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Showing posts from May, 2010


Read Padma Purana in Hindi Online – Padma Puran Online

Padma Purana is one of the eighteen Puranas. It is one of the Mahapuranas. Padma Puran is an important text as it mentions about some of the most important prayers and mantras. This Padma Purana in Hindi is provided by Ved Puran website. You can read it online but there is no download option. You can read Padma Purana online here at Ved Puran. You may also like to read Read Vedas Online in Hindi with Text, Meaning and Commentary

Website Dedicated to Agnihotra – A Vedic Fire Healing – Homa Therapy

Agnihotra is the process of purifying the atmosphere through specially prepared fire. This healing fire comes from the Vedas and is found in Ayurveda. There is a popular website dedicated to Agnihotra and Homa Therapy maintained by Fivefold Path Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to the propagation of Agnihotra and the Fivefold Path based in Virginia , USA . The website contains all the information on Agnihotra – which heals the environment. It can be used for personal healing, gardening and farming, and in psychotherapy. The website also has a newsletter titled Satsang. You can find the website dedicated to Agnihotra here.

Shukla Devi Pujan – Sukla Devi Puja

Hindu Goddess Shukla Devi is an incarnation of Goddess Shakti. Shukla here means ‘white.’ Shukla Devi Puja 2024 date is June 14. It is observed on the Ashtami or eighth day during the Shukla Paksha of Jyeshta month. Worship of this particular manifestation of Goddess Shakti is more popular with Shakta worshippers. Special pujas and rituals are held in important sacred spots associated with Goddess Shukla Devi.

Rajagopuram of Sri Kalahasti Temple Collapses

The Gopuram of Sri Kalahasti Temple in Andhra Pradesh collapsed at 8:30 PM on May 26, 2010. The tower was more than 500 years old and was 135 meter in height. The main temple of Sri Kalahasti , dedicated to Hindu God Shiva, was not affected in the collapse. Deccan Chronicle Reports The gopuram had been in trouble for over a decade with stones and clay falling off from the structure. A few years ago, a tourist was killed when a stone fell on him. Though civil society groups had complained about the tower’s condition, the temple authorities did nothing except undertaking minor repairs. The neglected gopuram had become a shelter for tramps, sadhus and monkeys. The gopuram, with seven stories, was built in 1516 and stood to the right side of the temple and was a testimony to the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Kings. Till three decades ago, it was the practice of devotees to pass through it after taking the bath in Swarnamukhi River . A researcher from the SV University said

Vidur Niti – Hindu Text Vidura Niti

Vidur Niti is the advice given by Vidura to Dhritarashtra in the Mahabharata. It is found in the Udyoga Parva of the Mahabharat. Vidura was the young brother of Dhritarashtra and a minister in the court of Hastinapura. The teachings found in Vidur Niti were given by Vidura, to Dhritarashtra, when the latter was confused whether to support his son Duryodhana or Yudhishtira, his younger brother Pandu’s son. The advices mainly concentrate on the right conduct and on how to practice dharma. Some of the advices in Vidur Niti are: The arrow shot from a bow may or may not kill but the intellectual power shot from an intelligent man can even uproot a nation. A person should use his wisdom for dharmic mission and also for prosperity in a dharmic way. Never start any work without a deep understanding about the work. Modern day scholars are of the opinion that the advices given in Vidur Niti provide solutions to management problems.

12-year-old Kerala Girls Installs Murti in Temple for Worship as Per Tantric and Vedic Rules

Murti installation in a Hindu Temple is performed by male priests belonging to the Brahmin community. Occasionally, revolutionaries have broken this male-dominated domain and have performed installation of idols. But this is perhaps the first time that a Brahmin girl has performed the Murti Installation Ceremony or the Prathishta Karmam as per Tantric and Vedic Rules. Hindustan Times of Reports Breaking a centuries-old right traditionally held by male priests, a 12-year-old girl in Kerala has installed the idol of goddess Durga in a temple near here. The girl, Jyotsna, performed the idol installation rites — known in local parlance as prathishta karmam — on Sunday at Painknnikkavu Bhadhrakali temple with full support of senior members of her family. As per temple traditions followed by Kerala for centuries, only a few Namboodiri (a caste) families have the right to install idols in new or renovated temples and they are known as thanthris (traditional high priests

