Why is Spirituality classified as a science?

1. Spiritual Science (adhyaatm shastra)

1.1 Introduction

Spiritual Science is an important and indispensable part of a person’s life. The beauty of spiritual science is that, it is useful at any time and any phase of person’s life. This topic is discussed in society through various mediums such as: spiritual lectures, work of spiritual institutions, holy books on this subject, etc. Therefore everybody has heard this word at some point or other in their life. However there are lot of misconceptions about this subject. They don’t understand that like modern science, spiritual science also can prove itself again and again!

Spiritual science is known as subtle science. Subtle means something which is beyond our five senses, mind and intellect. If common man tries to understand this subtle concept via intellect, then it will be more easy for him to understand this subject more clearly.

1.2 What is Spiritual Science (adhyaatm shastra)?

If we ask ourselves ‘what is the most invaluable gift given by the Sanatan Hindu Dharma to the world?’ Then only one thing comes into mind and that is ‘spirituality / (adhyaatm).’ Despite of this the truth, approximately 99% of the people are not aware of the real meaning of ‘spirituality.’

Definition: The word Adhyatma (spirituality) consists of two words adhi and atman. Here ‘adhi’ means, in relation to. Thus Adhyatma means in relation to soul. ‘who am I ?’ , ‘where have I come from?’ , ‘what are the features of Atma?’ . Answers to such questions and information lie in the spiritual science (Adhyaatma ).

1.3 Why is Spirituality classified as a science?

Some people might have a question, why spirituality (Adhyaatm), is classified as a science (shastra)? Any theory which can be proven time and again, is classed as science. Shastra means science. Just as theories in chemistry, physics, and medical science etc can be proven again and again. To site an example; ‘oxygen supports combustion’. This was proven decades ago and can be still proved today. Similarly, everything that comes underAdhyaatm Shastra (spiritual science), can be proven time and again.

Any science; like chemistry, physics etc.; has two important aspects; one is theory and other is practical. And these have to be clearly understood. Similarly, Spiritual science has theory and practical aspect. Hence, to have a complete understanding of this science; the theory and practical aspect need to be studied in depth.

Practical aspect of spirituality is called sadhana

In spiritual science, putting into practice in day today life, the theoretical aspect is Sadhana. Adhyaatm is the ultimate science.

Adhyaatm can be also described by the word ‘Paramarth’. Paramarth is made of two words: Param + Arth. Meaning, getting enlightned, about the ultimate truth. Adhyaatm (spiritual science), gives real knowledge about Ishwar.

In Adhyatma the efforts undertaken to merge with God or experiencing true happiness is called sadhana.

Which is the simplest spiritual practice in Kaliyug?

1. Sadhana (Spiritual practice)

One has to make efforts to experience bliss or attain Ishwar (God) in very this birth, which is called as sadhana(spiritual practice).

1.1 Sadhana (Spiritual practice) to attain Bliss

In this part of satsang, ‘Sadhana to attain Bliss’, we will be discussing about practical aspect of (Adhyaatm Shastra) Spirituality, that is sadhana. In the field of Medical science, one is recognized as a doctor only when he has studied the books (theory) and has given treatment to the patients, during his study time in the university. One can never become a doctor just by reading books. Similarly one cannot understand Dhyaan, Bhakti, Shraddha.. etc. by just reading about it. One has to undertake spiritual practice (sadhana) in daily life, to experience it.

In this part, we shall learn about the efforts that one should put in, to achieve final liberation. The first question that arises is, in this era, which is the simplest and practical method to attain the state of God realization? In other words, in Kaliyug (era of strife), which is the simplest way of spiritual practice (Sadhana)?

1.2 Which is the simplest sadhana in Kaliyug?

The simplest sadhana in Kaliyug is chanting (namajapa). Our four main Vedas, Upanishad, Shreemad Bhagwat Geeta, Shreemad Bhagwatpuran etc clearly explain the importance of naam sadhana.

नाम उपास्‍स्‍व । (छांदोग्‍योपनिषद ७/१/४)

In Chhandogyopanishad, it is said that

“Naam upaasavyaa. (Chhandogyopanishad 7/1/4)

Meaning: Chant (continuously)

Saint Tulsidas has said,

नामु सप्रेम जपत अनयासा ।
भगत होहिं मुद मंगल बासा ।।
सुमिरि पवनसूत पावन नामू ।
अपने बस करि राखे रामू ।।

Naanmu saprem japat anayasa |
Bhagat hohim mud mangal basa ||
Sumiri pavansut pavan naamu |
Apane basa kari rakhe ramu ||

Meaning: devotee can easily get immersed in the ocean of Bliss, when he chants with love. Son of wind Sree Hanuman won Sree Ram’s heart only by chanting His name continuously.

As per Rugved,

मर्त्‍या अमर्त्‍यस्‍य ते भुरि नाम मनामहे । (ऋ. ८/११/५)

Meaning: I, the non-last embodied soul, am always and continuously remembering that chant (naam), which is full of divine nectar.

महर्षीणां भृगुरहं गिरामस्‍म्‍येकमक्षरम्‌ ।
यज्ञानांजपयज्ञोऽस्‍मि स्‍थावराणां हिमालय: ।। (श्रीमद्‌भगवत्‌गीता १०:२५)

Mahrsheenam bhrugurham giramsmyekmskarm |
Ydnaamjapayadnyosmi sthavaranam himalayaha || (Shreemad bhagwatgeeta 10:25)

Meaning: I am Bhrugu rushi in the list of all maharshee. I am one letter in any sentence, which means I am ‘Om’. I am sacrificial fire of chanting and amongst those, who are strong and stable, I am Himalaya mountain.

Meaning of chanting (naam jaap): Repeating the God’s name. The question that arises now is who should chant and which God's Name should one chant? The answer is - we should chant the Name of God depending on the religion or sect of our birth.

There are various Gods-Goddesses in Sanatan Hindu Dharma. So which God’s Name should be chanted by Hindus? In the initial stages of sadhana, ideally which God’s Name should one chant? The answer is - one should chant their family deities’ (Kuladevta’s) Name.

Hindus should chant the name of their Kuladevata (Family Deity): The meaning of Kuldevata (Family Deity) is, the care taking deity of the family in which we are born. In Hinduism, every family has a particular Deity whose worship brings about worldly and spiritual progress for that family. Now let us see how to chant name of family deity. If the name of Kuladevata is feminine gender i.e. Kuladevi, then the chant is formed as follows. First say ‘Sree’, followed by the name of Kuladevi and then end with ‘devyei namah’. If the name of the Kuladevata is masculine gender i.e. Kuladev, then the chant is formed as follows. First say ‘Sree’, followed by the name of Kuladev, like ‘Ganeshay’ or ‘Maheshay’ and then end with ‘namah’.

Now let us see some examples to understand this

• If the Kuladevata is ‘Ambama’, then chant ‘Sree Ambadevyei namah’.

• If the Kuladevata is Ganeshji then chant ‘Sree Ganeshay namah’.

There can be some exceptions to this. For example, if your Kuladevata is Hanumanji, then you will have to chant ‘Sree Hanumate namah’. Please contact us in case you have any doubt about how to chant your Kuladevata’s name

Now you can start chanting.

Why are mango leaves kept in the kalash during puja ritual?

1. Ritualistic worship

Every religious ritual of Hindu Dharma consists of various components. Every component has its own significance and these components have their own special design that is the shape, height and breadth of every component is fixed or unique. The reason underlying such a design is that the every component should be able to absorb thechaitanya (divine consciousness) present in the atmosphere. Besides the objective of spiritual science or scriptures is to make that component conducive and complimentary for the man to receive the divine consciousness.

When we see around with this point of view we find that people do perform puja and mental worship (upasana); they do have spacious temple rooms in their home but since their actions or rituals are not according to spiritual science due to ignorance, they do not get the desired benefit. Therefore in the case of worship, action at every level starting from temple room has to be according to spiritual science. It is essential that our temple room be sattvik. As far as possible it should be made up of teakwood and its colour should be wooden. The orientation of temple room should be in east-west direction. There should be no Kalas (a small dome shaped structure with a pointed end) above it. We have to take into consideration all these factors.

2. Arrangement of deities in the temple room according to spiritual science

Every Hindu has his seat of faith. We do have idols and images of the deities in our temple room so that we remember our icon of faith constantly and thus firmly establish our seat of faith. However we do not get the expected benefit. That is because we do not know as to what is essential for us.

While observing this we have to take into consideration one more point and that is we should not do the arrangement of idols or images in a temple room according to our whims and fancies. We have to be aware of the fact that the arrangement should be correct from the point of spiritual science.

In some sects the deities are arranged in temple room in what is called Panchayatan form.The word Panchayatanconsists of Panch which means five and Ayatan which means house. The five main deities considered here are Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesh, Devi and Sun deity. In this type of arrangement one of the five deities is considered as Chief deity and is offered a central seat and rest of the four deities are placed in four directions around it.

Now let us see what is essential for us from a spiritual perspective:
Many a times it so happens that we have many images of deities in our temple room but the images of family deity (Kuldevata) and Lord Ganesh are missing. If that is so then we have to set up images of family deity and Lord Ganesh with utmost devotion. If according to the family traditions we are also involved in the worship of such deities as BalKrushna, Lord Hanuman and Annapurna or such superior deities as Lord Shiva or Durgadevi, then we should keep their images too.

The language of human beings is in words which is a language of ‘sounds’ while the language of deities is of ‘light’. Lord Ganapati does the function of converting our language of sound into the deities’ language of light and vice versa; therefore it is essential to set up an image of Lord Ganapati in the temple room.

We all know that in the beginning of all functions religious or otherwise Lord Ganapati is invoked first and worshipped because he is destroyer of vighnas or obstacles. The other reason being through Him our prayers to the deities reach them faster.

2.1 Why should Lord Ganapati be kept in the centre?

Now let us see how the arrangement of deities in the temple room be. According to spiritual science the arrangement should be in the form of cone.

We have to keep the image or picture of Lord Ganapati in the centre. Then towards our right hand side the images of female deities such as Family Deity is kept. Then images of other deities like Annapurna, Durgamata are kept one behind the other. On our left we have to keep images of male deity that is male family deity. Then such images of deities like Hanuman, Balkrushna etc. are arraned one behind the other.

Sometimes we may find that in an image male deity and female deity are together. For example Seeta-Ram, Lakshmi-Narayan etc. In a picture where the female deity is on the left side of male deity then it is assumed that she is giving blessings to her devotees along with her Lord. This is her savior form. In such a picture the male deity is considered the main deity and such a picture is kept to the right hand side of Lord Ganapati. In some pictures the female deity is shown on the right side of the male deity. This is her destroyer form. In such a picture the female deity is considered to be the main deity and is kept to the left of Lord Ganapati.

There are mainly two forms of a deity: Saviour and destroyer. The form which blesses the devotee is called Saviour orTarak form . Such a deity is generally shown to be in blessing mudra (certain hand gestures) for example Devi Mahalakshmi.

The form of Devi who kills the demon for example Mahishsur Mardini, who killed the demon Mahishasur is an example of destroyer form of Devi. We have to keep the picture of that form of deity in the temple room in which we are going to worship Her or Him.

After knowing the science underlying the arrangement of deities in the temple room our viewers must have had some doubts in their minds. So let us see what are the answers to such doubts.

A. One of the doubts may be that whether it is correct to have number of deities in the temple room?

It is prudent to have a limited number of deities in the temple room. Here we have to remember that according to science of spirituality we need to come from many to one. One who is a disciple that is who has already acquired a spiritual guide or Guru and is staying alone then he should keep only Guru’s photo or picture in the temple room.

According to the holy verse ‘Gurur Bramha Gurur Vishnu Gurur Devo Maheshwaraha | Guru Sakashat Parabramha tasmai Sri Gurave namaha |’ guru is everything and the only thing for a disciple. That is why he should keep only Guru’s photo or picture in the temple room.

B. If other family members have faith in any other deity then what is to be done?

If Guru is a man then His picture or photo has to be kept on the immediate right side of Lord Ganapati and then the image of male family deity is to be kept besides it followed by other male deities as mentioned previously. When the Guru is female then Her picture or photo has to be kept on the immediate left side of Lord Ganapati and then the female family deity to her left followed by the pictures of other female deities as mentioned before.

So up till now we have understood about the arrangement of deities in a temple room according to spiritual science. We hope that you will be definitely doing the arrangement of deities in your temple room according to the spiritual science as described in this satsang so that you will be benefitted spiritually. By following such arrangement you will have spiritual experiences which are beyond mind and intellect.

3. Articles used in ritualistic worship

As we move next the important action is ritualistic worship of deities. In this age of strife called kaliyug the worship of the path of devotion is recommended. Each person following the path of devotion has an important part of worship and that is ritualistic worship of deities or puja. If ritualistic worship is done with spiritual emotion then we get more benefit of deity principles. In order to get the grace of the deities with the help of puja, the articles like platter of puja, lamp, bell and conch are the important useful components.

Let us now see about the articles used in ritualistic worship of deities. They are the tools used for the ritualistic worship of our adorable deity. There are subtle frequencies of deities present in the atmosphere. The articles or tools of puja or rituialistic worship are an excellent medium of receiving and transferring them to the worshipper. That is the importance of these tools from the spiritual science point of view.

We are quite familiar with various tools used in puja ritual such as kalash ( a copper pot), copper plate, spoon (achamani), a cylindrical copper vessel (panchapatra), abhishekpatra (a vesel meant for giving holy bath to the idol of deity), tilak ( sandalwood paste), naivedya (food offering), Cups meant for putting Panchamrut (five substances like sugar, milk, honey, curds and clarified butter), a platter, the stand for inserting incense sticks, Pancharati (a type of lamp with five edges meant for waving), bell and basket meant for keeping flowers. The metal articles are mostly made up of gold, silver, bronze, copper or brass.

3.1 Importance of copper as compared to other metals in ritualistic worship

Now a days use of stainless steel is prevalent. But it has less capacity to absorb sattvik frequencies as compared to the metals mentioned before. Therefore the worshipper derives minimal benefit.

Thus we have seen that the metal articles are mostly made up of gold, silver, bronze, copper or brass. But amongst them copper is most important. Let us see its specialties.

According to science of spirituality the articles prepared from copper have an important place in deity worship. This is because copper has 30% capacity to imbibe sattvikta (the quality of sattva) when compared to other metals. Besides it has also70% ability to destroy the raja-tama. Just as copper has the ability to absorb the sattvikfrequencies of deities, it has also capacity of transmitting them. Thus it becomes rich in divinity in a short period. The sattvik frequencies of deities are then transferred to other components of puja. Therefore copper is considered an auspicious metal.

It has been seen that some people use metal articles descended down the family lineage. Here the question may arise as to how appropriate is this from the view point of spiritual science?

The effect of spiritual emotion of a worshipper towards the God is exactly reflected in the puja tools. Currently most of the people are lacking in such spiritual emotion. Therefore the new tools used by them do not have the ability to absorb the sattvikta. When such articles become old after many years of use in puja and aarti only then they develop such capacity to absorb sattvikta. Therefore the use of new articles is not that beneficial.

Up till now we came to know about the articles in brief. Now let us see some of them in details.

4. Usage of kalash in ritualistic worship

Kalash ( water vessel) is an auspicious symbol of Hindu culture. It was generated during the Samudramanthan or great churning of ocean. Lord Vishnu held Kalash filled with nectar during Samudramanthan. All deities reside in thekalash. Therefore it has an important place in puja ritual. Let us understand this with the help of a subtle drawing.

There is a certain space in the kalash which generates subtle sound vibrations which are of white colour. The manifest principle of a deity having yellow colour is seen getting attracted to the kalash. The blue circles seen inside the kalash is indicative of aap element (absolute water element). The circles and particles of chaitanya (divine consciousness) are seen projecting from the medium of kalash.

Now let us see why is water used in a kalash and why is it that the leaves of mango tree or that of betel vine are kept in it?

4.1 Why are mango leaves or betel vine leaves kept in the kalash ?

The kalash is used for creating seat for invoked deities during the puja ritual. First it is filled with water and then leaves of mango tree or that of betel vine are kept in it. These leaves are known as leaves of deity’s seat. The deity principle gets maximaly attracted to these leaves of seat. The water inside the kalash keeps this seat pure till the ritual of Pranapratishta (invoking deity into an image, idol, coconut or betelnut). Thus the invoked deity principle stays for a long period.

In this kalash betel nut or some coins are then put. Thereafter a coconut is set up on the mouth of the kalash. The tuft of coconut attracts the deity principle from the atmosphere and it is then transmitted to the water in the kalashthrough the body of cococnut.

The water is pure and clean to the highest extent. That is the reason it is able to attract the sattvik particles of frequencies of deities. But it contains less quantity of raja particles and therefore has poor capacity to project thesattva particles.

Putting a coin is symbolic of sacrifice. Through this medium there is sacrifice of wealth and jiva (embodied soul)’s attachment is reduced. This qualifies the worshipper to benefit more from the sattvikta of puja ritual. A copper coin is put in the kalash. The copper has more capacity to project sattvik frequencies. It helps in emanation of sattvikfrequencies present in the water into the atmosphere.

Also a betel nut is kept in the kalash meant for puja ritual. Betelnut enhances sattva and raja components in the water of the kalash. This increases the capacity of the water to emit manifest principle of deity.The betel nut contains particles related to absolute earth element which are useful in binding of sattva particles related to sattvacomponent.This then easily helps in retaining the sattvikta of water for along time. Five precious stones like pearl, diamond, emerald, blue sapphire, ruby and gold are also added to the water of kalash. The five precious stones and gold have capacity to attract and emit the principles of five superior deities. This benefits the worshipper. But with changing times the use of five preious stones and copper is reduced and replaced by alloys which are spiritually of less benefit.

Now let us see as to why the water stored in the kalash is either poured under the Tulsi plant or is sprinkled in the premises after the conclusion of puja.

4.2 Why is the water stored in the kalash either poured under the Tulsi plant or sprinkled in the premises?

We are all familiar with the immense importance of Tulsi in Ayurved and spirituality. The purity means predominance of sattva attribute. Tulsi has more capacity to attaract pure vibrations from the atmosphere than any other plant.It also emits sattvik vibrations in the atmosphere all the twenty four hours. The Tulsi absorbs the deity principle whenchaitanya enriched water when poured under it and then emits them along with its sattvik vibrations.This creates the envelope of vibrations of deity and the atmosphere around the premises remains pure. This is form of divine armour. Similarly when water from the kalash is sprinkled in the premises, the vibrations of deity principle are emited in high proportion in the premises and helps in its purification.

Why is shankh blown before start of puja?

Namaskar! We heartily welcome you all for this Satsang (spiritual meet)! Before we commence this Satsang let us pay obeisance at the Holy feet of Sadguru (spiritual master) so that by His grace the very objective of this Satsang is fulfilled. Please pay mental obeisance to your personal icon of faith and recite as follows:

गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्‍णु गुरुर्देवो महेश्‍वर: ।
गुरु साक्षात्‌ परब्रह्म तस्‍मै श्री गुरवे नम: ।।

In the previous spiritual meets we have understood the arrangement of temple room and the importance of it from the view point of spiritual science. We have also seen the spiritual significance of various articles of puja such as kalash, lamp etc. Similarly we have also come to know the importance of ghee lamp, its effect on the worshipper, the difference between the straight and puffed wicks in Sanatan Vaidik Hindu Dharma. The science underlying the importance of copper articles in puja ritual was also explained. We hope that you must have tried to take the benefit of the spiritual science explained in these Satsang by actually putting it in practice.

In this Satsang we shall make you familiar with other articles of puja namely, ‘bell (ghanta) and conch (shankh)’ from the standpoint of spiritual science.

1. Importance of conch (shankh) as per scriptures

First of all let us se the importance of shankh. According to our ancient scriptuires that is Puranas, the shankh was originated during the Churning of ocean by the Deities and Lord Vishnu held it in the form of weapon. As per a holy verse which is regularly chanted during the puja ritual it is mentioned that by the command of Lord Vishnu the deities Moon, Sun and Varun are stationed at the base of the shankh, the deity Prajapati on its surface and all the places of pilgrimage like Ganga and Saraswati in its front portion. Yet another speciality of shankh is that the vibrations emanating on blowing it destroys the disease causing germs in the atmosphere. That is the reason it has a important place in Ayurved and medicine.

Let us see a subtle drawing which explains us the importance of shankh.

In this subtle drawing we can see that the yellow coloured circles of chaitanya are being emitted from shankh in the atmosphere. The subtle blue coloured dots depicting devotion are projected like rays in straight line. The pink circles are formed of particles of bliss (anand) and they are constantly active.

The direction of the space within the shankh divides it into two types. When the space is towards your right when you hold the shankh with its tip facing in frontal direction and with the space facing upwards then it is right sidedshankh and if the space faces to left then it is a left sided shankh. Generally a left sided shankh is preferred for thepuja ritual. Now days so many Shanks of different shapes are available in the market. There are some figured works also on their surface. Thus one gets confused as to how a genuine shankh be identified? The simple test is that without blowing the shankh if you hear pleasant sound when you bring it near to your ear then it is a genuine one.

2. Blowing of shankh in puja ritual

The shankh is used in two ways in a puja ritual. One for blowing before the start of ritual and other for actual pujaritual. The shankh which is used for blowing should not be kept for puja.

Blowing of shankh has special significance in puja ritual. It has been mentioned in ‘Varaha Puran’ that one should not open the door of temple without first blowing the shankh. The left sided shankh is blown before the start of pujaor performance of arti. There are three types of frequencies in the atmosphere namely sattva dominant, raja dominant and tama dominant. Among them the raja dominant and tama dominant frequencies generate distressing vibrations. The sattva dominant frequencies get attracted to the place of puja ritual but these frequencies are opposed by theraja and tama dominant frequencies so that they do not reach the place of puja and thus the flow of sattvafrequencies is hindered.

