The Importance of Calling Priest at Home

Be it a holy puja like a janamdinpooja, satyanarayanpooja, vaastu shanti puja, Navagrahapuja or any other puja, in Hindu tradition, we always call a priest or a Brahman home in order to perform the rituals. Even if someone dies, a priest is called in order to conduct the funeral rituals. This is not just restricted to Hinduism but even Christianity and Islam follow the same.

Have you ever given a thought as to why the priests, Maulvi or Fathers are given so much importance? Why do we need to call them in order to perform the pujas and not do it ourselves? Let us now explore…

Who is a Priest?

Before finding the reason behind why are priests called at home for performing different rituals, we need to understand who is a priest! A priest is a person from the Brahmana community, it being the highest among other castes. Brahmanas or priests are often referred to as pandit which means "learned scholar." Priests, brahmanas or pandits are trained in vedas and they know all the important and relevant mantras or hymns to perform any kind of religious pooja or ritual. They are expected to know all the religious scriptures and also Sanskrit. In fact, some of them work in the temples as pujaris or the ones who conduct daily rituals to the deity.

Why do we call priests at home?

Poojas or rituals are conducted in order to seek the blessings from the Almighty. It is believed that in order for the pooja ritual to reach the Supreme Being, hymns or mantras are necessary. Since the priests are trained and well-versed with the hymns or mantras, they are called home in order to perform the different rituals. The priests act as an intermediate between us and the God. In this way, the Almighty is pleased and in turn, we receive His blessings and find solace in life.

So, the next time you plan to conduct any pooja or ritual, make sure that you call a priest home in order to make sure that your prayers reach the God in the right way!

Rudra Centre specializes in various Pujas services. Our Pujas for Success include Laxmi Puja, Baglamukhi Puja and Satchandi Puja. We also conduct various Dev Pujas like Shiv Puja, Laxmi Puja and Ganesh. Our Siddhi Pujas include Laxmi Mantra Siddhi Japa, Maha Mrutyunjaya Mantra Siddhi Japa, etc. For Dosh Nivaran, we conduct Pujas like Shani Dosh Nivaran, Pitra Dosha Nivaran Puja, Kaal Sarp Dosh Nivaran Pula, etc.

Diwali Festival 2013 Celebration in India

Deepavali or Diwali is one of the major festivals of Hindus which is celebrated in grandiose manner throughout India for five days. The word Diwali festival literally translates to “a row of lamps” and lighting clay lamps filled with oil is significant in this festival. Lighting lamps signify the victory of good over evil.

Five Days of Diwali:

1.     Dhanteras: Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Indian financial year and proprietors hold pujas for the God of wealth.

2.     Narka Chaturdasi: It was on this day that goddess Kali defeated the demon Narka, freeing the world from his malice. This day is celebrated to commemorate the victory of goddess Kali over the demon Narka.

3.     Lakshmi Pujan: Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and success is worshipped on this day so that she can shower her blessings on her followers throughout the year.

4.     Bali Padyami: On this day, king Bali was banished to the nether world by lord Vishnu. This day is celebrated to commemorate lord Vishnu’s victory.

5.     Bhaubeej: On this day sisters pray for their brothers’ long life and apply a ceremonial “Tilak” on their brothers’ forehead, just as Subhadra applied tilak on her brother lord Krishna’s forehead after he defeated the demon Narkasur.

These five days of the festival of lights help us by bringing us close to each other, irrespective of caste or creed.  This festival ignites in us an awareness of inner light and a feeling of oneness.

Importance of Parad Shivaling

Shivalings are always considered to be superior and Parad Shivaling is one step higher than the rest as it is made out of SiddhParad or Mercury along with other important herbs. Unlike others, Parad Shivaling contains no other metal but only mercury. Let us now explore the importance of this special Shivaling…

Importance of Parad Shivaling

Parad Shivling is known to give us 24 Ras and fiveTatva which helps in eradicating all diseases in the human body.

A quote from SarvadarshanaSangraha states;

“A man can get crore times greater blessing by worshipping a Shiva Linga in case he worships a Parad (Mercury) Shivalinga. Poverty would never enter his house and he would never fear death during his life.”

It is believed that when you worship a ParadShivaling by following a proper procedure and belief, it helps you physically, spiritually, and even psychologically. ParadShivaling is known to protect us from natural calamities, disasters and even against the evil.

There are many holy texts that have a mention of the ParadShivaling and its benefits. According to RasRatnaSamuuchayy, it is believed that ParadShivlingis made of pure mercury and this makes it unique and leads to longevity of life, enhances prosperity and also washes away the sins.

Besides this, it is also considered that Goddess Lakshmi resides in the house of those who worship the ParadShivaling. This Shivaling also ensures that your life is in perfect harmony.

Worshipping of Parad Shivling

Here is the method to worship Parad Shivaling:

·         While chanting "Om Namah Shivaya" or singing the "Maha Mrityunjaya mantra", you need to first wash the lingam in a bowl containing clean water.

·         Then wipe the lingam dry with a soft tissue.

·         Follow this bath with milk and then with rose water.

·         After the final bath, you need to install in a place of worship with full love and devotion.

·         Apply "Vibuthi", sandal paste and then follow it with"saffron".

·         Post this, offer the incense stick or Dhoop of Googal.

·         Offer Bilva leaf and flowers to the lingam

It is believed that Rudram chants please Lord Shiva. Worshipping ParadShivaling with a pure heart is sure to yield results

Importance of Navgraha Idols

Every time we enter a temple, we see Navagraha idols and people busy circling them. Have you wondered why do people worship Navagraha idols so much? In fact, did you know that Navagraha is responsible in influencing your horoscope and your life to a great extent?

In fact, before any auspicious occasion like grihapravesh and such others, a navagraha puja or a homam to please the Navagrahas are performed.

Navagraha: Important deities

After Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, the Navagrahas are considered to be most important as far as Hindu rituals are concerned. They are considered to play an important role in deciding our destiny.

The Navagrahas or the nine influencers include the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. The Navagrahashold immense importance in astrology as well.  As per astrology, the nine planets are places in the twelve zodiac constellations. Zodiac constellation is the belt in the sky where the Moon, Sun and the planets move. According to astrology, the planetary movements have some effect on our lives.

Temples of Navagrahas along with their consorts are rare in India. A temple of Navagrahas with their consorts is in Singapore. Navagrahas with their consortsare called as SAKTHI SAMETHA NAVAGRAHAS. It is believed that grahas with their consorts are generally in a cheerful mood and on praying to them they tend to render immediate positive influence.

Significance of Worshipping Navagrahas

It is believed that Lord Vishnu told Rudra, that one who worships the Navagraha or the nine planets with proper rituals will attain the four Purusharth or the four main objectives of life; one dharma (religion), artha (money), kaam (sex) and moksha (salvation).

Mantra for Worshipping Navagrahas

Here is the mantra that you are required to chant while worshipping the Navagrahas:

Om SuryaeNamah, ChandraeNamah, Budhae

Namah, BrahaspatiaeNamah, MangaleNamah, ShukraeNamah, SaniAeNamah, RahuAeNamah, KetuAe

Namah, NavgaraheNamah.

So, the next time you go to any temple, do not forget to meet the Navagrahas and worship them in order to please them and have a peaceful life.

Relation Between Ganesha & Kartikeya

There are many stories revolving around Ganesha and his younger brother Karthikeya in Hindu mythology. While Lord Ganesha is worshipped throughout India, Karthikeya has more influence towards South India. In south, Karthikeya is also known as Murugan, Subramanya and Arumugam. Lord Ganesha and Karthikeya are two contrasting personalities in mythology.  It is quite interesting to know the differences that exist between the two siblings.

While Lord Ganesha is known to be comfortably plump, kind and patient, brother Karthikeya is full of energy and impulsive. While Ganesha prefers his mouse as his vehicle, Karthikeya prefers a flashy peacock as his vehicle. In fact, even the conversations and the interactions between the two are child-like and quite interesting. There is one legend that is distinct and worth a mention.

Once, a mango that was believed to be filled with divine knowledge was brought to Mount Kailash. The mango couldn’t be cut or shared. There was just one mango and both Ganesha and Karthikeya wished to have it. In order to get rid of this dilemma, Lord Shiva and Parvati decided to have a competition.

It was decided that the one who completes three rounds of the planet will win the mango. On hearing this, Kartikeya immediately left on his journey. But Ganeshas at there and was thinking as this was an impossible task for him.

Within sometime, Ganesha found an answer. He made Shiva and Parvati sit together and then worshipped them and circled them thrice. Later, he said that according to the Vedas circling parents is same as circling the world.

Lord Shiva and Parvati were impressed and convinced with his logic and handed over the mango to him. Meanwhile, Karthikeya returned and was furious to know about this. In a fit of anger, Kartikeya left for Mount Krouncha, also known as Palani and it is believed that Shiva goes to visit on new moon (amavasya) and Parvati goes to visit him on full moon day (purnima).

However, this never hampered the relation between Ganesha and Karthikeya. They were cordial yet again. Till date, Ganesha and Karthikeya are considered as the epitome of sibling relation.

Importance of Vaastu Maha Yantra

Importance of Vaastu Maha Yantra

You go hunting for a house and after analysing many; you finally manage to zero down on one. However, the elders of your house may disapprove of it by saying; the vaastu shastra is not good. What do they mean by vaastu shastra and what role does it play with our house? Let us now find out and also the importance of Vaastu Maha Yantra…

What is Vaastu Shastra?

The word Vaastu Shastra originates from “Vas” which indicates to reside. The word vaastu means the basic architecture of the building, the foundation or the place where it is located. The word Shastra can be translated as the science. So Vaastu Shastra indicates the science of location.

Vaastu Shastra is very important as it tends to have an influence in the people’s lives who reside in that particular construction.

Importance of Vaastu Maha Yantra

Though it may not be always possible to find a house with the right vaastu shastra, there is a way to rectify the ill-effects that it could possibly have on our lives. Vaastu Maha Yantra is a yantra made out of thick copper or gold sheet. This yantra is a must-have in every household or business premise.

Vaastu Maha Yantra is a combination of the four most powerful Vaastu yantras. The yantras included in this Maha Yantra are:

·         Dikdosh Nashak

·         Grihdosh Nivarak

·         Vaastu chakra

·         Vaastudosh Nashak

·         Vaastudosh Nashak Vyapar Vriddhi Indrani Yantras

Benefits of Vaastu Maha Yantra

Here are the benefits of having the Vaastu Maha Yantra:

·         It helps in removing Vaastu ill-effects if any from place of work or residence

·         It helps to rectify the faults of a building, site, home, office or a structure due to wrong construction or creation

·         It removes negative energies thereby resulting from an inauspicious location or directions of rooms

·         Also eradicates ill-effects of a business premises

·         Attracts more business and prosperity

Mantra for Vaastu Maha Yantra

Here is the mantra that you need to chant while worshipping the Vaastu Maha Yantra:

VaastudevNamastatuBhushanyaaniratPrabho !

Mam GraheDhanDhaanyaadiSamriddhiKuruSarvada !!

All About Vashikaran Maha Yantra And Mantra

All About Vashikaran Maha Yantra

When we talk about personalities like Amitabh Bachchan, Princess Diana and such, what comes to our mind? Their striking personality and charisma that they carry! Each one of us aspires to be charismatic in terms of personality and wish to become famous just like these starlets. Let’s find out more about Vashikaran Maha Yantra, the yantra that promotes charisma and power of attraction.

What is Vashikaran Maha Yantra?

Vashikaran Maha Yantra is a combination of different powerful Yantras that helps you in getting hypnotic attraction or the power of Vashikaran and charisma. This Vashikaran Maha Yantra comes in thick copper or gold sheet and has the following four powerful yantras:

·         Vashikaran

·         Shri Mohini Vashikaran

·         Shri Kamdev

·         Shri Rudra Yantras

Purpose of Vashikaran Maha Yantra

Vashikaran Maha Yantra helps us in achieving the following:

·         It helps to attract the person you desire and brings that person under your influence.

·         Assists in gaining cordial professional and personal relationships between superiors, colleagues, friends and others.

·         Helps you obtain favours and also make a good impression on others

·         Win affection and friendship in people’s hearts and minds

·         Solves all your sexual problems

·         Fulfils your desires

·         Help you gain Siddhis to win over 'Maya' or the illusion

Mantra for the Vashikaran Maha Yantra

Here is the mantra for the Vashikaran Maha Yantra that you need to chant while worshipping:

AakarshayMahadevi Ram Mam Priyam Hey TripureDevdeveshiTubhyamDasyami

Yanchitam, Om Lakeem Lakeem (name of person) Mum VashyamKuruKuruSwaha !!

Here are some more details about this Vashikaran MahaYantra:

Ruling Deity: Kamadeva

Day: Wednesday

Please note that the Vashikaran Maha Yantra needs to be placed facing the South East direction at your home or office or altar. Make sure that the Vashikaran Maha Yantra is placed on the wall at your waist level (with regards to your standing height).

Ruby Gemstone and its relation with Manipura Chakra

Ruby Gemstone: Relation with Manipura Chakra

Ruby or more fondly known as the “maanik”  is associated with the Planet Sun. Just as the Sun throws light in our lives, Ruby is also believed to enlighten the lives of its wearer. It helps in removing sadness and gloominess from our lives. Due to its association with the planet Sun, Ruby is considered as the king of all gemstones.

Ruby is associated with the Manipura Chakra or the physical aspects of a person. Let us now get into the details of the Manipura Chakra and the Ruby gemstone.

Relation between Manipura Chakra and Ruby Gemstone

Manipura Chakra is situated at our spine and its activation point is directly linked to our navel.  It is said that if our manipura chakra is balanced, we will have a strong sense of power, will complete work on time, will work towards excelling in all that we do and will evolve as a natural leader. Manipura Chakra helps in displaying courage and conviction along with high self-esteem.

If this Manipura Chakra is not in perfect balance, we may turn lethargic, short-tempered, self-centred and withdrawn. Imbalanced Manipura Chakra can also cause indigestion, weight related issues, hypertension, liver problems, chronic ulcers, diabetes, cancer of the stomach and pancreas.

In order to balance the Manipura Chakra, ruby gemstone is recommended. Ruby is related to the planet Sun and hence this is the gemstone to balance the Manipura Chakra.

Once the chakra is balanced, you will emerge as a person with new vigour and all the problems and symptoms are likely to disappear. Besides all, you will find self-esteem in whatever you do.

Ruby is known to enhance the blood circulation in our body.

Trivia about Ruby

Here are some trivia about this precious gemstone:

Indian Name: maanik

Planet: Sun

Chakra: Manipura

Cosmic Colour: Yellow

Wearing an original ruby gemstone in any form of jewellery is sure to bestow you with the numerous benefits. However, it is important to consult a gem expert or a Chakra expert to know if Ruby is the right gemstone for you in order to derive the right results.

Emerald Stone Benefits and its ralation with Anahata Chakra

Emerald and Its Effects

Gemstones are known to have great influence and charming effect on the human life. The purity and hardness of the gemstones, the malefic effects of the planets over our life is minimized and thus our life is filled with harmony and goodness of the planets. Let us now explore the benefits and effects of wearing an emerald gemstone…

Benefits of Wearing Emerald

The emerald is generally worn as a jewellery piece like earrings, rings, pendants and so on. This stone is aligned with the planet Mercury. This alignment with Mercury helps in bringing down the ill-effects caused by the planet and also helps in enhancing the good effects in turn in our lives.

Emerald, the green coloured fascinating stone is believed to produce healing powers. It is said that if we gaze into the greenness of the stone, the healing powers are transmitted automatically.  In fact, ancient Greek practitioners used to prescribe crushed emeralds as eye-healing powder.

Emerald and Anahata Chakra

The emerald is known to be related to the Anahata Chakra or the Heart Chakra of our body. It is said to be thus related to the emotions like love and compassion. Emeralds are said to increase the spiritual energies in our body and in turn calm disturbed mind. This gemstone helps in increasing our concentration, bringing down depression and also reduces problems that are related to our stomach, bowel and rheumatism in senior citizens.

It is said that when energy is not flowing freely in our Anahata Chakra, we may suffer from some physical ailments like fever, asthma, allergies and heart diseases. Emerald also cures people suffering from digestive and nervous system disorders.

Emerald offers immense benefits to people who are in sports and creative field like those of writers, painters, and sculptors.

Emerald is considered to offer universal and personal bliss. Just like any other gemstones, before buying an emerald it is always better to consult a gem expert or a Chakra expert in order to determine the best way to use it.

Blue Sapphire Gemstones and its Benefits

Right from the day Princess Diana entered the spotlight, she was known as the "people's princess". Princess Diana was always in the limelight from the day she married Prince Charles in the year 1981 to the day she died. Princess Diana always inspired the fashion industry and was dressed fashionably too. Even after her death, her style statement still stays alive. Do you know that Princess Diana always wore a blue sapphire ring?

This ring was passed on to Kate Middleton by Prince William. This blue sapphire ring is a beautifully oval-cut 18-karat and is surrounded by 14 white diamonds. Diana had picked the ring herself after her proposal. The news about Kate Middleton wearing Diana's ring hit the Internet and frenzy began. Blue Sapphire has always been a hit among fashion world and also the royals.

Blue Sapphire, also known as the Neelam, is one of the famous gemstones and is believed to have been associated with the planet Saturn. The name sapphire derives from the word “saphirus” which denotes blue. Blue sapphire occurs naturally and is a compound mixture of oxygen and aluminium. This compound mixture of aluminium and oxygen lends the gemstone a blue tinge and hence the name blue sapphire.

The blue sapphire is found in igneous rocks and aluminium deposits. This stone has been the centre of admiration right from the kings, queens to the modern age travellers and gem lovers. Blue Sapphires are largely found in Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Russia and also in India.

Know the Benefits

Blue Sapphire is considered as the sister of ruby as both ruby and blue sapphire originates from the same mineral. Blue sapphire, just as other gemstones, carries many benefits. It is believed that blue sapphire tends to reduce all types of problems that you may face in life. Based on the planetary positions in your horoscope, the astrologer will advise you to wear a blue sapphire for future opportunities and problems.

Blue Sapphire is believed to bring happiness and prosperity in life. Also, it is said to bring peace in the wearer’s life. Blue Sapphire is considered to protect your pituitary gland and heals ailments resulting out of this gland. This gemstone is related to imagination, intuition and creativity and thus, the wearer turns out to be charismatic, intelligent and intuitive. It is believed that blue sapphire helps a person make good judgements too.

Saturn rules the number 8 and hence people born under the number 8 can wear this gemstone.

Properties of Blue Sapphire

Blue Sapphire is considered as the second hardest gemstone, the first being diamond. . A blue sapphire carries amazing sparkle and displays different colours when viewed from different angles. It is considered as the most beautiful and valuable among all gemstones.  Blue Sapphires can be treated with heat, diffused with beryllium and also irradiated in order to preserve the blue radiance of the stone. Here are some more properties of the blue sapphire that are salient and must be paid attention to:

·         A blue sapphire will not show any colour changes in spite of being placed in milk for more than a day

·         A blue sapphire will not have any bubbles or scratches

·         A blue sapphire needs to be bright blue in colour. Any dull looking blue sapphire is not original and can cause negative impact on your life.

·         Any blue sapphire cannot be scratched or cut easily.

Some more details to help you with blue sapphire:

Planet: Saturn

Indian Name: Neelam

Hardness: 9 Mohs scale

Cosmic Colour: Indigo

The Blue Sapphire needs to be handled with care. Make sure that you clean this precious gemstone with a mild detergent and a soft brush for maximum results. Also, you must buy this precious stone from authentic gem expert in order to reap maximum benefits.

Yellow Sapphire Gemstones Benefits and Properties

A Low-down on Yellow Sapphire

Yellow Sapphires have always been the most fascinating gemstone and people have preferred it over the rest. In ancient times, yellow sapphire was known as the “gem of the gems” as people were so much enthralled by the beauty of this gemstone. Till date, this fascination still stays the same and people still prefer yellow sapphire over the rest. But do you know what kind of benefits does this gemstone carry in particular? Well, let us explore….

