Pundit Anand Balram Sharma

If there is a need for the services of a pundit for any auspicious, celebratory or sad occasion then you must call:

Pundit anand balram sharma

There are five fundamental principles that pundit sharma strictly follows:

• He does not have a fee schedule for different pujas and lets his clients' pay an amount of "Daachina" which a client can easily afford
• He is passionate about explaining all the mantras in plain and simple English language recited during a puja.
• He follows Arya Samaj procedures and system in conducting Hawaan, Wedding and Funerals as well as other types of Pujas.
• He is willing to travel long distance including interstate to perform at weddings.
• He advocates, advances and fosters the teachings of the four Vedas as the primary source in conducting all the Pujas.
  

Twelve requirements of making a good pundit

I have been a Hindu Pundit practicing in San Francisco Bay area for over two decades. I do perform all sorts of Pujas and Hawaans as well as officiate at funerals and weddings. I am often asked by lay person ... what does it take to become a good Pundit ? Some of them are just curious and others have some innate desire, one day, to become a Pundit . Still others are trying to compare their own Pundits with other ones whom they have seen and heard performing Pujas.

The original Pundits were highly respected teachers and leaders of their community in India. The title of Pundit was derived from the word "pandit", a term of respect for a wise person . The Sanskrit word "pandita" means "learned". The Merriam Webster dictionary defines the word Pundit as a " learned person ". I thought about this question long and hard and have been able to come up with twelve essentials in becoming a Pundit. Here is the list in random order. It is not an exhaustive list but at least, gives the basic characteristics of being a good Pundit

• One does not have to belong to Brahamin clan in order to become a Pundit . Any layperson should be able to steadily elevate himself into becoming a Pundit The Srimad Bhagavatam Gita in Chap 2.4.18 teaches us that anyone and everyone can qualify as a Brahamin provided he/she follows the path of devotional service . As someone once stated ' Brahamin is one who does Brahamanic acts and deeds for his fellow human beings " . Things like fearlessness, steadfastness in knowledge, give alms, control of senses, makes sacrifices, study of shastras, ahimsa, compassion for others are just few example s of Brahaminic qualities.
• A Pundit must have wide and varied knowledge about all Hindu scriptures. Knowing the contents of four Vedas and Bhagvad Gita's eighteen chapters, Upanisads and Aryanyakas must be read and understood completely in order to graduate to the level of a reputable Pundit .
• Ability to recite mantras which are written in Sanskrit language in a good poetic manner is a must.
• A Pundit should know enough Sanskrit language that he is able to translate the mantras from Sanskrit into English and Hindi languages.
• A Pundit should have broad knowledge about Hindu Philosophy especially relating to Atma , Parmatma, Karma and Purna- Janam and Moksha and Maya. These six topics are the fundamentals of Hindu philosophy. The "Vedic Gyan " that is knowledge pertaining to life and truth which is connected with total conceivability of human beings and the universe as expounded in "Vedanta" must be fully grasped.
• A Pundit must know how to perform numerous rituals that has to be conducted in funerals, weddings, different kinds of Pujas, Hawaans and so forth. Unless he knows how to perform the rituals in the correct manner, he should not even solicit clients for Pujas. Having guidance and tutelage of a qualified Guru can be extremely useful.
• A Pundit should have a keen interest in propagating the teachings of Hinduism and should have the ability to teach, preach and advocate the basic tenets of Hinduism. One must not forget that Hinduism is a conglomerate of diverse beliefs and traditions. There is no "One Hinduism " and thus, it lacks any unified system of beliefs and ideas. This fact makes it difficult to sometimes to define Hinduism. That is why we often say Hinduism is not a religion but a complex lifestyle which entails, things like Yoga, Ayurveda, Vastu, Jyotish, Yajna, Puja, Vedanata , Karma and so forth. .
• A Pundit should have clean physical appearance so that his physical presence can be seen as a symbol of a truth, purity, a man in possession of religious knowledge and an advocate of the same.
• A Pundit should not ever quote his fees before performing any religious service. All services rendered should be free and then leave it the client to decide on the amount of 'daachina' to be given at the end of the Puja.
• A Pundit should have a loud and clear voice with correct intonation so that his clients can understand what he is saying. Unless he speaks in simple, clear Hindi language (sometimes in English) , his preaching and teaching will be useless. Just reciting Sanskrit mantras like a parrot which no one understands defeats the purpose of promoting the tenets of your religion.
• A Pundit should have the ability to persuade and convince his clients why a Puja or a religious ceremony would help one to live a much happier, very peaceful and more prosperous life.
• A Pundit should be a man of impeccable moral character and should live an exemplary life so that his clients can respect and revere him. He must be a person who is filled with vigor, fortitude, purity, absence of hatred and absence of pride.