NAVAGRAHA PRAYERS
Just last week (Apr 21, 2012), I had a "situation" at the Navagraha Temple at the Perumal Temple, Klang.
It was a Saturday night, obviously rather crowded with devotees who are performing their religious duties.
As usual, I go for my rounds to see if everything goes well at Perumal Temple and at Navagraha temple.
I noticed a man carrying the Ellu (Sesame Seeds) Chatty and was going around the temple with the villaku (lamp). I stopped him, and advised him that it is not proper to go around the temple carrying the lamp, for reasons that I will explain below.
The man got offended, and asked me to hold the lamp instead. He became furious and told me off that he have doing this for more than 10 years, and who am I to stop him from going around the navagraha temple carrying the lamp.
I have advised him that, it is my duty, as the temple representative, to advice the devotees on the proper manner and processes of religious rituals.
Unhappy still, the man just left the lamp, stopped his prayers, and left... while still shouting and complaining about the way I have treated him.
Well.... one of those days for me! All are done in the name and for the benefit of the Lord!.
Bad practices
First, recognize that Navagraha (and especially Sani Bhagavan) are NOT negative energies. Each of the navagraha produces tremendous balans (benefits) for the devotees. For example, Sani Bhagavan is a GREAT teacher of life. He creates challenges in life, so that our soul matures and transformation takes place so that we could seek success in our life. Sani Bhagavan is also the 'Ayul-kaaragan', i.e. he takes care of the longevity of ones life. I have observed the following BAD practices by devotees when they approach the Navagraha (and you will be amazed at the things that the priests and temple goes through when it comes to Navagraha prayers):
- Devotees does not accept prasadams from Navagraha. When a flower or fruit is offered to a devotee, the devotee will hold the flower prasadam, circles the prasadam around their head 3 times, and leaves the prasadam at the Navagraha temple - on the assumption that "sani bhagavan will follow them if they carry the prasadam back home". Realise this - Sani Bhagavan, Guru Bhagavan and all other Navagrahams are LORDS, not devils. They are there to help you. Each of the Navagraha carries out specific duties. The prasadams are given as a way as a mean of appreciating the devotees. Therefore, to "return" back the prasadam offered is an insult to the Lords themselves.
- Worst, some devotees spits onto the prasadam, and leaves them at the temple.
- Worst still, there were incidence where the temple priest were spit at, for the same reason!
- Some devotees goes around the Navagraha temple 9 times anti-clockwise
- Some devotees goes around the Navagraha temple 7 times clockwise, and 2 times anti-clockwise
- Some devotees carries the Ellu (Sesame Seed) lamp while they go around the Navagraha at Perumal Temple.
- Some devotees still have some chats left via their mobile device, while going around the temple.
- Some devotees purchases just ONE receipt and takes 5-9 Ellu lamps
- Some devotees just takes the Ellu lamp without purchasing any receipts.
Bad Karmas
- When we lack of knowledge, we need to seek the knowledge. Ignorance is a Sin.
- Going around anti-clockwise is only done during inauspicious occasions, such as funerals. Hence, we are creating more sins by going around anti-clockwise at the Navagraha temple, since we are facing the Lords and Gods.
- One must understand the SIGNIFICANCE of the lamps, the Ghee, and how our minds can send vibrations and messages (praartanai) via these lamps to the Lords. It is not meant to be carried and going around the temple.
- One must engage their mind fully concentrating on their praartanai (prayers, purposes in life) instead of getting distracted. Hence the importance of a) turning off your devices. b) Absolute Silence and avoid talking unnecessarily with friends/family/children during the praartanai
- The Law of Karma, Law of Compensation plays a role in every action that we do. All Hindus believes in this system. Hence, when we try to break the system by doing any acts that are unethical, breach of trust, dishonesty, etc, it's between you as an individual and the Universe and Gods. Temple is the best place to learn and obtain these good energies.
Feedbacks Welcomed
- Please do share on your experiences in conducting your duties at the Navagraha Temples.
- Frequently asked Questions (FAQ's) were discussed and highlighted by Perumal Temple Priests in their video which had been posted in the Youtube.
- You may also post any queries / doubts regarding the Navagraha prayers, and we'll try our level best to address them here.
- Feel free to visit the following Youtube page to know more of the do's and don't.
Guru Peyarchi Maha Yaagam
- On a separate note, Guru Peyarchi Maha Yaagam will be conducted on May 13, 2012.
- All devotees are welcomed to participate in this Maha Yaagam by paying a small administration amount of RM30 only.
- An awareness video on this Guru Peyarchi Programme can be found at:
