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Showing posts from June 18, 2010


Bhagavan – The Meaning of the Term Bhagawan

Bhagavan is the common term used to mean God in Hinduism. In Hindu Religion, the word Bhagwan has symbolic meaning too. The word encompasses Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space – the five elements. Thus the term Bhagavan translates as the manifestation of the physical form of universe. In the word Bhagavan – ‘Bh’ stands for Bhoomi or Earth G stands for Gagan or Space ‘V’ stands for Vayu or Air ‘A’ stands for Agni or Fire ‘N’ stands for Neer or Water ....................... He is the one who is endowed with bhaga - wealth, fame and luster.  Bhagavan is the most common term used for the Absolute that creates, sustains and dissolves the universe.  Brahman, the absolute, is impersonal, inactive, devoid of limiting adjuncts, and is of the nature of pristine purity of the self. Such a concept does not suggest intimate communion between Bhagavan (object of devotion) and his bhakta (devotee). A devotee craves for something concrete and substantial in the form of an

Book – Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata by Devdutt Pattanaik

‘Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata’ by Devdutt Pattanaik attempts to retell the rural stories in India that were inspired the Mahabharata. The highlight of the book is the over 200 illustrations and the regional variations to the subplots in Mahabharata. Apart from the numerous stories, there is also a chapter dedicated to the dating of the eighteen-day war based on astronomical data. From the flyer of the book High above the sky stands Swarga, paradise, abode of the gods. Still above is Vaikuntha, heaven, abode of God. The doorkeepers of Vaikuntha are the twins, Jaya and Vijaya, both whose names mean ‘victory’. One keeps you in Swarga; the other raises you into Vaikuntha. In Vaikuntha there is bliss forever, in Swarga there is pleasure for only as long as you deserve. What is the difference between Jaya and Vijaya? Solve this puzzle and you will solve the mystery of the Mahabharata. Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata Published by Penguin