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Showing posts from May 18, 2016


English Translation of Bhaja Govindam by Adi Shankara

Composed by Adi Shankaracharya, Bhaja Govindam, or Bhajagovindam, is a popular devotional song in Hinduism. The 31 stanza composition in Sanskrit is not just a devotional song. Each word in Bhaja Govindam is pregnant with meaning and the composition is a sort of short synopsis of the teachings of Sanatana Dharma. This English translation of Bhaja Govindam was found in a magazine published in Autumn 2003 by the Sivananda Ashram. The magazine also contained an article on the song by Dr M.N. Nandakumara. Sadly, I was not able to locate the name of the translator. Adi Shankaracharya’s Bhaja Govindam 1 Seek Govinda, Seek Govinda, Seek Govinda, O Fool! When the appointed times comes (death), grammar rules surely will not save you. 2 O Fool! Give up the thirst to possess wealth. Create in your mind, devoid of passions, thoughts of the Reality. With whatever you get, entertain your mind, be content. 3 Seeing the full bosom of young maidens and their navel, do

Tamisram Hell in Hinduism

Details regarding Hell in Hinduism are found in the Puranas especially the Garuda Purana. Tamisram Hell is mainly used to punish those people who rob others of their wealth, wives and children. In the Tamisram Hell, people are bound with ropes by attendants of Yama and beaten till they faint. After they recover their senses, the beating is repeated. Those who try to escape are bound and pushed again into the hell. This concept of heaven and hell in Hindu tradition is based on Puranas. Such stories and incidents in Puranas are meant to keep human beings disciplined on earth. Upanishads state that hell and heaven are on earth and lucky are those who realize the true self and attain bliss here. 

Vindhyavasini Durga – Goddess Vindhya Vasini

Vindhyavasini Durga is one of the most popular forms of Durga in North India and this form of Goddess Shakti is associated with the Vindhya Mountains . Vindhyavasini Durga is widely believed to be residing in the tough mountains of Vindhyas and it is her favorite abode. The word Durga also means ‘not easily accessible’ due to her residing in the Vindhyachal. Stories of Vindhyavasini Durga are found in the Vamana Purana. Vindhayavasisni Durga is referred as Sashi Mukhi – the moon-faced. She has the glow of the lightning. On her tapering crown, there is a crescent. She is depicted sometimes as three-eyed. In some icons and images she is depicted as having four arms but in some she has eight arms. When she has four arms; they carry conch, discus, and two hands in the posture of blessing and protection. When she is eight-armed she carries discus, conch, sword, mace, arrow, bow, trident and noose. She is mostly accompanied by a lion , which stands by her side and

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Sholingur in Vellore District of Tamil Nadu

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Sholingur is dedicated to Narasimha Avatar of Vishnu. Legend has it that Narasimha Swamy gave darshan to Saptarishis here for a split of second and they attained moksha. It is also believed that Prahlada had darshan of Yoga Narasimha Murti here. There is also a shrine dedicated to Hanuman here. Anjaneya helped a king and saved his kingdom by annihilating a demon on a Sunday. Sunday is therefore great importance at the shrine of Hanuman here. The water in Chakra Teertham here contains medicinal properties. The temple is divided into three separate shrines: Big Hill Temple – shrines of Yoga Narasimha Swamy Shrine and Amirthavalli is located here. Small Hill temple – Murti of Hanuman is located here. Town Shrine – Shrines of Adi Keshava, Bakhtositha Swamy, Alwars and Andal are located here.