text:
Respected sirs,
This QA I hope will be informative to youngsters who have an aptitude to know our epics and myths and for interested elders a refreshing one. Hope a good reading Sincerely Gopala krishnan
Q1 Where do we read of Krishna worshipping Siva?
A1 In Drona Parva section of Mahabharata,
Vyasa tells Ashwathama that Krishna in his previous life (as sage Narayan)
worshiped Shiva for 1000 years
Q4 Describe the context of Mahabharatha
story told by Vedavyasa.
Q6 Duryodhana is said to keep his words.
Quote an instance with Pandavas
Q9 What is the importance of Puri Jagannath
temple and story related with it?
Viswakarma promised to make the image on condition that he was not disturbed. Though the King consented he tried to see Viswakarma at work after fifteen days. There was only one ugly image without hands or feet.
The image of Jagannath has circular eyes, a straight headline, a square knob on the top and black colour. The nose is large and hooked. The mouth is crescent shaped. The height is about 6 feet.
Puri priest will receive prasad even from a low-caste Hindu. Lord Jagannath teaches here the gospel of equality and equal vision (sama drishti).
Q10 Nasik is known to everybody as the
place where our currencies are printed from the beginning of Reserve
bank. What is its relation with Ramayana epic?
Q14 How the Chanku and salt are considered
as Lekshmi?
Q15 Do widow marriage was permitted
in Vedic period?|
Q16 What tharpan can be performed by
a person whose father is alive?
This QA 2 I hope will be informative
to youngsters (like QA1 you have already read ) who have an aptitude
to know our epics and myths and for interested elders a refreshing one.
Hope a good reading Sincerely Gopala krishnan
Q3 If you see Navagrahas there is a
speciality of Moon god chandra in depiction. What is it and what is
the logic reasoning?
Q4 Did Europians believed in astrology
earlier ?
Q5 Every body know the dhyana slokam
santhakaram Bhujaga Sayanam-Who first sang the same?
Q 6 What is the speciality of Parabrahma
Q7 Every body know Ravana of Lanka pleased
Siva How did he pleased him?
Q15 Name the various animals in Hindu
SARAMA - dog of Indra . His sons are the door keepers of Yama.
SHESHNAG or ANANTA the infinite - the king of Nagas, vehicle of Vishnu or the bed on which Vishnu rests SWAN - vehicle of Saraswati and Brahma
TARKSHYA - winged horse personifying
the sun TIGER and LION - vehicle of Parvati as Kali and Durga
Q18 Which river was by the side of Dwaraka?
Q20 What is the moral of the story Parayi
petta Pandirukulam?
Q21 What is Elavratha Varsha ?
Q22 Name the two wives of Yajnavalkya.
Q23 Name the animals and heros gained
more importance in later vedic period?
This QA 3, I hope will be informative to youngsters (like QA1&2 you have already read ) who have an aptitude to know our epics and myths and for interested elders a refreshing one. Hope a good reading Sincerely Gopala Krishnan
Q1What was the name of Kalidas's
Q2 Why it is told the bell used while
performing Pooja should be held over the middle level of the person?
Why it should not be used for children's play?
Q3 Where do we have navagrahas in a
temple? At what height they are placed? What is the speciality in their
Q4 Which are the most famous Sun temples?
What is the speciality of Gaya Sun temple?
The ritual of offering pindas or offerings to the dead has been long associated with Gaya and has been mentioned in the epics. (Vaayupuraana). The Sun temple is an ancient structure in Gaya. Offerings to the ancestors are made at the Surya Kunda or the Dakshina Maanas tank in front of the temple. Sun worship apparently was very popular in the Magadha region, which included Gaya. Numerous old images of the Sun God Aditya are found in the Gaya region and there are still quite a number of sun worshippers in Gaya.It is said that they may have descended from the fire worshippers of Central Asia. In fact, the granite image of Aditya (this particular image here is also referred to as Dakshinaarka) or the Sun God worshipped here is portrayed as wearing a jacket, a waist girdle and high boots in the Iranian tradition.
Sun worship in the Magadha region has been mentioned in the Puranas and thus this temple is said to be of very ancient origin. The current structure dates back to the 13th century, where the South Indian emperor Prataparudra of Warangal is said to have built it.
Q5 Who is Malini? Why did she worshipped
Q6 Every body knows about Tirunallar
temple where sani is worshipped though the main deity is Siva. Where
we have temple which is solely meant for Shaneeswara Bhagavan ?
Q7 Who are jalamuneswars? Why water
should not be taken in the afternoon, midnight etc from the well?
Q8 When did Sreekrishna removed the
leaves after taking food by the guests and cleaned with cowdung for
the next row to take food?
Q9 What is the benefit of feeding the
crow first before taking food?
Q10 What is the benefit of purchasing
salt on Friday?
Q11 Who was the astrologer for Duryodhana for fixing the date of Mahabharata war?
A11 believe it Not much told Sahadeva- son of Madri.. and the date given was In the monthof margazhi, Amavasya day,Night 18 Nazhika and 9 Vinadi.But it was altered by karna later
Q12 When did Sani got the position of
planet, weapon , field and power?
Q13 What is the speciality with Kannabiran
temple at Dwaraka?
Q14 Is it correct if something is not
required by us to put in waste box?
Any thing usefull to cow lamp etc should not be given to animals like dog etc.
Any thing not usefull to cow dogs lamps etc should be put on ponds for use of fish .
Any thing not use full to any one only should be put on earth.it will be usefull to the plants.
Q15 We know Aruntati was the most devoted
and loyal woman (Pathi vrata) .Question- what is the meaning of Arundati?
Q16 What is the speciality with the Navagrahas at Tiruppancheeli near Manachanallur –Trichy?
A16 There instead of idols for Navagrahas only nine holes are there. Ghee lamp is lighted and worshipped the nine holes as navagrahas.
Q17 What is the speciality with occurring a death in Benaras?
A17 They will not have punarjanma. Lord will advise tharaka manthra in their ears and they gain mukthi.
This QA 4, I hope will be informative to youngsters (like QA1-3) you have already read ) who have an aptitude to know our epics and myths and for interested elders a refreshing one. Hope a good reading Sincerely Gopala Krishnan
Q1 Where do we have temple for Saneeswara considered as bachelor?
A1 There is a version Sani is a bachelor. In Maharashtra, very near to Shirdi , there is a place called SINGNAPUR. Here there is a piece of rock which is said to be the swayabhu of Lord SANI. Only male members can perform Pooja on this SHANISCHARA' S BIMBA since Hindus consider Lord SHANISCHARA as a NITHYA BRAHMACHARI.
The houses and shops at this place are
never closed as no thief will dare to enter due to the fear of Shani
Byagavan's wrath.
A3 Sita had lived and she favoured the
flower sital, an orchid Laxman picked for her from the forest at Tunga.
When Draupadi desired a pond to swim in, her husband Bhimasena built
a dam of rocks in the Thunga for her.
A4 The /Mahavishnu Kshetram/ at Thrikodithanam is one of the five ancient / "Pancha-Pandava"/ temples in Kerala and is specially associated with Sahadeva, youngest of the five Pandava princes.
Q5 What is Soma soothra? How many circumbulations are to be made to different gods?
A5 In a siva temple You tread 3/4ths of the circle, till you reach the western bank of the little stream, which flows out of the temple towards the North. This stream is called Somasoothra, also considered 'Ganga' and lies towards north. ( To Say frankly this channel is called Somasuthra is known to me too recently)
Q6 Do you think Vedas were composed before the Saraswathi river got driedup?
A6 Yes. Given that the Vedas contained references to Saraswati, we can assume the Vedas were composed before the Saraswati dried up.
Q7 What is the importance of Kalaiketti on the way to Sabarimalai?
A7 It is said that Lord Shiva and Parvathi
came on their riding bull and halted at a place called Kalaikatti, from
there to witness " Mahishi Mardhanam" destruction of evil
in this world.
A10 Among the renowned seven sages Gautama
was one . Once unknowingly his wife Ahalya committed a small mistake,
which made him furious.
A13 Apsaras Sooriya Savithri was the
daughter of God Surya. The Rigs in the Suktham that describe her wedding
can be heard being chanted even now at the present-day weddings.
A14 Lopamudra woman maharishi was sage Agasthya's wife. According to Thalai cauvery Sthalapurana, she was believed to have been the origin of the Cauvery . According to this purana, Lopamudra married sage Agasthya and then laid the condition that they should never separate to which the sage agreed.
Once, when he had to leave for a short
while, he turned her into water and filled her in his kamandal. It is
said that after he left, Lopamudra, unable to contain herself inside
the kamandal, swelled and flowed as the River Cauvery.
A17 Sage Mithran and famous Ooorvasi. The grandson of Brahma and son of Marisi, Kashyap married Athithi and had 12 sons through her. When Mithran one of the twelve sons saw Oorvasi, they were enamoured by her. Agasthya was born out of this union
Q18 What is said by Bodhayana regarding
A20 Despite Ganesa's injunction it took the duo 3 years to complete the one hundred thousand couplets that make up the great epic.
Q1 Which is the best offering to Lord Ganesha?
A1 Modakam and not vedalai/coconut. Indeed it is said that the more modakas a devotee offers to Ganesa,the more inclined the deity will be to remove obstacles.
Q2 Which is the most notable version of Ayyappa story?
A2 The third and most notable version on Ayyappa is one in which he is viewed as an historical person. This concept of Ayyappan has its own implication and importance, the same being the most rational and trustworthy
The history of the royal family of Pandalam clearly reveals the fact that the Ayyappa episode connected with the families cannot be placed before the 12th Century A.D. The principality of Pandalam came to existence only in the 12th century.
Q3 How many years did sree krishna live?
A3 125 years ,35 years after Mahbharata
During this incarnation Varaha reinstated the Earth in her proper orbit and killed the demon Hiranyaksha.
The Varaha of the popular dasavatara ("the ten incarnations") refers to Varaha's second appearance. the most elaborate glorification of the Varaha-avatara occurs in the Srimad Bhagavatam
Q5 What was the curse by Durvasa on Indra?
A5 Durvasas, the angry sage, cursed Indra and all his subjects to be the victims of old age, which the divine beings never knew till then. This curse of Durvasa is the will of Lord Siva who was disturbed very much as he saw Indra proceeding to Mount Kailas.
Q6 Is there any mention about the birth of Lord Ayyappa in Sreemad Bhagavatham ?
A6 No No - In none of the recognised Puranas occurs the story of the birth of Ayyappan or Ayyanar or at least that no son was born to Mohini from Siva, is sufficiently supported by `Narayaniyam' of Metpatur Narayana Bhattatiri
Q7 What is the difference between human
and other species in food consumption?
Q10 Who is instructed in Brahma purana?
What is the speciality of this purana?
There is a special treatise in this book on Orissa, an ancient holy region of Bharata. Brahma Purana states about a suryakshetra (sun-temple) situated at a place called Konarka near the holy place of Puri, installed there in the year 1241 A.D
Q11 Which Purana is similar to Varaha purana What is the speciality of this purana?
A11 Vamana Purana. There is a great similarity between the contents of this Purana and that of Varaha Purana
Q12 What is the speciality of Markandeya purana?
A12 Markandeya Purana. This is one of
the ancient Puranas. There are many stories regarding Indra, Surya and
Agni in this.
Q13 Which Purana deals with the creation of the universe in addition to Brahmavaivarta Purana ? What is the speciality of Brahmanda Purana?
A13Brahmanda Purana. This deals with the origin of the universe as told by Brahma. In the beginning there was a golden egg and the prapanca (universe with its activities) was formed out of it.
Portions of Adhyatma Ramayana, references to Radha and Krsna and the incarnation of Parasurama are included in this
Q14 What is the speciality of Garuda Purana?
A14 Garuda Purana. This is in the form of instructions to Garuda by Vishnu.
This deals with astronomy, medicine, grammar, and with the structure and qualities of diamonds .The latter half of this Purana deals with life after death
Q15 Name the purana read by North Indians at the time of death?
A15 The Hindus of north-India generally read Garuda Purana while cremating the bodies of the dead. This has given great importance to the origin of Garuda Subject of Bhagavad-gita; reincarnation; vishnu-sahasranama; description of Tarsya Kalpa.
Q16 Which purana contain the story of Sakunthala?
A16 Padma Purana The six Khandas The Uttarakhanda describes the importance of all months and also the lotus, the seat of Brahma. This contains the stories of Sakuntala and Sri Rama as described by Kalidasa in his works Sakuntala and Raghuvamsa which has made some believe that this Purana was written after Kalidasa.
Q17 Which is the most ancient Purana?
A17 Vishnu Purana is the most ancient
of all the Puranas and has got the name Puranaratna (gem of Puranas).The
method of narration is in the form of teaching his disciple Maitreya
by sage Parasara
A19 Well Turmeric is rich in anti ageing properties. It helps remove the wrinkles and restore the fair colour. Women"s skin is more receptive than the man"s. Tumeric is never offered to men but only to women
Q 20 Every body going to Rameswaram invariably visit Devipatinam too. What is the reason?
A 20 It is said that at the coastal town of Devi Patnam Navapasanam) Lord Rama put nine stones standing upright in the shallow bay.
They are supposed to represent the nine planets that He worshiped for success.
It is observed that the sea water increase from practically nil to cover the idols as the day increases in time. I have practically observed the slight increase of water with tide in the afternoon.
Q21 Why do it is suggested to sleep with head facing east?
A 21 sage Markandeya said that a man becomes learned by lying down with his head placed Eastward and is troubled with distressing thoughts by lyingdown with his head placed westward
Q22 Do Tulasi is used in Siva temples ?
A22 Tulasi which is commonly known Sweet
Basil bears the botanical name of Ocimum Sanctim. It purifies air and
water and surroundings and protect our health. It is used in Shiva puja
and Vishnu Puja. One who eats its leaves daily can conquer passion.
A1 When a soul departs the body, it must cross the river of the dead, past Yama's fierce, hounds to reach the god. The journey is said to take some four hours and forty minutes, therefore cremation of the body must wait that long to ensure a trouble-free journey for the soul
Q2 Do Sun come alone in his chariot every day?
A2 No. In every season, two Adityas (gods), two sages, two gandharvas, two apsaras, two rakshasas (demons) and two nagas (snakes) ride on the suns chariot to keep the sun company.
Q3 Do Sun and Moon rule over planets?
A3 Just as Indra rules over the gods, the sun rules over the planets and the moon rules over the nakshatras (stars) and the herbs. But all of these revolve around Dhruva (the Pole Star). (Refer lingapurana chapter6)
Q4 Do there is a version Apsaras and Gandharvas are children of sage Kashyapa through daughters of Daksha whom he married?
A4 Yes. Muni one of the daughter of
Daksha was the mother of the apsaras and Arishta another daughter of
Daksha was the mother of the gandharvas.
A6 Sage Shilada conducted penace for an extra ordinary child on Lord Siva. Lord Siva appeared in the end and said 'I will grant you the son you want. I myself will be born as your son and be known as Nandi." Having said this, Shiva vanished. But not before he had revived Shilada with his touch.
Shilada now started a yajna (sacrifice) so that the son might be born. And Nandi emerged from the fire that had been lit on the occasion of the sacrifice. Nandi had three eyes and four arm. But as soon as Nandi was taken home by Shilada. Nandis divine appearance vanished and he assumed the form of an ordinary human child. By the time Nandi was seven years old, he had become well-versed in the Vedas and other shastras (sacred texts). Later. Nandi was adopted as a son by Parvati.
Q7 What are the advantages of feeding crow and dog?
A7 According to Lal kitab - an astrological variation of the north, specifically suggest feeding the crows for growth, prospects and comfortable job, it also suggest feeding the dogs especially to have good relations with the children and even to beget a child there is an `upaya` or pariharam where the dog comes into it. Thirdly, feeding the cows with greens is also suggested for good family relations
Q8 Do Yudhisthira was 100% perfect ?
A8 No is the answer. Yudhisthira had no business gambling away his assets and the utlimate crime was staking Draupadi.
Q9 Is it correct that mocking Duryodhana by Panchali lead for Mahabhata war?
A9 Draupadi mocked Duryodhana when he visited them at the palace of mirrors and called him the blind son of blind father.This mocking made Duryodhan to take the vow against Panchali and lead to Mahabhata war.
Q10 Do Saraswathi is the daughter of Lord Siva? What is vasantha panchami?
A10 There is a version that Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, art and music is the daughter of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. The colour yellow is given special importance on Vasant Panchami. On this day, Saraswati is dressed in yellow garments and worshipped.
Q11 Do Devendra or Vasistha maintained Kamadhenu?
A11 Indra. Ashram of Vsistha needed great quantities of milk, curds and ghee for the feeding of thousands of his disciples, guests and performance of sacrifices regularly.
Devendra had gifted to Vasishta a divine cow, having admired his generosity and performance of sacrifices. The cow was called Nandini. She was the daughter of Kamadhenu. Since it had moonlike patches all over the body, it was also called 'Shabala.' The word mean many-coloured. Vasishta and Arundha were very fond of Nandini.
Q12 How do death occurs according to Bhagavath geetha?
A12 The Lord (Sri Krishna) in the Gita at one point says that at the dying moments a human being is shown a glimpse of his following birth. As you may all recall we may have come across instances where the person at the verge of death is surrounded by all his relatives and friends and each one of us may have one opinion or another about the dying wish of the person about to go.
What is being shown before his eyes is a gist of what happened in his lifetime right from childhood till his old age. His likes, dislikes, his quarrels, his friendships etc. At one point the eyes get stuck on one particular scene/picture/person and he departs.
Q13 Do the brey of cow indicate ill luck?
A13 Yes. Even the bray of a cow in the nights is an indication of an ensuing ill-luck . Many are so keen of the brays they even leave their houses in the night. They prove to be true
Q14 What is the relation between sage Parasara and Vasistha?
A14 Parasra is the grandson of sage vasistha through his son Sakthi.
Q15 How Mount Abu got the name so?
A15 According to another legend, once
sage Vashishth's cow Nandini was trapped in a deep gorge and could not
free herself. The sage appealed to Lord Shiva for assistance. The Lord
sent Saraswati, the divine stream, to help flood the gorge so that the
cow could float up. Vashishth then decided to ensure that such mishaps
did not occur in future. He asked the youngest son of Himalaya, the
king of mountains to fill the chasm permanently. This he did with the
assistance of Arbud, the mighty snake. This spot came to be known as
Mount Arbud and was later changed to its present form - Mount Abu.
The sage was extremely pleased. In order to please he took five bodily forms corresponding to the five (Panchabhootas) elements and satisfied her in all respects.
After thousands of years, he wanted to retire from family life and wanted to live the life of a sage. But, Nalayani tried to prevent him and keep him in the material pleasures. Mudgala Rshi cursed her that she will be borne as the daughter of Drupada and will marry five men. (source : Adi Parva of Mahabharata verses 197 to 204)
Q18 Do Viswamithra's penace was hintered by Menaka only?
A18 No A second time Devas sent a celestial maiden of peerless beauty, Rambha, to him but did not succed
Q19 Every body know Sakuntala daughter of sage Viswamithra born to Menaka. Question-Who is the prominent son of sage Viswamithra?
A19Viswamithra had a prominent son called
Ashtaka from Madhavi.
To end the problem the celestials advised moon to take refuge in the Great Divine, Lord shiva. Left with only one kalA, he took refuge in Lord Shiva.
Being the graceful Almighty, He wore the moon crescent on His head, making him grow for 15 days and decay for 15 days periodically.
Q 21 Who was the son born to sage Atharva?
A21 The Mahabharata states that Dadhicha was the son of Shanti and the sage Atharva.)
This QA 7 I hope will be informative to youngsters who have an aptitude to know our epics and myths and for interested elders a refreshing one like the QA 1-6 already read by you. All the details are from Mythology websites. I will be happy to get the members comments which may encourage me to continue.
Hope a good reading Sincerely Gopala
Q2 Who is the apsaras refered in Rigveda and Mahabharatha?
A2 Urvashi is referred to in the Riga Veda, the earliest Hindu text. She is famous for her love affair with King Pururava. This liaison was not at the instructions of Indra, but a matter of love at first sight Pururava's wife was barren and the dynasty continued through the son born by Urvashi
Q3 Who is the apsars refered in Ramayana?
A3 The apsaras Harsha. Once Harsha was send to seduce sage Vibondaka. She said if Vibondak do not have sex with her she will die.. Then as everybody knowing Rishia sringa story.
Q4 When did tale of Ganga was told to Srirama? Who told it?
A4 The tale of how the River Ganga came to earth is the famous one Bhageeratha story and is available in many scriptures, Sage Vishwamitra recounted this tale to Rama and Laxman as they made their way to Mithila for Sita's swayamvar.
Q5 Why do apsaras are called so?
A5 They were known as apsaras because they emerged from ap (water).
Q6 Which Deva form was taken by Rahu while nectar was distributed after Palazhi manthan?
A6 Rahu adopted the form of Chandra, the moon-god, and succeeded in drinking some of the amrita
Q7 Do Ramayana story was told earlier to Valmiki?
A7 Yes. It was written by the sage Valmiki after he had heard the story from the sage Narada.
Q8 What is the orgin of Yadavas where lord Krishna was born?
A8 King Yayati had two wives, Devayani and Sharmishtha. Devayani had two sons, Yadu and Turvusu. And Sharmishtha had three sons, Druhya, Anu and Puru. The descendants of Yadu were known as the Yadavas.
Q9 What are the specialities of Agni with referance to Rigveda?
A9 In Rig Veda the largest number of hymns are addressed to AGNI. AGNI, as per scriptures, has seven tongues, each of which has a separate name and in being used for licking up butter offered in sacrifices.
Q10 Who were agni's parents? Who is his wife and what is his progency?
A10 AGNI is the son of sage ANGIRAS and the grandson of SANDILA, one of the seven great sages.Vishnu Purana has a version that AGNI is the eldest son of Brahma.
His wife is SWAHA and through this marriage he has three sons, PAVAK, PAVMAN and SUCHI and through them forty-six grandsons.
Thus AGNI has Forty-nine members as his descendants. AGNI himself recited the AGNI Purana to sage VASHISTA.
Q11Every body kow about Parasurama son of sage Jamadagni What was the name of Parasurama's wife?
A11 When Lord Vishnu took incarnation as Parashurama, Lakshmi followed him as his wife DHARNI;
Q12 Who is Alekshmi?
A12 Interestingly enough bad luck is personified as ALAKSHMI. She is the sister of Lakshmi. It is told by cleaning backside of the house Alekshmi is given a warm sent off.
Note-Sirs, Before reading this recently it came to my mind before months to clean backside every day before lighting Lamp in the evening and sprinkle water in the front and at Tulasi housing in my house.-Are these too any eternal control!?)
Q13 An interesting Question – We know initially devas and Asuras too were mortals. We know abundant story of killing of Asuras. But we are familiar with killing of one Deva too. Who is that Deva?
A13 Deva and Asuras were both mortal (mrita) at one time. Seeking immortality they churned the ocean of milk.The last to come up was "amritam", the "nectar of immortality".
Deva killed and again restored is Kamadeva by Lord Siva.
Q14 Everybody know Lekshmi emerged during Palazhimanthan. But Vishnupurana states about her parents. How is it possible?
A14 According to the Vishnu Purana, Lakshmi is the daughter of Bhrigu and Khyaati and resided in Swarga but due to the curse of Durvasa, she left Swarga and made Ksheersagara her home. During Palazhi manthan she again came up.
Q15 Where do we have saptha mathru temple in Tamilandu and Kerala?
A15 Shrine of the "Seven Mothers" in Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu. The Saptamatrikas are worshipped as Saptakanyakas (the celestial nymphs) some times. In Kerala the temples are at Kodungallur as Sub deities and Ameda near Ernakulam as main deities.
Q16 What are the names of Saptha matrukas?
A16 saptha matrikas -Brahmani, Vaishnavi, Maheshvari, Indrani, Kaumari, Varahi and Chamunda
Q17 How do Sapthamathrus relate to natya sasthra?
A17 The Natya Shastra (13.66) recommends worship to Matrikas before setting up the stage and before dance performances.
Q 18 An interesting question-Did Krishna married Radha?
A18 Yes is the answer. Brahma Vaivarta Purana and the Garga Samhita describing the wedding of Radha and Krishna.
Q19 Who were the parents of Radha?
A19 Vaishnava tradition states that Radha was born in either Barsana, or Rawal, a village about 8 kilometers from Vrindavan, near present day New Delhi in India. Her father was the king of cowherds called Vrsabhanu. Vrsabhanu was a partial incarnation of Lord Narayana while her mother Kalavati was a partial incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi.
Her worship is especially prominent in Vrindavan, the place where Krishna is said to have lived over 5000 years ago. Wherein Her importance surpasses even the importance of Krishna.
Q20 Another interesting question-Do Radha was married to some other person other than Krishna?
A20 In a number of versions of her story, although Radha's first love is Krishna (whom she knows through her childhood) she is later forced to marry Ayanaghosh. Other traditions give the name of the husband of Radha as 'Chandrasena
Q21 Do Saraswathi and Parvathi were the wives of Vishnu?
A21 According to Brahma Vaivarta Purana 1.6.13-95 Vishnu has three wives, who constantly quarrel with each other, so that eventually, he keeps only Lakshmi, giving Ganga to Shiva and Saraswati to Brahma.
Q22 What are the special attributes of Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi ?
A22 Dashashwamedh Ghat is located close to "Vishwanath Temple", and is probably the most spectacular ghat. Two Hindu mythologies are associated with it:
According to one, Lord Brahma created
it to welcome Lord Shiva. According to another, Lord Brahma sacrificed
ten horses in a yajna here.
A1 In a conference called for by Daksha after sati's marriage with Siva, only two persons did not stand up from their seats nor did they applaud like the rest of the audience when Daksha entered.
They were Brahma and Siva. Daksha noticed it and he excused Brahma, as he was his father. But he could not tolerate his son-in-law, Siva, who was never in his good books at any time.
Daksha was infuriated by this 'insult'
and punished him then and there. He decreed that henceforth, no one
would ever give to Siva any share in any sacrificial oblations. He deliberately
performed another big YAGA shortly just to prove the veracity of his
A7 In those Vedic Era, a constellation - Star named Abhijit was existing then. Abhijit nakshatra, an auspicious one was placed in-between Uthrashada and Shravan (in-between Uthiradam and Thiruvonam). And the Nakshatra Lord is said to be Brahma. To achieve success in every act, persons used to start their activities on this day.
During the Mahabharata time, Lord Sri Krishna came to know, that Dhuriyodhana is planning to start the War with PanchaPandavas on this auspicious day, combining with Amavasya & Abhijit Nakshatra! On getting Dhuriyodhana's plans and knowing his intentions, Abhijit Nakshatra was plucked from the stellar system, by the Lord Sri Krishna, to avoid misuse of this auspicious nakshatram during Kali Yuga. However Abhijit Muhurtham after 12 and before 1 PM every day is followed.
Q8 Do king Dasarathas Parents too wedded through Swayamvaram?
A8 Yes. AJA- It is the name of a prince in the solar race of kings, son of king Raghu. He redeemed a celestial musician, a gandharva, transformed as a mad elephant. On his release, the gandharva gave Aja certain arrows, which enabled him to win and marry Indumati, the daughter of the King of Vidarbha, in a Swayamvara . When their son Dasharath, the father of Rama, grew up, Aja ascended to Indra's heaven
Q9 Everybody knows Ramayana story –Who was Kamavalli?
A9 It was a name of Soorpanakha gave
to herself.
A11 Yes. Madanika .
A12 Primitive people held the belief that a sneeze signified approaching death, and immediately assisted the distressed person by crying out "God help you!"
Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks, saw the sneeze as an omen of approaching danger, or, on a more positive note, as a way of foretelling the future.
Biblically speaking, sneezing meant a certain death, until Jacob nosed in and made a deal with God, whereby a prayer per sneeze cheated the grim reaper.
Q13 What is the legend behind Mattupongal?
A13 Another legend associated to the third day of Pongal known as Mattu Pongal involves Lord Shiva and his mount, Nandi the bull.
It is said that once Shiva ordered Nandi to go to the Earth and deliver his message to the people that they should take oil bath every day and eat food once a month.
However, the dozing Nandi could not hear the message right and told the people to eat everyday and take oil bath once a month. Shiva was furious and said that due to his folly, there will be lack of grains on the Earth and so he would have to remain on Earth to help humans plough the fields.
Q14 What is the legend behind Panchamukha hanuman?
A14 Lord Hanuman assumed this form to kill Mahiravana, a powerful rakshasa black-magician and practitioner of the dark arts during the Ramayana war.
Mahiravana had taken Lord Rama and Lakshmana captive, and the only way to kill him was to extinguish five lamps burning in different directions, all at the same instant. The five faces of Panchamukha Hanuman are those of Sri Hayagriva, Sri Narasimha Sri Garuda, Sri Varaha and Hanuman Himself
This QA 9 I hope will be informative to youngsters who have an aptitude to know our epics and myths and for interested elders a refreshing one like the QA 1-8 already read by you. All the details are from Mythology websites.
Every care is taken the QA as of not much known things. Hope a curious reading.
I am extremely happy with the members comments received in large numbers so far which encourage me to continue.
Sincerely Gopala Krishnan (Retired AGM BSNL)
Q1 Do there is any legend about the Chengannur ( Kerala ) temple connected with Dakshayaga? Is there any speciality with the idol at Chengannur?
A1 Yes. Every body know Daksha yaga story. Resent the insult to her and her husband Sati immolated by jumping into the sacrificial fire…
The grief-stricken Siva carrying the char of Sati wandered here and there in desolation. To relieve him from this situation, Mahavishnu with the aid of Sudarsana chakra cut Sati's body into pieces. Where ever her limbs fell the place acquired Siva's Chaitanya.
At Taliparambu (Kerala)the head fell,
at Chengannur, the middle portion which explains why the Devi gets her
periods here. I have attended the temple once in such occasion in 2001middle
when sanctum is closed and pooja is conducted to a small idol outside.
The expenditure for the celebration is partially met by the deposit
made by a British collector who did not initially believed such an occurance
but later believed and became a devote of Devi.
A7 Yes. The rows of light apart from making this dark bright and gay, are also meant to welcome the souls of the departed ancestors who visit the family on Deepawali night.
In Bengal, lighted torches are fixed on long poles to guide the souls of the departed ancestors. The lighting of lamps on Deepawali night is so important that even when a family is in mourning and no festivities take place, five lamps are always lit at strategic places in the house
Q8 Every body know about one foot slightly
limbing of Yama. The incident made Sun god realize one thing. What is
One day Yama kicked his step-mother Chhaaya for being partial to her own children. At this Chhaaya cursed him and said that the leg that kicked her would be full of worms.
Surya heard the curse and, realising that a mother would never curse her own children, suspected the identity of Chhaaya and went in search of his real wife, Samjna ( Note- There is another legend Saturn another son of Soorya similarly limbing one foot)
Q9 Do sage Atri appear in Ramayana story?
A9 Atri, vedic sage is said to have composed many hymns in praise of Agni, Indra, the Ashwins and the Vishwa-Devas. He was also considered one of the ten Prajapatis assigned the task of human generation.
Rama along with Sita and Lakshman visited
Atri's hermitage during his exile from Ayodhya.
Hence Narada cursed them to become trees,
but they did not lost memory. Narada said that the touch of Sri Krishna
later shall save them. These sons of Kubera became a pair of Arjuna
trees in Brindavan waiting for Child krishna's touch.
A14 According to Parthasarathy, this name was assumed by Draupadi heroine of the Mahabharata and wife of the five Pandava brothers. While in exile with her husbands she suffered untold privations and indignities while living at the palace of King Virata. Under her assumed name Malini she worshipped Shani to alleviate her from her sufferings.
Q15 When did Sreekrishna removed the leaves after taking food by the guests and cleaned the place with cowdung for the next row to take food?
A15 Sreekrishna did so during the rajasuya performed by Yudhishtira.
Q16 What is the benefit of feeding the crow first before taking food?
A16 Ill effects of Saturn will vanish. Pitrus will become happy. Unity will prevail in the house.
This QA 10 I hope will be informative to youngsters who have an aptitude to know our epics and myths and for interested elders a refreshing one like the QA 1-9 already read by you. All the details are from Mythology websites.
Every care is taken the QA as of not much known things. Hope a curious reading.
I am extremely happy with the members comments received in large numbers so far. The series I am continueing.
Sincerely Gopala Krishnan (Retired AGM BSNL)
Q1 Which place in Banaras is called Kapalamoksham?
A1Once Lord Siva while travelling came to Sathya loka where Brahma reside.Brahams four faces welcomed but one face ill treated. Lord Siva just touched that face. It came out but did not fell down. It got sticked to Siva's finger.
Lord Siva started further journey. When Lord Siva came to Kasi it fell down. Lord Siva got pleased and decided to permanently stay there. The place where Brahma's head fell down is called Kapalamoksham.
Q2 What is vararuchi story related with
Vararuchi set out and went all around the country, met number of scholars, none of whom could give a satisfactory answer. One evening,(on 40th day) dog tired and worried he rested under a banyan tree. Soon after he heard chirping of birds and two birds talking to each other. Vararuchi knew bird language. One bird asked the other who was the person resting under the tree and the other replied that he was Vararuchi who did not know "mam viddhi" and who was destined to marry a lower caste(paraya) girl.
Vararuchi knew immediately that the key verse in Ramayana was Ramam Dasaradham viddhi, mam viddhi janakatmajam Ayodhyam ataveem viddhi gacha tata yadha sukham
This is what Sumtira told Lakhmana when he was about to leave for the forest with Rama and Sita. Consider Rama as Dasaradha, Consider Sita as me Consider the forest as Ayodhya. ( But did Sita reciprocated in the same manner during Mareecha incident?) The king showered Vararuchi with gifts on furnishing the answer.
Q3 Where is Vaayilla Kunnilappan temple? What is the sacredess with the temple?
Q5 Many people name the daughter Dharini. Who is Dharini?
A5 Two daughters were born to Swadha daughter of Dhaksha and prasuti , the wife of Pitrganas .They were named Dharini and Vayuna- viz- Grand daughter of Daksha.
Q6What is the importance of Priyavrata?
A6 Priyvrata accepted two wives. His first wife was Prajapati Vishwkarma's daughter Barhismati. She begot ten sons- Priyvrat's second wife begot three sons- Uttam, Raiwat and Tamas
In his chariot, he travelled around
the land and divided it into seven parts and appointed each of his seven
sons as the lord of one island. Agnidhra, the eldest son was given Jambu
Dweep. Bharat is part of Jambodeep( recollect the mantra –Jambodeepe,
Bharatha varshe, Bharatha-kande, merohum, Dhakshine parse…)
Q7 Which purana describes seven Islands and seven oceans?
A7 Kurma Purana .All the seven islands and seven oceans are described in this book. Bharata is situated in the centre of all these and is called Jambudvipa.
Q8 What is the speciality of Brahma purana?
A8 Brahma Purana is in the form of teachings by Brahma to Daksa This is called Adi Purana also.
There is a special treatise in this book on Orissa, an ancient holy region of Bharata. Brahma Purana states about a suryakshetra (sun-temple) situated at a place called Konarka near the holy place of Puri, installed there in the year 1241 A.D
Q9 What is the speciality of Markandeya purana?
A9 Markandeya Purana. includes a division
called Devimahatmya containing praises about the goddess Durga. Stories
of Rama and Krishna is available in this purana.
A 11 At Darbha Sayanam (Tirupallani, Pullanranyam) Sri Rama observed penance, lying on darbha grass here for three days. It is said that Adi Jagannatha appeared before Him, gave him the weapon called Divya Chapa, and blessed
Q 12 Every body going to Rameswaram invariably visit Devipatinam too. What is the reason?
A 12 It is said that at the coastal town of Devi Patnam Navapasanam) Lord Rama put nine stones standing upright in the shallow bay. They are supposed to represent the nine planets that He worshiped for success.
It is observed that the sea water increase from practically nil to cover the idols as the day increases in time. I have practically observed the increasing of water with tide in the afternoon.
Q 13 What is the importance of koti theertha and Jatatheertha at Rameswaram?
A 13 Kodi Tirtha is supposed to be a
spring that Lord Rama created by shooting an arrow into the ground.
It is said that at Jata Tirtha, Sri Rama washed His hair to get rid
of any sins that He might have incurred in the battle at Lanka.
A18 The details are as follows:-
Kala, was married to the sage Marichi
They begot Kashyap and Purnima. Their offsprings comprise today's population
of the entire world
Q19. Who is the mother of Sati? What is her progency?
A19 Manu's and Satrupa's third daughter Prasuti was married to Daksh. She got sixteen daughters. Daksh married thirteen of them to Dharma raja. Of the remaining three daughters, one was married to Agni, one to Pitrgana and one by name sati to Lord Shiva.
This QA 11 I hope will be informative to youngsters who have an aptitude to know our epics and myths and for those interested elders a refreshing one like the QA 1-10 already read by you. All the details are from Mythology websites. As one of the esteemed member desired, the QA is given a second check for vocabulary and grammar so that the answer appears correct and bringing out the essence of it. In addition every care is taken the QA pertains to not much known things. Hope a curious reading.
I am extremely happy with the members comments received in large numbers so far. I am continuing the series.
Sincerely Gopala Krishnan (Retired AGM BSNL)
Q1Every body knows the Saranam "Pandi
Malayalam Adakkivazhum Sreedharma sasthave.." on the occasion
of Sabarimalai pilgrimage. What is the meaning of the saranam?
A2 Dhaksha's second daughter Swaaha was given in marriage to Agni deva. (The Rhyming names had started even at that time.)
Daksha wanted a person to look after, like a mother, every soul that entered Pitruloka. Hence he decided to create the 16th daughter, this daughter was named Swaadha. (People who perform Sraadha will recollect that they say Swaadha Namaha at the end of Shraddha ceremony.
Q3 What is the very interesting story behind thoppikkaranam to Lord Vinayaka?
A3 It is Mahavishnu who did the first Dorbhikaranam (Thoppikkaranam) to Vinayaka. Once Vinayaka swallowed Maha Vishnu's Sudarshana Chakra and to retrieve the chakra Vishnu had to make Ganapati laugh and so he did the thoppikkaranam and made Ganapathi laugh and got his Chakra back. We too perform Thoppikaranam to Ganapathi, to make him happy and receive his blessings.
Q 4 Do the "Purusha sooktham" talk of castes in it?
A4 The Purusha Sooktham verse regarding Varna, which gets cited very often, does not relate to the four castes. It means the four Varnas or races of Human society. The four Varnas are the White race, the yellow race, the African race and the brown race.
Q5At Tirumalai God Venkatachalapathi has two wives- Padmavathi and Mahalekshmi. Who is Padmavathi? Why Mahavishnu had to take loan from Kubera for his marriage to Padmavathi?
A5 During Srirama avathara one Vedavathi wanted to marry him. Srirama said in this Avathar he would have only one wife- Sita. Her wish will be fulfilled in the Kaliyuga when she will be born as the daughter of the king Akasharaj. Accordingly Vedavathi was born as the daughter of Akashraj. She was named Padmavathi. Perumal married Vedavathi now known as Padmavathi taking loan from Kubera.
The reason for taking loan was that Perumal had to marry a king's daughter and Mahavishnu (Perumal) was left with no wealth, since Mahalekshmi left him earlier on sage Brighu incident known to every body.
Mahalekshmi who left Mahavishnu on the sage Brighu incident stayed at Kolhapur. All Devas went to her with request to join Mahavishnu and sage Brighu too lay flat on her feet. She got pleased and came with them to Tirupathi where she was welcomed by Mahavishnu and together went to Tirumalai where Padmavathi welcomed them.
Q6 Every body know the sisters of Seetha were married to Lekshmana, Bharata and Satrugna. What were their names?
A6 Seetha's own sister Urmila
was married to Lekshmana. Seetha's chitthappa's daughter
Mandavi was married to Bharatha and Mandavi's younger sister Srutakeerthi
was married to Satrugna.
Q11 What is the legend about the Nandi
in Tanjore big temple?
Q13 Like India do any other country
in the world worshipped many Gods?
Q14 Do Lord Krishna kidnapped Rugmini
and then married her?
Q1Refer Mahabharata war. Why did Lord
Krishna tried for a compromise between Pandavas and Kauravas knowing
very well that war was inevitable?
Q3 What was the physical appearance
of Siva Ganas?
Q4 Have we got any other version for
Ganesha having One Broken tusk other than that it was broken by him
to write Mahabharata recited by Vyasa?
Q6What is the speciality of River Kaveri
in relation with death ceremonies?
Q7 What are the details of the river
Narmada? How the river is connected with king Pururuva?
Q8 What is the sacredness of the Tulasi?
(Please do not skip)
A place is considered most sacred, where exists the holy basil plant. This is the reason why every Hindu tries to have it in the house. Women worship Tulasi for good fortune and well-beings and lineage. Worshipping God with the new sprout of Tulasi give salvation. Such a man is freed from the cycles of birth and death. Tulasi is permitted for reusing after washing if necessary in offerings.
It is believed that untimely death will
not occur in a house where holy basil plants exist. (My note-1. Praying
Tulasi, watering it and Lighting Lamp in the evening and keeping Tulasi
matam neat and tidy surely brings mental happiness 2. Snakes will not
make their appearance any where near Tulasi is planted. 3. Keeping one
Vigneswara idol is still excellent. These are my experience for more
than last three and half years)
Q12 Every body know about the chastity
of Sati Anasuya, Wife of sage Atri. What is her relation with sage Kapil?
This QA 13 I hope will be informative
to youngsters who have an aptitude to know our epics and myths and for
those interested elders a refreshing one like the
I am extremely happy with the members comments and patronage and large number of requests for earlier postings. I have complied to all .It giives me immense pleasure on observing a lot of members read it .I am thankfull for the moderators of the groups for the timely publishing of the series .
Sincerely Gopala Krishnan (Retired AGM BSNL)
Q1 Every body knows there are Eighteen Puranas.
Many of us also may be knowing they are equally addressed to Trinities.
Name the six puranas addressed to Lord Vishnu?
Q2 Name the six puranas addressed to Lord Siva?
Q3 Name the six puranas addressed to Lord Brahma?
Q 4 Name the Navagraha often referred
in Rigveda?
Q 5 Every body know after Sri Rama left
for forest dwelling king Dasaratha had his end in a few days. Did Srirama
performed the last rites?
Q 6 Most of us may know Navagrahs are Grihasthas. Name their chief wives.
Planet Wife
Ques 7 Every body know the dhyana slokam"
santhakaram Bhugaga Sayanam...."-Who first sang the same?
Q8 Describe the context of Mahabharatha
story by Vedavyasa.
Q18 What is Rudra gayathri? What is
its meaning?
OM tatpurushàya vidmahe mahàdevàya
dhimahi |
We comprehend (realise) that Celebrated Supreme Being (Purusha), and meditate upon that Great God, Mahadeva; may that Rudra impel us to do so. This is the Rudra Gayatri Mantra.
Q19. Everybody would have knowledge
of the Maha-Mrityunjaya Mantra. What is its simple meaning?
I bow down to that three-eyed Lord Siva,
who is full of sweet fragrance, who nourishes the human beings. May
He free me from the bondage of Samsara and death, just as a ripe cucumber
fruit is separated from the creeper . May I be fixed in Immortality!
This is the Maha-Mrityunjaya Mantra.
Hanuman's mother had powers that allowed
her to change form, and one day she was disguised as a beautiful human
woman. Vayu saw her, fell in love, wanted her to be his mate. She resisted
him until Vayu promised that her child would be a son as valiant, intelligent
and swift as himself. So it was that Hanuman grew up in his mother's
care and saw very little of his powerful father.
Respected sirs,
This is QA 14 of this series. Already QA1-13 has been posted to the groups and a few are to be published in some groups. Any member who has not read and desired to read earlier ones can write to me. I am happy to learn many members are very very closely reading these as seen from the responses sent by them and give me the patronage.
As desired by many members while making the presentation, editing is done suitably to bring forth the correct meaning. Also as a few members pointed out presentations of points with ambiguity are avoided maximum. As stated earlier all the details are from Mythology websites.
One of the esteemed members wrote to me a very good suggestion-, the QA is given a second check for vocabulary and grammar so that the answer appears correct and bringing out the essence of it. In addition every care is taken to see each QA contain some not much known information to make them interesting to read.
I am extremely happy with the members comments
being received in large numbers so far and thank the moderators for
timely publication and mails from moderators of group like iyer 123
for resending since not received in correct format and waiting for the
After Brahma had created the three worlds, viz. EARTH, HEAVEN and PATAL (i.e., subterranean region), he recollected that a place for judgment and punishment of the wicked was wanting.
He therefore asked the architect Viswakarma to prepare a suitable place for this purpose. Viswakarma prepared a magnificent palace and opposite its south door he created four pits to punish the wicked.
Three other doors were reserved for the entrance of the good so that they might not see the place of punishment when they went to be judged.
Brahma himself named this palace SANJEEVANI. Brahma ordered the architect to form a vast trench around and fill it with water, which came to be called VAITAMEE. Brahma next ordered Agni (the fire god) to enter this river so that the water might boil.
After the death each person is obliged to swim
across this Vaitarnee river, which gives harmless passage to good souls
but the evil ones have to suffer torments and pangs while crossing this
river's boiling water.
At this place there is no fear of enemies and sorrow of mind and body is non-existent. The climate is mild and salubrious and each one is rewarded in kind according to his deeds. He who has given much in charity receives very many comforts of all kinds.
Q2 When did Trimoorthy gained more importance?
Q3 What should be the condition of Agni
when Homa is done?
Q4 Do there can be ill effects if homam
is done when Agni is less than viral (finger) height with kanal?
Items offered will go Agni's eye if Homagni is having only kanal and no Nalam- This may cause decline in the family. This can be avoided with offering more ghee.
Items offered will go Agni's ear if Homagni
is Lightly burning. This may cause Diseases in the family. This too
can be avoided with offering more ghee.
Items offered will go Agni's face nose if Homagni is having 4-finger height. Happiness and well being will occur (Note- This QA I have added to indicate the quality of items kept for homa as well as the care we have to take while performing Homa. (In fact I am having a very rare photograph e taken during a homa done some place wherein on first look the homagni appears as a very devine lady like Lekshmi).
Q5 What is the SRAADHA? (PL do not skip)
The Brahma Purana defines Sraaddha as follows: "Whatever is given with faith to the pitrs at a proper time, in a proper place, through deserving persons and in accordance with the prescribed procedure is called Sraaddha."
The pitrs (Father, Paternal grand father and Paternal great grand father), assuming their form as Vasu, Rudra and Aditya and identified as Sraaddha deities are gratified by Sraaddha. (Note- I have edited to bring the meaning in an understandable form of what is told in Yajnavalakya Smriti -I, 268)
Another verse in Manu (III, 284) make it clear that the three ancestors of a man, namely, the father, paternal grandfather and the paternal great-grandfather are respectively to be identified with the three orders of superintending pitr deities, namely, Vasus, Rudras and Adityas, when performing Sraaddha.
If one's father has become a god (by his good deeds), the food offered in Sraaddha becomes nectar and follows him in his state of godhood; if he has become a daitya (an asura) then the food reaches him in the form of various enjoyments and so on.
Kindly note if we are performing sraadha to Late father he in turn invites and brings along with his father and grand father too. It is told in olden days three separate Brahmins were representing them, which now a days to a single Brahmin representing pithru.
Q6 It is told Brahma narrated Ganesha
puranam to sageVysa. What was the reason for the same?
Brahma explained to Vyasa that his difficulties arose from his neglect of Ganesha. He pointed out that Vyasa had not even begun even any of his verses with an invocation to the patron God of writers.
The sage asked Brahma to tell him more about Ganesha and so Brahma narrated the Ganesha Purana.
Q7 What is the mythological legend behind
Moon's waxing and waning?
The Moon in the company of his 27 starry consorts began to laugh. Infuriated Ganesha broke off one of his tusks and hurled at the Moon, also cursing the celestial orb to lose its light.
Everyone missed the moon and the Gods begged Ganesha to revoke his curse. But once a curse has been pronounced it cannot be taken back it can only be modified. So Ganesha compromised. Instead of making the moon disappear completely he caused it to wax and wane.
Q8 In which Purana Sridharma sastha is refered
to? As Dharma sastha was he a Grihastha?
He had two wives Poorna and Pushkala and also had a son called Sathyaka. We are having Poorna Pushkala sametha Sri Dharma sastha as Upadeivam in Chottanikkara (Kerala) and as main deity in Kulathupuzha (Kerala) temples.
Q9 Do Jaladanam is very devine?
This is QA 15 of this series. Already QA1-14 has been posted to the groups and a few are to be published in some groups. Any member who has not read and desired to read earlier ones can write to me. I am happy to learn many members are very closely reading these as seen from the responses sent by them and give me the patronage.
As desired by many members while making the presentation, editing is continued to be done suitably to bring forth the correct meaning. Also as a few members pointed out presentations of items with ambiguity are avoided maximum. As stated earlier all the details are from Mythology websites.
One of the esteemed members wrote to me a very good suggestion-, the QA is given a second check for vocabulary and grammar so that the answer appears correct and bringing out the essence of it. In addition every care is taken to see each QA contain some not much known information to make them interesting to read.
I am extremely happy with the members
comments being received in large numbers so far and thank the moderators
for timely publication.
Q5 Why do we provide Mahavishnu elai
whils performing Sraddaham called Vishnuvaranam?
Q6 What is said to be the mythical story
behind Tiruvilvamalai?(Near Trichur-Kerala)
Q7 For how many years a person has to
perform sraddaha and tharpana?
Q8 What is the moral of the story Parayi
petta Pandirukulam?
Datta got angry and cursed Lila to become a she-buffalo, Mahishi. Inturn Lila retorted by cursing Datta to become a buffalo, and thus they wandered in the thick forests as buffalo couples
Mahishi's brother was killed by Devas. To take revenge on devas Mahishi started penace on Brahma. Brahman got propitiated and appeared before Mahishi he offered her any boon other than 'freedom from death'. She suggested to Brahman that none except a son born to Hari and Hara who would have served a King on earth for a period of twelve years, alone could have killed her.
She later o began threatening the Devas,
sages and all good men. It was at this time the churning of the Milky
ocean took place, and Mohini begot a child, Ayyappan, from Lord Siva.
The remaining story is related with Ayyappa. On his way to bring Leopard
milk Ayyapa killed Mahishi first and devas were saved. ( My note- Recollect
the saranam- Mahishi mardhana saranam Ponnaiyyappa)
A14 The Vedic practice was for a widow to marry her dead husband's younger brother. In the sutra period she was allowed to marry any near kinsman; in the earliest Dharmasutra (Gautama) without enjoining any restriction and in the later (Baudhayana and Vasishtha) enjoining ascetic practices for a short period only.
Q15What are the details about Kubera?
His brother Ravana, by practicing austerities, obtained from Shiva the boon of invincibility and so was able to defeat Kuber and to seize and retain Lanka and the chariot, Pushpak.
As Lanka could not be restored to Kuber, Viswakarma, the architect god, built him a palace on Mount Kailash. He also has a beautiful garden called Chaitrarath on Mount Mandara. Kuber's domains are all in the high Himalayas, partly because he is the guardian of the North, but also because the mountains are the repository of mineral wealth. Kuber watches over the earth's storehouse of gold, silver, jewels, pearls and the nine nidhis, special treasures.
This is QA 16 of this series. Already QA1-15 has been posted to the groups and a few are to be published in some groups. Any member who has not read and desired to read earlier ones can write to me. I am happy to learn many members are very closely reading these as seen from the responses sent by them and give me the patronage.
As desired by many members while making the presentation, editing is done suitably to bring forth the correct meaning. Also as a few members pointed out presentations of items, which have some ambiguity, are avoided maximum. As stated earlier all the details are from Mythology websites.
One of the esteemed members wrote to me a very good suggestion-, the QA should be given a second check for vocabulary and grammar so that the answer appears correct and bringing out the essence of it. In addition every care is taken to see each QAs contain some not much known information to make them interesting to read.
I am extremely happy with the member's comments being received in large numbers so far and thank the moderators for timely publication.
Sincerely Gopala Krishnan (Retired AGM BSNL Trivandrum Kerala)
Q1 When did the worship of female deities
It was around this time that Parvati, from a minor deity as a consort of Shiva, became a major deity as Durga and Kali.
Q2 What are the details Vayu-the God
of air?
He has two sons- One Sri Hanuman (the monkey god), who played a conspicuous role in the epic Ramayana. Other the Bhimasena among Pandava of epic Mahabharata.
Q3 What are the details of Yama –
God of death?
He has two ravenous dogs, each with four eyes and wide nostrils. They guard the road to his abode and wander amongst men summoning them to their master at appropriate time. These dogs are the children of Sarama the dog of Indra.
In the Puranas, Yama is called the judge of men who, when they die, are brought before him and Chitragupta (the Record Keeper) with whom their actions have been recorded
The virtuous are conveyed to heaven
(Swarga) and the wicked to different regions of hell (Naraka).
Q9 How did the river Goddesses became
the guardian deities of the temples? When did they become so?
At a later period it became a common practice to represent the two river goddesses on the two sides of the shrine door in both North and South India.
Q10 Is there any Legend that Lord Vishnu
had three wives once?
When Saraswathi attacked Ganga, Lakshmi tried to separate them. Saraswathi got infuriated and cursed Lakshmi that she should be born as a plant in earth.
Ganga cursed Saraswathi for her attacking her that she should become a river and Saraswathi in turn cursed Ganga that she too should become an ever-flowing river
Dharma dwaja married a lady called Madhawi and Goddess Lakshmi was born to them as a girl child. Since she was an incomparable beauty, they called her Thulasi (Incomparable one). The other two have become rivers and continuing now too. Saraswathi is available as underwater at Prayag and flows as dried up river in Rajasthan.
Q11 What is the importance of mountain
Meru? (Do not confuse with Mandhara Mountain)
Q13 How did Adisankara felt his mother
was in her last days? How was the sincere Lady caring her?
He went into his cottage, and immersing himself in meditation, saw a clear picture of his sick mother remembering him. Being a master of yogic powers, Acharya Shankaraji traveled across the sky over the Shringeri Monastery to reach Kaladi (Kerala). His mother Aryamba was lying unconscious and her sick body had become extremely debilitated .In the whole of Kaladi Village, only Janaki Amma was serving Aryamba selflessly. (From Rishi prasad magazine April2009 issue)
Q14 It is told Lord chitra gupta is
Brahma's son. What is the specialty in his creation?
Q15 Why did the monkeys assisted Srirama
in the war with Ravana?
Q16 An interesting question- Do Sri
Rama, Lekshmana, Bharatha and Satrugna all are born in the same star?
The QA has been given a second check for vocabulary
and grammar so that the answer appears correct and bringing out the
essence of it. You will be observing each QA contain some not much known
information to make the series interesting to read.
Q1: - Who are Ashta Vasus and Aswini
Q2: -What is the meaning of Sambhu and
Q3: - What is the importance of Purusha
Q8: - Is there any book published listing
ancestors of Srirama? Who were the immediate ancestors of king Srirama?
Q9: - Do any mention is there in Bhagavatha
about the manner in which we should behave with lower creatures?
A person who injures lower animals for selfish purposes goes to the purgatory called Andhakupa and there he will have to live in a low type of body, attacked by the creatures he had injured. In darkness, without sleep and restless, he will have to drag out a wretched existence." (Srimad Bhagavat, Volume II, translated by Swami Tapasyananda, Ramakrishna Math, Chennai).
Q10: - Who is Holika and what was her
speciality? How she is related with Prahalada?
Holi commemorates this event from mythology, and huge bonfires are burnt on the eve of Holi as its symbolic representation.
Q11: - Do Holi is celebrated 16 days
in Brindavan and Mathura?