When the shankh is blown before the start of puja energy is emitted from the shankh. This energy reduces the strength of distressing frequencies. Besides a protective armour of chaitanya (divine consciousness) is formed around the articles of puja.

There is another benefit too. That is when the shankh is blown the activated energy of Lord Vishnu in the universe gets attracted towards the place of worship which is not only beneficial to the person who is blowing the shankh but also to all those who hear it.

Just as the shankh is blown before the start of puja, it is also blown before an arti. The objective behind this being to sustain the deity’s chaitanya attracted to the place of puja ritual and the pure atmosphere generated because of thesattvik frequencies, for a long period.

2.1 Effect of energy emitted from blowing of shankh

Let us see how the energy is emitted from the blowing of shankh and what exactly happens with the help of a subtle drawing. Here we have to take into consideration the fact that while the vibrations of a subtle drawing are three dimensional we see them in the subtle drawing in a two dimensional form. For example the sphere will appear as a circle. Now let us look at the subtle drawing:

As soon as the shankh is blown the frequencies of divine energy (shakti) are emitted into atmosphere due to sound generated. These energy frequencies are seen in red colour. Along with these energy frequencies yellow circles ofchaitanya are also projected in the atmosphere. You can also see the pink particles of Bliss being emitted in the atmosphere. This increases the proportion of shakti (energy), chaitanya and anand in the environment and that is why the negative energies get distressed and run away.

Thus it has become clear to us the importance of blowing shankh during puja ritual. The blowing of shankh makes the atmosphere holy and pure and conducive for the spiritual practice (sadhana) of the individual. Thus it becomes easier for an individual to receive maximum sattvik frequencies emanating from the deities.

2.2 Correct method of blowing shankh

We have seen that because of blowing of shankh the frequencies consisting raja-tama particles are destroyed and at the same time the saviour and destroyer principle of a deity is awakened. Now let us see the correct method of blowing the shankh.

First slightly raise your neck and bend it little backwards and keep the mind focused. Take a deep breath and start to blow with increasing intensity. One should keep in mind that blowing of shankh should be completed in one single breath. When the shankh is blown in this way Sushumna channel of the individual gets activated and it helps in keeping a correct balance of raja and sattva particles related to Tej and Vayu elements. This awakens the saviour and destroyer principle of adeity according to the need.

3. Shankhini

There is another type of shankh which is neither supposed to be blown nor kept in the puja ritual. It is called femaleshankh or shankhini. Its surface is rough and thorny. It does not emit pleasant sound. Let us now see why a femaleshankh or shankhini is not used for blowing as per the science of spirituality.

There are several crisscross circles on the inner surface of shankhani. When you blow through it these circles create obstruction in the interrupted flow of sound vibrations. The sound vibrations when generated rub against these circles thereby producing distressing frequencies. These new distressing frequencies further activate the distressing frequncies already present in the atmosphere. Both the vibrations from the shankhani and those from the negative energies present in the atmosphere get attracte towards the place of puja and make the surrounding atmosphere impure. That is the reason shankhani is not used in the usual puja ritual. However the worshippers following theAghori Vidya (worship to accumulate black energy) use the shankhani for attracting negative energies at the start of their worship.

4. Ritualistic worship of shankh

During puja ritual the shankh is kept in a specific way. The pointed portion is directed toward the deity.

The frequencies of chaitanya and energy emanating from the images of deities get attracted to the pointed portion ofshankh. You can also see the blue coloured Lord Krushna principle getting attracted towards shankh which is producing a armour of of Krushnatattva around shankh. The yellow coloured chaitanya is also attracted and spreads inside the shankh. The red coloured frequencies of energy are revolving in the space of shankh in a circular fashion. The frequencies of energy and chaitanya are emitted from the other end of shankh which purifies the atmosphere and thus benefits the worshipper.

When the shankh is kept with its pointed portion towards the deity then the house gets the energy emitted from the other end in required amount. Now let us know about ritualistic worship of shankh.

A shankh is filled with water prior to actual puja of a deity and following the puja of kalash. Then it is ritualistically worsipped by offerings of sandalwood paste, flowers and Tulsi leaves. After the shankh puja the worshipper sprinkles the water filled in shankh on himself and the articles of puja. The water filled in shankh is considered as pure as water of Ganga river. It is also used for giving holy bath (abhishek) to the deities.

5. Important points to be noted while using a shankh

Now let us now see some useful points about shankh

• Never use shankh meant for blowing in a puja ritual. They should be separate.

• Never offer water to the deity by shankh used for blowing.

• Do not keep two shankhs for worship in a temple room.

• Never touch the Shiva pindi with shankh during a puja ritual.

• Never use shankh for giving holy bath to deities Shiva and Sun.

6. The bell

In the ritual of puja deity principles are attracted at the place of worship or in the idol with the help of various methods. The deity principle is then received by the worshipper participating in the puja. The articles used in the pujaritual work as an important medium of attracting the deity principle. That is the reason these articles are worshipped first to activate the divinity in them. Bell is one such an important article.

The bell is used mainly at two places - One which we use in our temple room and the other we see in the temples. First of all let us understand about the bell we use in our temple room. Nowadays we come across articles of pujamade up of various metals. They even have different artistic designs on them. As per the science of spirituality the bell should be made from either copper or brass. The carving of images of Garud or Nandi is allowed according to scriptures.

