Suraj: We want to know in the pitru days (shhradha) can we do pooja of other Gods or not? And we require system of pooja in same days.
Swami Ram Swarup: There is no other God except one eternal, Almighty, Formless God who creates, nurses and destroys the Universe. Due to lack of Vedas’ knowledge, we have forgotten the said real, omnipresent God. As regards Shraadh, I paste my article on Shraadh-
There is no Pirivisarjani Amavasya as it does not exist in Vedas, Shastras. The Pitra Visarjani and Tarpann also does not exist in Vedas. The said acts are totally against the Vedas because the Vedas’ Knowledge emanates from the God, so the said acts are against the God also. Sanskrit knowledge is not enough to know the eternal truth. Vedas knowledge is required to know Vedas truth. Manusmriti shloka 2/168 states that those who are called Guru/Pandit etc., and have studied several religious books or languages and have not studied Vedas, they are called illiterate. So, who can challenge Manusmriti or eternal knowledge of Vedas? However, if you agree with the Pandit, you may continue your deed at your own accord but learned of Vedas never accept it. The pandit who use to perform poojapaath earlier has gone to Orissa and other pandits, you say are not capable but my daughter, Vedas, Manusmriti and other Rishis have clarified that act against the Vedas either done by a qualified Sanskrit pandit or others will be of no use. So, if you want to do then, you can invite any purohit, please. I also paste my article on Shradh as under-
Anna Daan/Shradh to departed soul
Vedas are eternal knowledge which emanate direct from God at the beginning of every universe. Being the knowledge direct from God, each statement of Ved mantra is also eternal truth.
Thirty-ninth chapter of Yajurveda states about death. The soul when leaves the human body remains under control of a divine air named “Sutratma vayu”. Mantras tell that after wandering unconsciously for thirteen days in the space and planets like Sun, moon, etc., soul comes again on this earth inside the vegetation. Then either the soul enters the male living being’s body according to pious deeds and sins through pores or is duly mixed within vegetation and taken by a male person. Then the soul takes rebirth through parents.
This process is an eternal truth. However, if soul is religious and has done hard tapasya then the soul gets salvation. Only soul has to face the result of previous lives’ deeds through living being’s body. Since soul is alive whereas body is non-alive matter. So body does not face the result of deeds. When soul has gone out of body then how the soul will see, hear, taste, smell or touch or will be benefited of any pious deed etc.? Therefore Vedas do not tell about the present system of shradh etc.
However, the pious deeds done to remember the departed soul by means of devotion or organising the holy Yajyen with Ved mantras, its result never goes in vain and the family is benefited.
Departed soul never meets again please. Even departed soul, when take rebirth, forgets every event of his previous life. As regards dreams Atharvaveda states that dreams of departed soul are not good so it is in your interest and welfare that you do not see dreams.
Basant: Namaste swami ji, Kya mukti ke liye kewal darshan granth aur satyarth prakash padhna paryaapt hota hai ?
Swami Ram Swarup: Namasteji. Mukti ke liye Charon vedon ka adhyayan kisi gyanvaan acharya ke aadheen rehkar karna chahiye. Vedon ko sunney se hee hamein agla gyan prapt hoga ki hum ghar mein nitya havan/yajyen karein, Ishwar ke naam ka jaap karein aur acharya se ashtang yog vidya seekh kar uska abhyas karein aur wahi shubh karma karein jo vedon ke anukool hain. Ved virudh kabhi na jayein. Vedon ne issey hee mukti ka marg kaha hai. Isey sey hee Indriya sanyam ko prapt hoti hain aur jeev vairagya prapt kar leita hai.
Satyarth Prakash evam Darshan granth shanshaye ko door karne ke liye ati uttam granth hain jinke adhyayan bhi aaj ke yug mein gyan prapt karne ke liye avashyak hai.
Santosh: What acts should be done if one is suffering from brahma dosha? What are the remedies to remove brahma dosha?
Swami Ram Swarup: Brahma dosh is not mentioned in Vedas. So, being unauthentic learned do not accept it. However, please clarify that what do you understand by Brahma dosh.
SMP: I am having health problems for the last two years.
