (Direction bisecting the North and East Directions)

PUTTING OIL

One must not put oil (Mustard) on his hairs on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. This rule is not applicable to scented oil.

TAKING BATH

Man is fit to do all the religious works like chanting Mantras Worshipping, only after purifying himself by taking bath. Therefore it has been praised in our Scriptures as follows :

The body which consists of Nine Openings, Two Nose, Two ears, Two eyes, One Mouth, One Anus and One Penis) is very untidy and impure, and fifth (Mala) keeps on coming out from them. So our body becomes pure by taking bath in the morning.

PRAATAH SNAANAM PRASHANSANTI DRISHTA DRISHTA KARAMHITAT
SARVAMARHATI SHUDDHATMAA PRAATAH SNAAYEE JAPAADIKAM

Taking bath in the morning is being hailed, which is advantageous, directly and indirectly. One who takes bath in the morning, becomes pure. By doing JAPA he gets all the benefits.

ATYANTAMALINAH KAAYO NAVACHCHIDRA SAMANVITAH
STRAVATYESH DIVAARAATRAU PRAATAH SNAANAM VISHODHANAM

It is of common experience that Filth comes our from our nose, mouth during sleep or even when we are awake, especially during sleep. Therefore it is necessary to clean our body by taking bath or else, this uncleanness may cause diseases.

PRAATAH SNAANAM CHARITVAARTH SHUDDHE TEERTHE VISHESHATAH
PRAATAH SNAANAADDYATAH SHUDDHYET KAAYOYAM MALINAH SADAA
NOPA SARPANTI VAI DUSHTAAH PRAATAH SNAAYIJANAM KVACHIT
DRISHTAA DRISHTA PHALAM TASMAAT PRAATAH SNAANAM SAMAACHARET

One should take bath in the morning in Holy places because the body, which is filled up with filth, becomes pure. One who takes bath in the morning is free of all the evil spirits (Ghost etc). Therefore one gets two types of benefit Drishtaphal (Direct Benefit) - Cleanliness of Body.

ADRISHTAPHALA - (Destruction of Sins, Achievement of Virtues). So one must take bath in the morning.

GUNAA DASHA SNAANA PARASYA SAADHO,
RUPAN CHA TEJASHCHA BALAM CHA SAUCHAM
AAYUSHYAMA AROGYA NALOLUPATVAM,
DUHSWAPNA NAASHASHCHA TAPASHCHA MEDHAAH.

One is benefited in ten ways by taking bath in the morning, he gets Beauty (Roopa), TEJA (effulgence Luster) strength (Bala), Purity (PAVITRATAA) ,long life (AAYU), Health (AAROGYA), Unselfishness (NIRLOBHATA), elimination of Bad dreams (DUHSWAPNA), devotion (TAPA), and intelligence (MEDHA)
Bathing is the base of Spiritualism. Therefore one who desires wealth and good health, must take bath daily, in the morning.

SHLOKAS DURING BATHING TIME

GANGAA SINDHU SARASWATEE CHA YAMUNA GODAAVAREE NARMADAAH KAAVEREE SARAYU MAHENDRA TANAYAA CHARMANYAVATEE VEDIKAA KSHIPRAA VRITTVATEE MAHAASURNADEE KHYAATAA GAYAA GANDAKEE, POORNAA POORNAJALE SAMUDRA SAHITAA SNAANAM SADAA MANGALAM

Remembering all the holy rivers like Ganges, Sindhu Saraswati etc. by saying this shloka, while bathing eliminates our sins and has excellent effect on our well being. These Holy rivers should not be considered, like any other normal rivers. Ganga is thought to be the wife of Lord Vishnu and she is flowing for the benefaction (UPKAAR) of the human being.

Ganga can also be invocated in the following way :

JAYA GANGAAJEE JAYAJAGAJANANI JAYA SANTANA SUKHDAAEE
GHORGHAAR GAMBHEER GANGAAJALA CHUAT ADHAMM TARI JAAEE
SMARAT ADHAMA TARI JAAEE DARSHAN SE TARIJAAEE

After having the bath, one should worship the God.