The Sound generated by the bell should be gentle and sweet. In a puja ritual the bell is used during such sub-rituals as waving Frankincense (dhoop) and Lamp as well as while performing arti for creating gentle sound. In a puja ritual what is the importance of sound and what happens on spiritual level can be understood by looking at a subtle drawing. The subtle drawing means a drawing which tells us about the subtle process which is going on at spiritual level about whatever we see with the gross eyes about an object or action.

6.1 Effect of energy emitted from the bell

Let us now see how the energy is emitted from the bell and what exactly happens with the help of a subtle drawing.

The dome shaped body of the bell and the clapper when strike with each other create circles of chaitanya which are projected in the atmosphere. The sound generated simultaneously also emits frequencies of chaitanya predominant in Akash tattva (absolute ether element). We can see them in yellow colour. The stroke of clapper emits red coloured divine energy rays. The particles of divine energy which spread in the atmosphere and are of red colour are also seen here. The divine energy and chaitanya generated by the sound of bell drives away the negative energies.

During a puja ritual as mentioned in scriptures when we do puja of bell as an initial part of puja, the bell is gently rang and following holy verse is recited,

आगमार्थंतुदेवानां गमनार्थंतुराक्षसाम्‌ ।।

The purport being, ‘I am ringing this bell to invoke Deities and to drive away demons.’

7. Difference in sound vibrations of bell and shankh

Now you must have understood the importance of bell and ringing of bell. It must also have been clear that the purport of the holy verse and the knowledge obtained through the medium of subtle drawing match with each other.

One point is clear from the information we have got up till now that sound vibrations are created in every puja ritual with the help of two articles namely shankh and bell. Sound vibrations produced by shankh is called Shankhanadwhile that of bell is known as Ghantanad.

The common property of both of them is they purify the atmosphere. The only difference is that while the sound vibrations from bell purify the atmosphere in the downward direction while that emanating from shankh purify the frequencies active in the upward direction. Hence both of them are very important in a puja ritual.

Why are puja articles arranged in specific five layers?

Namaskar! We heartily welcome you all for this Satsang (spiritual meet)! Before we commence this Satsang let us pay obeisance at the Holy feet of Sadguru (spiritual master) so that by His grace the very objective of this Satsang is fulfilled. Please pay mental obeisance to your personal icon of faith and recite as follows:

गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्‍णु गुरुर्देवो महेश्‍वर: ।
गुरु साक्षात्‌ परब्रह्म तस्‍मै श्री गुरवे नम: ।।

In last few satsangs we have seen the important role played by articles such as kalash, lamp, shankh, bell ( ghanta) and other ingredients in the ritual of deity’s puja. We have also learnt their spiritual significance. For example the articles in use for many years are more beneficial from the spiritual view point. Since these articles are constantly exposed to Deity their sattvikta or purity increases and hence the divinity.

However nowadays we see that the articles used in puja ritual are not kept clean or are kept anywhere. Can then divinity develop in such articles? The answer is ‘no’. One feels cheerful if the articles used in puja ritual are clean. We also feel peaceful and feel close to them. The use of such articles awakens our spiritual emotion or bhav. The bhav in simple term means faith in some object or individual. The faith developed in our mind towards these articles and their constant use helps to enhance our spiritual emotion towards God.

If the arrangement of these articles during the puja ritual is also appropriate then it is spiritually more beneficial. According to spiritual science every article of puja has to be kept in a particular place during a puja ritual as that place has its own spiritual significance. Therefore when we keep all these articles in a particular way and in a praticular place then the spiritual benefits ofpuja ritual are enhanced. In this satsang we are going to see the arrangement of the puja articles and their spiritual significance. To begin with let us learn about the arrangement of puja articles.

1. Arrangement of puja articles

We have seen before that the spiritual benefit of clean articles is beneficial for awakening of spiritual emotion. In the same fashion the proper arrangement of them also gives us spiritual benefit. Nowadays we see that these pujaarticles are kept anywhere on the right or left side according to our convenience. But this not correct according to spiritual science. The expected spiritual benefit will not accrue if we keep articles as per our wish.

There are five layers of arrangement of the puja articles. What are this layers and what is the desired place for each article is shown in this diagram. If we look from the top then the arrangement of articles would appear in five layers like this. The first layer consists of plate for offerings (naivedya) and another for puja. The second layer consists ofKaalash (water pot), Jalpaatra (a cylindrical pot for water) and Aachmani (a spoon meant for performing aachman - siping of water).

According to the drawing we just saw, the worshipper should keep the copper platter in the front and kalash to the left of it and jalpatra and aachmani to the right of it. These articles are all related to the water element and hence water from these articles is used for various sub-rituals of puja. Now we let us see the third layer of arrangement of these articles.

As shown in this diagram arti plate containing camphor and oil-lamp should be kept on the left side of worshipper and incense sticks and niranjan (a type of lamp) to his right. A coconut is kept in the center right in front of Deity image. Fourth layer has conch (shankh) on the left side of worshipper and a bell on the right side. In the fifth layer keep two long lamps of equal height on both sides of temple room. These lamps are generally of metal brass.

Now the question arises as to why such an arrangement of five layers? The arrangement of the puja articles is based on five cosmic absolute elements namely absolute earth, absolute water, absolute fire, absolute air and absolute ether. Now the next question comes to mind is why it is based on these elements? Therefore now it will be useful to understand some things about relationship between this arrangement and the five great cosmic elements. Akashmeans space. From Akashtattva (absolute ether), vayutattva (absolute air) was formed. Vayutattva created Tejtattva(absolute fire). Tejtattva gave birth to Aaptatva (absolute water) and Aaptattva created Pruthvitattva (absolute earth). In short all the last four elements are formed out of Akash or absolute ether or space. While we do spiritual practice we get spiritual experience of earth element first followed by Aaptattva and so on till we get spiritual experience ofAkashtattva. Beyond the experience of Akashtattva we get the spiritual experience of God principle.

