Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam, Dakshinamanaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri



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Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri

Somavati Amavasya Celebrations at Pune Sringeri Shankar Math

 

July 8, 2013

On 8th July,2013 Amavasya falls on Monday. This rare combination of Amavasya (new moon day) and Somavara (Monday) is known as Somavati Amavasya.

Arrangements for circumambulation of Pipal tree at the Pune Sringeri Shankara Math by ladies are there for the Somavati.

On this day, preferably early in the morning, ladies perform 108 ritualistic circumambulation of a Pipal tree in or near any temple observing silence. This vrata bestows not only fertility and conception but also protects as a shield the family from dangers. This pooja for the trunk of the pipal tree is to be done just above the roots.

Indra is the king for the devatas; for animals it is lion; for the birds garuda is the king; for the trees pipal is the king. The Sanskrit name for pipal is Ashvattha. Pipal tree is divine similar to Parijatha, Coconut, Bilva etc. The small sticks are used as ahuti (offering) in homam; the dried log of the branches are called Arani; they are drilled against each other to produce the most sacred form of fire to initiate any homam. Pipal should not be felled or used as firewood in the house; it can be used in the temple.

 
  • Just as in this body, the embodied one passes through boyhood, youth, and old age, so does one pass into another body. With reference to this (birth, aging and death), the wise man is not disturbed. Bhagavan Sri Krishna on Significance of God
  • An object continues to be dear as long as one derives pleasure from it and it is detested for the duration that it causes pain. The same object cannot be always liked or disliked. Sometimes, that which is not dear may become dear. Moreover, that which was loveable can turn unpleasant. The Atma, towards which affection never wanes, is always the most beloved. Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpada on Shatashloki
  • Blessings are the monopoly of God and we must all pray for his gracious blessings. Jagadguru Sri Chandrashekhara Bharati Mahaswamigal on Significance of God
  • It is pitiful that when many of us are asked, “who are you?”, The first thought that arises is “I am a Keralite”, or “I am a Punjabi”, etc. The thought that should immediately stem is “I am an Indian”. If people first feel that they are Indians and only then think of divisions, the nation will have great prosperity and the divisive forces will not be operative as they are today. Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamigal on Significance of God
  • Instead of using the tongue for speaking futile issues, use it to chant the names of God. God shall then guide you along the right and beneficial path. Jagadguru Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamigal on Significance of God's Names