Last updated on November 06, 2008
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Duties of Wife and Husband NEW
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What is the form of eternal worship according to Vedas?
Prophet Mohammad in Vedas?
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Vande Mataram
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Saamveda Mantra 1 & 2
After Death
Annual Yajna of Four Vedas
Importance of "Yajyen"
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Translations of few Rigved, Saamved and Atharvaveda mantras
Gayatri mantra – Updated
Benefits of Yajna & Method of doing Havan at home
SANSKAARS
Vedas’ origin – comments
Spiritualism & Science
Mandap and Marriage
Hinduism and Vedas
Why do devotees of God go through tough times?
Hindi Religion – answers for World Religion’s class
Facing struggles of family life
 
Idol Worship NEW
Annual Yajyen 2008 – Preach
Vedic inspiration for Business
How to do Havan? In Spanish
Many Saints call themselves as God. Are they?
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Hanging of Afzal
About Ghosts
How did Rishis worship God without temples?
Student life and Brahamcharya
Vedic Sanskars
Ashwamedh Yajna
State of women in ancient times
Maha Mritunjaya Mantra (Yajurveda 3/60 & Rigveda 7/59/12)
Who should be considered next to God?
Shashtras and origin of Vedas
Sins committed in ignorance
Definition of Om
Difference between Buddhi, Mann and Aatma
Gayatri mantra – questions and answers
Views on current swamis
Quest to realize truth in human life
Vedic tips for pregnant ladies by Swami Ram Swarup
Comments on translations by Piyush Trivedi
 

 

Questions and Answers
Bipin K. Badheka: Swamiji, pranam. I had read that Shri Krishna lived for 125 years and left his body near somnath in Gujarat. But swamiji, is there anything mentioned in ramayana or elsewhere as to Shri Ram lived for how many years, how he died & at which place and whether similar information about Sri Laxaman. Please reply.
Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you. Shri Ram left behind his wife mata Sita in care of his sons- Luv and Kush. He left Ayodhya (U.P) at the age of eighty one years for jungle. Thereafter, no information received. As regards Shri Laxmanji, no information is mentioned in Valmiki Ramayan which is an authentic holy book.

Venu: I want to increase my height.
Swami Ram Swarup: Height can be increased slightly upto the age between twenty one and twenty four years only. So, please intimate your age first.

Anonymous: At times during meditation one feel different colour lights approaching from different sides and he also feels that his body is growing getting light and that he is seeing himalayas and ashrams where aged rishi muni are doing tapasya. Is this ANUBHUTI or is this just kalpana?
Swami Ram Swarup: If the aspirant sees the different colours, light, Himalayas etc., while sitting in meditation (i.e., in awake condition) then it is a good experience and must be.

Sagar: What are the literal meanings of Ved, Upanishad and Sanatana Dharm?
Swami Ram Swarup: Ved = Knowledge (Gyan in Hindi). Upnishad= Up+Ni+Sad= Upnishad. Up means near, Ni means sure, Sad means truth i.e., sitting near, under the pious feet of acharya, one should listen to Vedas to know the truth. The education through which an aspirant gets the knowledge of Almighty God is called Upnishad.

Sanatan Dharma = The Dharma (religion) which contains the eternal truth. The word “Sanatan” means eternal. Rigveda mantra 1/62/8 states (SANAAT) sanatan (DIVAM) light of sun (BHOOMA) is received on the earth. The idea of the mantra is that the sunlight is generated/created from sanatan i.e., eternal matter and then is received on the earth. There are two sanatan i.e., eternal reasons of creation. One is Almighty God who is alive and second is non-alive matter i.e., Prakriti. The meaning of sanatan is eternal i.e., the matter which is not made from any matter i.e., it has no date of birth or creation. It is eternal and everlasting. So I think you will now be able to differentiate between sanatan philosophy of Almighty God, Vedas and creation and the present sanatan dharma.

Rahul: I have almost got cured as per your prescribed medicine for ulcerative colitis. Any more suggestions to cure fully?
Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you. Long morning walk, light exercises, taking plenty of water daily, practice of asan and pranayam daily may please be continued daily.

Ajeet Kumar: In Hindu religion, when I should take my new born son to temple? Can I take him any time after birth or should I wait for any particular duration of time.
Swami Ram Swarup: If a family is religious minded, it always takes part in religious functions based on family’s faith. So whenever you go to temple or do any religious function, you may carry your son along with you, irrespective of the question of age, please. Please read the article on Sanskars for more information.

K D Gupta: Pranam. Veda says of Vishnu the God having three footsteps for the brahmand, but no illustration is there. Srimadbhagwat has the details. Gita is referred in Bhagwat as in bhakti ears. So it is neither seed nor fruit. I mean Vedas and bhagwat, which is first? But certainly Gita can be classified as trunk which is always is truth. Why some of persons do not rely on Gita?
Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you. In Rigveda mantra 1/22/18, it is stated “VISHNNUHU TRINNI PADANI VICHAKRAME” i.e., (VISHNNU) God who is omnipresent (TRINNI) three (PADANI) matters or behaviour i.e., three types of matters or behaviour – first, which are known, second — to be known and third — which are achievable. (VICHAKRAME) holds.

Idea is that God creates the universe and in the universe, He creates several matters for the benefit of human-beings. Human-beings must know the matters and get the same for beneficial use. I mean to say that there may not be such three footsteps of Almighty God. There are unlimited names of God based on His divine unlimited qualities as is also stated in Rigveda mantra 1/164/46.

In the above Rigveda mantra, His name is quoted ‘Vishnu’. The meaning of pious word “VISHNU” is Vishlari Vyaptau Vishnu i.e., omnipresent. You know, omnipresent means, there is not even a minutest place in the universe where God does not reside. That is why, He is omnipresent.

Secondly, the God is formless. Then from where the three footsteps came when God is omnipresent. He being formless, God doesnot have any foot etc. We will have to follow the path of eternal knowledge of Vedas which emanates direct from God and not the self-created path of human-beings.

K D Gupta: Swamiji pranam. I do not find Valmiki Ramayan more than a dharmik story narration, still it says KRATE CHA PRATIKARTAVYAM ES DHARMA SANATANAH. This is self explanation of a dharma so why different Hindu swamis or saraswatis or else high knowledge saints breaking Hindudharma in pieces like parivar or ashramas or samajs?
Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you. Valmiki Ramayan preaches about moral duties, worship of God and other several matters of the world. As regards dharma, Vyas Muni in Shanti Parv of Mahabharat has given a beautiful and authentic definition that “MAHAJANA YEN GATHA SAH PANTHAHA” the Mahabharat epic was written by Vyas Muniji about five thousand three hundred years ago. So the meaning of the above shloka will have to be considered based on the circumstances of that time only and not based on the present scenario. At that time, present sects did not exist. Only Vedas’ knowledge was in vogue. So meaning of the above shloka will be- that the path of moral duties, worship and knowledge adopted by the then Rishis-Munis, who were learned by Vedas, is the Dharma, which we have to follow forever.

Another definition related to the above shloka is told by Manusmriti shloka 2/6 That “VEDAHA AKHILA DHARMAM MOOLAM” i.e., all the form of pious deeds have originated from Vedas. So if we are not the learned of Vedas and do our deeds against the Vedas that will not be called Dharma but will be “ADAHARMA”. So, what is Dharma and what is adharma is to be known by studying Vedas. For example- “PRATIKARTAVYAM” is dharma. But the definition of PRATIKARTAVYAM WILL BE KNOWN FROM VEDAS ONLY.

Otherwise, if mere definition is kept in the mind based merely on bookish knowledge, it will not be applicable, in the life forever i.e., such person will never serve the people without selfishness. It reveals that nowadays there are so many self-created definitions of Dharmas by saints, swamiji’s who are against the Vedas and hence, the problem. We will have to study Vedas again as was in action right from the beginning of the earth till Mahabharat war. So, to stop the disintegration of Hinduism and to unite them again, everybody must spread the knowledge of Vedas, Vedas’ being the knowledge which emanates direct from God at the beginning of the earth. Vedas are not sects and Vedas have not been written by any Rishi-Muni or saints etc. It is eternal knowledge which is everlasting.

Ismail: The world is a tease of dreams. What does it mean?
Swami Ram Swarup: World is not a tease of dreams, please. Because when a person faces the result of his sins, he faces even when he is awake. Dreams are normally false. But, birth of a person, to face the result of the deeds like tensions, problems, sickness, sorrows etc., and thus struggle in the life is not a dream. Secondly, world never teases anyone but it is our own sins which tease us and we bear the same while living in the world.

Khedekar Sanjay: Is it possible for you to send me a copy of 63rd supplement of Atharva Veda?
Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you. In Atharvaveda, there are kands, suktas and mantras. So, please intimate the same, so that it can be sent to you. If full Atharvaveda is required then you may please contact M/s. Vijay Kumar Govindram Hasanand, Nai sadak, Delhi.

Alvin Lal: Why is it not possible that Shri Hanuman Ji was not vanar ? You have said in the past: A) Vanar is a tribe in India and not monkey. B) Monkey cannot read Vedas. C) How can Sugreev being monkey as well, marry human lady, this is a sin being against Vedas. Keeping aside the point of marriage, as Hanumanji was Baal bramachari, why is not possible that he was monkey and perhaps 1/2 man, considering the following points below. A) Monkeys can be taught to read, write, answer phones and they have done this today in the world. They also have social behaviour like humans and a hierarchy within family, like humans. So why can they not read Vedas ? B)Vanar direct translation in Sanskrit means monkey. What proof exists that this was actually name of tribe and not literal meaning of monkey, i.e. what proof exists that actually Valmikiji meant tribe and not monkey literally in his Ramayan?
Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you. Logically, scientifically and even based on the unchangeable laws of the nature, a vanar cannot be human-being and human-being cannot be a vanar. Secondly, Valmiki Ramayan is authentic holy book written by Rishi Valmikiji. Valmikiji and Sri Ram were contemporary to each other. Valmikiji has nowhere mentioned in his book that Hanumanji was a vanar (monkey). In Valmiki Ramayan it is mentioned that when Sri Ram and Laxman were searching Sitaji in the jungle they met with Hanumanji for the first time. After having discussion with Hanumaji, Sri Ram told to Laxman that Oh Laxman! See Hanumanji, he is a learned of four Vedas and Sanskrit grammar. I mean to say that vanar cannot be a learned of four Vedas, Sanskrit grammar, he can’t have talk with Sri Ram, Laxman and can never go to Lanka to search mata Sita.You see, Sugreev, Bali, Hanumanji, Angad etc., are being called vanars (monkeys) but their wives have never been called “she-monkeys” nor their faces have been projected to be like monkeys/she-monkeys. So, there was a tribe called vanar but in the said tribe, men-women were there and not monkeys. Monkeys or parrots etc., when will be taught then they may act accordingly but they cannot act as intelligently as man.

Secondly, God has stated that He (God) first gives the knowledge of the four Vedas to four Rishis, who are men. Then the rishis give to the other human-beings. Secondly, God states in the Vedas that worship/study of Vedas etc., are the deeds entrusted to human-beings only and not to others. So, the fundamental law of Almighty God cannot be challenged.

The proof of word “vanar” that it relates to the human-beings is stated above by the discussion between Hanumanji and Sri Ramji where Sri Ram addresses Hanumanji as vanar and side by side immediately states that vanar is learned of four Vedas. There are several other statements in Valmiki Ramayan which prove the fact that Hanumanji was not monkey but he belonged to vanar tribe.

For example- When Hanumanji met Sri Ram, then he gave his full introduction that he is the special warrior of king Sugreev. Sri Ram told Laxmanji that Hanumanji is sweet spoken, neither his sound pitch is high nor low. When a monkey meets a man, he cannot be sweet spoken or speak slowly. Instead, the monkey will start screeching.

You see, Valmikiji was a great philosopher of Vedas and yoga at that time. He was Rishi-Muni. Rishi-Muni can never tell lies. Secondly, Rishi- Munis cannot tell or write in such a manner which may become difficult to understand. Whatever, they see or experience, they write exactly the same. Then how Valmikiji could write Hanumanji as monkey. It is not a matter of Sanskrit word “Vanar” alone but it is a matter of creation which is created by Almighty God.

When we study the matter of creation in the Vedas, we find that human beings are meant to worship and not the other living beings. So, Hanumanji, studied Vedas being a human-being and not monkey.

You see, if nowadays also, we try to give the knowledge of the Vedas to some man or woman, it will be found that hardly a right person will be able to gain its knowledge, then what to talk about an animal which is not earmarked by Almighty God even to listen the Vedas. Can any animal or monkey define the meaning of formless God who is omnipresent and can the monkey meditate and realise God? I mean to say, it is quite impossible for a monkey to follow the said path under the rules and regulations of even Almighty God. Suppose, there is an electric switch. You train a boy of 6-8 years of age to switch it on. Simultaneously, a baby of monkey is also trained to do so. No doubt, both will switch it on. Now, you educate giving several examples to both about electric current in the wire that if anyone will touch the naked electric wire, then a person shall die. If the switch is now broken and the naked wire in which electric current is flowing is seen there, now if you order both of them to switch it on, you will observe that boy shall not touch the switch considering how fatal the naked wire is but the monkey will immediately obey and touch the switch. Naturally, the monkey will also touch the naked wire and die because the monkey was also trained to tell that the current is flowing in the naked wire but mere training by words, monkey could not be made to understand. Monkey can never understand that there exists electric current since he is animal who cannot be as intelligent as man. Can a monkey who is trained in some activities open an institute to train the other monkeys like a man? Certainly not.

Anonymous: A) What is the significance of the thumb, middle and ring finger used together to offer ahuti in Hawan ? Why is the Index and little finger not used? B) If Parents are not learned of the Vedas, and follow current Sanatan Dharm, can son convince them otherwise, i.e. to follow Vedic path ? if not, whose role is it ? Or just leave them to their choice ? C) In current day and age, with mortgages, school for children, transport, etc. expenses are high and income is average. Is it o.k. for wife to work as well to support family or is it purely husband’s role as the income provider, as per Vedas ?
Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you.
(A) we only leave the index finger while giving aahutis in the burning fire of havankund/bedi. It is an indication to get the knowledge that index finger is used to point out the faults of others. At that time, three fingers are folded and point towards the accusing person with the idea that oh! Person you are pointing out the faults of others using your first index finger only but other three fingers are reminding you that you are three times the sinner.
(B) If parents do not accept the path of Vedas then there are two ways- first we must honourably and respectfully educate them irrespective of the fact that it may take any amount of time. Secondly, if yet our advise of Vedas goes in vain then you must follow your eternal path of Vedas undoubtedly and firmly and liberate them to follow their own path.

Yes, in the matter of wisdom, age is not considered. Manusmriti shloka 2/153 states “AGO BHAVTI VAI BALAHA PITA BHAVTI MANTRADAH” i.e., if there is a boy of a young age like that of 10-11 years and he is learned of Vedas, he will be considered like a father and the other person who is not the learned of Vedas and does not possess wisdom, he will be considered ignorant and like a newly born baby irrespective of his age.

(C) Though, it is the sole responsibility of husband to feed the family otherwise he should not marry. Vedas also clarify that if the hard ways suddenly come in life, a matured wife can help the husband in the earning.

Disha: Some sisters observe fast(vrat for their brothers) on bhai dooj day. I want to get the timings and the vidhi (rituals)for observing this fast. I also would like to know if its okay if the brother cannot reach the sisters house, and the sister puts the tika on a photo?
Swami Ram Swarup: Though Bhaiya-Dooj is a pious occasion yet the procedure to do the bhaiya dooj is man-made and not God-made. So, at any time the function can be celebrated. As regards, Tikka on photo, as you mentioned in question, it is better if the tikka is sent by post.

Shikhar: Do you have a branch of Ved Mandir in Delhi also. How can I participate in the Yoga camp organized in December?
Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you. I often come to Delhi when people organize the yajyen/Yoga camp. You can also organize in Delhi, please.

Anshul Goel: Namaskar swamiji, after reading your extracts of your question and answers, I am thinking who I am? Today’s Hinduism is totally against Vedas. All over there are false beliefs, false knowledge. Can we do something to preserve Vedas and preserve our true religion? How can I get the true knowledge?
Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you. I appreciate your views regarding love for Vedas. However, Hinduism is not against the Vedas but mostly the present saints are trying their level best to oppose the Vedas and deviate the public from Vedas. Saints generally state that Vedas are true but Vedas are difficult to understand and Yajyen is also of no use because it only gives heaven (swarg).