GANESHA MANTRA

HREENG, GANG, GANAPATAYE NAMAH

STUTI

VAKRATUNDA MAHAKAAYA SOORYAKOTI SAMAPRABHA
NIRVIGHNAM KURUME DEVA SARVA KAARYESHU SARVADAA

SOORYA MANTRA

SHRI SOORYAAYA NAMAH

AADITYASYA NAMASKAARAM YE KURVANTI DINE DINE
JANMAANTAR SAHASHRESHU DAARIDRAYAM NOPAAJAAYATE

DEVI MANTRA

"AING, HRING KLING CHAMUNDAAYAI VICCHE"

SARVAMANGALA MANGALYE SHIVE SARVAARTH SAADHIKE,
SHARANYE TRAYAMBAKE GAURI NAARAAYANI NAMOSTUTE.

SHIV MANTRA

 NAMAH SHIVAI

MRITYUNJAYA MAHAADEVA TRAAHIMAAM SHARANAAGATAM
JANMAMRITYUM JARAA VYAADHI PEEDITAM KARAMABANDHANAIH

VISHNU MANTRA

"OM NAMO BHAGAVATE VAASUDEVAAYA"

KRISHNAAYE VAASUDEVAAYA HARAYE PARMAATMANE
PRANATAH KLESHA NAASHAAYA GOVINDAAYA NAMO NAMAH

FOOD
METHODS OF INTAKING IT

The method of having food has been described in details in our scriptures. But if there is difficulty in pronouncing the Mantras or remembering it, than one can complete the rites, by just imagination of thoughts contained in those Mantras, without actually saying those Mantras.

There is a great importance of Food in our lives. Out of many factors which one required for food health, Food is the most important one. Not only it is required for keeping our body healthy, but it also affects our mind. It is written in the Scriptures -

YAADRISHAM ANNAM BHAKSHET TAADRISHI BUDDHIR BHAVISHYATI

 (One's mind becomes like the food one eats.)

Accordingly, it is necessary to maintain purity, during the process of making food, the place where the food is prepared, and the person who prepares the food.

Before entering the kitchen one should wash his hands and feet and clean his teeth and mouth by rinsing thoroughly, after that this following Mantra should be said

"OM BHURBHAVAH SVAH"

After this one should take his seat facing EAST or NORTH side. Sprinkle with water around the plate, starting from the right side, and than the food which has been offered to God (Bhoga) should be served in the plate. (if the offering (Bhoga) is not made to the God, it must be offered). And by joining the hands the following Mantra should be said:

"OM ASMAAKAM NITYAM MASNVETAT"

After saying this Mantra, sprinkle on the food with little water. By moving away the distance of five or ten fingers, take three morsel of food, after sprinkling water on the right side, and after saying the following Mantra:

1. "OM BHOOPATAYENAMAH
2. "OM BHUVANPATAYE NAMAH

These three Mantras helps to satisfy the Master of all the living things and all the fourteen worlds.

PAANCHA PRAANAAHUTI (OBLATION OF PRANA)

After that by taking some water in the right hand and saying the following MANTRA, Sprinkle it in the ground, without making any sound. Maintaining the silence, take five morsels equivalent to the size of Plum fruit (BER), and offer oblations (AAHUTI).

1) OM PRAANAAYA SWAHA

2) OM APAANAAYA SWAHA

3) OM VYAANAAYA SWAAHAA

4) OM UDAANAAYA SWAHA

5) OM SAMAANAAYA SWAHA

Now, one can have the food, since it has been offered to the God, there should be his remembrance all the time, while the food is being taken and by keeping silence (MAUNA)

One whose father or elder brother is alive, needs to maintain silence only till the oblations of PANCHA PRANA

DUTIES AFTER HAVING FOOD

After having one's food, one should rest for a short while and after taking rest he should engage himself in his occupation. It has been said in the scriptures, that one should study PURANA and other spiritual books after having one's food.

AATMA NIREEKSHANA (SELF INSPECTION)

While sleeping during the nighttime, one's head should be towards South or EAST direction. Before falling asleep, one must do inspection of all his works done during the daytime.

- If he has done any action against the directions given in the scriptures, unwillingly. He must beg God's pardon and make a resolution, not to commit it next time.

- If he has not remembered God during the day time, while doing his daily chore, He should pray to god to give him strength so that he can remember God all the time.

- If possible one should be in the service of the elders, before going to sleep.

Om Tat Sat

                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                      

(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )