How do you offer tarpan during pitri paksh?

Should the normal worship in Hindus houses continued during Pitri paksh as it is done on other days?

Yes of course, we at my house continue normal worship. But on tithi on which some elder had died we also do charity & give food to crows.

Give one example of how pure science is applied to create technology?

they found out that pennicillin was a mold growing in pitri dish to create technology for a new anyibiotic or cure

How do you make pitri dish gel agar?

Agar is generally made by mixing the powdered form with varying ingredients. The powder is based on seaweed extract for nutrient agar, and nutrient agar is generally a base for most other agars - eg. Horse Blood Agar is nutrient agar with horses blood added; Choc agar has defibrinated (cooked) horses blood added.

What is pitri paksh Indian culture?

Pitri Paksh is the remembrance of departed ancestor souls by paying respect through prayers, fasting, performance of special rituals, chanting, fasting and austerity. Offering of water and flowers are common. The origin of the observance is wide and varying because of the diversity of the religion, the many languages, dialects and beliefs. For example, in some cultures, there is great celebration to honor birth, but a solemn atmosphere is created at the time of death. In other cultures, the opposite prevails. The reasons are quite philosophical as well as logical. The important thing is to practice your belief with great faith, love and reverence. During this period, people generally do not start new projects, buildings or start investments. Marriages, engagements, pujas or occasions of merriment are generally postponed until a sufficiently long period has elapsed, usually a year, of their dear departed ones. Most of this is handed down and has become custom and tradition. Many are not aware of its significance and continue to keep observance out of respect as well as out of tradition, based and supported by uncertainty and superstition. It is a case of being better safe than sorry. Another aspect of Pitri Paksh is the remembrance of not only ancestor souls, but also elevated souls that left a legacy of remembrances resulting from selfless service. They include deities, gurus, yogis, religious leaders, administrative leaders, literary and other artistic souls who have made significant contributions to the Creator and the creation. From time immemorial, we have been praying and paying homage to deity and goddess souls. Many religious leaders such as Krishna, Rama, Abraham, Buddha, Christ, Sankaracharya and Mohammed have left the jewels of their thoughts, the vibrations which still induces "spiritual goosepimples" to their followers, devotees and admirers. Of the Shaktis, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Durga and Kali are worshipped with great reverence. Their remembrance are similar to that of Pitri (ancestor) souls. The important thing in observance of Pitri is love, respect and good wishes for those souls. Whatever the method, be it prayers, pujas, satsangs, meditation, fasting, offering flowers and water, it should be done with immense love and not blind duty. We should remember them for what they have done to make this place a better place to live, or the benefits derived from their role. We must remember them for what they have done and not what they could have done. Many have made selfless sacrifices with body mind and wealth (tan, man, dan). In remembrance, we must offer positive vibrations to their souls wherever they may be. It does not matter if they have been reincarnated many times over, these good vibrations reach these souls who may be in need of spiritual upliftment and sustenance. While a fortnight has been set aside to remember the departed souls, the remembrance of deity souls are no different, as we give thanks as well as ask for their guidance, blessing and charity. These deity souls are no longer in their original forms, but it is the faith that brings benefit to the devotee. If you have faith in your intellect, faith in society, faith in the creation and faith in the Creator, this faith will make impossible things possible. This faith is your own innate powers that resides in your subconscious or sanskars. People who do not understand unusual happenings call them miracles. In science, what cannot be explained scientifically are called miracles. In spirituality, it is simply faith, will power and determination. We must understand that science came from silence, the essence of meditation. It is your own faith and will power that create miracles. For this reason, the lesson to be learnt from Pitri Paksh is not to have ill-feelings for anyone be it friend or foe, the dead or the living. This is because it is quite possible for an ancestor soul to be reincarnated as your son, daughter or close relations in real life. If you continue to have ill feelings for those souls, those ill-feelings are redirected to your own kin without your knowledge causing immense difficulties and obstacles for them. We often wonder why we have so much difficulties in life and little do we know it is our own doings. The law of karma is never asleep, for you are your own judge and jury. Sometimes we blame the departed souls for placing a curse or causing difficulties because we failed to observe customs and traditions related to Pitri Paksh. This belief has been strengthened by the saying that " the sins of the parents fall on the children". We create unnecessary fears about that which we do not understand causing superstitious feelings. We are sometimes mortally afraid of departed souls. The natural habitat of the soul is one of peace, tranquillity, serenity and silence. By sending good thoughts and vibrations, the spirituality and stage of these souls are enhanced. A soul must enter a body to perform actions. You have the power to ward off evil spirits. But if you demonstrate fear, it is your own fear that will induce stress and you will be subjected to diseases and difficulties. Today we have so much fear for the "unseen" and for "darkness", but I have to remind you that in today's world, we have to be more wary of the "living" than the "dead". What is visible to our eyes is the creation, and that which cannot be seen is the Creator. We can dialogue with the Creator through the divine intellect or the spiritual eye. The animosity in society is caused by the vices of anger, greed, arrogance, lust and attachment. These are the real evil spirits that exist in us and are known as Rawan or maya. A Deity or Guru can guide you by spiritual wisdom, but the onus remains with the individual to make effort to become pure and elevated. Each soul has to settle his own karmas. There is no need to fear ancestor souls or any pitri souls for that matter. Your protection is your faith and purity in thoughts, words actions and relationships. If you have positive feelings and send good wishes and love as a matter of respect and appreciation for pitri souls, there will be benefit to those souls, benefits to yourself and to the instruments who assist in the conduct of prayers or pitri pujas. The continuing commentary on this observance will be based on the trace of the Eternal World Drama. It is believed that the world drama is cyclical and identical and repeats itself every 5000 years. This cycle is called a "kalpa". The cycle has four equal ages of 1250 years each. They are the Golden(Satyug), Silver(Treta), Copper(Dwapar) and Iron(Kali). A short period at the end of the iron age is called the auspicious confluence age referred in the Gita as "purushottam sangam yuga". All souls have a particular role to play in this pre-destined drama. A soul can take up to a maximum of 84 births in a cycle or kalpa. A soul can have as many as 8 births in the golden age with an average life span of 150 years. In the silver age, a soul can have up to 12 births with an average life span or 100 years. In the copper and iron ages, souls can have a maximum of 21 and 42 births respectively with average life spans relative to the arithmetic of the number of births and the length of an age. There is one birth in the confluence age bringing the maximum of 84 births. It is important to note that not all souls can take the maximum number or births, as this is determined at the time and period they take the first birth in the cycle. This naturally introduces the philosophy of reincarnation, the belief and process of life after death. The human being is the embodiment of two distinct entities, namely the human body and the soul. When the baby is delivered from the mother, we call this event as birth. When the soul leaves this body, and this could be at any untimely age, we call this death. The body after death can no longer perform any action and begins the decaying process. The body which is a composition of the five elements of air, water, fire, earth and ether is separated out into its individual components, or as the saying goes "from dust to dust and ashes to ashes". The soul in the meantime enters or is preparing to enter another body. The soul carries with it a recording of all its actions from the last as well as all its previous births. The soul however does not carry its memory from birth to birth. The faculties of the soul are the mind, the intellect and the subconscious (sanskars). The mind is thought processing faculty, whereas the intellect discriminates and makes decisions based on thoughts. The sanskars is where all actions of past lives are recorded. Although the past is recorded, this is not easily accessible as the soul does not carry the memory from birth to birth. Some are able to recall some of the past by intense meditation although scientists claim that they can access the past by hypnotic regression. The soul can only perform actions when it is in a body. The soul uses the sense organs of the body to perform actions. The soul cannot act without a body. The actions performed is judged and graded by the spiritual law of action and reaction. This law is known as the law of karma. This is a spiritual law that dispenses divine justice, and believe it or not, you are judge and jury of your own actions. You are the architect of your own destiny. You have to settle your own karmic accounts. You have to have mercy on your own self. Your next birth is based on your karmic accounts. Human souls remain as human souls, for there is no interchange with other lower living species. The quality of life may differ, but rebirth is in the human form. In the golden age, souls exercise the highest level of purity, whereas in the iron age, souls become degraded and dehumanized and experience the most gross form of impurity. In the golden and silver ages, there are no untimely deaths. People understand that the soul is immortal and imperishable and death is a transition and change of a different costume. People in this era are not afraid of death. It is believed the concept of death do not exist as it exists in the copper and iron ages. People are very pure and they get visions when it becomes necessary to move on to another expression on the journey of immortality. In the copper and iron ages, people are bodyconscious, in that they believe that the body owns the soul. From birth they begin to fear death and every passing day induces more pain, stress and diseases of incurable dimensions. People virtually die many times before their biological deaths. There is immense sadness and fear to die because of attachment to dear ones and fear of losing materials possessions. People will rather hoard their material wealth than enjoy or share it. There were so many desires created to get it, and then there is so much fear of losing it. This cycle is vicious. In conclusion, people should not worry if they have not fulfilled all their earthly expectations to their close relatives or society. They should practice the art of being detached, but loving to their close relations. They should practice the remembrance of God at all times and more so in their mature years of life. This practice will assist you in the remembrance of God when you are leaving your body. It is said that your inheritance in your next birth depends on the intensity of this remembrance of God in your last thoughts. We have the practice of remembering all the earthly treasures and the future of relatives in our twilight years and at the time of leaving the body. This brings tremendous pains and sorrows on the soul. You have to remember that you came alone in this world and you have to leave alone. When a soul is preparing to leave the body, it needs silence, prayers and good wishes. If we create an atmosphere of sorrow and grief, then the soul experiences great difficulty in leaving the body. This may seem unloving and cruel not to cry or express grief, but prayers or chanting mantras in silence is better for the soul. Pitri Paksh therefore, should be a time of reflection not only for ancestor souls, but your own preparation for future births. This eternal world drama is fixed and destined. Researched by Sahil Rabbipal E-mail: rabbipal.sahil@gmail.com

Where do you put a pitri dish?

It's spelled, "Petri", and you put a petri dish on a level surface, otherwise the growth medium might spill out. The level surface could be a sterile box, a regrigerator, or just on a work counter. Then, if you dropped bread crumbs on the bacteria growing in your petri dish, and if those bread crumbs happened to have a little blue bread mold on them, and you noticed that the bread mold killed the bacteria, then your name might be Alexander Fleming, who is credited with discovering antibiotics.

How do people celebrate Halloween in India?

No we don't celebrate Halloween. But we do have a very holy festival for our Ancestors and Dead Souls. In India we have a Festival name "Pitri Paksha" or "Pitar" or "Shraadh Paksha" which means a Period for Ancestors and Dead member of the family. This is a 15 days long festival generally falls on the English month August-September. During this festival we remember our Ancestors and on the first day we make a pair of foot print facing towards the house with the wheat flour on the front door of the house, which marks the arrival of the ancestors to the house, then the elders of the family offers food and water to them on a worship ceremony which takes 5 minutes daily. We do donate some charity on the name of our ancestors. We offer food to birds and animals also.we float Clay lamps on the river and Lakes to provide light to Anscestors. On the last day which falls on the new moon day, we prepare tasty food (vegetarian food) and after the regular worship we make again the foot prints at the main door but this time facing opposite to the house, marking the farewell of the ancestors. this is very calm and peaceful festival, but no sorrow and cry, because we believe death can take only the body but not the soul , the soul is immortal and our ancestor visit us every year. So Indians do this ceremony with a happy but peaceful mood. For us we believe, to gain happiness in our life we must have the blessings of our ancestors, and the dead souls are not scary to the Indian. They believe souls will never give you trouble until and unless you trouble them. Today, lots of Indians are staying in USA or other European countries and there are lot others who have returned to India from USA. Because of these people Halloween can become popular in India also. Some IT companies organise small party at their offices, on which people wear spooky dresses, they play some games and enjoy the treats of cakes, Candy and ice cream. In India one is free to celebrate any festival of their choice And the Indians who are staying in USA decorate their houses with colourful lights and Jack o Lanterns and Buy treats for the small spooky trick and treaters.

What are the daily practices of a Hindu?

Hindu is one of the largest and oldest continuously practiced religions in the world. Largely practiced on the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, the day-to-day lives of a Hindu are virtually indistinguishable from those of other religions.

Ritual and practice Hinduism sacred elements their meaning?

You may find some info about rituals and practices in Hinduism on the following site:http://www.awgp.org/?weoffer/Sacramental_rites/Punswan SanskarNamkaran SanskarAnnaprashan SanskarMundan SanskarVidyarambha SanskarYagyopaveet SanskarDeeksha SanskarVivah SanskarVanparshtya SanskarAntyeshthee SanskarShradhhya Tarpan SanskarJanma Divas SanskarVivah Divas SanskarSearchMain Links Blissful LifeCorporate ExcellenceDownloadsGayatriGurudevIndian CultureLiteratureMission & visionMultimedia CenterScience & Philosopy of YagyaScintific SpritualitySelf RealizationThought PowerAll World Gayatri Pariwar We Offer » Sacramental RitesSacramental Rites Print this Article Mail this pageThe ancient Indian rishis were scientists of spirituality, consciousness and Nature. Their acumen into the deepest depth of human mind had enabled them to develop a perfect science of systematic refinement and escalation of intrinsic faith and inherent tendencies of human self. They had developed the system of shodash sanskaras - sixteen sacraments - in this regard for the benefit of the masses. These sixteen sacraments are methods of conditioning and training or experiments of purification of accumulated instincts and inculcation of virtuous tendencies, performed during specific transitional phases of life. The combination of powerful mantras and procedures of yagya associated with each of these rituals had resulted from long-term dedicated research conducted by the rishis. This system of shodash sanskaras was devised to affect the subtle levels of human consciousness and hence had an impact on the psychology, endocrine system and genetic machinery too. The shodash sanskaras are integral part of the Indian culture and philosophy of life.The modern age saw a deformed 'short-cut' version of the shodash sanskaras propagated and performed by the so-called Hindu 'priests' professionally in the name of religious rituals. Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya a sagacious spiritual scholar, devoted saint and social reformer had pioneered revival of the original tradition of shodash sanskaras along with elucidation of different facets of Indian philosophy in scientific light.Considering the mode of living, attitude towards life and spiritual level of an average person in today's society, Acharya Sharma had found that six out of the sixteen (shodash) samkaras cannot be performed in present circumstances. As would be expected from a foresighted inventor, he, rather than sticking to rigid traditions, modified the list of shodash sanskaras to serve the basic purpose effectively in modern conditions. He added four new methods and disciplines to this system which are most relevant in the modern age and which are to be performed regularly throughout the span of one's life. These new sanskaras are - janma-diwasa, vivaha-diwasa, diksha and shikha. The ten sanskaras of the ancient system which were retained by him with their original teachings are - punsavana, namakaran, annaprashana, mundana, vidyarambha, yagyopavita, vivaha, vanaprastha, antyeshti and shraddha-tarpana. He had analyzed the scientific foundation and effects of each of them in detail and had explained them in simple language for educating the masses.More herehttp://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Hindu_Rituals/id/23073Hindu Rituals: An overview of Hindu RitualsBy Sri Swami SivanandaSandhyopasanaSandhyopasana literally means - worship at the junctions of time. - It is a prayer and worship offered to the Lord at the junction (Sandhi) of night and morning, forenoon and afternoon and at the junction of evening and night. The Arghyapradana to the sun and the meditation on and recitation of Gayatri, form the heart of the worship. Properly understood, the whole Sandhya is an earnest prayer addressed to the Lord to forgive all ones sins committed during ones routine, daily activities and to bestow illumination and grace.Sandhyopasana must be performed at the proper Sandhyas. Then only the performer can derive much merit. There is a special manifestation of force at Sandhyas. This force disappears when the Sandhya is past.An Obligatory DutySandhyopasana is the daily religious practice of the Hindus whose investiture with the holy thread has been performed. Sandhya is a Nitya Karma or an action that is to be done daily. Sandhya is an obligatory duty to be performed daily for self-purification and self-improvement.Sandhya should be performed by all followers of the Sanatana Dharma. Every Brahmachari and every householder must perform it every day. If he fails to perform it, there is Pratyavaya Dosha or the sin of omission. He loses his Brahma-Tejas.According to the Hindu Sastras, a Brahmana, a Kshatriya and a Vaisya will get hell, if they do not perform three times Sandhyopasana (Traikalika Sandhya) daily. It is for the purpose of Sandhya only, the law of Yajnopavita-Samskara is laid down in the Yajnavalkya Smriti which says: - The Brahmana in his eighth year, the Kshatriya in his eleventh year and the Vaisya in his twelfth year are fit to be given Yajnopavita. - Because, only after this particular Samskara, they are supposed to be worthy to worship Sandhya and take to Vedic rites. They should keep themselves pure internally and externally. They can nicely understand the sacred glory of this divine science.Benefits Of SandhyopasanaSandhya is a combination of Japa, Upasana, Svadhyaya,meditation, concentration, Asana, Pranayama, etc. He who does Sandhya daily has Brahma-Tejas or spiritual lustre, in his face. A man who performs his daily Sandhya, according to the prescribed rules, at the appointed time as laid down in the scriptures, attains purity and success in his every effort. He becomes powerful as well as calm. Regular Sandhya cuts the chain of old Samskaras and changes everybodys old situation entirely. It brings purity, Atma-Bhava, devotion and sincerity.The CeremonyThe important features of this ceremony are: (i) Achamanaor sipping of water with recitation of Mantras (viz., Achyutaya Namah, Anantaya Namah, Govindaya Namah, etc.), Marjana or sprinkling of water on the body which purifies the mind and the body, Aghamarshana or expiation for the sins of many births, and Surya Arghya or oblations of water to the Sun-god, (ii) Pranayama or control of breath which steadies the wandering mind, and silent recitation of Gayatri, (iii) Upasthana or religious obeisance.ArghyaThe first part up to Arghya consists of hymns addressed to water and its benefits. The sprinkling of water on the face and the head and the touching of the different organs (the mouth, nose, eyes, ears, chest, shoulders, head, etc.) with wetted fingers, are meant to purify those parts of the body and invoke the respective presiding deities on them. They also stimulate the nerve-centres and wake up the dormant powers of the body.The Arghya drives the demons who obstruct the path of the rising sun. Esoterically, lust, anger and greed are the demons who obstruct the intellect from rising up. The intellect is the sun.Pranayama and JapaThe second part of Sandhya consists of Pranayama and Japa of Gayatri.SuryopasthanaThe third part of Sandhya is the Suryopasthana. It is a prayer for forgiveness, mercy and grace. The prayer is: - Let me not go down to the earthly house. Have mercy, O Lord! My strength was very weak, O Lord! I did wrong actions. Have mercy, O Lord! - These are Vedic hymns addressed to the sun in the morning, noon and evening. The sun is the intellect in man. Ignorance is the night. Knowledge is the light. When you rise up from the darkness of ignorance, when the eye of intuition is opened through the grace of Gayatri, the Blessed Mother of the Vedas, you attain eternal bliss, supreme peace and immortality. It is that divine light which dispels delusion and the darkness of ignorance. It is that adorable splendour with which the world is glowing. It is that holy lustre which graciously fills the heart of a devotee with eternal bliss. It is this supreme Light which the aspirant craves from God through the Gayatri Mantra. He begs of God this Knowledge for his Realisation.Sandhyopasana - An Exact ScienceMan naturally wants to realise the Truth. He wants to know the secret of Creation. In this connection, scriptures emphatically declare: - Only at the moment when all doubts are cleared, ignorance is destroyed, hypocrisy and cruelty are rent asunder, and when a man sees Him in the abode of his heart, the real and ultimate Truth is revealed. -Sandhya-Vijnana or the Science of Sandhya is an exact science to attain success in the realm of Truth. One need not have any kind of superstition to learn this divine science. One need not prove its greatness. Its greatness, its glory, is open truth. Even the materialistic society of today agrees with the truth of Sandhya-Vijnana. In the scriptures, it is laid: - Brahmanhood is the tree, Sandhya is its root, Vedas are its branches, religious acts are its leaves; therefore take care of its root, i.e., Sandhya. - Now the glory of Sandhya is very clear. Sandhya is absolutely necessary for a man who is treading the path of Truth. Aharahah Sandhyamupasita, i.e., a Brahmin should perform regularly his daily Sandhya at any cost - is the injunction of the scriptures.Prerequisites For The Practice Of SandhyaDietIf you want to learn this science, you must be careful about your diet. Take regular and light Sattvic food. Man is much influenced by his diet. See the difference between a small lion and a big elephant. You will be able to improve yourself by adjusting your diet. Idleness is due to a variety of rich diet only. Therefore, be strict in your daily diet. You will be ever active and strong.Sitting PoseA man who performs Sandhya does not care about his sitting pose. He sits in any posture. This is not much beneficial. He should daily sit in a perfect posture, Padmasana or Sukhasana, facing the particular direction. As far as possible, he must finish his Sandhya in one sitting. He must have perfect mastery over Asana. Then he will have concentration in his Sandhya.Faith and DevotionYou must do your Sandhya with faith and devotion. Mere repetition will not bring much good. Pray from the core of your heart to the Lord to forgive your sins.A Word To The Younger GenerationOur young college students, who are under the influence of wrong Samskaras and wrong education and evil company, have forgotten all about the glory and high efficacy of Sandhya. They are not doing Sandhya. Sandhya has no meaning for them. They have become Godless men. They want laboratory tests and scientific proofs for the usefulness of Sandhya, before they begin to do Sandhya. It must be supported by the statements of western scientists. The words of ancient Rishis do not appeal to them. What a greatly degraded state!O young students! Do not ruin yourself by neglecting Sandhya. Regular performance of Sandhya will give you success in life and material and spiritual prosperity, good health and long life, purity of heart, and help you to attain God-realisation. Do it from now at least. Yet there is hope for you. Wake up. Be sincere.Now take strict resolve from this very moment to be regular in your daily Sandhya, even under many distractions and obstacles. Begin it from this very moment. Do not delay. Reduce your useless activities. Talk little. Do not mix much. You will get plenty of time for your Sandhya.Be strict in your Sandhya. Let there be rain or wind. Even if the Pralaya comes, do not leave it half-done. Many people say that they have not got time to perform Sandhya. They have to attend several functions. This is due to their weakness and lack of good Samskaras. They do not know the glory of this divine science. If they see one of their friends sitting on the banks of the river and performing Sandhya, they will begin to shout or they will play some sort of mischief. But these poor creatures do not know what secret is hidden behind the Sandhya. The Secret of secrets is hidden in this sacred performance. This is why ancient Rishis say: - One who does not perform daily Sandhya is a real animal. -May God give you the mind to perform daily Sandhya at any cost. May you follow the rules of Sandhya. May you realise the glory of Sandhya-Vijnana and be free from all tribulations and torments. May the divine science named Sandhya-Vijnana bestow purity, immense joy and immortality on you!The Ten Scriptural SamskarasThe rites that pertain to the stages of life of man are called Samskaras. The Samskaras are purificatory rites which sanctify the life of the Hindu. They give a spiritual touch to the important events in the life of the individual from conception to cremation. They mark the important stages of a mans life. Just as the outline of a picture is lighted up slowly with the filling in of many colours, so also is Brahmanya with scriptural Samskaras. There are the Samskaras of childhood, of boyhood, of manhood and of old age and death.There are fiftytwo Samskaras. Among these, ten are important. The ten principal and generally recognised Samskaras are: Garbhadana, Pumsavana, Simantonnayana, Jatakarma, Namakarana, Annaprasana, Chudakarma, Upanayana, Samavartana and Vivaha. Of these ten, only some are now performed. Some of the Samskaras pertain to infantile life and early childhood. Some are ceremonies which may be performed daily or on special occasions. The whole life of the Hindu is thus consecrated and protected from the cradle to the grave.GarbhadanaThe Garbhadana sanctifies the creative act. The husband prays fervently from the core of his heart that a child may be conceived. He repeats sacred Mantras during Ritu-Santi ceremony or nuptials. The new child is conceived amidst the vibration of Mantras. Good impressions are impressed in the brain-cells of the embryo. For a real Hindu who is endowed with pure intellect and right understanding, the sexual union is not for the sake of mere enjoyment. He utilises the divine, creative, vital energy for the formation of a human body. Husband and wife should be cheerful and pious when they have intercourse. When their minds are perturbed or agitated, or when there is anger or hatred, they should avoid copulation. They should study holy scriptures. If they have the image of Arjuna, they will have a chivalrous and wise son. If they have the image of Lord Buddha, they will bring forth a son with mercy and other good virtues. If they have the image Of Dhanvantari, they will get a son who will turn out to be a reputed Ayurvedic doctor. If they think of Surya or Sun-God, they will bring forth a lustrous son with splendour and effulgence.PumsavanaIn the third month, the Pumsavana is performed with Mantras. The food-sheath and the vital-sheath of the child are formed.SimantonnayanaThe Simantonnayana is performed at the seventh month with recitation of Veda Mantras. This protects the mother from evil influences and bestows health on the child. The above three Samskaras protect the mother and the child. The body of the child develops nicely. The harmonious vibrations set up by the recitation of Mantras and the performance of the ceremonies help in shaping the body of the child beautifully.JatakarmaThe next Samskara, the ceremony performed immediately after the birth of the child, is the Jatakarma. The father welcomes his new-born child. He prays for its long life, intelligence and well-being, and feeds it with honey and butter.NamakaranaThen comes Namakarana or the naming ceremony. The new-born child is given a name on the tenth, eleventh or twelfth day with recitation of Mantras.AnnaprasanaThe Annaprasana comes in the sixth month when the child is given solid food for the first time. Mantras are recited and oblations are offered to the various deities.ChudakarmaThe Chudakarma, the tonsure or shaving of the head, is performed in the first or third year. The Karnavedha or ear-boring ceremony is performed in the fifth or the seventh year or at the end of the first year with the Chudakarma. The body of the child is protected and harmonised by these ceremonies. Any hereditary defect that arises from defect of semen and embryo is removed. Vidyarambha also is another Samskara. Alphabet is taught to the child. This is also known by the name Aksharabhyasa. These Samskaras pertain to the child stage of life.UpanayanaThe most important ceremony which marks the beginning of the next stage of life - the stage of youth - is Upanayana. Upanayana is a very important Samskara. It is a landmark in the life of the child. It is his second or spiritual birth. The word Upanayana means bringing near.The boy is brought near his Guru, spiritual teacher. The preceptor invests him with the sacred thread, Yajnopavita, and initiates him by giving him the Gayatri Mantra, and gives him a staff. This is the beginning of Brahmacharya Asrama, during which Brahmacharya - perfect or entire celibacy - is enjoined. He is to begin the life of study. The initiation makes him a Dvija, twice-born. The father and the mother gave birth to him from mutual desire. This is his physical birth. Initiation into Gayatri Mantra is his another, true birth. According to Yajnavalkya, the Upanayana ceremony is performed at the eighth year for a Brahmana, eleventh for a Kshatriya and twelfth for a Vaisya. Manu gives the age at the fifth year for a Brahmana, the sixth for a Kshatriya and the eighth for a Vaisya.Significance of the Sacred Thread and Other SymbolsThe sacred thread or Yajnopavita consists of three threads knotted together. He who wears the thread should have a triple control, over his mind, speech and body - thought, word and deed. The holy thread signifies the various triads which exist in the world, viz., Sat, Chit and Ananda; creation, preservation and destruction; the three states of waking, dreaming and deep sleep; the three qualities of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas; the Trimurtis Brahma, Vishnu and Siva; etc.The staff signifies that the student should have control over his thoughts, words and actions. He who practises control over his thoughts, words and actions, and he who practises Brahmacharya in thought, word and deed, attains perfection.The boy wears a Kaupina, a small yellow cloth and a girdle of Munja grass. The Acharya puts on him a deerskin. The new yellow cloth represents the new body. Yellow colour is a symbol of spirituality. Wearing of Kaupina indicates that the boy should lead a pure life of perfect celibacy. The girdle is wound round thrice. This indicates that the boy has to study the Samhitas, the Brahmanas and the Upanishads. The deer-skin represents the ascetic life he should lead.SamavartanaThen comes the end of the student stage, the Samavartana. The student, having completed the Vedic studies and the Vratas, presents his preceptor with a gift and obtains permission to take the formal bath which marks the close of his student-career. He returns home and performs the Samavartana, the returning ceremony. He is now ready to marry and enter the second stage or Grihastha Asrama, the life of a householder.VivahaVivaha is marriage or entry into the second Asrama. The life of the householder begins. Now he takes up his duties as man and pays his spiritual debts by sacrifice, by study and by procreating children. The bridegroom tells the bride: - I take your hand for good fortune. - They walk round the sacred fire hand-in-hand. The bride sacrifices grains in the fire and prays: - May my husband live long. May my relations increase. -The Last Two Stages Of LifeThere are two more stages, viz., Vanaprastha and Sannyasa, with their rites.Man withdraws himself from all worldly activities, retires into the forest and prepares himself for taking Sannyasa. This is the life of a Vanaprastha.A Sannyasin renounces the world and leads a life of study and meditation by living on alms.Pretakarma is funeral rite. When a man dies, the funeral ceremonies are performed by his son and heir.The Pancha MahayajnasThere are five great daily sacrifices that are to be performed by every householder. They are: (i) Brahma Yajna, called also Veda Yajna, sacrifice to Brahman or the Vedas or the sages; (ii) Deva Yajna, sacrifice to the celestials; (iii) Pitri Yajna, sacrifice to the manes; (iv) Bhuta Yajna, sacrifice to all the creatures; and (v) Manushya Yajna, sacrifice to men.The performance of these five Yajnas is conducive to the spiritual evolution or growth of a man. He gradually learns that he is not a separate entity or isolated creature or isolated unit, but is a part of a great whole. He obtains knowledge by studying the sacred scriptures written by great Rishis. He gets help from his friends, relatives and fellow-beings. He parents gave his physical body. His body is nourished by the milk of cows, grains, vegetables and fruits. The five elements help him. He cannot live without oxygen and water. The Devas and the Pitris bless him. Therefore, he owes a fivefold debt to Nature. He must pay back his debt by performing these five sacrifices daily. Further, numerous insects are killed by him unconsciously during walking, sweeping, grinding, cooking, etc. This sin is removed by performance of these sacrifices.The Five YajnasThe Rishis, the Devas, the Pitris, the Bhutas and the guests expect help from the householders. Hence, they should perform these five sacrifices daily. Teaching and study of scriptures is Brahma Yajna; Tarpana or offering of water to the ancestors, and Sraaddha, form Pitri Yajna: Homa or oblations into the fire is Deva Yajna; Bali or offering of food to all creatures is Bhuta Yajna; and hospitality to guests is Manushya Yajna or Atithi Yajna.Brahma Yajna or Rishi YajnaEvery man should study daily the sacred scriptures. He should share the knowledge with others. This is Brahma Yajna or Rishi Yajna. By so doing, he pays the debt to Rishis.Deva YajnaLord Krishna says in the Bhagavad-Gita: - Having, in ancient times, emanated mankind together with sacrifice, the Lord of Creation said, - By this shall ye propagate; be this to you the fulfiller of desires. With this, nourish ye the shining ones; and may the shining ones nourish ye. Thus nourishing one another, ye shall reap the highest good. For, nourished by sacrifice, the shining ones shall bestow on you the enjoyments you desire. A thief verily is he who enjoyeth what is given by them without returning them anything. The righteous, who eat the remains of the sacrifice, are freed from all sins; but the unpious who cook for their own sake, they verily eat sin, - (Ch. III-10, 11, 12, 13). Manu says: - Let a man ever engage in the study of the Vedas and in the rites of the Devas; engaging in the rites of the Vedas, he supports the movable and the immovable kingdoms. - These sacrifices turn the wheel of life in accordance with the divine will and thus help the evolution of man and the worlds.Pitri YajnaOffering libations, etc., to the forefathers, regularly, is Pitri Yajna.Bhuta-YajnaDistribution of food to cows, dogs, birds, fish, etc., is Bhuta Yajna.Manushya YajnaFeeding the poor is Manushya Yajna. Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, giving shelter to the homeless, comforting the distressed, etc., are all forms of Manushya Yajna. Any kind of service to the suffering humanity is Manushya Yajna. Feeding a guest is Manushya Yajna.Benefits Of The Pancha MahayajnasBy daily doing such acts of kindness and sympathy, man develops mercy. Hatred vanishes. His hard egoistic heart is gradually softened. He cultivates cosmic love. His heart expands. He has a wider outlook on life. He tries to feel his oneness with all beings. His old feeling of separateness on account of selfishness and egoism is gradually thinned and eventually eradicated. He learns that he can be happy only by making others happy, by serving others, by helping others, by removing the sufferings of others and by sharing what he has with others. The five great daily sacrifices teach man his relations with his superiors, his equals and his inferiors.Man has no separate individual existence. He is connected with the world. He is like a bead in the rosary. His whole life must be a life of sacrifice and duties. Then only he will have rapid evolution. Then only he will realise the supreme bliss of the Eternal. Then only he will free himself from the round of births and deaths and attain immortality.Sraaddha And TarpanaSraaddha is the name of the ceremonies performed by relatives to help the Jiva who has cast off his physical body in death. A Jiva who has cast off his physical sheath is called a Preta. The part of the Sraaddha performed to help him at this stage is called the Preta Kriya.How Sraaddha And Tarpana Benefit The Departed SoulsGifts to deserving Brahmanas for the benefit of the Pitris, in the proper time and place and with faith, are known as Sraaddha. Sraaddha gives satisfaction to the Pitris. By the offering of the sixteen Sraaddhas, the son helps his father to dwell in joy with the Pitris. The son should perform the Sapindikarana rites for his father. Performance of Sraaddha and Tarpana relieves the hunger and thirst of the departed soul during its journey to the Pitri Loka.Those who go to hell are extremely oppressed by hunger and thirst. Performance of Sraaddha and offerings of rice and oblations to them, relieve their sufferings. Hence, performance of Sraaddha is indispensable. Those who dwell in heaven also get satisfaction, strength and nourishment.The Advantages Of CremationCremation is the best way of destroying a dead body. This is highly beneficial for the departed soul. If the body is not burnt; the Jiva is linked to the earth. The soul hovers round or hangs about the dead body on account of Moha or attachment to the physical body. Its journey to the celestial regions is interfered with. The vibrations set up by the recitation of Mantras and the offerings and oblations of water, bring solace and comfort to the departed soul. The Sapindikarana ceremony helps the Jiva to pass from the Preta Loka to the Pitri Loka. He is then enrolled among the Pitris or the ancestors. The son walks three times round the dead body of his father before fire is set to the pyre and sprinkles water once, reciting the Mantra: - Go away. Withdraw and depart from here. - The bones are collected on the next day and thrown into a river. Those who can afford take them to Benares or Haridwar and throw them into the Ganga. It is believed that the soul whose mortal remains are consigned to the sacred Ganga attains to the higher regions of spiritual light and splendour and, in the end, salvation.The Two Classes Of PitrisImmediately after death, the Jiva obtains the Ativahika body which is made up of fire, air and ether. Later on, it may have a Yatana Deha for suffering the tortures of hell if it had done great sins on the earth-plane, or a celestial body for enjoying the pleasures of heaven if it had done virtuous actions while living in the world. In the Yatana Deha, the air-element preponderates; while, in the celestial body, the element of fire is dominant. It takes one year for the Jiva to reach the Pitri Loka.There are two classes of Pitris, viz., the celestial Pitris who are the lords of the Pitri Loka, and the human Pitris who go there after death. Brahma is the paternal grandfather of all. Kasyapa and the other Prajapatis are also Pitris, as they are the original progenitors. Pitri Loka or the Abode of the Pitris is also called by the name Bhuvar Loka.The word Pitris primarily means the immediate ancestors, viz., father, mother, etc. Sraaddha proper is performed for three generations of Pitris, or to all Pitris. Three cakes are offered to the father, the grandfather and the great grandfather. Two Brahmins are fed first. Seven generations can mutually influence one another by the giving and receiving of food.Pitripaksha And Mahalaya AmavasyaThe dark fortnight of the month of Asvayuja is known as the Pitripaksha or the fortnight of the month specially sanctified for offering oblations to the departed ancestors. And the last day, the day of the new moon, is considered as the most important day in the year for performing obsequies and like rites.Now, ordinarily, the orthodox Hindus offer oblation of water - Tarpana-Arghya - to the departed every new-moon day. The prescribed rites are also performed every year on the anniversary of the day of death. This is the Sraaddha ceremony. What, then, is the special import of these observances particularly during the Asvayuja Krishna Paksha? The reason is that such ceremonies done during this fortnight have a very special effect. The offerings reach the Pitris immediately and directly, due to a boon from Lord Yama. The occasion for the boon arose as follows:Origin Of The PitripakshaA Story from the MahabharataThe renowned hero of the Mahabharata, Danavira Karna, when he left the mortal coil, ascended to the higher worlds and reached the region of the heroes. There, the fruit of his extraordinary charity while upon earth came to him multiplied thousandfold, but it came to him in the form of immense piles of gold and silver. Karna had done limitless charity of wealth, but had neglected to do Anna-Dana. Thus he found himself in the midst of wealth and plenty, but with no food to appease him. He prayed to Lord Yama. The Great Ruler responded to Karnas prayer and granted him a respite for fourteen days to return to the earth-plane once again and make up for his former neglect. Karna came down from the Mrityu Loka, and for fourteen days, he fed the Brahmins and the poor, and made offerings of water, etc. He performed the prescribed rites also on the last day. On his return once again to the higher world, the effect of Karnas observances during this fortnight removed all his wants there. The time of this occurrence was the dark fortnight of Asvayuja.Due to the grace of Lord Yama, it came to be so ordained that such rites done at this particular period acquired the following unique merits. Offerings made at this time reached all departed souls, whether they were kins directly in the line of the offerer or not. Even those who died without progeny received these oblations given on this Pitripaksha Amavasya day. All those who had failed to do deeds of charity and Anna-Dana and were thus denied these comforts in the Pitri Loka, benefited by these ceremonies. Those deceased whose date of death is not known and whose annual Sraaddha cannot be done, they also get these oblations of Pitripaksha. Souls whose life was cut off by violent, accidental or unnatural death and to whom, therefore, offerings cannot reach in the ordinary course, to them, too, the Pitripaksha offerings reach directly. All these the boon of Lord Yama made possible from the time the great Karna performed the Asvayuja-Paksha rites. The Hindus now observe this Paksha with great faith, with strict regulation, taking bath thrice, with partial fasting, etc. On the new moon day, Sarvapitri Amavasya, the full rites are done and plenty of charity given.Propitiation Of Departed SpiritsThe day of Mahalaya Amavasya is a day of great significance and importance to all Hindus. It is the annual festival for propitiating the spirits of our ancestors, with devout prayers for peace. The Hindu Itihasas say, that on the Mahalaya Amavasya, there is a conjunction of the sun and the moon and that the sun enters the sign Virgo (Kanya). On this day, the departed manes, i.e., our ancestors, leave their abode in the world of Yama and come down to the world of mortals and occupy the houses of their descendants.The fortnight preceding the new moon is specially consecrated for the propitiation of such departed spirits. The ceremonies performed in honour of the manes or ancestors during each day of this fortnight are considered to be equal to those performed at Gaya. The principle in all such rites is the worship of the departed souls and the satisfaction of their wishes so that they might be in peace during the rest of the year.Navaratri Or The Nine-Day Worship Of DeviReligious observances, traditional worship and Vratas have, at times, more than one significance. Apart from being the adoration of the Divine, they are commemorative of stirring bygone events, allegoric when interpreted from the occult standpoint, and are significant pointers guiding the Jiva on his path to Realisation.Outwardly, the nine days - worship of Devi or the Mother, known as Navaratri Puja, is in the nature of a Vijaya-Utsava. The nine days - triumphs are offered to the Mother for Her successful struggle with the formidable demons led by Sumbha and Nisumbha. But, to the spiritual aspirant in his life of Sadhana, the particular division of the Navaratri into sets of three days to adore different aspects of the Supreme Goddess has got a very sublime, yet thoroughly practical, truth to reveal. In its cosmic aspect, it epitomises the stages of the evolution of man into God, from Jivahood to Sivahood. In its individual import, it shows the course that his spiritual Sadhana should take.Now, the central purpose of existence is to recognise your eternal identity with the Supreme Spirit. It is to grow into the image of the Divine. The Supreme One embodies the highest perfection. It is spotless purity, Niranjana. To recognise your identity with That, to attain union with That, is verily to grow into the very likeness of the Divine. The Sadhaka has, therefore, as the initial step, to get rid of the countless impurities and the undivine elements, that have come to cling to him in his embodied state. Then he has to acquire lofty virtues and auspicious divine qualities. Thus purified and rendered full of Sattva, Knowledge flashes upon him like the brilliant rays of the sun upon the crystal waters of a perfectly calm lake.Worship Of DurgaThe Eradication of VicesThis process of Sadhana implies resolute will, determined effort and arduous struggle. In other words, strength, infinite Sakti, is the prime necessity. It is the Divine Mother, Supreme Sakti of Brahman, that has to operate through the aspirant. On the first three days, Mother is adored as Power, Force - Durga, the Terrible. You pray to Mother Durga to destroy all your impurities, your vices, your defects. She is to fight with and annihilate the baser animal qualities in the Sadhaka, the lower Asura in his nature. Also, she is the power that protects your Sadhana from its many dangers and pitfalls. Thus, the first three days, marking the first stage of destruction of Mala (impurities) and determined effort and struggle to root out the evil Vasanas in your mind, are set apart for the worship of the Destructive Aspect of the Mother.Worship Of LakshmiThe Cultivation Of VirtuesOnce you have accomplished your task on overcoming the negative side, that of breaking down the impure Vasanas, propensities and old habits, the next step is to build up a sublime spiritual personality, to acquire positive qualities in place of the eliminated Asuric qualities. The divine qualities - Daivi Sampat - that Lord Krishna enumerates in the Bhagavad-Gita have to be acquired. The Sadhaka must cultivate and develop all the auspicious qualities. He has to pile up immense spiritual wealth to enable him to pay the price for the rare gem of divine wisdom (Jnana Ratna). If this development of the opposite qualities (Pratipaksha Bhavana) is not undertaken in right earnest, the old Asuric nature will raise its head again and again. Hence, this stage is as important in an aspirants career as the previous one. The essential difference is that while the former is a ruthless, determined annihilation of the filthy, egoistic, lower self, the latter is an orderly, steady, calm and serene effort to develop purity. This pleasanter side of the aspirants Sadhana is depicted by the worship of Mother Lakshmi. She bestows on Her devotees the inexhaustible wealth or Daivi Sampat. Lakshmi is the Sampat-Dayini aspect of Brahman. She is Purity Itself. Thus, worship of Goddess Lakshmi is performed during the second set of three days.Worship Of SarasvatiThe Dawn Of Supreme WisdomOnce the aspirant succeeds in routing out the evil propensities and in developing Sattvic, pure, divine qualities, he becomes an Adhikari. He is ready now to receive the Light of Supreme Wisdom. He is fit to obtain Divine Knowledge. At this stage comes the devout worship of Sri Sarasvati, who is Divine Knowledge personified, the embodiment of Brahma Jnana. The sound of Her celestial Vina awakens the notes of the sublime Mahavakyas and the Pranava. She bestows the knowledge of the Supreme Nada and then gives full Atma-Jnana as represented by Her pure dazzling snow-white apparel. To propitiate Sri Sarasvati, the giver of Jnana, is therefore, the third stage.The tenth day - Vijaya Dasami - marks the triumphant ovation of the Jiva at having attained Jivanmukti through the descent of Knowledge by the grace of Goddess Sarasvati. The Jiva rests in its own supreme Self of Sat-Chit-Ananda (Existence-Knowledge-Bliss Absolute). This day celebrates the victory, the achievement of the Goal. The banner of victory flies aloft. Lo! I am He! I am He! Chidananda Rupah Sivoham, Sivoham; Chidananda Rupah Sivoham, Sivoham.An Arrangement That Ensures Spiritual SuccessThis arrangement has also a special significance in the aspirants spiritual evolution. It marks the stages of evolution which are indispensable for every Sadhaka, through which every one should pass. One naturally leads to the other, and to short-circuit this would inevitably result in a miserable failure. Nowadays, many ignorant Sadhakas aim straight at the appropriation of Knowledge without the preliminaries of purification and acquisition of Daivi Sampat, and complain that they are not progressing in the path. How can they? Knowledge will not descend till the impurities are washed out and purity is developed. The Sattvic plant can grow on no impure soil.Follow this arrangement and your efforts will be attended with sure success. This is your path. No other path is known for salvation. Destroy all evil qualities and develop their opposite virtues. By this process you would soon bring yourself up to that perfection which would culminate in the identity with Brahman, which is your Goal. Then all knowledge will be yours, you will be omniscient and omnipotent, and you will feel your omnipresence. You will see yourself in all. You will be a Jivanmukta. You shall achieve eternal victory over the wheel of birth and death, over the demon of Samsara. No more of pain, no more of misery, no more of birth, no more of death for you. Victory, victory be yours!Glory unto the Divine Mother! Let Her take you, step by step, to the top of the spiritual ladder and unite you with the Lord!!

What are the contents of 14 lokas of Hinduism?

There are 14 Lokas (worlds; not to be confused with planets). Seven higher worlds (heavens) and seven lower ones (underworlds). The earth is considered the lowest of the seven higher worlds.The higher worlds are the seven Vyahrtis: Bhuu, Bhuvas, Svar, Mahas, Janas, Tapas, and Satya above.And seven Paatalas (lower worlds) are: Atala, Vitala, Sutala, Rasaataala, Talatala, Mahaatala and Paatala Loka.Satya-loka: Brahma's loka. Satya-loka planetary system is not eternal. Abode of Truth or of Brahma, where atman are released from the necessity of rebirth.Tapa-loka: Abode of tapas or of other deities. Ayohnija devadas live here.Jana-loka: Abode of the sons of God Brahma.Mahar-loka: The abode of great sages and enlightened beings like Markendeya and other rishies.Svar-loka: Region between the sun and polar star, the heaven of the god Indra. Indra, devatas, Rishies, Gandharvas and Apsaras live here: a heavenly paradise of pleasure, where all the 330 million Hindu gods (Deva) reside along with the king of gods, Indra.Bhuvar-loka (aka Pitri Loka): Sun, planets, stars. Space between earth and the sun, inhabited by semi-divine beings. The a real region, the atmosphere, the life-force.Bhur-loka: Man and animals live here. The Vishnu Purana says that the earth is merely one of thousands of billions of inhabited worlds like itself to be found in the universe.Different realms of Patala are ruled by different demons and Nagas; usually with the Nagas headed by Vasuki assigned to the lowest realm. Vayu Purana records each realm of Patala has cities in it.Atala-loka: Atala is ruled by Bala - a son of Maya - who possesses mystical powers. By one yawn, Bala created three types of women - svairiṇīs ("self-willed"), who like to marry men from their own group; kāmiṇīs ("lustful"), who marry men from any group, and the puḿścalīs ("whorish"), who keep changing their partners. When a man enters Atala, these women enchant him and serve him an intoxicating cannabis drink that induces sexual energy in the man. Then, these women enjoy sexual play with the traveller, who feels to be stronger than ten thousand elephants and forgets impending death.Vitala-loka: Vitala is ruled by the god Hara-Bhava - a form of Shiva, who dwells with attendant ganas including ghosts and goblins as the master of gold mines. The residents of this realm are adorned with gold from this region.Sutala-loka: Sutala is the kingdom of the pious demon king Bali.Talatala-loka: Talātala is the realm of the demon-architect Maya, who is well-versed in sorcery. Shiva, as Tripurantaka, destroyed the three cities of Maya but was later pleased with Maya and gave him this realm and promised to protect him.Mahatala-loka: Mahātala is the abode of many-hooded Nagas (serpents) - the sons of Kadru, headed by the Krodhavasha (Irascible) band of Kuhaka, Taksshaka, Kaliya and Sushena. They live here with their families in peace but always fear Garuda, the eagle-man.Rasatala-loka: Rasātala is the home of the demons - Danavas and Daityas, who are mighty but cruel. They are the eternal foes of Devas (the gods). They live in holes like serpents.Patala-loka: The lowest realm is called Patala or Nagaloka, the region of the Nagas, ruled by Vasuki. Here live several Nagas with many hoods. Each of their hood is decorated by a jewel, whose light illuminates this realm.

How do you offer tarpan during pitri paksh?

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