--> Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from February, 2010


Amalaki Ekadashi Story – Amalaki Ekadasi Vrat Katha

Amalaki Ekadashi is observed during the waxing phase of moon in Phalgun month (February – March). An interesting story of Amalaki Ekadashi was once narrated by Sage Vasishta and is found in the Brahmanda Purana. Amalaki Ekadasi Vrat Katha is listened to by those people observing the fast. Once there was a prosperous kingdom named Vaidisa and it was ruled by King Chaitraratha. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu and the people in the entire kingdom were very rich and had no worries. All this was due to the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Once on Amalaki Ekadashi, the king and the people in the kingdom went to a Vishnu Temple located on a riverbank and made offerings to Lord Vishnu and an Amalaki Tree (Gooseberry) in the temple premises. The king also made offerings to Lord Parashurama. The king and his followers remained awake during the night. Then a hungry hunter came there and impressed by the devotion of the people present there he joined in the bhajans and did not s

Edible Holi Colors: Eco–Friendly Holi Gulal Colors in Delhi

If you are looking to play Holi in an eco-friendly way, then this is yet another new option. A group of 20 woman inmates at Tihar's Jail and Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS) in Delhi have come out with nature friendly edible colors for Holi celebrations. The dry colours (gulal) are made using flowers, herbs, arrowroot powder and food grade colour. This eco-friendly color from Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS) is available in select centers in Delhi . Indian Express Reports  "We have used arrowroot powder and flower petals alongwith food grade colour and natural fragrances to make colours that are purely skin friendly and even eatable," says Vishal anand, spokesperson Divya Jyoti Jagrati Sansthan (DJJS), an NGO which has been working with inmates for over 15 years.  Vishalanand says, "Packaging of the colours will be done at par with the international standards and they will be put on sale at a mall in Rajouri Garden and Delhi Ha

Holi in Nandgaon in Mathura

Holi in Nandgaon begins on the tenth day (dasami) of the shukla paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Phalgun month with the return visit of the Gopas of Barsana to play Holi with the Gopis of Nandgaon. In 2024, Lathmar Holi in Nandgaon is on March 19 and March 20. On the previous day, the men of Nandgaon village had gone to Barsana to play the famous Lathmar Holi with the females there. Now the men folk come to play holi in Nandgaon. The men folk of Barsana carry a flag from their village to the Shriji Temple in Nandgaon. The men and women of Nandgaon try to stop them. Colors are thrown on all the people around. The occasion is marked by singing of devotional and folk songs. Women also fend off the men folk of Barsana with bamboo sticks. Nandgaon is around 30 km from Mathura and is on the way to Barsana. You may like to read Holi in Barsana

Book: Divya Darshan of Kanchi Mahaswami - A pictorial biography of Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamigal

Divya Darshan of Kanchi Mahaswami is a pictorial biography of Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamigal published by the Sankara Bhakta Jana Sabha Trust, Chennai is compilation of the photographs of the Mahaswami taken at various points of time. The book, in two volumes, is a unique compilation of more than 500 photographs of the Mahaswami, chronologically arranged, delineating the various events. Sri.G.Vaidyanathan, Secretary, Sri Sankara Bhaktha Jana Sabha Trust who has published this book at No.70, St Marys Road , Abhiramapuram, Chennai-18, PH : 24996823 / 9003076823 Related Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Sayings Inspirational Thought - Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati Swamigal Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati Thoughts

Gulal Gota for Holi Festival Celebrations – Eco-Friendly Holi

Gulal Gota, in the shape of ball, is made using lac and is filled with eco-friendly Arrorate Gulal. This is used to play with colors during Holi festival celebrations especially in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The lac art is an ancient tradition and its roots are traced to the Mahabharata – the famous lac palace created by Kauravas for Pandavas. In another instance Draupadi calls Duryodhana a blind as he could not differentiate between real fruit and lac-made resembling artifacts. The gulal gota for holi festival is made of kusum lac, a high-quality resin product obtained from a tree, which is molded in various shapes mostly small rounded bowls. These bowls are filled with the arrarote gulal, also a eco-friendly colour powder obtained from herbal product and sealed to the perfection. The lac-made gulal gota is very tender and bursts when it is thrown. Gulal Gota is exclusively made by the Maniyar artisan. They were brought to Jaipur in Rajasthan by Maharaja Jai Singh and were settled in