Swami Ram Swarup: You are advised to seek medical treatment regularly, which I hope you would be taking already. However, to overcome the illness, sorrows etc., Vedas tell us to do daily worship and pray to God to protect us with the same. So, you are advised to do the following which is as under-
GAYATRI MANTRA
The Gayatri mantra is as follows —
OM BHURBHUVAHA SWAHA TATA SAVITUR VARENYAM BHARGODEVASYA
DHIMAHI DHIYO YO NAHA PRACHODYAT
Meaning of Gayatri mantra stating each word is as follows. Its meaning is based on
Vedas and Sanskrit grammar. Grammatical hints are in short please.
Om has three Hindi words. Aa, Uu AND Ma. Aa is meant for Aakaar from which three
names of God are built, Viraat, Agni, and Vishwadi. From Uu = uukar from which
Hirannyagarbha, Vayu and Tejas names occur and Ma = makaar from which Ishwar,
Aditya and Praajyan aadi, holy names of God occur. Rigveda mantra 1/164/46 says
God is one but His names are several. But here OM the holy name of God is only
being explained.
VIRAAT = Viraat word is made from dhatu ‘Rajrideeptau’ i.e., manifest. Therefore
Viraat means He who manifests the universe. As God manifests the universe, thus
Viraat is the name of God. Rigveda mandal 10, sukta 129 states that like potter
makes pot from clay, similarly God creates universe from non-alive matter prakriti.
Prakriti is unseen matter. From unseen matter, the whole universe is created in the
visible form. Science also says that matter is never destroyed but changes its form.
Suppose a paper is burnt, paper changes its form into ashes. Then ashes are crushed
and thrown in air. At this moment, the paper changed into ashes becomes invisible
but was never destroyed. Similarly the whole universe at the time of final destruction
is turned into prakriti i.e., into unseen form.
AGNI = From dhatu, “ANCHU GATI POOJANAYOHO” the word “AGNI is made. Its
meaning is: He who is a form of wisdom. “SARVAJAYEN” i.e., Omniscient. That is,
knows each and every atom of universe and even beyond universe. He who is to be
known, to be gained and is worshipful. So Agni is the name of God.
VISHWA = Vishwa word is made from dhatu, “VISHPRAVESHANE”. Its meaning is He
in whom the universe is entering or He who is entering the universe. So being
omnipresent, Vishwa is the name of God.
HIRANNYAGARBHA = i.e., ” JYOTIRVAYIHIRANYAM”. Its meaning is, who is the base
of all sun, etc., luminous lokas or He who is the living place of all luminous lokas.
VAYU = from dhatu, “VA GATIGANDHANYOHO”, vayu word is made. Its meaning is
He who holds, gives life and destroys and is the mightiest amongst all. So the name
of God is Vayu.
TEJ = from dhatu, “TIJA NISHANE”, the word Tej is made meaning He who is self
made and self-enlightened and gives light to sun, moon, stars etc. God does not take
light from anywhere but gives light to sun, moon, stars, etc. so the unbroken,
unobstructed/unproduced and eternal form of light is Almighty God and not sun,
moon etc. So the name of God is Tej.
ISHWAR = from dhatu, “ISH ASHWERIYE”, the word Ishwar is made. Its meaning is
whose knowledge is thoughtful and true and He who has unlimited wealth, fortune
and glory etc. Therefore the name of God is Ishwar. Here it is not out of place to
mention that soul (man/woman) has limited qualities and are dependent whereas
God is independent and has unlimited qualities that is why He is God.
ADITYA = from dhatu, “DO AVAKHANDANE”, Aditya word is made. Its meaning is the
one who cannot be broken into pieces and thus cannot be destroyed. So God’s name
is Aditya.
PRAJAYEN (PRAGYA) = from dhatu, “JYEN AVABODHANE”, Prajayen word is made
meaning whose wisdom is totally without any misunderstanding and thus he who
knows every matter and behavior of whole universe without misunderstanding. So
God’s name is Prajayen. So here also it is not out of place to mention that illusion
can never attack on God and God is totally free from illusion.
