SrI: SrImathE SatakOpAya nama: SrImathE rAmAnujAya nama: SrImath varavaramunayE nama:
Q and A Video responses
Q. How to bring naichya bhAvam (humility) naturally into our day to day behaviour?
https://youtu.be/bCneU5UDQVY?si=i6Ig49JyIo0VPmHM
Q. Is it compulsory for us to learn dhivya prabandham from our samASrayaNa AchArya only?
https://youtu.be/6AFjRwWZFDI?si=MFWgvB3kvZIngK8v
Q. How do we develop affection for bhAgavathas?
Q. How to retain the early morning goodness throughout the day?
Q. What are the fundamentals which a SrIvaishNava should understand and practice?
Q. What should be an ideal daily routine of a SrIvaishNava?
Q. What should be our general etiquette when we meet and speak to jIyars/AchAryas?
Q. Who is a vaishNava? Who is a SrIvaishNava? How should vaishNavas interact with others?
Q. How to develop attitude of praying to bhagavAn only for kainkaryam, not for other benefits?
Q. How should a SrIvaishNava react to superstitious behaviour of people around him?
Q. How to overcome typical comments from our relatives on our devotional practice?
Q. How to create awareness in young generation people to follow sampradhAyam principles?
https://youtu.be/Wg3U68J3-xo?list=PLcJLpGJlP9mq1ujSPoQLn5ayAi6Jl6Www
Q. How do we address SrIvaishNavas – in terms of different age groups and genders?
https://youtu.be/NxGiWANnzlo?list=PLcJLpGJlP9mq1ujSPoQLn5ayAi6Jl6Www
Q. What do we need to carry when we visit AchArya’s thirumALigai or mutt?
https://youtu.be/334aoQfZX5E?list=PLcJLpGJlP9mq1ujSPoQLn5ayAi6Jl6Www
Q. We say asmadhgurubhyO nama:/sarvam krishNArpaNam asthu. Please explain the significance.
https://youtu.be/61Hw4zyU9IU?feature=shared
Q. How can we bring SrivaishNava principles into practice in our day to day life?
https://youtu.be/T2kRhOLJe8o?feature=shared
Q. In our sampradhAyam, chanting of thirunAmams/dhvayam which is more recommended?
https://youtu.be/Wn2n8ZNCtKs?feature=shared
Q. Is nAma sankeerthanam recommended for a person who has undergone pancha samskAram?
https://youtu.be/0DJD44qVuOc?feature=shared
Q. For a SrIvaishNava, focus should be on community sEvA or bhagavadh/bhAgavatha sEvA?
https://youtu.be/N9JIxY_kuuM?si=4pSewAiuoY2Cinx1
Q. Can SrIvaishNavas go and offer milk to snakes in their burrows?
https://youtu.be/-jOwGk_ETlo?feature=shared
Q. According to our sampradhAyam, how much is too much in taking care of our physical needs?
Q. What are the standard rules to be followed for wearing a thuLasi mAlA?
Q. Some cannot perform SrAdhdham due to financial situations. How to handle this?
Q. If our forefathers already attained mOksham, is it necessary to do SrAdhdham for them?
Q. Is a SrIvaishNava allowed to do any parihAram mentioned in jyOthisha SAsthram?
Q. Should prapannas avoid friendship with opposite gender, other religions?
Q. Can SrIvaishNavas worship dhEvathAs other than SrIman nArAyaNa?
Q. If a prapanna/SaraNAgatha doesn’t follow the principles properly, will he be punished by God?
https://youtu.be/mYzZLQGKi30?feature=shared
Q. In our sampradhyAyam, can we break and offer coconuts in temples?
https://youtu.be/vxfLs6Le6MQ?list=PLcJLpGJlP9mq1ujSPoQLn5ayAi6Jl6Www
Q. How can one progress in attaining Sishya lakshaNam?
Q. According to our sampradhAyam how to honour a guest who visits our home?
https://youtu.be/au3A7-BRPW4?si=tbsAPBkU2DJLgLxd
Q. Debates vs personal conduct/compassion – Which is more important for the present day?
https://youtu.be/4fEip4zZmqY?si=u5QH82DbbIQtL4HV
Q. Dilemma of a sincere prapanna – solution for that
https://youtu.be/kPjeYYw0mEI?si=3pPiRDbafVhHUBoS
Q. Touching dogs is considered impure. Please explain.
https://youtu.be/9gR8EaU7rkU?si=XJWuV1ieVTN3nDB6
Q. As a SrIvaishNava what are anushtAnams to be followed during evening/night time?
https://youtu.be/XJ8cNdzqDe0?si=QgzcTeGzsAiHUZ3Y
Q. How to manage sandhyAvandhanam 3 times a day, while we are working?
https://youtu.be/dLUtQ1eOnc0?si=GXfEakwWPxY5o4bw
Q. What are the rules and regulations to be followed for SikhA and shaving?
https://youtu.be/9PH-31kAcBc?si=EN_bYL5hx0DCl0Xt
Q. How should we honour prasAdham given to us in temples?
https://youtu.be/SAL3qa6nJbA?si=EzK9XtUHtSg_-ja8
Q. How should we honour thIrtham given to us in temples?
https://youtu.be/6bZxD7z3wng?si=6geCCtgwLeTFsHC6
Q. How should we honour SrI SatAri given to us in temples?
https://youtu.be/47e3DfxIJMI?si=Vusm4sPeAw4ij8UC
Q. As per our pUrvAchAryas and SAsthram, how to accept prasAdham?
https://youtu.be/Rrz5aB5EmRQ?si=UNdzb1-PcITLeOE8
Q. How should a SrIvaishNava spend his time during thiruppAvai vratham?
https://youtu.be/sGSG1ySu6Yg?si=pjTpU09SqdBHZkqI
Q. Can we chant thirumAlai if thoNdaradippodi AzhwAr thirunakshathram falls in anadhyayanam?
https://youtu.be/7dLhuFVjuOI?si=I8tdTpKbvhi1WdA3
Q. bOdhayantha: parasparam – SrIvaishNava daily routine – Part 1
https://youtu.be/O3CMQw04lRE?si=39jAjD6BSjnj1YtN
Q. bOdhayantha: parasparam – SrIvaishNava daily routine – Part 2
https://youtu.be/GuVu7EO5ccc?si=J171KbWS0ww5JnI6
Q. bOdhayantha: parasparam – SrIvaishNava daily routine – Part 3
https://youtu.be/QjfRBm6XLs0?si=dV0P8685sIv0IRhM
Q. bOdhayantha: parasparam – SrIvaishNava daily routine – Part 4
https://youtu.be/PFTg0-h_kmw?si=fODpnuWx7k28Lw3m
Q. bOdhayantha: parasparam – SrIvaishnava daily routine – Part 5
https://youtu.be/4_obRehSGYk?si=nFbJLL5vrqFyPyhL
Q. When can we start reciting dhivyaprabandha pAsurams in SrIvaishNava homes?
https://youtu.be/QJgrfTnyV0I?si=eTDtSuW5R2eYspeo
Q. What is vaidhika dharma? What is the routine for the followers of vaidhika dharma?
https://youtube.com/shorts/DDohVB1XmYk?si=bjTDpwZwEUgYmxik
Q and A Text responses
Q. Why do vaishNavas wear kamala gatta mAla?
yE kaNta lagna thuLasi nalinAksha mAIA
yE bAhu mUla parichinnita sankha chakrA
ye vA lalAta phalakE lasadh Urdhva puNdrA
thE vaishNavA bhuvanam Asu pavithrayanthi
This purANa SlOkam explains who a vaishNava is from a physical appearance perspective and what he does to the place where he lives. One who wears mAlas (necklace) that is made out of thuLasi and lotus stems (also includes pavithra mAlai which was adorned by perumAL, thAyArs, AzhwArs, AchAryas), One whose shoulders are decorated with the unique symbols of SrIman nArAyaNa – Sankham and chakram (as part of the pancha samskAram process), One whose forehead is decorated with Urdhva puNdram (an authorized symbol applied by mixing the clay that is found in holy pilgrimages and that represents the holy feet of SrIman nArAyaNa) – while it talks about forehead specifically, our pUrvAchAryas always applied 12 Urdhva puNdrams at various places of the body as per SAsthram, That vaishNava quickly purifies the world (the place where he is present).
Q. Can SrlvaishNavas worship dhaththAthrEya avathAram of bhagavAn?
dhaththAthrEya avathAram is an AvESa avathAram. AvESa avathArams of bhagavAn are not meant for worship for mumukshus.
Q. Is there any grantham in which complete process of pancha samskAram /samASrayaNam with steps and details is mentioned?
Srl pAncharAthra Agama, parASara dharma SAsthram etc explains about it.
Q. In our sampradhAyam we worship SrIman nArAyaNa in aiSvarya bhAvam. Shall we worship Him or different avathArams?
Different AzhwArs have enjoyed SrIman nArAyaNa in different bhAvam. For example: nammAzhwAr, thirumangai AzhwAr et al – mAdhurya bhAvam; periyAzhwAr – vAthsalya bhAvam. So, yes, bhagavAn can be enjoyed in different moods.
Q. As a SrIvaishNava, are we allowed to observe the new year?
Yes – but it varies from region to region. Generally, chiththirai month (starting around April 15th in gregorian calendar) is considered as the first month in our native calendar. The way new year is celebrated can be seen from one incident in bhagavath rAmAnujar’s life. Once when Srl rAmAnujAchArya was informed about new year, he became joyous and told “We are getting closer to reaching bhagavAn as we have shed one more year in our life”.
Q. vaishNavas don’t consume onion, garlic, mushrooms, etc. But can we consume drugs/remedies that contain them?
We can try our best to avoid such medicines also. But if we have to take medicines for survival, we may not have any other choice.
Q. In SrIvaishNava sampradhAyam, is thuLasi vivAham performed?
Such practice is not found in our granthams or pUrvAchArya anushtAnams.
Q. While offering thAmbUlam and sambhAshanam should we say ‘adiyEn dhAsan’ or abhivAdhanam?
Saying ‘adiyEn dhAsan’ is the norm.
Q. Please tell us what to do on samASrayaNam day. Should we celebrate the date or same star? What are the proceedings on samAsrayaNam day?
That day can be considered as the real birth star and one can show gratitude to one’s acharya for making that happen. Please see – https://granthams.koyil.org/2015/12/22/simple-guide-to-srivaishnavam-pancha-samskaram/
Q. For a prapanna new year begins only in aippasi thiruvONam. Please explain.
Yes – this is said considering the appearance of first AzhwAr happened on that day as it dawned a new era for us, SrivaishNavas.
Q. Is sUrya dhEvar the avathAram of perumAL according to SrlvaishNavas?
Not specifically. But sUrya maNdalam is said to be a special abode of nArAyaNa — he is known as sUrya nArAyaNa in that place.
Q. Is samASrayaNam still valid if it is done to children who don’t know what it means?
It is certainly valid —- but as they grow up, they should be taught about its significance.
Q. To get an overview of our sampradhAyam and philosophy, can we study books of scholars/researchers/ohilosophers?
If you want to understand our SrivaishNava sampradhAyam and our philosophy, it is better to study books by our sampradhAya people. You can see our publications in books.koyil.org.
Q. As devotees following Srl vaishNava sampradhAyam, is it correct to pray sarasvathi dhEvi for education, since sarasvathi dhEvi herself named swAmy rAmAnujar as ‘Srl bhAshyakArar’?
No – we should not be praying to anyone else for anything. sarasvathi dhEvi was inspired by bhagavath rAmAnuja’s work — just because she did that, we need not worship her. Our prayers should only be to bhagavAn for eternal kainkaryam as the only benefit.
Q. Sometimes we are getting confused due to other sampradhAyams’ philosophies. What is the remedy for this? Many of us didn’t have direct association of our sampradhAyam in the past.
Only if we stop listening to other sampradhAyam people, we will start getting clarity. If we keep comparing, it will only lead to constant confusion. When our AchAryas have given everything, why should we seek other sampradhAyams? Different sampradhAyams will have different concepts, personalities, etc. – we will not have explanation for everything. We have to understand and accept that certain things are beyond us, and let it be. If we focus on our sampradhAyam alone, then we can be learning in a more focussed manner. We need to know what is important and what is not from our sampradhAyam perspective. It will take time. Years of continuous study is required. Everything cannot be learnt just like that. Now that we have some association, we should take time and slowly go through the available resources one by one. Patience and perseverance are the key for learning.
