While Vaideeka Dharma talks about rituals and rites, Bhagavata Dharma talks about love for God. The former is for a few to follow, while the latter is meant for everyone.

Nama Article 28^th March  2015

Wish you all Happy Rama Navami!

Krishna was born on Ashtami day and Rama on Navami day. Then why do we believe that Ashtami and Navami days are inauspicious?

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

Those that are applicable to normal men are not necessarily applicable to Gods.

It is because of astrological and astronomical factors that these two days are deemed as inauspicious. According to our scriptures, the days are numbered according to the state of the moon. 'Prathamai' is the first day after a full moon day or a new moon day ('prathama' means 'one' in Sanskrit.). 'Dvithiyai' this the second day, 'Truthiyai' is the third day and so on. Thus, 'Ashtami' and 'Navami' are the eighth and the nineth days after the full/new moon day. The number '8' is associated with Saturn which is a planet with 'tamasic' qualities. The number '9' is associated with Mars which is associated with Mars, a ferocious planet.

Hence these days are considered as inauspicious for men.

Such numerological and astrological factors are limited by time place and person. Hence they are not applicable to Gods.

Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

In Ramayana, we see that Rama protected the 'Yagna' (austerities) of the rishis This is Vaideeka Dharma. We also see that Rama blessed Ahalya. This is Bhagavata Dharma.

The most sacred sound in Vaideeka Dharma is 'Om'. 'Rama' is the equivalent in Bhagavata Dharma. While Vaideeka Dharma talks about rituals and rites, Bhagavata Dharma talks about love for God. The former is for a few to follow, while the latter is meant for everyone.

Please check these: Excerpts from a discourse by our Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji

Wish you all Happy Rama Navami ! What's the shortest mantra of the Almighty? - "Rama"

All I know is Ram Nam. For him there is no need for realisation, visions, experiences, or anything else. Ram Nam is everything.

When one chants Rama Nama, then where is the question of rebirth?

Repeated chanting of the Name of Răma enhances prosperity! -- sweetens the tongue, too! it purifies all - from the common man to the scholar!

Rama Nama is the very essence ('saram') of all Epics, Shastras and the Vedas

Is it enough if I do not try to assimilate Rama's qualities but just surrender to Him?

Only a pious devotee can acquire Prema Bhakthi through simple devotional acts like Chanting of the Divine Name of Shri Rama

To collect people living around one's home and help them chant the Lord's Name is verily service to the Guru. Or to follow the special instruction given to him/her by the Guru is verily 'service' to the Guru.

A tree is infected with some pests. One way of combating pests is to spray pesticides on the leaves and fruits. The other, more efficient way is to treat it at the root.

Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan :

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare