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

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

The Kukke Subramanya Temple holds significant importance in Hinduism, primarily due to its association with Lord Subramanya, also known as Kartikeya or Murugan, who is revered as the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Here are several reasons why the pilgrimage to Kukke Subramanya Temple is significant: Mythological Significance: According to Hindu mythology, after defeating the demon rulers, Taraka, Sura and Padmasura, and their followers, Lord Subramanya came to reside at the Kukke Subramanya Temple. The temple is believed to be built at the exact spot where Lord Subramanya killed the demon Tarakasura. Religious Significance: Devotees believe that a visit to the temple and offering prayers to Lord Subramanya can help in the removal of various doshas (afflictions) and obstacles in their lives. It is particularly known for alleviating Sarpa Dosha (affliction caused by snakes) and Naga Dosha, which are believed to cause various problems in one's life. Pilgrimage Destinatio

Goddess Hinglaj Mata is an incarnation of Goddess Shakti and is one among the 51 Shakti Peethas. 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. )

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 Siddha Ganapati, a distinct form of Lord Ganesha, is revered with profound significance in Hindu tradition. This particular manifestation is depicted with four hands, radiating a golden yellow or green hue. Each hand clasps symbolic items: a ripe mango, a garland of fragrant flowers, a sugarcane stalk, and an axe. Additionally, Siddha Ganapati's trunk gracefully holds offerings of sweets and sesame seeds. Devotees believe that worshiping Siddha Ganapati bestows divine blessings, particularly in the form of "ashta siddhis," or eight supernatural powers. These siddhis encompass a range of abilities, including control over natural elements, mastery of the p

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.  Link - Thirty Minor Upanishads in pdf – Download for free Spiritual Importance Of Minor Upanishads In Hinduism Minor Upanishads, though less known compared to the major ones, hold significant spiritual importance in Hinduism. These texts are considered part of the Vedanta tradition and delve into various aspects of metaphysics, meditation, yoga, and spiritual realization. Here are some reasons why they are valued: Diverse Perspectives: Minor Upanishads offer a diverse range of spiritual insights and perspectives. They cover various topics such as cosmology, karma, meditation techniques, and the nature of the self, providing seekers with a broader understanding of spiritual concepts. Practical Wisdom: Many minor Upanishads focus on practical aspec

"Dancing With Siva: Hinduism's Contemporary Catechism" is a profound and comprehensive book written by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, also known as Gurudeva. It serves as a contemporary guide to understanding and practicing Hinduism. Here's an overview of its contents and a brief book review: Contents: Understanding Hinduism: The book begins with an introduction to the foundational concepts of Hinduism, including its history, philosophy, and diversity of belief systems. The Worship of Siva: This section delves into the worship of Lord Siva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. It explores various aspects of Siva worship, including rituals, symbolism, and the significance of temples. Paths to Siva: Gurudeva discusses the different paths or approaches to attaining spiritual realization within Hinduism, such as Karma Yoga (the path of selfless action), Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion), and Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge). Siva's Devotees: Here

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.

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 were never allowed to enter the Garbhagriha 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 Garbhagriha 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 th

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

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 De

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 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 provi

Thirukadaiyur Abirami Temple, situated in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, holds significant cultural and religious importance, particularly for its celebration of Shastipoorthi, the 60th birthday milestone. The temple is revered for its association with the Shastipoorthi Pooja, a ceremony observed by devotees on reaching the age of 60. This practice is believed to bring immense merit and blessings. The temple's rich mythological heritage adds to its allure. Legend has it that Lord Shiva intervened to rescue Sage Markandeya from the clutches of Yama, the god of death, at this sacred site. In gratitude for his salvation, Sage Markandeya performed prayers and rituals, earning the boon of immortality from Lord Shiva. This tale underscores the temple's sanctity as a place of divine intervention and blessings. The Thirukadaiyur Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped in the form of Amirthakadeswarar, and his consort Parvati, known as Abirami. Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed

The Athirathram ritual, one of the oldest surviving Vedic rituals, indeed involves a meticulously constructed yagashala, or sacrificial arena. The yagashala is crafted with precision, following specific guidelines laid down in the ancient texts. The use of bamboo and palm leaves in constructing the yagashala is significant. Bamboo symbolizes strength and flexibility, while palm leaves provide natural insulation and protection from the elements. By utilizing these materials, the structure maintains a connection to nature and aligns with the spiritual essence of the ritual. The prohibition of iron or other metals in the construction of the yagashala is rooted in Vedic tradition. Metals are believed to interfere with the flow of energy during the ritual and may disrupt the spiritual atmosphere. Therefore, traditional materials such as wood, bamboo, and leaves are preferred for their purity and compatibility with the sacred context. The dimensions of the yagashala are carefully deter

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 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

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. Important Tea

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, also known as Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa, is a revered figure in Hindu tradition. He is traditionally considered the compiler of the Vedas, the ancient scriptures of Hinduism, and is also credited with composing the Mahabharata, one of the longest epic poems in the world. While it's difficult to encapsulate all of Veda Vyasa's teachings in a single list, here are some key lessons and principles often associated with his teachings: 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. Dharma: Veda Vyasa emphasizes the importance of dharma, which refe

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 Brihaspati 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 saptarishis) 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 Vara Mudra. Brihaspati is depicted as riding an elephant. Hi