Ramayana

In a recent lecture, Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Puthige Matha (Udupi) indicated that the two ithihasas (epics) have an underlying numeric theme that ties a lot of the key aspects of the epic together. As such, the 'secret' code for Ramayana is the number 7.

The references can be found in the following ways inside Ramayana (among numerous other references).

• Rama was asked to go into the forest for 14 ( 7 * 2) years
• 7 chapters (kAnda) are there in Ramayana
• Rama's birth star is punarvasu (7th star in the astrological chart
• The word Rama (रामा), using a simple numeric scheme (number 1 to 5 for the Sanskrit characters as listed in the standard format) comes to 2 + 5 = 7.
• The word Ramayana (राम + अयन) comes to 2 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 5 = 14.
• The war between Rama and Ravana lasted for 7 days
• Rama is the 7th avatar of Lord Vishnu 
• To prove his valor to Sugreeva, Rama shoots an arrow that pierces 7 trees in one shot

NavadAnya (Nine Grains)

NavadhAnya (नवधान्य) refer to nine whole grains used commonly in India for various aspects of cooking as well as festivals.
Grains

1. Bengal Gram
2. Wheat
3. Horse Gram
4. Green Gram
5. Rice
6. White Beans
7. Black Sesame Seeds
8. Chick Peas
9. Black Gram

Importance

• Each grain is offered to one deity that forms the Navagraha.
• The grains are also used as part of the Grihapravesham Ritual

References

1. http://www.hindu-blog.com/2009/10/navadanya-for-navgrahas-nine-grains.html

Seasons (Rtus)

Rtu (रतु) is the Sanskrit word for a fixed period of time. There are six seasons defined in the Vedas.

1. Vasanta Rtu (Spring)
2. Grishma Rtu (Summer)
3. Varsha Rtu (Monsoon)
4. Sharat Rtu (Autumn)
5. Hemanta Rtu (Pre-Winter)
6. Shishira Rtu (Winter)

References

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ritu_%28Indian_season%29

Vedas

Veda (वेद) means knowledge. The most ancient of the texts in Hindu religion have been split into four groups.

1. Rg Veda: 
2. Yajur Veda: 
3. Sama Veda:
4. Atharva Veda:

References

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedas

Trimurti

Three Gods representing Creation, Maintenance, and Destruction.

References

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trimurti

Indu Chakra

Definitions

1. Moon chakra in the melakarta system
2. The chakra or nervous system near the forehead

References

1. http://kheper.net/topics/chakras/Indu.htm

Brahman

Definition
The infinite, the omnipotent, and the omnipresent.

References

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahman