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Showing posts from February 27, 2015


Goddess Anumati

Goddess Anumati is mentioned in the Rig Veda. She is invoked for divine favor and she is believed to bless worshippers with wealth, children, long life and wisdom. Anumati is also associated with the moon – some scholars that the age of moon just before full moon is Anumati. Another set of calculation states that a day which has both the 14 th day and full moon in a fortnight is referred as Anumati. Some texts also state that she governs the day when moon is in its third and fourth quarter. The Goddess is worshipped in the ancient Rajasuya Yajna. References to her are found in the Rig Veda, Atharva Veda, Mahabharata and Vishnu Purana. Other References Anumati is also the name of a River mentioned in the Rig Veda. As per Bhagavad Purana, she was the wife of Dhatr Aditya – one of the Adityas. The word Anumati means divine favor or official approval.

Story of the Crescent Moon on Shiva’s Head

All pictures, paintings and idols of Lord Shiva are depicted with a crescent shaped moon (Chandra) on His head. An interesting incident led to Lord Shiva wearing the moon on his head. Daksha, the master of civilization, had married twenty seven of his daughters – the Nakshatras, lunar asterisms, to moon-god, Chandra. But Chandra ignored the 26 Nakshatrams and was enamored by only one among them the beautiful Rohini. The other daughters complained to Daksha about Chandra’s partisan behavior and this angered Daskha who cursed Chandra that your body of which you are so proud will fade away. Soon the body of Chandra started fading away and he approached Lord Vishnu who directed him to Lord Shiva who is the supreme physician and the keeper of the sacred herb Soma. Lord Shiva helped Chandra in regaining his lost luster and glory with the herb Soma. But Daksha cursed him again and he took the help of Lord Shiva and this continued for a long period. Finally, Shiva asked

Maang Tikka In Hindu Religion – Why Hindu Women Wear Maang Tikka?

Mang Tika is an important ornament of some Hindu communities. It is part of an essential ornament of a bride in Hindu religion. But is there any reason why Hindu women wear Maang Tikka? Most people believe that it is worn as part of beautification. Some suggest there is reason that is associated with good health. There is a belief that wearing Maang Tika helps in controlling the heat in the body. Maang Tikka is made of various metals including gold, sliver and bell metal. It is worn on the head and looks like a hanging pendant. Today the ornament is available in numerous designs. Some are studded with costly stones. Maang Tikka made of diamonds and pearls are in high fashion today. But no one has done a proper research as to do such costly Maang Tikka serve the original purpose.

Are the Holi Water Guns Safe?

Water Guns, known as pichkaris, are an important aspect of Holi celebration. Today, there are various types of pitchkaris available in the market. Some of them have fancy designs and names to attract children. But most of these Holi water guns do not fall into the category of toys. Instead, they are industrial tools. The traditional pichkaris have given way to foreign water guns. Brass cylinder and leather washers were used in traditional pichkaris and they were mainly handicraft products. There was a limit to the size of these water guns. The amount of force exerted through these pichkaris was minimal and the chances of children or adults getting injured were limited. The modern water guns are made of plastic or tin and use nylon washers. They are available in different sizes and designs. They have less weight, larger stroke length and larger diameter. The net result is that large amount of fluid can be delivered in one stroke at a very high speed and pressure. The chances

Kubera Temple at Karnali near Vadodara in Gujarat – Kuber Bhandari Temple

The village Karnali located near Vadodara in Gujarat is famous for a very ancient temple of Lord Kuber Bhandari . Kuber is the treasurer of gods and he is believed to bless devotees with money, wealth and material possessions.  Kuber Bhandari Temple is situated on the banks of Narmada River and is believed to be as old as 2,500 years. Legend has it that Kuber offered prayers to Shiva at Karnali after he lost all his wealth to Ravana. Shiva was pleased with the penance and blessed him to be the treasurer of gods. The shrine has murti of Kuber Bhandari and a swayambhu Shivling and is located in a serene spot. The temple is located around 120 km from Vadodara. Vadodara to Dabhoi is around 55 km. From Dabhoi one has to reach Limpura which is around 60 km. From Limpura it is around 8 km.

Perform only deeds to which no blame attaches – Taittiriya Upanishad

Speak the Truth Do not be careless about truth, Do not be careless about what is right Do not be careless about welfare Do not be careless about propriety Do not neglect your duties to the Gods and ancestors Let your mother be God to you Let your father be God to you Let your teacher be God to you Let a guest be God to you Perform only deeds to which no blame attaches, no other Respect such deed of ours as have been well done no other This is the rule, this the teaching, this is the instruction of the Veda – And so it should be respected Of course law have I spoken Of truth have I spoken Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti Taittiriya Upanishad