Jugal: Babaji what is the meaning of MADHAV when addressing to our guru?

Swami Ram Swarup: Meaning of word Madhav is Vishnu and Narayan. According to Vedas, this name does not relate to Vishnu and Narayan. However, everybody is free to use this word anywhere.

Anonymous: Pranam, Swami Swarupji.I have heard that when British came to india , they edited the Hindu books such as Manusmriti & Puranas. It is right or wrong. Please guide me.

Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you. Yes, several books related to our Vedic culture have been edited by Britishers.

Anonymous: How to obtain things for doing havan at home? And when to do it?

Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings you. Packets of samigri are available in the market. That particular shop should be searched and samigri is purchased. In this connection, I also paste my article in this regard as under-

21 best herbs for Haven

KASTURI, KESAR, AGAR-TAGAR, CHANDAN, JATAMASI, ELAYCHI, JAYFAL, JAVITRI, GOOGAL, NAGARMOTHA, BALCHHAD, SUGANDHBALA, DALCHINI, JAU, GILOYA, CHUARA, BADAM, AKHROT, BANAKSHA, GUD, AND KISHMISH.

Best time to do haven/agnihotra is in the morning and evening. Morning haven should be started when sun rays start touching earth and evening haven should be performed just before sun set. Several mantras are required to be chanted which can’t be quoted here. However, you are advised to purchase a small book wherein those mantras are mentioned and even method to perform agnihotra is given. Book worth Rs .65/- can be sent if you so desire on receipt of your postal address.

Anonymous: Namaste Guruji. Is yajyopavati mandatory to wear for agnihotra? If yes, why? What is the logic?

Swami Ram Swarup: Nmasteji. Yes, yajyopavit is mandatory because it is an eternal tradition.

Janeyu (the holy thread)

According to the true Vedic philosophy the custom to wear the Janeyu is eternal made by God. Janeyu has three threads which are indication of Raj, Tam and Satv gunas. There is a knot in the thread which indicates and reminds every time that we have taken oath to bind the said three gunas because the gunas have proud, anger, laziness, greed and various sins.

Further the said three threads also remind us to discharge duties towards Rishirin, Pitririn and Devrin. Rishirin means we have to serve the learned Rishis to obtain knowledge both worldly and spiritual. Pitririn means after completion of brahmacharya ashram our parents entered Grihasthashram (family life being married) and gave us birth. This tradition we have to follow and we have to serve the parents also. Devrin means after completion of grihasthashram we have to enter Vanprasth ashram to learn and donate the knowledge to the society. In a Sanskrit shlok it is mentioned that the Yajopavit gives us long happy life.

Anonymous: Pranam guruji and seek your blessings my question is can we also give 11 ahootis reciting mahamrityunjay mantra after giving 11 ahootis of gayatri mantra in yagya or agnihotra that we perform at home please advise

Swami Ram Swarup: My blessings to you. Yes please you can offer 11 aahuti of mahamrityunjay after giving aahutis of gayatri mantra.