Vāstūshāstra (Vaastu Shastra) - Why is acharpalan the real means of vastu purification?

 

1. Vāstushuddhi - Vāstu remedies for removal of Vāstudosh (Defects in Vāstu)

Purification of vāstu means destroying the distressing vibrations and creating positive vibrations in a vāstu. Vāstudosh (Defects in vāstu) is caused by many factors, such as improper arrangement of the vāstu, incessant attacks of Raja-Tama particles, distressing vibrations created due to Raja-Tama predominant people residing in it, Raja-Tama predominant thoughts of people entering it, the presence of negative energies etc. Because of these defects, physical, mental and Spiritual obstacles keep coming in the lives of people residing in the vāstu. If the people residing in such a vāstu do sādhanā, they face obstacles there too. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the Vāstudosh. By performing vāstushuddhi through simple and inexpensive methods at home, its vāstudosh can be removed. Many people have benefited by adopting methods researched under the guidance of H.H. Dr. Jayant Athavale, Founder of Sanatan Sanstha.

2. Vāstu shāstra for home - Some methods of Vāstushuddhi

• Keep the vāstu and its vicinity clean.

• If possible, plant Tulsi (Basil) in the courtyard and worship it daily. Light a lamp or an incense stick in front of it in the evening.

• Keep the images or pictures of Deities facing the East or West in the temple at home.

• Sprinkle Gomutra (cow’s urine) in the vāstu daily. If this not possible, mix vibhuti (Holy ash) in water and sprinkle it in the vāstu. Sprinkle it starting from the right side in the vāstu and move towards the left side.

• Blow the ash of a yadnya (Sacrificial fire) or vibhuti in the vāstu.

• Remembering the Kuldevta (Family Deity), sprinkle Akshata (Unbroken rice grains smeared with kumkum used in ritualistic worship) inside out in the Vāstu, in the eight directions.

• Light Dhoop (frankincense) and show it around in all the rooms.

• Do light a ghee or an oil lamp in front of the Deities every day, morning and evening.

• Show around incense stick in all the rooms of the vāstu.

• Once a week, light a Dhuni (Incense burner) of Neem leaves in the vāstu.

• Paste the Name-strips of Deities on the walls and create a subtle ceiling.

• All members of the family should gather every day and pray to God to keep the vāstu pure and then chant. Also, recite the Stotras (A hymn in praise of the Divine) of Deities.

• If the Vāstudosh is severe, perform the Vāstushanti (Ritual to calm the vāstu).

Methods related to purification of man:

	Method of Purification
1. Limbs	Wash with water and drinking water
2. Mind	Honest behaviour
3. Intellect	Acquisition of knowledge
4. Jīva or subtle body	Education and penance
5. One who commits     wrong deeds	Donation
6. One who commits     sins secretly	Chanting of Name
7. Scholar	Forgiving (Tolerance)

Methods of purification of some objects and substances:

	Method of Purification
1. Ordinary objects	Rub with soil and wash with water
2. Metallic objects, gems and     minerals from mines	Rub with ash, soil and wash with water
3. Objects found in water like     conch, oysters, pearls  etc.	Wash only with water
4. Objects made of rock and     glass	Wash only with water
5. Utensils of gold and silver	Wash only with water
6. Liquids	Boiling

3. Acharpalan, real means of Vāstushuddi

Real Vāstushuddhi can be achieved only when all the members of the family abide by Achardharma (Conducts conforming to Hindu scriptures) repeatedly and have pure Āchārs (Daily conducts) and Vichars (thoughts). Acharpalan (Abidance by daily conducts), good culturedness and Divine qualities alone make man pure and Holy.

Man performs his karma (action) according to his nature. With Acharpalan, along with the purification of the body, his mind and intellect also starts getting purified. Unnecessary thoughts reduce and concentration of mind is achieved. With Acharpalan, man always attains purity, happiness, glorious success and fame.

आचारवान्‌ सदा पूत: सदैवाचारवान्‌ सुखी ।
आचारवान्‌ सदा धन्‍य: सत्‍यं सत्‍यं च नारद ।। - श्री देवीभागवत, ११.२४.९८

Meaning: ‘O Sage Narad, it is true that a man with good Āchārs is always pure, happy and blessed.’

Components necessary for Acharpalan are as follows:

3.1 Physical health

God resides in a healthy body. It is necessary to keep the body healthy for the purpose of God-realisation.

शरीरमाद्यं खलुधर्मसाधनम्‌ । - कुमारसम्‍भवम्‌ ५.३३

This means, that among all mediums, body is the foremost medium for Dharmacharan. It is the supreme duty of every person to take care of his body and keep it healthy. While performing this duty, one should have a bhāv that, ‘The body is a temple of God.’ As a result, the severity of ailments gets reduced and the body remains healthy. For this, it becomes necessary to have a balanced diet on time and exercise.

3.2 Chanting for mental health

Do chant the Name of your favourite Deity or Kuladevta (Family Deity). Chanting reduces the unnecessary thoughts and sanskārs (impressions) of the mind. Chitta (subconscious mind) is purified. Dharmacharan (abiding by Dharma) done with a pure chitta is Holy and full of devotion. A question can arise in anybody’s mind that, outwardly some Saints are not seen abiding by the Achardharma. What can be the reason of such behaviour?

Sādhanā of Saints and Sages is continuously on from within. Every action done through Them is Āchārs itself. They have reached a stage beyond Achardharma. Their behaviour is only for the well-being of others. Following are some of the examples:

• Jagadguru Adya Shankaracharji: In Varanasi, there was a Chandal (person of low caste) who would tell snippets of Brahmagyan after listening to pravachans (discourses) of Shri Adya Shankaracharya. One day Shri Adya Shankaracharya was returning with His disciples after bathing in river Ganga. Seeing Him, the Chandal came in front of Him. The disciples of Shankaracharya scornfully told him to move away. Then, the Chandal asked, “Brother, your Acharya (A spiritual guide or teacher) teaches you  that the soul dwelling in me and Him is one and the same then, how can your Acharya’s soul become unholy by my soul?” Listening to the Chandal, Sankaracharya embraced him saying, “The one who imparts Atmagyan (Knowledge of the soul) is my Guru, no matter whether he is a Chandal or a Dwij (Brahmin).”

  According to the rules of Dharmashāstras (A genre of Sanskrut Holy text), touching a Chandal is forbidden. However Shri Adi Shankaracharya embraced him considering him his Guru. This shows that it is more important to act as per the Brahmagyan than merely preaching it.

• Swami Samarth from Akkalkot, Maharashtra: Swami Samarth threw stones and abused the devotees who came to have His Darshan (Vision). The people visiting Him had their minds flooded with thoughts of Maya (The Great Illusion). With His strange acts like throwing stones, he was removing the distress and sins of the people who were afflicted by the negative energies.

• H.H. Bhaktaraj Maharaj, the source of inspiration of Sanatan Sanstha and the Guru of H.H. Dr. Jayant Athavale (Founder, Sanatan Sanstha): H.H. Bhaktaraj Maharaj scolded and abused His disciple for their mistakes in seva. By these strange and apparently weird acts, he used to reduce the ego and sins of His disciples.

The behaviour of Saints is at a Spiritual level i.e. it beyond the mind and intellect and is as per God’s will; which we ordinary beings fail to understand. Instead of focusing on the behaviour of saints, we should try to tread on the path shown by Them. Performing the day-to-day activities according to the shāstra (Spiritual science) is Achardharma. These activities are also called ‘Dincharya (daily conduct)’.

4. Nityakarma

There are some day-to-day karmas by performing which we are not benefitted much; but by not performing them we do incur sin. Such karmas are called ‘Nityakarma’ (Daily action). Nityakarmas are different for different Varnas (Classes), Ashrams and people, for example, studying texts related to Dharmapalan (Abidance by Dharma) during Brahmacharyashram (The stage of life of a celibate), repaying the debts of Deities, Sages, ancestors and the society in Gruhasthashram (The stage of life of a married householder), purification of the body and learning Dharmashāstras in Vanaprasthashram (Stage of life of a retired householder) and seeking alms, chanting, meditation etc. in Sannyasashram (Stage of life of a renunciant). A day of twelve hours is divided into five parts. The duration of every part is 2 hours and 24 minutes. What activities should be carried out during every part has been stated in the shāstras.

• Morning: begins with Suryoday (rising of the sun): Sandhyāvandan, Devpuja and Pratvairashvadev

• Sangavkal (Post-morning): Source of livelihood; working for earning livelihood

• Madhyankal (Noon): Bath at noon, Madhyan Sandhyā (worship at noon), Brahmayadnya and Bhootyadnya

• Aparyanyahakal (Afternoon): Pitruyadnya which includes Tarpan (offerings to ancestors), pindadān, Shraddhā etc.

• Sayanhakal (Evening): Listening to Purans and discussion, Vaishyadev for evening and Sandhyā

It is apparent that there is a specific period of time for doing a specific Karma during the day as per the shāstra.

4.1 Panchamahayadnya

The shāstras have stressed the importance of doing Sandhyā for ourselves, performing worship of Deities for the well-being of the family and performing Panchamahayadnya for making good sanskārs on food. The Brahmayadnya, Devyadnya, Rishiyadnya, Pitruyadnya and Manushyayadnya are included in the Panchamahayadnya.

अध्‍यापनं ब्रह्मयज्ञ: पितृयज्ञस्‍तु तर्पणम्‌ ।
होमो दैवो बलिर्भौतो नृयज्ञोऽतिथिपूजनम्‌ ।।

This means that ‘Brahmayadnya’ is adhyapan (Imparting Spiritual knowledge to others), doing tarpan for ancestors is ‘Pitruyadnya’, Vaishvadev is ‘Devyadnya’, offering animals in yadnya is ‘Bhootyadnya’ and worship of a guest is ‘Manushyayadnya’

Brahmayadnya is doing adhyapan of Vedas and tarpan to Deities and Sages. Pitruyadnya means doing jaltarpan (offering water offering ritualistically) to Sages who have been considered as our ancestors and our actual ancestors. The occasional yadnyas like Vaishvadev and Agnihotra are the parts of Devyadnya. In Bhootyadnya, to perform the Vaishvadev, one part of food is offered to Deities in the form of animal sacrifice. Felicitation of a guest and offering food to a Brahmin is Manushyayadnya.

Importance of Panchamahayadnya: There are no sanskārs on the food cooked in the house where the Panchamahayadnyas do not take place. Peace prevails and the Deity Annapurna Devi resides in the house where the food left after performing the Panchamahayadnyas is consumed.

5. Vaishvadev ritual

 

वैश्‍वदेव: प्रकर्तव्‍य: पन्‍चसूनापनुत्तये ।
कण्‍डनी पेषणी चुल्‍ली जलकुम्‍भोमार्जनी ।। - धर्मसिंधु

Tiny organisms are destroyed through actions like pounding, grinding, use of a stove, filling water and sweeping etc. In order to ward off the sins and the Panchdosh (five sins) caused by these actions, it is the duty of man to perform ‘Vaishvadev’.

Ritual of Vaishvadev:

• Establish a fire called ‘Rukmak’ or ‘Pavak’ in a fireplace and meditate. Sprinkling water six times around the fireplace, make a protective sheath. Offer Chandan and flowers to the eight directions; then, offer cooked rice into the fire. Again, make a protective sheath with water around the fireplace six times and do Panchopchar Puja (worship with five substances) of the fire and apply the Vibhuti (Holy ash) of the yadnya to yourself.

• On the day of fasting, uncooked rice is offered to the fire.

• In times of acute emergency, the Names of Deities are uttered and water is released in a copper plate. If one is travelling, even a recitation of the Vaishvadev Sukta begets the fruits of Panchmahayadnya.

6. Āchārs to be performed after waking up

As specified by the Dharmashāstras, we should get up at Brahmamuhūrt, which is three hours before the Sunrise.

6.1 Importance of Brahmamuhūrt

• Celestial souls of Divine nature move around during the Brahmamuhūrt.

• This period is Sattva component predominant. In this period, man’s intellect is pure and radiant.

• During this period, there is an enhancement in qualities like purification of Sattva, getting engrossed in karma, acquisition of Knowledge, donating, control over sense-organs, penance, Truth and peace. The qualities of compassion, moderation, shying away from objectionable karma, stability, radiance and purity in behaviour are developed.

• Insects like mosquitoes, bugs and fleas become weak.

• The influence of distressing energies reduces.

Thus, it is evident that the Brahmamuhūrt is a beneficial and important period for everyone. Hence, we should get up at Brahmamuhūrt every day.

6.2 Reason for yawning after waking up

Normally, soon upon waking up we get yawns. The underlying Spiritual science is that, the atmosphere at night is Tama predominant and sleep too is Tāmasik. The air generated in the body of a person during the night remains in the body itself. Normally, after waking up, this air comes out of the mouth in larger proportion. This is the reason why yawning is most during this period.

6.3 Shrotrāchman

Immediately after waking up, we should do Shrotrāchman. The etymology of the word Shrotrāchman is – Shrotra + Achman. Shrotra means the ear. Achman done by touching the ear is called Shrotrāchman. In other words, Shrotrāchman signifies internal purification. The atmosphere in the night is Tama predominant, which increases the Tama component in man. Hence, upon waking up in the morning, before starting on the day, it is necessary to perform Shrotrāchman for internal purification.

Shrotrāchman is performed by touching the right ear with the right hand and reciting the 24 names of Bhagwan Shrīvishnu – ‘Om Shrī Keshavaya Namaha | Om Madhavaya Namaha | Om Narayanaya Namaha’ |… etc. All Deities such as Aditya, Vasu, Rudra, Agni, Dharma, Ved, Apa, Som, Anil etc. dwell in the right ear. Merely by touching the right ear with the right hand, one gets the benefit of Achman.

6.4 Reciting Shloks (Sanskrut verses)

According to Dharma, it is important that our Dincharya begins with remembering God. The Shloks composed by our Sages help us in remembering God.

A. Shrī Ganēsh Vandana (Salutation): Shrī Ganēsh Vandana of Vighnaharta Shīi Ganēsh is performed so that all our actions during the day are completed without any obstacles.

वक्रतुंड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ ।
निर्विघ्‍नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ।।

This means, ‘I pay obeisance to Shrī Ganēsh, one who has a curved trunk, a huge body and one who shines with the radiance of a million Suns. I salute that Vighnaharta for the fulfillment of my tasks.’

B. Devtavandan:

ब्रह्मा मुरारिस्‍त्रिपुरांतकारिर्भानु: शशी भूमिसुतो बुधश्‍च ।
गुरुश्‍च शुक्र: शनिराहुकेतव: कुर्वन्‍तु सर्वे मम सुप्रभातम्‌ ।।

This means, may the three main Deities - the Creator Brahmadev, the Sustainer Shrīvishnu; the Destroyer Deity Shiva and the nine planets - the Sun, the Moon, Mangal, Buddh, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu and Ketu make my morning auspicious. Our Dharma teaches us that before commencing any task, we should pray to the Deities for their blessings and benevolently remember them for inspiration and vigour in completing our task.

पुण्‍यश्‍लोको नलो राजा पुण्‍यश्‍लोको युधिष्‍ठिर: ।
पुण्‍यश्‍लोको विदेहश्‍च पुण्‍यश्‍लोको जनार्दन: ।।

This means, ‘I remember the meritorious King Nala, Yudhishthir, Videh (that is, King Janak) and Bhagwan Janardan.’

अश्‍वत्‍थामा बलिर्व्‍यासो हनुमांश्‍च बिभीषण: ।
कृप: परशुरामश्‍च सप्‍तैते चिरजीविन: ।।

This means, ‘Ashwatthama, King Bali, Vedvyas, Hanuman, Vibhishan, Krupacharya and Parshuram are the Chiranjivis (the seven immortal souls). I remember them.’

अहिल्‍या द्रौपदी सीता तारा मंदोदरी तथा ।
पंचकन्‍या स्‍मरेन्नित्‍यं महापातकनाशनम्‌ ।।

This means, even the Mahapatak (greatest sin), of the one who remembers the five Mahasatis (Sati is a chaste or a devoted woman) Ahalya, Draupadi, Sita, Taramati and Mandodari, is destroyed.

अयोध्‍या मथुरा माया काशी कांची अवंतिका ।
पुरी द्वारावती चैव सप्‍तैता मोक्षदायिका: ।।

This means, ‘I remember the seven cities that provide Moksh - Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Kashi, Kanchi, Avantika and Dwarika.’

By the benevolent remembrance of the Deities, Kings, Chiranjivis, Mahasatis and these cities daily in the morning, we get the inspiration and the strength to perform karmas like them throughout the entire day.

Kardarshan: After reciting the above mentioned Shloks, one performs Kardarshan (looking at ones' hands) and recites the following Shlok:

कराग्रे वसते लक्ष्‍मी: करमध्‍ये सरस्‍वती ।
करमूले तु गोविंद: प्रभाते करदर्शनम्‌ ।।

This means, Goddess Lakshmi resides in the upper portion of the hand, Goddess Saraswati in the middle and Shrīvishnu at the base; hence, we should have a Darshan of the hand after waking up in the morning.

Method for performing Kardarshan: Join the hands to form a hollow, concentrate on it and perform Kardarshan. Have a bhāv while reciting each part of the Shlok that, the Deity resides in that protion of the hand.

Sanatan’s Saint H.H. Parasharam Pande from Akola, Maharashtra provides the implied meaning of the Shlok as: In the upper portion of the hand resides Shrī Lakshmi. For worldly matters we need Shrī Lakshmi. In the middle of the hand resides Shrī Saraswati. Shrī Saraswati denotes knowledge and wisdom. If knowledge and wisdom are not present while acquiring wealth, then, Shrī Lakshmi becomes Alakshmi and becomes the cause of ruin. At the base of the hand resides Shrī Govind. Shrī Govind Himself exists in the middle and in the upper portion in the form of Shrī Saraswati and Shrī Lakshmi respectively.

As per the scripture Amrutanubhav, ‘Even though the base, the middle and the upper portions appear separate, yet Shrī Govind only functions through them in a specific form. Hence, we should begin our day with Kardarshan and pray with a bhāv of complete surrender towards them.’

From the Universe, the frequencies of the Deity’s Principles are attracted towards the hollow of the hand. These manifest in the hollow and then move around in it. The hollow of the hands create a Brahmamudra. Because of this, the Sushumnānāḍī of the body is activated.