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Showing posts from April, 2011


On the Growth of Hindu Population in the United States

An unofficial Hindu census in the United States by the Santa Barbara , a California based Institute of American Religion , discovered some 1,600 temples and centers with an estimated 600,000 practicing Hindus in the United States . It is also estimated that nearly the same number of Hindus prefer personal worship, thus taking the numbers of Hindus to more than 1.2 million. You can read more about the growth of Hindu population in the United States in this article titled Hindu Americans: The Surprising, Hidden Population Trends of Hinduism in the U.S by David Briggs in the Huffington Post. Some excerpts from the article What is propelling Hinduism in the United States into a role as one of the nation's largest minority religions is a steady stream of Indian immigrants who have built hundreds of temples across the nation, according to a new study.   While there is at least one Hindu center in every state, they are largely concentrated in Indian American communities, Melton

Sun in dream – Meaning of Surya or Sun in dreams

Seeing Sun or Surya in dream is very common for many people and it is a good dream. In Hindu religion there is an ancient scripture known as Swapna Shastra which gives interpretation and meaning of various dreams. Sun in a dream is considered good as per the Swapna Shastra. In spiritual contexts, the sun is often associated with divine energy or higher consciousness. Dreaming of the sun may indicate a deepening spiritual connection or a desire to explore your spiritual beliefs further. Sun in dreams mean the person will meet someone very important in society or whom the person respects. The sun can also represent success, achievement, and personal growth. It might be a sign that you are on the right track and moving towards your goals. Surya or Sun is a positive dream and means improvement in current status. The sun is a natural source of light and warmth, so dreaming of it can symbolize feelings of happiness, hope, optimism, and vitality. It might suggest a period of increased clarity

Kukke Subramanya Temple Official Website

Kukke Subramanya Temple is a popular Hindu Temple located at Subrahmanya, Sullia Taluk, Dakshina Kannada District in Karnataka. The Mujarai department of Government of Karnataka has put up an official website of Kukke Subramanya Temple with online booking of several pujas. Hindu God Subrahmanya is worshipped here but the temple is famous as Naga or Snake Temple as divine serpent Vasuki and other snakes found safety here. The temple is famous for alleviating Sarpa Samsakara or Sarpa Dosha. You can find the official website of Kukke Subramanya Temple here.  

Hinglaj Mata Temple Pictures in Baluchistan in Pakistan

Goddess Hinglaj Mata is an incarnation of Goddess Shakti and is one among the 51 Shaktipeeths. The head of Goddess Sati is worshipped here. The deity takes her name from the mountain cave Hinglaj on the Makran coast in the Lyari District of Balochistan in  Pakistan . Dawn Newspaper has created a image gallery of the Hinglaj Mata Temple and famous Mud Volcano. Legend has it that when Lord Vishnu cut the body of Goddess Sati to stop Shiva’s lament after Sati’s death which was unsettling the universe; part of her head fell at Hinglaj or Hingula. ( You can read the legend here in this article. ) Link - You can view all the 14 images here at the Dawn image gallery.

Siddha Ganapati - Popular Mantra Of Siddha Ganapati

Siddha Ganapati is one among the 32 forms of Sri Ganesh. The popular belief is that by worshipping Siddha Ganapati one gets immediate relief from troubles. Siddha Ganapati mantra is  Pakva chootaphala pushpa Manjari cheshudanda Thilamodakaihi sah Udvahan parashumastu te namah Shri samrudhiyutha hemapingala Form The Siddha Ganapati form of Ganesha has four hands and his color is golden yellow or green. The hands hold mango, garland of flowers, sugarcane and axe. His trunk holds sweet and sesame seeds. Benefits of Worshipping Siddha Ganapati The belief is that Siddha Ganapati blesses a person with ashta siddhis. Success in any task is assured after proper worship of Siddha Ganapati. A popular temple associated with Siddha Ganapati is the Siddhi Vinayak Temple in Mumbai.

Book – Download Thirty Minor Upanishads in English in pdf for free

Thirty Minor Upanishads is a collection of translation of small Upanishads which are part of Vedas and are not counted among the popular Upanishad texts. The Upanishads are translated by K. Narayanaswami Aiyar and was published in 1914. Now you can download the book in pdf format for free from the Central Archeological Library of India.  Link - Thirty Minor Upanishads in pdf – Download for free To read online or to download and save you will need to have a pdf reader installed in your browser.

Book – Dancing With Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism – Read online for free

Dancing With Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism is written by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami. The book is in question and answer form and explores various aspects of Hinduism. A highlight of the book is its rich illustration. You can now read the book online at Google Books for free. Please note that there is no option of download. Link - Dancing With Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism read online The book is also provided in embedded format below.

Uma Brahmani Puja Vrat in Jyeshta Month

Uma Brahmani Puja Vrat is observed in North India in the Jyeshta Month. It is observed on the Shukla Paksha Ashtami or the eighth day of the waxing phase of moon. Uma Brahmani Puja Vrat 2024 date is June 14. The puja and rituals are dedicated to Goddess Shakti – Uma is one of the names of Goddess Parvati. Goddess Brahmani is a manifestation of Goddess Shakti. This vrat is associated with the intense tapas that Goddess Parvati performed to get Shiva as her husband. This vrat is not very popular as other famous vrats like Hartalika which are associated with the same legend. Some Hindu communities observe this vrat for peace and prosperity in the family.

Symbolism And Concept Of Hanuman – Dr. R. Nagaswamy

As a great warrior, a great scholar, a sincere friend, minister, ambassador, as one wedded to truth and righteousness, a servant and an outstanding devotee, Hanuman reveals the traits that no other living being does. Therefore it appears that the Indian mind visualized “The Perfect Man” not in the image of a man, but in the image of Hanuman. Born as the son of one of the elements, Vayu (wind), appearing as a man perfect in all fields of activities, Hanuman is raised to the status of godhood, a benevolent god of hope, intellect, courage and devotion. Dr. R. Nagaswamy Hanuman, born as the son of Vayu, the wind god, embodies a rich and captivating mythological narrative within Hinduism. His tale is steeped in symbolism and revered for its profound teachings on devotion, courage, and selflessness. As the son of Vayu, Hanuman inherits the attributes of his divine lineage, embodying the qualities of swiftness, strength, and agility associated with the wind. His birth is shrouded in leg

Women Can Now Perform Puja Inside the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur

Women were never allowed to enter the Garbha Griha or Sanctum Sanctorum of the 7 th century Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur in Maharashtra . Only men were allowed to perform the puja inside the Sanctum Sanctorum. But after protests from various women organizations, now the authorities have changed the age-old tradition and women can now perform puja inside the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Mahalaxmi Temple . Note – Many people from South India will be surprised reading this news as only priests are allowed inside the Sanctum Sanctorum of Temples in South India . This is a practice strictly followed in most temples in South India . But in many temples in north and western parts of India devotees are allowed inside the Garbha Griha and they can touch and offer prayers and offerings to the murti directly. The Hindu reports Kolhapur Collector Laxmikant Deshmukh and Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Satej Patil on Friday announced that women would henceforth be allowed to enter

Jala Visuva Sankranti – Story of Jala Sankranti - Hindu New Year in Orissa

Jala Visuva Sankranti is the first day of the Baisakh month and is observed as New Year in Orissa. The ritual is also popularly known as Maha Vishuba Sankranti and Pana Sankranti and is on April 14, 2024. The story of Jala Sankranti is associated with Bhishma of the Mahabharata and is mentioned in the Bhavishya Purana. 'Bhishma after being defeated by Arjuna in the Mahabharata war was lying on a bed of arrows (Shara Sajya). Pandavas and Kauravas had assembled near him and he asked for some water. Arjun then aimed an arrow in the ground and from the crevice created by the arrow appeared Holy River Ganga to thirst the quench of Bhishma. Out of contentment and compassion Bhishma said that those people who would offer cold water to thirsty people on this day would not only be free from all sins, but also the departed souls of their ancestors as well as the Gods in heaven would be pleased. In remembrance of this day people in Orissa distribute water and a popular drink

Temple Dhoni Visits in Jharkhand - Mata Deori Temple - See Huge Rise in Devotees

Deori Temple at Tamar in Jharkhand is visited frequently by Indian Cricket Team captain M S Dhoni. After India’s World Cup victory, Deori Temple, located 60 km from Ranchi on the Ranchi-Jamshedpur National Highway,  is witnessing heavy rush. All this started after the rumor that Dhoni shaved his head after the world cup victory as an offering to Mata Deori, an avatar of Goddess Kali. Since 1998 Dhoni has been a regular visitor to the Deori Temple . The Telegraph Calcutta Reports Mata Deori, an avatar of goddess Kali and the resident deity of Tamar’s Deori Mandir, is suddenly being swamped by the faithful from across the state. The temple, which till last week saw 200-300 visitors a day, is now the favourite daily pilgrimage of more than 2,000 people, courtesy Captain Courageous’ unwavering faith in the deity. No one could say for certain when the temple was built. According to a legend, an erstwhile king of Tamar saw a dream. The goddess told him that there was a temple in Deor

Number of Murtis of Hindu Gods that can be worshipped in Puja Room

There is no general rule regarding the number of murits (idols) of Hindu Gods that can be worshipped in a puja room. There are puja rooms that have murtis of Ganesh, Shiva, Vishnu, Krishna , Devi etc. But there are some rules regarding the number of murtis of the same God. This is especially followed in North India . A puja room should not have two Shivling , three Ganesh murti, two Shankhs or Conch, two murtis of Surya (Sun God), three murtis of the same Goddess, two gomati chakra and two shaligram. Usually, right handed Shankh is used for worship. Damaged murtis are also not worshipped at home. 

Agnihotra Ritual to Prevent Nuclear Radiation Effects - Vedic Havan

Agnihotra is a small sacrificial fire performed at sunrise and sunset along with the recitation of a mantra. Spiritual Science Research Foundation (SSRF) confirms that the Vedic sacrificial fire called Agnihotra does mitigate the effect of nuclear radiation. Agnihotra provides more protection when performed by a person who is at a higher level of spiritual consciousness. Spiritual Science Research Foundation (SSRF) states “Any nuclear detonation creates discordant black waves of sound energy, undetectable by the human eye and ear, that travel through the environment”, says Ana Prodanović of SSRF. “The simple Agnihotra ritual counters these black waves with positive reddish waves generated by the Agnihotra fire. This neutralises devastation caused by thermal radiation.” While Agnihotra has the capacity to protect from thermal radiation and radioactive fallout, it may not be able to protect a person outside the blast radius from all forms of radiation. The level of protection it provid

Thirukadaiyur Abirami Temple in Tamil Nadu – To Celebrate 60th birthday

Thirukadaiyur Abirami Temple at Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu is famous for celebrating Shastipoorthi or the 60th birthday. It is believed that observing poojas, prayers and rituals here on the 60th birthday is highly meritorious. The main pooja is the Sashtipoorthi Puja. The popular belief is that Shiva had saved Sage Markandeya from Yama, the god of death, here and blessed him with immortality. Thirukadaiyur Temple is known as Amirthakadeshwarar Abirami Temple – dedicated to Shiva and Parvati. Another important deity in the temple is Ganesha. Thirukadaiyur is located on the Mayiladuthurai – Karaikal Road . Temple Timings : 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM Phone - +91 - 4364 - 287183 / 287378 Other contact details are – contact@shastiapthapoorthi.com, thirukadaiyur@gmail.com Railway Station - Nearest important Railway Station is at Mayiladuthurai Related Virtual Tour of Thirukadaiyur Abirami Amman Temple in Tamil Nadu

Athirathram Trivia – Yagashala during Vedic Yajna

The Yagashala is built using bamboo and is thatched with palm leaves. Particular care is taken that iron or other metals are not used. All measurements of the Yagashala are the multiples or divisible of the height of the Yajamana – the head priest who performs the sacrifice – when he stands upright with his arms raised in a posture of supplication. The yagashala has several chambers each intended for different rites during the Vedic Yajna. You may also like to read Kerala Panjal Vedic Yajna Athirathram 1975 Photos – A Look Back as Athirathram 2011 is on Vedic Yajna in Kerala – The World’s Oldest Surviving Ritual – Athirathram from April 4, 2011

Kerala Panjal Vedic Yajna Athirathram 1975 Photos

Athirathram is a Vedic yajna and is one of the world’s oldest surviving rituals. Athirathram 2015 starts on March 20, and will continue till March 31, 2015 at at Sukapuram near Edappal in Malappuram District in Kerala. One of the most famous Athirathram of modern times was held in 1975 at Panjal in Thrissur District in Kerala. Here are a few pictures of the 1975 Athirathram published in the Illustrated Weekly of India. Arani - Agni or fire for the ritual is made using Arani Yagashala - The place where the Athirathram takes place - Made using Bamboo and Palm Leaves Vedic Altar - The main Yajna takes place around this Clay Pots - Specially made clay pots are used for the ritual. Some have protuberances and it symbolizes plenty Head of an Animal - Head of animals made from clay are buried under the Yagashala Brahmin Women - Namboothiri Women (Brahmin) who participate in the Yajna. The wife of the the main priest plays an important role in the Yajna

Gopi Chandan on Banana Tree for Making Money - Process in Hindu Religion

Gopi Chandan is the yellow color mud that is worn as chandan on the forehead by Hindu devotees. The mud is yellow in color and looks like sandal paste. There is an important process in Hinduism using Gopi Chandan on Banana tree to make money and wealth. How To Use Gopi Chandan on Banana Tree For Wealth? On a Thursday, take nine pieces of Gopi Chandan. Tie each of them with a yellow color thread. Later tie the nine pieces of Banana trees. If this is done when there is pushya nakshatra on Thursday (Guru Pushya Amrut Yoga), then it is considered highly meritorious. The person performing the ritual should take bath in the morning. First, the person should offer prayers to Ganesha. Then he should offer prayers to Vishnu, Lakshmi and Kuber. Gopi Chandan should be tied on to the banana tree in the morning. Do not use cut banana tree. Tie it on a live banana tree. While tying on to banana tree, the person should pray for the fulfillment of the wish. Benefits of Gopi

Kalidasa Teachings

A small collection of the teachings of Kalidasa Everything is not good, merely because it is ancient. New innovations should not be looked down upon, because they are new. Wise persons accept ideas after due examination and consideration. Only the fool has his intellect influenced by others. A fool is guided by the convictions of others. A lover sees a reflection of his own fancies in the acts of his beloved. A Self-willed person never listens to captious tongue. The Ideal Of The Raghus In Kalidasa's Raghuvamsha, 1.5-8 Pure of birth, diligent in action, rulers up to the seas, with direct access to heaven (the Raghus) fulfilled all scriptural injunctions, were munificent in charity, just in their dealings, and sensitive to circumstances. Their wealth was for charity, words reserved for truth, conquests for glory, and marriage for progeny. Dedicated to learning in childhood, to material pursuits in youth, and to austerities in old age, they gave up their bodies in yoga.

Vedic Yajna in Kerala – The World’s Oldest Surviving Ritual – Athirathram from April 4, 2011

Vedic Yajna (Yajgya or sacrifice or ritual) is performed for the prosperity of human race through peaceful co-existence with nature by energizing the various forces in nature – especially sun. Agni, fire, that represents Sun, the Prathyaksha Brahman or Visible God, in Sanatana Dharma, is worshipped during the Yajna. This vedic ritual is known as Athirathram and is one of the world’s oldest surviving ritual. The 12-day ritual begins on April 4, 2011 and ends on April 15, 2011 at at Panjal in Thrissur District in Kerala. The saddest part during a Vedic Yajna today is that often the spiritual meaning and traditional values associated with it are buried beneath superficial things associated with the yajna. Vedic Yajna is not performed for miracles neither are they meant to invoke any deity and achieve materialistic gains. All Vedic yajnas are aimed at propitiating various elements in nature – a deep understanding that the existence of human race depends on the elements in nature. The v

Veda Vyasa Teachings

A small collection of teachings of Veda Vyasa. What is the enemy difficult to conquer? – Anger What is the best of riches? – Knowledge. What is the best happiness? – Contentment. What is courage or bravery? – Being able to control the five senses. By destroying ego and arrogance one become lovable. The unawakened person regards animate and inanimate objects as part of his own self, and rejoices at their acquisition, considering one is being enriched by them, and bemoans at their loss, considering something of one is lost.

Brihaspati Dev – About Hindu God Brihaspati

Brihaspati is the Hindu god who rules Thursdays. Brihaspati, is the planet Jupiter in astrology, and is the Guru of the Devas or demigods. The word Brihaspati means the ‘Lord of Prayers.’ As per Indian astrology, Brihaspati is associated with mathematics and science and logic. He is the giver of fortune, good luck and fame. Puranas contains many stories in which Brihaspati performed yagnas that help the Devas to fight the Asuras and defeat them. The yagnas and logic provided Brishpati help Devas win many battles. Whenever there was a difference of opinion between the Devas and Brihaspati and when He deserted them, Devas faced defeat. As per Shiva Puran, He is the son of Angirasa Rishi (one of the saptrishis) and Suroopa. Brihaspati has a yellow complexion, wears a yellow garland and yellow cloths. He has four arms that hold a dand of saints, a mala of Rudraksha beads, a bowl and the fourth hand is in Varamudra. Brihaspati is depicted as riding an elephant. His p