The feeling of "This is my country..." in the people who belong to it, brings them together into a single stream of a 'Nation'. It is according to the Constitution of that country that all those by birth belong to it. They may not be living in that country ! They may be living elsewhere in different places. The motherland where they are born is their country. Remaining countries are foreign countries to them.
Similarly how do you determine Religion ? There should be an authoritative criterion for that too ! That would be the scripture which defines the spiritual and moral values adopted by the individuals in that society. The life styles, beliefs, traditions, habits etc., would be according to that. Those who do not follow that scripture are always 'outers' or 'outsiders' to that society.
Among those living in the same country, people though live in different states, speak different languages, follow diverse practices still belong to that country. Similarly as long as people show trust and believe in a single spiritual authority, even if they follow other methods of living, or speak other language, as long as they believe in the single authority, they are all of the same religion . Let us see example for both of them.
1.Nationality : Take the case of India, we have Andhras, Kannadigas, Tamilians Gujaratis, Bengalis, Biharis, Oriyas, Punjabis, Kashmiris …… like this there are so many divisions. From this list, take Andhras, for instance. In it again we have those from Telangana, Rayalaseema, Coastal region, etc and again we have sub divisions. If you continue like this, there is just no end to this division. Totally, we call them as Indians. Because these people were born here, have accepted this country's Constitution and consider this country as their motherland. Their earlier generations or those following them may be put in some corner of this world. Still we call them Indians. This can be found elsewhere too. Some are called Americans. They have trust in the Constitution of that country and consider it their motherland. There again there may be several states, with different names, etc. But totally, they are all Americans, isn't it? Same will be the case with any other country. People from different countries who may go to any nook or corner of the world in search of jobs still feel their motherland, their own. They consider that their roots are there. Why we are making this statement? Because for some reasons after a period of time, they may accept citizenship of the country they live and totally dedicate themselves to that country. But still, they are referred to as Non Resident Indians (NRI) only. Similarly, others from other countries are treated as non-residents.
2. Religion Ofcourse, this term is used synonymously with Nationalism. But, let us view it from other angle. We have stated that it follows from a moral and Spiritual trust.
Take Christians for instance. In whichever country they are, and whatever their profession is, they consider that they follow the Holy Bible about Christ. They may be Chinese, or Russians or Indians, Australians, anybody for that matter, but they are Christians. They lead their lives with their authoritative scripture as the pivot. They are dedicated to it. To whichever country they may belong, those who follow Buddhist's path are termed Buddhist's itn't it? Same is the case with Muslims. Among them, they may have several sub sects. Nothing objectionable about it. Will they all follow the faith and are dedicated to it.
Now, if it comes to our case? What Religion is ours? What is our authoritative sendame? Whether we are in India, Europe, or other, people whom we consider as "our people" may worship different gods, follow different traditional practices, or speak different languages. Which is their common authoritative scripture?
What is their common authority? is a million dollar question. There are people who indulge in seemingly logical arguments, and fight over this issue. Just like the Bible for Christians, Koran for the Muslims. Which is the standard scripture for "our people". What is the basis for the traditions and practices followed by us. How did these gods, temples and pujas come into existence. Certainly no one did see God and started constructing the temples. There must be some authority basing on which these were formed. What is that? Are they being really followed? If they are being followed, then there would be no such individual comments as : "I feel it would be better this way" "After all, all are same" or "All these are created by us", "What ultimately needed is that devotion must be there", "However one behaves externally, it should not matter if there is basic devotion in one's mind" ..etc. Such things will not arise. One will show full faith in whatever is contained in those authoritative and authentic scriptures, and exactly follow them to without second thought. There is no scope for individual opinion. Some of the contents of such authoritative scriptures may appear as shortcomings for ‘outsiders'. They may appear as illogical. In any case, there is place for debate in such matters. These will be considered pious as they are. They will make others agree to their view. They will even take their lives to ensure that.
Of which age are those authoritative scriptures? Did anyone author them? If some one had written, did they do so for their own sake? Or did they write for the sake of others? If the authors are not known, how did they come into existence? Whether there are answers or not to such questions one has to accept an authoritative scripture ! What is the such authoritative scripture for "our people"? "Our people" who, the world over consider themselves are"big bosses" declare that "they are the professors of this dharma and spiritual assets" are lacking knowledge and also confidence in providing direct and straight-forward satisfactory answers to these questions. Even those who consider themselves as the educated, are evidently unclear over this.
Well, let's come to brasstacks. Whether we wear any mark on the fore head, wear a tuft, wear saree, dhoti or any other traditional dress, whether we follow the family system, or celebrate such festivals as Deepavali, Dasara etc., or construct temples, mandapas, or install idols in different postures,angles or armour them with weapons like sankha, chakra, su:la(trident), or believe in pa:pa (sin), punya (holy), or talk of the almighty, god or ghost, all these are not being talked about, after physically seeing them. We are not just believing them... because, our father or mother told us having witnessed them.
Yes !! we also have an authority which dictates that "these are the policies". We have come to know about all the things from them. All those whom we consider as "our people" have recognised all the practices said above based only on that authority and NOT as a result of their own experience. If that authority is known to us, we can claim ourselves as those belonging to that. Not only we, but anyone who reside in any part of this world, who sincerely believe in an authority, and wish to follow it, can be considered as the one who belong to it. Coming back to us, What is that authority ??? That is.... VEDA, VEDIC KNOWLEDGE.
All our practices mentioned above, were derived from those Vedas. Likewise, all answers with details to the questions why?, how?, what? etc., are available in those Vedas in such a best way that they completely clear any doubts thereof. Smrithis, Pura:nas, a:gamas, prabandhas and other literature have emerged only to provide explanation of the subtle contents of the Vedas. All these together, are known as VEDIC LITERATURE. It is the Descendents of Bharath (India) who meticulously followed this Vedic literature, protected it dedicating their lives and passed on the same to us. That is why all those who fully, or in part, believe in that path are to be termed as those who belong to "VEDAS" or "VAIDIKAS". In other words, they are "BHARATHI:YAS".
Just as those who believe in Christ are Christians, so those who believe in Vedas have become Vaidikas'. In fact, it should be defined the other way. But because of the foolishness of our people, we have to relate it so. The word "BHA:RATHI:YA" is now used confining it to those who live in India. The mediocre the so claimed 'elite' following this tradition are insisting that it should be used so. But, in fact, a Bha:rathi:ya could be in favour or against the vedic path. It should be used as a term who believe in it. All those who trust in it whether in America or Australia, are the Bha:rathi:yas, and will claim themselves as the Decendents of Bharatha. In that case, "Vedas" and "Vedic Literature are their authorities, isn't it?
From the literature, we can consult different treatises for different traditions and practices. Smrithis tell us about the codes relating to practices pertaining to physical appearance and related things like, clothing, hairstyles, marks to be worn etc. Itihasas define the moral aspects. Pura:nas in an emphatic manner provide instances relating to application of those morals. A:gamas prescribe aspects relating to the temples and gods who are worshipped. Prabandhas show how we can sing in praise of those gods. Thus, we can refer to the concerned section of this literature as per our needs. If necessary, we can consult scholars who have studied them thoroughly. Through such consultation we can ensure that we are not transgressing the prescribed norms. For instance, when we are concerned with performance of marriage or other events, we consult scholars who are conversant with smrithis.We should follow their advice.
The A:gama sa:sthra authoritatively deals with matters relating to different gods. For the aspects relating to Siva, we have the "Saiva:gama" literature. In respect of Vishnu, we have treatises such as the Sri: Pa:nchara:thra, Vaikha:nasa.
Sa:kthe:ya literature describe goddesses like Durga, Sakthi. The "Ga:na:pathya" treatise cover matters relating other gods and goddesses. There are some prescribed policies, rules and regulations in each case. And, they should be accepted as such. There is no place for opinions, comments or likes and dislikes in those matters.
This authoritative literature also provide methods of modification of the prescriptions depending on our financial stand, time or manpower constraints. They do not insist that all, at all levels should follow only a particular method. They describe how those who have the means can indulge in elaborate constructions, procedures, or methods of worship. Those very treatises also indicate clearly how it is possible for even the poorest to follow without basically transgressing the prescribed methods. Therefore, there is no need for wasteful statements such as "we have been doing like this to appease everybody and managing with our resources. After all we have to satisfy everybody. If everybody has to donate money, we should follow what they demand …. Their idols also have to be installed …..everyone's requirements have to be fulfilled " etc.
"Some one came from outside and called us "Hindus" and we thought we were so. "We do not have any authoritative prescriptions. Whatever occurs to one's mind and thought constitute the authority. Some started that, Gods were created by us. The standard prescriptions have only been documented for our time pass. "That is why we can create god as we want" "or remove them from the list". "or hybridise them". All are same but we need all for the sake of all. "The regulations have been established by us, worship can be according to convenience, there is no god or scripture, or regulation beyond our liking, convenience" etc... are the statements, we frequently meet with, more convincingly. We are nodding our heads in mute consent, hearing all such statements, praising such people enriching them with all our resources. But we are not realising that they are destroying our roots. We have grown to such an extent that if somebody tries to suggest the right thing with proper authority, we bluntly contradict them and support those pseudo-leaders. Let us not discuss the word pseudo word "Hindu" which is irrelevant here. But let us know what we are and the reasons for the same.
So, we are "Bha:rathi:yas", descendents of the Bharatha. Vedic scriptures are our authoritative literature and so we should remember that we are ‘Vaidikas', ours is ‘Vaidika religion". We may wear a vertical or horizontal mark on our foreheads, as prescribed by veda. Some have Yajno:pavi:tha on their trunk, that too as prescribed by veda. Thus, all through the day, we follow and do things as per the authority which we respect. But how many know about this?
We still have in our country, several ancient temples. They provide guidelines for those who would like to know the different traditions. Inspite of the lethargy of people, traditions established over generations are still evident there. However, we give more value to what is told by foreigners or by those of who visited other countries. Let us see how is the scenario there.
Large numbers of Telugu people have migrated to countries like America in search of livelihood. There are in lakhs. When we consider Indians speaking other languages also, the number swell to crores. Irrespective of whether the first generation had bhakthi, devotion or not, recognising the needs of growing up children, construction of temples was started. Being basically ignorant, temples have been constructed, as they like. Let us leave the matter here. At least they found it fit to do that much. Even that is a great thing.
The same was not the case with subsequent generations. They know something about God, puja, temples and regulations. But once they went abroad, they feel intoxicated and developed an attitude that whatever they say should be followed like god's decree. Added to it, being broad minded, the Telugu people help others even at their own cost. They have a generous nature. But spiritually, they are ignorant. They have devotion. They are generous with respect to money matters. But they know little about manthra, tanthras not even a couple of slo:kas. They suffer from the inferiority complex, and cannot come out with confidence….without the proper encouragement to get to know things, they are good only at bossing over and do not lead roles in matters pertaining to divine activities. They get carried away whichever side the mind blows strong. They however contribute money generously. They seek name. They do not want to under take anything strenuous thing. False prestige comes in the way of their working openly with others. Hence, they lag behind in rendering service.
Not many tamilians have the habit of spending money as easily, on spiritual matters. But having learnt some of the manthras, su:kthis or thanthras, they have the characteristic pushing nature. Whatever the subject, they say they are aware of, they speak boldly and are active. Thereby, they are able to make others follow their own path. They create the trust that they are the guides. In the absence of their own monetary contribution, they feel it is their duty to bring together people who can contribute. Hence, depending on the monetary contribution, they do what has been told to them, and accordingly support them. For example, if someone says I have money to build a temple, my statue should be installed there, he will say there is evidence from sa:sthras to that effect, get the statue installed, and pujas done with vedic manthras to the statue of living person. If higher amounts are forthcoming, they will put aside the actual god and state that the person should be adored. Tradition, practices do not come in the way. They can argue that what they do is the tradition, and what they follow is the ultimate authority. Many of them has the ability to bring together their people, shout aloud and make lot of noise. They can convince that the louder the noise, greater is the worship.
