D.I.Y Jhanda Puja and Havan

*** Do Note the first 6 pages elaborately explains the Significance and Shastricproof of the Jhanda/Dhvaja (Flag) Puja for Shree Hanumanji. Then the next 5pages explains the Jhanda Puja Proper, then the next 5 pages explains the HavanProper and the final 3 pages are Questions and Answers. Although this is a ratherelaborate and lengthy article, it's the first of its kind that encompasses everythingabout the Jhanda. So stay blessed and share this information with all you know.Jai Hind. Jai Shree Hanumanji.

We at Dipika humbly prostrate to procure the sacred blessings of our DivineSupreme Mother Sarasvati in compiling this ground-breaking article on “D.I.YJHANDA PUJA AND HAVAN”. The reason behind compiling this article is thatmany Hindus have become very confused about the proper procedures and ritualswith regards to hoisting a red flag and its significance. We pray that this humblerendition will shed more light as opposed to confusion on this pertinent topic.

We should be proud of our Jhanda and shouldn’t think it's old fashioned andNeanderthal-like. I know of other religious groups who degrade us awesome

Hindu’s by saying, “Oh, why do you have this flag?” etc, and most Hindus don’tknow how to counteract this statement. So, now, Dipika is giving you knowledge tofight for our religion (albeit in a rather peaceful way). Let us awesome Hindu'sstand up and be counted, as Lord Krsna states in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita 2.3“O Arjuna, do not yield to this degrading impotence. It does not become you. Giveup such petty weakness of the heart and arise.”

Have you ever noticed which Deity is the most worshipped amongst us Hindu’s?Many would say Mother Durga, Lord Krsna, Lord Shiva or Lord Ganesh but NO -the most worshipped Hindu Deity is the world's greatest Superhero, our very ownShree Hanumanji and that’s why, around the world - wherever there are Hindu’s -to show their love and devotion to Shree Hanumanji - Hindu's hoist a Lal (Red)Jhanda (Flag). Now in India many Hindu's hoist their Jhanda at a local temple -but in South Africa, Mauritius, and Singapore, etc, a flag is hoisted at their homes.Unfortunately, as time went by, many new, different theories cropped up and thusHindu’s are really in a quandary these days due to all that confusion, and then the“vultures” from other religious beliefs wait to pounce on “mis-informed” and“ignorant” Hindu’s. This article is meant to clarify those doubts and bring aboutawareness on the Jhanda puja. The principal element in the Jhanda prayers is thehoisting of a Red Flag in glorification of Sanathan Dharma and Shree Hanumanji,a perfectly surrendered devotee of Shree Raam. In hoisting the flag of Sanathandharma and of Shree Hanumanji, one indicates - to the public and the world - theirwillingness to follow in the footsteps of this great, magnificent and flawless, etcdevotee of the Lord and follow/live by the rules and ethics of Sanathan Dharma.The flag is a visual representation of the Deity (Shree Hanumanji) worshipped. Inthe same way that the flag of South Africa represents our country and everythingthat it encompasses, the flag raised during the pooja and placed in one's yard (i.e.the Jhanda/flag) represents the various deities that are worshipped. So, the RedFlag of Shree Hanumanji represents the Lord himself and all his shakti (power) ispresent within it. The red color of the flag of Shree Hanumanji represents courageand fearlessness. In the same way that the flag of Shree Hanumanji was placed onthe chariot of Arjuna during the great Mahabharata war - bringing him victory(pictured above, at the start of this article), the flag in front of one's yard will alsobring the devotee victory. Since the flag is a symbol of Shree Hanumanji, it alsoacts as a reminder/source of blessing to the devotee on a daily basis. I wouldhumbly suggest that the flag should always be kept in front of one's home. Thisway, as you leave and return home, you are always reminded of our superhero'spresence and his grace. Shree Hanumanji is accepted as the spiritual guide andmentor and the devotee thereafter follows the direct principles of devotionalservice to Shree Raam. When one erects a Jhanda, one is symbolizing that one hasconquered the elements around oneself and it also signifies VICTORY. Anotherreason is to signify one is a Hindu, and when one visits to a Hindu home, one iswelcomed regardless of colour, creed and race - because our beautiful and awesomeHindu culture states “Athiti Devo Bhavah” meaning that even if an enemy comes

to one’s home one has to welcome them in. Us awesome and amazing Hindus arevery peace-loving and accommodating people.

Many years back when our ancestors came to these shores of South Africa, theyalways hoisted one red Jhanda but now we find up to eleven Jhanda’s. I wouldreally like to know where these Hindu's who do this are receiving their advicefrom. What does the person think “the more Jhanda’s I hoist the more ShreeHanumanji will love me?” NO. This is fabrication. One Jhanda is sufficient. Pleaseunderstand we should be like the great devotee himself - Shree Hanumanji didthings with no expectation of reward - as Lord Krsna advises in the BhagavadGita.

Whenever humans go to a new place they generally erect a flag (Jhanda) toindicate that their country has been there first and has “conquered” thatplace/area. In the great epic Ramayana, during Treta Yuga, when Lakshmanji wasstruck by the powerful Naga Ashtra (the deadly Snake arrow) by Indrajit, ShreeHanumanji saved Shree Lakshmanji's life by procuring the Sanjivani plant (thelife-giving plant) from Dunagiri (a.k.a Drongiri or Dronagiri) Mountain (this is oneof the highest peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas in the northern Indian state ofUttarakhand). Shree Hanumanji also erected a flag on the mountain as anemissary/ambassador of Shree Raam and of Sanathan Dharma.

In the same way, when the so called “modern” human Edmund Hillary firstsummit-ed Sagarmaathaa/Chomolungma (or as the westerners call it, MountEverest) he and Sherpa Tensing (his guide) erected a flag. When the Americanswent to the “so-called” Moon mission in 1969 Neil Armstrong erected a flag tosignify that the Americans conquered the Moon. When humans “first” went to theSouth Pole and North Pole they erected a flag. Every country has a flag to denotetheir country’s heritage. In the 80's, when I attended school, the South African flagwas hoisted every morning. When a hero or president of a country expires/dies theflag is flown at half-mast. So, as you can see the flag is used by people in manydifferent ways. So this is not something new.

What follows is a pastime between Shree Hanumanji and Bhima (of the Pandavas)from the Mahabharata - Vana Parva {Aranyaka/Aranya-parva} (The Book of theForest) - 29-44 “Anxious to please his beloved Draupadi, Bhima went in quest ofthat plant. He went alone in the direction from which the fragrance seemed to beborne by the breeze, without wasting a thought on the wild beasts that crossed hispath. He came to a garden of plantain trees at the foot of a mountain, and there hesaw a huge monkey shining like blazing fire, which lay right across his path -blocking it. He tried to frighten the animal out of his way by shouting at it. It onlyhalf opened its eyes, lazily, and drawled: "I am indisposed and so I am lying here.Why did you wake me? You are a wise human being and I am mere animal. It isproper that the rational man should show mercy to animals as inferior creatures. Iam afraid you are ignorant of right and wrong. Who are you? It is not possible togo further along this mountain path, which is the path of the devas. Men cannot

cross this limit. Eat what you like of the fruits of this place and if you are wise, goback in peace." Bhima, unused to being taken so lightly, grew angry and shouted:"Who are you, you monkey, that indulges in such tall talk? I am a Kshatriya hero,a descendant of the Kuru race and a son of Kunti. Know that I'm the son of theWind god. Now move away from the path or stop me at your peril."

Hearing these words the monkey merely smiled and said: "I am, as you say, amonkey, but you will come to destruction if you try to force a way." Bhima said: "Ido not want your advice and it is no concern of yours if I go to my destruction. Getup and move out-of-the-way or I'll make you move out-of-the-way." The monkeyreplied: "I have no strength to stand up, being but a very old monkey. If you haveto go at any cost, jump over me." Bhima said: "Nothing could be easier butscriptures forbid it. Otherwise I should jump over you and the mountain in onebound, like Hanuman crossed the ocean." The monkey remarked as though insurprise: "O best of men, who is that Hanuman that crossed the ocean? If youknow his katha, enlighten me." Bhima roared and said: "Have you not heard ofHanuman, my elder brother, who crossed the ocean, a hundred yojanas (1300 kms)in breadth, to seek and find Sita-devi, the wife of Lord Rama? I am equal to him instrength and heroism. Well, that is enough talk, now get up and make way and donot provoke me to do you some harm."

The monkey answered: "O mighty hero, be patient. Be gentle as you are strong,and have mercy on the old and weak. I have no strength to rise up, as I am oldwith age. Since you have scruples in jumping over me, kindly move aside my tailand make a path for yourself." Proud of his immense strength, Bhima thought topull the monkey out-of-the-way by its tail. But, to his amazement, he could notmove it in the least, though he exerted all his strength. He gritted his teeth andstrained every muscle till the very sinews cracked and he was covered withperspiration. But, still, could not move that tail the least, a little bit up or down orsideways. In shame, he bent down his head, and then asked in a chastened mood:“Who are you? Forgive me and reveal to me whether you are a Siddha, Deva orGandharva." Bhima like most strong men was full of respect when he saw onestronger than himself, and spoke like a pupil addressing his master. The monkeyreplied: "O mighty-armed Pandava, know that I am your elder brother, Hanuman,the son of the Wind god, whom you mentioned a little while ago. If you go on thispath, which is the road to the spirit-world where the Yakshas and the Rakshasasabide, you will meet with danger and that is why I tried stopping you. No man cango beyond this and live. But here is the stream with its depths where you can findthe Saugandhika plant you came to seek." Bhima was transported with delight: "Icount myself the most fortunate of men in that I have been blessed to meet myelder brother. I kindly wish to see the form in which you crossed the ocean mybrother," and he prostrated before Shree Hanumanji. Shree Hanumanji smiled andbegan to increase the size of his body and stood forth firmly to the world like amountain seeming to fill the landscape.

