Benefits of Brahmacharya

Brahmacharya is the basis for morality.

It is the basis for eternal life.

It is a spring flower that exhales immortality from its petals.

It is the substratum for a life of peace in Atman.

It is the firm support for Brahma-Nishtha, which is eagerly longed for by sages, aspirants and Yogic students.

It is the shield for waging war against the internal Asuras�lust, anger and greed.

It opens the door of liberation (Moksha).

It contributes to perennial joy, to the uninterrupted and undecaying bliss. Even Rishis, Devas, Gandharvas and Kinnaras serve at the feet of a true Brahmachari.

Brahmacharya is the only key to open the Sushumna and awaken Kundalini.

It brings glory, fame, virtue and Mana-Pratishtha. The eight Siddhis and the nine Riddhis roll under the feet of the true celibate. They are ever ready to obey his command.

Just as the oil comes up in a wick and burns with glowing light, so also, the Veerya or semen flows up by the practice of Yoga Sadhana and is converted into Tejas or Ojas. The Brahmachari shines with Brahmic aura in his face.

By the practice of Brahmacharya, longevity, glory, strength, vigour, knowledge, wealth, undying fame, virtues and devotion to the truth increase.

Lord Siva said: "Celibacy alone is the supreme penance. Of course, other penances (such as keeping fast and silence etc ...) are good in their place, but they are all inferior toBrahmacharya. That Urdhvareta saint who has done penance over the restraint of the sexual organ is not a human-being but God."

Atharva Veda declares: "Celibacy is the supreme religious observance."

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa said: �One should strive to totally eradicate lust; if somebody succeeds in doing so, then a new fine nerve named �medha� gets awakened in him/her. That nerve makes the sexual energy, which was earlier flowing downwards, to flow upwards (towards the brain). After this nerve gets opened, one attains the supreme knowledge of the God or God-Realization.�

Tips to follow Brahmacharya.

Here are some important tips to follow Brahmacharya.

Have a spiritual attitude towards opposite gender. 

Consider every person of opposite gender as mother, sister or daughter (father, brother or son for female aspirants) depending on the age or consider every person as Self or Consciousness.

Keep away from bad habits such as smoking, drinking, drugs, etc., which excite the nervous system and stimulate sexual desire.

 Maintain internal (of mind) and external (of body) cleanliness.

If you are already married and have children, consider the spouse as just a friend, sleep separately and practice complete brahmacharya. Think that marriage is just a part of life, and it is the weakest relation which followed with a divorce.

 Get up in the Brahma Muhurata (starts 96 minutes before sunrise, and ends 48 minutes before sunrise; it is the second last muhurata before sunrise. So, if we suppose the time of sunrise at 6:00 a.m. someday,brahma muhurata would be from 4:24 a.m. to 5:11 a.m.), and do some meditation and prayer after bathing. This habit will help in increasing your satva, which is indispensable for the practice of Brahmacharya.

 Practice yoga asana it keeps your mind strong.

 Read religious books.

 Be humble and give up pride. Humility and modesty are the prerequisites for the practice of Brahmacharya.

 Daily offer prayer to your istha devata.

Follow Spiritual discourse given by religious persons.

Make it a habit to watch devotional channels

 Regularly Visit temples. Make it a habit.

 Regular practice of moderate pranayama (breathing exercise) must be made a habit. Pranayama is an effective measure in regulating mind.

 Don�t be in company with bad persons

 Make friendly relation with spritiual persons

 Do not compare yourself with worldly people or with those who are the puppets of passion, but rather compare yourself with great souls if you want to succeed on this path.

 Always prefer Sattvic food(vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, dairy products such as ghee and milk ......etc) Get the total list from internet.

 Avoid Non � Vegetarian

 Avoid onion and garlic.

Brahmacharya - Hinduism

Brahmacharya is celibacy. Celibacy brings you strength, lots of strength. Brahmacharya has a higher meaning than just celibacy. Brahma means infinity, charya means moving in infinity.

In another context, brahmacharya is the virtue of celibacy when unmarried and fidelity when married. It represents a virtuous lifestyle that also includes simple living, meditation and other behaviors.

