The Ashtadhik Balakas are installed at the Sri Danvantri Arogya Peedam, Vellore district, in the form of Sivalingams around the
6-foot black stone idol of Vastu Bhagawan (fist-of-its-kind). The Ahstadik Balakas homam will be performed on Sunday, February 19, 2012, by
well-known Sivachariars of Tamil Nadu, with separate homakundam for each dhikpalaka, which is also a first-of-its-kind.
ASHTADHIK BALAKAS
Ashtadhik Balakas are the eight gods ruling the eight quarters or the eight zones of the Universe. They are Indra (east), Agni (southeast), Yama (south), Niruthi (southwest), Varuna (west), Kubera (north), Eesana (northeast) and Vayu (northwest). According to Hinduism, each direction is assigned to a particular god as chief guardian ensuring orderliness of the Universe and the protection of its occupants. Vastu Sastram is based on these eight directions.
The rulers of eight directions are the pillars of Vastu Sastram. Vastu Sastram was important in the past also. But, awareness about it increased in the present-day world.
Ashtadhik Balakas have wild animals as their vehicles. Being the vahanas of god, these wild animals also gained importance and were treated with reverence. Holiness is ascribed to the wild animals. This in turn helps us in wildlife conservation.
Eshana – His vahana is bull which is a symbol of strength and utility in agriculture as a draught animal.
Indra – His vahana is Iravatham (white elephant) which is a symbol of majesty and strength.
Agni – His vahana is a ram which is a symbol of fearlessness and heroism.
Kubera – His vahana is a goat which is a source of milk and protein for human beings.
Yama – His vahana is a buffalo which has utility value as a draught animal.
Niruthi – His vahana is a gohoul which is a human form.
Varuna – His vahana is a crocodile which keeps the system clean by eating away all dead creatures.
Vayu – His vahana is deer which is a forest dweller and has graceful and swift movements.
Special abhishekam wil be performed and alankaram done for the 468 Siddhars in the form of Sivalingams on the occasion of Pradosham.
A note from the peedam says devotees are invited to participate in this auspicious homam and receive the blessings of Ashtadhik Balakas, 468 Siddhars and Vastu Bhagawan.
Donations can be sent by DD/cheque/MO in favour of Sri Muralidhara Swamigal to the address given below or funds can be transferred to S.B.
Account No.10917462439 with State Bank of India, Walajapet Branch, Branch code 0775.
For more details, please contact:
Sri Danvantri Arogya Peedam
Ananthalai Madhura, Kilpudupet,
Walajapet – 632513, Vellore District.
Phones: 91-4172-230033/292133/292433/0-94433-30203
E-mail: danvantripeedam@gmail.com
www.danvantri.org
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