04-21-2007, 07:01 PM
<!--QuoteBegin-k.ram+Apr 21 2007, 06:43 PM-->QUOTE(k.ram @ Apr 21 2007, 06:43 PM)<!--QuoteEBegin--><!--QuoteBegin-SwamyG+Apr 21 2007, 08:39 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SwamyG @ Apr 21 2007, 08:39 AM)<!--QuoteEBegin-->
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Also I would like to read more about Aarti being used to illuminate different parts of the idol. Is there material around?
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Aagama shastras
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Thanks K Ram for posting that info about Aratis.
In fact the description and explanation seems to take one back into hoary history when there were no electric bulbs, and lighting was from lamps alone. Hence the need for spot lighting.
I have heard (and have access to some material written by elders in my family) that speak of some poojas - specifically at Ganesh chaturthi. The entire process is one of a mental "invitation" of a God to come and sit in a place that has been arranged for him.
The pooja area is washed, prepared and decorated and the deity invited to take the place of the idol for the duration of the pooja. The decoration of the idol itself can be based on ones own mind's view of the splendor of God.
In modern day terms - Hindu worship is nothing short of a multimedia son et lumiere affair, and meant to be a better visual, auditory and olfactory treat than most other forms of worship . This simple fact seems to have got lost in the mists of time.
The Hindu relationship with God is one of friendship and trust, with no fear or quaking at an ill tempered God who might make you suffer if you don't do something mind numbingly absurd.
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Also I would like to read more about Aarti being used to illuminate different parts of the idol. Is there material around?
[right][snapback]67585[/snapback][/right]
<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Aagama shastras
[right][snapback]67600[/snapback][/right]
<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Thanks K Ram for posting that info about Aratis.
In fact the description and explanation seems to take one back into hoary history when there were no electric bulbs, and lighting was from lamps alone. Hence the need for spot lighting.
I have heard (and have access to some material written by elders in my family) that speak of some poojas - specifically at Ganesh chaturthi. The entire process is one of a mental "invitation" of a God to come and sit in a place that has been arranged for him.
The pooja area is washed, prepared and decorated and the deity invited to take the place of the idol for the duration of the pooja. The decoration of the idol itself can be based on ones own mind's view of the splendor of God.
In modern day terms - Hindu worship is nothing short of a multimedia son et lumiere affair, and meant to be a better visual, auditory and olfactory treat than most other forms of worship . This simple fact seems to have got lost in the mists of time.
The Hindu relationship with God is one of friendship and trust, with no fear or quaking at an ill tempered God who might make you suffer if you don't do something mind numbingly absurd.