BHUHU = “BHUHU ITI VAYEE PRANAHA” i.e., He who is the base of lives of universe,
is most beloved, even more than Prann i.e., breath. So Bhuhu is the name of God.
BHUVAHA= “BHUVAHA ITI APANAHA” i.e., He who is totally free from any sorrow,
and the soul removes his own all sorrows after coming in contact with Him. So the
name of God is Bhuvaha.
SWAHA = i.e., “SWAHA ITI VYANAHE” who is omnipresent in the universe and is
holding the same. So the name of God is Swaha.
SAVITUHU = He who creates the universe. So the name of God is Savituhu.
DEVSYA= who gives all pleasure/merriment, so the name of God is Dev.
VARENNYAM = He who is the most supreme and acceptable. God is most supreme
and acceptable for worship.
BHARGAHA = the purest entity (though God is formless, but finding no suitable
English word of Sanskrit word, “SHUDH SWARUPAM” the word entity has been used.)
TAT = i.e., the God i.e., of the purest entity.
DHIMAHI = i.e., we must hold (sort of meditation) because
YAHA = the God
NAHA = our,
DHIYAHA = mind(i.e., in our minds)
PRACHODYAT = by inspiration (fulfil the mind with wisdom)
MEANING
“We meditate the God who is the base of lives’ of universe, totally free from any sorrow, omnipresent, creates the universe, gives all pleasure/merriment, most supreme and acceptable, purest entity; May the God enlighten our minds with wisdom by His inspiration”.
Here it is not out of place to mention that idea of a (one) Ved mantra is based on ideas of several Ved mantras. So in the above Gayatri mantra, there are three things —-
Bhuhu, Bhuvaha, Swaha, Savituhu, Bhargaha, Devsya are some qualities amongst unlimited qualities of God. These are called Stuti i.e., to say about God with His real qualities and not self made etc.
Secondly Dhimahi means meditation i.e., one should always sit in meditation and do hard and pious deeds for which he will have to study Vedas in full, while discharging moral duties towards family and nation.
Third and last is DHIYO YO NAHA PRACHODYAT. It is a prayer to God explanation of which is cited above.
How to do havan
Please sit in the morning to perform havan. Havan must be in sunlight then it is more beneficial. Then half a bowl of fresh water with a tablespoon must be with you with small twigs especially of mango tree if possible, havan samagri, ghee, camphor and match box must be there with you. Please sit on sukh asan on four times folded blanket and blanket must be on mat.
Sukh asan i.e., sit on duly folded feet in comfortable position. Then first close your eyes and concentrate between two eyebrows and chant Gayatri mantra three times within heart and not by mouth. Then open your eyes.
Take one spoon of water in right palm. Chant this mantra, OM AMRITO UPASTRANMASI SWAHA and drink the water which you have put in your palm. Then again take the spoon of water in right palm then chant the next mantra, OM AMRITA APIDHANMASI SWAHA, and drink the water. Then again take the water in right palm and chant the mantra, OM SATYAM YASHAH SHRI MAYI SHRI SHRAYTAAM SWAHA, and drink the water. Then wash the right palm while sitting, with the same water kept in bowl.
Then put the twigs into havan kund with one piece of camphor and burn it. During this process chant the Gayatri mantra again and again till such time the fire is lighted sufficiently. Then chant the Gayatri mantra and at the last add the word Swaha and offer ghee with tablespoon, quantity equivalent to 4 to 5 drops. And if you are alone then also offer in fire pinch of havan samagri from your right hand’s finger and thumb avoiding forefinger. So this offering may be of 11 times, 21 times or 51 times as the time suits. It is the simplest way and I have not quoted the complete method of Yajna. The havan with Ved mantras are always offered as the best worship of God only please. Do havan daily and both times.
Procedure of Chanting
Please, start the day by chanting Gayatri mantra in the early morning sitting on suitable asan like Sukhasan, Siddhasan or Padmasan etc. concentrate on the point between two eyebrows which is called “Agyachakra”. The Gayatri mantra should be chanted along with its meaning both times. Also, please try to perform daily hawan even with Gayatri mantra. Then try to study any of my books daily and put up question if any. After 15 days chant the Gayatri mantra only thrice thereafter do the name jaap of Almighty God-“Om”. The jaap must be done daily by heart and not orally.