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Established in 1946, Lowe's is a mecca for homeowners, DIY enthusiasts and professionals. With over 2,300 stores across the country, Lowe's offers a huge variety of home improvement products spanning dozens of categories, including appliances, tools, outdoors and kitchen. No matter whether you're fixing, building or something in between, you can count on Lowe's coupons and promos to save money on all your projects.
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Every day, you can snag a Lowe's deal when you check out the Deal of the Day. You can find what's on special today by going to the home page and scrolling until you see the Deal of the Day banner. As soon as you click it, the site will take you directly to the product that's been discounted.
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Like many major retailers, Lowe's offers incredible sales when holidays roll around. Scoop up Lowe's deals on products like mulch, grills and decorations around these holidays:
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Some coupons may work beyond their expiration date.
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When it comes to getting great deals at Lowe's, you may want to pay more attention to other stores' prices. Just like Home Depot, Lowe's will match a competitor's price and beat it by an additional 10%. In fact, Lowe's will even price match online retailers like Amazon. Keep in mind that price matches must be completed in-store, and Lowe's will add any shipping and handling costs in the competitor's online quote to the final price.
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The U.S Postal Service offers exclusive "mover savings" packets to anyone who completes a change of address form online, but they're also available upon request at your local USPS branch (even if you're not actually moving).
These savings packets often include a 10%-off coupon for Lowe's. You can use this voucher in-store or online as you please, but each coupon has its very own barcode and is therefore limited to a single use.
People are also reading: 9 Tips for Shopping at Home Depot
If you notice an item with a damaged box or spot a floor-model version of a product you need, see if a Lowe's employee will work with you on the price. Each associate can take up to $50 off certain items if customers make the request, so don't be shy.
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At Lowe's, the more you buy, the more you save, which is especially helpful when you're building a home or working on an extensive remodeling project. Look for products that feature yellow "Contractor Pack" labels to score lower prices when you purchase these items in high quantities.
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One of the easiest ways to save money at Lowe's is by shopping online. The store's website includes a Savings Center with 30% to 50% off certain departments, as well as an extra-special promotion on one specific item each day. But what's really wonderful about shopping online is that you can choose to pick your items up in-store. This allows you to compare the online price with the in-store price, which sometimes differs slightly. The store, of course, will honor the lower of the two thanks to its Price Protection policy. (Shoppers report that online prices are usually your better deal.)
If you plan on doing a lot of shopping at Lowe's for your home improvement needs, then applying for the store's credit card may just prove beneficial. Cardholders receive their choice of either 5% off storewide or special financing on purchases over $299, saving you some serious cash on costly remodeling projects.
See also: The Best Approach to Finding the Right Store Credit Card
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The store discounts all kinds of home improvement must-haves throughout the year, but some savings are at their peak during specific months and seasons:
You'll also want to shop the store's "Sidewalk Sales," which usually take place a few times per year on the first or last Saturday of the month. Lowe's uses these events to get rid of older merchandise, clearance items and store returns, offering savings of up to 90% on everything from decorative accents to major appliances.
Always check the store's online Rebate Center for relevant manufacturer rebates and information on potential tax credits or utility refunds. These incentives can help you narrow down your search for a specific appliance, and Lowe's makes it easy to browse and submit current rebate offers or check on a submitted rebate's status.
As with most stores, it's a good idea to sign up for Lowe's emails if you want to stay updated on current sales and available coupons. The store also has a mobile app for iOS and Android, and app users occasionally receive exclusive in-app savings.
Register for a MyLowe's account to get easier returns, handy shopping lists and a record of previous purchases (which can make life easier when you can't remember the exact shade of paint you used in your bedroom). You can also link your MyLowe's account to their app to make accessing your account even easier. Slickdealers with green thumbs will also want to join Lowe's Garden Club. Members receive a free weekly newsletter that includes discounts on plants and gardening supplies, so you can make your home's exterior just as pretty as its interior.
Images courtesy of Lowe's.
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subset: commoncrawl


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and we will be sure to follow you as well!!
We vlogged this week....by we, I mean Jordan and I!
I told Jordan he was not himself (the quietness but the comment was totally him!) Don't you love his answer on blogging...he totally thinks it's a waste of time (I think he also felt that way about the vlog haha)! I guess guys just don't get it fully! I love my fellow bloggers, I would literally be lost without ya all! So there you have it, you met a mild version of Jordan! He is literally the best thing to ever happen to me, He is such a bright light in our family and I am so grateful to call him mine! I cannot wait to learn more about marriages from all of you! I think Jordan and I have an amazing marriage but that does not mean that we don't still need advice!
Directions for this week HERE!


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Former Group Home Worker Sentenced For Punching Resident
By Dave Reynolds, Inclusion Daily Express
September 21, 2005
MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA--A Montgomery woman who admitted punching a group home resident repeatedly in the face was placed on supervised probation Monday for the crime.
Daisy Mae Pettaway, 45, a former aide at McInnis School Group Home, pleaded guilty in August for attacking a 42-year-old resident with intellectual disabilities on February 16, 2004.
According to Attorney General Troy King, Pettaway punched the woman for not placing her bowl in the sink.
Circuit Judge Truman Hobbs gave Pettaway a suspended sentence and placed her on probation for two years for abuse of a protected person. He also banned her from ever working in a facility that serves seniors or people with disabilities, the Associated Press noted.


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According to the Canadian Olympic Committee website on Wednesday, Canadian Olympic gold medalists Cindy Klassen of Winnipeg and Kyle Shewfelt of Calgary lead a list of prestigious people who will be inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame on June 6 in a gala ceremony in Calgary.
Klassen won a gold medal for Canada in the women's 1500m speed skating event at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin. It was one of six medals she would win in her Olympic career, including an amazing five in Turin. Klassen is the only Canadian to win five medals at one Olympic Games.
Shewfelt won a gold medal for Canada in the men's gymnastics floor competition at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. He is the only Canadian to win a medal in a traditional gymnastics event at an Olympic Games. Canadians have won six medals in trampoline, which joined the Olympic program at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.
Other inductees will be the Canadian men's eights rowing team that won a gold medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Canadian speed skating coach Marcel Lacroix, former Alberta premier Ralph Klein who was part of Calgary's successful bid for the 1988 Olympic Winter Games, Canadian Olympic men's hockey head coach Pat Quinn, and Canadian sports journalist Richard Garneau.


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From Pakistan:
Can I take sorbitol instead of Canderel? Does sorbitol have any side effects?
You may substitute sorbitol for Canderel, but beware of the possible side effect of certain sugar alcohols such as sorbitol. In excessive amounts, they may cause diarrhea or bloating. I would suggest you go slowly with incorporating foods with these sugar alcohols into your meal planning.
Original posting 19 Apr 2007
Posted to Meal Planning, Food and Diet
|Return to the Top of This Page
Last Updated: Tuesday April 06, 2010 15:10:12
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Relish Vacation Adventure Outside Your Bali Villas
Bali is easily the most exciting holiday place. Additionally to supported by a few accommodation, Bali too full with tourist points of interest that well-known. Starting with natural points of interest, arts and cultural tourism, to any or all the tourist points of interest in Bali. To have the ability to enjoy all of the beauty supplied by the area of Bali, is needed to have an activity known as the tour activities. You will find many famous tourist points of interest you'll be able to visit, among others, Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, Nusadua, Tanahlot, Umalas yet others. Additionally to those areas, really you will find lots of other objects in Bali that may be looked in tour occasions, and area points of interest just many interest and is coupled with other objects in one tour locations.
Holiday to places like Bali, Yogyakarta, Lombok along with other tourism metropolitan areas in Indonesia is fun because we are able to enjoy and feel beauty in many of large metropolitan areas in Indonesia, additionally we acknowledge the variety from the metropolitan areas in Indonesia and find out how insightful our country. Bali is negligence a province in Indonesia, as well as title of the very most celebrated island which belongs to the province. Bali province includes the more compact islands nearby, namely the area of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan Island, Nusa Ceningan Island, and Serangan island. Bali is known as being an island of the 1000 gods, temples is actually broadly spread in the west finish to east finish. largely from the area in Bali includes a shrine, generally lots of foreign tourist want to see the path of the ceremony.
Vacation in Bali could be better if it's full of adventure tour or cultivate activities additionally tour towards the roads. Since Bali is popular objects of tourism, too rife in assorted places of chance tourism. Starting with rafting or whitened water rafting, sailing cruise or tour to numerous pursuits like elephant safaris, camel safaris, equine riding, as well as other tourism options for example water adventure program like submarine, ocean master and a number of aquatic sports options for example parasailing, blueberry boating, jet skiing, scuba diving, diving, yet others. If you want to pit the energy of adrenaline by using those activities of ATV Riding, maybe your holiday activities in Bali could be more enjoyable.
Riding ATV is among adventure tourism having a special bike for you personally who enjoy being defiance. ATV bike was produced particularly very easy to utilized by anybody, though never on the motorcycle before. The way in which has had many obstacles is used despite specifically created using many obstacles but nonetheless doesn't eliminate from the natural components great thing about Bali's charm and security, so additionally for you to get your adrenaline adventures can continue to benefit from the natural splendor of Bali.