Q. How should SrlvaishNavas spend their time in a day?
Ideally, we should make sure that the following aspects are done everyday:
* Wake up early in the morning (around 4.30 AM)
* Remember guruparamparai, rahasya thrayam and chant ‘hari’ 7 times
* Complete our early morning activities
* Perform some dhyAnam on guruparamparai and dhvayam
* Take bath, apply thirumaN/SrichUrNam, if applicable, perform sandhyAvandhanam
* Learn some pAsurams, SlOkams. Listen to lectures for some time
* Perform thiruvArAdhanam
* Visit to temple, AchArya’s mutt/thirumALigai if possible
* Accept prasAdham (meals)
* Studying AzhwAr/AchAryas works, under the guidance of an AchArya
* Evening sandhyAvandhananm, thiruvArAdhanam
* Spend some time together with family on devotional aspects
* Sleep early (maximum by 10 PM)
Q. Are prapannas not supposed to take thirtha prasAdham from dhivya dhEsams which have anya dhEvatha sannidhis as well?
If our sannidhis are managed by SrlvaishNavas – then there is no issue. The other dhEvathAs’ sannidhis can be avoided.
Q. Please explain how EkAdhasi is not an upAyam for SrlvaishNavas.
For SrivaishNavas, EkAdhaSi is not a means to attain something. Because in SAsthram, it is emphasised as an authentic vratham, we observe it as a kainkaryam. The goal of EkAdhaSi is to maximise our time in bhagavath vishayam. We try to avoid cooking which needs elaborate efforts. But if someone is unable to fast, each person can see how best he can limit his food consumption and keep it minimum. Sincere effort should be there – but if we are unable to do full fasting, it’s not going to be an issue for us.
Q. Some people have this fear in mind that if we don’t worship other sampradhAyam AchAryas then perumAL will be upset on us. How do we view this?
No need to fear at all. When bhagavAn is there to protect us, why would he punish us for doing what is ordained for us to do?
Q. Which purANams are recommended by our pUrvAchAryas to read?
Srl vishNu purANam is the main one.
Q. What are some of the SrlvaishNava paribhAshai for cooked items?
offered cooked rice – prasAdham
ghee – neyyamudhu
sAmbhar – nezhi kaRiyamudhu
vegetable – kaRiyamudhu
kootu – koottu, kaRiyamudhu
appalam – appalam
vadai – thiruppaNiyAram
rasam —- sARRamudhu
pAyasam – thirukkannal amudhu (thirukkaNNAmudhu)
curd — thayiramudhu
pickle — (thiru)UrugAy
Q. Can ‘harE rAma…’ be chanted before taking samASrayaNam?
Before samASrayaNam – yes. But it would be good to recite ‘SrImathE rAmAnujAya nama:’ and continuously pray to bhagavath rAmAnuja, for the samASrayaNam to happen.
Q. Can we chant hanumAn chAlisa?
For SrIvaishNavas, it is important to learn, recite and understand dhivya prabandhams, sthOthrams and other works by AchAryas such as rahasya granthams and their vyAkyAnams. There is a lot of bhakthi literature which are present in different sampradhAyams. SrlvaishNavas must focus on our core literature.
Q. Why do many SrivaishNavas apply only SrlchUrNam and not thirumaN?
Both thirumaN and SrichUrNam should be worn together only. During aSoucham, one should not wear SrichUrNam, but thirumaN is always compulsory.
Q. Did Srlman nArAyaNa really promise rAmAnujar that one who has sambandham with rAmAnujar will attain mOksham at the end of their current life?
Yes – it is said in gadhya thrayam as such. The kainkarya prApthi he prayed for is not just for himself, but all his sambandhis, and perumAL granted that. But one has to remember that – one should remain a rAmAnuja sambandhi and conduct one’s life as a rAmAnuja sambandhi.
Q. What does it mean to conduct ourselves as a rAmAnuja sambandhi?
In general – his thoughts are laid out in rahasya granthams by piLLai lOkAchAryar such as mumukshuppadi and Srlvachana bhUshaNam – these will be the main source of how we should conduct ourselves.
Q. Why do we recite the charma SlOkams?
It is to remember his orders:
sarva dharmAn parithyajya mAm Ekam SaraNam vraja – give up all dharmam and surrender unto me only.
mA Sucha: – don’t worry
and his surety:
aham thvA sarva pApEbhyO mOkshayishyAmi – I will ensure that all your sins are eliminated
These should be constantly remembered.
dharmam – upAyam. One should give up all upAyams other than bhagavAn. dharmam should not be seen as righteousness, in this case.
Q. Can a SrlvaishNava prostrate or do SAshtAnga pranAmam before lauklka gurus (school teachers, college professors and mentors in work or business circle)?
Not unless they are also SrIvaishNavas.
Q. Can a SrIvaishNava approach dhEvathAntharams to handle diseases?
There is no need to go to dhEvathantharam – it is just a disease and should be treated aptly.
Q. In some venkatESwara temples, ganESa is present with Urdhva puNdra on forehead? Should SrIvaishNavas worship this ganESa?
No – not to be worshipped by SrIvaishNavas.
Q. Can SrIvaishNavas worship AvEsha avathArams?
AvEsha avathArams are avathArams where emperumAn descends on a karma bound AthmA. Hence, they are not worshippable by mumukshus. mumukshus can celebrate the works of the avathArams of perumAL but cannot worship the AvEsha avathArams.
Q. Can SrlvaishNavas celebrate nAga/garuda panchami?
Not specifically at home.
Q. Can SrlvaishNavas perform vara lakshmi vratham?
No.
Q. Do SrivaishNavas celebrate vighna nivAraNa chathurthi?
Nothing to celebrate for us on that day. It is not a SrivaishNava festival at all.
Q. Do SrlvaishNavas celebrate rAdhAshtami?
No.
Q. Can SrIvaishNavas use mAla for japam?
We should not do japam with mAla. Because, focus goes on counting – main principle of our sampradhAyam is – when we do japam, we should focus on the meaning of the manthram and meditate upon the meaning constantly.
–*–
Q. Do we have to do karanyasam and anganniyasam when we recite ashtAkshari and dhvaya manthram?
No specific anganyasam/karanyasam mentioned.
Q. Can a person without pancha samskAram address themselves as “adiyEn dhAsan”?
A person without pancha samskAram can still even say “adiyEn rAmAnuja dhAsan” if he/she believes that.
Q. If a smArtha brAhmin becomes SrIvaishNavan, post samASrayaNam, for SrArdham, will the pithrus who were smArthas accept the vaishNava way of doing the ritual?
Having undergone samASrayaNam, we have to follow SrIvaishNava tradition only. We must follow the SrivaishNava principles fully and avoid past habits/traditions and worshipping of other dhEvathAs. If we are still following old ways, then there is no value for that samASrayaNam. When someone in their descendants become vaishNavas, the pithrus become very happy. That person becoming vaishNava will even do good to pithrus as shown in https://divyaprabandham.koyil.org/index.php/2016/04/thiruvaimozhi-2-7-1-kesavan-thamar/ .
Q. If an unmarried girl’s father’s sister attains thiruvadigal, does the unmarried girl observe theettu?
For unmarried girls, no theettu. But if they live/stay and mix with their parents – whatever theettu the parents have, she will also have the same thing.
Q. If we hear the news that someone has attained thiruvadigal, is it necessary for us to visit their place or is it sufficient to stay at our place & offer prayers for them?
It depends on the relationship and closeness.
Q. If we are unable to perform upanayanam for a 9-year-old at that age, can we perform after 6 months in the age of 10 or can we perform only at the age of 11?
It can be done anytime. Though some say that it should only be done in odd number ages, I have not seen any authentic pramANam for the same. For brAhmaNa families, after the boy attains 7 years (garbhAshtakam – 8 from conception), yagyOpavItham can be done.
Q. What are the ASoucham rules if father-in-law’s older brother’s wife dies? Need clarification on what needs to be followed for the 10 days and 1 year?
Yes – 10 days theettu (ASoucham) will be there for married persons. For brahmachAris no theettu. For those who have theettu, during these 10 days,
* thirumaN can be worn but not SrIchUrNam.
* sandhyAvandhanam can be done quietly by men who have had yagyOpavItham.
* thiruvArAdhanam should not be done. perumAL should be placed somewhere thiruvArAdhanam can be done.
* No kOlam (rangoli) and no lighting of lamps
* santhai should not be learnt. pAsurams should not be recited.
* grantha kAlakshEpams should not be heard.
* nAma sankIrthanam can be done quietly and discussions on bhagavath vishayam can be done.
* General upanyAsams can be heard.
* Can go to dhivya dhEsams.
Q. Why are there differences in Urdhva puNdram that we see amongst people wearing them?
Some are Urdhva puNdram (vertical) which is worn by SrIvaishNavas. Others are thiryak puNdram (horizontal), which are worn by others. each sampradhAya follower has to adapt the one specific to one’s own sampradhAyam.
Q. Traditionally, women are not given that vEdhic adhikAra. However, after samASrayaNam, women as instructed by the AchAryan to chant the ashtAkshara and dhvaya manthrams, which include praNavam. Please explain the reasoning behind it.
thirumanthram/ashtAksharam is given by bhagavAn out of his great compassion. This (along with dhvayam and charama SlOkam) has been traditionally instructed by AchAryas to Sishyas. Since manthrOpadhESam is done, it can be chanted. But usually, ashtAksharam is chanted once during Urdhva puNdra dhAraNam only. But dhvaya mahA manthram is chanted continuously – dhvaya manthram does not have praNavam in it.
Q. When travelling when we pass by a temple, if we offers namaskAram (anjali), it is wrong to perform anjali wearing sandals?
We can worship by performing anjali. if we are wearing sandals, we can remove before doing anjali.
Q. How to remain consistent and steady in reading and learning about pUrvAchAryas and sampradhAya vishayam?
By continuous hearing about sath vishayam, through sath sangam and by taking guidance from a dependable AchArya (spiritual mentor).
Q. While speaking with men, should ladies speak looking at their face, or is it proper to lower the eyes & speak with modesty?
Interactions between opposite genders should be modest – depending on who is on the opposite side, one has to conduct oneself accordingly. Also, one’s bhAvam plays an important role – if one is exemplified/noble, that will naturally be observed in their conduct.
Q. Is it ok for unmarried SrIvaishNava women (excluding girls)) who have had samASrayaNam and bharanyAsam to drape the 9-yards saree when having darshan and seeking blessings of AchArya or it’s strictly only of those who are married?
It is only for married women.
Q. Can married women without pancha samskAram 9 yard saree?
Yes.
Q. Can one skip viniyoga & dhyanam & directly chant guru manthras (thirumanthram, dhvayam & charama SlOkam)?
In our sampradhAyam manthra chanting means chanting of guruparamparA manthram and dhvaya mahA manthram only. This can be done anytime.
Q. If we come to know of our relatives passing away only the day after their passing, should we count the day of passing away as the first day of theettu or when we come to know about it?
Yes – days count remain the same irrespective of when we come to know. i.e., if we come to know on the 2nd day, we need to observe theettu till 3rd day only, not 3 days from the day we come to know.
Q. If prasAdham is given to us without first offering to piLLai lOkAchAryar’s thiruvarasu, then can we consume it considering as prasAdham?
No. Only after naivedhyam, we can consume.
Q. What are the rules of going to thirumalai when someone at home passes away?
Usually karthA (and his wife) has restrictions on climbing hill, crossing rivers etc. But nowadays these rules are appled only for going to temples. Even they are exempted for kainkaryams. If a karthA performs kainkaryam in a hill temple, he can continue his kainkaryam after Subha svIkAram. For others, no such restrictions are there.
Q. During adhyayana uthsavams, during sEvAkAlam time can recite thiruppallANdu?
No.
Q. Can we recite sARRumuRai and thiruppAvai in the evening?
Whenever we do sEvAkAlam (pArAyaNam), we have to end with sARRumuRai – it does not matter day or night. Regarding thiruppAvai – though it is not specifically recited in the evening, if it is part of the pArAyaNam in the temple routine, then it is fine to recite. In temple it can be recited. Only at home, it cannot be recited.
Q. After performing sandhyAvandhanam, should we wash our hands and feet before entering the pooja room?
No.
Q. What hOmams can we do for gruhapravEsham?
Extraneous hOmams are not required. We see in the life of our pUrvAchAryas that just a bhAgavatha walking around the home first, is sufficient. This was seen in ALavandhAr’s charithram where mARanEri nambi walking around the newly constructed mutt was declared sufficient by ALavandhAr. Also shown in https://granthams.koyil.org/2024/07/19/acharya-hrudhayam-85-english/ – naduvil thiruvIdhip piLLai bhattar, while shifting to a new house in uththara vIdhi (in SrIrangam), purified the place by having piLLai vAnamAmalai dhAsar walk around the place.
We can also try to find a bhAgavatha who is pure in heart and request such person’s presence for the occasion.
In the current scenario, it depends on the family’s mindset. Basic puNyAhavAchanam can be done, after which dhivyaprabandha, vEdha pArAyaNa gOshti (whatever is possible) can be arranged and finally thadhIyArAdhanam and ASIrvAdham can be done. This should be sufficient.
Q. During ASoucham, after how many days can karthA go to temple?
After 13th day, Subha svIkAram is done, karthA can go to temple.
Q. When going to kollaipuram why do SAsthram mandate the need to tie the yagyOpavItham around the right ear? If need arises to go to kollaipuram while doing sandhyAvandhanam or thiruvArAdhanam, should we take bath again and then resume, or is there any mantra shuddhi procedure as a substitute? What is that manthram? Also, should yagyOpavItham be rolled around the ear for ‘one’ visit as well?
To avoid yagyOpavItham become impure, we have to tuck it in our right ear. Right ear is considered to be pure for those who have yagyOpavItham, since jahnu muni let gangA out of his ear. If we are just passing urine, no need to take bath. We can wash hand, feet and mouth, do Achamanam and resume our routines. If we had to pass stool, we need to take bath before we can continue with the routine. But in general, we should ensure that we don’t end up going to toilet during anushtAnams – it should be checked and done before hand.
Q. If prathakAla sandhyAvandhanam was missed at sunrise, can it and mAdhyAnikam be clubbed together and performed within one single sitting by taking care of differences? Or, should sandhyAvandhanam be performed separately and not be mixed with mAdhyAnikam?
Should be done separately only.
Q. During winter, since the sunrise is pretty late is it ok to chant suprabhAtham, thirupaLLiezezchi, and thiruppAvai prior to doing prathakAla sandhyAvandhanam?
Do in sequence only. first snAnam, sandhyAvandhanam and then suprabhAtham etc.
Q. If our AchAryas photo at home is damaged, what should we do? How to discard and replace it?
Just as we would dispose off broken perumAL pictures, by placing them in un-inhabited places. New photo can be acquired from the AchArya’s mutt or thirumALigai. if it is paper or cardboard, yes. that will eventually disintegrate. But we need to ensure that it is not polluting the well.
Q. If sandhyAvandhanam is missed at sunset, upto what time can catch-up be performed?
No time limit – before we go to sleep, if it is within the same day (midnight), we have to do. kAlAtheetha tureeya arghyam should be performed if the delay was due to materialistic reasons. if the delay is due to kainkaryam – no need to do that.
Q. When doing prAthakAla sandhyAvandhanam is it mandatory to also do devarishi kAndarishi tharpaNam and brahma yagyam?
Not usually done. braham yagyam is done as part of vEdha viNNappam in thiruvArAdhanam.
Q. If bhOgi falls on EkAdhaSi then which one has to be given importance to celebrate?
EkAdhaSi should be observed. bhOgi to be celebrated within the limits of EkAdhaSi.
Q. During EkAdhaSi, when doing Achamanam during sandhyAvandhanam, if the person has sipped water. Will that break the nirrjala EkAdhaSi vratham? Also, would taking a sip of perumAL thIrtham break the nirrjala EkAdhaSi observance?
Taking water as part of Achamanam is not a violation of EkAdhaSi. Just as SAsthram says one should observe EkAdhaSi, same SAsthram says one should do sandhyAvandhanam everyday. Similarly, accepting perumAL thIrtham is to honour bhagavAn’s prasAdham – which needs to be done. So, no issues there too. Even when prasAdham is given, we can take a small pinch of it to honour the same – that will not violate EkAdhaSi rule.
Q. During EkAdhaSi, can we take medications that are essential for health?
Ideally, we should not take any medicine, at any time. But most of us cannot avoid. We just have to seek forgiveness from perumAL for doing so. In the olden days, there were vaishNava doctors who would prepare medicines from herbs. And while doing so, they chant bhagavAn’s divine names. Even then, it was considered secondary to take medicine. Nowadays, there is no such concept.
Q. When we recite nithya anusandhAnam, do we recite thiruppAvai?
Yes – but during anadhyayana kAlam, except for dhanur mAsam, we should not recite thiruppaLLiyezhuhcchi and thiruppAvai too.
Q. If pOngal pandigai falls on dhvAdhaSi day and we also have to do utharAyaNa tharpaNam on the same day, then should we do dhvAdhaSi pAraNai after tharpaNam is completed?
Yes – pAraNai only after tharpaNam.
Q. Do we have to keep pOnga pAnai before sunrise or at a particular auspicious time?
pOnga pAnai practice is not common across SrIvaishNava sampradhAyam. Some do, some don’t. So, it is not a major issue. It can be done as per family practice.
Q. Can we use banana related items for cooking on dhvAdhaSi?
On dhvAdhaSi days, it is commonly seen that banana related items are not used.
Q. Do the rules of and regulations around keeping shikA and shaving apply in thirumalai too? Also, if we are willing to give hair in thirumalai, is it allowed?
Giving hair is not a compulsory or a standard practice for SrIvaishNavas. this has come about over time. Whatever is not compulsory/standard, we should avoid.
Q. If our co-sister’s mother passes away, do we have sutak?
There won’t be any sutak.
Q. Can we add milk and curd as a part of dhvAdhaSi pAranai ?
Yes – it is usually done.
Q. Do we need to take bath before eating in the evening? Or bathing once in a day is good? Should we avoid eating during sandhyA kAlam?
Bathing once in a day is good. But those who are more focussed on vaidhika aspects, will bath in the evening before doing puja. Yes – we should avoid eating during 6 pm to 7 pm. In the morning, it is not based on sandhyAkAlam. Ideally we should not eat/drink anything until thiruvArAdhanam is over.