From this it must have been clear now that the arrangement of the puja articles is representative of the five great elements active in the universe. It also represents the sojourn of the individual from absolute earth element to absolute ether element during his spiritual practice.

2. First layer of arrangement of puja articles

2.1 Plate for offering sacrament

First part of first layer is a vessel or plate meant for offering sacrament and the second part is plate for puja. This layer of puja articles is representative of combined earth and water element. To offer a sacrament is a sub-ritual ofpuja. The worshipper is totally surrendered at the feet of deity at this time. Therefore the vessel or plate of naivedya is given a place in downward direction. Offering sacrament to a deity pleases Superior deities, deity of premise and deity of a place faster. Whenever possible It is always beneficial to use banana leaf instead of metal vessel while offering naivedya to a deity because it is more sattvik ( spiritually pure).

Now let us see how naivedya is to be served on a plate or banana leaf. At the center of the leaf from below upwards- spicy rice, ordinary rice to be eaten with dal, sweet rice and at the top rice wth curds. On the left part of leaf from above downwards- piece of lemon, chutney, raita (a type of salad), papad, pakoras and roti. On the right part of leaf from above downwards - Mattha (a typeof spicy buttermilk), kheer, dal and vegetables. This is the way the naivedyaleaf is to be arranged. It is to be remembered that always keep the tip of the leaf towards you while serving naivedyafor the deity and never serve salt in the naivedya. The salt is related to earth and water elements and therefore has the capacity to attract more raja-tama frequencies. Hence the salt should not be served in the plate or leaf meant fornaivedya.

Thus we understood the arrangement of leaf meant for naivedya. You must be thinking that since the sub-ritual of offering naivedya follows the actual ritual of puja, why it is considered here in the beginning? The explanation is that at the end of puja ritual the worshipper is in a state of total surrender and the naivedya is symbolic of it. Therefore please do not arrange the leaf for naivedya in the beginning of puja ritual. It has to be arranged in the end.

2.2 Plate for puja

In the plate meant for puja, on the right hand side of worshipper turmeric powder (haldi) and vermillion (kumkum) are kept and on to the left Bukka (a black coloured powder prepared from tale (a metal), gulal and sindoor. In the front portion of the plate a bottle of attar (a fragrant essence of flowers), a small plate of sandalwood paste, flowers anddurva (a type of fragrant grass) and other leaves. We are aware that attar, sandalwood and flowers have fragrance. The subtle particles of the fragrance are known as gandhkan. Similarly there are subtle particles of colour in leaves and durvas. The frequencies of deity principle are activated through the medium of these subtle particles of fragrance from attar, sandalwood paste and flowers and subtle particles of colour present in leaves and durvas. In the lower portion of the plate keep pan-supari (betel leaf and betel nut) and some coins as dakshina (offerings of money). We can keep a coconut in place of betel nut. Two leaves of betelleaf, betel nut or coconut and dakshina are kept together. Betel leaf, betel nut and coconut have the highest capacity to emit subtle frequencies of deities. The two leaves of betel leaf are representative of God and its activated energy that is Shiv and Shakti. They are invoked to work on a manifest (sagun) level. In the center of the puja plate unbroken rice grains are arranged in small heap.

2.3 Why are unbroken rice grains used as akshatas?

Now we shall learn about why the rice grains used as akshatas have to be unbroken. akshatas are all encompassing. They attract the subtle frequencies of five principal deity namely Shiv, Shakti, Shri Ram, Shri Krushna and Shri Ganesh. akshata is the central point of puja plate. akshtas also perform the action of transmitting the deity frequencies to other ingredients kept in the plate. If the rice grains used for preparing Akshatas are broken then their capacity to attract the principles of higher deities is automatically reduced. This deprives the worshipper of higher deity principles. As a consequence the grace bestowed on the worshipper is also reduced. That is why the rice grains should be intact because the broken grains are indicative of dissolution (laya). When the akshtas are offered to a deity the energy of the deity is transferred in it and favourable vibrations are generated in akshatas. (When any object is broken or cut, its capacity to attract distressing frequencies in the universe is enhanced and thus it gets charged with raja-tama particles. The emitted frequencies from such an object increases the chances of the individual to get susceptible for the attacks of negative energies or even get possessed. That is the reason Hindu religion gives so much importance to any object being intact. Breaking of any object is indicative of tama attitude. Such an attitude is prohibited in ritualstic worship. When any one of the two strings of a musical instrument having equal frequencies is stretched then the vibrations generated in it induce exactly similar vibrations in the other. In the same fashion when the Akshatas are charged with divine frequencies then similar vibrations are generated in the store of rice grains in the house. Thus the rice which is charged with divine energy can be consumed throughout the year as holy sacrament (prasad).

3. Second layer of arrangement of puja articles

This layer is related to aaptattva or absolute water principle. The articles used in this layer are kalash, a small cylindrical pot for water and a spoon for performing aachman. The water is clean and pure and hence is able to receive maximum amount of frequencies of deities. Therefore the kalash, cylindrical pot and the spoon are kept in the center of temple room. The water kept in the kalash maintains the correct balance of the five great elements. Generally a copper plate is kept in the centre and kalash is placed to its right while the cylindrical pot and spoon are kept to the left.

