Why is a specific flower offered to a deity?

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: ।।

Some things in human life are beyond the realm of intellect. Modern science cannot explain them. And that is where the science of spirituality enters in the life of man! Every individual has his own seat or icon of faith. In order to be constantly graced by that seat or person the individual is always engaged in efforts according to his capacity. The daily worship is an indivisible part of those efforts. According to the path of devotion (Bhaktiyog) ritualistic worship or puja is an important stage in process of worship! For performing ritualistic worship of a deity filled with bhav or spiritual emotion various tools and articles are required. Every article ofpuja has its own significance as per the science of spirituality or Holy Scriptures. Besides there are certain methods of their arrangement during a puja ritual. We have seen in the previous satsangs the spiritual significance of such ingredients of pujamaterials like haldi, kumkum, sandalwood, akshta etc.

No puja ritual of a deity is complete without use of flowers. If we know such things as which flowers or leaves are to be offered to a particular deity, in what numbers and their spiritual benefits then we will get more benefit from puja ritual. So let us start with an important ingredient of puja articles namely flowers.

1. Importance of flowers in puja ritual

There are subtle frequencies of deities active in the atmosphere. These frequencies are attracted towards certain flowers. These frequencies are then emitted back into atmosphere and are then known as ‘pavitrak’. Before we come to the topic of spiritual benefits of offering flowers, let us first see the difference between frequencies and pavitraks.

• The subtle principle of deities attracted to a flower from space is called frequencies while the same deity principle when gets emited into atmosphere is called as pavitrak.

• The frequencies are subtle most and comparatively more unmanifest (nirgun) form of deity principle while apavitrak is the subtle and manifest form of the same deity principle.

Let us now see the subtle drawing of a Hibiscus flower

• The Ganesh principle present in the universe gets attracted towards the central space of the red coloured Hibiscus flower and is emitted in the form of circles.

• The Ganesh principle which is absorbed by the stem of the flower gets emitted through the petals in the atmosphere.

• The stamen of the flower absorbs the Ganesh principle present in the atmosphere and emits the particles which donate vital energy or pranshakti.

• The Hibiscus flower is of raja-sattva nature. As a result divine energy (shakti) and divine consciousness (chaitanya) are emitted from its petals.

Thus this subtle drawing must have made it clear to our viewers as to how the frequencies of deity principles are attracted towards flower and how through the medium of various parts of flower the same deity frequencies are emitted in the atmosphere in the form of pavitraks. Thus it is quite clear that the emission or projection of deity principles and pavitraks is a process taking place at a spiritual level. The effect of this process is multifold. One of this is reduction in the strengh of raja-tama principle present in the atmosphere.

The negative energies present in the atmosphere get distressed due to the deity principle pavitraks projected by thesattvik flowers. Their tama component dominated energy or what we call as black energy is either reduce or gets destroyed. In short the sattvik flowers fight with the negative energies present in the atmosphere by emitting frequencies of deity principles. Such flowers when brought into contact with a person suffering from the distress of negative energy then the negative energy which has entered the person subsides.

To understand this topic clearly will have to first know the distinction between ‘Negative energy’ and ‘black energy’. There are some distressing energies in the atmosphere which trouble us. They are subtle in nature. They are called ‘negative energies’. The energy of deities is known by the terms such as chaitanya (divine consciousness), bliss(ananda) and shanti (peace) while the energy of negative energies is known as ‘black energy’. The deities aresattva predominant while the negative energies are tama predominant!

A deity looks after our welfare whereas negative energies does us harm. When a person is severely affected by the negative energy distress, his control over his mind, body and intellect is reduced and that of negative energy is increased. This affects the thoughts, emotions etc of the person. Such an affected person when come in contact with an atmosphere predominant in sattva component then there is friction between the positive sattva atmosphere and negative energy. This can manifest in various forms. This may be in the form of a simple thought of leaving the place or a violent reaction. Sometimes these destructive thoughts can become manifest on a physical level. Under such circumstances the negative energy may manifest grossly in the form of sudden burst of anger, shouting, throwing of objects and not only this, it may take any form of destruction such as plundering and breaking of surrounding things.

This must have definitely introduced you to the topic of distressing or negative energies. So let us move back to the original topic where we are going to see the effect of sattvik flowers on negative energies.

Let us see the effect of hibiscus flower on the woman suffering from distress of negative energy in the subtle dimension with the help of a subtle drawing.

• Shri Ganesh principle frequencies present in the universe get attracted to the Hibiscus flower.

• The attracted frequencies get converted into shakti and chaitanya and are emitted in the atmosphere.

• The emitted energy is of destroyer type that it reduces the covering of black energy generated by the negative energy around the woman.

• There is formation of chaitanya in the heart of the woman as a result of emitted chaitanya.

• The subtle particles of destroyer form of energy are projected in the atmosphere.

This subtle drawing must have helped you to understand the importance of sattvik flowers. When we offer suchsattvik flowers to a deity during puja then the deity frequencies are emitted from the flowers on a large scale. This not only benefits the worshipper but also makes the surrounding atmosphere sattvik.

2. Why is a specific flower offered to a deity?

Normally we have a concept that a deity is to be offered only that flower which he/she likes. But is it really so? Let us see the actual reason according to science of spirituality.

A flower has a particular colour and a special fragrance. On a subtle level the colour and fragrance particles present in the flower have a capacity to attract the principles of a specific deity which benefits the worshipper. That is the principle behind offering specific flowers to a deity and not because they like it.

To cite some examples white flower like that of Dhatura is offered to Lord Shiva, red cloured flower like Hibiscus for Shri Ganesh, and red coloured flowers for Durga devi also. If the worshipper has more spiritual emotion for these flowers then the frequencies of deities get more activated through the medium of these flowers and work for the worshipper directly.

3. Why should one only offer fresh flowers to the deity?

According to religious scriptures on the science of spirituality, only proper objects should be offered to a deity and the flowers are no exception. Therefore the use of dried out flowers or those infested with insects are prohibited in the ritualistic worship of a deity. There are two reasons for this according to spiritual science:

• Whatever we offer to a deity is accepted by the deity on a subtle level and then They get pleased and bless us. Therefore whatever we offer to Them has to be best.

• The capacity of a flower to absorb and emit the frequencies of deity and sattvik frequencies gets reduced if it is dry or infested with insects.

Another important thing is that it is also prohibited to offer the flower which is already been offered (nirmalya) that is which has become stale. The basic science underlying this is that the flowers are used mainly for their colours rather than their fragrance. When the flowers become stale its colour changes. And as the colour changes the reception of frequencies of deity decreases and later stops. Therefore we have to offer fresh flowers to a deity on a daily basis after removing the flowers offered on the previous day. Besides this there are other prohibitions applicable to flowers to be offered to a deity.

• We should not offer a flower which we have touched to the body, have handled with left hand or have taken smell of it.

• We should not offer a flower which is without any fragrance or has very strong fragrance has fallen on the ground or on unclean surface.

• A flower which is not bloomed up fully, or has its petals withered should not be offered.

• It is not advisable to offer flower buds to deities as per spiritual science.

• Flowers stolen from another's house thus making them unhappy are not to be offered.

• The flowers plucked with undergarmants still on, or the one which are wrapped in the leaves of arka (rui or calatropis) or rend leaves should not be offered to a deity.

• It is prohibited to offer flower which is dipped or washed in water.

Thus it is to be noticed that such flowers when offered may be actually harmful rather than being beneficial. Therefore it can be seen that an appropriate substance when offered in appropriate form as mentioned in the scriptures to a deity helps us to get more benefit of deity principles and it also leads to purification of the place of worship.

Up till now we have seen the prohibitions to the flowers being offered to a deity. Now let us se some exceptions to the prohibitions

• Flower buds are not offered to a deity but lotus is an exception.

• The flowers brought from the house of a gardener can not be called as stale.

• Though we do not wash the flowers with water by dipping them but we can always sprinkle them with it.

4. Why it is not advisable to pluck buds after the sunset?

The life cycle of the living beings runs according to the cycle of nature. Taking this into consideration the right time for every thing in our life has been considered in Sanatan Hindu Dharma. Similarly there is definite time for pluking of flowers according to scriptures. Nowadays some people collect buds by pluking them on the prvious evening. But this incorrect as per the science of spirituality. Now let us understand why it is not advisable to pluck buds after the sunset.

At Bramha muhurta the pavitraks of deities are projected on a large scale on to the earth. These pavitraks get attracted on a greater scale towards those flowers who have the capacity to attract pavitraks of particular deity. The sunlight causes the disintegration of raja-tama particles present in the atmosphere. Therefore the atmosphere before the sunset is more sattvik as compared to that after the sunset.

After the sunset the strength of the negative energies in the atmosphere increases which leads to increase in the distressing frequencies in the atmosphere. Therefore the buds are covered by raja-tama particles. Thus their capacity to attract the deity principle is reduced. Hence the buds should not be plucked after the sunset.

However there are some exceptions to this rule. For example there are some flowers whose buds start opening at the sunset itself like those of bela, chameli and rajanigandha etc. These buds eagerly wait for the Bramha muhurta. It is as if they are eager to surrender themselves at the feet of the deity. These flowers have more fragrance when compared to other flowers. That is why the deity principles get attracted towards these flowers in large amount.

Now let us see the important rules of plucking flowers.

• Do not pluck the flowers without taking bath

• Do not pluck flowers for puja ritual with your shoes on.

• Express gratitude to the plant from which you are going to pluck the flowers.

• While pluking flowers for puja ritual pray to the deity that the objective of offering the flowers for puja be fulfilled.

• Pluck only that number of flowers as is necessary for the the puja ritual. Do the chanting of your favourite deity while plucking the flowers.

5. Which flowers should be offered to a particular deity?

Thus we have seen why a particular flower is offered to a particular deity, what is the appropriate time of pluking the flowers according to science of spirituality. The spiritual science has also shown us that a particular deity needs to be offered a particular flower in particular number. Let us understand this with the help of the points below.

• Shri Durga devi should be offered either 1 or 9 Jasmine flowers

• Lord Shiva should be offered 10 flowers of Rajnigandha

• Shri Ram should be offered 4 flowers of Jai.

• Lord Hanuman should be offered 5 flowers of Chameli

• Shri Krushna should be offered 3 flowers of Krushna Kamal.

Thus we have up till now learnt about flower which is an important ingredient of puja material. We hope that you will bring into practice whatever topics to which you are introduced today while performing puja ritual by keenly paying attention and thus derive spiritual benefit out of it.

Why is kumkum offered to Durga devi?

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: ।।

Some of the rituals do not get completed without the help of other ingredients. For example in puja (ritualistic worship) of a deity the materials required are very essential. These ingredients which are complimentary to the rituals play an important role in God realization.When we learn their spiritual significance, bhav or spiritual emotion is generated in our mind and the religious and social rituals are performed with even more bhav.

When the puja materials are arranged in a correct method there is generation of divine consciousness or chaitanya which benefits the worshipper on a spiritual level. Keeping this objective in mind we shall try to describe in this Satsang the spiritual importance and characteristics of ingredients of puja materials such as haldi (turmeric powder), kumum (vermillion), sandalwood paste,Akshata (unbroken rice grains) etc.

Let us first get acquainted with the arrangement of puja materials in a puja platter.

1. Arrangement of puja materials in puja platter

Every object in this universe is made up of five cosmic elements like Earth, water, fire, air and ether or space.Therefore if the arrangement of puja material is done on the basis of these elements then it helps in balancing and regulating the activated five cosmic elements in the universe. The worshipper then gets the maximum benefit both manifest and unmanifest frequencies emitted from the deities. We shall learn about this arrangement with the help of a drawing.

This is a drawing of the puja platter when seen form above. Assuming that the platter is in front of worshipper let us try to understand the arrangement. On a puja platter the turmeric powder is kept to the right side of worshipper withkumkum to its front while bukka, gulal and sindoor are kept on the left side of worshipper. Some of the readers may not be knowing the word bukka. It is a black powder prepared from tela metal. It is used in the puja ritual in some of the regions of our country for example Varkari sect of Maharashtra.

In the front portion of puja platter is kept a botlle of attar (fragrant essence of flowers) and just behind it a small plate containing sandalwood paste. Flowers and leaves are kept in a space between kumkum and the bottle of attar. (The deities are present in the universe in the form of principles and they work through the medium of subtle frequencies).

The subtle vision obtained with the help of spiritual practice introduces us to the activities taking place in the subtle world. Those seeker who have developed such vision by the grace of God have prepared such subtle drawings. The vibrations shown in the drawing being part of spiritual experience are actually three dimensional in nature but in a drawing such as this they are seen in a two dimensional form.

2. Bel leaf (bilva patra)

We are looking at the subtle drawing of Bel leaf which is regularly used in the worship of Lord Shiva.

• The nirgun or unmanifest (subtle most) frequencies of Lord Shiva present in the universe are attracted towards the Bel leaf.

• These frequencies then activate the three components in every bel leaf in the form of circular and outpouring frequencies. The three components are sattva, raja and tama.

• Orange coloured vibrations of divine energy are emitted from the bel leaf into the surrounding atmosphere.

• Particles of peace are also simultaneously emitted.

The subtle drawing of a bel leaf must have helped you to understand that how through the medium of a bel leaf a worshipper receives Shiva principle and how because of increased Shiva principle the purity of the atmosphere increases. These are the effects happening on a subtle level. You must also have realized the importance of inclusion of leaves in puja materials. Now let us move on to the next article of puja that is Pan-Supari or betel leaf and betel nut.

3. Betel leaf and betel nut

Betel leaf and betel nut is powerful media of transmitting the frequencies of deities. On a platter of puja materials betel leaf and betel nut are kept along with dakshina (coins) on the backside that is towards worshipper. The tip of the leaf should be towards the worshipper and the stem should face in front. The colour particles present in the leaf and the water particles present in the betel nut attract the subtle frequencies of deities towards them. The rice grains smeared with kumkum are kept in the center of the platter. Thus we have seen the articles of a puja platter, its method of decoration and the resultant effects. Now let us learn in details about some of the ingredients and there spiritual significance. So let us start with turmeric powder.

4. Turmeric (haldi) powder

Haldi has got its own special fragrance. The powder of dried Haldi is used in puja. We can realize its importance more clearly if we come to know its effects in subtle dimension.

• The frequencies of deities present in the atmosphere get attracted in haldi

• This activates energy predominant in raja-tama components in the form of circles.

• This energy is then projected in the atmosphere

• Haldi has more amount of earth element in it. Therefore the energy is also transmitted via its fragrance in the surrounding atmosphere.

Haldi has large amount of earth frequencies. Besides earth frequencies it has also got the capacity to attract Lord Ganesh principle. This is all about haldi. Now let us move to next topic that is kumkum (vermillion).

5. Vermillion (kumkum)

Pure kumkum is prepared from haldi itself. Pure haldi powder is mixed with decanted solution of lime (chuna) and little pure camphor and we get pure kumkum. We can identify haldi by its fragrance but once kumkum is ready haldiloses its fragrance completely. A new divine fragrance is developed in the kumkum and it then spreads all over for a certain distance. Here it would be useful for us to know about identification of pure kumkum.

The pure kumkum appears dry in spite of containing moisture and its touch is ice cold. In subtle dimension:

• The divine energy present in the kumkum is activated and emitted.

• This energy then moves in all directions in circular fashion.

• Simultaneously the chaitanya present in the kumkum is also emitted.

Thus the kumkum has a special spiritual significance because of its property of constant emission of divine energy and divine consciousness.

• As it is prepared from haldi it contains large proportion of earth frequencies just as in haldi.

• Because of its red colour it has more capacity to attract Durga devi principle.

• The divine energy present in the kumkum purifies the vital air body and mental body of the worshipper.

• The negative energies cannot enter in the worshipper because of its application on the midbrow.

In the ritualistic worship of Devi (Divine enrgy) use of haldi and kumkum have special importance. The kumkum is offered to Devi while chanting her mantra or thousand names. This is known as Kumkumarchan.

6. Gulal

We are all familiar with Gulal. From the point of view of Spiritual science the Divine energy principle from the universe gets attracted to the frequencies of fragrance generated from Gulal. The dormant frequencies laden with chaitanyaacquire momentum due to Gulal and impart spiritual benefit to the worshipper.

7. Sandalwood

Among the various sub rituals offered to the deity in a puja ritual tilak or mark on the forehead with sandalwood paste is also applied to the image of a deity. Application of tilak is one of the five main sub rituals of a deity worship. The sandalwood is scrubbed into a paste before use for applying tilak. But the method of scrubbing should be spiritually correct to be of real spiritual benefit. Therefore let us see the correct method of scrubbing sandalwood.

Hold the piece of sandalwood with both hands. It is often seen that we scrub the piece of sandalwood with one hand while the other hand holds the scrubber. But it is spiritually scientific to hold it with both hands while scrubbing. From the spiritual standpoint this has three important reasons

• For accomplishment of any task it is necessary to combine both Shiv (Pure consciousness) and Shakti (divine energy). The left hand is representative of Shiv while right hand is symbolic of Shakti. Therefore it is necessary to use both hands while scrubbing.

• Scrubbing by both hands is symbolic of devotion with expectation in duality. Duality means conviction that I am different from God. Devotion with expectation means worshipping God for fulfilling any desire in our life.

• While scrubbing sandalwood with both hands forms a characteristic mudra of the body. Mudra means a specific posture of body or its limbs which leads to movement of subtle energy in the body as well as its reception and projection. This activates Sushumna channel among the three main channels of body. This channel is conducive to the spiritual progress of the individual. This is the third reason why it is important to scrub the sandalwood with both hands.

The sandalwood paste thus obtained is kept in a small plate. It is never taken in the hand or kept in a copper vessel. The sandalwood paste retains its fragrance even after it becomes dry. Therefore the the deity principle is present in the tilak applied to the image even after it becomes dry. Sandalwood and ashtagandha attract deity principle in large proportion because of their fragrance. The principles are also retained for a longer period. That is the reason of sandalwood and ashtagandha being maximally sattvik. In the subtle dimension we can see yellow chaitanya being emitted from all sides of the sandalwood piece. The pink coloured bliss frequencies are getting emitted from its four corners.

Ashtagandha is equal to sandalwood in sattvik attribute. It has more proportion of fragrant materials which gives it more capacity to attract the deity principles.

7.1 Why it is incorrect to mix haldi and kumkum while scrubbing sandalwood?

It has been observed sometimes that some people mix haldi and kumkum with sandalwood paste while scrubbing. Is this correct from spiritual science point of view? No. let us see why.

Haldi and kumkum emit frequencies rich in raja component. When we mix haldi and kumkum with sandalwood while it is being scrubbed, the sattva particles present in the sandalwood start to separate from each other. This destroyssattvik attribute of sandalwood. In fact due to haldi and kumkum it becomes dominant in raja component. It also reduces its capacity to attract the frequencies of deities. Thus the worshipper does not get the adequate benefit. Hence the reason that haldi and kumkum should not be mixed with sandalwood.

8. Akshata

Various substances are used in the puja ritual with an objective of attracting deity principles on a large scale and within a short period. Thus the worshipper is maximally benefitted. However if all the substances are not available daily, there is one ingredient which lets us receive all the benefits of a puja ritual and that is Akshata. This is an important ingredient of puja material. Let us now know it in details

This is an important ingredient of puja ritual which absorbs all the deity principles in it. That is why it given a central place on the platter. Let us understand about the subtle effect of akshata

• Every grain of akshata has a capacity to attract chaitanya and shakti of all deity principles

• It retains the Shakti and chaitanya

• It emits shakti and chaitanya in all directions depending upon the requirement.

Unbroken rice grains when smeared with kumkum constitute akshata. When they are offered to a deity, the frequencies of deity generate similar fequencies in the akshatas. 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 principle frequencies can be consumed throughout the year as holy sacrament (prasad) and thus can get benefit of frequencies of divine principles. You must have now understood the reason behind keeping the rice grains offered to a deity or those given as sacrament, in the grain store of the house.

Our purpose behind deity worship is to acquire sattva component therefore in religious rituals like puja unbroken rice grains are used to attract frequencies of deities and sattva component. The word akshata means where there is no breakage.

8.1 Why is it that Lord Shiva is offered white akshatas?

Generally in ritualistic worship of any deity or on auspicious occasions red coloured akshatas are used. The redakshatas are symbolic of spiritual practice done with expectation of fulfilling the desires. The frequencies of deity principle getting attracted towards akshatas smeared with kumkum are subtle in nature. Shri Ganesh principle or Shri Devi principle get attracted to red colour faster. Therefore in the worship of Shri Ganeshji or Shri Devi, the redakshatas are frequently used.

White akshatas are symbolic of detachment (renunciation) that is Spiritual practice without expectation. The use of white akshatas is done to attract the primordial superior deities’ principles. Subtlemost frequencies of the Universe are attracted towards white akshatas.

Let us thus proceed on the spiritual path with the help of such knowledge and their applications even though the action may appear small.

Here we conclude this satsang. We pray at the Holy feet of Guru that let everyone take the benefit of the science of arrangement of puja articles as explained in this satsang by actually applying it.

Why are tulsi leaves used while offering naivedya?

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: ।।

Path of devotion describes nine types or modes of devotion unto God. The ritualistic worship of a deity is one of them. Just as the flowers have an important place in the ritualistic worship of deities, various leaves also have a significant place. Besides if we offer them with devotion and spiritual emotion then their significance is even more enhanced. Therefore in Srimad Bhagavadgita Lord Krushna says ‘if anybody offers me even a leaf with full devotion and bhav then I accept it by manifesting myself in gross form. This declaration by the Lord brings two things to our notice. First is that devotion and spiritual emotion has important role in our life and secondly every action of ours should be performed with full understanding of the science underlying it. In this satsang we will try to understand the science of offering leaves to deities and their effects.

1. Importance of patri in puja ritual

Patri is related to the colour particles. The deities’ principles get attracted to the leaves because of colour particles. The leaves or patri have the capacity to attract and emit the deity principle. Some of the patris constantly emit the deity principle which helps in continuous purification of the surrounding atmosphere. Only that patri which has more capacity to absorb the respective deity principle should be offered to the deity. That is the reason it is said that only that patri which is ‘liked’ by the deity is to be offered to Her / Him.

Generally five types of patri or leaves are to offered to deities during a puja ritual. The five patris represent the five great cosmic elements of the Universe namely earth, water, fire, air and ether. The deities are in the form of light. The principles of deities get activated with the help of the five elements. These deity principles are rapidly attracted towards patris when they are offered to a deity.

Patris of Tulsi are mandatory in the ritualistic worship of Lord Vishnu, Lord Krushna and Pandurang, Bilvapatri is mandatory in the ritualistic worship of Lord Shiva and durvas in the ritualistic worship of Lord Ganapati. Inkarmakanda (spiritual practice with physical body) the availability of tulsi, bel and durva is mandatory. In addition the place of worship is decorated with some special leaves. For example the bough of mango leaves tied on the entrance of a house is a very common sight. Ritualistic worship of a deity is incomplete without the use of patris. The leaves of five trees namely Pipal (Ficus religiosa), Audumbar (glomerous fig tree), Ashok (Jonesia Asoka), mango, and Vat(ficus indica) are of special spiritual significance in religious rituals. They are known as Panchpallav (pancha=five,pallav=leaf).

In some special worships of a deity, various types of leaves are offered to a deity and this particular worship is known as patrapuja. Among the various types of patris which are mandatory in the articles of puja, tulsi is one.

2. Tulsi

Tulsi is a sacred plant. It has been mentioned in Skandapuran that some of the drops of nectar fell on the earth during the process of Samudramanthan (churning of ocean). Tulsi was formed out of them. It was handed over to Lord Vishnu by Lord Bramha. Tulsi is liked by Lord Vishnu and hence it is specially offered to Lord Vishnu. While citing the importance of Tulsi it has been mentioned in Padmapuran that offering flowers made of gold, stones and pearls do not have even one sixteenth of the importance of Tulsi! Sins of even many eras are destroyed by sight, touch, meditation, obeisance, planting and use of Tulsi. All deities reside in the plant of Tulsi from its roots to the tip. It constantly emits the principles of deities and purifies the surrounding atmosphere. It is even said that whoever has a garden of Tulsi in the front yard of his house makes the surrounding nine miles area (yojan) as pure as river Ganga. Let us understand this further in subtle dimension.

• The unmanifest and subtle most Vishnu principle is absorbed through the stem of Tulsi leaf and is then converted into Krushna principle and goes on flowing through the stem.

• Chaitanya is activated at the base of the Tulsi leaf and is projected into atmosphere in the form of circles. Thischaitanya simultaneously flows through the vessels of Tulsi leaf.

• The particles of Shakti (divine energy) are also present in the leaves of Tulsi.

• The paricles of chaitanya and Krushna principle are transmitted into atmosphere through the inflorescence.

Now our readers must have realized the spiritual benefit of offering Tulsi leaves to a deity during puja ritual. The effect of plucking such sacred Tulsi leaves has been described thus in Skandapuran, तुलसीं ये विचिन्‍वन्‍ति धन्‍यास्‍ते करपल्‍लवा: ।- Tulsi ye vichinvanti dhanyaste karapallavaaha’ means blessed are those hands who pluck tulsi leaves for the puja. Thus by knowing the importance of gathering the tulsi leaves for puja our faith in tulsi must have been enhanced to a great extent.

So let us now see some useful precautions to be taken while gathering Tulsi leaves.

• Do not pluck the leaves singly, pluck them in pairs

• Pluck the tip of tulsi consisting of leaves without shaking the plant.

• When a manjiri (inflorescence ) is plucked then it should contain leaves.

If we pluck the tulsi leaves while simultaneously chanting the name of our favourite deity and with utmost respect and with proper method, the benefit received through the puja ritual multiplies a million times.

2.1 Why are women prohibited from gathering tulsi leaves?

Women have a high proportion of raja component when compared to men. There is generation of heat energy in the dormant and serene sattvik frequencies present in the tulsi plant by the touch of women which leads to decrease in its sattvikta (sattva quality). Hence they are prohibited from gathering or plucking the tulsi leaves.

2.2 Why are tulsi leaves used while offering naivedya to a deity?

Thus we have learnt about the gathering of tulsi leaves which imparts spiritual benefits. We often see that while offering naivedya (food offering) to a deity it is offered with the help of two leaves of tulsi. One of them is kept on thenaivedya while other is offered to the deity. Let us now understand as to why tulsi leaves are used while offeringnaivedya to a deity.

Tulsi has the greater capacity to absorb and emit sattvik and Krushnatattva frquencies present in the universe. Therefore use of tulsi while offering naivedya imparts two benefits.

• The tulsi leaf used while offering naivedya absorbs the subtle frequencies emitted from the food. When thistulsi leaf is offered to the deity, the deity principle rapidly absorbs the frequencies present in the leaf.

• There is subtle covering of raja-tama present in the atmosphere around the food to be offered to the deity asnaivedya. When a tulsi leaf is kept on the food, the sattvik frequencies emitted from the tulsi leaf reduces this covering. Besides the atmosphere around the plate or banana leaf meant for serving the naivedya gets purified. This retains the sattvikta of naivedya for a long period.

Thus the tulsi leaf is used for offering naivedya for receiving the grace of the deity by pleasing Him/Her. Therefore there is a rich tradition of offering prayerful obeisance to tulsi plant loved by Lord Vishnu every morning and evening as mark of gratitude because it is a destroyer of negative energies and a purifier of the atmosphere.

3. Durva

Durva has greater capacity of attracting and constantly enhancing principles of three deities namely AadiShiv, AadiShakti and AadiGanesh. The combined flow of all these three principles in durva is called Durvas. When this flow enters the idol of a deity its vital energy becomes manifest. This is called ‘awakening of idol’. In order to sustain this awakening, durva are offered on the idol of Lord Ganesh three times in a day in quantity of 21 or its multiple during ritualstic worship of Lord Ganesh. The number 21 is made up of two complete numbers namely 2 and 1. The addition of 2 and 1 gives number 3 which is symbolic of three primal principles (aaditattva).

Generally tender shoots of durva are used in puja ritual of a deity. These tender shoots have highest capacity to absorb principles of deities present in the dew drops fallen on their leaves. This benefits the worshipper. If durva bear flowers, they are not used in puja ritual. Flowering plant denotes the ripeness. Ripening causes decrease in the vitality of the plant. This further reduces its capacity to attract the frequencies of deity principle. To further knowdurva from a spiritual standpoint let us understand it in the subtle dimension.

• The point where three leaves of durva meet together, divine energy is activated and is emitted in the form of circles of chaitanya.

• Ganesh principle gets activated in the space of the stem.

• This activated chaitanya is then emitted from the leaves and their tips.

The speciality of durva is that the process of receiving the principles of deities starts from the roots.

3.1 What is the difference between durva and common grass?

We just saw that durva has maximum capacity to absorb and emit three primal deity principles. Common grass does not have such capacity and therefore it is not helpful to increase the sattvikta. The vibrations entering and leaving the common grass are illusory that is they appear just like common vibrations but are deceptive. To understand this point let us see it in the subtle dimension.

• In the roots of common grass the raja component is more active and is emitted through the leaves.

• Due to the presence of raja component in common grass there is flow of illusory vibrations through it and these are then emitted out.

Some people offer common grass to the deity mistaking it for durva. This does not accrue any benefit to the worshipper. If durva is not available every time then akshatas (unbroken rice grains) having the all encompassing property should be offered to the deity. Even scriputures say, ‘सकलउपचारार्थे अक्षताम्‌ समर्पयामि’ ‘Saklopchararthe akshtan samrpayami’ meaning akshtas can be offered in place of all substances. When akshatas are offered with full faith and spiritual emotion then we can get the benefit of frequencies of deities.

Let us proceed further with same faith and spiritual emotion towards one more patri and that is bilva patri or bel leaf.

4. Bilva patra (leaf of aegle marmelos)

There is mention of bilva tree in such ancient scriptures as Atharvaved, Aitereya Bramhan and Shatpath Bramhan. It is a sacred tree having sacrificial importance. The leaves of this sacred tree is generally trifoliate. This trifoliate leaf is symbolic of Trikal (three states in time), Trishakti (Volition, action and knowledge), three lingas and three syllables ofOmkar. It is offered to Lord Shiva.

The proportion of sattva component is more in bilva patra and hence it has more capacity to absorb and emit sattvikfrequencies. This has various effects. One of them is the reduction of raja-tama particles present in the atmosphere. A sattvik leaf like bilva patra when brought in proximity of a person suffering from negative energy distress then the black energy present within him is reduced.

Whenever a person is affected by the distress due to negative energies then his control over his physical body, mind and intellect is reduced and control of negative energy increases. Such a person when comes in contact with an environment not conducive for negative energy for instance in a sattvik environment then there is a battle between the negative energy and the satva predominant environment. This battle can manifest at various levels. The manifestation can vary from such simple thoughts like running away from the place to destructive thoughts also. Sometimes the negative energy present in the person manifests in gross form like sudden burst of anger, shouting, throwing articles and in fact any type of destructive act like actually breaking and plundering articles etc. To understand this further let us see the effect of keeping a bilva patra in front of a woman affected by negative energy distress.

The woman is visibly distressed when the bilva patra is taken in hand and applied to the neck and head. Thus we have seen the gross effect of bilva patra on the affected woman affected by negative energy.

• The unmanifest-manifest frequencies of chaitanya of Shiva form are attracted to the bilva patra and absorbed there.

• The unmanifest subtlemost frequencies of Shiva principle and frequencies of chaitanya are emitted from bilva patra in the form of circles.

• Their effect take place on the subtlemost energy of the negative energy and the black energy is disintegrated.

• Frequencies and particles of divine energy are projected towards the negative energy from bilva patra.

• This energy then reduces the amount of black energy emanating from the negative energy.

Thus up till now we have been introduced to the subject of sacred leaves like tulsi, durva and bilvapatra. Similarly we also became acquainted with the effect of sattvik leaves on individual and the environment. Let us pray that whatever things we have been introduced to in this satsang will be remembered and applied correctly during a puja ritual so that we can obtain the blessings of deities and thus spiritually benefitted.

Points to be considered while using a lamp

Why only ghee prepared from cow's milk should be used?

Generally any oil lamp emits frequencies consisting of raja particles but the sesame oil emits some sattvafrequencies also. Therefore the lamp with sesame oil is comparatively more sattvik. However the ghee lamp emits the sattvik frequencies in maximum amount compared to any oil lamp. Here we have to remember one thing that it is useful use ghee prepared only from the cow’s milk in the lamp lit in front of Deity. This is because in such ghee the Deites’ principles are already existent. Such a ghee which is dominant in sattva component emits luminous figures in the atmosphere. Such luminous figures are forms of Tej tattva or absolute fire element. Thus even though the use of ghee is recommended because of its capacity to emit maximum sattva frequencies, we can use sesame oil lamp if the use of ghee is not possible because of financial restraints or otherwise.

Points to be considered while using a lamp

Now let us see the points to be noted while actually using a lamp.

• Do not kindle an oil lamp with a ghee lamp and vice versa

• Do not kindle one lamp with another similar lamp. For example if there are two niranjans (a type of lamp) in anarti platter then do not light one niranjan with another niranjan. Similarly do not light one pillar of lamps with another.

• Sometimes while performing puja we unknowingly touch the lamp. We should immediately wash our hands then. This is because when we worship a deity the sattva component of the lamp increases. When we touch the lamp the raja-tama particles from our body enter the lamp by way of touch. This reduces the purity of the lamp. The water has the property of encompassing everything. Anything which is offered to a deity through the medium of water reaches Him/Her faster. When we wash our hands we are one way dissolving our sins in the water. The spiritual practice of water is to assimilate in itself sins done by all. The extremely merciful Deities absolve us from our defects when we offer them at their feet through the medium of water.

Effect on the worshipper as per Kundalini Yog

Effect on the worshipper as per Kundalini Yog

Now let us see the effect of both types of lamp on the worshipper.

• The oil lamp generates a subtle armour of inferior quality around the worshipper while ghee lamp generates a subtle armour of superior quality.

• The subtle frequencies emitted from the oil lamp activate the Mind-energy (Manashakti) of the worshipper whereas the subtle frequencies emanating from the ghee lamp activates soul energy of the worshipper.

According to yogic path of Kundalini Yog there are seven principle chakras or energy centers in the human being. These chakras influence practically every aspect of human being including physical body, mind and intellect. The oil lamp is effective in purification of Muladhar and Swadhishthan Chakra only to certain extent but the ghee lamp purifies Manipur and Anahat chakras to a significant extent.

Just as there are seven chakras in the human body, there are paths for the flow of vital energy (chetana). These are called as Nadis or channels. The three principle nadis are Chandra nadi (Moon channel), Surya nadi (Sun channel) and Sushumna nadi.When Chandra nadi is active the person perceives coolness. The activation of Surya nadiimparts energy to the person. The Sushumna nadi is activated when the person starts progressing spiritually. The oil lamp activates the Surya nadi of the person while ghee lamp activates only that nadi which is essential to the worshipper in a particular action.

Effect on the subtle sheaths of the worshipper

According to the science of spirituality the body which is visible to our eyes is called Annamaya Kosha or food sheath. Besides this there are four other Koshas namely Pranmaya Kosha or vital air sheath, Manomaya Kosha or the mental sheath, Vidnyanmaya Kosha or sheath of intellect and Anandmaya Kosha or bliss sheath. The Pranmaya kosha is a seat for the Pancha pranas (five vital air elements) which provides energy to the gross body. The secondManomaya kosha is the seat of emotions. The third Vidnyanmaya Kosha is the seat of intellect and the fourthAnandamaya Kosha is the seat of Soul which is of the nature of existence, consciousness and bliss (satchidananda). Even these subtle sheaths or koshas are affected by the oil or ghee lamps. The oil lamp imparts power to the raja paricles in the Pranamaya kosha which makes the individual rstless. The ghee lamp strengthens the sattva particles of Pranamaya kosha and Manomaya Kosha and as a result of this the jiva (individual, embodied soul) becomes peaceful,stable and happy.

Spiritual experience imparted by oil and ghee lamps

Now let us compare the spiritual experiences obtained due to oil and ghee lamps. But before that let us understand what we mean by Spiritual experience or Anubhuti. We are used to appreciate this world through the media of five sense organs namely nose, ears, eyes, tongue, skin , mind and intellect. This is known as experience. But when we experience something without the participation of all these then it is known as spiritual experience. Now let us compare the spiritual experiences obtained due to oil and ghee lamps. The oil lamp gives us spiritual experience ofPruthvi tattva (absolute earth element) and Aap tattva (absolute water element). For example if we get an experience of fragrance without the actual presence of an object which can impart such fragrance then it is a spiritual experience of Subtle fragrance or gandha. The fragrance is related to Pruthvi tattva. The example of spiritual experience of Aap tattva is dwelling sweet taste in the mouth.

When we see subtle light or vision of a deity then it is an example of spiritual experience related to Tej tattva or absolute fire element. When we experience a feeling of touch without any external reason then it is a spiritual experience related to Vayu tattva or absolute air element. The ghee lamp gives spiritual experience of Tej tatva andVayu tattva to the worshipper.

How Incense Helps

Closely associated with lamp jothi worship is the use of incense sticks in worship. Light a minimum of two incense sticks along with your lamp jothis. Once again the more the merrier.

Sathguru Venkataraman has repeatedly said that lamp jothis and incense have the power to neutralize negative forces since they bring the divine inside your house. They are a simple way of marshalling the divine force to drive away the negative forces from your house.

Do negative forces exist? Yes, say the Siddhas. They are the forces that act as obstacles on the spiritual path. The world is beset with these forces but the Siddhas have provided us with ways and means of combating them. We must learn to use these techniques diligently from the Sathguru so that our spiritual progress is not marred.

Dhoopam (Frankincense)

The Siddhas say that they brought doopam (frankincense) from the world of Devas to us so that we humans can benefit from its deep spiritual properties. Doopam has the power to drive away negative forces and ensure a peaceful, spritual atmosphere.

Doopam is an ideal offering to God. Doopam in jeeva samadhi(the tomb shrines of Siddhas) can solve a lot of our material and spiritual problems.

What do the Lamp, Wick, Oil and Light mean?

As we have remarked above, lamp jothi worship is full of symbolism. Here's one of many pointed out by Sathguru Venkataraman: lamp = body, wick = Sathguru, oil = faith, light = God.

What does this mean? It means that if you have faith in the Sathguru, you'll see God. This is a fundamentally profound symbolism in jothi worship taught by the Arunachala Siddha, Sathguru Venkataraman.

Agni Puran clearly states that only oil or Ghee (clarified butter) be used in the lamp meant for puja and no other combustible substance. According to the Science of spirituality the lamp with clarified butter is more sattvik(spiritually pure) as compared to lamp in which oil is used. This is an important aspect which we will try to understand in details. So let us see the difference between the the lamp in which Ghee is used and the one with oil.

Generally the use of oil is more prevalent than that of Ghee. The oil containing lamp kindles longer while the ghee containing lamp kindles for a short period. Now let us see the difference from the spiritual view point.

• Ghee lamp has more capacity to attract the sattvik vibrations present in the surrounding atmosphere as compared to oil lamp.

• The oil lamp can attract the sattvik vibrations spread over a maximum distance of 1 meter while the ghee lamp can attract sattvik vibrations spread over till Swarga Lok (heaven)

  * When the oil or ghee gets exhausted or the lamp stops burning for some other reason then both the oil and ghee lamps are affected at spiritual level to some extent.

• When the oil lamp stops burning the predominance of raja particles in the atmosphere is enhanced and lasts for half an hour. On the other hand when the ghee lamp stops burning the impact of sattvikta (the quality of being sattvik) on the atmosphere is experienced even after four hours.

