Aghamas 101 by Swami Muralidhara Swamiji

What is called as Agama? Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji: The makings of deities of Gods, consecrating it, performing puja, were all brought under the norms of the Shastras. This is called as Agama Shastra. ________________________________________ How many Agamas are there? Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji: There are twenty-eight Saiva Agamas and two Vaishnava Agamas. Vaishnava Agamas consists of two groups viz. Vaikanasam and Pancharatram. The former is based on the Vedas but the later was formed separately without any Vedic leaning. Sakta Agamas are based on Devi puja. These belong to States of Bengal and Orissa. They are also called Vamaccharam. ________________________________________ Is Vastu Shastra a part of Agama Shastra? Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji: Yes. VastuShastra is a part of Agama Shastra. The principles of Vastu find a place in Shilpa(sculpt idols) Shastra, too. Vasi and Tatu put together form what is called as Vastu. *This provides the guidelines for the construction of a building. ________________________________________ Streets run around the Temples. Does this, too, fall under the guidelines of Vastu shastra? Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji: In every Town it is the practice to build a Temple either in its center or in its Southern corner. And the houses are placed (built) depending on the location of the temple. This is also as per Vastu tradition. ________________________________________ What does Garbadanam mean? Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

A vessel made of either silver, gold or bronze is placed below the Sanctom Sanctorum of the Temple where the Moola Murti (Main Deity) is to be consecrated. This practice of burying the vessel below the earth is called Garbadanam. Water from the holy rivers, soil from holy places, navaratnam (nine kinds of gems), navadaniyam (nine kinds of grains), etc. are dropped into this hole. The weapons of the particular God to be consecrated in this Temple are also placed in it. For e.g. if the main deity is Lord Vishnu then His five weapons namely Gada, Katgam, Sarngam, Shankam, Chakram, will be placed here. ________________________________________ How does the idol in a Temple acquire the sanithyam (the power)? Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji: Vedam consists of six parts. A Temple also has six prominent parts Adishtanam, Pikti, Prastaram, Peevam, Sigaram, Stupi. These six parts are complementary to each other. They should not change in any way. If changed the deity loses its sanithyam. While in the initial stage of making the idols, viz. waxing, shaping the clay, making the mould, they should be done amidst loud chanting of mantras. That is, the work should be carried out while listening to the mantras. Only then the bimbamurti (the form of the idol) will become a mantramurti (a form with power). Power gets into it only through Bhakti and Mantras. That idol which has been installed without mantra consecration will be lifeless. ________________________________________ What is the proof (pramana) that the Presence (sanidhya) of Bhagavan is found only in the Sanctum Sanctorum (garbagraha) of a temple? Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji: In several other parts of a big temple we find other forms (roopa) of the Deity (Murti) found in the Sanctum sanctorum. These deities are found to be in similar style (amaippu). In some temples these are found to be more beautiful and at times bigger than the Main Deity. But, people do not feel devotion and faith (bhakti-shraddha) on seeing these deities. This is because these deities do not possess the sanidhya In which part of a Town should the Temple of Lord MahaVishnu be constructed? Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji: MahaVishnu Temple should be constructed on the western side of the Towns Centerpoint. To its North-western corner, Lord Shivas Temple should be constructed.

Nearby should be the Temple of the Sapta Madar (seven Goddesses). This is the reason that Goddess Durga also bears the name of Vadavayil Selvi (Lady of the Northern door). It is also the practice to build Lord Subrahmanyas Temple close to MahaVishnu Temple. It became the practice to place ugra murthys (deities/gods of fiery temperament) on the outskirts. But, it has also been the tradition to consecrate these deities along with Thayar (Goddess) so as to calm them down. ________________________________________ What is the significance of Nivedanam and Deepa Aradhana in our Puja? Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji: Raja Yoga has eight steps or angas towards the final goal. The rituals and rites have their own procedures. Likewise, Niyama Puja (Pujas as prescribed by the Shastras) have 16 angas or parts like Aavahanam, Aachamanam etc. Of these, Nivedhanam and Deepa Aradhana are key aspects. So we perform at least these two as a part of our daily pujas. In Temples, why is teertha prasad given three times? Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji: Teertha prasad is given three times to protect one from untimely (unnatural) death, to destroy all the sins and for cure from all diseases. ________________________________________ While there are innumerable ancient Temples in dilapidated state new Temples keep sprouting up! Even the simple, daily pujas are not being performed properly. Why? Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji: May be people think that Temple construction/renovation bestows punya (merits)! This sad state of affair would not exist if one remembers that performance of proper and regular puja and proper maintenance of the Temple is also necessary following its construction/renovation. ________________________________________ Some people build temples but do not bother to maintain it and arrange for the daily conduct of puja. Why does this happen? Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

This is because people think that one can earn merits (punya) just by building temples and that temples are built only to earn merits. Can women do Sashtanga Namaskar? Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji: According to the scriptures, only men are permitted to perform Sashtanga Namaskar. There is a Perumal temple in my native village that is locked up most of the time and the Archaka would not hand over the keys or responsibilities to anyone. I requested them to take measures to have it renovated, however no one is willing to take responsibility. Every other small temple by the roadside becomes famous in no time, but this ancient temple is in a sad state. When will this be renovated? It is my ambition to have it renovated. Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji: One can become rich by honest earnings or through unlawful means. However the second path is not permanent. In the same way, a temple becomes famous by its sannidhyam (presence of divinity of the Lord). It could become popular through publicity etc., but that is not permanent. In order to bring about Sannidhyam in the temple, organize Akhanda Maha Mantra Kirtan for 7/24 in the temple precincts with not less than 3 bhaktas chanting at any point in time. When this is performed. The Lord will show a way out and a solution towards renovation will definitely be born. Regards Please Chant Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare and be happy

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