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What are the flowers and leaves that should not be used while performing puja to the various deities?

Sri Swamiji:

‘Akshadai’, sodom apple (calotropis/ ‘vellerukku’) and datura (‘oomathai’) are not to be used for Vishnu. Hibiscus, ‘thazham poo’, ‘kudajam’ should not be used in Shiva puja. Dhruva grass (‘arugu’), Sodom apple (calotropis/ ‘vellerukku’) and ‘mandharai’ should not be used in Devi puja. ‘Bilwa’ (Aegle marmelos) and ‘thakaram’ are not suited for the Sun God. ‘Tulasi’ (the Holy Basil) not should not be used in Ganesha puja.

How should the ‘dhoopa’ for the Lord be prepared?

Sri Swamiji:

As it removes all evil and brings eternal happiness, it is called with the two sylabell word 'dhoo' and 'pa'.
7 parts of chandan (sandal)
6 parts of frankincense (sambrãni)
5 parts of black dammer resin (kungilium) - Canarium strictum
4 parts of saffron (‘kumkumapoo’)
3 parts of nut grass tuber (Korai kizhangu)
2 parts of Indian Cedar (agil)
1 parts of Borneal Flakes (pachai karpooram)

The ‘dhoopam’ so prepared in the stated proportion, along with a little ghee is called ‘Sita dhoopam’. This is spoken of in ‘Kãranãgamam’. This attracts all the devas.

Why is it that in spite of Lord Krishna, Draupadi had to face such hardship in the court?

Sri Swamiji:

Time is responsible for all this. Time puts a man to such difficulties. If, in times of difficulty, man cries out 'Ayyo' it destroys him. Instead, if even in such difficult times he surrenders to the Lord, he will be saved. As Draupadi called out 'Govinda' even when deeply distressed, she was saved.

The Japa of which mantra reaps higher benefit (‘phala’)?

Sri Swamiji:

All the mantras that our Maharshis have absorbed (grasped) through divine sensations are great. Since, through ages several Mahans have been doing japa of these mantras, their sound waves exist in space, even today. Thus, by doing japa of these mantras benefit is reaped easily.

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