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Showing posts from January 15, 2017


Pancha Vriksha – Five Trees in the Garden of Indra

In Hinduism, it is believed that there are five trees in the garden of Indra , the king of Devas, with numerous medicinal properties. A couple of them are also believed to be wish fulfilling trees. The five trees in heaven or swarga are together known as Pancha Vriksha. They are: Mandara – Erythrina Stricta This tree is believed to cure physical ailments and it also reduces mental stress. Parijata – Nyctanthes Arbor Tristis Believed to have appeared during the churning of the ocean. This tree was brought to Dwarka by Sri Krishna at the insistence of his wife, Satyabhama. Samtanaka (not yet identified) Associated with fertility. Hari Chandana – Sandalwood Known for fragrance and cooling effects. Kalpa Vriksha or Kalpataru – (not yet identified) This is known as a wish fulfilling tree in Hindu scriptures. Indra took it to heaven when it appeared during the Samdudra Manthan (churning of ocean). Related Symbolism in the Six Heads of Muruga

Vetala In Hinduism – Story Origin Of Vetal - Temples - Common Beliefs

Vetala (Betal) is a very powerful semi-demonic being in Hinduism. Vetal are also worshipped in some temples and can animate dead human bodies. They take possession of the corpse in the cremation ground and acts through it. He is a favorite deity of tantriks and practitioners of black magic as per some Hindu religion scholars. As per Hindu scriptures, Vetalas are attendants of Virabhadra – the fierce being that was created by Shiva. They have numerous magical powers. It is also believed that Vetalas are subordinates to Hindu deities like Goddess Kali, Hanuman, Ganesha and Virabhadra. In some regions, Vetala is counted among lowly spirits who heads Bhuta, Preta and Pishacha. Story Origin Of Vetala In the epics and Puranic literature Vetala is counted among the Shiva ganas. He is considered as an incarnation of Bhairava himself according to a legend in the Shiva Purana. According to the story in the Shiva Purana, one day Goddess Girija and Shiva were enjoying each other'