Bhima was thrilled at actually seeing that divine form of his elder brother, themere description of which had till then filled him with wonder. He covered hiseyes, unable to bear the dazzling light radiating from that figure. Hanuman said:"Bhima, in the presence of my enemies, my body can grow still more." ThenHanuman contracted his body, resuming his former size. He tenderly embracedBhimasena. Srila Vyasadeva said that Bhima felt completely refreshed andbecame much stronger than before by the embrace of Hanuman. Hanuman said:"O hero, go to your abode. Think of me whenever you are in need. I felt the samedelight when I embraced you that I had in times of yore when I was fortunateenough to touch the divine body of Shree Raam. Ask any boon that you like."Bhima said: "Blessed are the Pandavas for I have had the good fortune to see you,my elder brother. Inspired with your strength we are sure to conquer ourenemies." Hanuman gave this parting blessing to his brother: "While you roar likea lion in the battlefield, my voice shall join yours and strike terror into the heartsof your enemies. I shall be present on the flag of the chariot of your brotherArjuna. You will be victorious." Hanuman pointed out to Bhima the streamnearby, where grew the Saugandhika flowers he had come to seek. This put Bhimaat once in mind of Draupadi who was waiting for his return, and he collected theflowers and returned to her without delay.

The Srimad Bhagavat Gita (The Song of the Supreme Lord) is a part of the 6th

Parva (book) of the Bhishma Parva (the Book of Bhishma), the Bhagavat Gita ischapters 25-42 {comprising 700 shlokas (verses)}. In Bhagavat Gita Chapter 1verse 20 it's stated that, “At that time Shree Arjun, seated in the chariot bearingthe flag marked with Hanuman, took up his bow and prepared to shoot hisarrows.” The flag hoisted on Arjuna’s chariot, which was driven by Lord Krsna,carried the flag of Shree Hanumanji. The emblem of Shree Hanumanji on this flagindicated natural victory and auspiciousness. This was a positive display ofimminent victory.

Over the years many misconceptions have taken place with regards to the Flag.Besides hoisting one Red flag now there is more than one red flag - a yellow flag,which is supposed to be for Lord Shiva. We must understand that we mustperform pujas according to our scriptures, and there is no shastric proof of theyellow flag for Lord Shiva. Why people erect it is due to mindless traditions, whichare based on fear. What must be done is - next to the Red Jhanda we must have aShiva Lingam and that we must worship. So some may ask “what will happen ifyou stop hoisting the Yellow Flag for Lord Shiva?” (whose colour b.t.w is Red andnot yellow.). Well, nothing negative will happen if that is what you are thinkingbecause we are supposed to be offering puja to the Shiva Lingam. The picturebelow is the proper set up for your Jhanda place.

--------The Jhanda Puja Proper.-------When hoisting your Red Jhanda for Shree Hanumanji it's always auspicious toperform this puja in the waxing phase of the Moon (Shukla Paksha) and more soon a Saturday, as Saturday is also Shree Hanumanji's main day. So the rest of2019 Shukla Paksha Saturdays are given below.

JANUARY:- 12, 19FEBRUARY:- 9, 16MARCH:- 9, 16APRIL:- 6, 13MAY:- 11, 18JUNE:- 8, 15JULY:- 6, 13AUGUST:- 3, 10SEPTEMBER:- 7

OCTOBER:- 5, 12NOVEMBER:- 2, 9, 30DECEMBER:- 7, 28

Take note of the day you performing your puja. Do note NOT to perform your pujain these universal “inauspicious times” of Rahu Kalam and Yamagadam, which are:-

Sunday:- 12h00 – 13h30Monday:- 07h30 – 09h00 and 10h30 - 12h00Tuesdays:- 09h00 – 10h30 and 13h30 – 15h00Wednesday:- 07h30 – 10h30Thursday:- 06h00 – 07h30 and 15h00 – 16h30Friday:- 10h30 – 12h00 and 15h00 – 16h30.Saturday:- 06h00 – 07h30 and 16h30 – 18h00

*** Do make sure that the Jhanda place is already cleaned and your Jhanda poleis washed with Hurdi water… * There is no sastric proof of the Lord Shiva Yellow Jhanda so this part is left out.

Do note I prefer using a steel pole than a bamboo pole. Hmm why, you may ask?Remember that our ancestors were from India and in India many lived on farmswhere the bamboo pole was in abundance and free. The bamboo also representsgrowth and prosperity. But the bamboo is an alien plant in South Africa and manyrestrictions are placed by the local boroughs with regards to the bamboo poles.Furthermore when installing another new bamboo pole what are you supposed todo with the old bamboo pole? Many just dispose of the bamboo in their local riverand thus polluting that river, further causing damage to the local environment.I'm an extremely environmentally friendly individual and very cautious so as notto cause further degradation to my environment. I humbly advise you to take thisinto consideration when installing your new Jhanda pole.

Ideally, the flag should be placed in front of the home or building as well astowards the eastern side of the property. However, this is not always possible. Aslong as the Flag is not in the southern direction it's fine. So common sense shouldbe exercised in these situations.

Another point of note:- Many perform the hoisting of the red flag first but this isincorrect. One must first perform Ganesh Puja and then Navagraha puja beforecommencing with the hoisting of the red flag.

* How to make Panchamrit for the puja below:- In a standard size cup add 3/4 cupmilk, 2 Tsps of yoghurt (maas), 1 Tsp of Sugar, 1 tsp honey, a drop of ghee. Mixthis well and that’s your Panchamrit. You can add some coconut water and cut fruitslike banana, apple, pear etc. This is optional.

Make a Kusha ring with a Kusha grass. If there are four members in your familythen make 4 Kush Rings.

In the morning or evening of the puja proper, after having a bath, you should wearfresh clothes. Then at your prayer place, sprinkle water to purify the place. Thensprinkle Ata (flour) on a clean board/tile (or see what you can use – use yourdiscretion). This is called a mandala/bedi (a place where the prayer is going to beperformed.). Place a Lord Ganesh Murti or picture on the Bedi and next to thepicture of Lord Ganesh, place a picture of Lord Vishnu/Satyanarayan (you can usethe picture given below). And next to the picture of Lord Vishnu/Satyanarayan onthe right side when you are facing the picture, place your Lakshmi Lamp.

We have supplied a picture above of how this should look.

Sit facing East or North by the Bedi...

Recite the following mantra:Take a little water from a clean cup using a teaspoon. Each time put a little waterin your right hand palm and sip it, chanting “OM VISHNU”. Wash your hands andrepeat 2 more times. Now wash your hands one last time. Then take a little riceand flower petals and say in English “O Lord Shiva, Shree Hanumanji and LordSatyanarayan on this day (which ever day you are performing the puja), month(which ever month you are performing the puja), your name, I am performing myLord Shiva and Shree Hanumanji Puja (or Shree Satyanarayan Puja if you arealso performing His puja as well now) to praise, honour and worship You. Pleaseaccept my prayer to You”. Now leave this down on the bedi.

Take a betel leaf, betel nut, coin, rice and flower petals and chant Shree Ganeshji'smantra “Om ganapataye aavaaha-yaamee stha-payamee” and keep on the bedi infront of the Lord Ganesh murti/picture. Pray to Lord Ganesh to remove allobstacles in the path of your prayers. Offer on the betel leaf offered to Lord Ganeshon the bedi 4 drops of water, Panchamrit, chandan dot (on the betel leaf), sprinklerice and then flower petals (on the betel leaf), turn incense and lamp 7 times(clockwise, around the betel leaf), offer half a teaspoon sweet rice on the betel leafand then offer betel leaf with a betel nut and place in front of the first betel leafthen finally offer lamp 7 times clockwise around the murti. Then offer LordGanesha his favourite food viz. kheer (sweet rice), sugar candy and laddus. * Do note the lamp above (offered to Lord Ganesh) is the clay lamp on a saucer,which has a wick and ghee in it. This is not the Lakshmi Lamp.

Take another betel leaf, betel nut, coin, rice and flowers and pray to the 9 planets.Leave on the bedi. Take a little rice and every time you chant namah offer on thebetel nut… Om sooryaaya namah Om somaaya namahOm angaarkaaya namahOm budhaaya namahOm brihaspataye namahOm shukraaya namahOm shanaish-charaaya namahOm raahave namahOm ketave namah

Offer on the betel leaf offered to the 9 Planets on the bedi 4 drops of water,Panchamrit, chandan dot (on the betel leaf), sprinkle rice and then flower petals(on the betel leaf), turn incense and lamp 7 times (clockwise, around the betelleaf), offer half a teaspoon sweet rice on the betel leaf and then offer betel leaf witha betel nut and place in front of the first betel leaf then finally offer lamp 7 timesclockwise around the 9 planets betel leaf.

Now commence to your Jhanda place. Have all the requirements for the Pujaarranged on a tray beforehand. On the tray the following should be viz. one redflag, two thin red cloths for tying the flag, 2 small flower garlands and a wide-ishcloth (kangan) which you should have a betel leaf, betel nut, coin, rice and flowerpetals. Knot this cloth (kangan) with its contents, which will be tied later on thepole. On a saucer have a little chandan mixed with water, a little sindhur mixedwith water, on another saucer have uncooked white rice and flower petals, threeTulsi leaves and one Bael leaf (the Bael leaf is optional). Also two lotas/chumbhu'sof milk and water, one box of matches and two clay lamps (which should have gheeand a wick in it), one large banana leaf and finally two trays (thari's/thamil thate)of prashad/prasadham (which should consist of 5 or 7 Rhot, Panjeri (recipes aregiven below), three types of fruits (cut), Halava/suji, three types of sweets, onebetel leaf, one flat {brown} betel nut, one elachie (cardamom) and one clove). Only

on Shree Hanumanji's tray you place one Tulsi leaf and N OT on Lord Shiva's tray.I recommend using those small round silver mini-tart/pie containers for thePanjeri and Halava/Suji. It makes everything look rather professional andpresentable.

Now two of the family members hold the pole (which should have been alreadywashed with hurdi water much earlier). One member of the family sprinkles therice and flower petals on the Pole from top to bottom and then anoint (mark/putsome sindoor) the Pole with sindoor. Then tie the flag at the top of the pole and tiethe garland on the top of the pole on the Jhunda cloth. Then tie the kangan clothhalf way on the pole. Once this is completed, the whole family holds the pole andplaces the pole in the hole that has already been dug up. All chant SHREEHANUMANJI KI JAI X 3, and place in the hole, then cover the hole. In front of thepole place a banana leaf. Next to the Hanumanji's pole place a Shiva Lingam. TheLingam should have been previously washed and ready for worship. Place the twolamps - one in front of Hanumanji's pole and the other in front of the Lingam.Firstly light Lord Shiva's lamp and then offer the tray of Prashad to the ShivaLingam chanting the Maha Mritunjaya mantra while turning the tray 3 or 7 timesaround the Lingam in a clockwise direction. Then offer the milk on the Lingamand then the water. After the water has been offered, with the chandan on thesaucer mark the Lingam with three lines and on the middle line dot with kungum,place the Bael leaf on top of the Lingam and finally garland the Lingam.

Next is Shree Hanumanji's puja. Light Shree Hanumanji's lamp and then offer thetray of Prashad to the pole chanting the “Om Hum Hanumate namah” mantrawhile turning the tray 3 or 7 times around the pole in a clockwise direction. Thenoffer the milk (which has a Tulsi leaf in that milk in the lota) on the Pole and thenthe water (which has a Tulsi leaf in that water in the lota as well). Each memberof the family now bows down to Lord Shiva's Lingam praying for his blessings andthen repeat this to the Shree Hanumanji's pole.

Now proceed back to your bedi inside your home...

Once everyone has been seated, commence with Lord Shiva's puja. Take a betelleaf, betel nut, coin, rice and flowers and pray to Lord Shiva “Om shivayeaavaahayaamee sthapayamee” and keep on the bedi. Offer on the betel leaf offeredto Lord Shiva on the bedi 4 drops of water, Panchamrit, chandan dot (on the betelleaf), sprinkle rice and then flower petals (on the betel leaf), turn incense and lamp7 times (clockwise, around the betel leaf), offer half a teaspoon sweet rice on thebetel leaf and then offer betel leaf with a betel nut and place in front of the firstbetel leaf then finally offer lamp 7 times clockwise around the Betel leaf. Whenthis is done you can chant the Shiva Chalisa now (which is available on Dipika -our website).

Now commence with Shree Hanumanji's puja. Take another betel leaf, betel nut,coin, rice and flowers and pray to Shree Hanumanji “Om hanumateaavaahayaamee sthapayamee” and keep on the bedi. Then on the betel leaf offered

to Shree Hanumanji on the bedi 4 drops of water, Panchamrit, chandan dot (on thebetel leaf), sprinkle rice and then flower petals (on the betel leaf), offer one Tulsileaf, then turn incense and lamp 7 times (clockwise, around the betel leaf), offerhalf a teaspoon sweet rice on the betel leaf and then offer betel leaf with a betelnut and place in front of the first betel leaf then finally offer lamp 7 timesclockwise around the Betel leaf. When this is done, chant the Hanuman Chalisanow (which is available on Dipika - our website).

If you are performing the Shree Satyanarayan puja then please revert to Dipika'sarticle called “D.I.Y Shree Satyanarayan Puja” as after you've completed your pujafor Lord Shiva and Shree Hanumanji the Shree Satyanarayan puja commencesnow. If you are just performing your Jhanda puja then the Havan commencesnext.

THE HAVAN PROPERRequirements for the Havan:- The Havan kund should be place on a rectangularmetal tray. Place 4 equal length Kusha (Kush grass/Darbha grass) on the outsideof the four sides of the kund in such a way so as to prevent it from burning, addabout 3 handfuls of clean sand in the havan kund (this is done so that the gheewouldn’t leak from the Kund), and place the wood neatly in the kund. On top of thewood sprinkle some red sindhur powder.In a small bowl add 100g or about 6 teaspoons of ghee with a table spoon, 3 piecesof sandalwood sticks. Keep next to the Kund.One small bowl of sweet rice (kheer) + 1 large betel leafOn a medium size tray (thari/thamil thate), keep 3 incense sticks, 3 flowers, 1 claylamp + 1 saucer, and 1 box of matches. The rest of the camphor is kept on another small tray.Deep bowl for the samaghree.Your samaghree ingredients consists of :- 200g white rice, 100g jaw/jau (barleyseeds), 100g til (sesame seeds), 100g navdhan (9 types of grains in a small packet),1 small packet lobhan/Samarani, 100g jaggery (aka goor/gur/vellum), 100g gugal(googal/gukkulu). Optional items you can also use is elachie, cloves, cinnamonsticks, dried rose petals, etc). Mix the above ingredients in your deep bowl. This isyour Havan samaghree, I would advise you to refrain from adding the ready made(store-bought) havan samaghree as these days that samaghree is just powder andmass produced.

Now place a camphor tablet on a table spoon, then light and kindle the camphortablet and place in the havan kund while you chant “Om Bhoor Bhuvah Swaahaa”,repeat twice more i.e. (placing) two more camphor tablets and chanting the mantratwice more.

When the fire is nicely alight, put your two palms together and pray to Agni-deva,inviting Agni-deva to enter into the kund and kindly accept the grains that you

will be offering shortly, chanting, “Om Agni-devata aa-vaa-hayaa-mee sthaapa-yamee, Om Agni-deva namah”.

Now offer the 3 sticks of incense (turn the incenses around the fire 7 times in aclockwise direction, and place in the fire, next offer the clay lamp on a saucer(which has a small piece of camphor in it, light it) and turn the lamp around thefire 7 times in a clockwise direction, offer a spoon of sweet rice on the betel leafinto the fire, offer some flower petals into the fire and then finally offer the claylamp (7 times around the fire) to end.

Next sprinkle water around the havan kund 3 times in a clockwise direction.

Take 3 pieces of sandalwood sticks, dip the three sticks in the ghee, and then offerone stick into the fire while chanting “Om Bhoor swaahaa”, the second stick withthe mantra “Om bhuvah swaahaa” and the third and final stick with the mantra“Om svah swaahaa”...

Place the bowl with the havan samaghree in it in front of you. Do remember thatat every swaahaa offer samaghree and/or ghee. Now you can commence with theHavan proper - chant each of these mantras (the number of times indicated below)while offering samaghree/ghee each time).

Om ganapataye swaahaa x 1

Om agnaye swaahaa x 1Om somaya swaahaa x 1Om praja-pata-ye swaahaa x 1Om indraya swaahaa x 1

Om bhuh swaahaa x 1Om bhoovah swaahaa x 1Om svah swaahaa x 1Om bhoor bhuvah svah swaahaa x 1

Om sooryaaya swaahaa x 1Om somaaya swaahaa x 1Om angaarkaaya swaahaa x 1Om budhaaya swaahaa x 1Om brihaspataye swaahaa x 1Om shukraaya swaahaa x 1Om shanaish-charaaya swaahaa x 1Om raahave swaahaa x 1Om ketave swaahaa x 1

Om aim hreem kleem chaamun daayai vich chai swaahaa x 9

“Om trayam bakkam yajaa-mahe sugan-dhim pushti-vardhanam urvaa-rooka-miva bandha-naam mrityor mooksheeya maamritaat Om swaahaa ” x 11

Om Shivaya = swaahaa x 1Om Maheshwaraya = swaahaa x 1Om Sarvaya = swaahaa x 1Om Ugraya = swaahaa x 1Om Kapaline = swaahaa x 1Om Bhimaya = swaahaa x 1Om Sadashivaya = swaahaa x 1Om Virabhadraya = swaahaa x 1Om Mritunjayaya = swaahaa x 1Om Rudraya = swaahaa x 1Om Bhutapataye = swaahaa x 1Om Mahadevaya = swaahaa x 1

Om Hanuman = swaahaa x 1Om Anjanisunuh = swaahaa x 1Om Vaayuputra = swaahaa x 1Om Mahabalaha = swaahaa x 1Om Rameshtaha = swaahaa x 1Om Phalguna Sakhaha = swaahaa x 1Om Pingaaksha = swaahaa x 1Om Amitavikramaha = swaahaa x 1Om Udhdhikramanaschaiva = swaahaa x 1Om Seetasokavinasakaha = swaahaa x 1Om Lakshmana prana data = swaahaa x 1Om Dasagrivasya darpaha = swaahaa x 1

Om Shreem Mahaa-lakshmi-yai swaahaa X 1

Om Vishnave swaahaa X 1

Sprinkle water around the havan kund three times.

Offer samaghree 21 times with the Maha Mantra “Hare Krishna Hare KrishnaKrishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare” toallay for any mistakes committed during the havan.

Finally place two purees on top of each other, place the balance of the samaghreeon top of these, on top of this place a betel leaf, a betel nut, a few drops of ghee, onewhole banana and place whole into the fire while chanting

“Om sarvam vai poornam swaahaa”And place this in the middle of the fire. Offer the rest of the ghee into the fire.

Shanti Paath Mantras:- Put your two palms together in the Namaste position, & chant...Om Dyauh Shanti Ranta-riksha Gwam Shanti Prithvi Shanti Rapah Shanti Rosha-dhayah Shanti

Vanas Patayah Shanti Vishva Devah Shanti Brahma Shanti Sarva Gwam Shanti Shanti Reva Shanti Sama Shanti RedhiOm Shanti-Shanti-Shanti Om

Now take the 4 kusha grass around the Kund and your kusha grass ring and mixwith the final remains of the ghee in the ghee bowl and offer into the fire.

Once this is complete, kindly request Lord Shiva, Shree Hanumanji and LordVishnu and the rest of the Devi's and Devas to forgive you for any shortcomingscommitted while you performed the puja and havan and then request them tokindly return to their divine abodes, and chant the Maha Mantra (above) once toend. Bow down to the bedi and havan kund.

A word of note:- The puja items used in the puja above (like the excess flowerpetals, etc), put those into the havan kund and make sure everything is fullyburnt. I would advise you to, instead of disposing the remains into a local river,bury the burnt samaghree in the 4 corners of your yard thus binding/protectingyour yard from malevolent forces. This is DIPIKA'S stance on taking care ofMother Earth. Jai Hind.

Next in this ground breaking article is how to prepare Rhot and Panjeri. Butbefore you do read that, there is something that I highly recommend that you do.When you are preparing the items make sure you have had a bath and are wearingfresh, clean clothes, and try to abstain from even water - never-mind solid foods.When making the preparations make sure you don't talk and mention this to thefamily. Make sure you are chanting, in your mind, mantras to Shree Hanumanji.Now the reasons why I mentioned this - when making the preparations it'simperative that your mind is totally focused on what you are preparing aseverything in this universe operates on vibrations. If your body, mind and soul isdirected towards making these preparations to Shree Hanumanji then ShreeHanumanji becomes elated as the vibrations in the offerings are pure and fit forour Superhero to consume. Also, why one doesn't talk is that when you talk, saliva,albeit a small percentage of it, goes into the preparations thus rendering theofferings to Shree Hanumanji as soiled and thus unacceptable.

How to prepare Rhot and Panjeri

Rhot5 cups of flour 2 cups normal sugar, 1 cup butter ghee1 cup fresh milk.¼ tsp crushed cardamom (elachie)

Method:- Do remember this little secret - the ingredients should always be 5-2-1meaning 5 cups flour to 2 cups of sugar to 1 cup of butter ghee. This is somethingmy awesome mother taught me.Mix the flour and elachie together and add ghee until smooth crumbs form. Addthe sugar and mix well. Add the milk to the flour mixture to form a smooth dough.Knead well until the dough appears rich and shiny and has an oily texture. Dividethe dough into little portions and make rounds shapes to desired thickness andsize. Deep fry in medium to hot ghee until flaky and lightly crisp, but evenlycoloured to a pale golden colour. Drain well and allow to cool.

When one visits India you will never find preparation called Rhot. So how did thisdelicacy come about to be one of Shree Hanumanji's favourite preparations?Well,this begs the question “What is Shree Hanuman-ji's favourite food?”. Well, sinceShree Hanumanji is a Vanara, (an advanced monkey-type of race) his favouritefoods will be that of a monkey. Most monkey species are primarily herbivorous.The diet of monkeys varies from fruits, leaves, flowers, plants, seeds, nuts, grains,bamboo, and corn. Corn is considered a treat to a monkey. Several species of figsare among the favourite types of fruit eaten by primates. One preparation that isalso offered is called Anaaj or grounded grains. And this is what Rhot is madefrom. When our ancestors came from India to South Africa they were mainly farmpeople - hence they were very simple, yet devout people. They did things purelyout of love. So from Anaaj (grounded grains) they made a preparation called Rhotwhich is made of grains, ghee, sugar, milk etc, and made round like the sun(because Shree Hanumanji swallowed the Sun). Rhot, when prepared properly,looks like a shortcake (or biscuit as we call it here in South Africa). So Rhot is apurely proudly South African product to Shree Hanumanji because Rhot is madenowhere else in the world :) Jai Ho.

Panjeri RecipeOne non-stick cooking pan and a wooden stirring spoon are needed for thispreparation.Cook Time: 15 minutes, Total Time: 15 minutes, Yield: About 20 servingsIngredients: 1 cup ghee or 1/2 lb unsalted butter (2 cubes), 1 cup cake flour (atta),1 cup sugar, ¼ teaspoon Black pepper corn, two pinches of elachie powder.Preparation: Measure all ingredients. Bring the pan to a reasonable heat, addabout half a cup ghee or butter and once the ghee/butter is melted add 1 cup cakeflour. You have to continuously stir the bottom of the pan so that the flour doesn'tburn. When the ghee is almost absorbed into the flour you add more ghee. Afterabout 15 or so minutes the flour should be brownish in colour and will smell a tadburnt. Then you know it's almost ready. Next empty the ingredients onto a flattray to cool down. After a little while it will be warmish to the touch, then add theelachie powder, crushed pepper corn and sugar... Mix well and (it will be ready tobe offered to Shree Hanuman-ji) ready to be offered to Shree Hanumanji. I advise

using those small round silver mini-tart/pie containers for the Panjeri to be offeredto Hanumanji as it will look presentable and professional.

-----Questions and Answers-----QUESTION:- Can one perform a Katha and Jhanda Puja and Homam (havan) on***Ekadashi?

ANSWER:- NO-NO-NO!!! This is forbidden as Lord Shiva and Shree Hanumanjiobserves Ekadashi (the day the occurs twice a month that one abstains fromgrains). Remember that the Rhot and Panjeri is made of flour which is a grain. Ifyou perform your Jhanda Puja on Ekadashi Lord Shiva and Shree Hanumanji maynot attend your puja and they certainly won't eat your grain preparations. *** Don't know what the Ekadashi fasting day is all about... click (HERE) to find out.

QUESTION:- Can a female perform the Jhanda puja and can she hoist theJhanda as well?ANSWER:- Yes, of course, why not? Shree Hanumanji is a pure devotee of theLord and is above identifying with the self. He does not discriminate between maleand female. He sees everyone with equal vision. Yes, on a material platform, malesand females can never be equal and at the same time neither is higher than theother. Can a male have a child? Of course not! That’s going against the laws ofnature. So how can males and females be equal? Males and females have specialroles to play in society BUT on a spiritual front the soul is neither male nor femaleit’s genderless. This means that the Soul is neither male nor female and this iswhat Shree Hanumanji sees. He sees a spirit soul. He is the TRUE and ONLYpundit in this world, as Lord Krsna says in the Bhagavad Gita 5.18: - “The humblesage, by virtue of true knowledge, sees with equal vision a learned and gentlebrahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater [outcast]”. This is a truePundit and this is our awesome Shree Hanumanji himself. When I perform pujaswomen always ask me why they are always put down when it comes to ShreeHanumanji’s puja. I find that rather annoying when certain folks behave like thisbecause who is cooking the food and making the preparations like Rhot, etc.? Afemale has as much right as a male to perform pujas to Shree Hanumanji. Yes, Iknow this will create a raucous amongst the Hindu community about what I havejust said but people need to wake up. Hinduism is above fanaticism. We are apractical and beautiful culture and that’s why we have survived for thousands ofyears.