In ancient and medieval era Indian texts, the term brahmacharya is a concept with a more complex meaning indicating an overall lifestyle conducive to the pursuit of sacred knowledge and spiritual liberation. Brahmacharya is a means, not an end. It usually includes cleanliness, ahimsa, simple living, studies, meditation, and voluntary restraints on certain foods, intoxicants, and behaviors (including sexual behavior).

In Indian traditions, a Brahmachari is a male and Brahmacharini a female.

Brahma Kumaris :

Among Brahma Kumaris and Prajapita Brahma Kumaris, Brahmacarya is practised by married couples and householders too, as a way of formalizing sexual behavior into a conscious, co-creative practice rather than merely an unconscious habit.

International Society for Krishna Consciousness :

In ISKCON, a bhakti sect or devotional movement within Hinduism, a male devotee is called brahmachari and female devotee brahmacharini. The unmarried male brahmacharis wear saffron robes, while married male householders wear white robes. Brahmacharinis wear saris of any color. The terms brahmachari and brahmacharini are reserved for those practicing celibacy.

Quotes By Gautam Buddha That Will Help You Win At Life

Born as a prince of the kingdom of Kapilvastu in Nepal, Gautam Buddha, gave up the worldly pleasures in search for nirvana. On his path to spirituality, he taught his disciples some very important life lessons, the meaning of life itself and how can one achieve true happiness.

� When you like a flower you pluck it.But when you love a flower you water it daily.

� Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, Concentrate mind on the present moment.

� Three things cannot be hidden long: The Sun, The Moon and the Truth.

� Believe nothing no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if i have said it, Unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.

� All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.

� YOU, Yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve YOUR love & affection.

� Hatred does not cease through hatred at any time. Hatred ceases through love. This is a Permanent law.

� There is no path to Happiness: Happiness is the path.

� However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act upon them?

� No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the Path.

The Smartest Mythological Teachers Who Taught Their Students About Bhramastra, War Weapons & Secrets of Vedas!

The ancient scholars procured knowledge through years of penance, meditation, learnings from nature and travel. They taught in gurukuls, where the relationship between the guru and shishya was one of respect and devotion earned naturally over the years. The day of 'Guru Poornima' commemorates this relationship.

Here are some of the most famous teachers of Hindu mythology.

Parshuram :

He is considered the sixth avatar of Vishnu in Hindu mythology. He served as mentor to Bhishm pitamah, Guru Dronacharya and Karna. Parashurama was so impressed by Karan that he taught him the art of launching and controlling the greatest weapon of that time -Brahmastra.

Vishwamitra :

He is one of the most respected teachers and sages of ancient times in India. He wrote the Gayatri Mantra and as a teacher of Lord Ram and Lakshman, taught  them Devastras - the knowledge and use of celestial weapons in war.

Vishwamitra also mentored them in killing of the several demonic characters mentioned in the Ramayana.

Legends speak highly of his teachings, including his concepts of heaven and hell, which is still beyond the reach of scientific discovery.

Ved Vyas

He is regarded as the Guru of Gurus, who taught Dattatreya, the Hindu deity encompassing the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, collectively known as Trimurti. He is most famous as the sage who wrote the epic Maharabharata, but do you know that he was the grandfather of both the Kauravas and Pandavas, (the warring factions in the Kurukshetra war), and appears as advisor at several junctures?

A section of the Mahabharata, called the Vyasa Jaya covers subjects like geography, history, warfare, religion and morality.

Dronacharya

He was the teacher of both the Kauravas and Pandavas. Known for his mastery in the military arts, his favourite student was Arjun.

Vashishta

Known as one of the great Saptrishis, he was the teacher of the four sons of Dashratha, including Lord Rama. The teachings in which he answered Lord Rama's questions and illusions about the universe is known as the Yoga Vashista.

He is supposed to have been born as the result of Brahma�s will-power and knew all the secrets of Vedas.

Valmiki 

Popularly known as the sage who authored Ramayana, he was the teacher of Lord Ram's sons Lav and Kush. Valmiki taught the twins about shastras and the art of using weapons. His life was the example of how the life of a common man gets transformed when he comes in the right company.

Kanipakam Temple Annual Brahmotsavams 2016

The annual brahmotsavams of "Swayambhu Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy" begins on the day of Vinayaka Chavithi in Kanipakam Temple in every year. The temple biggest festival will be celebrated for a period of 21 days.

In 2016 the Brahmotsavams begins on 5^th September and concludes on 25^th September.

Schedule :

September 5^th � Vinakaya Chaturthi

September 6^th � Dwajarohanam , Hamsa Vahanam(Night).

September 7^th � Nemali Vahanam

September 8^th � Mushika Vahanam

September 9^th � Sesha Vahanam

September 10^th � Vrishaba Vahanam

September 11^th � Gaja Vahanam

September 12^th � Rathotsavam

September 13^th � Tiru Kalyanam , Aswa Vahanam

September 14^th � Dwajavarohanam, Ekanta Seva.

Special Ustavams :

September 15^th : Adhikarika Nandi Vahanam.

September 16^th : Ravana Brahma Vahanam

September 17^th : Yali Vahanam

September 18^th : Surya Prabha Vahanam

September 19^th : Chandra Prabha Vahanam

September 20^th : Kamadhenu

September 21^st : Poolangi Seva

September 22^nd : Kalpa Vriksha Vahanam

September 23^rd : Vimanotsavam

September 24^th : Puspha Pallaki Seva

September 25^th : Teppotsavam.

Rishi Panchami

Rishi Panchami is celebrated on the Panchami (Fifth Day) of Shukala Paksha (Waxing moon period) in the Hindu Month of Bhadrapada. On Rishi Panchami,a ritual bath is taken in holy rivers,ponds or in other water masses.Hands and mouth is washed 108 times. Lord Ganesh, Navagraha( nine planetary Gods), Saptarshis (seven Sages) and Arundathi are worshipped.Women offer the 'Prasad' to Gods and wash husbands' feet.By taking one more ritual bath in sacred water,devotees feel blessed that their all sins are cleansed away.After a bath in the sacred water, clean your hands 108 times, wash your mouth 108 times and listen to the story of Ganesa, Navagrah, Saptrishi and worship Arundhati.

2016 Date : 6^th September, Tuesday.

2017 date : 26th August.

The Underlying Message Of Ganesh Visarjan.

The Sanskrit word 'Visarjan' has many meanings. In the context of worship and pooja, it refers to the act of respectfully laying the idol used for worship to rest. During Ganesh Chaturthi, the idol used for worship is seen as a temporary vessel that holds the spiritual form of Lord Ganesha. Once the period of worship is over, the idol submerged in a water body.

Visarjan is often done one and a half day after Ganesh Chaturthi. It can also be performed on the third day, fifth day, seventh day, tenth day and the eleventh day. 

The act of Visarjan too teaches the devotees many lessons. There are underlying messages and significances behind performing the Visarjan. 

Teaches Us To Respect :

Each Other The creation of an idol requires efforts from people from different walks of life. A fisherman may dig up the clay required for the idol from the river bed, a potter or an artist creates beautiful idols and a priest performs the worship. It teaches us teamwork and mutual respect.

Reminds Us That Life Is But Momentary :

Ganesha is created with a lot of love. The idol is only an inanimate object. It is the love and devotion of the masses that transforms mere clay into something that possesses spiritual powers. And then when the time comes, it is returned to the nature. Similarly, we are made up of only flesh and bones, animated by the power of our soul. This body too, will one day, return to the nature.

Tells Us That God Does Not Have A Physical Form :

During Ganesh Chaturthi, we invite the spiritual form of Lord Ganesha into the idol and when the period of worship is over, we respectfully ask him to vacate the idol and then submerge it in water. This shows us that God does not have a form and is 'Niraakar'. We give it a form or 'Aakar' only to be able to enjoy the various aspects of pooja such as- Darshan (sight of the Lord), Shravan (listening to the praise of the Lord), Sparsha (to touch the Lord), Gandha (to enjoy the smell emanating from the flowers and other fragrant substances) and Raasana (to taste the prashad).

The Cycle Of Life :

The ceremony of Visarjan is symbolic of the cycle of life and death we go through. The murtis of Ganesha is created, worshiped and then returned to the nature only to be reanimated next year. We too take birth, perform the duties of life and die only to be born again in a new form.

Teaches Us Detachment :

Visarjan teaches us to be detached from the world around us. Everything we love and cherish is only Maya of the Lord or an illusion. At one point or other, we will be separated from it and need to understand that all that never belonged to us. No matter how much we love Ganpati Bappa, when the time comes, we have to submerge the idol and let it go.

