Recommending demigod worship (Question to devote-astrologer)

March 13, 2003

Narasimha and group,

I am wondering whether the truth lies between sidereal and tropical

intrepratations. I see flaws in the jyotish(sidereal) zodiac. Yet I

see insight as to how they interpret the chart. I think the truth

lies in between. Just where I'm not sure. Hank Friedman.com is a

sight I think is progessive in this matter. Not that his ideas are

set in stone by any means. I know there will be those steadfast to

both ends of this debate, but some who are willing to risk themselves

to ridicule from both sides to arrive at a closer truth. One that

doesn't say "you can see anything you want from a chart". I

definitely see something in astrology, but it seems rather infant in

the present condition on both sides. This is not meant to be

disrespectful of hinduism or western(warmongerer types) either one. I

find a lot of value in what I have learned of hinduism and am quickly

shedding the skin of westernism or warmongeringism.

Just my observations mind you,

Jeff

> > I have a question for devote-astrologer. What do you think about

worship to Grahas & Demigods

> > (I mean for devote, who ask some advise from astrologer). We have

a Sharanagati principles and

> > how such worship (to Grahas & Demigods) can be don by devote?

> > If you think that this question is off topic - then, please,

answer to me privately.

> >

> > --

> > Best regards,

> > Vedanta vedavyas@l...

>

> Hinduism is made up of many different religious approaches. I know

that some small sections of the Hindu society look down upon the

worship of grahas and demigods. However, this is not the case with

all the religious approaches within Hinduism.

>

> In fact, Hindu teachers taught us to be humble and to see the

divinity in everyone and everything. An average Hindu worships not

only Vishnu's avataras, but the other so-called "demigods" too. Let

alone demigods, an average Hindu worships even saints and religious

teachers. Even mother and father are supposed to be treated and

worshipped like gods. When a guest comes to your house, the guest

should also be treated as god. Devotion, humility and surrendering

are qualities that purify. Whether they are directed towards the Lord

or his many forms and manifestations (including the so-called

demigods, saints, parents etc), they still have the same benefic

effect of purifying us. Only one who doesn't understand the meaning

of "sarva deva namaskaarah kesavam prati gachchhati" (prayer to all

the deities finally reaches Narayana) will question the worship of

demigods.

>

> While many Hindu scholars taught such humility and respect for the

divinity present everywhere, unfortunately some schools to

an exclusionist thinking and adopt a somewhat fanatical approach

(akin to what is seen in several modern religions). They ban the

worship of "demigods" and look down upon anybody who resorts to it.

What is supposed to be a COMPLETELY HUMBLE SURRENDER to the Lord is

thus transformed into an ARROGANT AND FOOLISH DISMISSAL of His other

forms. This is sad.

>

> When Sage Parasara talked about Ishta devata (the deity who would

give moksha to one), he did not mention Vishnu's avataras. Instead,

he mentioned Shiva for Sun, Gauri for Moon etc. Even Lord Rama and

Lord Krishna - incarnations of Vishnu - worshipped Shiva and

other "demigods". So a good Hindu astrologer will not hesitate tyo

prescribe the worship of "demigods". Worship of demigods has the

sanction of the great Vaishnava - Maharshi Parasara.

>

> I know that some people have already made up their minds and will

attack what I wrote by quoting scriptures and what not. There is

nothing I can do to change their thinking. Quoting scriptures is

useless, because scriptures are a double-edged sword and the

prejudice is deep-rooted, going back by centuries. My only hope in

writing the above is to provoke thinking in those who haven't made up

their mind yet. I have put a lot of thought into each sentence I

wrote above. So, if you are open-minded on this issue, please read

what I wrote above carefully. God bless you!

>

> May Jupiter's light shine on us,

> Narasimha

March 13, 2003

Hi Group,

Read your comments with interest. I must however say

that am new to Vedic Astrology, but am familiar with

Hinduism.

I was initially sceptical about worship on the

Demigods, but that scepticism has turned to reverence

after I experienced Sate Sati. Even so, I have to

question my own motive, is my reverence based on fear

or based on the notion that all manifestations are

that of the one God.

I believe in the Vedanta philosophy, and believe that

All is God, but given that view wouldn't one be

naturally inclined to worship an aspect of God that is

appealing according to one's nature. In fact the

scriptures states that ones Guna, determines one's

mode of worship and even Ishta. Additionally Hindu

mythology has much more colurful stories regarding the

major deities rather than the Demi Gods and as such

appeal to the majority. Now if that is the case, there

are devotees who focus intensly on one aspect of

Divinity to attain vision or union with that aspect.

So if that focus inadvertently leads to one ignore the

Demi God, would that be considered improper ?

If God is Shiva, then God is also Surya, Allah and

Saturn. Is it necessary or indeed possible to worship

God through all of his aspects.

This would then raise the question of why one worships

God in any of his aspects. Is it because of fear or

love. Does God in any of his aspect need to be

appeased ? And even one argues that he need to be

appeased, how is one to find out which aspect he needs

to appease. Probably only Vedic Astrologers would know

that. This is not meant as an insult. But it would

appear as an uneven playing ground.

This is a dilemma to me. Perhaps some one here could

comment.

Rg

Ajith

--- "Narasimha P.V.R. Rao" <pvr wrote: >

Om NamoBhagavate Vaasudevaaya

> Namaste friends,

>

> > Hello Jyotish,

> >

> > Namaste.

> > I have a question for devote-astrologer. What do

> you think about worship to Grahas & Demigods

> > (I mean for devote, who ask some advise from

> astrologer). We have a Sharanagati principles and

> > how such worship (to Grahas & Demigods) can be don

> by devote?

> > If you think that this question is off topic -

> then, please, answer to me privately.

> >

> > --

> > Best regards,

> > Vedanta

> vedavyas@l...

>

> Hinduism is made up of many different religious

> approaches. I know that some small sections of the

> Hindu society look down upon the worship of grahas

> and demigods. However, this is not the case with all

> the religious approaches within Hinduism.

>

> In fact, Hindu teachers taught us to be humble and

> to see the divinity in everyone and everything. An

> average Hindu worships not only Vishnu's avataras,

> but the other so-called "demigods" too. Let alone

> demigods, an average Hindu worships even saints and

> religious teachers. Even mother and father are

> supposed to be treated and worshipped like gods.

> When a guest comes to your house, the guest should

> also be treated as god. Devotion, humility and

> surrendering are qualities that purify. Whether they

> are directed towards the Lord or his many forms and

> manifestations (including the so-called demigods,

> saints, parents etc), they still have the same

> benefic effect of purifying us. Only one who doesn't

> understand the meaning of "sarva deva namaskaarah

> kesavam prati gachchhati" (prayer to all the deities

> finally reaches Narayana) will question the worship

> of demigods.

>

> While many Hindu scholars taught such humility and

> respect for the divinity present everywhere,

> unfortunately some schools to an

> exclusionist thinking and adopt a somewhat fanatical

> approach (akin to what is seen in several modern

> religions). They ban the worship of "demigods" and

> look down upon anybody who resorts to it. What is

> supposed to be a COMPLETELY HUMBLE SURRENDER to the

> Lord is thus transformed into an ARROGANT AND

> FOOLISH DISMISSAL of His other forms. This is sad.

>

> When Sage Parasara talked about Ishta devata (the

> deity who would give moksha to one), he did not

> mention Vishnu's avataras. Instead, he mentioned

> Shiva for Sun, Gauri for Moon etc. Even Lord Rama

> and Lord Krishna - incarnations of Vishnu -

> worshipped Shiva and other "demigods". So a good

> Hindu astrologer will not hesitate tyo prescribe the

> worship of "demigods". Worship of demigods has the

> sanction of the great Vaishnava - Maharshi Parasara.

>

> I know that some people have already made up their

> minds and will attack what I wrote by quoting

> scriptures and what not. There is nothing I can do

> to change their thinking. Quoting scriptures is

> useless, because scriptures are a double-edged sword

> and the prejudice is deep-rooted, going back by

> centuries. My only hope in writing the above is to

> provoke thinking in those who haven't made up their

> mind yet. I have put a lot of thought into each

> sentence I wrote above. So, if you are open-minded

> on this issue, please read what I wrote above

> carefully. God bless you!

>

> May Jupiter's light shine on us,

> Narasimha

>

Promote your business from just $5 a month!

http://sg.biztools.

March 13, 2003

JAYA JAGANNATHA!

Dear Jeff,

Namaste.

I think that the Nakshatra-based (sidereal) zodiac is quite well established

for Muhurtha and Jataka purposes by the different shastras incl Vedangas,

Upanishad, Veda-samhita, Purana, etc. However in Ganita the tropical zodiac

is undoubtedly used. So for astronomical calculations, and maybe for

weather-related mundan charts it may have a use. Of course we do not have

any clear-cut rules for this (or at least I haven't seen) from classics, but

it may be the object of research. By research I don't mean speculation,

rather an effort to unearth evidence proving the usefulness of the tropical

zodiac.

Yours,

Gauranga Das Vedic Astrologer

gauranga

Jyotish Remedies:

WWW.BRIHASPATI.NET

Phone:+36-309-140-839

-

"Jeff" <amcafe

Friday, March 14, 2003 3:59 AM

[vedic astrology] Recommending demigod worship (Re: Question to

devote-astrologer)

> Narasimha and group,

>

> I am wondering whether the truth lies between sidereal and tropical

> intrepratations. I see flaws in the jyotish(sidereal) zodiac. Yet I

> see insight as to how they interpret the chart. I think the truth

> lies in between. Just where I'm not sure. Hank Friedman.com is a

> sight I think is progessive in this matter. Not that his ideas are

> set in stone by any means. I know there will be those steadfast to

> both ends of this debate, but some who are willing to risk themselves

> to ridicule from both sides to arrive at a closer truth. One that

> doesn't say "you can see anything you want from a chart". I

> definitely see something in astrology, but it seems rather infant in

> the present condition on both sides. This is not meant to be

> disrespectful of hinduism or western(warmongerer types) either one. I

> find a lot of value in what I have learned of hinduism and am quickly

> shedding the skin of westernism or warmongeringism.

>

> Just my observations mind you,

> Jeff

>

> > > I have a question for devote-astrologer. What do you think about

> worship to Grahas & Demigods

> > > (I mean for devote, who ask some advise from astrologer). We have

> a Sharanagati principles and

> > > how such worship (to Grahas & Demigods) can be don by devote?

> > > If you think that this question is off topic - then, please,

> answer to me privately.

> > >

> > > --

> > > Best regards,

> > > Vedanta vedavyas@l...

> >

> > Hinduism is made up of many different religious approaches. I know

> that some small sections of the Hindu society look down upon the

> worship of grahas and demigods. However, this is not the case with

> all the religious approaches within Hinduism.

> >

> > In fact, Hindu teachers taught us to be humble and to see the

> divinity in everyone and everything. An average Hindu worships not

> only Vishnu's avataras, but the other so-called "demigods" too. Let

> alone demigods, an average Hindu worships even saints and religious

> teachers. Even mother and father are supposed to be treated and

> worshipped like gods. When a guest comes to your house, the guest

> should also be treated as god. Devotion, humility and surrendering

> are qualities that purify. Whether they are directed towards the Lord

> or his many forms and manifestations (including the so-called

> demigods, saints, parents etc), they still have the same benefic

> effect of purifying us. Only one who doesn't understand the meaning

> of "sarva deva namaskaarah kesavam prati gachchhati" (prayer to all

> the deities finally reaches Narayana) will question the worship of

> demigods.

> >

> > While many Hindu scholars taught such humility and respect for the

> divinity present everywhere, unfortunately some schools to

> an exclusionist thinking and adopt a somewhat fanatical approach

> (akin to what is seen in several modern religions). They ban the

> worship of "demigods" and look down upon anybody who resorts to it.

> What is supposed to be a COMPLETELY HUMBLE SURRENDER to the Lord is

> thus transformed into an ARROGANT AND FOOLISH DISMISSAL of His other

> forms. This is sad.

> >

> > When Sage Parasara talked about Ishta devata (the deity who would

> give moksha to one), he did not mention Vishnu's avataras. Instead,

> he mentioned Shiva for Sun, Gauri for Moon etc. Even Lord Rama and

> Lord Krishna - incarnations of Vishnu - worshipped Shiva and

> other "demigods". So a good Hindu astrologer will not hesitate tyo

> prescribe the worship of "demigods". Worship of demigods has the

> sanction of the great Vaishnava - Maharshi Parasara.

> >

> > I know that some people have already made up their minds and will

> attack what I wrote by quoting scriptures and what not. There is

> nothing I can do to change their thinking. Quoting scriptures is

> useless, because scriptures are a double-edged sword and the

> prejudice is deep-rooted, going back by centuries. My only hope in

> writing the above is to provoke thinking in those who haven't made up

> their mind yet. I have put a lot of thought into each sentence I

> wrote above. So, if you are open-minded on this issue, please read

> what I wrote above carefully. God bless you!

> >

> > May Jupiter's light shine on us,

> > Narasimha

>

> ....... May Jupiter's light shine on us .......

>

> Your use of is subject to

>

March 14, 2003

JAYA JAGANNATHA!

Dear members,

Namaste.

I would refrain from commenting Narasimhas words, as his intention was not to

start a debate, rather to express his understanding of the Mahrishis and Hindu

tradition in the whole. However I would be interested to hear the comments of

Robert Koch Ji on this question if he reads this and finds some time to

comment.

Yours,

Gauranga Das Vedic Astrologer gauranga (AT) brihaspati (DOT) net Jyotish Remedies:

WWW.BRIHASPATI.NET Phone:+36-309-140-839

-

Narasimha P.V.R. Rao

vedic astrology

Friday, March 14, 2003 1:26 AM

[vedic astrology] Recommending demigod worship (Re: Question to devote-astrologer)

Om NamoBhagavate Vaasudevaaya

Namaste friends,

> Hello Jyotish,> > Namaste.> I have a question for devote-astrologer. What do

you think about worship to Grahas & Demigods> (I mean for devote, who ask some

advise from astrologer). We have a Sharanagati principles and> how such worship

(to Grahas & Demigods) can be don by devote?> If you think that this question is

off topic - then, please, answer to me privately.> > -- > Best regards,>

Vedanta vedavyas@l...

Hinduism is made up of many different religious approaches. I know that some

small sections of the Hindu society look down upon the worship of grahas and

demigods. However, this is not the case with all the religious approaches

within Hinduism.

In fact, Hindu teachers taught us to be humble and to see the divinity in

everyone and everything. An average Hindu worships not only Vishnu's avataras,

but the other so-called "demigods" too. Let alone demigods, an average Hindu

worships even saints and religious teachers. Even mother and father are

supposed to be treated and worshipped like gods. When a guest comes to your

house, the guest should also be treated as god. Devotion, humility and

surrendering are qualities that purify. Whether they are directed towards the

Lord or his many forms and manifestations (including the so-called demigods,

saints, parents etc), they still have the same benefic effect of purifying us.

Only one who doesn't understand the meaning of "sarva deva namaskaarah kesavam

prati gachchhati" (prayer to all the deities finally reaches Narayana) will

question the worship of demigods.

While many Hindu scholars taught such humility and respect for the divinity

present everywhere, unfortunately some schools to an exclusionist

thinking and adopt a somewhat fanatical approach (akin to what is seen in

several modern religions). They ban the worship of "demigods" and look down

upon anybody who resorts to it. What is supposed to be a COMPLETELY HUMBLE

SURRENDER to the Lord is thus transformed into an ARROGANT AND FOOLISH

DISMISSAL of His other forms. This is sad.

When Sage Parasara talked about Ishta devata (the deity who would give moksha to

one), he did not mention Vishnu's avataras. Instead, he mentioned Shiva for Sun,

Gauri for Moon etc. Even Lord Rama and Lord Krishna - incarnations of Vishnu -

worshipped Shiva and other "demigods". So a good Hindu astrologer will not

hesitate tyo prescribe the worship of "demigods". Worship of demigods has the

sanction of the great Vaishnava - Maharshi Parasara.

I know that some people have already made up their minds and will attack what I

wrote by quoting scriptures and what not. There is nothing I can do to change

their thinking. Quoting scriptures is useless, because scriptures are a

double-edged sword and the prejudice is deep-rooted, going back by centuries.

My only hope in writing the above is to provoke thinking in those who haven't

made up their mind yet. I have put a lot of thought into each sentence I wrote

above. So, if you are open-minded on this issue, please read what I wrote above

carefully. God bless you!

May Jupiter's light shine on us,

Narasimha

Archives: vedic astrologyGroup info:

vedic astrology/info.htmlTo UNSUBSCRIBE: Blank

mail to vedic astrology-....... May Jupiter's light

shine on us .......

March 14, 2003

JAYA JAGANNATHA!

Dera list,

Namaste.

Yes, a very interesting thought is raised here indeed. Of course we may

argue ot the topic of the form in which we respect or worship God, would it

be Krishna or Vishnu's avataras directly, or His devotees and

representatives, including the demigods, the Rishis and the saints. But I

think a more important question would be the following: what is our motive

for worship? Is it to alleviate our material suffering or to achieve

material happiness? Then this would be part of the Karma-kandiya section of

the Vedas. Naturally this is not God's aim as He did not want us to come

into this material creation in the first place. It is us who wanted, and He

fulfilled our desires to endeavor for happiness in this material world by

creating the demigods, and empowering them to provide us food, water, light,

etc. So according to Vedic system one must worship them, otherwise he is a

thief enjoying the things given by them. Refer to ch. 3 of Bhagavad-gita. Or

is our aim impersonal liberation, or leaving this material word, becoming

one with God? Then our process will be included in the Jnaana-kanda,

specifically Upanishads and Vedanta. Still God will not be happy with us,

because He wants to enjoy a loving exchange with us, not see as we merge

into His effulgence. Or od we want mystic powers? Then it is yoga-kaanda,

and the process of meditation should be followed. But this again would

strengthen our idea that we are the controllers of this material world,

which is not a fact. Because if it would be, then we would need not worship

anyone to be happy. But because we are not the enjoyers, rather subordinate

servants, we will be able to enjoy by serving Bhagavan. And finally, if we

endeavor for spiritual perfection, then Bhakti should be taken up, as

recommended by Krishna in the Bhagavad-gita. This is the only way to develop

selfless love and experience ultimate happiness. It is said that

premaananda, or happiness obtained byserving God with love is millions of

times greater than the happiness of brahmaananda, or the feeling of oneness

with God, as described in the Upanishads.

So if we worship Krishna or any Avataara or His devotees with the aim of

developing love towards Him, then we will not be concerned so much with

alleviating the negative planetary influences, as bhakti is coming from the

soul, and is beyod the Gunas of material nature.

Yours,

Gauranga Das Vedic Astrologer

gauranga

Jyotish Remedies:

WWW.BRIHASPATI.NET

Phone:+36-309-140-839

> Hi Group,

>

> Read your comments with interest. I must however say

> that am new to Vedic Astrology, but am familiar with

> Hinduism.

>

> I was initially sceptical about worship on the

> Demigods, but that scepticism has turned to reverence

> after I experienced Sate Sati. Even so, I have to

> question my own motive, is my reverence based on fear

> or based on the notion that all manifestations are

> that of the one God.

> I believe in the Vedanta philosophy, and believe that

> All is God, but given that view wouldn't one be

> naturally inclined to worship an aspect of God that is

> appealing according to one's nature. In fact the

> scriptures states that ones Guna, determines one's

> mode of worship and even Ishta. Additionally Hindu

> mythology has much more colurful stories regarding the

> major deities rather than the Demi Gods and as such

> appeal to the majority. Now if that is the case, there

> are devotees who focus intensly on one aspect of

> Divinity to attain vision or union with that aspect.

> So if that focus inadvertently leads to one ignore the

> Demi God, would that be considered improper ?

> If God is Shiva, then God is also Surya, Allah and

> Saturn. Is it necessary or indeed possible to worship

> God through all of his aspects.

>

> This would then raise the question of why one worships

> God in any of his aspects. Is it because of fear or

> love. Does God in any of his aspect need to be

> appeased ? And even one argues that he need to be

> appeased, how is one to find out which aspect he needs

> to appease. Probably only Vedic Astrologers would know

> that. This is not meant as an insult. But it would

> appear as an uneven playing ground.

>

> This is a dilemma to me. Perhaps some one here could

> comment.