Book: Spy Network in Mahabharata

The book titled ‘Spy Network in Mahabharata’ looks into the role of the secret agents in the Mahabharata. Written by Ramendra Narayan Sanyal, former Joint Director, Intelligence Bureau, Government of India, the book tries to unravel the methods used by different characters in the Mahabharat to gather intelligence. Kauravas had employed secret agents to keep track of the movement of Pandavas right from the beginning. And the numerous attacks and attempts to murder the Pandavas were based on the information provided by the secret agents. The author claims that both Pandavas and Kauravas were aggressively recruiting secret agents to collect information regarding war preparations and tactics during the 18-day Mahabharata war. The author claims that the efficient secret agents recruited by Lord Krishna had played an important role in the success of Pandavas in the war. Spy Network in Mahabharata Written by Ramendra Narayan Sanyal Published by Shipra Publications Price –

Jillellamudi Amma Quotes

My life is infinite and my history is limited. Pure empathy for the suffering of others is the hallmark of divinity. The Darkness which is the basis of light is the real Light. If you ask, "what is true and what is false?" I say all that appears is true. We are using the name 'God'. For whom? For what kind of a being? We don't know what HE is like. We don't know the meaning of that word 'God'. 'God' means 'what is', 'Truth, Reality (Asalu). What is Reality? 'What is', 'what is', is God. Jillellamudi Amma – a great spiritual teacher from South India

Sea Surfing Ashram at Mulki – Kaliya Mardana Krishna Ashram at Mangalore in Karnataka

The unique Sea Surfing Ashram retreat is part of the Kaliya Mardana Krishna Ashram at Mulki North of Managlore in Karnataka. People here do sea surfing as part of their spiritual experience. The Kaliaya Mardana Krishna Ashram is managed by Lord Krishna Devotees who follow the Gaudiya Vaishnava Tradition of Hinduism and are known as the Surfing Swamis. The community has strict rules and there are no night parties etc that is associated with Surfing. The life at the Ashram starts at 4:00 AM with Hare Krishna Chant. This unique sea surfing Ashram and retreat was founded by Daruka Dasa, a native of San Diego , US , with two others and his gurus – Swami Narasingha and Haridas Babuji. “For some people, surfing is almost a spiritual thing,” Swami Narasingha said, explaining the link between the sport and his interpretation of Hinduism. “It’s to do with a very mellow connection to the ocean” – the connection is more clearly written on a painted surfboard in the courtyard of the Ashr

Bodhayana Amavasya - Bodayana Amavasi or No Moon

Bodhayana Amavasya is the no moon day or Amavasi calculated a day earlier than the normal Amavas date. This particular observance is also limited to a certain section of Vaishnava Sect. Usually, in such cases the major part of the Amavasi will fall on the previous day but it ends on the next day after sunrise. There is a popular story associated with Bodhayana Amavasya, which is related to Sahadeva, one of the Pandava brothers. Sahadeva is believed to have had the capacity to do astrological predictions. It is said that Duryodhana before the start of the Mahabharata war approached Sahadeva and asked for an auspicious time to perform puja dedicated to Goddess Durga for success in war. Sahadeva suggested the next Amavasi day. But the other Pandava brothers were unhappy with this gesture of Sahadeva. But Sahadeva said that he will not cheat anyone as it is against his Dharma. Then Krishna is believed to have helped the Pandavas by moving the Amavasya a day earlier. And this

Ramayana and Mahabharata Board Games For Children

Discover Ramayana and Explore Mahabharata are two board games created by Kanaka, an ex-National Institute of Design student and a DJ Academy faculty for Industrial Design. Kanaka’s games are being brought into the market by Creative’s. Discover Ramayana is designed in a way that the kids will have good knowledge about Ramayan once they start playing the game. Explore Mahabharata also uses the board game format to help children learn more about incidents and characters in the epic. You can read more about Kanaka in this article published in express buzz . You may also like to read Games Based on Ramayana

New Tirupati Balaji Temple at Vyalikaval in Bangalore

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) will open a Balaji temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara at Vyalikaval in Bangalore on May 23, 2010 with similar pujas held at the Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple . The temple has been constructed as per agama shastra under the guidance of TTD’s temple architects and stapathis. Apart from the murtis of Lord Venkateswara, Padmavathi Ammavaru, the temple will also have murtis of Andal, Ganesha, Rama, Seeta Mata, Lakshmana, Anjaneya, Radha and Krishna . P Shyamaraju, president of the local advisory committee of TTD, said that the objective of constructing the temple was to cater to the needs of the devotees in Bangalore . “The installation of the idols will be held between May 21 and 23 and the temple will be open for public on May 23 from 1 pm,” Shyamaraju said. He said the TTD had spent Rs 12 crore for the construction of the temple.  Stating that the two-decade old dream of Bangaloreans will be realised with the inauguration of th

Story of Sashti Fasting

Sashti Fasting, or Shasti Vritham, is dedicated to Hindu God Muruga and is observed on the sixth day of the Shukla Paksha, or waxing phase of moon, in a Hindu lunar calendar. Muruga is also known as Kartik, Skanda, Subrahmanya and Shanmugha. There is an interesting story behind observing the Sashti Fasting. One of the most important divine acts associated with Lord Muruga is the annihilation of demons led by Surapadma. This divine act to restore dharma is known as Soorasamharam. Demon Surapadma had numerous powers and one of it was to make himself and the one fighting him invisible. He employed this power when he was engaged in a fight with Muruga. Goddess Parvati and other devas who were unable to see Muruga due to this demonic influence observed a fast. Finally Muruga appeared before them on the next day after annihilating demon Surapadma. Goddess Parvati and other devas broke their fast. It is believed that devotees started observing Sashti fasting after this incident.

Maithili Divas

Maithili Divas is observed as the birthday of Mata Sita, who is also known as Maithili. In 2024, Maithili Divas date is May 16. Maithili is Jagajjanani - mother of universe and King Janaka found her in Mithila region in India . The day is also observed as Janaki Jayanti and Sita Navami. The day is of great significance to the Maithili speaking community across the country. Maithili Divas is observed on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Vaishakh month (April – May). Maithili is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and is worshipped in temples dedicated to Lord Ram.

Mrityunjaya Homam – Maha Mrityunjaya Homa

Mrityunjaya Homam is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is performed to remove and lessen life threatening accidents and illness. The popular belief is that the Homam is performed to get victory over death by offering puja and prayers to Lord Shiva. Some people also perform the Maha Mrityunjaya Homa to ward off troubles caused by enemies. The puja items that are used in Maha Mrityunjaya Homa vary from community to community and from region to region. Some of the usual puja items are durva grass, amrita herb, twigs of banyan tree, sesame, Karuka leaves, cow’s milk, a sweet, chamatha twigs and cooked rice. The main mantra chanted is the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra OM Trayambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanam Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritat The homam is performed with the help of a learned priest or it is performed in the form of archana or as a ritual in Shiva temples. You may also like to read Ashtadravya – the eight puja items used in

Book: Hindu Narratives on Human Rights

The book titled ‘Hindu Narratives on Human Rights’ by Arvind Sharma explores the Hindu tradition of the right to own property, the rights of children, women's rights, and animal rights. The book also explores the world of Hindu ethics and also the rights and ethics mentioned in the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The author studies and tries to find answers to the questions raised by Draupadi on rights and ethics in the court of Hastinapura to which she was forcibly brought by the Kauravas. The dispute between the Pandavas and Kauravas also is seen by the author as a dispute on the right to own property. Arvind Sharma analysis some of the famous Hindu scriptures and secular texts to prove the freedom of rights provided by Sanatana Dharma to both men and women. By depicting the examples of several women mentioned in the scriptures, the author proves that women in Hindu society enjoyed right to education, to study scriptures, right to property and the right to marry the person of

Prahlad Jani Has Not Eaten, Drunk or Excreted in over 70 years – this Hindu Man Challenges Science

Prahlad Jani, also known as Mataji or Chunri wale mataji, is an ardent devotee of Goddess Amba . He lives at Ambaji Town in Gujarat . Prahlad Jani claims he has not eaten or drunk water for the past 70 years and during this period he has not passed urine or stools. Now he is making news around the world as New Delhi-based Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS) analyses him in isolation. He had undergone a similar test in November 2003 and his claim was found to be genuine. Now the Defence Institute study also claims he is genuine. News about Prahlad Jani appeared in respected newspapers around the world around 2 weeks ago. Now Outlook India has come out with more details and an interview. As Jani’s devotees tell it, DIPAS scientists and doctors began as sceptics but were dumbfounded on several occasions, such as when they requested Jani for a 50 ml urine sample. He expressed that exact amount from the 100 ml in his bladder and appeared to absorb the re