Teaches Us Not To Be Attached To Material Wealth :

The Visarjan teaches us that material wealth and worldly pleasures are only for the body and not for the soul.

Why Tulsi Is NEVER Offered To Lord Ganesha.

It is a belief that Tulsi is kept in the mouth of a dying person so that his/her soul reaches Vaikunth, the abode of Vishnu. But even though Tulsi is such a sacred plant in Hinduism, it is never offered to Lord Ganesha. Do you know why?

Lord Ganesha & Tulsi�s rivalry has a very interesting story behind it. Tulsi was a beautiful woman who fell in love with Lord Ganesha when he was meditating on the banks of Ganga. Tulsi, enchanted by his appearance, requested Lord Ganesha to marry her.

Lord Ganesha, however, was living a life of a celibacy or brahmcharya at that point of time and politely refused Tulsi's proposal. He thought marriage would hamper his concentration in his �tapp�. Tulsi did not take it well and in turn cursed him that he will get married forcefully and won�t be able to choose his spouse.

The rude behavior of Tulsi evoked anger in Ganesha who cursed her back saying she would marry a demon and suffer throughout her life. Tulsi immediately realized her mistake, and begged Ganesha for apology. 

Lord Ganesha, being generous, forgave her, but said that even though he cannot take his curse back. He, however, said that in the next life Tulsi would be born as a sacred plant without which no Vishnu pooja would be complete. He also blessed Tulsi with exceptional medicinal properties.

As a result of the curse, Tulsi got married to a demon named Shankachuda. Her husband was later killed by Lord Shankar, and she turned into the holy basil.

The sacred plant is worshipped by all the devotees of Vishnu and Krishna ever since.

Hartalika Teej

The Hartalika Teej is the most important of all the three Teej festivals observed by Hindu women. It is celebrated on the Tritiya (3rd day) of the Skukla Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapud. The festival of Hartalika Teej is observed by married women in the honour of Goddess Parvati and involves strict fast for three continuous days. The word Hartalika is made by joining the words �harat� meaning abduction and �Aalika� implying female friend. According to the Hindu mythology, it was on this day only that the incarnation of Goddess Parvati was abducted by her friends to stop her marriage to Lord Vishnu, against her wishes. Ultimately she was later married to Lord Shiva.

Being a significant festival for Hindus, Hartalika Teej is observed in most parts of the country with equal enthusiasm. But in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Bihar the celebrations are even more grandeur. The festivities can also be witnessed in some parts of Madhya Pradesh. In the state of Rajasthan there is a huge procession carrying an idol of Goddess Parvati, accompanied by music and singing. In the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, the Hartalika Teej Vrat is celebrated as Gowri Habba. Married women on this day pray to obtain blessing of happy married life from Goddess Gowri.

Rituals of the Hartalika Teej:

• The festival of Hartalika Teej celebrates the reunion of Goddess Parvati with Lord Shiva. On this day, big processions carrying beautifully clad idols of Goddess Parvati are taken out in different parts of the country. The procession is made more pleasurable by performances from varied artists. The idol of Parvati is escorted by several camels and elephants making the teej procession more attractive. In some places, magnificent fairs are also organized on the occasion of Hartalika Teej.
• Hartalika Teej is observed especially by married women with immense enthusiasm and zeal. As a part of the ritual married women on this day return to their parent�s home for celebration. On this special teej, women dress up in new clothes and striking jewelry. `Green is the preferred color for this occasion and women love to apply kajal and bindi. During this time, every women desires to look her very best.
• In the midst of all these celebrations, married women observe a strict fast for a period of three days for the welfare and long life of their husbands. They spend the days without eating and having even a single drop of water. On the day of Hartalika Teej, the observer of the vrat gets up early and takes a dip in the holy waters. Following this they visit the mandir and touch their husband�s feet on returning home. Just before sunset, women again take a bath and get dressed up as newlyweds. The main worshipping ritual begins in the afternoon. The idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped with flowers, Bilwa leaves and incense sticks. Mantras are recited all throughout and the puja is ended by telling the Hartalika Teej vrat katha. While listening to the katha, one must only think about their soul mate. The fast is only broken next morning after finishing all the worshipping rituals.
• Various sweets and other delicacies are prepared at home to offer to Goddess Parvati. Fresh fruits and green vegetables are offered to the deity. As a ritual, women distribute beautiful painted coconuts to other female friends and relatives. After completing all the rituals, the women of the household feast together on jaggery and rice patolis on the banana leaves along with mixed vegetables cooked in coconut milk and other spices. A special sweet made from rice and coconut milk is also prepared. Women also drink tender coconut water.

2016 Date : 4th September, Sunday.

2017 Date : 24th August.

Polala Amavasya

Polala Amavasya is one of the important fasting days dedicated to Goddess Poleramma. It is observed on the �amavasya� (no moon day) during the �Shravana� masam in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Hence this festival is also known as �Shravana Amavasya�. According to the Hindu legends, Goddess Poleramma or Goddess Pochamma is considered to be protector or guardian of children, and married women therefore keep the Polala Amavasya vratam for the wellness and longevity of their children. Polala Amavasya is also referred as �Pithori Amavasya�.

Polala Amavasya is majorly a festival observed in South India, particularly in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and adjoining areas. It is celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm. The observance of Polala Amavasya is very much similar to �Shital Sasthi� in Orissa and �Sheetal Saptami� puja in the northern states of India. Goddess Poleramma is considered to be the local deity who protects children from all evils and mishaps. She is believed to be one of main incarnation of Goddess Shakti or Durga. The day of worshipping Poleramma coincides with �amavasya� each year; hence this vratam is called as �Polala Amavasya. On this day special rituals and pujas are organized in Poleramma temples, all across India.

Significance of Polala Amavasya:

The festival of Polala Amavasya holds immense significance for women bearing children. As Goddess Poleramma is the protector of children, mothers worship Her with full dedication and affection. By observing a fast on this day, it is believed that Goddess Poleramma will protect the children from several diseases, particularly small pox and chicken pox. As the month of Shravana corresponds to months of July-August that marks the onset of monsoon season, diseases spread quickly during this time. As Children are most vulnerable, Polala Amavasya vratam is observed to keep children healthy.

Rituals during Polala Amavasya:

• The day of Polala Amavasya is dedicated to Goddess Poleramma and this festival is mainly observed by married women in Andhra Pradesh. The women get up early on this day and finish their morning chores to make preparations for the special puja.
• On this day, women sketch a picture of the �Pochamma Temple� at the place of worship and offer the �shodashopachar� puja there to the Goddess. During the puja, a sacred thread known as �Raksha Daaram� or �Raksha Thoranam� is also worshipped. After the completion of puja rituals, women tie this �Raksha Daaram� to their children to ensure their safety. On this day they also read the story of the mother who brought back her dead children after worshipping Goddess Poleramma.
• On Polala Amavasya special offerings are prepared to offer to Goddess Poleramma. Women prepare fried sweet balls made from jaggery and chana dal for the welfare of male children whereas urad dal vadas are offered to the Goddess for the wellbeing of female child.
• During the time of puja several mantras or prayers dedicated to Goddess Shakti like �Durga Stuti�, �Gauri Astottaram� and �Bhavani Astakam� are chanted all through the day.
• Women also keep a strict fast on this day to please Goddess Pochamma. There is no �Udyapana� for this vratam and it can be observed by all.

2016 Date : 1^stSeptember.

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with a belief that Lord Ganesha, son of Shiva and Parvati, bestows His blessings on His devotees, on this day. It is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha, the God of wisdom. Ganesh Chaturthi falls on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which falls around August or September.

The preparation starts one month in advance, with great enthusiasm, to celebrate this auspicious occasion. The festival starts with the installation of beautifully sculpted Ganesha idols in homes and mandaps. These idols are decorated beautifully and show religious themes.

The occasion becomes very lively and enthusiastic with the devotional songs, dances and drum beats being a part of the procession observed by the devotees of Lord Ganesha, as a part of the festivities. Ganesh Chaturthi is the only festival that involves and welcomes the participation of general public.The occasion also sees various cultural events being held every where, in which people participate with interest. After celebration, the time of farewell comes and the idol of the beloved God is immersed in water. The celebration ends with the immersion, accompanied by loud shouts of 'Ganapati Bappa Moraya'.

2016 Date : 5th September, Monday.

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