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Showing posts from February, 2011


Anand Bhairav Puja – Ananda Bhairava

Anand Bhairav Puja is performed on the Shukla Paksha Ashtami, or eighth day of waxing phase of moon in Phalgun month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India . Anand Bhairav Puja 2024 date is March 17. The puja and rituals on the day are dedicated to Anand Bhairav form of Hindu God Shiva. Ananda Bhairava form is believed to be a happy form of Bhairav. It must be noted that Bhairav is an angry manifestation of Shiva. Pujas and rituals dedicated to Anand Bhairava are held on the day at the famous Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, Jharkhand. 

Sampatkari Devi – About Goddess Sambathkari

Sampatkari Goddess, or Sambathkari Devi, is one among the numerous names of Goddess Shakti. Goddess Sambthkari is mentioned in the Lalitha Sahasranama. She is believed to have appeared from the ‘Pasham’ or rope held by Goddess Lalitha Devi. Goddess Shakti took the form of Goddess Lalitha to annihilate Bhandasura. Sambathkari Devi led an army of elephants in the battle between Goddess Lalita Devi and Bhandasura. Sambathkari Devi represents wealth. She is also propitiated for attaining sensual pleasures. The popular belief is that those devotees who have the blessings of Goddess Lalitha will get Sambathkari Devi to serve them. 

Rig Veda in mp3 in Hindi – Listen or read Rg Veda online

The website Ved Puran is providing the opportunity to listen to the Rig Veda online in Hindi in mp3 format.  The online audio version of the Rg Veda is the Hindi translation of the Rig Veda from Sanskrit. Pages from the Hindi translation book are also provided for reference. You can read and listen to Rig Veda in mp3 here at Ved Puran. Please note that the audio is available only in Internet Explorer browser.

Taila Ashtami – Tailashtami

Taila Ashtami is observed on the eighth day of Phalgun month and is mainly observed in Kashmir. Taila Ashtami 2024 date is March 16. It marks the end of the Herath rituals and celebrations of Kashmiri Hindu community. Tailashtami is observed on the eighth day of the Shukla Paksha, or waxing phase of moon, in Phalguna month (February –March). Herath is a fortnight long rituals and is the Shivratri celebration in Jammu and Kashmir. 

Spiritual and Religious Significance of Shivaratri

Shiva is the name and form given to the formless Brahman by us. Shiva is the knowledge which will helps us sail safely and peacefully through the turbulent waters of life. Shivaratri is the night dedicated to this formless Brahman – who took form for living beings. It is believed that Shiva appeared as ‘Lingodabhavamurti on the night of Shivaratri. It is a lingam in the form of fire which has neither a beginning nor an end. ‘Linga’ means ‘sign.’ And it is merely an attempt to capture the formless as we humans are obsessed with form. Unlike other festivals associated with Hindu Religion, Shivaratri is a night dedicated largely to prayers and not to fun and celebrations. Festivals, fun and celebrations are momentary. They are like bubbles. But when Shiva is worshipped there is bliss all around and that bliss is of Brahman realization or self realization – the permanent happiness. Each Hindu tradition has created a story for Shivaratri and you can read the numerous legends

Spiritual Significance of Taking Holy Bath in Yamuna River

Millions of Hindus take holy bath in Yamuna River, especially during auspicious days. A visit to Yamunotri Temple in Himalayas is also considered highly meritorious. A popular legend states that taking holy bath, or dip, in Yamuna will help in a painless death. This is because Yamuna is believed to be the sister of Yama, the Hindu God of death. Another legend states that Yamuna is the daughter of Surya Bhagava, the Hindu Sun God. Yamuna River originates from a pond named Saptarishi Kund at an altitude of 4421 meter in the Kalinand Mountain. Yamuna River travels for nearly 800 km before merging with Ganga at Prayag in Allahabad. Yamuntori Temple is part of the famous Char Dham Yatra in the Himalayas. In a year due to harsh winter, the temple remains open only from middle May to November beginning. 

Book – Hindu Dharma – The Universal Way of Life – Download for free in pdf

Hindu Dharma – The Universal Way of Life is a book based on the lectures by Jagadguru Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swami, the 68th Peetadhipathi of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. The original book was in Tamil and this is an English Translation of the book published by Bhavans. Now you can download the book for free in pdf format. The book contains lectures delivered decades ago in Tamil by Jagadguru Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swami on diverse aspects of Hindu Dharma, on our ancient culture and arts and on a variety of other subjects in our day-to-day life. You can download the book here in pdf format.

Hanuman and Shiva – The Story of Hanuman as Son of Shiva

There are numerous stories in Hindu tradition, which narrates the birth of Hanuman. Some stories are of the view that Hanuman is son of Shiva, some claim he is an avatar or incarnation of Shiva, some say he is amsha or manifestation of Shiva. This particular story suggests that Hanuman is the son of Shiva. Legend has it that Vishnu took the form of Mohini to distribute the Amrut, or elixir of life, that the Devas and Asuras received after the Samudra Manthan or Churning of ocean. Asuras and Devas started a fight over who will have the Amrut first. Mohini appeared to distribute the Amrut peacefully. Shiva who happened to know about the beauty of Mohini wanted to see it. Shiva was enamoured by the beauty of Mohini. Scintillating nature and the beauty of Mohini made Shiva spill his semen. The semen spilled was collected by Rishis in a leaf and deposited in the womb of Anjana – who was meditating on Shiva for a son. The modern name of this technique is Artificial insemination. P

Women in Ramayana – other than Mata Sita

Other than Mata Sita, there are numerous other characters in the Ramayana who stood for Dharma. These women sacrificed love like Urmila wife of Lakshman, sacrificed motherly love like Sumithra mother of Lakshman, stood against injustice like Mandodari who criticized her husband Ravana’s wrong doings, Trijata who defied orders that were evil and Sabari, personification of Bhakti. Aparna Garg, a student at Boston University , has written an inspiring article on these forgotten women in the Ramayana. She gives a short character sketch of Urmila, Sumithra, Mandodari, Trijata and Sabarai. You can read the article titled Forgotten Women of the Ramayana here at Hinduyuva magazine. 

Gautam Rishi on eight qualities that helps in achieving bliss on earth

Eight qualities told by Gautam Rishi to achieve bliss on earth. Kindness, compassion, pity and sympathy towards every living being. Forgiveness. No Jealousy. Purity – the state of being pure from outside and inside. Not to indulge in petty and meaningless. To think, wish and work for bliss, wellbeing and prosperity of all. Neither to be nor to show weakness and miserliness. Neither lust nor wish to possess whatever belonged to others. Gautam Rishi

Documentary with Evidence on Krishna’s Dwarka Under Sea in Gujarat Coast in India

Dwarka, which is mentioned in many Hindu scriptures including the Mahabharata, was the kingdom of Sri Krishna . It is believed that the Dwarka, which is under sea now, existed somewhere around 3200 years to 9000 years ago. A documentary on underwater cities and alien visits to earth, suggests that Dwarka might have been destroyed by Aliens. What is important to us is that it is beyond doubt that Dwarka existed. Alien attacks can be just theories. Facts – A city was discovered underwater near present day Dwarka in Gujarat . It was a very ancient settlement and busy port. Sandstones walls and streets were discovered by underwater archeological studies. There are two versions of the destruction of Dwarka in Hindu Scriptures – the most popular is that when Krishna decided to leave the world, the city of Dwarka was submerged by sea – sea rising to eat Dwarka. Another version has that a King named Shalva attacked Dwarka from the skies using weapons like lightning and thunder. About Alien

Kamda Saptami Vrat – Kamada Saptami in Phalgun Month

Kamda Saptami is observed in the Phalgun month in North India. Kamda Saptami Vrat 2024 date is March 16. The day falls a day before Holashtak period in North India and is associated with the upcoming Holi festival. Kamada Saptami is observed on the seventh day of waxing phase of moon, or Shukla Paksha Saptami, in Phalgun month. The popular belief is that rituals performed on the day will help in achieving wish fulfillment. The prayers on the day are dedicated to Shiva, Ganesha and Surya.

Importance and Spiritual Significance of Brahma Kund at Haridwar

Brahma Kund, located at Hari ki Pauri, is one of the holiest spots to take bath or holy dip at Haridwar. The popular legend is that Amrit pot attained after churning of ocean spilled at Brahmakund when Devas and Asuras were fight for it. The spot got the name after a king Shwetha did intense Tapas (penance) on the spot and pleased Brahma. As Brahma appeared here, the place got the name Brahma Kund. It is widely believed that taking a dip or performing holy bath at the Kund will help in cleansing of the sins of all birth. The holy dip here is seen as an important step in attaining Moksha. Another legend has it that son of King of Bhagiratha, Swetha, impressed all the Devas at the spot with his austerities and they gave him the boon that Brahmakund at Haridwar will be always blessed with the presence of Trimurtis – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Numerous temples are located on the banks of Brahma Kund at Hari ki Pauri in Haridwar.

Traditional Breakfasts in India and Its Nutritional Value

Gobar Times in its January 15, 2011 edition has published an extensive study on the traditional Indian breakfasts and their nutritional value. Gobar Times is an environment magazine for kids. They have explored the important breakfast dishes in India like Aloo Paratha from Punjab, Sheermal from Jammu and Kashmir , Pitha, Luchi and Cholar Dals from eastern parts of India , Poha from Maharashtra, Khachori from Rajasthan, Dhokala from Gujarat, Pesarattu, Uthappam, Puttu from south India and Chiru, rice from northeastern India . The article also suggests a perfect breakfast which is a combination of various breakfasts from different parts of India . You can read this informative and interesting article here at Gobar Times.

Mahabharata Podcast – Listen or Download Mahabharat Audio for free

Mahabharata Podcast is by Lawrence Manzo and it contains audio of each episode from the Mahabharat. You can listen to the reading online or download it for free. The audio is in mp3 format. Lawrence Manzo narrates an abridged version of the Mahabharata. He is retelling it and adds his observations and questions. Link – Mahabharata Podcast To listen to the podcast click on the episode link at the beginning of each blog post. To download right click and use the save link as option. 

Information on Transgenic Human and Animal Sciences Hidden In the Vedas

An Indian Vedic scientist, Dr Chandraprakash Trivedi, claims to have successfully decoded Vedic inscriptions which provide information on transgenic human and animal sciences. Transgenic is transferring of genetic material by any of a number of genetic engineering techniques from one organism to another. DNA reports The first revelations about transgenic animal sciences will be done by an Indian vedic scientist, Dr Chandraprakash Trivedi, at an international conference on human genetics that will be held in March in Cape Town . Dr Chandraprakash Trivedi said, “The decoded vedic hymns and depictions have tons of data on transgenic animal sciences. “The Indus Valley civilisation’s pictographic symbols on the seals are cytological models for teaching and they explore the cellular genetic evolution on the earth with genetic recombination. Its literary evidences are in the vedic hymns.” The hymns, when decoded, relate to the complex processes like the synthesis of chromosome, DNA repl

The meaning of the name Venkateswara

The name Venkata is exclusively used to refer to Balaji. It is not used for any other deity. There are two different meaning for Ventaka in Sanskrit – the first is ‘destroyer of sins.’ It is said that Brahma promised Vishnu that whoever visits the Tirumala hills will redeem their sins. Thus the Seshadri hill on which Venkateswara sits came to be known as Venkata and Vishnu came to be known as Venkateswara. This meaning of Venkata is based on the use of the term found in the Brahmanda Purana and Bhavishyottara Purana. Another meaning of Venkata is ‘giver of worldly wealth.’ This meaning is found in the Vayu Purana. Scholars are of view that this meaning relates to one of the qualities of Venkateswara. The earliest reference of the term Venkatam is found in Tamil Grammar Text, Tholkaappiyam, which is believed to have been written around 200 B.C. The meaning of the term here is ‘burning debts’ – ‘Ven’ means burning and ‘kadan’ means debt. This meaning relates to the debt th

Conversion Laws in India – Soon there may be proof and documents of conversion?

There are many people in India get converted from other religions to Hinduism for marriage and due to other reasons. But these conversions do not have legal approval. For example the converted person will not get benefits under the Hindu Marriage Act (HMA), 1955. Honorable courts in India faced numerous difficulties due to lack of proof and documents of conversion. Several divorce cases of inter-religious marriages are pending in the courts on the issue of conversion. To solve this problem, the 19th Law Commission under Justice P.V. Reddi, in its latest report on “Conversion/re-conversion to another religion — mode of proof” to the government has suggested a solution. The Telegraph reports The commission has said that within a month after the date of conversion, the converted person can send a declaration to the officer in charge of registration of marriages in the concerned area. The officer, in turn, shall exhibit a copy of the declaration on the notice board of the office till th

Moon in Dreams – Meaning of Seeing Crescent or Full moon in Dream

As per Hindu tradition, seeing moon in dreams is believed to usher in positive change. Generally seeing a moon in dream means the stature of the person will increase in family, society and at the workplace. Seeing Crescent moon is interpreted as hope. Full moon, or purna Chandra, means improvement in health or new love and romance. Clouds gathering over moon is a sign of some trouble or unexpected failures and disappointments.   Clouds moving away and sighting the moon clearly is seen as change in fortune.  Crescent Moon: New Beginnings: A crescent moon often symbolizes new beginnings, growth, and potential. Seeing a crescent moon in a dream might indicate that you are entering a new phase in your life or that you are embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Transition: It could also represent a transitional phase in your life, where you are moving from one stage to another. This might involve leaving behind old habits, beliefs, or situations to embrace something new. Full Moon

Mahut God – A Story by Sri Ramakrishna

In a forest, there lived a holy man who had many disciples. One day he taught them to see God in all beings and, knowing this, to bow low before them all. A disciple went to the forest to gather wood for the sacrificial fire. Suddenly he heard an outcry: ‘Get out of the way! A mad elephant is coming!’ All but the disciple of the holy man took to their heels. He reasoned that the elephant was also God in another form. Then why should he run away from it? He stood still, bowed before the animal, and began to sing its praises. The mahut of the elephant was shouting: ‘Run away! Run away!’ But the disciple didn’t move. The animal seized him with its trunk, cast him to one side, and went on its way. Hurt and bruised, the disciple lay unconscious on the ground. Hearing what had happened, his teacher and his brother disciples came to him and carried him to the hermitage. With the help of some medicine he soon regained consciousness. Someone asked him, ‘You knew the elephant was co

Prayer to Goddess Saraswati on Vasant Panchami and Saraswati Puja

Om Sarva Chaithanya Roopam Thaam Aadyaam Vidyaam Cha Dheemahi Buddhim Yo Nah Pracodayat We meditate upon the Mother, Who is the form of Cosmic Consciousness, Who is the Primordial reality and the Repository of all knowledge. May she inspire our intellect

Ratham Kolam for Ratha Saptami Festival

Ratham Kolam drawn on Ratha Saptami Festival is a single-wheeled chariot in red and white which represents Hindu God Surya’s chariot. Ratham or Ratha means chariot. Rath Saptami puja is conducted near the chariot Kolam. You can find a few other Ratha Saptami Kolam designs here.

Book - Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master: A Yogi’s Autobiography by Sri. M

The autobiography – ‘Apprenticed to a Himalayan Master: A Yogi’s Autobiography by Sri. M – narrates the spiritual journey which 19-year-old Mumtaz Ali Khan took to the Himalayas to return as Sri ‘M’, a yogi with profound knowledge of the Upanishads and deep personal insights.’ Sri M, as he is popularly known, is a social activist, educationist and a crusader for inter-religious harmony with a deep knowledge of world religions. About Sri. M The Satsang Foundation was founded by Sri M to assist the underprivileged to lead lives of self-respect, self-reliance and peace. He runs a free school ‘Satsang Vidyalaya’  for tribal children of Madanapalle in Andhra Pradesh. He also runs The Peepal Grove School at Sadum in Andhra Pradesh which has innovative and life-enhancing methods of teaching. Then there is Manav Ekta Mission that works towards spreading the oneness of all religions. The bonus for those interested in the secrets of yoga, meditation and sankhyan metaphysics is that Sri ‘M’ is

Hora Ashtami – Hur Ashtami

Hora Ashtami is observed on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha or waning phase of moon in Phagon or Falgun month in Jammu and Kashmir. Hora Ashtami 2024 date is March 4. The spring season begins on this day in Kashmir and the day marks the birthday of Mata Sita. The most important ritual takes place on the day at the Sri Sharika Chakreshwar Temple on Hari Parbat Hill in Kashmir. The fasting and prayers dedicated to Shiva for Shivratri begins on the Hora Ashtami day. Cleaning of the houses with ‘hur’ for welcoming Shiva is also a highlight of the period. Hora Ashtami is an important day in Herath, the fortnight long observation of Shivratri in Kashmir. On Hora Ashtami day, people keep vigil throughout the night at the Sri Sharika Chakreshwar Temple. It is the believed that the deity of the temple blesses people with prosperity and blesses them with a good harvest in the coming season. A legend in the region suggests that on the Phagon Ashtami day Goddess Sharika migrates from

Satyanarayan Vrat Katha in English in pdf format - The Story Read on Satyanarayana Puja

Satyanarayana Puja is dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu. Satyanarayana is a highly compassionate form of Sri Hari Vishnu. Satyanarayan Vrat Katha is read on the day of puja. Below is the Satyanarayan Vrat Katha in English in pdf format. Link - Satyanarayan Vrat Katha in English Performing Satyanarayana puja is believed to usher in prosperity and is performed after marriages, important ceremonies, achievements, purchase of property or house etc. 

Beauty Spot on Face - Til on Face Meaning - Men and Women

Til, or beauty spot, on face is interpreted as either good or bad in Hindu culture. Depending on the position it is good or bad for both men and women. Luck or unlucky factor depends on the position of the beauty spot. If the til is on the right cheek then the person will become rich. If the beauty spot is on the left cheek, there will be increase in expenses. Position of Beauty Spot and Symbolism and Meaning If the beauty spot is on the nose then the person will be doing lot of travels. If the spot is on the forehead, then the person will be healthy and strong. If the spot is on the two eyebrows then the person will do lot of journeys. If the til is on the right eye then the person will have good relation with the opposite sex. If the til is on the left eye then person will have bad relation with the opposite sex. If the beauty spot is on the lips, then the person will be too much interested in sensual pleasures. If the beauty spot is on the ears then the person will