Gotra- Ek Pehchaan

Gotra mean a name given to lineage . All Hindu ceremonies require a statement of the gotra. It is very important to pronounce the “Gotra” while performing sanskaars. A Gotra relates to the original seven Rishis called “Saptarishis” and Sage Agastya making the total 8. The sapta rishis were Gautama, Bhardwaja, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni, Vasistha, Kashyapa, Atri. In olden times, every gotra had a definite task to perform. Certain sacrifices require priests of a specific gotra only. All members of a particular gotra are believed to possess certain common characteristics by way of nature or profession. Currently there are 49 established Hindu gotras which evolves from eight sages. The members of a gotra however need not necessarily be blood relations. There is a difference between “gotra” and “Kula”. A kula is a group of people following similar rituals.One can change its Kula, based on his faith on ista devatha. In society it is prohibited to perform marriage between persons belonging to same gotra. The idea behind this concept to prevent transfer of genetic disorders to next generation. Also marriages between certain gotras are also not allowed.For Example marriages between persons of the Vasishtha and Vishvamitra gotras are not permitted. The reason is that these two sages were opponents and their descendants are traditional enemies . So the concept of gotra has the logic.

Til- an easy remedy

As per classics “sesame” popularly known as “Til” in northern region of India was produced from the body of sage Kashyap. It is believe that if a person offer it to God,Pittras or Brahmin he would be free from the ill effect of malefic planets. Offerings can be made in the form of Snaan,Daan,Tarpan,Havan or Food. As per mythology Saturn belongs to Kashyap Gotram.So sesame is considered as the best remedy for pacification of Shani. One should light a lamp of sesame oil in the evening. This process is called “Deep daan”. During Makar sakranti in the month of January when the sun enters the Capricorn(the zodiac sign of Saturn who is a son of Sun god), it is very auspicious to offer sesame to fire god at night. People distributes jaggery(Gud) with sesame(til) on this day. It is a symbolic representation of Sun and Saturn respectively.

Mahadev as Leeladhar

  Himavan, the father of Parvati hosted a grand feast at the time of marriage of his daughter with Lord Shiva(Mahadev). As per ritual only after feeding the bridegroom , the bride could eat. All the guest enjoyed the feast. But Lord Shiva still continued eating his food. Himavan ordered his cooks to arrange more food. But Lord Shiva did not stopped. Now the tension started to develop as the food stock was about to be over which could prove very insulting for Himavan. Nandi sensed the sensitivity of the situation and approached Parvati and informed her about the situation. Parvati came to Mahadev who was in divine look. Parvati looked him for the first time in human form.She herself fed him morsel from her hand. Mahadev ate it. After three morsels Lord Shiva said that he is no more hungry.. Every one was still worried because the whole stock of food was finished. Lord Shiva asked cooks to check their vessels again which were supposed to be empty. The cooks were shocked to see that all the vessels were full with food.Lord Shiva said  he had consumed only the last three morsel given by Paravti . After seeing this divine act of Lord Shiva, she gave him  a name "LeelaDhar" means the master of divine act