>

> Rg

>

> Ajith

>

--- "Narasimha P.V.R. Rao" <pvr wrote: >

> Om NamoBhagavate Vaasudevaaya

> > Namaste friends,

> >

> > > Hello Jyotish,

> > >

> > > Namaste.

> > > I have a question for devote-astrologer. What do

> > you think about worship to Grahas & Demigods

> > > (I mean for devote, who ask some advise from

> > astrologer). We have a Sharanagati principles and

> > > how such worship (to Grahas & Demigods) can be don

> > by devote?

> > > If you think that this question is off topic -

> > then, please, answer to me privately.

> > >

> > > --

> > > Best regards,

> > > Vedanta

> > vedavyas@l...

> >

> > Hinduism is made up of many different religious

> > approaches. I know that some small sections of the

> > Hindu society look down upon the worship of grahas

> > and demigods. However, this is not the case with all

> > the religious approaches within Hinduism.

> >

> > In fact, Hindu teachers taught us to be humble and

> > to see the divinity in everyone and everything. An

> > average Hindu worships not only Vishnu's avataras,

> > but the other so-called "demigods" too. Let alone

> > demigods, an average Hindu worships even saints and

> > religious teachers. Even mother and father are

> > supposed to be treated and worshipped like gods.

> > When a guest comes to your house, the guest should

> > also be treated as god. Devotion, humility and

> > surrendering are qualities that purify. Whether they

> > are directed towards the Lord or his many forms and

> > manifestations (including the so-called demigods,

> > saints, parents etc), they still have the same

> > benefic effect of purifying us. Only one who doesn't

> > understand the meaning of "sarva deva namaskaarah

> > kesavam prati gachchhati" (prayer to all the deities

> > finally reaches Narayana) will question the worship

> > of demigods.

> >

> > While many Hindu scholars taught such humility and

> > respect for the divinity present everywhere,

> > unfortunately some schools to an

> > exclusionist thinking and adopt a somewhat fanatical

> > approach (akin to what is seen in several modern

> > religions). They ban the worship of "demigods" and

> > look down upon anybody who resorts to it. What is

> > supposed to be a COMPLETELY HUMBLE SURRENDER to the

> > Lord is thus transformed into an ARROGANT AND

> > FOOLISH DISMISSAL of His other forms. This is sad.

> >

> > When Sage Parasara talked about Ishta devata (the

> > deity who would give moksha to one), he did not

> > mention Vishnu's avataras. Instead, he mentioned

> > Shiva for Sun, Gauri for Moon etc. Even Lord Rama

> > and Lord Krishna - incarnations of Vishnu -

> > worshipped Shiva and other "demigods". So a good

> > Hindu astrologer will not hesitate tyo prescribe the

> > worship of "demigods". Worship of demigods has the

> > sanction of the great Vaishnava - Maharshi Parasara.

> >

> > I know that some people have already made up their

> > minds and will attack what I wrote by quoting

> > scriptures and what not. There is nothing I can do

> > to change their thinking. Quoting scriptures is

> > useless, because scriptures are a double-edged sword

> > and the prejudice is deep-rooted, going back by

> > centuries. My only hope in writing the above is to

> > provoke thinking in those who haven't made up their

> > mind yet. I have put a lot of thought into each

> > sentence I wrote above. So, if you are open-minded

> > on this issue, please read what I wrote above

> > carefully. God bless you!

> >

> > May Jupiter's light shine on us,

> > Narasimha

> >

>

> Promote your business from just $5 a month!

> http://sg.biztools.

>

> ....... May Jupiter's light shine on us .......

>

> Your use of is subject to

>

March 14, 2003

Dear Gauranga Das,

I am not an expert in scriptures. But I tend to accept Narasimharaoji's view

point.If I am correct even Lord Krishna said that "others(Ignorants) worship

various demigod and I fulfill their wishes through them(Demigods)" in

Shrimadbhagavad Gita. Horoscope of different persons would definitely mean that

their level in things spritual would dictate them praying to different Gods and

Demigods.

Chandrashekhar.

-

Gauranga Das

vedic astrology

Friday, March 14, 2003 1:32 PM

Re: [vedic astrology] Recommending demigod worship (Re: Question to devote-astrologer)