Recommending demigod worship (Question to devote-astrologer)

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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