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"LEARN OUR TRADITION THE EASY WAY"- SAMPRADAYA LESSONS FOR KIDS GRADE 2 LESSON 16: BLESSINGS?
(Written in Tamil by Desika Bhakta Ratnam, U. Ve. Seva Srinivasa Raghava chariar Swami under his "Jayamangala Paada Thittam" and translated in English by Sri M.K.Srinivasan Swami of Vedanta Desika Research Center)
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At the conclusion of all-religious functions and auspicious occasions, we observe the ritual called Blessing or Asirvaadam. This is intended to convey the blessings of the elders, through Vedic Mantras on the persons performing the rituals; they include several blessings such as long life, prosperity, begetting children etc.

Elders in age usually bless youngsters. But, the real elders are those who are well versed in Vedas, irrespective of their age. Sri ANDAL describes them as ?the really good souls?

There are several Vedic Mantras, which convey blessings. A few are mentioned below:
1. ? Sathamaanam Bhavathi?.?
2. ? Aayurvai Sahasram???..?
3. ? Deva Hitham yadhaaayuh?.?
4. ? Ayushmantham Varchas mantham?.?
5. ? Aaayura AasaasthE???.?

The Invocatory blessings of Sri Periyaazhwaar ?PallaaNDu, PallaaNDu? are unique in the sense that they invoke the blessings ON the Lord Himself and at the same time on the entire humanity.

Blessings of elders will ward off all evil effects of planets because of the efficacy of Veda Mantras. Just giving presents or money at the time of marriage etc. or shaking hands do not really convey any blessing. Such actions should be accompanied by Vedic utterances. Then only, real blessings will flow from the one who blesses to the one that is blessed.