QUESTION:- Are women allowed to hold the Jhanda pole and can she performthe puja with her husband?ANSWER:- Yes absolutely. Why not? Remember prayers should be performed as afamily. “A family that prays together stays together”. We should not beencouraging segregation - rather congregation. The previous answer, answers thisquestion as well.

Question:- I am a female; can I pray to Shree Hanumanji by the Jhunda/prayerplace and chant the Hanuman Chalisa when I have my menstrual cycle?Answer:- Why not - Shree Hanumanji is a pure devotee of the Lord and is aboveidentifying with the self. He does not discriminate between male and female. Hesees everyone with equal vision. When I perform pujas women always ask me whythey are always looked down upon when they have their menstrual cycle.Remember that Shree Hanumanji is a Mata (Mother) devotee as he worships thelotus feet of Mother Sita so a female has as much right as a male to perform pujasto Shree Hanumanji - “clean” or not (i.e. whether in their cycle or not). Anotherpoint to mention is that many females feel embarrassed to let anybody know abouttheir “unclean period”. But why should they? It’s a gift from God. It’s a cleansingtime. So the question is, “Should a female chant Hanuman Chalisa when she isunclean?” Certainly yes, and the answer is in the Hanuman Chalisa itself. “Bhootapishaacha nikata nahin aavai / mahaaveera jaba naama sunaavai.” what thismeans is when Hanumanji’s (Mahaveer’s) name is chanted all ghosts and the likerun and disperse from that place. Wherever a female in her monthly cycle goes sheleaves a trail of odour, that is above the human sense of smell BUT is very verypleasing to these Bhuta’s (ghosts), pisacha (a certain type of ghosts that troubleyoung children). As the female walks they follow her and “smell” and “eat” thisodour. Yes they “eat” the odour. (That’s why we burn lobhan or incense at nightbecause if there are any negative forces lurking around the smell from the lobhanor agarbatti neutralizes their intentions). And that’s why especially during themenstrual cycle the Hanuman Chalisa should be chanted. Yes I know this willcreate a raucous amongst the Hindu community about what I have just said butpeople need to wake up and smell the roses. Hinduism is above fanaticism. We area practical culture and that’s why we have survived for thousands of years.

QUESTION:-When one moves into a new house, what does one do with the oldJhanda pole?ANSWER:- If the pole is a metal pole then you take it with. Place a piece ofcamphor in front of the Jhanda and pray to Shree Hanumanji requesting the Lordto please accompany you to your new home and remain the guardian of your newplace. Remove the pole and take 1 teaspoon of the sand at your Jhanda place andplace in a small container or plastic bag. This sand is deposited in your newJhanda place at your new premises. If you had a bamboo pole I would suggestburning the old pole and disposing off in a local river. (since it's inappropriate totake an old Jhanda to a new house, but is fine to bury the ashes in the sameyard/house)

QUESTION:- What one does with an old bamboo pole and flag?ANSWER:- I highly suggest burning the pole and flag and then burying it in aclean corner of your yard (i.e. where nobody or no animals shall walk upon theplace where the ashes are buried). You can dispose of the items into a river but tryto make that your last option.

QUESTION:- What you do with an old Hanumanji murti or old Shiva Lingamthat has been damaged/chipped?ANSWER:-This I suggest disposing of in a river (not a beach as it will be washedup to the shore again). You can bury the murti in a clean part of your yard that noone walks on etc but this is generally not feasible, hence my suggestion to disposeoff in a deep river.

DISCLAIMER:- Do note that Dipika is not affiliated to any Hindu group ororganization. We at Dipika choose to remain an independent repository ofspiritual advice. We appreciate that there are variances betweenorganisations and humbly request that if our views differ from yours thatyou respect our decision not to conform to the prescripts of your particularorganisation. We remain committed to spiritual advice which is based onscripture.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this article. We pray that thisarticle will assist you in some way and we also pray that it helps you to appreciatethe beauty and remarkable foresight of our ancient Hindu culture. We wish toeducate all readers and demystify the path of Hinduism (Sanatan Dharma). Pleasefeel free to share these articles with friends and family who do not have directaccess to our website or articles. If you use the articles in any form including blogsand/or as part of other articles kindly credit our website as a source. We hope thatthe articles serve as a reference to you and your family when you need clarificationof certain topics. Jai Hind... Jai Shree Radha Krsna.

Shree Mahadeva Bhagavan Kee JaiShree Hanuman Bhagavan Kee Ji

Shree Lakshmi-Satyanarayan Bhagavan Kee Jai.

Compiled (for the upliftment of Sanatan Dharma- the Eternal Religion)www.dipika.org.za

Narottam Das & Arjun Nandlal.E-mail info@dipika.org.za