Among the North Indians, Gujarathis are in majority. There are others who are together. They start constructions jointly with the south Indians. But once things progress, they declare that their modes of construction or worship are different and separate themselves. The others hope that the North Indians extend monetary help but, finally they proceed construction of temples as per their wish and run them accordingly ignoring all others.
Among the South Indians, mainly the Telugus (kannadigas may be considered to form a very small percentage) spend money on construction of temples and the Tamils take on and boss over. Since money has to come from different sources, and they will have to satisfy the ego of the concerned, they will follow their dictates, even install their idols and make a total mockery of the temple institution. Nobody knows what is installed and why!! Just as one buys what ever item is needed at a super bazaar, similarly going to a temple one can worship what he or she would like..while saying that all is one, why this installation of idols in a free manner, but leaving aside the Christ and Allah. If somebody insists on this point, they are the type who would say that they have no objection if someone gives them the money. In that case, why not go to the Church. After all, everything is same! Any way the saying "sarva de:va namaskarah ke:savam prathigacchathi" is there. Why then spend crores on towers, archakas? There one has concentration, peace and cleanliness, which are totally lacking in these temples. On the one side, you have children playing around, shouting. On the other side adults are engaged in gossip and discussions. And then the pujaris and their activities. Everything is freely done, none to control. Even if there is one, nobody leads. In fact out of inhibition, nobody would try to control.
The Telugus trust whatever is told and follow it. This is not in America alone, they behave similarly even if they are here. Actually there is yet another unfortunate institution which lays down guidelines from the time foundations are laid for temple construction. And that is the institution of sthapathis. We do not know at what auspicious moment these people were introduced into the system. Establishing themselves, firmly they give to ignorant devotees intending to build temples crooked suggestions, suggestions which are as crooked as their minds, giving a hybrid tinge to temples.
The trustees give undue esteem, spend crores and spoil the temples. In fact, sthapathi is a mason who is engaged in temple construction. Ordinary masons construct houses. Sthapathis construct temples. That is the only difference. When we give a house plan, the mason's duty is to construct it as per that plan. He has no business to give suggestions such as who should be in which room, what they should do and how. That is unwarranted also..in the case of temples, sthapathi's responsibility is to construct, that plan which was designed according to an A:gama, confirmed by an a:gama scholar.
The trustees have to follow the instructions of a:gama scholars regarding other details and decide as to how many a:radhanas or sannidhis should be there in the temple. But, it is not only in America, in all other countries, sthapathis are misguiding ignorant people who are anxious to construct temples. Right from construction, the temples as "God's Bazars', they act as decision-makers in matters dictating Worship, installation procedures etc. The trustees, under the impression that what these people doing is right are ignoring the advice of others baselessly. Even if someone offers a suggestion by mistake, that would be promptly ignored. The sthapathis who are expected to protect the institution of temples, are getting the constructions done in contrary to the sa:sthras they have studied, which means that the present sthapathis are playing a primary role in destroying the institution of temples in countries outside.
The famous personalities who instruct the sthapathis to act the way they are now acting are, in fact, those who are being adored in our country.
Slogans of equality appear good to hear, and sound true logically. Unless they are examined in depth with a realistic view, the short comings do not become evident. Nobody knows truth to go so deeply. "Why the unnecessary nuisance, let's mind our own business". That is the attitude of all of us. That adds to the strength of trustees and sthapathis. This chain reaction continues. Such intention of the undesirable spreads fast. It is difficult to inculcate the good. One can understand the severity of this dangerous virus if we realise that 95% of the temples constructed in America have followed such method.
We had to personally experience the confusion created by the sthapathis in some places. Two years ago, there were installations at Venkateswara temple at Bridgewater (New Jersey) dhwajasthambha at Sri Ramalayam in Chicago (near Le mount), new Venkateswara temple at Miami (Florida) and construction of Rajagopuras at Siva Vishnu temple at Washington D.C. The list is in fact too long to narrate. But we will narrate our experience with sthapathis at these four places, if you have some patience.
Bridgewater, New Jersey: when the plan was shown to us some two years prior to installation, we had offered some suggestions. Some were followed and many were not. When we went there in July 1998, the sthapathi tried to modify the vedic procedures pertaining to installation of yanthra, kalasa, and sikhara. The trustees too inclined to agree with them. We explained the proper procedure and asked him to show the authority for making the modifications. He mentioned two or three books. Since we had them, we asked him to show the reference and at that stage he hacked out and accepted his fault. Unwillingly, the then trustee of the temple, Sri Prasada Rao and colleagues noticed this and felt bad over it. No action was taken on him, but, that is a different matter.
Le mont, Chicago : when a huge dhwajasthambha costing lakhs of money for the trustees was being set up outside the temple premises, without the bali peetha etc. and was confronted asking for supporting authority, though he agreed that such installations, are not to be found, he tried to argue that once the outer ‘prakara' is built, it could be deemed to be inside. When the trustees were asked about such construction, they replied that neither was there such proposal nor the feasibility. The sthapathi suffered a setback there too and could not cover up his blunder. For the trustees however, considerable amounts were spent on the sthambha, cover plates etc. all with no avail.
Miami, Florida: The sila:nya:sam was performed by us in 1997, for a siva Vishnu temple. When we examined the progress, next year. Dr.Iyyengar, santhiraju and other trustees showed us a plan. In the plan, a gopura was indicated in the place between the two principal deities viz siva and srinivasa to be installed in the temple. The gopura was facing pra:ka:ra (compound wall) separating the two ‘a:layas', located on either side of the go:puram. We enquired to which temple the go:puram belonged. The mula sannidhi (sanctum sanctorum) should be visible at a distance from the gopura. In this case, the wall was right opposite the gopura. They had no answer. We suggested that two separate gopurams need to be constructed facing the two main a:layas. Sriman Ayyangar who understood the position, spoke to the sthapati. First he made all sorts of comments against the person who suggested the modification. Later, he had to concede that there was no authority for his original plan, nor did such practice exist. Finally, he had to construct two individual gopuras. When we went there this year, we personally witnessed. Realising that others are noticing, the mistakes he was committing, here too he hung this head. Even today, wooden model of the original plan with the single gopura not belonging to either temple, is still exhibited there.
Washington, D.C: Two years ago, we performed the sankhu sttha:pana (lay foundation stone) ceremony for the proposed Rajagopuram at the Siva Vishnu temple, involving huge amounts. When we were there in August 2001, Sri Ramani and other trustees showed us the proposed plan and the construction was initiated. It was a seven storey gopuram. At each storey, level, there will be a door-way. There were dwa:rapa:lakas (attendants) on either side of each door way, with Siva dwarapalaka on one side and Vishnu dwa:rapa:laka on the other. On the seventh storey, the single figure drawn in the centre was half siva facing the siva dwarapalakas and the other half Vishnu, facing the Vishnu dwarapalakas. When asked for the reason, they said it was Siva Vishnu temple and we have asked them do they have similar construction mentioned anywhere in any authentic scriptures?
At least, is there any authority? we asked and they said that the sthapathi had suggested it, stating that the first time, it would be a great creation not found any where else in the world and that it was his plan. We clearly indicated that the first mistake is doing some thing without authoritative sanction and that every body cannot be satisfied. The gopuram could be constructed with either Siva's entourage or Vishnu's entourage and that crores of money should not be spent on such gopuram in contrast to that which does more evil to them than good and it was not good for them and the country. We do not know what was done finally.
Is it not easy to imitate those who make mistakes? Following such instances, one temple at Minneapolis near Chicago, another temple at Philadelphia by another staunch devotee,…like that temples are being built like photo copies or super markets. A strange discussion was held in cardiologist Dr. Akkiraju's house during August. We suggested that any one temple, devoted to Siva, Subrahmanya, Durga, Meenakshi or Vishnu could be constructed and the rest of the space suitably decorated. The doctor agreed but he said the trustees who are meeting the expenses, discussed the matter for hours. However they could not arrive at a consensus.
They are not the people who should discuss. It should be discussed by those who have studied a:gama. If a heart patient sits amidst the family members, relatives and start a discussion for hours on the nature of the disease as what should be done, there can be no solution even after hours and months and the life may be lost. Those matters are to be decided by heart specialists.
Similarly, it is not for you, to discuss regarding the temple. That should be discussed and decided by the agama specialists. That decision should be accepted. All those who accepted the decision should participate in it by donating as per their capacity and not insist on installing a particular statue or figure. As a doctor, while you are performing a heart operation, you do not agree to the suggestions of the patient's relatives insisting that operation should be performed this way or that way. In the first place, you would not give them that opportunity at all. Would not such stipulation in respect of the health, apply to a temple as well? The doctor thought over it for a while and commented that no guidance was available to them, which promoted their capacity.
Not only that, except for fruits or dry fruits, there are no prasadams for the Lord. Things are prepared in the houses or directly brought from the market are being used for the Lord and the archaka is forced to offer them. If some one questions this, several arguements would ensue.
You might have visited so many temples in India. Have you found any temple where there are no offerings or things brought by devotees are offered? The answer would be negative but, it would be followed by the argument why not? We also prepare separately, following cleanliness. How is it that we are not acceptable? That was the question in Philadelphia by a woman devotee. Such a women if placed in Kashmir or among Talibans would realise the situation. We adore woman as mother and goddess not to develop unrestricted attitudes or forget their responsibilities or transgress regulations. Utilising the respect given to her by society and sa:sthras she has to guide the family along the right path. Our Bha:rathi:ya women has to recognise this truth.
We caution...O' Man! Treatises declare that such discrepancies in spiritualism and improper practices towards gods in temples will certainly have their effect on the country. Inadequate rain fall, crisis situations, violence, all these occur due to such lapses.
Well, witnessing such strange attitudes among the Bharathi:yas abroad, the super bazaar temples are coming and have come in this country as well. Several pi:ttha:dhipathis are encouraging them. That, there are stipulations in a:gamas, has been totally ignored. People do not have time to think about them nor do they have knowledge to analyse the authorities. Once temple was a necessity in America. Now it has turned into an earning centre. Actually, the temple should enhance the confidence (mano:balam) of the individual, make him search for the solutions to the problems encountered. Pu:jas, vrathas, japa, thapa, pa:ra:yana – all of these have this goal.
But the prevailing situation in temples and those who are providing support to perform these activities, promote the concepts "do this if you have this problem" or "if you do this you have profited to this extent" or "if you do not do it this way god has punished you this way". Narrating unfound stories, man's weaknesses in times of need are taken advantage of and thus exploring them on commercial lines. That way, progressively man is unable to counter even small problems or difficulties and is finding himself helpless as a straw caught in a whirly wind. He has become so, not by himself. The prevailing instituting worship in temples has brought him to that state. That is not so in other religions. Sikhs, Buddhists or in other cases, the position is entirely opposite. These institutions are acting as centres promoting the "dha:rmikatha". The reason for this situation is that they strictly follow with total belief their authoritative institutions. They make others to follow. In our case, it is quite doubtful how many are aware that we are Vaidikas, ‘Bha:rathi:yas', that we have authoritative vaidika literature and that we should place complete belief in it. Among the Bha:rathi:yas there may be umpteen classes, kulas, coloms, languages, social differences, habits, diversity of gods, or methods of worship. But, the fact that they are all vaidikas, followers of veda dharma, should be clearly understood. It is essential that we should start moving in that direction, beginning from the beginning.
Learning from the authoritative scriptures should begin even if slowly. It is because of strictly following their own authoritative treatises that today the terrorists with no differences in age or gender are shaking the entire world. However, the purpose of our study of our authoritative scriptures is to love this world, and co-operate in informing at their own levels, how to recognise the truth. That is why, during our tour to America, we have asked our people to put aside all differences of language and others and try to learn about ourselves.
In the next we shall deal about another danger which we have noticed among our people.
Jai Srimannarayana.
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