Narasingha Navratri – Narasimh Navratra

Narasingha Navratri, or Narasimh Navratra, is dedicated to Hindu God Narasimha, the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu – popularly known as ‘man-lion’ or ‘half man – half lion’ incarnation. The festival of nine days coincides with the Narasimha Jayanti which falls on the last of the nine-day festival. Narasingha Navratri is nine days of rituals, celebrations and prayers and is observed in many Narasimh temples in Maharashtra and parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. In some regions devotees take out processions to the temples. Some temples and devotees organize Narasingh Yatra.

Planning Pregnancy through the Hindu Vedic and Ayurvedic Way – From Intercourse to Delivery

There are hospitals and Ayurvedic centers in India that perform Ayojit Garbhadaan or Planned Pregnancy, which they claim is part of Vedic living. The entire process of the planned Hindu Vedic and Ayurvedic Way of giving birth to a child starts before the sexual intercourse and includes Panchkarma Therapy, intercourse based on astrological time and calculations, yajna and rituals for healthy conception, ayurvedic healthy dietary schedule and herbal medicines at various stages of pregnancy... and concludes only after the baby eats the first food. Yahoo news writes about Ayojit Garbhadaan or Planned Pregnancy at PN Patel Ayurvedic Hospital at Nadiad, Gujarat A decade ago an NRI couple from Canada lost their only child, an eight-year-old daughter due to an incurable genetic disorder. After subsequent medical screening of the couple, doctors strictly advised the mother (who had genetic problems too), not to conceive again to avoid a fatality of her child again. Ten years later

Chandan Shashti

Chandan Sashti is observed during two different periods in India . Some communities in eastern parts of India observe it during the waxing phase of moon in the month of Vaishakha. Chandan Shashti 2024 date is May 13. Kashmir Pandits observe a ritual called Chandan Sashti in the dark fortnight of Bhadon month. Special rituals are observed on the day in eastern parts of India . Some people keep a fast.

Book on the Hindu Sun God – Surya

The book titled ‘The Sun God – Soorya’ written by Srikant and published by Integral Books explores the symbolism associated with the worship of Hindu God Surya. The book aims to understand sun worship through the eyes of science and religion. There are chapters on the history of the worship of Surya and on the important sun temples associated with Hindu religion but majority of the chapters tries to unravel the symbols and hidden secrets of Sun worship. From the flyer of the book Worship of Sun-God has been a universal phenomenon. It inspired a relentless philosophical quest that probed into the deeper realities of Nature. From it emerged life-evolving practices of physical and spiritual culture such as the Soorya-namaskaara, Sooryopaasana, etc., which assume much relevance today in bestowing harmony to the tension-ridden modern life. The Sun-God rides in a chariot drawn by seven horses, each with a hue of the rain-bow, and all with white hooves. Such symbology as this i

Antya Pushkarini – Ritual Bathing in Vaishaka, Ashada, Kartik and Magha Months

Antya Pushkarini is a unique bathing ritual observed by some Hindu communities in South India, especially in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and parts of Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra . In the Antya Pushkarini ritual, devotees perform bath before sunrise in the months of Vaishakh, Ashada, Kartik and Magha as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in the above regions. It is believed that the Antya Pushkarini ritual is good for health. If a person is not able to take bath on all days in the above said month, he can do it on Trayodashi (13 th day of fortnight), Chaturdashi (14 th day of fortnight) and Purnima or full moon day.

Jyeshta Ashtami Vrat in Jammu and Kashmir

Jyeshta Ashtami is the eighth day during the waxing phase of moon (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Jyeshta (June – July) and is considered highly auspicious by Hindu communities in Jammu and Kashmir . Jyeshta Ashtami Vrat 2024 date is June 14. The famous Kheer Bhawani Mela is held on the day. The day is highly auspicious in temples and sacred spots associated with Goddess Shakti. Apart from the Kheer Bhawani Mela, the day is also auspicious to Shukla Devi. Triloknath Ashtami is also held on the day. Apart from visiting the sacred spots and making offering and prayers, some devotees also observe partial fast on the day.