4. Third layer of arrangement of puja articles

This layer contains the articles related to absolute fire element or tejtattva. Here the niranjan and incence sticks are kept to the right of worshipper and oil or ghee lamp and arti plate with camphor on to the left. The incense stick orUdbatti is kept to the right of worshipper. The deities consist of five elements. Out of these elements pruthvitattva or earth element emits fragrance. This fragrance being very subtle cannot be received by ordinary individual. The udbattior incense stick has the capacity to absorb the subtle fragrance emitted by the deities. Thus when an udbatti is lighted the subtle fragrance of deities is emitted along with its own fragrance. For example when an udbatti having its own fragrance of sandalwood is burnt the subtle fragrance of sandalwood emitted from deities is also absorbed in it and the emitted in the surrounding atmosphere.

‘Ud’ is basic root in Sanskrut. ‘ud’ also means manifestation. The frequncies of fragrance of udbatti move in a upward direction and are active in that direction. The main manifest source of these frequencies is called as ‘udi’. The wordudbatti is derived from the distortion of the word ‘udi’.

4.1 Why is arti plate of camphor kept to the right of deity?

Now let us understand the spiritual science underlying keeping of arti plate of camphor to the right of deity. The right side is the seat of Sun channel or Surya naadi. The activation of Surya naadi awakens the divine energy or Shakti. The right hand direction of a deity contains the marak or destroyer principle of the deity. Destroyer means the one which destroys unwanted, tama predominant things. The performance of camphor arti emits destroyer type frequencies of fragrance. The atmosphere laden with frequencies of fragrance attracts frequencies of Shiv principle present in the universe. These Shiv frequencies then destroy the unwanted and impure frequencies in the atmosphere which gets purified thus. The atmosphere at the place of worship becomes full of chaitanya or divine consciousness. This explains why the arti plate of camphor should be to the right of deity or to the left of worshipper. Also the strong fragrance emitted while the camphor is burnt has greater capacity to attract the Shivganas (servant deities of Lord Shiva). The presence of Shivganas helps us to obtain the blessings of deity of place (sthandevta) and deity of premise (vastudevta) The fragrance of camphor when inhaled leads to decrease in the severity of respiratory diseases. The Shiv tattva enters the wind pipe through the medium of breath because of the fragrance of camphor.

4.2 Why is coconut is called as the most holy fruit?

The coconut is kept near and right on front of deity and centrally placed. The tift of coconut should be directed upwards. When a puja ritual is correctly performed the frequencies of five principal deities present in the universe namely Shiv, Durga, Shri Ram, Shri Krushna and Shri Ganapati are activated and get attracted towards the tuft of coconut. The same frequencies are then emitted back into atmosphere as per the need. These frequencies are emitted in the form of fountain and help in purification of atmosphere. Therefore the coconut is called as the most Holy fruit or Shri Phal that is it bestows maximum purity or sattvikta. This can be better understood with the help of a subtle drawing.

5. Fourth layer of arrangement of puja articles

This layer is related to absolute air principle or Vayutattva. The two articles here are Shankh (conch) and bell (ghanta). Shankh activates destroyer form of energy of a deity and it is kept to the right hand side of a deity or to the left of worshipper. The bell activates the saviour or tarak form of energy of a deity and is therefore kept to the right of worshipper that is to the left hand side of the deity. The left side is a seat of Moon channel or Chandra naadi. The activation of Chandra naadi imparts coolness. The bell is clapped during the time of arti for its pleasant sound. We have already learnt enough about bell in the previous satsang. Now let us see the last or the fifth layer of arrangement of puja articles.

6. Fifth layer of arrangement of puja articles

This layer is related to akshtattva or absolute ether principle. It includes two long lamps of equal height kept on both sides of temple room. When two long lamps of equal height are kept continuously lit with sesame oil on both sides of temple room, the energy of action of that particular deity is activated due to raja predominant sesame oil. These two lamps are representatives of Sun and Moon channels. Since the deities are more related to the tejtattva or absolute fire element the two lamps are also symbolic of that.

Thus we have seen that the arrangement of the puja articles is symbolic of five cosmic absolute elements namely absolute earth, absolute water, absolute fire, absolute air and absolute ether. From akashtattva (absolute ether),vayutattva (absolute air) was formed. Vayutattva created tejtattva (absolute fire). tejtattva gave birth to aaptatva(absolute water) and aaptattva created pruthvitattva (absolute earth). In short all the last four elements are formed out of akash or absolute ether or space. Thus akashtattva is all encompassing and assimilates all the principles. The pointed upper portion of the temple room is related to akashtattva and the frequencies emitted from this part of temple room manifest with the help of five elements as per the need of individual and work for him.

7. Benefits of arranging puja articles according to layers of five cosmic elements

Thus up till now we have seen the arrangement of puja articles. Once we have arranged the articles in this fashion it is easier to begin puja by shifting the plate of puja to the left of cylindrical copper pot and spoon. Now let us see the benefits derived by arrangement of the ingredients and articles of puja according to layers of five cosmic elements. There are main five benefits:

• This type of arrangement leads to correct balance of all the five cosmic elements which helps the worshipper in receiving the chaitanya emitted from the deity to the maximum extent.

• When the worshipper invokes the deities in the beginning of puja it becomes easier for them to arrive at the place of puja in the form of frequencies with the help of five cosmic elements.

• These divine frequencies then charge every ingredient used in puja and the surrounding atmosphere also becomes purified.

• The forth important benefit is such arrangement does have an positive effect on the worshipper and increases his sattvikta.

• Such an arrangement creates sattvikta in both the worshipper and the articles of puja thereby tremendously benefitting the worshipper through the puja ritual.