Now let us see the characteristics of kindled lamps containing oil and ghee from spiritual angle 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:

The yellow coloured circles seen in this drawing emit divine consciousness (chaitanya) in the atmosphere. The red coloured circles are of radiant energy. The burning flame is emitting frequencies full of Tej tattva (absolute fire principle) in the atmosphere. The red particles which you see here are the emitted particles of energy. So you have seen in this drawing how a oil lamp emits energy in the atmosphere. Now let us observe the subtle drawing of ghee lamp. The blue colour just besides the flame is indicative of spiritual emotion (bhav). The yellow circles which you see here are of chaitanya in the form of Tej tattva projecting in the atmosphere. You can also see the red particles and rays consisting of energy projecting into atmosphere.

Two Wicks at a minimum

Lamp jothi worship is full of symbolism. We hear people using the expression, "A light has left this world", when some one passes away. This expression has much meaning in the spiritual world. The soul is know an aatma jothi. Thus the jothi is representative of the soul.

Since the family unit is centered around a woman and a man, Sathguru Venkataraman says that we must light a minimum of two lamp jothis in this worship procedure, one to represent the woman and the other to represent the man, thus symbolizing the family unit which is fundamental in spirituality.

It's ideal if you can light two lamps with a wick in each, but if you want to make do with just one lamp, then light two wicks in that lamp.

More than two wicks is good

Can we light more than two lamps? More than two wicks in a lamp? Yes, say the Siddhas. The more the merrier. For example, a lamp with five wicks is very effective.

Which Oil to Use

Is this all there's to it? Not quite. We need to understand that the Siddhas have provided a lot of details on what kinds of oil and wicks that one may use in lamp jothi worship. For example, there's an oil known as the pancha deepa oil which is made by combining five different oils. Using this in lamp jothi worship is particularly effective.

Pancha Deepa Oil

Ohm Siva Siva Ram Ram Ohm. Here are two of our Siddha ways of making Pancha Deepa Oil using 5 different oils/extracts. This can be used for lighting lamp jothis both in home shrines(pooja room) and in temples:

Two Siddha Ways of making pancha deepa oil (for lighting lamp jothis) using 5 different oils/extracts.
Method 1:
Coconut Oil (thEngaai ennai) or Gingelly Oil (nallennai, Sesame Oil)	35%
Castor Oil (viLakkennai)	15%
Neem Oil (vEppennai)	10%
Iluppai Oil	20%
Cow's Ghee (pasu nei)	20%
Method 2:
Coconut Oil or Gingelly Oil (nallennai, Sesame Oil)	35%
Hibiscus (chemparuthi)	16.25%
Maruthaani	16.25%
Karisalaanganni	16.25%
Neelabhrungadhi (nelli thailam)	16.25%

"Cooling" the Lamp Jyoti

The Siddhas insist that the spiritual aspirant must never allow the oil to run out in the lamp. Always ensure that there enough oil in the lamp for the jothi. When you think it's time to cool the jothi, drag the wick by its tail portion into the oil while saying Om Saantha Svaroopine Namaha. This is the proper procedure forcooling the jothi.

Five wicks and single wick lamp

There are other varieties of the lamps also such as lamp with a single wick and lamp called niranjan wherein five wicks are used. The Niranjan with five wicks is symbolic of duality that is the manifest energy of a deity, whereas the lamp with a single wick attracts sattvik frequencies the lamp with five wicks attracts waves with destroyer property and dominant in raja component. The niranjan with five wicks denotes the relation of Panchpran (five vital air principles) with the Atmajyoti (flame of soul). Niranjan is used for waving Pancharati. Every single flame of niranjan is symbolic of Atmajyoti. Pancharti means invocation of God with the help of panchparanas.While performing Panchartiwe should have such a spiritual emotion that the Atmajyoti is kindled in me with the help of five panchaprans present in the body and I am performing the arti with such flame.

Why should a straight wick be used as compared to puffed up wick?

Now let us understand about straight wick and wick with one end puffed up (fulwat). During puja ritual a lamp is offered at various steps of the ritual according to purpose. For example performance of arti. Two types of wicks are used in the lamp namely Puffed wick and straight wick. Nowadays a puffed wick is used in a ghee lamp or niranjanand used as lamp of worship. The wick is puffedup from below to offer it stability to stand in the center of niranjan. The puffed wick is used in a ghee lamp. This type of wick is relatively of recent origin.The second type of wick which we all are familiar with is straight wick. Two straight wicks are joined together like a thread and used in a lamp. Not only there is difference between the two on a gross form but also on spiritual level.

• The lower portion of the fulwat is puffed up while the straight wick is whole like a thread.

• The fulwat is representative of various raja thoughts in the mind while straight wick is symbolic of detachment and also represents the thread which joins Panchaprans with Atamjyoti.

• When a fulwat is kindled the inferior deities are attracted to it while the straight wick when kindled attracts principles of higher deities.

• The frequencies emitted by the fulwat are of circular form while those emitted by straight wick are in the form of waves.

• The colour of the divine consciousness emitted by the fulwat is redish yellow while that emitted by straight wick is of yellow colour.

• Sattvik earth frequencies get attracted towards fulwat while more sattvik frequencies moving in the upward direction are attracted towards straight wick.

• The atmospheric frequencies get momentum due to fulwat while their momentum is slowed down by the use of straight wick.

• An armour of Pruthvi (absolute earth element) and Aap tattva (absolute water element) is generated around the worshipper by use of fulwat while straight wick generates an armour of Tej tatva (absolute fire element) around the worshipper.

According to science of spirituality Tej tattva is more powerful than either Pruthvi tatva or Aap tattva. As a result the use of fulwat imparts heaviness to the physical body while the use of straight imparts cheerfulness to mind.

Thus we have seen the difference between the fulwat and straight wick and also why it is important to use straight wick.