Know the Benefits

Yellow Sapphire is believed to increase the chances of prosperity. It is believed that the one who wears this gemstone prospers in life. It also helps and guides to choose your way in life and enhances the wearer’s thought process as well to some extent. It is also said that yellow sapphire carries healing qualities. Yellow sapphire is said to eradicate health ailments related to thyroid and throat.  This gemstone brings fortune to those in the trades of law, trade, business and teaching.

Besides the above, yellow sapphire is believed to bring marital bliss by reducing the conflicts and also fulfilment and happiness in life. Yellow sapphire is connected to the planet Jupiter. Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system and hence yellow sapphire is associated with qualities of good luck and prosperity. It is also said that this particular gemstone helps people with an ability to fulfil all their dreams and in order to achieve the dreams, the wearer need not seek help from anyone else.

Identifying Yellow Sapphire

It is important that you wear the right yellow sapphire and be cautious of duplicates. Here is a way to determine if the yellow sapphire is original or not.

·         Yellow sapphire is the hardest mineral and hence it cannot be scratched by metals like steel or even scraped by diamonds.

·         Placing yellow sapphire in milk for more than a day will not show any change in colour.

Things to Check Before Buying Yellow Sapphire

It is always advisable to buy the right gemstone failing which the positive energy can reverse. Before buying yellow sapphire or any gemstone, you must check the symmetry and colour. Here are some things you need to check before finalizing a yellow sapphire:

·         Make sure that the yellow sapphire does not have any bubbles or scratches

·         Check the colour of the gemstone. If the yellow sapphire is dull in colour and lacks lustre, it can cause ill-health. So, always opt for the one that is bright yellow in colour.

·         Yellow sapphire should not be milky or asymmetrical. This can cause problems with regards to mental peace.

Properties of Yellow Sapphire

Here are some of the properties of yellow sapphire that you should know:

·         Ruling Planet: Jupiter

·         Indian Name: Pushkraj

·         Sanskrit Names: Pushparaga, Padparadscha, Pushparaja, Gururatna

·         Hardness: 9 (Mohs scale)

·         Chakra: Vishuddha

·         Cosmic Colour: Light Blue

Who Can Wear?

Yellow Sapphire is the birthstone of those born in the months of September and November. It is believed that this gemstone works best for those born under the zodiac signs of Aries, Libra, Cancer and Taurus. This gemstone makes a wonderful gift for those celebrating their 5^th, 45^th and 70^th wedding anniversary.

Yellow sapphire is the hardest gemstone and must be cared for. You need to clean this gemstone carefully with a mild detergent and a soft brush.  Last but not the least, gemstones always works the best only when they are authentic and tested by the gemstone expert. Seeking the advice of a gem expert is always better as each individual has unique and different problems and ailments. Customized gemstone will yield good results and will get you the value for your money as well.

An Introduction to Gemstones

Why wear gemstones, really? Even though gemstones have been revered and worn
since ancient times, it’s only recently that thorough scientific research
has identified their various benefits, and the process is still in an early
stage of development. While most buyers still look at gemstones as a unique
form of jewelry, they really do have a host of benefits that should help the
individual, depending on what problem he or she is going through.

First, a little history and science about Gemstones. It have almost
always a mineral origin. Most gemstones have a carbon or a silicon origin.
In fact, except diamond and a few other varieties of gemstones, most of them
are a derivative of quartz (with traces of various metals in them). Quartz
is silicon dioxide. It’s these metal traces which give gemstones specific
colors.  Ancient doctors used to prescribe ground gemstone powders as
medicine for many different kinds of ailments and the practice is still
sometimes followed. Gemstones have been widely used in the histories of
ancient India, Mesopotamia, Egypt and China. The Aztecs and Incas in early
South America also used them. They were also prevalent in ancient Greece and
Rome.

Gemstone mineral composition can be easily absorbed into the body, even by
contact with skin. This makes sense when talking about healing properties –
it’s not just miraculous powers!  Today, they are classed into precious and
semi-precious gemstones – precious gemstones include diamond, ruby and
sapphire. Semi-precious gemstones are being used in a wide variety of
applications – some of them are being used as a cheaper replacement of
gemstones as well. For example, white sapphire is considered to be a good
replacement of the much more expensive diamond. From here on, we will
explore gemstones in deeper detail, especially about the fact that they are
so good for your health!