Edward: I am a devotee of Hare Krishna, I often visit your website and I find your Question and Answer very interesting, your book on Havan procedure to perform yajyen is written in Hindi, as I do not know Hindi how can I obtain or buy this very book in English , if there is no publication in English can you please let me know how I can do the daily yajyen and what is the name of God one can chant on the japa and how many rounds. I hope to receive your favourable reply.
Swami Ram Swarup: Thanking you, please. Yes, please. Procedure of performing havan has been mentioned in my Hindi book- Yajyen karma sarvashreshth Ishwar Pooja. As far as my knowledge is concerned, such book in English would not be available. However, you are advised to make contact with M/s Vijay Kumar Hassanand, Nai Sadak, Delhi-110006.
The website of M/S Vijay Kumar Hassanand is www.vedicbooks.com.
They can guide you about the English books. I would like to inform you that I am also in the process of writing the said book in English. But, it may take further about three-four months for its completion/publication. You may write to me after the said period.
I really appreciate your views to perform daily havan which is an eternal and true worship of Almighty God which has been stated in all four Vedas. With the blessings of God, I have also written the following books and sing spiritual songs with preach. If you desire you can send your demand, please. Otherwise, you may write to me about the above quoted book only after three-four months.
List of books is appended below, please —–
S. No. NAMES OF BOOK COST PAGES
1. PATANJAL YOG DARSHAN PT I 131.00 332
2. PATANJAL YOG DARSHAN PT II 200.00 295
3. VEDIC PRAVACHAN SANGRAH 120.00 118
4. VEDIC SATSANG SANGRAH PT II 12.00 29
5. MANAV DHARAM SHIKSHA 21.00 88
6. ATMIK UDGAR 51.00 42
7. DIL SE DIL KI BAAT 21.00 20
8 YAJ KARAM SARVSHRESHTH ISHWAR POOJA 65.00 132
9. BRAHAMCHARYA DUKH NIVARAK
DIVYA MANNI 100.00 173
10. MRITYU EK KATU SATYA 20.00 63
11. BHAJAN KIRTAN 40.00 64
12. SHRIMADBHAGWAD GEETA
EK VEDIC RAHSYA (CHAP. 1-6) 400.00 739
13. SHRIMADBHAGWAD GEETA
EK VEDIC RAHSYA (CHAP. 7-12) 400.00 594
14. SANDHYA MANTRA 25 33
15. VEDIC PRAVACHAN SANGRAH PT II 100.00 124
(IN HINDI 1-15)
16. VEDANTA & ETERNAL VEDAS’
PHILOSOPHY PT I 31.00 77
17. VEDANTA AND ETERNAL VEDAS’
PHILOSOPHY PT II 20.00 92
18. YOGA A DIVINE VEDAS PHILOSOPHY 65.00 123
19. VEDAS A DIVINE LIGHT 80.00 190
20. PROTECT THE HOLY COW, SAY VEDAS 40.00 58
21. VEDAS A DIVINE LIGHT PT. II 121.00 279
22. VEDAS A DIVINE LIGHT PT. III 100.00 126
23. VEDAS A DIVINE LIGHT PT. IV 100.00 153
24. VEDAS A DIVINE LIGHT PT. V 140.00 104
(IN ENGLISH 16-24)
25. SANT VANNI CASSETTES (PT 1-8) 35.00 EACH
26. BHAJ GOVINDAM CASSETTE 35.00
27. VCDS VEDOIN KEE CHHAWON TALE PT1&2 50.00 EACH
28. ISHWAR KEE AWAZ SUNO (ACD) 36.00
29. SAB MEIN VYAPAK JYOTI EK (ACD) 36.00
30. SANT VANNI PT. 1-4 (ACD) 35.00 EACH
31. VALMIKI RAMAYAN (ACD) 36.00
32. ISHWAR BIN SUKH NAHIN (ACD) 36.00
33.SARVAVYAPAK ISHWAR MAHIMA SUNO(ACD) 36.00
34. SAB GOBIND HAI (ACD) 45.00
