GREETINGS

Hari Om Swamiji, Most Sundays I visit Ernakulam Shiva Kshetra Temple. Today few doubts has arose in my mind. Please guide me in understanding the real thathwam behind them: 1- Why do we apply Chandanam on our forehead/neck? Why sandalwood paste or bhasmam? Why the theertham? After praying or at Nada Thurakkal, most people do this: Mani Adikkal. Why? 2- What is the significance of Shiveli? Why do everyone follow behind the Melshanthi carrying the Idol during this time? I suppose 3 rounds are made in this ritual. Is there any significance for 3? 3- Swamiji I believe memory is one of the most important aspect in a human being. Is there a way we can improve memory power/ can we maintain it without deterioration? 4- Any simple exercise that Swamiji would suggest everyone to do for bringing the focus to the proper location or to train their mind for uniting with the Chaitanyam present in everyone or the soul? I have gone for a yoga class but I find the exercises applying too much effort from us. I will never blame their technique. But, for me, I find it putting too much effort. 5- A lot of shlokas are sung by the poojaris and I can’t even understand a word of it Swamiji. Many times this feeling of learning Sanskrit comes in me. Swamiji, which books would you suggest to learn Sanskrit? As I would be leaving abroad, I am not sure about finding a tutor for the same but will search.