Q. Between mAdhyAnikam, amAvasai tharpaNam, and perumAL thiruvArAdhanam, what should be the order in performing the three?
prAthas sandhyAvandhanam, mAdhyAhnikam, thiruvArAdhanam and then tharpaNam is the sequence.
Q. If kanu pandigai falls on EkAdhaSi, do we have to follow EkAdhaSi?
EkAdhaSi has to be observed as usual.
Q. And can we perform vishNu sahasranAmam pArAyaNam during ASoucham?
pArAyanam shouldn’t be done. We can say it in our mind. We shouldn’t say out loud. granthams shouldn’t be touched.
Q. Can we read bhagavath gIthA during death ASoucham?
No.
Q. If AchAryan’s function happens to be on EkAdhaSi day and dhadhiyArAdhanam arranged on this occasion, is taking food a must or can we skip it?
Yes – we can follow our routine and accept a little bit of prasAdham to honour the same.
Q. Can a vadakalai person wear thenkalai thirumaN?
Traditionally, one has to follow the thirumaN/SrIchUrNam etc of the AchArya they follow. Changing it will not be apt.
Q. If the vadakalai person personally likes the thenkalai philosophies and likes to follow it, can they wear thenkalai thirumaN or they have to follow their AchAryan?
That is correct. Any philosophy, unless they can take up fully, they need to stick to status-quo for basic practices. They cannot keep changing back and forth. Certainly they can follow any authentic/bonafide literature and develop good knowledge/devotion.
Q. What is the difference between puNya kAla tharpaNam and amAvAsya tharpaNam? Can we use turmeric and thoor dhal for puNya kAla tharpaNam?
puNya kAla tharpaNam is done during uththarAyaNa and dhakshiNAyana commencement. Not sure about the exact difference between that tharpaNam and the tharpaNam done on amAvAsyai days. No thoor dhal on tharpaNam days. Instead, moong dhal is used. Not sure about turmeric.
Q. On SrAdhdham day, can we wear thirumaN and do sandhyAvandhanam around 530 AM and then after SrAdhdham, with SrIchUrNam perform mAdhyAhnikam?
We can wear both thirumaN and SrIchUrNam on SrAdhdham days, throughout. SrAdhdham should be done around 2 PM usually – hence mAdhyAhnikam and thiruvArAdhanam should have been completed before the commencement of SrAdhdham.
Q. On EkAdhaSi day, if for health reasons one takes solid food (Chappati etc) at night, do we still need to observe dhvAdhaSi pAraNai as usual?
Yes.
Q. Why do SrIvaishNava sampradhAya sanyAsis have Sikha and yagyOpavItham but other sampradhAyam sanyAsis don’t have the rule of having Sikha and yagyOpavItham?
In SrIvaishNava sampradhAyam, the emphasis on performance of nithya/naimiththika karmAnushtAnams is very significant. To perform karmas such as sandhyAvandhanam etc SikhA, yagyOpavItham etc are essential. Hence our sanyAsis hold on to those. In SrI bhagavath gIthA 18-5 (https://githa.koyil.org/index.php/18-5/), krishNa says that vaidhika karmas cannot be abandoned by vaidhikas at any cost. This is the reason why our sanyAsis retain these aspects, unlike other sampradhAya sanyAsis – of course, they may have their own reason and pramANas for their practice. That should not affect our practice.
Q. 1. Is it acceptable for vysyas to have their upanayanam done after turning 24? 2. Is it acceptable to have one’s upanayanam done immediately before the marriage ceremony (like on the same day as the marriage ceremony)?
1 and 2 – this has become the general practice. it is not ideal – if no other choice, this method can be followed.
Q. What can we do if we get prasAdham(bulk) from the temple on EkAdhaSi?
We can distribute to someone who eats on EkAdhaSi. If prasAdham will not get spoilt, it can be consumed on the next day as well.
Q. Can women get a haircut during pregnancy?
Women should never get haircut.
Q. In temples when pavithrOtsavams sEva is conducted, can devotees get that mAlas as prasAdham?
Yes.
Q. While applying thirumaN SrIchUrNam if we make a slight mistake, like say it becomes a bit thick or it becomes slanting can we erase and re-apply?
Yes – in unavoidable situations, we can adjust it as necessary.
Q. When an AchAryan is stepping out of a sannidhi, at that time can we prostrate ourselves before him, or we shouldn’t because we are in front of perumAL sannidhi?
Wherever we see AchAryas, we should offer SAshtAnga praNAmam to them – this is the general rule. In some regions, even inside the temple, when we see AchAryas, we offer obeisances to them. In some places, that is not preferred. We can see according to the situation and do accordingly.
Q. EkAdhaSi specialty is seen as stories from purANas. Is it necessary for us to listen/read those?
Not necessary at all. We focus on performing EkAdhaSi as a kainkaryam only. When we listen to such stories, we will start expecting results for our acts.
Q. Are widows restricted to take perumAL’s flower as prasAdham?
Yes – they cannot wear flowers. They can receive it and give it to someone else.
Q. In some households, it is said that garuda purANam must be read within 10 days after someone’s passing. In our SrIvaishNava sampradhAyam, is it appropriate to read garuda purANam? Is it considered an authentic scripture for us?
garuda purANa is authentic. But reading is not a standard practice. Usually on 13th day, some scholars/elders will be invited to read and explain SrIrAmAyaNam (important SlOkams, ending with pattAbhishEkam). Also, Arthi prabandham, archirAdhi can be read.
Q. In our sampradhAyam, krishNa jayanthi is observed in a certain month, while in other sampradhAyams it is called krishNa janmAshtami & often falls on a different date or month than in our SrIvaishNava tradition? What is the reason for this difference?
Depending on the calendar which is followed and the method to determine, it varies. Sun/moon based calendars are used in different places. Some give importance to nakshathram (rohini), some others to thithi (ashtami) and others to combination of thithi, nakshathram and month. Hence the differences. We simply have to follow either the date from a) the dhivyadhESam where we are present or associated with or b) our AchAryan mutt/thirumALigai practice.
Q. If we haven’t got pancha samskAram or samASrayaNam yet, can we recite the thaniyans of guruparamparai, rAmAnujar, AzhwArs and AchAryas while worshipping or learning pAsurams?
Yes – you can recite.
Q. Is this the correct order to perform– prArtha sandhyAvandhanam and then upAkarma followed by thiruvArAdhanam?
prAtha: sandhyAvandhanam, mAdhyAhnikam, thiruvArAdhanam and then upAkarma.
Q. Can unmarried people wear 12 nAmams?
Sure. After pancha samskAram, all male persons can 12 thirunAmams.
Q. Can one chant SlOkams/SthOthrams in mind pertaining to bhagavAn if one is under sutaka? Can one travel to a thIrtha kshEthrams after sutaka has ended for a year?
1 – yes. 2 – Can travel
Q. Can we chant charama SlOkam (varAha, rAmA or krishNa) at any time?
Yes. but we usually chant guruparamparA manthram and dhvayam at all times. charama SlOkam is chanted once while applying thirumaN.
Q. Do we have to change yagyOpavItham after haircut/shaving (self-cut)?
Yes – usually after hair cut/shaving, yagyOpavItham is changed. Self-cut/shaving is not allowed – it should be done by another person only.
Q. Can one have little whole face beard as an alternative option to clean shave? Can we use colour dye for hairs?
1 – We cannot trim. We can let both moustache and beard grow for some time. 2- No.
Q. When we are traveling or in a place where we can’t do sandhyAvandhanam and if sandhyAvandhanam time occurs, can we do mAnaseka sandhyAvandhanam by chanting only the mantras and doing arghyam by mAnasekam?
Yes. or you can do properly after reaching home or a place where it can be done.
Q. Is it true that ashtAkshari manthram should not be recited after drinking water? Is drinking water allowed before reciting the ashtAkshari manthram?
No such restriction on ashtAkshari – but in general, it is recited only once in the morning while applying Urdhva puNdram. In general, even water should be taken only after accepting SrIpAdha thIrtham. Ideally, we can wait until we complete thiruvArAdhanam to consume anything, but at least after accepting SrIpAdha thIrtham.
Q. Should we recite guru paramparA and rahasya manthrams followed by SrIpAdha thIrtham, or first perform sandhyAvandhanam?
First sandhyAvandhanam then others.
Q. In thiruvArAdhanam article in kOyil.org, It’s mentioned that guru paramparA can be recited. However, isn’t it true that non prapannas can only recite “SrImathE rAmAnujAya namaha” instead of guruparamparA manthram?
rahasya manthrams should not be recited. thaniyans can be recited if we have commitment towards our sampradhAyam.
Q. If someone(initiated) can’t chant guruparamparA manthram along with dhvaya manthram for few days due to his other engagements (materially, spiritually or both), is there an issue or mistakes done by him?
Ideally, we should be meditating upon guruparamparA and dhvayam – but if we missed due to some valid reason, we can ask for forgiveness and continue reciting them from that time.
Q. What sankalpam would be to change yagyOpavItham after haircut or in contact with women when on menstruation?
yagyOpavItha sankalpam is same as usual, even after haircut or other situations.
Q. Will it be correct to get the SrI pAdha thIrtham from the small idol vigraham of rAmAnujAr and swAmy nadAthur ammAl and consume it and further proceed thiruvArAdhanam?
Yes – we can. But it is also good to get our AchArya’s presence in our home through his representation, as much as possible.
Q. Can we offer the SrIpAdha thIrtham of our AchArya to SrIvaishNavas who are SishyAs of other AchAryAs. Similarly, if we visit them, can we accept the SrIpAdha thIrtham of their AchArya?
Yes.
Q. If the deceased person is younger than us, can we see the bali in their paththu ceremony?
Yes.
Q. Can people who haven’t got pancha samskAram recite this guru paramparA thaniyan “asmadh guru samArambhAm yathi SEkhara madhyamAm lakshmi vallabha paryanthAm vandhE guru paramparAm.” ?
Yes.
Q. If paternal grandfather’s brother passes away, we understand it is 10 days theetu. Is there also a one-year block from celebrating any festivals such as SrI jayanthi or dhIpAvaLi?
For any death leading to 10 days theettu in our family, we should not be celebrating any festivals for our sake, in the first year. But we can fulfil our commitment to Perumal’s uthsavams and AzhwArs/AchAryas uthsavams, by doing whatever is compulsory such as special thiruvArAdhanam than usual, bhOgams, pAsurams/sthOthrams recital.
We get clothes for ourselves, some burst crackers for Deepavali etc – those are to be avoided.
Q. If grandfather’s younger brother’s passes away, will there be 10 day theetu?
Yes – it will be 10 days.
Q. Can SrIvaishNavas follow anantha chathurdaSi – anantha vratham?
No such vratha followed in our sampradhAyam.
Q. If someone, due to circumstances, missed changing the yagyOpavItham on AvaNi avittam(UpaAkarma), on which other day can it be done?
Soon after.
Q. What are the rules to follow for chandhra grahaNam?
chandhra grahaNam – basic suggestions for do’s and don’ts:
- Place dharbha on all grocery items before grahaNam starts
- Those who have to do tharpaNam, do it around madhyamam of the grahaNam, First take bath before tharpaNam.
- Try to be awake and alert during the whole period of grahaNam, engaging in japam (for us, as usual – guru paramparA manthram and dhvaya mahA manthram only), pAsuram recitals, listening to lectures, reading granthams etc.
- Take bath after grahaNam is over, if possible in rivers or other water-bodies
- After wearing Urdhva puNdram, remove the dharbha from the groceries
- Purify the whole house after grahaNam. (Not perumAL thIrtham – but we can do simply mix cow dung with water and clean the place fully).
- thiruvArAdhanam for home perumAL in the next morning and prasAdham consumption after that only
- No solid food consumption after around 1 pm, till grahaNam is over and after completing thiruvArAdhanam in the next morning. Even water should be avoided, as much as possible. For those who have bodily situations like disease, pregnancy etc – they can manage their diet with fruits, milk etc
- Avoid retaining cooked items during grahaNam and consuming those which were cooked before the grahaNam, after grahaNam
- Whatever is done, do not do it for 10 fold benefits, 100 fold benefits etc during puNya kAlam. Simply do it as kainkaryam.
- We don’t specifically “watch” grahaNam. We do our pArAyaNams, kainkaryams etc. Once the grahaNam is over, before taking bath, we should see the moon and then take bath.
Q. During yajurvediya sandhyAvandhanam there is agnikarya, and after agnikarya there is bhasmadharan vidhi. Should SrIvaishNavas apply bhasma after agnikArya?
We don’t have the practice of compulsory agnikarya after sandhyAvandhanam in our SrIvaishNava sampradhAyam. Sometimes we see that bhasma is applied (not as thripuNdra, but as a small dot on top of the SrIchUrNam) when archakas per yagyas during pavithrOthsavam etc – but even that is not compulsory for all other SrIvaishNavas.
Q. After thiruvadhyAnam (performed outside) can the karthA enter the house of their son(s) the same day without taking a snAnam or does our sampradhAyam hold any restrictions? This is the regular thiruvadhyAnam done on the annual thithi of pithrUs every year.
Yes
Q. When we are engaged in kainkaryam and need to use the washroom, how do we purify ourselves again to be fit for kainkaryam? Are supposed to take head shower each time?
If we have to pass urine, then washing hands, feet and rinsing the mouth, will be sufficient. But if we pass stool, then full shower including head, is required, if we have to get back to kainkaryam on that day. For next day, we anyway have to take bath again.
Q. Is it always thiruvArAdhanam first and then tharpaNam?
Yes.
Q. Is it correct that in in some thirumALigai/mutts/SrIvaishNavas first do tharpaNam and then thiruvArAdhanam?
Not correct practice.
Q. Can we do facewash in the evening and wear Urdhva puNdram again?
We should not wipe off existing thirumaN. If it goes, we can re-apply.
Q. Can women apply all dhvAdhaSa Urdhva puNdrams?
Women wearing dhvAdhaSa Urdhva puNdrams is not a practice in our sampradhAyam. We see that forehead, neck, and back-neck are the common places where our sampradhAya women apply thirumaN and SrIchUrNam.
Q. Is it true that women have to wear thirumaN/SrIchUrnam only after the age of 60?
Not true. everyone after samASrayaNam must wear thirumaN/SrIchUrNam only.
Q. Is it true that pregnant women should not to put thirumaN or go towards mandir from 7th month? if these are true then what women should put instead of thirumaN during delivery and those 11/21 days after delivery?
thirunAmam can be applied. Going to temple is not prohibited in SAsthram, but depends on local traditions, we can try to follow as best as possible. After delivery, just Kumkum can be applied as vertical thilak (not full), since there will be ASoucham.
Q. Can a SrIvaishNava perform pAncharAthra rituals?
Of course yes. But only as part of temple thiruvArAdhanam and only those who have had pAncharAthra dhIkshA. At home, we do basic thiruvArAdhanam with focus on dhivyaprabandhams only.
Q. What are the rules for vriddhi thIttu? 1. Can We draw rangoli outside? 2. Can we celebrate festivals? 3. Can we join wedding functions?
1 – Yes. 2 – Yes. 3 – No. we should not mix with others who don’t have theettu
Q. Do we have to take bath before pUja, in the evening too?
Ideally, if we have to go to kOyil AzhwAr or sannidhi, we should be fresh, having taken bath.
Q. Can a brAhmin who has still not had upanayanam or pancha samskAram still wear the full Urdhva puNdram?
Yes – this is commonly seen. One thirumaN/SrIchUrNam on forehead can be worn by anyone who has devotion towards SrIman nArAyaNa.
Q. Can people who have not received pancha samskAram, but reciting dhivya prabandham during thiruvArAdhanam continue reciting pAsurams during anadhyayana kAlam or anadhyayana kAlam restrictions applicable to all bhAgavathAs?
It applies to everyone who desires to follow our sampradhAyam.
Q. During dhanur mAsam, if we go to temple by 5.30 AM and do sandhyAvandhanam 5AM is it ok or should we do any prAyaSchiththam for doing before arunodhayam?
That is fine – it should be done before engaging in any other kainkaryam.
Q. It is said we can perform sathyanArAyaNa pUjai at home when something auspicious happens. Can we do sathya nArAyaNa pujai or any yAgam?
dhivyaprabandha pArAyaNam can be organised. yAgam not necessary. For SrIvaishNavas, dhivyaprabandham engagement is better than anything else. And that is more apt for our true nature.
Q. Can we stop shaving completely? Whilst self shaving is not allowed, can we stop shaving even via navithan too? Or can we get a trimming of hair & beard once in a while (once in 3-4 months) on appropriate days?
No – gruhasthas must do full body shaving periodically (at least once every 45 days or so). for sanyAsis and brahmachAris, there are different rules. For sanyAsis, the current practice is to shave head and face only on every paurNami (or within the next few days from paurNami). For brahmachAris too, head and face only, and is usually done on upAkarmA day (once a year). But nowadays, they are also getting shaving done periodically. In any case, for gruhasthas, it should neither be very frequent, nor be completely avoided. Also, trimming and cutting are not allowed in any part of the body. Only shaving.
Q. If a person is not allowed to shave and trim shikhai, will it just grow as much as possible?
Yes – shikhA should also be grown as much as possible. No cutting/trimming.
Q. If we should not shave on our own then how to get full body shave as now-a-days barbers don’t shave others parts except head and face?
If barbers don’t do it, we have to live with it. In some places, they will do the upper body for a particular charge/fees. Even if it is more expensive, we need to get it done. In some places where such problem exists, they will either travel to a place where such barbers who do full shaving exists, or bring a barber from such place to their residence by paying conveyance. This problem is faced in some dhivyadhESams also.
Q. How should girls or women do namaskAram inside the temple. In which direction & what type of namaskAram should be done?
Girls/women can do half obeisances where their feet, knees and head only touching the ground. Direction is not important – but we should try to do it from perumAL’s right side, in general, unless there is any other sannidhi behind us.
Q. Can we do puNdra dharana during sUthakam?
thirumaN should always be there – even during sUthakam/ASoucham. But during such time of impurity due to birth/death in family, we should not be wearing SrIchUrNam. There are some who say that during birth related impurity, we can wear SrIchUrNam. One can follow as per elders’ advice. In case of women, same – instead of SrIchUrNam, they should also wear something else (non-traditional).