Continuation…
Dr. Shanker Adawal
Rules of Vratas
Though the rules
concerning the vratas had been very much liberalized to embrace as large a segment
of the society as possible, there had to be some rules guiding the whole
process in order to protect and preserve the sanctity of the ritual system
itself. These may be summarized as follows:
During the period of the
observance of a vrata, one should keep one’s person clean and pure, observe
celibacy, speak the truth, practice forbearance, avoid non-vegetarian foods and
scrupulously perform all the rituals connected with it.
Once a vrata is
undertaken, it should never be left unfinished nor a new one started before
completing it. But, one should never start the observance while in ashaucha
ceremonial impurity brought about by birth or death in one’s family.
Persons too old or too
sick can get the vrata performed for them by the close relatives if they are
willing.
Once the decision is taken
to perform a vrata, the actual, commencement should be made only as per the
auspicious time, place and mode laid down by the books.
Now we will know about
some specific Vrats for the elimination of Kuja Dosha, such as : 1) Mangal
Vrat; 2) Mangala Gauri Vrat; 3) Vat Savitri Vrat; and 4) Sacred Gauri Vrat.
Mangal
Vrat
Manglik persons or those
who are suffering from the evils of Mars regarding the absence of conjugal
bliss owing to any reason, or the possibility of loss of life of the partner or
separation, or otherwise those who are leading miserable married life due to
the adversity of Mars must observe Vrat on Tuesday in the following way:-
First of all
shodashashopchar Poojan of Mars should be done as explained above with full
faith, devotion and dedication. Certain specification, norms, methods and
stories have been mentioned in various texts on Vrats. Here we will be
discussing all important points of Mangal Vrat i.e. observation of Vrat on
Tuesdays. We want to draw the attention of such readers that Vrat on Tuesday
does not mean the Vrat of Hanumanji. Mangal Vrat may be observed to please
Mangal graham, Mata Durga or any of her incarnation and to please Hanumanji as
well. Here we are mostly concerns with the Vrat on Tuesday to prevent the
adversity cast by planet Mars. The girls or ladies who are suffering or may
suffer due to the evil effects of Mars in their birth charts or if they have
Kuja Dosha and get married with a non-Manglik boy, must observe Vrat on Tuesdays.
The Sankalp should be
taken by keeping rice, water, betel nuts, flowers and money in the right palm
facing towards east or west. Thereafter the contents in the hand should be put
in front of Ganapati Devta. After Sankalp Shodshopchar Poojan of Ganapati and
Mangal Graha is essential. Without Ganapati Pooja, the n ative is not bestowed
with the good results. This is well-established fact that Agrapooja or Ganpati
is most essential before offering any other worship to the concerning powere of
planets or God.
During Mangal Vrat one may
take a glass of milk, tea or juice in the morning after the above Sankalp and
worship etc. Thereafter one should take `Choorma” (made of wheat flour and
jiggery) between 12 noon to 3 p.m. If one does not want to take Choorma due to
any reason he or she may eat sweet fruits or sweets instead. The salt of any
kind is strictly prohibited in Mangal Vrat. Any fruits which contain salt,
should not be taken. After completing the Vrat one should sing Aarti of Mars
before going to bed. If it is very essential one may take one or two fruits
after Aarti and before going to bed.
Mangal Vrat should be
observed for at least one year. But the Vrat can be extended for 5 years or for
whole of the life as advised by Guru or Acharya or by any competent astrologer.
After completing the Vrat of Mars, Udyapan is required. It means that the
devotee is terminating the Mangal Vrat now onwards. He begets pardon for his
mistakes and donates to Brahmins.
Continue…
Dr. Shanker Adawal