Your trip would not be perfect whenever it doesn't obtain a good accommodation for you personally. Speaking on accommodation, just about any area in Bali can meet a number of accommodation for the vacation. The choice is dependent on your requirements, if you are on holiday itself can cater more for your hotel. Nonetheless, it's additional if you are on vacation with family or entourage, obviously, will need greater than 1 bed room. Are you able to let's suppose you are renting expensive hotels for the family? maybe you'll be within the room opposite towards the relaxation of ones own, otherwise you won't get privacy inside a hotel. To obtain a rental house that's more personal, maybe Bali private villas will improve option for your loved ones. Areas for Bali private villas are available among others as with Canggu, Tanah Lot, Seminyak, Ubud, Umalas, Nusa Dua yet others. To obtain the private villas that offer comfort but you just can perform outdoors activities, you are able to choose the region of Ubud. Having a village atmosphere that's still thick, you'll be more memorable holiday with lots of activities that you can do in Ubud.


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My dad has a bad habit of leaving his guitar picks all around the house, so almost anywhere you look there is bound to be a small, colored piece of plastic lying amongst the things that actually belong there. He doesn't have one space he plays his guitar in, he travels around the house with it from room to room, sitting where he pleases, hence the picks all about.
The guitar sits in a corner leaning against the wall between the buffet and a book shelf in the dining room. It's red with a large black pick guard on the front that shows the remnants of something that was once painted on. The red, yellow, and green specks are scattered about leaving my imagination to recreate what might have been. The strap that hangs from the sides is frayed and partially broken so he doesn't even bother with it most of the time.
My dad's music is very important to him. He plays all the time. Playing the guitar is his relaxing when he comes home from work, though it seems a most inopportune time to play. My mom cooks dinner in the kitchen, and just as she calls everyone to come set the table, my dad decides to pick up his guitar and play a new song he heard on the radio while coming home. My mother is, of course, infuriated, but all he has to do is carry the guitar into the kitchen, pick in hand, and serenade her, and she'll forgive him eventually. No matter how bad a mood she is in, she can't help but smile at his foolishness.
"Oh, you're such an idiot," she always says, "go get the kids for dinner."
My own appreciation and preference for most of the music that I listen to now comes from my dad and his guitar. I grew up listening to him play all the music that he loved and therefore I came to love it too. Everything from the Beatles to Bruce Springsteen, it all came from him. All I needed was him. He was enough. My childhood was spent sitting next to him, looking up and loving him while he played with a pick in his hand. Now I watch from a distance, arms crossed, rolling my eyes at how much he plays and what bad timing he has. Sometimes I secretly wish I was still sitting next to him.
I believe in the power of family. Our relationships with each other are the most important things we have to cherish. Family is who we can count on to share in the things that hurt us and that make us happy. My own relationship with my dad has changed over the years, but I know that even though we've diverged on most issues, I can still count on him for the things that matter, like love, support, and guidance. Family is what counts, no matter who you call family.
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The Fairweather Lodge Model
Volunteer Training for the Iowa City Fairweather Lodge
Anna Bretton 25 June 2013
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Transcript of The Fairweather Lodge Model
The Fairweather Lodge Model Shelter House's Fairweather Lodge Iowa City, IA The Fairweather Lodge is... An intentional community for people in recovery from serious mental illness. In the words of our Lodge members... "It helps people start over again." "It gives you knowledge of a trade and a work reference. There are a lot of challenges in my job." "I got some of my pride back." "It is my recovery journey." Employment Housing Peer Support Lodge members rely first and foremost on each other. Lodge members live together in a single family home in a residential neighborhood. The Fairweather Lodge serves formerly homeless adults with serious mental illness by combining affordable housing, supported employment, positive peer relationships, and access to mental health care. Employment is an integral part of the Lodge. We believe that maintaining steady employment is vital to the mental health recovery process. We provide supported employment, which includes transportation to and from the work sites, and supervisors with training or background in mental health. Lodge members typically work 15 -- 25 hours each week, and are paid a living wage. Lodge members run a household together, and typically share meals or spend free time together. There are no live-in staff at the Lodges. Mental Health Support Lodge members self-administer their medications together, and identify and respond to changes in a peer's symptoms. Everyday Living Support The Lodge members help each other out when it comes to getting their needs met. This may include anything from exchanging skills, giving advice on bus routes, carpooling, borrowing tools, or just being a friend. Principle I The Lodge must provide a safe, healthy and caring environment, which reinforces the recovery process. Practice A Lodges should be located in a safe and accepting neighborhood. Practice B Lodges should be attentive to exercise and nutrition. Practice C Lodges should control the use of drugs and alcohol. Principle II The Lodge must be part of the plan for managing symptoms and promoting good mental health. Practice D Practice E Good quality psychiatric care (implying a doctor-patient partnership) should be available. Lodges should have a standard mechanism for ensuring medication compliance. Principle III Services must be available as long as the participant wants and needs them. Practice F There should not be any minimum or maximum time limits on participation. Principle IV People with psychiatric disabilities increase their community success and raise their social status through employment, through accumulating wealth, and through direct (not third-party) consumerism. Practice G Everyone of working age should be employed and employment should begin immediately upon entry into the Lodge. Practice H Employment should be structured so as to ensure financial reward for increasing participation in employment. Practice I Employment may be offered in the form of a (affirmative) business operated by the Lodge. If employment through an affirmative business is provided: 1. Work opportunities should include a range of tasks from simple to complex, with appropriate accommodations for the illness; 2. Participants should be paid commensurate with their contribution to the business; 3. There should be frequent and realistic evaluation of performance and opportunity to advance; 4. Participants should have a choice between working in the affirmative business and outside employment, especially if the affirmative business does not provide opportunities commensurate with the participants skills and experience (but not working should not be an option, and neither should prolonged job search). Principle V Above and beyond economic roles, participants need to perceive (and to have) meaningful social roles in both the Lodge and the larger community. Practice J Every participant should contribute to the collective good to the limit of his/her ability. (Equity of contribution and autonomy from one participant to the next is of secondary importance.) Principle VI In order to progress, people with psychiatric disabilities need autonomy commesurate with their behavioral performance, with the ultimate goal of full autonomy. Similarly, the Lodge needs autonomy commensurate with its behavioral performance, with total autonomy being the ultimate goal. (Peer support is ultimately more powerful than assistance from paid service providers.) Successful Lodges resemble a healthy family. Practice K Participants should share at least one meal a day. Practice L Participants should share at least one social/recreational event a week. Principle VII Practice M The Lodge participants, through some form of collective decision-making, should be responsible (to the extent that skills are present) for all aspects of Lodge management including but not limited to finance, maintenance, meal planning and preparation, social life, transportation, rules related to interaction between members and symptom management including the taking of medications. Professionals serve as advisers to the Lodge, never managers. Practice N If the skills required for certain tasks are not available within the membership, the advisers should provide these skills temporarily. Training should be provided so as to help one or more participants to acquire these skills and advance individual and group autonomy. Practice O Lodges typically need assistance and feedback on how they are doing; this need should decrease over time, but may never disappear. It is advisable, especially during the training phase, to have a special communication system which facilitates this assistance and feedback while simultaneously promoting autonomous group decision-making. Principle VIII Lodges must not be dependent on resources from any single entity. Practice P Lodges and Lodge Programs require strong leadership, committed to all 8 principles and focused on long-term success. History of the Fairweather Lodge Model In the mid 1950s, a new movement known as "de-institutionalization" began to reduce the population of mentally ill patients from state hospitals in attempt to save money on hospitalization costs. The program evolved and accelerated through the 1960s without adequate funding or planning. Many mentally ill people left the hospital but returned a short time later due to inabilities to adapt to community life. In 1963, Dr. George W. Fairweather and a group of social psychologists developed an alternative approach to hospitalization for people with schizophrenia. Dr. Fairweather and his associates discovered that with training and support, small groups could successfully share the responsibility of making every day decisions. The groups could live and work in the community with a higher level of mental health stability at a lower cost to the public. This model for success became known as the Fairweather Lodge Model. The model consisted of a basic set of principles to follow in order to create a self-governing group. The Training Program When a new Lodge member enters the program, he or she must first go through the Lodge training program to ensure success as a Lodge member. This is a day rehabilitative program that strengthens basic living skills, mental health management, and the ability to live in a cooperative group. The trainee also begins working as a crew member with Fresh Starts on their first day. During the training period, trainees sleep at Shelter House and attend training at the Ashley Lodge during the day. After demonstrating their ability to be a successful Lodge member and graduating from the training program, trainees move into one of two Lodges: The Amhurst Lodge The Ashley Lodge The training program is temporarily run out of the Ashley Lodge, until we acquire a third home. The Lodge members continue to support each other's illness management and recovery, run a household together, and maintain employment with Fresh Starts or an outside agency--for as long as they wish to call the Lodge home! Who becomes a Lodge Member? People with chronic mental illness who are willing and able to work and live cooperatively with others. A good Lodge member is able to give and receive support from peers. What the Lodge is NOT: Case Management Services The Lodge is primarily concerned with creating a cohesive group that can support each other, and through this group developing an individual's ability to be independent from staffed social services. Individual case management services are available through the STAR Case Management program at Shelter House. Adult Day Care The Lodge program is not "babysitting". We are not just giving them a place to spend their time--they are expected to maintain standards of self-care, competitive employment, and to support each other's mental well-being. An Institution The Lodge is not like an institution because it is... Voluntary It is not possible to be involuntarily committed to the Lodge. Participants may choose to apply, exit, and reapply to the program at any time. Limited Provider/Patient Relationship Staff's role is not to provide care, but to train them how to care for themselves, and facilitate an environment where that is possible. Lodge members work together at our janitorial business, Fresh Starts. There are 3 main concepts of the Fairweather model... How does Shelter House's Lodge program operate? Thanks to the website of Tasks Unlimited for this information.Full transcript