Hindu scriptures and mythology is full of references to the number 108. The Hindu rosary (Jaap Mala) has 108 beads, any Jaap or mantra is recited 108 times, ever wonder Why?
In Satyanarayan pooja there is ritual where we offer 108 Tulsi leaves to lord Krishna. There are 108 shlokas in the Vishnu sahasra-naam, Lord Ganesha has 108 names, and the Shri Yantra also has 108 intersection points. There are 108 Pithas of goddess Shakti. Most Buddhist temples usually have 108 steps and 108 columns.
Why is this so?
Our ancient science, Ayurveda mentions 108 pressure points in the human body, where consciousness and flesh intersect to give life to the living being. Astronomy gives us reference that the distance between Sun and Moon is 108 times of Diameter of Sun, the distance between Moon and Earth is 108 times of Diameter of Moon and Diameter of Sun is 108 times of diameter of Earth.
108 has a reference in Vedas as a form of Shiv-Shakti. Shiv is considered a symbol of order and simplicity, traditionally associated with masculinity. Shakti, the feminine power represents chaos and complexity. Their togetherness represents a balance between the extremes they represent as individual concepts.
The Sun representing Shiv takes one year to complete the circle of 360 degrees which forms a divine circle of 12 rashis (constellations) in the heavens.
The 27 Nakshatras also form a circle in the heavens spanning 360 degrees. Each Nakshatra has 4 Padas so in all we have 27 X 4 = 108 Padas. Nakshatras are ruled by the Moon which represents Shakti (Cosmic Energy).
Sun and Moon represent Shiv-Shakti and the divine energy of the Universe. The Shakti (Cosmic energy) completes Shiv, Balances Shiv hence the number 108 is considered sacred and given such importance in the scriptures.
Reciting any auspicious mantra 108 times endows the mantra with the Cosmic Energy from the Nakshatras giving it a divine strength. By Chanting a mantra 108 times, the energy (Shakti) boosts the strength of the mantra which is thought to bring benefits to the devotee chanting the mantra.
No comments:
Post a Comment