Haridwar Kumbha Mela 2010 Photos – Slide Show

Western media is always desperate to capture the photos of Naga Sadhus – whom they describe as naked Hindu holy man. But for Haridwar Kumbha Mela 2010 the administration had made it strict that no photographers will be allowed in the important bathing ghats in Haridwar where Naga Sadhu Babas will be performing rituals and taking the holy dip during Kumbh Mela. The San Francisco Chronicle has published a beautiful 13-photo slideshow of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2010 that is happening in Haridwar , India . The focus here too is on the Naga Sadhus but the photographs captures the mood the mela. You can view the slide show provided by San Francisco Chronicle here . You may like to read about Naga Sadhus

Tila Ashtami

Tila Ashtami is an auspicious day associated with the Kashmiri Pandit community and is also known as Tile Athum. Tila Ashtami 2024 date is March 17. It is observed on the eighth day (ashtami) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Phalgun month (February – March). The ritual welcomes the spring season with oil lamps. On the Tila Ashtami day earthen lamps are lit and placed at different places in homes and sacred places. The lamps are also floated on rivers atop grass string. The day also marks the end of the Shivratri festival. The last remaining walnuts that were prepared for watuk (Herath or Shivratri) are distributed on the day.

Hanuman Plush Dolls – Some Hindus are not happy

Kridana, an online shopping which concentrates on bringing Great Indian Epics to life for children, has brought out plush dolls based on some of the characters in Ramayana. The most popular among it is the Hanuman Plush Dolls. But US-based Hindu Statesman Rajan Zed and Forum for Hindu Awakening are not happy with the Hanuman Plush Dolls. They have asked the Pennsylvania (USA) based company to recall the Hanuman plush dolls as they see it as inappropriate, upsetting, and denigrating. As per Kridana Hanuman truly keeps his friends close to his heart - and there's no better place for this cuddly, adorable monkey than close to yours. Hanumanji is a super-cuddly 13 inches from crown on head to tip of flexible tail! Included with every doll is a 12-page, full-color storybook hangtag telling your child all about Hanuman's adventures! Hindu Blog View Young Krishna is a friend and philosopher for children – but he is often a playmate. Hanuman is close to the hear

Sant Chaturthi

Sant Chaturthi is an auspicious day observed in Orissa and parts of eastern India . Sant Chaturthi 2024 date is March 13. It is observed on the Chaturthi, or fourth day, during the Shukla Paksha (bright or Waxing phase of moon) in Phalguna month. The day is also auspicious for Ganesha devotees. There is not much information available about this observance. If you have more information about the day please write in the comment section or mail us.

Arundhati Vrata In Chaitra Month

Arundhati Vrata is a ritual observed by certain communities during the first three days of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Chaitra month. Arundhati Vrata 2024 dates are from April 9 to April 11. Arundhati was the wife of Maharishi Vashistha and daughter of Prajapati Kardam and the Vrata is dedicated to her. It is observed by women for peace, prosperity and happy and long married life. On Chaitra Pratipada or the first day during the waxing phase of moon, the woman who has decided to observe the Vrata take bath and prayers are offered to Lord Ganesha, Shiva, Parvati and Arundhati. They take a decision to observe the Vrata. On the second day, a kalash (water filled pot) is worshipped along with durva grass, and images of Arundhati Devi and Vasishta. On the final day special prayers are offered to Ganesh, Shiva and Parvati. The day is observed as Gauri Tritiya in some regions. Giving food to the poor and helping the poor on the day brings prosperity and pe

Vasant Ritu Starting Date 2025 as Per Hindu Panchang

Vasant Ritu, or Basant Ritu, is the spring season. The traditional calendars and Panchangs followed in North India marks the beginning of Vasant Ritu separately. Vasant Ritu 2025 starting date is February 2. It must be noted that some of the festivals associated with spring season (Vasant) like Basant Panchami is held earlier to this date. The date held significance is some regions earlier for farming related activities. It is also an important day with regard to the upcoming Holi Festival. Special rituals are held on the day in certain Lord Krishna temples.

Download Garuda Purana in English for free

Garuda Purana is one of the Sattvika Puranas and is believed to have been first narrated by the Divine Bird Garuda, the Vahana or Vehicle of Lord Vishnu. It narrates the glory of Vishnu and contains chapters like observing Vratas and on rituals dedicated to the dead. Now you can Download Garuda Purana in English in word format for free. This Garuda Purana was first published in 1908 AD and was translated by Manmatha Nath Dutt. You can also read the Purana online. You can get details of the Purana here – Garuda Purana Link – Download Garuda Purana in English in word format It is not a direct download – select the text and then copy it into notepad or Microsoft word.

On Spirituality as a Way of Life in India

Hinduism is a way of life and not a religion – this is an oft repeated statement by Hindus. For a change a non-Hindu discovers spirituality as a way of life in India . Susan L. Smalley, Ph.D., a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, writes in her column in The Huffington Post about her discovery of Spirituality as a Way of Life in India during her first journey to India . Let me define spirituality as 'a sense of connection to something larger than oneself' and in India this attention to spirituality is pervasive. It is evident in every aspect of the culture -- there is a constant integration of reminders that we are part of something larger than the self. It is evident in the shrines that are present on every street corner, created on sides of houses, roadside stops, hilltops, alleyways, the back of tractor trailers, and beyond. Shrines are big, small, colorful, bland, dedicated to Shiva, Ganesh, Hanuman, or thousands of other manifestati

Bengali Phalgun Month in 2024 – Falguna Month in Bangala Calendar in 2024

Phalgun month is the 11th month in a traditional Bengali calendar. The previous month was the Magh Mash. As per Gregorian calendar, the Falguna month begins in Mid February and ends in Mid March. In 2024, Phalgun Month in Bangala Calendar begins on February 14 and ends on March 14, 2024. The current year in Bengali Calendar is 1430. Purnima or full moon day in Phalgun month in 2024 is on February 24. Amavasya or no moon day in Falgun Mash is on March 10. The two Ekadashis in the month are on February 20 and March 6, 2024. Other important and auspicious days in Falguna Month include Saraswati Puja - February 14 Shivratri - March 8 The next month in Bengali calendar is the Chaitra month and is the last month in a Bengali Year.

Shivaratri Quotes and Thoughts – Swami Chidanand Saraswati

Shivaratri is one of the holiest nights of the year. It is the night dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is the one who destroys that which is old and impure, in order to make room for a new creation of that which is pure and divine. Lord Shiva annihilates our egos, our attachments and our ignorance. Many fear Lord Shiva’s destructive capacity, and yet it is destruction for the purpose of regeneration. Without death, life cannot begin anew. Without the annihilation of old habits, attachments and ego, we cannot progress toward the goal of God realization. The night of Shivratri is especially auspicious for winning the battle within ourselves – the battle between the Gods and the Demons, between right and wrong, between poison and nectar, between death and immortality. Let us use our puja, our prayers, our meditations on this night to pray for the divine intervention that within ourselves the good might vanquish the evil, that the nectar within us mi