Helicopter Services to Kedarnath during Chardham Yatra

Chardham Yatra in Himalayas comprises of the annual pilgrimage to Badrinath Temple , Kedarnath Temple , Gangotri and Yamunotri in Uttarakhand , India from May to October. Helicopter Services are available from Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd. (PHHL) to have darshan at the Kedarnath Dham in Char Dham, which begins from May 16, 2010. Pawan Hans has resumed operations from Phata and Agustmuni by 5-seater Bell 407/ Bell 206L4 helicopters. The Phata helipad is located beyond Agustmuni and is also linked by a good motorable road on the way to Kedarnath. From this season, Pawan Hans is introducing a helicopter service from Dehradun heliport also to the shrine via Phata/Gauchar. PHHL has made it convenient for pilgrims to visit the Kedarnath Ji shrine at a reasonable ticket cost of Rs.7500 with priority darshan. Devotees would get one hour thirty minutes at Kedarnath for darshan. You can book tickets and get more details about the helicopter Services to Kedarnath here at the

Treta Yugadi

Treta Yugadi is believed to be the day when Treta Yuga started. It is the second among the four Yugas in Hindu Religion – Satya (or Krita Yuga), Treta, Dwapara and Kali Yuga, which is the present era. It is believed that Treta Yuga began on the Akshaya Tritiya day . For some communities it is the day after Diwali. Yuga is defined as epoch or era and there are four yugas as per Hindu tradition in a cycle; after which there is a complete dissolution and the cycle is again repeated. Treta is the second yuga and Brahmanda Purana suggests it lasted for 1296000 human years. Treta Yugadi celebrates the day when the Treta Yuga began.

Kannada Vaishaka Masam 2024 – Vaishaka Masa in Hindu Kannada Calendar in Karnataka in 2024

Vaishakha Masam is the second month in a traditional Hindu Kannada calendar followed in Karnataka. Kannada Vaishaka Masa 2024 is from May 9 to June 6. Akshaya Tritiya, Basavanna Jayanthi, Parashuram and Narasimha Jayanti are some of the important days in the month. Sankatahara Chaturthi monthly fasting dedicated to Lord Ganesh is on May 26 – Moonrise is at 10:25 PM – Indian standard time. Ekadasi Fasting Dates in Vaishakh Masa are: Mohini Ekadasi - May 19 Apara Ekadasi - June 2/3 Pradosh Fasting Dates in Vaishakh Masa are: Pradosh vrat - May 20 Pradosh Vrat - June 4 Kannada Vaishakh Month 2024 Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha Kannada Vaishak Masa 2024 Shukla Paksha (Waxing phase of moon) is from May 9 to May 23. Kannada Vaishakha Masam 2024 Krishna Paksha (Waning phase of moon) is from May 24 to June 6. Purnima in Kannada Vaishakh Month Vaishakh Purnima or Full moon day is on May 23.  The Purnima begins at 6:48 PM on May 22 and ends at 7:23 P

Kubera Lakshmi Puja

Kubera Lakshmi Puja is performed for prosperity, wealth and materialistic gains. The puja is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity, and Kuber, who is the treasurer of wealth. Kubera Lakshmi puja is mainly performed during Akshaya Tritiya and Diwali. In some regions, the Kubera Lakshmi Puja is performed by priests and it begins in the morning and ends in the evening. Those people who perform the puja independently keep a painting or photo or idol of Goddess Lakshmi along with Sudarsana Kubera Yantra and perform the puja. All the usual offerings and puja items used in regular Lakshmi puja are used in this particular puja too. Kubera Lakshmi Puja Mantra The mantra that is chanted during the puja is – Kubera Twam Danadeesam Gruha Te Kamala Sithta Tam Devem Prehayasu Twam Madgruhe te Namo Namah. There is a popular belief that Kubera himself will pray to Goddess Lakshmi for his devotees.

Vivekachudamani pdf Download - English Translation of Adi Shankaracharya’s Vivekachoodamani

Adi Shankaracharya’s Vivekachudamani which means ‘crest-jewel of discrimination’ is a masterpiece on Advaita Vedanta. This particular English translation of Vivekachoodamani in pdf format contains the entire text and notes and is translated by Swami Madhavananda. The book was published in 1921. Link – You can download the Vivekachudamani pdf here – you need to have pdf reader installed. Link – You can read Vivekachudamani in book format here.

Telugu Vaishakh Masa 2024 – Vaishaka Masam in Telugu Calendar in 2024

Vaishakh Masa is the second month in a traditional Hindu Telugu calendar followed in Andhra Pradesh. Telugu Vaishakha Masam 2024 is from May 9 to June 6. Some of the auspicious days in the month include Akshaya Tritiya, Narasimha Jayanti, Vyasa Jayanti and Kurma Jayanti. Sankatahara Chaturthi monthly fasting dedicated to Lord Ganesh is on May 26 – Moonrise is at 10:25 PM – Indian standard time. Vaishakha  Masam Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha Vaishakha Masam Telugu calendar 2024 Shukla Paksha (Waxing phase of moon) is from May 9 to May 23. Vaishak Masa 2024 Krishna Paksha (Waning phase of moon) is from May 24 to June 6. Purnima in Telugu Vaishakh month Vaishakh Purnima or Full moon day is on May 23.  The Purnima begins at 6:48 PM on May 22 and ends at 7:23 PM on May 23.  Purnima Fasting is on May 22. Amavasya  in Telugu Vaishakh month Vaishakh Amavasya or No moon day is on  June 6, 2024 The Amavasi begins at 7:55 PM on June 5 and ends at 6:07 PM on Jun

Vaisakh Mala Amabasya

Vaisakh Mala Amabasya is the no moon day or Amavasya in Vaishakh or Baisakh month in Odisha. Vaisakh Mala Amabasya 2024 date is May 8. Baisakh is also the first month in a traditional Odia calendar. Please note that some people refer to Amavasya as no moon and some as new moon. The day is of importance to many Hindu communities. Some communities observe a fast on the day. It is the darkest day in a Hindu calendar. It is also considered the apt day to perform pujas and rituals dedicated to dead ancestors.

Gujarati Vaishakh Maas 2024 – Vaishakh Month in Traditional Gujarat Calendar in 2024

Vaishakh Maas is the seventh month in a traditional Gujarati calendar followed in Gujarat . Vaishakh Maas 2024 is from May 9 to June 6. The month is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The most auspicious days in the month include Akshaya Tritiya, Narasimha Jayanti and Shani Jayanti. It is Vikram Samvat 2080. Ekadasi Fasting Dates in Vaishakh Maas Mohini Ekadasi - May 19 Apara Ekadasi - June 2/3 Pradosh in Gujarati Vaishakh Month Pradosh vrat - May 20 Pradosh Vrat - June 4 Sankashti Chaturthi monthly fasting dedicated to Lord Ganesha is on May 26 – Moonrise is at 10:25 PM – Indian standard time. Vaishak Masa Sud Padvo and Vad  Padvo Vaishak Gujarati calendar 2024 Sud Padvo (Waxing phase of moon) is from May 9 to May 23. Vaishaka Maas 2024 Vad Padvo Paksha (Waning phase of moon) is from May 24 to June 6. Purnima in Gujarati Vaishakh month Vaishakh Purnima or Full moon day is on May 23.  The Purnima begins at 6:48 PM on May 22 and ends at 7:23 PM on May 23. 

Snake in Dream Interpretation – Naga in Dream Meaning in Hindu Religion

Seeing snake or Naga in dream is very common for many people. In Hindu religion there is an ancient text known as Swapna Shastra which gives interpretation and meaning of various dreams. Snake in a dream is considered good as per the Swapna Shastra. Most of the dreams involving snakes are imagined or is the result of seeing, talking or watching scenes involving snakes in the day or before sleeping. Such dreams are to be ignored and are considered as mere play of the mind. Two dreams that are specifically mentioned in the Swapna Shastra that demands attention are – Snake biting the person who is having dream and the second one is the person biting or eating a snake. Another important  factor that is mentioned is a person receiving wealth if he sees snake standing with its hood open. A dream of a snake biting a person is interpreted as resulting in positive health like curing of an ailment or an important disease. The person biting a snake in the dream has

Download Katha Upanishad PDF in English Translation and Commentary

Katha Upanishad is one of the most popular Upanishads and is in the form of a dialogue between young Nachiketas and Yama, the Hindu God of death. This present English commentary and translation of Katha Upanishad in PDF format for download is by Swami Paramananda. This is a very old translation and was first published in 1919 and is the English translation from the original Sanskrit. In the Upanishad, young Nachiketas learns about life, death and about Brahman from Yama You can find the Katha Upanishad in PDF format here. You can save it if you have Adobe Acrobat or any other PDF reader installed in your browser.

Ganesh Chaturdasi – Ganesh Chaudas 2024 in Jammu and Kashmir

Ganesh Chaturdasi is a unique ritual dedicated to Hindu God Ganesha and is observed mainly in Kashmir . Ganesh Chaturdashi 2024 date is May 22. The festival and ritual is also known as Ganesh Chaudas. Please note that this festival is entirely different from the Ganesh Chaturthi observed in (August – September), which is the birthday of Ganesh. Ganesh Chaturdashi is observed on the 14 th day during the waxing phase of moon or Shukla Paksha of the Vaishakh month. Ganpatyar Yatra to the famous Ganesh Temple in Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir takes place on the day. Special pujas and rituals are observed in Ganesh Temples associated with the Kashmiri Hindus and Kashmiri Pandits.

Sadhguru on the Symbolism of the Third Eye of Shiva

If I show you this side of my hand, you cannot see the other side of it. This is so about everything. You always see everything in parts. Even if you look at a grain of sand you will look at only one part of it. All the information that is in your head right now has entered through the five sense organs in bits and pieces. It cannot perceive even a grain of sand in its totality. It perceives everything in parts. If you add the bits you will not get a whole. You will only have bits. No matter how many bits you gather they will never become a whole. This is why Shiva has always been represented as one with three eyes. When we say "the third eye", we are not talking about your forehead opening up. It is about seeing beyond the sensory eyes. It means that the ability to see has transcended the limitations of sense perception. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

Adi Shakti – Hindu Goddess Adi Shakti

There are many who wants to know who is Adi Shakti or which is the Goddess Adi Shakti in Hinduism. Adi Shakti is the Mother Goddess who gives birth, nurtures, sustains and finally transforms all animate and inanimate in the universe. In nutshell, She is the energy that is manifest in everything. She is popularly referred as Goddess Shakti and she takes numerous forms to uphold dharma and protect Her devotees. Some of the most popular of her manifestations are Goddess Sati, Parvati, Durga and Kali. Adi Shakti is known by numerous names and all her incarnations are for restoring Dharma. There are also schools of thought that suggest that Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati are manifestations of Adi Shakti. Another school of thought suggests that all women are incarnation of Adi Shakti.

Book – Ramakrishna Paramhamsa: The Sadhaka of Dakshineswar

Ramakrishna Paramhamsa: The Sadhaka of Dakshineswar is yet another book on Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. This new book on one of the most widely written saints India traces the several contradictions of nineteenth-century Bengal that the man embodied – between his Vaishnava roots and Shakti worship; between bhakti and gyan; and between a guru and sadhaka (spiritual practitioner). Ramakrishna Paramhamsa: The Sadhaka of Dakshineswar is written by Amiya P. Sen. From the flyer of the book Amiya P. Sen situates Sri Ramakrishna within the emerging social and cultural anxieties of the time as also the larger Hindu-Brahminical world that he was born into. This book also carries a brief but critical introduction to the moral and philosophical underpinnings of Ramakrishna’s vibrant theology that will be of interest to lay readers as well as those especially interested in the cultural and religious history of modern Bengal . Ramakrishna Paramhamsa: The Sadhaka of Dakshi

A Homecoming Spectacle – A Documentary on Durga Puja Festival

‘A Homecoming Spectacle’ is a documentary on Durga Puja Festival in Kolkata Sunanda K. Sanyal, professor of art history and critical studies at the Art Institute of Boston. Produced in 2008, ‘A Homecoming Spectacle’ (58 mins) explores the visual culture of Durga Pujo. The documentary was selected for screening at the 5th Asian Festival of Films in Singapore late in 2009, where it received nominations for Best Documentary and Best Director of Documentary. The documentary attempts to unravel the changes that are taking place in the decorative aspects during Durga Puja festival. India New England writes about the documentary “A Homecoming Spectacle” acts as a lens through which to examine how the festival is changing, according to Sanyal. One way in which change can be seen is that the provincial celebration is becoming global. The documentary observes that whimsical, if controversial, change in the approach of erecting and incorporating pandals and Durgas into the fest

Marathi Vaishakh Mahina 2024 – Vaishakha Month in Traditional Maharashtra Calendar in 2024

Vaishakh Mahina is the second month in a traditional Marathi calendar followed in Maharashtra . Vaishakh Mahina 2024 is from May 9 to June 6. The month is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The most auspicious days in the month include Akshaya Tritiya, Narasimha Jayanti and Shani Jayanti. This is the Shubhakritha Nama Samvatsara. Shalivahana Saka 1946. Sankashti Chaturthi monthly fasting dedicated to Lord Ganesha is on May 26 – Moonrise is at 10:25 PM – Indian standard time. Vaishak Mahina Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha Vaishaka Mahina Marathi calendar 2024 Shukla Paksha (Waxing phase of moon) is from May 9 to May 23 Vaishakh Maas 2024 Marathi calendar Krishna Paksha (Waning phase of moon) is from May 24 to June 6. Ekadasi in Marathi Vaishakh Month Mohini Ekadasi - May 19 Apara Ekadasi - June 2/3 Pradosh in Marathi Vaishakh Month Pradosh vrat - May 20 Pradosh Vrat - June 4 Purnima in Marathi Vaishakh Month Vaishakh Purnima or Full moon day is on May 23

Kamal Gatta Mala – Rosary made of Dry Lotus Seeds

Kamal Gatta Mala is associated with Goddess Lakshmi worship. This rosary is made from dry lotus seeds. It is widely believed that performing Lakshmi puja and chanting mantras dedicated to the Goddess with Kamal Gatta Mala will bring in prosperity and material wealth. Some devotees offer Kamal Gatta Mala to the idols, pictures and paintings of Goddess Lakshmi. Some people use Kamal Gatta Mala as a rosary to chant mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. The seeds of Lotus flower are collected and then it is dried. The good dried seeds are used in making the rosary.

Goddess Tarini Temple in Orissa – About Coconut offerings at Ma Tarini Temple

Ma Tarini Temple is located at Ghatagaon in Kendujhar district in northern Orissa. The temple dedicated is dedicated to Ma Tarini an incarnation of Goddess Shakti. A unique offering made at the temple is coconuts. More than 20,000 coconuts are offered to the Goddess daily. The number increases on Tuesdays and Saturday, which are highly auspicious days at the temple. Ghatagaon does not have many coconut trees but the economy of the village is based on the coconuts offered by devotees. In fact many devotees who are unable to reach the temple send coconuts to the temple through public transport buses. Ashutosh Mishra writes in Down to Earth about coconut offering which sustains a village “Sometimes devotees leave sack full of coconuts along the roadside; we always stop by to pick them up. Some even send money as offerings and it reaches the temple,” said Kumar. Even if the bus is on a different route, the driver makes sure to drop the coconuts in a collection box en route

Ambaji – Hindu Goddess Amba

Goddess Amba, or Ambaji, is one of the popular names of Goddess Durga and the name is widely used in western parts of India . Amba means mother and she is Goddess Shakti. One of the most popular temples dedicated to Ambaji in Gujarat is also one of the 51 Shaktipeetahs. Goddess Amba is also known as Mata Ambika, Ma Ambaji, Amba Bhavani and Arasuri. The most popular shrine of Goddess Amba in Gujarat is believed to be the spot where the heart of Goddess Sati fell here, when her body was cut into pieces by Lord Vishnu to stop the intense tapas of Lord Shiva after Sati’s death. There is no idol in the temple and Goddess Amba is represented by a triangular Vishwa Yantra, inscribed with figures and the syllable ‘Shree’ in the center. The temple is located at Ambaji Town in Banaskantha District in Gujarat. Most of the legends associated with Ambaji are that of Goddess Durga. The only difference is in the name. Durga, Indrani , Mahalakshmi, Mahishamardini, Saraswati, Shailputri, Vag

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Bhrigu Maharishi Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Bhrigu Maharishi the author of the famous Bhrigu Samhita. The Jayanti day in 2024 is May 10. It is observed annually on the third day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Vaisakha month. Bhrigu Samhita is one of the earliest works associated with Vedic Astrology. Sagae Bhrigu is one of the Saptarishis or the seven great sages of the ancient world. Legend has it that he was the mind born son (manasa putra) of Hindu God Brahma. In Kali Yuga, it was due to the action of Bhrigu stamping on the chest of Vishnu, that Bhagavan appeared as Venkateswara in Tirupati. Vishnu will reside in this form on earth during Kali Yuga.