From Our Gurus' Teachings
Archives are now available through 2001. Light colored days have no posts. 1998-2001 coming later.
To attend worship at Kadavul Hindu Temple make a reservation here
FRONT GROUNDS ARE OPEN DAILY FROM 9AM to 12PM WITHOUT A RESERVATION
Archives are now available through 2001. Light colored days have no posts. 1998-2001 coming later.
July 2nd, 2009 at 12:29 am
Navagraha shrine out near Iraivan temple?
Why do we need a Navagraha shrine for?
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:39 am
Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, Gurudeva, taught his monks the value of Jyotisha, Vedic Astrology. Knowledge and awareness of the movement of the planets and their influence on our lives, personal character and projects is a sacred heritage from our Vedic Rishis. This knowledge is a powerful tool for living a better life, making improvements and staying in tune with Rrta Dharma, the cosmic order.
On the other hand, Gurudeva did not believe in the worship of the planets as if they were Deities like Siva, Ganesha or Murugan.
Some devotees in other countries have complained that in some temples, the main focus of worship has become “sani puja,” where devotees, on Saturday, flock to aratis given to the images of the planets for help with their exams, overcome financial problems etc., all the while completely forgetting about the fundamentals of Saiva Siddhanta, communication between the three worlds and spiritual evolution, which are the true aims behind Hindu temple worship.
This will not be the case at Iraivan. The Navagraha Mandapam will not be physically attached to the temple. It will be a teaching pavilion and not a place of worship. It will be off to the side as a separate pavilion. The priests of Iraivan will not be doing abhishekams or aratis to these images. These icons of the planets are on rollers and will be moved around to their actual astronomical daily position.
For information on the wise use of Jyotisha in our lives, see: http://himalayanacademy.com/resources/panchangam/ — our Hindu calendar web page.
July 3rd, 2009 at 6:42 am
Thanks for asking the question. The answer has truly educated me further in my understanding of what I have seen when visiting another Hindu temple.Jupiter is beautiful and I am sure the image will enhance the beauty of where it is placed.Aum