CHATURMASYA VRATHA - CHARITIES.... Among the several charities (Daana) that one can give during Chaturmasam; Anna Dana is given lot of significance associated with great merits. Apart from Anna Daana one can also give as charity the following: Saalagrama; Grantha (sacred text); Bhoodana; Prathima Daana; Suvarna; Hiranya Daana; Thila; Dhaanya; Saaka Daana (vegetables & fruits); Dadhi (curd); Ksheera (milk); Dvidala (Pulses); Deepa Daana; Ghrutha (Ghee); Sayyaa Daana; Lavana (Salt); Amalaki; Umbrella; Paadaraksha etc. However, while giving charity one should always remember the dictum of Lord Sri Krishna... Patram pushpam phalam toyam yo me bhaktya prayacchati tad aham bhakty-upahritam ashnami prayatatmanah (Bhagawadgeeta - 9th canto sloka # 26) Lord Sri Krishna says that whoever offers Me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water, that I accept, offered with pure-mind and devotion. In these Houses-of-God, it is not the intricacies of their design, elaborateness of the ritual, nor the splendour of gold and wealth exhibited, nor even the number of devotees attending, that contribute to their essential success. Ultimately it is the sincerity and devotion (bhakti) that counts in divine worship. The very language and diction of the above stanza clearly sound the note that the material objects that one might offer are of no value to the Lord of the Universe, but it is the devotion and love that prompt the offerings that are accepted by the Deity. Be it a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water” it is but an insignificant thing that you offer; be it a golden temple, or be it a dry leaf, whosoever with devotion offers whatever be the offering, Lord Sri Krishna assures THAT I ACCEPT. For, when lovingly given, it becomes a devout gift and when it is offered by a sincere pure minded” devotee, the Lord has to accept it. Therefore, on the whole, it is clear that an offering can be efficient/effective only when it is accompanied by the two required conditions; (a) offered with devotion and (b) by the pure-minded. To the extent these features are absent all offerings are mere economic waste and superstition breeding false-beliefs. If properly done it can serve as a good vehicle to tread the spiritual path of self development. For more information on Chaturmasam please click on the link given below... bhargavasarma.blogspot.in/search/label/Chaturmasam
Posted on: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 07:58:41 +0000
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