The said views of saints are totally false but public is innocent and follows the falsehood. It is seen everywhere that public goes to such saints and listens to such falsehood. Saints inspire the public to come to them and they collect money from the public. The learned acharya states on the contrary, that when the public shall start going to the learned acharya of Vedas, they will listen to the Vedas and do yajyen, listening of Vedas is not difficult. God has stated in Vedas “SUUSHROOM DHEERANAAM” (YAJURVEDA MANTRA 40/13) i.e., listen to Vedas from a learned acharya.

Secondly, Vedas are not a book and uptil Mahabharat war, people gained the knowledge by listening only. So to say that Vedas are difficult to understand is false statement. If people can go to false prophets then why not to the learned acharya of Vedas. But, people listen to the false prophets as the said prophets have spread the false views that the public will be happy or realise God by listening their so called satsang etc., and public for the last more than two thousand years has become habitual to listen to false prophets only. Now, we must do the labour to spread the true knowledge of Vedas, explaining the benefit of listening to Vedas. It is only then that the public would start listening to Vedas and would be able to know the truth. True knowledge is always gained from a learned acharya of Vedas.

Alvin Lal: Pranaam Guruji, Darwin’s theory of evolution, states that Man evolved from monkeys. As per your statement’s "It must be clear that universal laws are always unchangeable. So it is not possible that human beings previously were monkeys and thereafter the tail vanished away etc. as stated in Rigveda mantra 10/190/3 that the process of creation in each universe remains the same for example sun, moon, air ,water,human body etc ., made in the previous universe are the same in this creation of universe as well. So men, women were never made in the shape of monkey etc. " You also state: "No matter of monkey please, otherwise the process could have been continued as yet. Species theory is not according to Vedas please".
However the following things are not clear and I hope you can throw some light onto the matter. A) What is the use of appendix in human body, is is possible that is comes as part of the evolution from monkeys?
B) What is the use of small tail bone as part of pelvis that humans posses, is it also possible that it is part of evolution from monkey?
C) With regards to you last statement above, is it possible that it is a matter of timeline, as the evolution from monkey to man would have taken millions of years, whereas present man and monkey have only been around for thousands of years and therefore the process of evolution is there but will take more time?
D) Is it possible that man is also constantly evolving and that what is now, may not be the same in next 10,000 years?
Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you. I think I have already stated that to come to the truth proof of Vedas is required. Whatever is according to Vedas, is all true otherwise false please. First of all, Darwin’s theory of evolution is not mentioned in Vedas and is also totally against the Vedas. Therefore is not accepted by learned acharya. Yes, process of creation is eternal, everlasting and unchangeable, please.

(A) Appendix has no concern with the Darwin’s theory. Because the construction of living body is controlled by God and whatever God has made in human body is all according to the requirement. No organ can stay without functioning. If it functioned earlier then if stops functioning like appendix then the part of body will decay. Who knows the full creation of the God and how can we declare that appendix is a useless part of the body. If we challenge the appendix, we challenge the nature. If the appendix will be declared a useless part of body then appendix could act as inactive part but in several cases acute pain occurs and sometimes the patient dies when it bursts. We will have to think about the theory of karmas/deeds. Is it not possible that God wanted to give the punishment of sin to the sinner in this way etc. So nothing is useless in the universe. In the construction of human body after all, there will be end to the making of the part. So tail bone is the end of back bone otherwise ask the science where the God should end the construction of the bone. If we will not accept the creation as hundred percent correct then we must also comment on ankle as to why ankle has been left at the end of the leg.

(B) No, tail bone is not part of evolution process. Otherwise, the tail could have survived uptil now on the basis of unchangeable fundamental law of nature. Rightly, Yajurveda mantra 40/9 states “ANDHANTAMAHA PRAVISHANTI……” that scientist who is undertaking research of nature alone gets indulged in illusion. Mantra states that the scientist most do research in nature (science etc.) along with spiritualism based on Vedas.

(C) and (D) Millions and trillions of years will not be able to change the creation please otherwise the Rigveda mantra 10/190/3 stating “SURYA CHANDRAMAA MASAU DHATA POORVYAM AKALPAYAT” will be considered false, which can never happen. So the form of the matter created by God will ever remain same and the said process is eternal and everlasting. One more thing that every theory, ancient or present or worship is created by human mind whereas the creator and His creation is beyond imagination. It is also pertinent to mention here that Darwin’s theory has not been universally accepted.

Siddharth Bajaj: I think it does not matter because level of oxygen (i.e 20.995 % of atmosphere) in the earth remains same. If there is no sun in India then there will be sun in America so the total level of oxygen remains same in the earth. So is it true that it does not make any difference whether we do pranayama in the absence of sun or present of sun?
Swami Ram Swarup: When the sun rays touch the pious burning fire of hawan kund /bedi then only the material offered in the hawan kund can be transferred into atoms etc., and then it reaches the sky, please. So, presence of sunlight is essential on the place where Yajyen/hawan is being performed. So the benefit of doing Prannayam in the night is there but full benefit is attained at the time of dawn or day and evening time. Secondly, Vedas have already told about the worship/pranayaam etc., in the morning and evening time. However, an ascetic is allowed to do worship, Prannayam etc., at any time, including in night. So, we must not forget that we have to obey Vedas.

Hemant: Aadarniya Swamiji, First of all a Namaskar. Thank you very much for your valuable answer. Dear Swamiji, I really want to learn Vedas (Asan, pranayam ) can you please please help me out. What should be my daily routine ? Eagerly awaiting for your valuable answer.
Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you. You are advised to study some of my books which are based on Vedas. Books will first help you to enter the knowledge of Vedas and Yoga Philosophy. Then the important law of Vedas is to go to a learned acharya of Vedas and Yoga Philosophy to learn the spiritual knowledge personally. So after studying the books, you may either come here to get the spiritual knowledge or seek the acharya locally. I have written about twenty books but you may study first the following books:
(i) Vedic Satsang Sangrah- Part I & II. (in Hindi)
(ii) Brahamcharya – Ek Dukh Nivarak Divya Manni (in Hindi)
(iii) Yajya Karma –Sarvashreshth Ishwar Pooja (in Hindi)
(iv) Comments In Hindi On Patanjal Yog Darshan – I &II ( in Hindi)
(v)Vedanta and Eternal Vedas’ Philosophy – in English
(vi) Yoga – A Divine Vedas’ Philosophy- in English
(vii) Vedas – A Divine Light – Part I & II (in English)
However, you may minimize the number of books as you wish. The books can be sent to you by post on receipt of your postal address if you so desire. Otherwise, you may first come here which will be far better for you. Please read answers to other questions about daily routine.

Ajay: What is the origin of lord Shiva?
Swami Ram Swarup: As per the eternal philosophy of the Vedas existence of a human body becomes possible from parents so, Shivji Maharaj sure took birth and became a famous Yogi and equivalent to God. Unnatural statements or the statements which do not tally with the Vedas are not accepted by the learned being unauthentic.

The said fact has also been mentioned by Rishi Patanjali in his Yog Shastra Sutra 1/7 that to reach at the truth or to declare a matter as true, proof of Vedas is essential. Kapil Muni in his Sankhya Shastra Sutra 3/81 further states that in the absence of proof of ved mantras and alive Ashtang Yogi, who is learned of Vedas, a new tradition of blind faith will start. I mean to say, in Vedas there is only one formless, Almighty, omnipresent God Who is worshipped. God never takes birth, He is always away from birth and death and never faces result of any deeds, etc.

Hari Govindan: Swamiji, is there a spiritual practice called Apsara Sadhana. Is there a spirital text – Viswamitra Samhita?
Swami Ram Swarup: No, please. There is no tradition of worship of Apsara sadhana in Vedas. Vedas only tell to worship a Formless God who is Omnipresent, Almighty, creates, nurses and destroys the universe. Sorry, I do not know about Vishwamitra Samhita please.

S P: What is the auspicious time for garbhadhan? When according to our scriptures garbhadhan should idealy take place and what are the prohibited time for the same? Please comment.
Swami Ram Swarup: It is spring season which is particularly auspicious time for Garbhadan sanskar. For the details, I would advise you to read my book “Brahmacharya – Ek Dukh Nivarak Divya Manni” in Hindi . If you desire, book can be sent on receipt of your postal address.

Anshul: What is the concept of so many millions of gods in our religion, although Vedas and Gita says that God is one, creator and maintainer of whole universe. Why Hindus give the status of God to gurus n leaders? There is a lot of difference between God and guru. Inspite of knowing that Vedas and Gita are sentences spoken by god itself, why is there so many religious n philosophical books written by saints in Hinduism? Its better to preach only Gita to the world, not to write ones own thinking in a new book.
Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you. There is only one God, who is Formless, Omnipresent, Almighty, he creates, nurses and destroys the universe. His authentic description is in Vedas, they being eternal knowledge which emanates direct from God. In the absence of Vedas’ knowledge, people get indulged in illusion and follow the man-made worship. Please read the articles: God is formless and About Gurus.

No doubt, without guru/teacher, nobody can gain knowledge. This is a fundamental law of nature that knowledge is gained when it is given by someone. That is why Vedas state that first guru of four Rishis of unsexual creation is Almighty God Himself from whom the knowledge of Vedas emanates and is originated in the heart of four rishis. Thereafter the knowledge is spread by Rishis traditionally. So guru is essential as per Vedas, but Vedas state that he must be learned of four Vedas and ashtang yoga Philosophy. The ancient Rishis also wrote books i.e., six shastras, upnishads, Bhagwad Geeta etc., but they wrote books which were totally based on Vedas.

Yog Shastra Sutra 1/7 states that to reach at truth, a brief discussion and proof of Ved mantras is essential.

The said fact has also been mentioned by Rishi Patanjali in his Yog Shastra Sutra 1/7 that to reach at the truth or to declare a matter as true, proof of Vedas is essential. Kapil Muni in his Sankhya Shastra Sutra 3/81 further states that in the absence of proof of ved mantras and alive Ashtang Yogi, who is learned of Vedas, a new tradition of blind faith will start. I mean to say, in Vedas there is only one formless, Almighty, omnipresent God Who is worshipped. God never takes birth, He is always away from birth and death and never faces result of any deeds, etc.

You are right that why so many books are being written at present. I mean to say, if the books do not contain the proof of Ved mantras then the books will not be of any use as per the statement of above Yog Shastra sutra and Vedas.

Several books are not required to be written if our concentration is made on listening/studying the Vedas. Now, there is a problem that the learned of Vedas has to write the books to spread the knowledge of Vedas and to oppose the views of the writers, saints etc., which are against the Vedas.

As regards only preaching of Bhagwad Geeta, it will not serve the purpose please. You know, Geeta has been written by Vyas muniji about 5,300 years ago and orated by Yogeshwar Sri Krishna Maharaj. Both the dignitaries were learned of Vedas and Ashtang yoga Philosophy.

You see, the medical philosophy is known by medical officers only. Similarly, Bhagwad Geeta’s philosophy written by philosopher of Vedas will only be known by the philosophers of Vedas and not by others.

Nowadays, several saints have written comments on Bhagwad Geeta but they do not know Sanskrit and Vedas’ philosophy then how can their comments be considered authentic?

As per Sankhya Shastra Sutra 3/81 written by Kapil muniji, such practice spreads blind faith in the public. So, first of all study of four Vedas and hard practice of ashtang Yoga Philosophy is required to realise the truth. Bhagwad Geeta is a spiritual, social, pious granth but you see before its existence the spiritual knowledge was also alive. Moreover, the real study of Bhagwad Geeta reveals that this pious granth inspires the aspirants to study Vedas and to start hard practice of Ashtang Yoga Philosophy.

Alvin Lal: Should one attend Ramayan recitals, even though Vedas states only to pray to formless God and listen to acharya who is learned of 4 Vedas and practices ashthang yoga and then only listen to Vedas ? Reason being that Shri Ram followed path of Vedas, therefore if you listen to his katha, one is very likely to follow that, because it is an example of how Vedas should be followed in life? Also if allowed, should we listen to Valmiki Ramayan, being authentic to Vedas ? Also you mentioned that before doing hawan with gaytari mantra, should be empty stomach as natural causes stool, wind are not allowed. How to do this for the afternoon hawan? For the morning we can fast before hawan, therefore no natural causes, but what about for afternoon ? And we do this daily, does that mean fast for afternoon hawan as well everyday?
Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you. Rules and regulations of the Almighty God are mentioned in Vedas which are immortal and unchangeable as is also stated in Rigveda mantra 3/56/1. So, if we obey the order of Almighty God who is creator of universe then we will have to worship Him only and He is formless, omnipresent, Almighty God. To decide the truth there are two proofs- one the eternal knowledge of the Vedas and second are the holy books written by the Rishi-munis based on Vedas. So, we must always study Vedas and the holy books written by rishis. So, the study of Valmiki Ramayan is authentic, please.

After taking lunch, naturally the time of performing the evening hawan, would be minimum after three hours. We may take water or liquid drinks in between. Yet our stomach will remain empty if we do not take any solid food after lunch and before performing the evening hawan. So one can do hawan accordingly.

Rajesh Kumar: Swamiji what is Udashin State of Mind?
Swami Ram Swarup: This is the stage of mind when after long worship of God and practice of Yoga Philosophy under guidance of learned acharya of Vedas, one becomes ascetic. The details of this stage is mentioned in my book- comments on Patanjal Darshan ; Yog Shastra sutra 1/15 and 16. You are advised to study the book, please. At this stage, the person desires only to realise God and do worship accordingly.

Anonymous: When will death come to these people? (details provided)
Swami Ram Swarup: As you know, death and birth are always in control of Almighty God. the human life is meant to overcome death and get salvation only. A phakir always blesses for long, happy life for all human-beings.

Sagar: Does Rigved mention that Brahmans, or priests, were created from the mouth, they were to provide for the intellectual and spiritual needs of the community. Kshatriyas, warriors and rulers, were derived from the arms, their role was to rule and to protect others. Vaishyas–landowners and merchants–sprang from the thighs, and were entrusted with the care of commerce and agriculture. Shudras–artisans and servants–came from the feet, their task was to perform all manual labor?
Swami Ram Swarup: No, please. Vedas never state about such unnatural matters. Some people misinterpret the divine meanings of Ved mantras. For example- the said wrong views have been made by the ignorant persons on Yajurveda mantra 31/11 and Rigveda mantra 10/90/12 . The said mantra states-“BRAHMANNO MUKHAM ASEET.” The real meaning is that persons, without considering the matter of caste etc./, who study Vedas, do Yajyen and hard practice of Ashtang Yoga and as result become learned, Rishi-munis , yogi such persons are considered respectable, praiseworthy in the world like the mouth of the body.

So is the meaning of the rest of the sections of society viz., warriors (kshatriyas), vaishyas, shudras etc., i.e., the person who has the quality in his arms of acquiring mental and physical power to protect the country from enemies , to maintain law and order in the country and to help the poor is called warrior (kshatriya).

The person who acquires power in his thighs to travel quickly from one place to another for business pursuits, agriculture etc., and distributes the goods honestly to the society is called the vaishya.

A person who could not study well and does not have the qualities of the said three sections of the society, he discharges his duties by serving the said society well and thus is called shudra. The said sections are not based on birth but are always based on deeds and therefore are changeable accordingly.

Sagar: What is gotra and why same gotra marriages are forbidden?
Swami Ram Swarup: The meaning of ‘gotra’ is a path, family line, genealogy and a learned acharya on whose name the path of vansh (gotra) has been made. For-example, there was “Bhardwaj rishi” on whose name Bhardwaj gotra stands etc. Rigveda mantra 10/85/21 states that marriage of boy and girl must not be performed within gotra. According to Rigveda Mantra 10/85/21 marriage should always be solemnized with girl from different gotra. Manusmriti Shloka 3/5 states that the girl who is away from the six generations of parents is only to be married.

Hemant: Dear Swamiji, First of all a Namaskar. Is Om mentioned in Vedas ? the origin ? i.e utpatti /stiti/lay how is it described how actually Om came into existence? Please specify the names of god which match with the current existing names like Ganesh, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiv/Mahesh any others too if yes please specify where in which Vedas & verse they are mentioned? The stories which r described in 18 puranas have been they really occurred or else? Are there any lok any mentioned in 18 puranas as shiv lok, pitru lok, etc. Do angels exist? Do matru or pitru or forefathers atmas really help us? Dear swamiji pls guide me in worshipping the almighty who is omnipresent pls suggest some of your best tips & ideas as how to worship the lord who resides within us.
Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you. Om is the best name of Almighty God in the Vedas. Now, if you are a professor and your name is Sri Hemant Kumar, you teach mathematics, the best. Then, your praise will spread all over the college and outside too. Now, you have to think that whether the praise is due to your name or yourself? Your name is Sri Hemant Kumar. Your name does not teach mathematics to students but you yourself teach. However, the praise will be yours along with your name. So, Yog Shastra Sutra 1/27 states “TASYA VACHAKAHA PRANNAVAHA” i.e., the name of God is Om. I mean to say there are two things.

One is yourself and second is your name. Name is Vachak and your self is vachya. Similarly there is a formless, Almighty, immortal God whose name is Om. God creates, nurses and destroys the universe. The knowledge of four Vedas emanates direct from God at the beginning of each creation. One should know about the creation from Vedas otherwise the real knowledge about Prakriti, souls, Almighty God and His worship cannot be known. For example – If one for the first time goes to Bombay and no body knows him there then one will have to introduce one self to others, then the people of that place would be able to know about him otherwise not. Similarly, after final destruction of the universe when new creation starts and non-sexual living beings came into existence then every body is ignorant. Because knowledge is only attained when it is given by someone. In the new non-sexual creation, there is not even any learned acharya to give knowledge. Hence, it is but natural that the knowledge of four Vedas emanates from Almighty God and is originated in the heart of four Rishis as has also been briefed in Rigveda mantra 10/181/1,2 and Yajurveda mantra 31/7 .

Vedas contains three eternal educations- Gyan Kand i.e., science, Karma Kand i.e., form of deeds and Upasana Kand i.e., worship. The said education has been told by God Himself in Vedas and God has briefed His unlimited names based on His unlimited divine qualities in the Vedas as is also stated in Rigveda mantra 1/164/46. Out of which the best name of the God has been stated as “Om” in Yajurveda mantra 40/15 stating “OM KRATO SMAR” i.e., Oh! Aspirant you are entrusted to do deeds therefore at the time of your death recite the name of God –‘Om’. The idea of the mantra is that the human-being always does the deeds-good or bad, as per his society and the result is awarded by God. God states that one should always remember the name of God –Om especially at the time of death to get peace. The listening /study of Vedas also opens our eyes to the fact that we must follow the Vedas and do jaap of the name of the God which has been mentioned by the God Himself in the Vedas. We must never go against the eternal knowledge of Vedas.

Names of God
In the Vedas there is only one God but has so many names according to his qualities. For example His name is OM which means the God is the saviour of all. His name is SURYA (sun) i.e., sun has light but sun takes light from God because God has the supreme and Divine light of His own. His name is Chandrma (moon). Moon gives peace, calm, cold and charming light so the name of God is also Chandrma (moon) because God gives peace, calm etc., to those who worship etc., etc. we all people do not worship thirty three Goddesses as briefed above. Shiva means Kalyan i.e., happiness, welfare, good fortune and benediction etc., i.e., He who does welfare to human beings, He is Shiva and He is only one Almighty God said above. Vishnu means He who is everywhere and He is only one Almighty God.

Rig-Veda mantra 1/164/46 says," EKAM SADRUPA VIPRAH BAHUDHA VADANTI," i.e., EKAM SATAM means truth is one i.e., God is one but VIPRAH = Rishis, Munis who were/are learned of Vedas, BAHUDHA VADANTI utter so many names of God mentioned in Vedas like AGNIM YAMAM MATRISHVANAM AAHUHU meaning-the name of God are Agni, Yam, Matrishva and AAHUHU means "says". In Yajurveda mantra 32/1 the names of God stated are AGNI, ADITYA, VAAYU, CHANDRMA, SHUKRAM, BRAHM, AAPAH, and PRAJAPATIHI ETC, ETC, ETC. I would explain the meaning of above all the names of God in brief due to shortage of time and space.

AGNI= agrini i.e., at the top or who comes first or who was before the creation and according to the said qualities, here the meaning of Agni pertains to God i.e., God is eternal and therefore exists always before the creation etc. that is why Rigveda mantra 1/1/1 says AGNIM Eedey – in the said mantra the meaning of Agni is God according to the qualities and situation. Meaning of Eedey means desire. Therefore the meaning of Agnim Eedey is , "I am desirous of God. Similarly YAM means controller of universe, Matrishva means air i.e., like the air God gives life to human beings. Aditya means which can not be broken into pieces, Chandrma means like moon God gives calm/peace, Shukram means Almighty, Braham means the superior/the biggest/the greatest etc., in the universe, Aapah means omnipresent, Prajapatihi means one who nurses the universe. So all the said meanings have the qualities of God and hence the name of God in the Vedas, but these are always uttered by Rishis Munis, who are learned of Vedas, as mentioned in Rig-Veda mantra quoted above. Therefore only Rishis Munis who are learned of Vedas, utter or tell the holy name of God mentioned in Vedas and those who do not know Vedas can never utter the above holy names of God. But the said holy names, on the other hand, are even of surprising nature to them.

One thing more, the holy names of God in the Vedas are according to the nature, knowledge and deeds (God creates, nurses, destroys and controls the universe etc.) of Almighty God. Therefore those names are eternal and countless. So I am not able to mention here infinite names of Almighty God being beyond imagination, beyond calculation and beyond description etc., and we have to worship the said Almighty God whose description is in four Vedas, whose study has mostly been made stopped by the present saints who were against the Vedas and speak only charming stories etc., and never tells about Vedas. Whereas the description of Vedas is in Geeta, Ramayana, six shastras, Upnishads and all ancient holy books. The reason why the present (most of them) saints do not quote Vedas is that they do not study the Vedas, do not do Yajyen and do not obey Ashtang Yoga Philosophy mentioned in Vedas which was too adopted by Shri Ram, Shri Krishna, Mata Sita, King Harishchandra, king Dashrath and their subjects/ public etc. Therefore we must be aware of false prophets.

Trinity
There is only one God who is formless, creates, nurses and destroys the universe. He is Almighty and supreme, beyond description, beyond imagination and beyond calculation. He is omnipresent and omniscient. Divine qualities of Almighty God are described in eternal knowledge of Vedas. Vedas emanate direct from God. So all Hindus and others too believe in Vedas.

Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh are the name of one said God. God has no wives please because He is Almighty and needs no assistance etc. No one is above God please. All religions tell to worship God.

In Rigveda mantra 2/23/1 there is a word, "GANNANAAM TWA GANNPATIM HAVAMAHE". In the mantra Gannanam means who is Supreme, amongst all the matters of universe, i.e., God and Gannapatim means he who is Supreme Lord of the matters of the universe i.e., God , "TWA" means you i.e., God, HAVAMAHE means accept that is accept for worship. Idea of the mantra is one should always worship the God who is Supreme commander of the universe, who is omniscient and Almighty.

Stories of eighteen purannas do not tally with the true knowledge of Vedas. Vedas contain knowledge only but not any story, history of anyone etc. In Vedas there is no mention of any proper noun except that of Almighty God.

There are only three lokas in Vedas viz.
(i) Dyulok (celestial bodies emitting light)
(ii) Antariksh lok (space)
(iii) Prithvilok (the earth)
No swarg-narak, angels etc., exist in the sky as per Vedas. After death, no soul helps us. Soul has to take next birth within fourteen days based on his good or bad deeds as per Yajurveda chapter 39.

Your views are really highly appreciated. I would advise you to first read some of my books to gain the knowledge of Vedas and worship of omnipresent God. Books are – Vedic Satsang Sangrah- I & II Detailed comments on Patanjal Yog Darshan – I & II, Shrimad Bhagwad Geeta –Ek Vedic Rahasya (chapters 1-6), Brahamcharya –Ek Dukh Nivarak Divya Manni (all the said books are in Hindi) Next are – Questions and Answers on Vedanta and Eternal Vedas Philosophy, Yoga – A Divine Vedas philosophy, Vedas- A Divine Light- I& II ( all the said books are in English) .

You may ask one or two books first instance. The books can be sent on receipt of your postal address if you so desire, please. In the said books – the best said Vedic ideas are mentioned and eternal path of worship of God has also been described.

Alvin Lal: I have yet another question that comes in my mind. Please enlighten once more guruji… In the question "Is to have relationship before marriage sin?" you answered: Only after marriage boy and girl can meet, and that they cannot give their hearts to each other till marriage. That is fundamental Vedic law. However, In the Ramayan, where Shri Ram was great learned of the 4 Vedas and a yogi, when he comes to Janakpuri with brother Lachman and Rishi Vishwamitr, he goes to collect flowers for the Rishi’s pooja, where he meets Sita. They seem to stare lovingly (and cannot stop staring) into each other’s eyes for a long time and then return back with the flowers. Firstly is the above authentic as per Valmiki Ramayan? Secondly if authentic then, is this not against the above Vedas philosophy, where boy an girl should not meet before marriage and that they should not give their hearts (love) to each other, till after marriage.. How can Shri Ram a great yogi and learned of the 4 vedas, break this fundamental law?
Swami Ram Swarup: There are two Ramayanas in our country – Tusikrit and Rishi Valmiki Krit. Rishi Valmiki was contemporary to Sri Ram. Rishi Narad told the story of Sri Ram to Valmikiji. Valmikiji saw whole of the life events of Sri Ram, Mata Sita, Laxman etc., right from the birth of Sri Ram and till the time when he returned back to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile including conquering over Lanka. So the learned of Vedas accept Valmiki Ramayan as an authentic holy book. I mean to say that in Valmiki Ramayan, the story stated by you about meeting of Sri Ram and Sita in a garden has not been mentioned. So it never happened, please.

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Post your Questions
You can send in questions to Swami Ji about their problems, current issues, spirituality, Yoga, God, etc. He will reply to your questions and the answers will be emailed to you. All personal questions and their replies are kept confidential.

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Yoga Lectures
The lectures on Yoga are prepared by Swami Ram Swarup Ji. They are divided into:

Lecture 1
Origin of Yoga
The first Guru
 

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Gayatri Mantra
Everybody wants peace and happiness. Nobody wants a single sorrow. That is why the soul is bounded with Karma (deeds) theory that whatever the soul wants it is not necessary that she will get it. It is rightly said that man proposes, God disposes. However the origin of soul in human body is empowered to burn all the sorrows by virtue of worship the God to get happy, peaceful life and even to attain Salvation. In this pious way Gayatri Mantra is very much beneficial for human beings.

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