Hindu Wins Traditional Funeral Pyre Legal Battle In England

A devout Hindu, Davender Ghai, aged 71, had asked for an open-air cremation when he dies but it was denied by Newcastle city council in Britain . Davender Ghai had argued then that denying him an open-air ritual ‘will enslave his soul in endless earthly entrapment.’ This legal debate in England had taken place in March 2009. Now through an appeal in Court of Appeal, Davender Ghai won the right to be cremated on a traditional funeral pyre. Mr Ghai agreed that he was willing to be cremated within existing rules with his funeral pyre ‘enclosed in a structure.’ Dailymail.UK reports Davender Ghai was refused permission for the ceremony by Newcastle City Council and lost a challenge to that decision at the High Court in London in May last year. But today the Master of the Rolls, Lord Neuberger, who headed a panel of three appeal judges, over turned those rulings. He said: … it seems to us that Mr Ghai's religious and personal beliefs as to how his remains should be cr

The Story of Lord Ram and Bhushandi, the crow

While searching for Mata Sita, Lord Ram and Lakshman reached a dense forest. The animals in the forest were expecting the arrival of Lord Ram as they had heard that Lord Ram is Sri Hari Vishnu. Bhushandi a crow that lived in the forest too heard about Lord Ram’s arrival but the crow was not ready to believe that Lord Ram was Vishnu. He went around arguing with others that Lord Ram was a mere human being and this was some trick of the humans to scare us animals. To prove his point, Bhushandi, the crow, started harassing Lord Ram. Finally, Lord Ram started chasing the crow. Bhushandi flew high up in the sky and to the crow’s surprise Lord Ram was their behind him. He flew up into the Himalayas and Lord Ram was there behind him. Bhushandi tried to hide in all places on earth and in sky but Lord Ram was there in all places. Finally, Bhushandi surrendered before Lord Ram and asked for his forgiveness. But Lord Ram picked up the crow and swallowed it!! Immediately,

Valentine’s Day Hindu God Sri Krishna Temple in Tamil Nadu

A unique Hindu temple of Sri Krishna dedicated to the concept of Valentine’s Day will be consecrated in April 2010 at Sholingur in Vellore District in Tamil Nadu (140 km from Chennai). The unique temple which tries to amalgamate the ideas of Saint Valentine and Hindu God Krishna – both synonymous with love – is being built by R. Jaganaath, a former food and beverages manager and the author of a book on cocktails. The temple will have murtis of Lord Krishna, Radha and a cow licking Krishna ’s feet. The Telegraph Calcutta Reports Jaganaath says St Valentine and Krishna make the perfect mix. 'In Hindu mythology, Krishna is the only god who is synonymous with love. During various phases in his life, he was loved by mothers, girls, the Yadavs and virtually by every character in the Mahabharat even though he sided with the Pandavas,' he said. The temple will measure just 36sqft but will have a 12ft-high tower, decked out with a flute and a sadari (image

Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha – Story Associated with Vijaya Ekadasi

Vijaya Ekadashi is observed during waning phase of moon (Krishna Paksha) in January/February. There is a popular story of Vijaya Ekadasi which is associated with Lord Ram’s search for Mata Sita. Vijaya Ekadashi Vrat Katha is listened to by those people observing the fast. After finding out from Hanuman that Mata Sita was at Lanka, Lord Ram, Lakshman and others started to think about an ideal way to cross the ocean and reach Lanka. But crossing the ocean was a near impossible task for them as only Hanuman could fly across the mighty ocean. Then Lakshman came up with the idea that there is an ashram of a famous Sage named Bakadalabhya nearby, he is believed to have had darshan of Lord Brahma, and he will be surely able to guide us.

Kula Mangalbar Ritual

Kula Mangalbar is observed in certain parts of eastern India especially in some parts of Bengal . As the name ‘Mangalbar’ indicates, the ritual is observed on Tuesdays. The Kula Mangalbar ritual is partly dedicated to Surya or Sun God and to two of his sons who are part of regional folklore.  Interestingly, none of the gods from Hindu Pantheon are worshipped on the day. The main Kula Mangalbar ritual involves pujas with seventeen pumpkins and seventeen pumpkin leaves. The pumpkins and the leaves are placed on a copper vessel smeared with red sandalwood paste. An interesting story of Surya or Sun God having twin sons is read or listened to by those performing the ritual.

Swami Viditatmananda Thoughts on Violence or Ahimsa

The word ahimsa is derived from the Sanskrit verb ‘hims’ which means to kill, to injure, or to hurt. The absence of these violent tendencies is ahimsa. The practice of non-violence calls for an understanding of violence and its cause. The principal cause of violence is ignorance of the true nature of the Self that is characterized by happiness, peace and completeness. This ignorance results in insecurity, selfishness, hatred, aggression and competition. Ignorance propels a person to resort to violence to fulfill his egocentric needs. It is for this reason that scriptures advice: “Do not harm any living being.” Why, because I do not want to be harmed. I should not do unto others what I do not want done unto me. In this way, ahimsa becomes a universal law to safeguard the order of the universe. Violence occurs at three levels in deeds, words and thought. The more we increase our needs and the more extravagant we are, the more the violence. An awareness of this would require one

Charan Sparsh – The Importance of Touching Feet of Elders in Hindu Tradition

Charan Sparsh, to touch the feet of elders and take their blessing, is a Hindu tradition that is followed from the Vedic period. The importance of Charan Sparsh is mentioned in the Atharva Veda. Through the act of touching the feet of an elderly person, we show our respect and in return we are blessed. The person performing the Charan Sparsh act learns to be humble, courteous and respectful. Some traditions believe that through Charan Sparsh positive energies are exchanged between two individuals. This exchange of energy helps in building self confidence and humility.

Shrinathji Patotsav at Nathdwara

Shrinathji Patotsav is an auspicious day at Nathdwara and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Shrinathji Patotsav 2024 date is March 3. It is believed that Shrinathji (Lord Krishna) visited the house of Shri Girdhar Ji at Mathura an ardent devotee of Shrinathji. The Patotsav day is of great significance as the day reminds people what Bhakthi can bring to your home – the Lord Himself. The day is observed on the seventh day of the Phalgun Krishna paksha as per traditional calendar followed in North India . Shrinathji played Holi with the family of Shri Girdhar Ji and accepted all that was offered by the pious devotee – the family offered all the gold and all the valuables that were available. It is said that Shri Girdhar Ji asked Shrinathji not to leave anything behind and to please his devotee; He took all that was offered. Balls or sticks made using flowers are offered on the day. Shrinathji Patotsav ritual is also part of the soon arriving Holi festival.

Goddess Subachani

Goddess Subachani is an incarnation of Goddess Shakti and is worshipped mainly in the rural areas in eastern parts of India , especially in Bengal and Assam . Mother Subachani is closely associated with Goddess Durga and is propitiated to avoid calamities, distress, difficulties and worries.  In some regions, she is associated with the Duck and is also known as the Duck Mother – this suggest that she must have been the patron deity who helped small farmers and villagers with their domesticated birds like duck etc. Goddess Subachani is depicted as having four faces – looking four ways. She has the complexion of red lotus. She is calm and composed and holds a Kamandalu (water pot carried by Hindu saints). She is usually worshipped on Tuesdays and Saturdays (early morning in Sundays). There are numerous folk stories associated with her. Most stories narrate how a devotee who worshipped Goddess Subachani was able to overcome difficulties through her divine inte

The Importance of Japa in Hinduism

Japa, or Japam, is the repetition of a mantra or sacred verse. According to Agni Purana, the syllable ‘ja’ destroys the birth and death cycle and the syllable ‘pa’ destroys all the sins. The Japa is has the potential to unite the soul with the Supreme Being. It has miraculous powers which can infuse us with courage and confidence. Japa is the repetition of the name of that in which we believe and it gives us confidence and encourages us to rise above troubles. The Japa can be a repetition of the name of a God in the Hindu pantheon, or a mantra like the Gayatri Mantra or simply ‘ OM. ’ The Japa is also seen as one of the ways to quieten the mind and also to gain control over the wandering mind. You may also like to read About Japamala