Question : Congratulations to the winner for this month - 19 March 2024 to 18 April 2024:


Padma Parthasarathy


Thanks to the following devotees for participating:

Gudivada Rajyalakshmi
Haritha Mangalagiri
Krishna M
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Prasanth Nallan
Rajani D
Saranya Manchukonda
Sridhar Sunkaranam
Srishalini Mattapalli
Sriteja Dasari

*** Team Jeeyar.

Please note - On 11th April, there was a typo in the answers provided. We have rectified that post to give the correct answers. We have awarded the marks to correct answers.

Posted On : 20-04-2024

Question : Congratulations to the winner for this month - 19 February 2024 to 18 March 2024:


Neela Devi Nerella


Thanks to the following devotees for participating:

Gudivada Rajyalakshmi
Haritha Mangalagiri
Krishna M
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Rajani D
Saranya Manchukonda
Savitri M
Srishalini Mattapalli
Sriteja Dasari

*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-03-2024

Question : Congratulations to the winner for this month - 19 January 2024 to 18 February 2024:


Gudivada Rajyalakshmi


Thanks to the following devotees for participating:

Deepa Iyer
Gudivada Rajyalakshmi
Haritha Mangalagiri
Kathivarapu Dedeepya
Krishna M
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
Saranya Manchukonda
Savitri M
Srishalini Mattapalli
Sriteja Dasari

*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-02-2024

Question : Congratulations to the winner for this month - 19 December 2023 to 18 January 2024:


Gudivada Rajyalakshmi


Thanks to the following devotees for participating:

Annapurna Divvela
Gudivada Rajyalakshmi
Haritha Mangalagiri
Kathivarapu Dedeepya
Krishna M
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
Saranya Manchukonda
Savitri M
Srishalini Mattapalli


*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-01-2024

Question : Congratulations to the winner for this month - 19 November 2023 to 18 December 2023:


Gudivada Rajyalakshmi


Thanks to the following devotees for participating:

Gayathri Gopalakrishnan
Gudivada Rajyalakshmi
Haritha Mangalagiri
Kathivarapu Dedeepya
Krishna M
N L
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
Saranya Manchukonda
Savitri M
Srishalini Mattapalli
Sriteja Dasari


*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-12-2023

Question : Congratulations to the winner for this month - 19 October 2023 to 18 November 2023:


Gudivada Rajyalakshmi


Thanks to the following devotees for participating:

Gudivada Rajyalakshmi
Haritha Mangalagiri
Krishna M
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
Rupa Kumari Maddi
Saranya Manchukonda
Savitri M
Srishalini Mattapalli


*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-11-2023

Question : Jai Srimannarayana.


Congratulations to the winner for this month - 19 September 2023 to 18 October 2023:


Krishna M


Thanks to the following devotees for participating:

Durgai kanwar Charan
Gudivada Rajyalakshmi
Haritha Mangalagiri
Kathivarapu Dedeepya
Krishna M
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
Saranya Manchukonda
Savitri M


*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-10-2023

Question : Jai Srimannarayana.


Congratulations to the winner for this month - 19 August 2023 to 18 September 2023:

Saranya Manchukonda


Thanks to the following devotees for participating:

Gudivada Rajyalakshmi
Haritha Mangalagiri
Karthik Kishore
Kathivarapu Dedeepya
Krishna M
Mohan Bhargav P:
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
Saranya Manchukonda
Savitri M


*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-09-2023

Question : Jai Srimannarayana.


Congratulations to the winner for this month - 19 July 2023 to 18 August 2023:


Gudivada Rajyalakshmi


Thanks to the following devotees for participating:

Dr Axita Sharma
Gudivada Rajyalakshmi
Haritha Mangalagiri
Kathivarapu Dedeepya
Krishna M
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
Saranya Manchukonda
Savitri M
Sriteja Dasari


*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-08-2023

Question : Jai Srimannarayana.


Congratulations to the winner for this month - 19 June 2023 to 18 July 2023:


Neela Devi Nerella


Thanks to the following devotees for participating:

Durga Deep Tirunagari
Gudivada Rajyalakshmi
Haritha Mangalagiri
Kamala Valli
Kathivarapu Dedeepya
Krishna M
Maramganti Venkata Srirama Chandra Charyulu
Mukund S
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Padmavathi Ramanujam Mudumbai
Raghu Srimushnam
Rajani D
Revathi Tadepalli
Saranya Manchukonda
Savitri M
Vishnuu Gopi


*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-07-2023

Question : Jai Srimannarayana.


Congratulations to the winner for this month - 19 May 2023 to 18 June 2023:


Neela Devi Nerella


Thanks to the following devotees for participating:

Chaitanya Meka
Durga Deep Tirunagari
Gudivada Rajyalakshmi
Haritha Mangalagiri
Karthik Kishore
Kathivarapu Dedeepya
Krishna M
Maramganti Venkata Srirama Chandra Charyulu
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
Rajesh Ramanuja dasan
Sai Rithvik Rudroju
Saranya Manchukonda
Saraswathy Kannan
Savitri M
Shashikanth Gunti
Vinayagamurthi Subramaniam


*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-06-2023

Question : Jai Srimannarayana.


We will be having only one monthly winner from now onwards. However, the daily scores of all those who answer, will be recorded. We will celebrate the yearly winners once a year.


Congratulations to the winner for this month - 19 April 2023 to 18 May 2023:


Padma Parthasarathy


Thanks to all the devotees who participated in quiz regularly.


*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-05-2023

Question : Jai Srimannarayana.

Congratulations to winners - 19 March 2023 to 18 April 2023:

1. Padma Parthasarathy

2. Gudivada Rajyalakshmi

3. Neela Devi Nerella


Thanks to following devotees for participating in quiz:

Gudivada Rajyalakshmi
Haritha Mangalagiri
Kathivarapu Dedeepya
Krishna M
Mangalagiri Chamundeshwari
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
Saranya Manchukonda
Savitri M

*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-04-2023

Question : Jai Srimannarayana.

Congratulations to winners - 19 February 2023 to 18 March 2023:

1. Neela Devi Nerella

2. Padma Parthasarathy

3. Padmavathi Pothula


Thanks to following devotees for participating in quiz:

Gudivada Rajyalakshmi
Haritha Mangalagiri
Krishna M
Mangalagiri Chamundeshwari
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Padmavathi Ramanujam Mudumbai
Rajani D
Saranya Manchukonda
Savitri M
Sriteja Dasari


*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-03-2023

Question : Jai Srimannarayana.

This month, we have four people sharing second position. Hence we have winners in the first two positions only. Thank you for participating regularly.

***

Congratulations to winners - 19 January 2023 to 18 February 2023:

1. Padmavathi Pothula

2. Haritha Mangalagiri, Krishna M, Rajani D and Saranya Manchukonda


Thanks to following devotees for participating in quiz:

Chitra Andal
Gudivada Rajyalakshmi
Haritha Mangalagiri
Kathivarapu Dedeepya
Krishna M
Mangalagiri Chamundeshwari
Neela Devi Nerella
Nilesh Gagrani
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Padmavathi Ramanujam Mudumbai
Rajani D
Saranya Manchukonda
Savitri M
Srishalini Mattapalli
Sriteja Dasari


*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-02-2023

Question : Congratulations to winners - 19 December 2022 to 18 January 2023:

1. Sriteja Dasari

2. Padmavathi Pothula

3. Padma Parthasarathy


Thanks to following devotees for participating in quiz:

Chitra Andal
Gudivada Rajyalakshmi
Haritha Mangalagiri
Kathivarapu Dedeepya
Krishna M
Mangalagiri Chamundeshwari
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
Saranya Manchukonda
Savitri M
Srishalini Mattapalli
Sriteja Dasari


*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-01-2023

Question : Congratulations to winners - 19 November 2022 to 18 December 2022:

1. Padma Parthasarathy

2. Neela Devi Nerella

3. Haritha Mangalagiri and Saranya Manchukonda


Thanks to following devotees for participating in quiz:

Chitra Andal
Gudivada Rajyalakshmi
Haritha Mangalagiri
Kathivarapu Dedeepya
Krishna M
Mangalagiri Chamundeshwari
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
Saranya Manchukonda
Savitri M
Srishalini Mattapalli
Sriteja Dasari


*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-12-2022

Question : Congratulations to winners - 19 October 2022 to 18 November 2022:

1. Neela Devi Nerella

2. Sriteja Dasari

3. Padmavathi Pothula


Thanks to following devotees for participating in quiz:

Chitra Andal
Gudivada Rajyalakshmi
Haritha Mangalagiri
Krishna M
Mangalagiri Chamundeshwari
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
Saranya Manchukonda
Savitri M
Srishalini Mattapalli
Sriteja Dasari
Sudha Ramanuja Dasi
Swapna Ranganadham

*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-11-2022

Question : Congratulations to winners - 19 September 2022 to 18 October 2022:

1. Haritha Mangalagiri

2. Saranya Manchukonda and Sriteja Dasari

3. Rajani D


Thanks to following devotees for participating in quiz:

Chitra Andal
Gudivada Rajyalakshmi
Haritha Mangalagiri
Kathivarapu Dedeepya
Krishna M
Mangalagiri Chamundeshwari
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
Saranya Manchukonda
Savitri M
Srishalini Mattapalli
Sriteja Dasari
Sriveni Manchukonda
Swapna Ranganadham


*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-10-2022

Question : Congratulations to winners - 19 August 2022 to 18 September 2022:

1. Savitri M and Saranya Manchukonda

2. Sriteja Dasari

3. Haritha Mangalagiri


Thanks to following devotees for participating in quiz:

Chitra Andal
Gudivada Rajyalakshmi
Haritha Mangalagiri
Kathivarapu Dedeepya
Krishna M
Mangalagiri Chamundeshwari
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
Saranya Manchukonda
Savitri M
Srishalini Mattapalli
Sriteja Dasari
Sriveni Manchukonda
Vathsala Channarayapattan

*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-09-2022

Question : Congratulations to winners - 19 July 2022 to 18 August 2022:

1. Saranya Manchukonda

2. Padmavathi Pothula

3. Sriteja Dasari


Thanks to following devotees for participating in quiz:

Chitra Andal
Gudivada Rajyalakshmi
Haritha Mangalagiri
Krishna M
Manchukonda Lakshmee andal
Mangalagiri Chamundeshwari
Neela Devi Nerella
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
SARANYA Manchukonda
Savitri M
Srishalini Mattapalli
Sriteja Dasari
Sriveni Manchukonda


*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-08-2022

Question : Congratulations to winners - 19 June 2022 to 18 July 2022:

1. Sriteja Dasari

2. Haritha Mangalagiri

3. Neela Devi Nerella and Rajani D


Thanks to following devotees for participating in quiz:

Andre Preuss
Chitra Andal
Haritha Mangalagiri
Krishna M
Manchukonda Lakshmee andal
Mangalagiri Chamundeshwari
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
Saranya Manchukonda
Savitri M
Sri Shalini
Srishalini Mattapalli
Sriteja Dasari
Sriveni Manchukonda


*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-07-2022

Question : Congratulations to winners - 19 May 2022 to 18 June 2022:

1. Neela Devi Nerella

2. Haritha Mangalagiri

3. Rajani D



Thanks to following devotees for participating in quiz:

Chitra Andal
Haritha Mangalagiri
Krishna M
Manchukonda Lakshmee andal
Mangalagiri Chamundeshwari
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
Saranya Manchukonda
Savitri M
Sriteja Dasari

*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-06-2022

Question : Congratulations to winners - 19 April 2022 to 18 May 2022:

1. Sriteja Dasari

2. Neela Devi Nerella

3. Haritha Mangalagiri



Thanks to following devotees for participating in quiz:

Chitra Andal
D aravinda Supraja
Haritha Mangalagiri
Krishna M
Mangalagiri Chamundeshwari
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
SARANYA Manchukonda
Savitri M
Sriteja Dasari
Yugandhar Aggi


*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-05-2022

Question : Congratulations to winners - 19 March 2022 to 18 April 2022:

1. Neela Devi Nerella

2. Padmavathi Pothula

3. Sriteja Dasari



Thanks to following devotees for participating in quiz:

Chitra Andal
D aravinda Supraja
Haritha Mangalagiri
Kamala Valli
Krishna M
Mangalagiri Chamundeshwari
Maramganti Venkata Srirama Chandra Charyulu
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
SARANYA Manchukonda
Savitri M
Sriteja Dasari


*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-04-2022

Question : Congratulations to winners - 19 February 2022 to 18 March 2022:

1. Neela Devi Nerella and Rajani D

2. Haritha Mangalagiri

3. Saranya Manchukonda



Thanks to following devotees for participating in quiz:

Chitra Andal
D aravinda Supraja
Haritha Mangalagiri
Harshita Mattapalli
Kathivarapu Dedeepya
Krishna M
Mangalagiri Chamundeshwari
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
SARANYA Manchukonda
Savitri M
Srishalini Mattapalli
Sriteja Dasari


*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-03-2022

Question : Congratulations to winners - 19 January 2022 to 18 February 2022:

1. Neela Devi Nerella

2. Sriteja Dasari

3. Padmavathi Pothula


Thanks to following devotees for participating in quiz:

D aravinda Supraja
Haritha Mangalagiri
Harshita Mattapalli
Kamala Valli
Kathivarapu Dedeepya
Krishna M
Mangalagiri Chamundeshwari
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
SARANYA Manchukonda
Savitri M
Sriteja Dasari
Sriveni Manchukonda



*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-02-2022

Question : Congratulations to winners - 19 December 2021 to 18 January 2022:

1. Neela Devi Nerella

2. Sriteja Dasari

3. Haritha Mangalagiri and Rajani D

Thanks to following devotees for participating in quiz:

Chitra Andal
D aravinda Supraja
Haritha Mangalagiri
Harshita Mattapalli
Kathivarapu Dedeepya
Krishna M
Mangalagiri Chamundeshwari
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
SARANYA Manchukonda
Savitri M
Sriteja Dasari
Sriveni Manchukonda


*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-01-2022

Question : Congratulations to winners - 19 November 2021 to 18 December 2021:

1. Sriteja Dasari

2. Haritha Mangalagiri

3. Mangalagiri Chamundeshwari

Thanks to following devotees for participating in quiz:

Chitra Andal
D aravinda Supraja
Haritha Mangalagiri
Harshita Mattapalli
Kathivarapu Dedeepya
Krishna M
Mangalagiri Chamundeshwari
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
SARANYA Manchukonda
Savitri M
Sriteja Dasari
Sriveni Manchukonda


*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-12-2021

Question : Congratulations to winners - 19 October 2021 to 18 November 2021:

1. Kathivarapu Dedeepya

2. Padmavathi Pothula

3. Sriteja Dasari

Please note - In the question of 28 Oct 2021, there was a typo in answer provided. It is now corrected.

Thanks to following devotees for participating in quiz:

Chitra Andal
D aravinda Supraja
Haritha Mangalagiri
Harshita Mattapalli
Kathivarapu Dedeepya
Krishna M
Mangalagiri Chamundeshwari
Neela Devi Nerella
Padma Parthasarathy
Padmavathi Pothula
Rajani D
SARANYA Manchukonda
Savitri M
Sriteja Dasari
Sriveni Manchukonda


*** Team Jeeyar.

Posted On : 20-11-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : Developing love for God - How can one develop love on someone who cannot be seen?

A : When someone says that they love their mother, father, child or spouse, it is just not the body that they love, but what is inside them. However, one does not see the soul inside. Does that mean we do not develop love for them as we are unable to see the soul inside? We do develop the love for them seeing their body. The world around us is the body of God. It is very important for us to understand this and then we feel the love automatically.

Posted On : 19-08-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series - Rapid Fire round - Questions from children ***

Q : I say slokas before going to bed. But I still get bad dreams. Why?

A : Sloka does not help us when we recite it mechanically and are not remembering the real meaning of prayer.

Posted On : 12-08-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series - Rapid Fire round - Questions from children ***

Q : Why should we chant Slokas?

A : We chant slokas to show our gratitude to God. Slokas are nothing but a prayer. The purpose of a prayer is to make ourselves strong.

Posted On : 05-08-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series - Rapid Fire round - Questions from children ***

Q : If we know something is bad, why do we end up doing bad things?

A : We end up doing bad things because of weakness. We know that movie watching is bad to eyes but the weakness in us, make us watch. We know that drinking coffee is bad, but we cannot stop it. Though we know many things are bad, we do it because of weakness, thinking that they need to be enjoyed.

Posted On : 29-07-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series - Rapid Fire round - Questions from children ***

Q : Who created God?

A : Mantra created God. Mantra is a sound. Sound has always been there. It is supreme. And God came out of that. He then learnt it and then His breath became the mantra.

Posted On : 22-07-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series - Rapid Fire round - Questions from children ***

Q : If God considers all of us equal, then why are there different castes?

A : There are many activities done by people in the society. Based on the activity, people have been divided into castes. Though different parts of the body do different activities, they are all equal in an individual's eyes. Similarly, God feels equal about everybody even though they do different activities as we are different parts of His body. Humans named it as a caste and started fighting with each other over political gains and that became bad. Caste is not a bad thing, but using it wrongly is a bad thing.

Posted On : 15-07-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series - Rapid Fire round - Questions from children ***

Q : If God knows everything, why does He make us do bad things?

A : God never wants anyone to do bad things or hurt other people. If you don't hurt others and believe in Him, He takes care of you. However, if you do not care about Him and do not want Him, He thinks that you need independence and He leaves you to see the result. And then, if you do bad things, people around you themselves teach you a lesson and not God. But then God doesn't come to help you at that time as you wanted that independence.

Posted On : 08-07-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series - Rapid Fire round - Questions from children ***

Q : Does God control our lives?

A : Just like how air controls our lives, God controls us as well. God controls air as well and the rest of the things.

Posted On : 01-07-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series - Rapid Fire round - Questions from children ***

Q : How did man first discover God?

A : When things happened beyond man's control, man understood that there is someone behind everything. And that someone started being called as God.

Posted On : 24-06-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series - Rapid Fire round***

Q : Why am I on earth?

A : Our purpose on the earth is to discover the truth about ourselves and to love everything and not hate anything.

Posted On : 17-06-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : We use large amounts of milk, curd, honey, etc. on thirumanjanam. Is it not better service to God if we can distribute these to needy people instead?

A : The quantity of ingradients used in Thirumanjanam is not much and is used to help detect any defects in the stone. And after the thirumanjanam, the same is distributed to devotees and is not wasted or trashed. Rather than thinking it as a waste, it should be looked as enriching the thought process of people who consume the same later.

Detailed Explanation from Swami:

Thirumanjanam is done for two reasons, one is scientific that is necessary to identify defects in the material that the deity is made of. The other is symbolical representation of offering our love, knowledge, faith and results of our actions to Him and get it back along with His grace. In this activity the quantity of ingredients used, is not much. It is done using only recommended quantities, unless it’s a deity that is extremely large such as Sravana Belagola. And the tirumanjanam prasadam is once more distributed to devotees and not wasted or trashed. Apart from these, temples also have many schemes such as annadhanam that distributes food for the needy. Rather than looking at this as a waste, it should be looked as enriching the thought process of people who eat the same after being offered to God.

Posted On : 10-06-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : Does thirumanjanam have any spiritual significance apart from doing it for scientific reasons?

A : Milk, yogurt, honey and fruits used in thirumanjanam represent knowledge, faith, love and the results of our actions. Symbolically the process implies that we offer these to the Lord and we get them back purified along with His grace, i.e., Knowledge given by Him, love and faith towards Him and the results of our action to Him.

Detailed Explanation from Swami:

Each and every religious practice uses natural methods and have a scientific reason behind it. Apart from that, these practices also have a symbolic meaning. Milk, yogurt and honey are used in Thirumanjanam of the deities. Fruits are offered to God as part of the process. Milk is the symbol for knowledge, yogurt is the symbol for faith, honey is a symbol for love and the fruits are the symbol for the results of our action. These things, which are there in every human being, are offered to God requesting him to purify them. By offering Him milk, yogurt and honey , we imply that we offer or dedicate our knowledge, faith and love to Him and through fruits offer the results of our actions (karma phala) . When we get these back, we get them back along with His grace i.e., knowledge given by Him, faith towards Him, love towards Him. Our life becomes much smoother and we can enjoy life without tensions and sorrow. Anything offered to Him gets purified and sanctified. As a result of the purification process one does not get attached to these things.

Posted On : 03-06-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : Why do we do thirumanjanam (abhishekam) to idols? Is there any scientific reason behind the same?

A : The deity made of stone may get some defects owing to natural reasons such as heat or inadvertent physical damage. Bathing of deity using milk, honey, yogurt helps identifying these defects even by a simple layman. This process should be done regularly to identify defects sooner than later.

Detailed Explanation from Swami:

Thirumanjanam is done for deities (not to be mentioned as idol). It’s the process of bathing the deity with ingredients such as milk, yogurt, honey etc. The deity is made of material like stone, metal, etc. Sometimes the material may get some defects owing to natural reasons such as heat or due to some inadvertent physical damage. These may not be visible to the naked eye. Since the priests are not experts in determining these defects, there are simple procedures prescribed to identify the same. Milk, yogurt, honey are the 3 materials that help in identifying the originality and quality of the stone and also anything unnatural. The process is done while consecrating the deity initially as well. Swami quotes an example where kshi:ra agriva:sam was done for deity (soaking the deity in milk) to be consecrated in a new temple. After 12 hours it was found that the back of the head of deity developed a big hole as it was hollow and was defective. This wasn’t detectable with the naked eye as the vigraha had been covered from outside. Thirumanjanam is a simple process that even a lay man can perform and understand to identify such defects. And it needs to be performed regularly to identify defects sooner than later. It’s not appropriate to have a deity in a temple where the stone has defects as it may yield bad results.

Posted On : 27-05-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : Regulating thought process is tough. How can one regulate it so that negative feelings don't raise?

A : When one realizes that they are the instruments in the hands of the all-powerful supreme being, then they are no longer incapable, insecure or ordinary. They can draw enormous power from God and do great things. Forgetting this is the main reason for all sorts of disturbances that happen in our mind.

Detailed Explanation from Swami:

Negative emotions and thought process go away when one understands that they are here in this world with a purpose. Everyone is an instrument in the very powerful hands of God. No one here should think that they are ordinary or incapable or insecure. God is the all-powerful supreme Being. Being an instrument in His hands means the instrument also becomes powerful. When we are instruments in the hands of God then imagine how powerful and capable we are inherently! Understanding that and submitting ourselves to become an instrument in the hands of God, we can draw enormous power from God and perform good things in this world. Unfortunately, we forget that most times and that is main reason for causing all sorts of disturbances like jealousy etc in our mind.

Posted On : 13-05-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : Often we feel jealous about others. Sometimes it acts as motivation to get better. Is jealousy good or bad?

A : Jealousy makes one forget their own abilities and focus on something that the other person has. It results in panic as one constantly worries. It is always better to understand one's own innate abilities and use that to the best. Jealousy is never good and does not help in one's progress.

Detailed Explanation from Swami:

The result of comparison is jealousy. Jealousy means not being happy with another’s progress. Jealousy makes one forget their own abilities and focus on something that the other person has and trying to replicate it. It results in panic, as one constantly worries and aims to attain what the other person has or does. This will not yield right results. If one aspires the same result for their own sake, then practicing in their own way is good and not in another person’s way. When the thought process takes a wrong step by feeling jealous, the inner spring that needs to flow naturally is disturbed. It stops them from understanding their own abilities, inhibits them from using their own skills for the better. And in the end becomes detrimental to the person feeling jealous. It is always better to understand one owns inert abilities and use that to the best. Thinking that one is trying to do good out of jealousy, can lead to bad. So, don’t allow the feeling of jealousy and think that it will help you in your progress.

Posted On : 06-05-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : I compare myself to others and feel unhappy many times. How can God / religion help?

A : Comparison is the cause of unhappiness. Each person is unique. When our own two eyes in our body are different, how does it make sense to compare two unique people? Religion tells us that we are different from our body and helps us in discovering our abilities and energies for our role to play in this universe.

Detailed Explanation from Swami:

Each person in this world is unique. In our own body both our eyes are different. When that is the case, how does it make sense to compare 2 unique people with different background. It is equivalent to comparing roses to apples. No one can become you and you cannot become anyone else. Hence comparing with others is not advisable. It is the cause of unhappiness. Religion helps us in discovering our own energies and abilities. It lets us know that we are just not the body alone but more than this body. You are a person with knowledge carrying records of the past and supported by God in a way that is exclusively for you. Religion makes us understand the support we receive from God, our qualities, our role to play in this universe using our abilities and skills.

Posted On : 29-04-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : I have not done anything bad to anyone. Why do bad things happen to me? God does not seem to help me even if I am a good person.

A : What may appear as a bad thing happening to one, may not be really bad. We land in a bad situation based on our thought process. Everything happening is for good. It depends on how one perceives it. It is because of God that we have this body to live in this world. Instead of blaming Him, let us be grateful to Him. Let us also remember that there is no one who can claim that they have never done a bad thing ever or never hurt anyone.

Detailed Explanation from Swami:

How can anyone claim that they haven’t done anything bad ever? How many insects have we killed unknowingly like batting a mosquito, killing several insects when we travel or build a house. Is there anyone who has never said a lie ever in their life or never hurt anyone by their behaviour? It is a combination of both arrogance and ignorance when one says that s/he has not done anything bad to anyone or claim that s/he is a good person. Secondly what we consider as a bad thing is based on our thought process. They may not be bad necessarily. A man who had to go for a job interview missed his flight and cursed everyone including God. However later he found that the flight met with a problem and had to do an emergency landing. He was much better off. What appears bad may not be really bad. Everything happening is for good and it depends on how one perceives it. If we think that something is bad, the thought process has a cascading effect which disturbs everything and lands one in a bad situation. God has given us the body to live in this world and is the one helping us to breathe. He does not ask anything in return. Let us be grateful to Him for being the universal caretaker and not blame Him for everything that happens to us.

Posted On : 22-04-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : I am a good person and dont do bad things. I live by my conscience. Why should I still pray or believe in God?

A : Human beings, animals and trees are creation of God. Man is supposedly at the top of this chain. It is expected that he does more than the other two beings. However, we see that man is neither as selfless as a tree or as faithful as an animal even though he claims he is good or a conscientious person. Praying to God helps him / her to grow to that level. Praying is not for fulfilling material needs.

Detailed Explanation from Swami:

In an office, there are different levels of employees with varying salaries. A top level employee receives more salary than lower leveled ones. S/He is expected to know of her work plus the work of all her juniors and is expected to perform more than the lower leveled employees. Hence the justification of higher payment. Similarly, in life we have different types of living beings such as plants, animals and man. All are creation of God and receive a certain amount of energy (similar to salary). When we consider eating, sleeping and procreation of these beings, it is similar in all respects and no variation in payment is required. However, we observe that trees don’t live for their own sake – Any amount of energy they possess is given to others in the form of shade, wood, fruits/vegetable/flowers. And it keeps doing this every season regenerating itself. The second category is animals, which live by themselves and live sincerely. They do not speak a lie; take what is needed for them and nothing more. Animals also transfer their qualities to the next generation 100% without any deterioration. However, man receives more than these categories and he also takes more than these two from nature. Yet his contribution back is not in the same category as plants that give a 100%. He is not able to transfer the good qualities learnt 100% to his next generation (it is always less). Are we selfless as plants or as faithful as an animal? Man is much below the level of trees or animals, though he is supposedly higher in the chain. So, it is not justified to claim we are not bad because we follow and live by conscience. Praying to God is not for material reasons but to get the help, to reach the level that a man is required to grow into. Prayer is not for achieving the results of one’s actions.

Posted On : 15-04-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : How can belief in God in controlling our bad emotions like anger?

A : When we think we are answerable to each other, the problem comes and emotions rise high. However, if one considers God as the boss at home to whom one is answerable, it helps in controlling anger. Our job is to let Him know of everything and accept whatever He does.

Detailed Explanation from Swami:

At office, people work together in teams and there are people who work hard and those who laze around. How much ever one is irritated and angry on the one who is lazy, there is no yelling and shouting. Everyone completes the work as a team. Any complaints are made to the boss with the belief that the boss will take care of things. The reason we control our emotions because of the boss above us, who we believe is the right one to take action on such issues. Similarly, at home God is the boss. And everyone at home is answerable to Him and not to each other. When we think we are answerable to each other the problem comes. Just like office, everyone in the house has God as a boss who is there to take care of everything and our job is to let Him Know and accept whatever He does. The quarrels that are caused by thinking that we are the boss will deplete our own ability and lead the mind in unnecessary paths.

Posted On : 08-04-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : Why do they cover the food in the temple?

A : One might wonder why cover the food when taking it from temple kitchen to the sanctum in temple when both are inside the temple. In one of the temples, a person was carrying the prasadam on his back without covering. A bird carrying a scorpion flew past it and the venom from scorpion landed in the food. No one observed it. Later when prasa:dam was distributed, everyone fell sick. Ra:jasic quality can be mixed with prasa:dam unknowingly due to various reasons. Hence it is advised to cover food while carrying in open spaces.

Posted On : 01-04-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : What do we do when we travel sometimes for 24 hours? We cannot cook or take bath. But we have to eat something. What should we do?

A : Many a time, one has to travel for work or we also go to our relatives' house who do not share the same beliefs as us and dont believe in God. In all these cases, from whatever prasa:dam is given, pick up whatever is good, use a little water to sanctify it, offer to God in your mind and eat it.

Posted On : 25-03-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : How can we nullify the effect of ra:jasic foods? Many a time, things may fall in and we might not even know about it!

A : To avoid foods polluted by bad elements such as hair unknowingly, we offer them to God before consuming ourselves, and request Him to take care of all impurities.

Detailed Explanation from Swami:

One who is really serious about eating the right food, can easily avoid ta:masic food because the list of ta:masic foods is known. But ra:jasic food is difficult to avoid. While cooking there is a possibility of sweat, hair etc that can fall unknowingly. Pollution can happen at many levels - right from the procurement of vegetables and groceries, preparing the things, cooking the things, where and how its prepared, and who prepares it. And one will not have any kind of knowledge of these things. To avoid such things affecting our nature, we offer them to God and request Him to take care of all the mistakes. It the only solace we can take.

Posted On : 18-03-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : Why are there restrictions in the food we eat? We seem to have restrictions even in vegetarian food. Why is that?

A : Body, mind and intellect need to be in synchronization in order for a human being to be fit. Food plays an important role in keeping them synchronized and only sa:tvic food that is not ra:jasic or ta:masic in nature, helps maintain this balance.

Detailed Explanation from Swami:

One eats to support body, mind and intellect. These three don’t work independently. The intellect guides the mind, mind guides the body and senses. Synchronisation between the three elements is required, for a human being to be physically and mentally fit. The food one consumes plays an important role for the same. Scriptures talk about ka:ya suddhi i.e the object we eat should be pure by birth (sa:tvic or good in nature) and should not be ta:masic or ra:jasic. Ta:masic foods are the one not pure by birth like garlic, onion, radish etc. There is no instrument to measure the ta:masic quantity in food and we go by the foods classified by our elders. Ra:jasic foods are those that are polluted by any deed or intention. While cooking food, if saliva or hair gets in accidentally the food is polluted with ra:jasic quality. Ta:masic and ra:jasic foods are not good for health. Food is a key element in man’s growth and its advised to consume sa:tvic food only.

Posted On : 11-03-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : Why only certain people are allowed to be inside with the vigraha and touch the vigraha of Perumal?

A : When one observes so many rules for things which are pretty mundane and relatively small, we need to be even more careful with God, the all-powerful one. It is equivalent to meddling with the high-power electricity grid.

Detailed Explanation from Swami:

A person is appointed in a chemistry lab to take care of things there, must be a qualified person with some degree in chemistry. He needs enough qualification to work out things in the lab and understand what is present. There are multiple chemicals in the lab when not handled properly can lead to destruction and cause harm. Qualification is always needed to do anything. To be with vigraha, which is the powerhouse of God, one definitely requires qualification. When one observes so many rules for things which are pretty mundane and so small, don’t we need to be even more careful with God the all-powerful one? Its equivalent to meddling with the high power electricity grid. And hence only qualified persons handle the vigraha of Perumal.

Posted On : 25-02-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : Why cannot we go inside the sanctum sanctorum near God? Why should we see Him from a distance?

A : Any powerful area that controls the lives of many people needs to be protected and only people with proper qualification can enter the same. Sanctum Sanctorum contains the almighty God. Hence it is only appropriate that qualified people are allowed there.

Detailed Explanation from Swami:

In the cockpit area of a flight only the pilots are allowed to enter. Things seem simple from outside - a few buttons and listening to instructions with a headset. Then why are there so many restrictions? The reason is that – it is a powerful area that controls many people and one requires proper qualification to enter the area. It needs a skilful person to run and protect that area. The sanctum sanctorum is the area of all-pervasive controller of the universe! When we have restrictions entering places like the cockpit area; labs in many departments, how can everyone without proper qualification enter the room of the almighty Perumal?

Posted On : 18-02-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : There are so many rules and regulations to pray, or to go to temple. Can't God just accept the way we are and be ok with however we visit Him?

A : God does not impose any restrictions as such. In order for us to receive the grace of the all-powerful force properly, we have to follow certain things. And those include sna:nam, dhya:nam and mark on the forehead which will equip us to receive His grace properly.

Detailed Explanation from Swami:

God has no restrictions, no rules and He is ok with anything. However, we need to follow certain things and equip ourselves to receive the grace of the all-powerful one. Sna:nam (bath), sandhya (twilight prayer), mantra (that which protects the mind), japam (meditative chanting) and dhya:nam (meditation) - all these are samska:ras for us to make us fit for receiving His grace. A doctor gives suitable medicine after conducting many checks. Eventually, the medicine prescribed by doctor might not be very costly. But to arrive at that conclusion he must go through many screenings. He is qualified and he qualifies us also with that prescription. Similarly, if one is serious about realizing God then one must equip oneself for God with certain qualities and qualifications. Snanam (bath), Dhyanam (meditation) and mark on the forehead etc are all part of it.

Posted On : 11-02-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : If one can buy an idol from shop and keep it, it is a vigraha. So why should one go to temple then?

A : An idol becomes worshippable, when certain vedic procedures are done. Otherwise, it is just an idol. Many people dont get a chance to do the same. Moreover, only in temple one can share the joy of experiencing God with others and where everyone feels the ownership of God.

Detailed Explanation from Swami:

A TV newly bought won’t play all the channels until the required procedures are done. Similarly, an idol purchased becomes a worshipable vigraha, only if its sanctified with proper procedures. Many don’t get a chance to do the same and hence a temple is important. A person also gets to share the joy of experiencing God with others (be it group chanting or singing) at a temple better than in a house. In a house, one is limited by the number of people they can share the joy with, and are constrained by neighbours who might find it disturbing. In a temple, everyone feels the God is their own. At home, our ego kicks in and it becomes “my God”. In a temple, everyone can say “our God”, “our temple” and that is how it becomes a place fit for worship by everybody. There is discrimination based on caste, religion or other criteria. So, temple is very much needed as a place of worship.

Posted On : 04-02-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : Why do we go to temple if God is everywhere?

A : Temple is the powerhouse where the energy of God is absorbed and is delivered through the vigraha (the divine idol). Hence it is important to go to a temple.

Detailed Explanation from Swami:

Though God is everywhere, we need a temple to physically feel His presence and focus on Him. A:layam, the word for temple means a place where the energy of God is absorbed. And vigraham (idol) is the one which captures the power of God and passes it to those who visit the temple. We can compare it with Lift irrigation where water is lifted through pumps and distributed. The vigraham is purified and sanctified with vedic processes. And it purifies and sanctifies anyone who comes there. That is why we call it as “vigraham” – vise:she:na gra:hayati Temple is similar to a power house. Electricity may be present in the air but it needs a system to latch it and receive the power. The one that receives the power is a:laya and the one that delivers it is vigraha.

Posted On : 28-01-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : I do not understand the meaning of slokas I recite. So what is the point of reciting them?

A : Whether one knows the meaning of a sloka or not, it does not matter. Just like how the sound of a cuckoo brings us joy even if we dont understand the meaning, chanting the sloka helps one to experience the joy. If the meaning is known, then it is even more joyful.

Detailed Explanation from Swami:

Slokas are the outpourings of the people who felt incessant love for God . Slokas are not something that one creates because of their knowledge in Sanskrit, or for any kind of benefit. Slokas came out of pure love. Hence when one recites it with the same love and intention, it brings in the same effect to them as it did with its creator. Whether one knows the meaning or not, it doesn’t matter. When the cuckoo sings, it brings us joy even if we don’t understand the meaning. Similarly chanting of the sloka brings us joy whether we know the meaning or not. The joy is multiplied if one understands the meaning as well.

Something for us to ponder - We spend energy and effort on many activities that don’t give us any kind of benefit. Do we stop doing them? When there are people with experience who got the benefit, why should we leave it? So do not stop reciting slokas. Out of the many slokas present, learn whatever suits you, and enjoy. You will definitely see the benefit.

Posted On : 21-01-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : If nature is divine form of God, cant we just appreciate nature? Why do we treat God as seaparate entity?

A : Nature is His divine body and we need to get connected to His inner soul. We do not love only the body of a person, but the life along with the body. That life of nature, is what is known as God.

Detailed Explanation from Swami:

When we love a person we love them holistically that includes their body and life. Do we continue to love the body of a person even when there is no life? It is just a cadaver then. We love the person when there is life in the body. It’s the same with God. What we see around us is the body of God. We need to get connected to the life of His form. The life inside is known as God. There is every chance for the things around, to prevent us from attaining the connection with His inner self. The Vedas talk about how to attain the inner connection with the soul of God (paramatma) and it is important for us to make the connection.

Posted On : 14-01-2021

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : How many Vedas are there?

A : Though Vedas are considered as a mass of divine sounds, basing upon their observations, they have been classified as four, having 1,131 sub-branches. They are the Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda and Atharva Veda. Rig Veda has 21 branches, Yajur Veda has 101 branches, Sama Veda has 1,000 branches and Atharwa has 9 branches. Unfortunately, we lost most Vedas as time passed. Today, we are able to get only 11 branches of Veda.

Posted On : 31-12-2020

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : How do we know that Vedas indeed contain the truth?

A : Vedas are 'a:ptha va:kyam' - meaning messages from our well-wishers handed down to us through a lineage of people. They contain universal truth and facts, some of which are beyond the perception and conception of humans. Just because something is complex and is not yet fully comprehended does not mean it is incorrect. It is our job to figure out the facts.

Detailed Explanation from Swami:

Vedas contain universal truth about the world we live in and other worlds. Not all the information about the visible world itself, is comprehended by us. But that doesn’t mean what the Veda contains is untrue. Take the example of the mathematical equations of Srinivasa Ramanujam. We don’t understand some of the equations even now. That just implies the equations are complex for us to grasp. Similarly anything that is difficult to comprehend need not be denied. Whatever the vedic sages spoke, are about concepts they have seen and experienced. None of it is beyond logic or experience. It’s our job to understand and figure out those facts. Vedas talk about facts and universal truth that we cannot perceive or conceive and that which is beyond our imagination. We are limited by our senses and imagination and hence it’s advised to start with the existing words of wisdom to discover more. Swamiji shares an example given by Pedda Jeeyar swamiji on how our sensory perception can go wrong - A Britisher while passing by a bridge observed a washer-man washing clothes on the banks of a river by beating the clothes on a stone and dropping them in a clay-pot which had fire lit under it. Later the Britisher made a remark on his observations saying “Poor illiterate Indians they are cooking the clothes in a clay pot and trying to break the stone using multiple clothes.“ How ignorant the observer was! This is a great example to prove how our sense observation may go wrong. Hence, it’s very important we take the guidance of a wise guru, to understand things beyond our comprehension.

Posted On : 24-12-2020

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : Why should we accept the Vedas?

A : Vedas contain universal truth and facts. When a foundation exists, it makes sense to understand them and build upon it rather than starting from scratch. This will save time and effort and help build new things.

Detailed Explanation from Swami:

Vedas contain wisdom needed for the world and have been passed down through generations as messages. They contain universal truth that is not perceived by us. One can choose not to accept them and can go down the path of discovering things from scratch. However, it takes a long time to discover something. People of the vedic lore lived a much longer life (tens of thousands of years) and had the time and knowledge required to discover and experience various things. Currently our lifespans are nowhere close to that. When a foundation exists, it makes sense to build upon that, rather than starting from ground zero. This also saves efforts and produces more value. Any word of wisdom need not be ignored.

Posted On : 17-12-2020

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : What are the Ve:das?

A : Ve:das are compilation of divine sounds responsible for the creation of the entire universe. Ve:da means 'that which reveals' or 'which bestows'. They contain universal truth and scientific facts.

Detailed Explanation from Swami:

Ve:das are compilation of divine sounds. These sounds were preserved as they are and passed on to generations by experienced people called Rushis (sages of ancient times). Ve:das are the outpourings, as a result of the penance and experiences of ancient sages. They bestow things we require and reveal the truths that are needed. ve:dayathi iti ve:daha – Vedas reveals everything we need. Vedas contain things truly experienced by sages . In other words, it is science. Vedas talk about both the visible world and the one that is not perceived by us. Vedas talk about the land we live in, about the solar family that we observe, about the galaxy in which we live and so on. In general the ve:das talk about the whole universe and a lot about other worlds, that was experienced by these sages. Vedas contain universal truth and scientific facts.

Posted On : 10-12-2020

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : How should we pray to God? Does prayer mean being serious with our eyes closed?

A : God does not expect anything from us. One can pray to God however they want. Love for Him makes us do some activity and hence prayer comes out in multiple ways. In the form of tears through eyes, or listening to songs or words about Him through our ears or singing through our mouth or dancing with our legs and hands and many more ways.

Detailed Explanation from Swami:

God does not expect anything from us. We pray out of our love for Him. Praying to God is always associated with sitting quiet, taking flowers and saying things like o:m ke:sava:ya namaha, o:m ma:dhava:ya namaha, o:m govinda:ya namaha etc. Yes, this is a way, but not necessarily the only way. Whatever one wants to do for God, like offering food, flowers, song, it is ok with God. God understands our intent and the amount of love that we have. Whenever love forces one to do some activity with pri:ti (love), that becomes a prayer. And Bhagavad Ramanuja says when the overflowing love mixes with roopa (form), hands will feel like doing something – offer flowers, wash the feet, make garlands etc, or the lips will sing or legs will dance. Such activities are not because we have to do it, but we feel like doing it. Prayer is not something that you sit and wait for the mood to come. The love that you feel, commands you to do something. And the love comes when you understand the help received and understand the relationship with God.

Posted On : 03-12-2020

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : Why do we pray to God?

A : We pray to God due to our love towards Him, the one who has helped us with many things right from our survival. It is an automatic outpouring of our love that generates from the gratitude we feel for Him. Prayer should not be a call to God to fulfil our desires arising from our greed.

Detailed Explanation from Swami: Whenever we understand that we receive help from someone, we feel like expressing our gratitude, our thanks to the person. When we throw a piece of bread to a dog, it responds with love and care, even a tiger that receives a piece of flesh shows its gratitude by playing with the zoo-keeper. Just taking a little something from someone, makes us feel humble and makes us respond with love. We receive tremendous help and abundant energy from God. It’s only natural that our love outpours and the result is prayer. Some people mistake prayer to be a call to God to ask for things they desire. Prayer is not there for us to ask God for more things arising out of our desires. God, knows and gives one what they truly need and does not require us to ask. Prayer is nothing but the outpouring of our love for God.

Posted On : 26-11-2020

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : What is prayer?

A : Prayer is an outpouring of one's love, that flows incessantly from the heart towards whom they love. That love flows automatically in the form of words, music, etc. Prayer is a call with love.

Posted On : 19-11-2020

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : Should we revere and respect this supreme power Na:ra:yana?

A : Revering and respecting the Supreme Being is a mark of our gratefulness, for the help we receive from Him for our very own survival. Surrendering to Him, will enable one to receive the benefit of the power.

Detailed Explanation from Swami: The supreme power has helped us by creating the world for us. Revering and respecting this supreme power is our own decision. God doesn’t demand anything from us. However it’s a mark of our gratefulness for the help we receive from Him for our own survival. The Upanishads recognize the power as sarvajna sarva ve:ththa: meaning one that knows everything in all respects. Given the existence of such an all-pervasive and all-knowing power, surrendering to it will enable us to receive the benefit of this power and enable us do things in a better way. The supreme power will not go against our free-will and hence our consent and submission is required for Him to help us. Belief in God helps in empowering oneself and develop self-confidence.

Posted On : 12-11-2020

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : What do de:vatas do? How many de:vatas are there?

A : Each de:vata has a different role assigned to them, to help run the universe. The de:vatas are the different parts of God (His limbs). If one has to categorize the de:vatas, it is said in the ve:da that there are 330 million (33 crores) de:vatas.

Detailed Explanation from Swami: God has unlimited powers (infinite). Each de:vata is one aspect of the power of God. The human body is made of 5 elements and a de:vata body is made of light (te:jas). The de:vata of water is Varuna, Agni is the de:vata of fire, Va:yu is the de:vata of wind , Kube:ra is the de:vata of wealth, Ashwini kuma:ras are de:vatas for health and so on. Different de:vatas play different roles to help run the universe. It is similar to different ministers running different departments under a ruler in governing the kingdom. They are superior beings than humans and hence, are misconstrued by some as Gods. The Ve:das say that de:vatas are the different parts of God – anga:ni anya:ha de:vata:ha sa a:tma (sa a:tma is the inner soul which is God). God is inside them too, just like everyone else. All the de:vatas are His different parts and his limbs. It does not make sense to worship the part of a person instead of the person Himself. If one has to categorize the de:vatas, it is said in the ve:das that there are 330 million (33 crores) de:vatas.

Posted On : 05-11-2020

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : If there is only one God, who are the other deities that have a temple and that is worshiped by many?

A : There is only one supreme power. But it's abilities are seen through many souls and they are powers of God - not Gods by themselves. They are misconstrued as Gods by humans. The souls showing His power are known as de:vatas.

Detailed Explanation from Swami: When God is in every form, it is only logical that every form belongs to Him. People get misled by seeing some of the powers that are there in the world, thinking that they run the universe. For example, the self-illuminating planet sun, also called as Surya Narayana is worshiped by some for being the life giver. Yes, he can be worshiped as God, as God is in him too. God is in the Moon, tree, bird - everywhere and everything. All the things that are visible, are different organs of God says the Ve:da. A person works through his organs. The sun is His eye, the space is His ear, and the wind is His nose. So, wherever His power is seen or experienced, instead of connecting those powers to God, some mistakenly call them as God, which is wrong. God will always be one. But His abilities are seen through many others. Each will be able to bring out His abilities in some respect of their own. They are not Gods but are the powers of God. And they are called ‘de:vata:’ in Sanskrit (closely translated as divine beings in English).

Posted On : 29-10-2020

Question : *** Swami Answers series

Q : Is there only one God?

A : The presence of some unseen or invisible power behind all the creation is evident. The perfect execution of the system also implies that there is a controller behind the same. If there is more than one controller or creator, we would experience conflicts just as a kingdom would face when it has 2 rulers. Hence there can be only one God who is the controller of the universe. The same is also ascertained in the ve:das, the authoritative scriptures of ours, which mentions de:va ekaha meaning there is only one God.

Posted On : 17-09-2020

Question : *** Swami Answers series ***

Q : God is also sometimes referred to as I:swara, Vishnu, Brahma. What do these names mean?

A :
The scriptures give an explanation for these names. I:sa means to control and the one who controls everything is I:svara. Our scriptures also mention the name Vishnu that means all-pervasive (permeates every atom of the universe). As this power is also bigger than the biggest of the objects, it is also called as Bramha. Not to be confused with the 4 headed Bramha: (chatur mukha Bramha:) who also seeks the grace of this supreme power. Our scriptures also say, that this power is not only big but can make anyone also big. The description given in our scriptures for the word Bramha is “bruhathi” and “brumhayathi”. Bruhathi means big one. Brumhayathi means whoever surrenders to it, can also be made big. Hence it is also known as Bramha. A point to note - If long vowel is there Bramha: - it’s the 4 headed divine being that is being referenced by that name; the supreme power is just called Bramha.

However the name for this absolute supreme being, that encompasses all these attributes is Na:ra:yana, given to us in our authoritative scriptures.

Posted On : 10-09-2020

Question : Swami Answers series:

What is the name of unseen supreme power?

In order to name the superpower that is all-pervasive, all-knowing, and controls everything and is bigger than the biggest of objects, let us refer to our scriptures. The name for this absolute supreme being, that encompasses all these attributes is Na:ra:yana, given to us in the ve:das. Among the literature, only the word Na:ra:yana is able to cover the vastness of the power of God. Other names are unable to cover all the abilities of the supreme Being.

The origin of the term God in English, is not known clearly. Some say it’s an acronym for generator, organiser and destroyer. Maybe… God is beyond names and is beyond form. If we want to call God with some kind of name, the ve:das give a very appropriate name called Na:ra:yana.

Posted On : 03-09-2020

Question : Jai Srimannarayana. Due to the pandemic, we are repeating the series of Swami Answers posts. This provides a chance to revisit for us.

How can we say that God exists?

We see that the universe that we are all part of - which is not created by us or anyone around us, is working so well. Then it is only logical that there must be some power controlling everything and running the system.

Detailed Explanation from Swami: The world around us, and our lives have not been created by any of us. Our origin is not yet known clearly. None of us control what’s happening around us, yet the system is working very well. It is therefore only logical that whenever a system goes in order, there must be some person or power behind it, controlling everything and running it. This power that is controlling everyone and everything, should naturally be much more intelligent and powerful than any one of us. Else it will not be able to run the system so perfectly. This power must also be quick in execution and all pervasive as it is able to observe every corner of the universe and knows everything. This power is referred to as God.

Posted On : 27-08-2020

Question : Question: Why do we put the lord’s own feet on his divine face?
Ans: Sri: Chu:rnam represents Maha Lakshmi personification of love. And the divine feet of the Lord represents peace. When these symbols represent peace and love, it can adorn the Lord's divine face to show us that this is the way to adorn it. It's not literally taken as Vishnu and Lakshmi pa:dam (divine feet). It’s adorned on perumals head as a symbolic representation of peace and love.

Posted On : 13-08-2020

Question : Question: Why do some say that thiruman represents the divine feet of the Lord?
Ans: When one believes in Maha Vishnu and surrenders to his feet to get His grace, then out of love we like to keep his feet on our head. Hence thiruman is said to represent his divine feet (thiruvadi).

Detailed Explanation: When one believes in Maha Vishnu and surrenders to his feet to get His grace, then out of love we like to keep his feet on our head. Ahzvars also keep singing that “I keep your feet on my head” - “thalaiyalla:l kaima:ru ille:n’. Hence thiruman is said to represent his divine feet (thiruvadi). Its not literally putting his feet on our head but out of love we symbolically do so. The white represents the divine feet of the Lord and the red represents Mahalakshmi or Sri: Hence the red powder is known as Sri: chu:rnam. Sri: is a personification of love and hence she is also called tha:ya:r or mother.

Posted On : 06-08-2020

Question : Everyone wants to be happy and love each other in a peaceful environment. We want peace to be the foundation and joy to progress. Colors are also important in representing these emotions.

In thiruman / u:rdhwa pundram, a place is identified as the beginning of this journey . The journey begins between the eyes. This is because, eyes show the external world. It is the beginning of knowledge. White represents peace and is also the foundation for joy. So, a base is drawn in between the eyes with a strong root which will not be shaken at any point of time. From there it progresses upwards on two sides till where the hair touches the forehead. A red tilak is drawn in the middle representing love. It also proceeds upward from the middle of eyebrows and is drawn till the point where the hair touches the forehead. The root of the base starts from a place called na:sika: mu:lam which is identified as the middle point of nose as identified by scriptures.

Posted On : 30-07-2020

Question : People wear a variety of things on their foreheads. Sri Vaishnavas apply a red line surrounded by white lines. Some people apply vibhu:thi as horizontal lines. And nowadays there are a variety of decorations for the forehead in varying colours. Face should represent what is felt in your heart because face is the index of one’s mind. Everyone wants to be happy always, love others, be loved and feel at peace. U:rdhwa pundram / Thiruman represents love and peace and hence, joy.

Posted On : 23-07-2020

Question : Water is the life-giving source. Life gets energized with water. Even if we have not eaten for two days, the tiredness is replaced with energy just by taking a bath. The fresh energy in the body is due to water.

Bathing oneself is to energize the body before charging the mind. One goes to temple or does pooja to energize the mind and spirit. It is important to energize the body before charging the mind. This is the reason one takes a bath when one wakes up in the morning or is physically tired after doing some work. To rejuvenate the mind or spirit one can chant manthra or some sankalpa.

Posted On : 16-07-2020

Question : God has given us knowledge, and the tools to use the knowledge. Buddhi is intellect and body is the tool - both of which are given by Him. The ability of the body (shari:ra) is to work and knowledge helps to synchronise those activities with the goal to achieve something.

The problem arises when our ego comes in between and thinks that it is “I” who does it. It also doesn't mean that one has to stay passive and not do anything. This is not a free pass to give up everything and stay passive. All of this is given by Him so that we can work with it for serving Him in this earth. When one understands, I belong to Him , the things I have, belong to Him and my activity is a service to Him, then the question of passivity does not arise . The very purpose of a person being born here is to serve Him. We are an instrument who works for Him - Just like a computer which acts under human instruction.

Arjuna during the Kuruskshetra war, thought that he was waging war with his relatives and he was going to kill them. He did not realize that he was just an instrument in God's hand to execute God's plan. This is what the Lord clarified in Bhagavad Gita. So the question of passivity does not arise.

Posted On : 09-07-2020

Question : Detailed Explanation:The common understanding of people regarding their activities, is that 50% is God’s effort and 50% effort is theirs. 50% from the side of ji:va:tma should also be there. Then only it becomes purushaarttha (that one as a human being wants to achieve as goal). But the effort from us is also given by Him and the thought is also given by Him. “matthaha smrithi gya:nam apo:ham cha” - so our thoughts and efforts are His and sankalpa, the resolution one takes to do something is also His. The confusion comes when one’s ego comes in and makes them think that they are the ones doing it. We are an instrument in His hands to do things. Hence one should dedicate both activities and results to God.

Posted On : 02-07-2020

Question : Jai Sriman Narayana
Detailed Explanation: One might believe, but not trust. WHat does it mean? A man crosses a valley between 2 cliffs on a rope with his child on his back. He is very much appreciated and spectators tell him that they believe he can repeat the feat. However, when he offers to cross the rope with the child of a spectator none is willing to give him. Though they believe him that he can cross, they do not trust him to carry their own child across. We believe in God because of elderly preaching and sampradayic lineage and also the fact that it feels good when we do so. However for trust, it has to be personal experience which can be a lengthy process. It may happen next moment or aftera few births. So either one has to believe the words of elders or wait to experience themselves. These are the two things which will give the confidence to trust.

Posted On : 25-06-2020

Question : Jai Sriman Narayana
Detailed Explanation: Anyone should start with leading a normal moral life. That is the foundation of a spiritual life. Common things like eat the right things, do good things, talk with humility and work modestly and be a sattvik (good) personality is fundamental for leading a spiritual life. Nowadays our habits are corrupted with all sorts of food, polluted surroundings , and improper dressing. Moderation in all of this is the first step to excellence. Forego ego and do not think I did this or this is mine. Dedicate activities and result to God. Anything to be done, do it without ego but with humility and loyalty to god. Dedicating actions to God will not affect the result. It also does not mean rejecting or ignoring the people around you. The people around you are also provided by God, so that you can share things with them, teach them or learn from them. Ultimately one needs to feel the presence of God in everything.

Posted On : 18-06-2020

Question : Question: How does one develop complete trust in God?
We believe in God because of elderly preaching and sampradayic lineage. Trust comes from personal experience which can either happen next moment or after a few births. One has to either believe the words of elders or wait to experience themselves.

Detailed Explanation: One might believe, but not trust. WHat does it mean? A man crosses a valley between 2 cliffs on a rope with his child on his back. He is very much appreciated and spectators tell him that they believe he can repeat the feat. However, when he offers to cross the rope with the child of a spectator none is willing to give him. Though they believe him that he can cross, they do not trust him to carry their own child across. We believe in God because of elderly preaching and sampradayic lineage and also the fact that it feels good when we do so. However for trust, it has to be personal experience which can be a lengthy process. It may happen next moment or aftera few births. So either one has to believe the words of elders or wait to experience themselves. These are the two things which will give the confidence to trust.

Posted On : 11-06-2020

Question : Question: Why is god referred to as peruma:l?
One who stands as an example to the rest of the world in human life is referred to as peruma:l and is worshipped as well. The illustrious and righteous Rama was given the title of peruma:l as He showed that a man can exist with all virtuous qualities. ‘perum’ means big and ‘a:l’ means person.

Detailed Explanation: ‘perum’ means big and ‘a:l’ means person. It’s a title given to Lord Rama who being a man existed with all virtuous qualities. The illustrious and righteous Rama, followed the code of conduct to the tee and was a model for everyone in the society. Even the devatas adored him and continued worshipping him after he slayed Ravana. One who lives a human life and makes himself a model for the society is referred to as peruma:l and will be worshipped by everybody including the de:vata:s. One who exemplifies himself to the rest of the world is called peruma:l and is worshipped as well..

Posted On : 28-05-2020

Question : Why is only Rama praised as ‘the follower of father’s words’ / pithrua:k paripa:lakudu and not Bheeshma or Parasurama (son of Jamadagni)?

Posted On : 24-4-2019

Question : We look up to Sri Rama as an ideal human being and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Why did HE send Sitha Devi into the forests when she was pregnant, a woman who believed in HIM to take care of her for her entire life? Is it fair that he reacts so much to a mere comment from a single person in his kingdom?
Is it fair that Sri Rama sent Sitha Devi away into forests?

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : What is important for an Acharya to follow – Nārāyana dāsya or philanthropic social welfare activities

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : 1 ) I a spiritually inclined person, I want to know which masa(Month) is the holiest. Because in each purana different months are described as holiest. 2 ) Ekadasi fasting is must, but by performing which ekadasi fast do we get the merit of fasting on all other ekadasi days (i.e best ekadasi), since it is very difficult to perform fast on all ekadasi days. Further what is the procedure of observing the fast i,e which are the foods that are permitted to be taken excepting Rice(Annam). I would be happy if the benign swamyji can answer these questions.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : I am a … boy. I am in love with a … girl. She informed about us at her place and their parents rejected me as I am not born in a … family. Please tell me a way such that I can convince her parents for our marriage. I chant the Gayatri mantra daily and I pray all Gods and respect all religions and practices. Please help me Swamiji. Your advice will be of great help and encouragement for me. Please excuse me if I have made a wrong question or questioned in a wrong manner. As you can understand my love for her and my respect towards her parents and their feelings please help me in this regard.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : jai Srimannarayana, My own elder brother wife (vadina) is going to have a child next month, and my doubt is, will i have a purudu for 10 days or not. why iam asking is iam a bramachari and had a guru Sri Sri Kaliyan Vanamavali Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamiji. and i heard that bramachari does not have any attachment with purudu, is it so. if Yes/No, tell me in detail why, so that i can tell others and convey them regarding this.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Jai Srimannarayana. My humble Pranamams to the holy lotus feet of HH Sri Sri Sri Jeeyar swamivaru. I would like to know about this year KrishnaAshtami dates. Usually there will be two days One is celebrated in north India and One celebrated in Vaishanva temples in AndhraPradesh. I request Swamivaru to take take few minutes and Kindly inform us l about the dates.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Ekadhasi Fasting: I heard that ekadhasi is very good day. It is the day of Vishnu. So have a question many say they r fasting ,some say they should not eat oil food, some say no onions, some say no rice but what is the right way to do fasting or okkapodhu.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Srimathe Raamanujaya namaha, Pranaams to HH Sri Jeeyar Swamiji, I request you to kindly clarify on the same. adiyEn is pasting the question again herewith. Someone trying to answer said that those thithis went to lord and complained that they are not being recognised by people and hence to promote those thithis, Lord was born in those 2 thithis. But here too i have a doubt..Even after Lord Rama and Krishna were born in Navami and Ashtami respectively, people do not recognise those thithis. So adiyen was not convinced about that answer. adiyEn is waiting for Swamiji’s answer which i think will be the apt one.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : I have one doubt on Birthday celebrations of Lord Rama and Krishna. Conventionally we celebrate Birthdays based on Birth stars only and Sraarthams etc based on thithi. If that is so, why do we celebrate Rama’s and Krishna’s birth on thithis (navami and ashtami)? I have asked this question in so many forums till now and not got any reply. I request Swamiji to clarify and enlighten me.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Sri ChinnaJeeyar Swamivariki, Aaneka Namaskaramulato… My name is KrishnaJyothi and I’m in Cincinnati,OH,USA. First I’d like to share with you that we were blessed with a baby boy on March 31st 2003 and named him as Vishnu and I’d like to have your and SriManNarayana’s blessings for my son always. I’ve a doubt regarding the birth star of my son. My son has born on March 31st 2003 at 12:29PM in Cincinnati,OH,USA according to the local time. And the star on that day at that time according to Cincinnati is PoorvaBadra. But sombody told me that star need to be decided according to the time in India at that point. So the time in India at that point was 10:59PM, and the star at that time was UttaraBaadra. So, please tell me what is my son’s birth star and which method we should follow. With humble pranamams to your lotus feet..

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Subject: lion throne, Nityotsava What is meant here with “lion throne”? Is there any translation available of the Nityotsava?

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Jai Srimannarayana! I have a question which has been left unanswered by many religious speakers whom I have asked about conducting the Kalyanam of Radha with Lord Krishna. Is Radha Krishna Kalyanm celebrated?

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : We are from Columbus,OH. We came to know that You are gracing the Hindu temple in Cincinnati and performing the Srinivasa Kalyanam. We are very much interested to participate but we dont know whether we can participate because my husband’s father expired in Nov,2005. We were told last year not to observe any festivals or perform any special poojas like Satyanarayana Vratha for a year. Does this hold good for Kalyanam too? Even if we cant perform the pooja, can we atleast watch it and accept Your Blessings? Some told us not to accept “Satari” at the temple and some told there are no such restrictions. We dont know what to follow and what not to follow. We humbly request You to kindly enlighten us. Why the restrictions till one year after one’s father died? As a vishnavite, when i can enter into temple and eligible to perform pooja ? Please forgive me if i asked an irrilevant question?

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Please enlighten us in this contest what to do and what not do, at the time of either birth or death in a family. please let us know why these are done what they signify.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : My another question is about the chicken pox which is called as ammavaru,pongu,atlamu in our andhra pradesh.Many people say that this will come to a person if he or she liked by durga Matha is it correct ,Is anything is mentioned about it in vedas.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : My mother showed my jathakam to a person who is well known in jathakams he told that The Lord Shani will affect me for two years and he told some procedures must be done to reduce the effect of Shani by doing shani japas in the temple.Since i had taken vaisnava diksha from gaudiya vaishnavism order My mind is telling to do japa of hare krishna mantra and not bother about Lord shani japas.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : I would like to know about Bagavad Ramanuja’s philosphy on role of women in doing pooja of the saligrama. If a women in married to a family who are not srivaishnavas can she still take a saligrama from the parents family and do the pooja. Your repsonse would be highly appreciated.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : I have a few questions on Madhyahnikam (Noon sandhya prayers). 1. The noon arghya pradanam is done facing north. Should the Prayaschitta arghyam also be done facing north or east? 2. Should Aikyanusandhanam at noon be done facing north or east? 3. Should the Pranava Japa (starting with Pranavasya rishi brahma) at noon be done facing north or east? Thank you.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Pranams to HH SRI CHINNA JEEYAR SWAMI, Please forgive me for this mundane question. The reason why I am asking it, is that I want an answer from an Acharya rather than western historians or Bharatiyas who are not well-versed in our scriptures, etc. I would like to know how different gotras formed different endogamous sub-groups or jatis? For example the same gotra can be found among the different jatis ( Bharadwaj gotra in a Nambudiri Brahmin and a Kashmiri Pundit). Given that gotras regulate marriages and that varna is by birth according to shastras (pardon me if I am incorrect); it would mean 2 individuals belonging to the same gotra but of 2 different geographical locations would be “brothers or cousin-brothers”. The information per western historians state at times gotras are not real and some of the times are made up. Does belonging to a gotra indicate are direct descendant by heredity or adoption or guru-parampara lineage ? If it is not by heredity, than why the ban sagotra marriages?

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : 1) We know that Sriman Narayana is Supreme, as per Vedas. And this means, we reject Rajasic and Tamasic Puranas as invalid. We accept the Ithihasas, Ramayana and Mahabharata. Swami, my question is about the Mahabharata. There are so many versions in existence today. Many of these versions have tales like Shiva being called Supreme. How do Vaishnavas explain these verses? Because, I believe a team of scholars compiled an edition of every existent verse (BORI’s Critical Edition). In that edition, there are things like Bhishma telling Yudhishtira to worship Shiva, and Shiva being called greater than Vishnu. So, which is the correct version (in english) for Vaishnavas to follow? And if these verses calling Shiva as supreme are authentic, then how do we explain them? Did our poorvacharyas explain these verses? 2) My second question pertains to the Veda. I am aware that Satapatha Brahmana and other verses talk about birth of Shiva, so therby, Shiva is not Supreme. But how do we identify Vishnu as Sriman Narayana? And in Gita, Krishna says, ‘Among Adityas, I am Vishnu’. We know Adityas are created by NarayaNa. Then why does Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, call Vishnu an Aditya? I’d be grateful if you could kindly answer these questions.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Jai Srimannarayana! We are happy for the interest you have in knowing things. we try to give you replies in brief at those questions only. You may go through them. =Chinnajeeyar= Why does the difference of opinion exist between Vaishnavas on who the Source of all incarnations is? Why does the Supreme Lord leave room for these differences?

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Will we reach different destinations if we treat Vishnu as source Vs. Krishna as source. In your opinion if some one follows ISKCON sampradaya can that help attain Vaikunta.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Is it true that the highest position in spiritual world is to serve in Madhurya raas and is that the ultimate goal one should have?

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Why do we do kalyanam on Sri Rama Navami, instead of celebrating birthday of Rama ?

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : What is the significance of ADHIVAASAMS that we doto the vigrahams at the time of pratishtha.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Who revealed the saiva , sakti and gaanaapatya agamaas to the world

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Jai srimannarayana! please accept my humble obeisances. for the past couple of years I am observing one thing . after the end of every ritual why they are saying NARAYANA SAMARPAYAMI after that the priest is saying SARVAM SREE KRISHNA RPANAM MASTU. recently I heard the same after the LOKA SANTHI YAGNAM in pittsburgh. Also once during RAMANAVAMI celebrations after reading SUNDARAKANDA, the priest said NARAYANA SAMARPAYAMI after that the priest said SARVAM SREE KRISHNA ARPANAM MASTU . Also recently when we performed satyanarayana puja I heard the same. once you said Krishna is Narayana Himself (an ncarnation of Narayana) why the priest says NARAYANA SAMARPAYAMI after that the priest is saying SARVAM SREE KRISHNAARPANAM MASTU . If “Krishna is Narayana himself ” the priest can only say NARAYANA SAMARPAYAMI . If both are same why here we are referring to two different personalities?

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Subject: about mantra My question is about the meaning and importance of the mantra: OM NAMO GOVINDAYA. Which blessings one person will obttain by doing japa on this mantra? What is the differenc betwen this mantra and OM NAMO NARAYANAYA?

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : A small question Swamiji: What is the meaning of “Adiyen”..?

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : SWAMY is Supreme…and there is nothing other than HIM..So, how can jivatma be separate from paramatma…..if there is nothing other than HIM..? Doesn’t this show jivatma as something other than HIM..?

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Mantram is closer to us than SWAMY HIMSELF.. SWAMY is present everywhere kadaa Swamiji…There is no place where SWAMY is not present…Even before we can utter the mantram..SWAMY is already there with us, around us kada..Then how can a mantram be closer to us than SWAMY…?

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : srI: Respected Bhagavathas, I would like to know the origin, composer of Sri Srinivasa Gadyam.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : SrImatE rAmAnujAya nama: Dear SrImad jIyar-svAmi-ji, jai SrIman-nArAyaNa! daNDavat praNAma-s & dAsasya vigyApaNam, I have heard “SaraNAgati is merely the knowledge that the Lord Himself is verily the Means and the End. Therefore any action performed or words uttered by a jIva seeking mOksha/bhakti is svarUpa-viruddhaM (ie inconsistent with SarIrAtma-bhAva/artha-pancaka gyAnam)”. In view of the above, I have difficulty understanding SrI-rAmAnuja’s explicit requests (in SaraNAgati-gadya) to the Lord to bestow upon him para-bhakti/para-gyAna/parama-bhakti. dhanyOsmi, aDiyEn rAmAnuja-dAsa: /Ramkumar

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Kindly enlighten me of the ashtakshari mantra and the way how it has to be chanted. Since I did not know the value when samasrenam was done some 30years back as a ritual soon after the marriage. with pranam to the lotus feet of swami lakshmi

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : What as a lady should I chant everday as a practice?

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Is “ma” a nama-mantra?

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Jai srimannarayana to all Bhagavad bandhus!

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Subject: Chhandogya Upanishad Hari Om ~~~~~~~ I am studying the Chhandogya Upanishad and wondered if anyone on this list can give me the definition of ‘Chhandogya’. I have been fortunate to read many of the Upanishads and know that they are named by the first word of the writing or of the rishi that is the author. Yet, in this case of Chhandogya, I have doubt. Thank you in advance if you can advise me accordingly. Sarvam Khalv idam Brahma,- Chhandogya Upanishad

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : I came to know that venkateshwara talked with varahaswamy during his time.My doubt is that both venkateshwara and varaha are the avataras of lord sri maha vishnu. then how is it possible for them to talk to each other. please answer my question and clarify my doubt. JAI SRIMANNARAYANA

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : I am a student of physics. The otherday I attended a lecture and had some questions which were NOT answered to my satisfaction. Please read these questions and provide your insight. As I understand, one of the basic TRUTHS accepted by Vishistadvaitins is that JEEVATMA is NOT CREATED by PARAMATAMA. Both JEEVATMA and PARAMATMA coexist eternally, but THE JEEVATMA IS TOTALLY CONTROLLED BY PARAMATMA. My question is, if JEEVATMA is not created by PARAMATMA, what gives PARAMATMA the right to control JEEVATMA. What did JEEVATMA do that made him/her to be controlled by PARAMATMA. Why is one superior and the other inferior? Vishistadvaitins do say that the differnece between JEEVATMA and PARAMATMA is that, PARAMATMA has the power of creation and the power of bestowing MOKSHA to JEEVATMAs. If thats what makes the JEEVATMA to be controlled by PARAMATMA, is’t it unfair/unjust giving one the power of creation and denying it to the other, though they both coexist for eternity? —

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Buddha is considered as one of the avataras of Vishnu by some. As everyone knows BUDDHA preached AGAINST Vedas. If Buddha is one of the avataras of Vishnu, why did he contradict the Vedas. In one avatara (Krishna) he recognizes Vedas as the supreme authority and in another avatara he denounces Vedas. Its quite confusing for any simple minded person. I am sure someone might have raised these questions before and someone might have answered too, but I did NOT come across any so far.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Swamiji, Namaste! myself am a devotee of lord hanuman. i have been deeply influenced by the life and sayings of sri sramakrishna , but i treat him only as my guru. i cry for my lord quite a number of times , but i am still very much influenced by the external world . i have not yet got over my tamasic nature ! what is the way for me ? will i have to stay engrossed in this world ? am i ever going to get over my lower nature and proceed unrestricted towards the lord of my heart ? please suggeest . urs with deep regards

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Dear Sri Ramanuja Jeeyar, Salutations to swamiji. Many people misinterpret “why women and sudras were not privileged to learn vedas”. Being a reseach student I can understand that vedic chantings would put stress on women’s uterus. What about women and sudra learning spiritual knowledge/ j~nana kAnda? Is it a must that one has to first learn purvam mimAmsa and then only uttara mimAmsa? Is it for this reason women were not allowed? What about the fourth varna/men? Are manu and yagnavalkya smrthis valid even now? I have read(don’t know how authentic the author and the contents)that yagnavalkya smrthi says “women should never be independent”. I humbly request HH to dispel my ignorance and shower his and Emperumanar’s grace on this alpa Jiva:tma.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Jai SrimanNarayana! Pujya Chinna Jeeyar, Namskarams. Why can one person not immerse in one particular activity like listening to divine music, read divine scriptures or articles, listen movies songs, etc. 24 hours a day? I ask this question because, I can listen to devotional music for a few hours, after that I get bored and I would like to listen to some movie songs…Is this right? I presume it is possible to be immersed in devotional music and reading devotional literature for some people why not everybody? Is it alright to find momentary hapiness in something like a movie song, listening to or watching sports event? Saranam.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Traditions & So Called Scientific reasonings:

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Subject: Emptiness in life… Requesting help… Dear Bhagavathas, I am working as a software engineer for the past 7 years. I am married and living, in Chennai, with my parents and wife. For the past three years or so, I feel a very high longing or emptiness (whether in india or foreign countries), as if I am missing something. My job doesn’t appeal to me any more. I am feeling like a robot who is wasting his life by doing mechanical chores. I want to leave my job, go to some calm, peaceful village and start learning divya prabhandham and work in a temple. Could you, kindly, guide me how I should go about it or where I should go for the same? Please let me know. Adiyen Ramanuja Dasan, Vijayaraghavan Rangachari

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Dear all, I heard vasudeva is supreme of all demi gods. Is vasudeva lord krishna?. I heard for each loka there will be three Vishnus, for all these vishnus, krishna is the origin,is it correct ? please give me detailed description. “dhanyavad” in advance.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Mangala:sha:sanams to Swamiji. Does the term sa:ttvika ahanka:ram exist ? If so what exactly it means? It has it been unanimously used by our a:zhvars (in divya prabandham) and our purvacharyas. As per the Divine thought of sri pillai lo:ka:charya, bha:gavata sheshatvam(which is the height of bhagavad sheshatvam)lies in the “nama:”. sri Azhagiya Manava:la peruma:l na:yana:r also in Acharya Hrdayam(when expressing Alwar’s thiru ullam)derides ahanka:ram and mamaka:ram. So, how can sa:ttvikam(which is goodness)go with ahanka:ram (which destroys the swarupam of the a:tma)? On a different note, going by the words of the ‘unparalleled’ sri pillai lo:ka:charya, adiyEn is convinced that guhapperuma:l is a SV. guhapperumal (being a hunter,probably could not offer anythingelse)offered non-veg to perumal. The Lord says in the BG(9.26) that He accepts ‘patram pushpam phalam toyam’ the devotee offers with bhakti. Sri lo:ka:ca:rya says ‘pa:pam or punyam lies in His eyes as He is the Judge(and we don’t have any right to judge anyone)’. Because of the vatsalyam quality(just as the mother cow licks the wounds on its calf and removes all the dirt), the Lord even considers our dosham as bhogyam(our existence itself is for His pleasure only). With respect to, guha offering non-veg to perumal, how to explain this subtleness (food intake on oneside and conduct(SV) on the other side) to a person, say, who considers non-veg eaters as sinners.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : We are happy with your doubts. we are writing something at those questions. you may look at them.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : I have few misconceptions about the way of life that i am leading now. I am born in a brahmin family. I heard from my friend saying there is a quote in Bhagavatgeeta which means that “everybody is a born sudra… -Janmana jayate sudrah”. By the virtue of his habits and deeds he reaches the state of Brahmin (that is what i suppose for my limited mind). So guruji can i be enlightened with the proper deeds that a man is supposed to consider to reach that goal. and there is one more big question revolving in my mind. I never consumed non-veg(any kind of meat, flesh, etc) not because of the religious vows but also I have no intension of consuming it at all. But i would like to know what are the food habits that i am supposed to follow to achieve this path to lead a peaceful and happy life. About me- I am a student doing my Master of Science in Sweden. I have seen your commentary on the “Indian Culture and Heritage”, delivered at IIT Madras last year. I was very much impressed and feel lucky about hearing such a good commentary. kindly enlighten me. Jai srimannarayana..

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Swami Ji , recently I had a family friend come over and asked a question, which I thought with my limited knowledge I will not do the justice, so I am taking the opportunity, to ask you to enlighten us. The question is : In our Hindu religion we believe strongly that ‘ Human Birth takes place only after going through –’Eight Hundered and 40,000 Yoni’. While other religions do not believe that there is such a thing, they say each Yoni, like ‘Animal has its own kingdom, plant has its own kingdom and so is with human being having there own kingdom’. Please be kind enough to enlighten, why, how and when does a human being take birth? Does the soul take human body directly, after every birth, or does it have to go through the cycle of Yoni, if so then why ? Please kindly reply I am anxiously awaiting. Kindly except my apology for any inconveniency. But I am still keenly waiting to hear from you. With due Regards and Respect ,Charno me’ sadar Pranaam.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : jai srimannarayana sir, what is the lifehistory of shabari(ramayana)? kunchakarra rama

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Sashtanga Danda Pranamalu to Swamiji, Swamiji,In general, control of anger, rage and irritation are very important for marital happiness and for good social contact. I would be highly obliged, if Swamiji may bless us withe some techniques and processes to be able to achieve to improve control over these unwanted qualities. I feel ashamed ,sometimes, that I do not have enough “satvik” to gain control over those. adiyen Ramanuja dasa

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Srimate-Narayanaya-namah. I always had this little query regarding the ramayana and mahabharata. as we have seen in ramayana the pattabhishekha intially was only planned for jestha kumara I.e., srirama and others were not eligible when he was there so he was sent out for vanavasa in mahabharata we see that the kaurava’s who are the sons of jestha kumara I.e., dritharastra should be actually given the throne but how were pandava’s eligible ? im really sorry if my question was totally wrong Sathuluri Ravi

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Jai Sreemannarayan! Pujya Swamiji, Can you please enlighten us on the process to perform Sree SeetaRama Kalyanostavam on Sree RamaNavami Day at our homes. Is it enough to read Seeta kalyana sarga from Srimadramayanam? Or is there a similar process as that of Sree Goda Ranganayaka Kalyanam (part of Dhanurmasotsvam) published under with divine blessings.

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : vinayakuniki muudu naamaalu petti viswaksenuluga chupistunnaru,vishwaksenula nija roopam telupagalaru! venkatesh nyayapati (Translation: “We observed that people put three namas on Vinayaka and show it as Vishwaksena. Can you pleae tell us the real form of Sri Vishwaksena ? “)

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : I would like to know the proper pronounciation for Venkatesa in the Venkatesa Suprabhatam. I am informed that according to some Aacharyas, one should say Vengada and not Venkata. Is this the tradition amoung some schools? If so, what is the Ta:tparyam? Why does the Sanskrit version say”Venkata”. What does the word mean? Would Swami be able to help with this issue? Ramaa Sampath

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Humble salutations to HH Jeeyar Swamiji! I shall be gretful to you if you could clear my doubt. In the valmiki ramayana, Sri Rama is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva at Rameshwaram. In the mahabaratha Sri krishna is said to have smeared himself with ashes and chanted the shatarudriyam. The vedas also acknowledge Lord shiva as a great god.I was told that there are instances in the vedas and kUrma purANam that Shiva, Vishnu and Soorya are one and the same. The Aditya hrudayam testifies that in the verse “ESha Brahma cha vishnushcha shiva skanda Prajapathi…” Then why do the vaishnavites do not go to shiva temple and recognize Shiva and do not accept prsadam. Adiyen Anand

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Is leaving one’s own country bad? Dear China jeeyar Swamiji, My humble pranamams to you. I am a software professional and I work in Germany. As I hear from puranas & learned scholars one should not leave his own country. And India is a karma country where one can dissolve the karmas. My plan is to earn sufficient money here, come back to india and dedicate my life to do social service to the devotees. Please suggest me if I am wrong., Ramanuja Dasudu Balaji

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : It is said Bhagavan Krishna also taught Anu-Gita. How many slokas does Anu-Gita consist of? Are the slokas same as the slokas in Bhagavad Gita?

Posted On : 24-04-2019

Question : Vedas are said to be “Anadhis”. And Vedhas include the Upanishad part also. But Upanishads tells so many stories which are a real occurrences. Does it mean that only after the happening of those events upanishads are written. If yes how the Vedhas can be said as “Anadhi”

Posted On : 24-04-2019