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Showing posts from March 22, 2017


Goddess Padmini in Hindu Religion

Goddess Padmini is one among the numerous names of Goddess Lakshmi. Padmini means one who is seated on the Lotus. Lotus flower is a symbol of eternity , plenty and good fortune and Goddess Lakshmi , the Hindu goddess of wealth, is usually depicted with a lotus flower. She is always referred to as the wife of Purushottama . She holds noose and the goad in her upper arms. Two hands are in blessing posture. She wears a garland made of lotuses. She has a gracious appearance. Her complexion is like the heart of a lotus. Her ornaments are in the shape of letters. Devotees surrender her before for protection. She is the source of all that is noblest in the universe. She is the ultimate refuge. Padmavati and Padmamalini are two other names of Goddess Lakshmi that is associated with Lotus Related Symbolism in the Murti or idol of Goddess Ganga – Significance of Iconographic representation of Goddess Ganga

Symbolism in Ankush or Goad in Hinduism – The Axe like Object in the Hand of Ganesha

Lord Ganesha is depicted with an Ankush, or goad, in one of his hands. Sometimes people confuse it to be an axe. Traditionally goad is used to control elephants in India . Symbolically, Ankush is used by Lord Ganesh to drive mankind forward on the path of self realization. Ankush symbolizes the need for the control of the elephant size desires which runs amok and ruins the life of a human being. When desires are not controlled it is like an elephant running amok – destroying everything on the path to fulfill the desire. Ankush is also seen as a symbol which reminds a person for the need to keep the mind in control. The unwanted thoughts that arise in the mind should be controlled by a person just like an Ankush controlling the elephant. In some images, Ankush is depicted along with an axe-like portion. This axe like portion of Ankush cuts the person away from the false identification with the body and helps in realizing that all animate and inanimate is

Panchu Mahadeva Temple at Budhakhol near Buguda in Odisha

Panchu Mahadeva Temple is a cluster of five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at Budhakhol (3 km away from Buguda) in Odisha. The temple is located around 30 km from Aska and around 70 km from Berhampur . The temples are located atop a hill and are surrounded by beautiful hills. A huge statue of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva welcomes one to the area. The small shrines are simple ancient structures. Shiving is worshipped in the temples. Nandi bull is also found near the temples. One has to climb a series of steps to reach the shrine. Special rituals are observed during Shivratri and Kartik Purnima. The month of Shravan attracts scores of devotees. Related Telankhedi Shiv Temple near Nagpur – Telangkhedi Temple

Teachings on Shiva and Shivling by Swami Karapatri

Shiva as the undivided principle is worshipped in the linga. His more manifest aspects are represented in anthropomorphic images. All other deities are part of a multiplicity and are thus worshipped in images. The symbol of the Supreme Man (Purusha), the formless, the changeless, the all-seeing eye, is the symbol of masculinity, the phallus or linga. The symbol of the power that is Nature, generatrix of all that exists, is the female organ, the yoni. Swami Karpatri Pleasure dwells in sex organ (upastha), in the cosmic linga and yoni whose union is the essence of enjoyment. in the world also all love, all lust, all desire is a search of enjoyment. Things are desired for the pleasure they contain. Divinity is the object of love because it is pure enjoyment (Swami Karapatri - Lingo-pasans-rahasya page 153) Shiva Purana says this about Shivling The distinctive sign through which it is possible to recognize the nature of someone is called a Linga (Shivling) (Shiva Purana 1.1