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Showing posts from October 11, 2011


Importance of Bilva Leaves – About Bilwa Patra Offered to Shiva

Bilva Leaves (Bilwa Patra) is one of the most important offering to Hindu God Shiva. A Bilva Leaf consists of three small leaves. Symbolically it represents the three eyes of Shiva. Another symbolism is that the three leaves are Goddess Parvati, Ganesh and Kartik. Puranas indicate that the three leaves are the three Gunas – Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas. One of the most popular prayers dedicated to Shiva is the Bilvashtakam and it begins with the lines Tridalam Trigunakaram... It is believed that offering Bilva leaves to Shiva helps in cleansing the sins of three births. It is also offered to attain Moksha. Some Puranas suggest that offering Bilva helps in attaining prosperity and fulfilment of desires. The fruit of Bilva tree and its leaves have several medicinal properties and is used in treating Asthma, blood pressure, diabetes etc. Shiva as Vaidyanath (Lord of Medicines) protects Bilva leaves. Yajur Veda (Sri Rudram – 2 – 11) also extols the glory of Bilva. Related Download Bilvash

Sudharma – the Longest Continuing Sanskrit Newspaper – needs your help

Started in 1970, Sudharma is the longest continuing Sanskrit newspaper in the world today. But it is facing severe financial crisis with no advertisement and no financial help from government. If you are a Sanskrit lover and have ideas to make Sudharma profitable, it would help in the survival of the unique Sanskrit daily and a heritage. Donations and one time financial help will not solve the real issue. What Sudharma needs is sponsors, increase in circulation and advertisements. Sudharma was started by Sanskrit scholar Kalale Nadadur Varadaraja Iyengar in 1970. K.V. Sampath Kumar, son of Mr. Iyengar, is the present editor of the daily. Sudharma also has an e-paper edition.  Daily Pioneer reports   K.V. Sampath Kumar said, “This two pages Demy A3 (tabloid) size which was born out of a philosophy to spread Sanskrit to all, which used to be monopoly of a few, is now facing a great financial crunch. We need more than Rs 60,000 per month to run our paper which has a global circulation o

Teachings from Bhartrihari’s Nitishatakam

Why should he need to wear an armour, if he himself is compassionate and forgiving? What more harm can his enemies do to him, if he is being consumed by his own anger? Is there any need for jewellery when a man treasures modesty in his heart? If his relatives pester him, then a fire is not needed to burn his wealth. A fool can be pleased easily, and it is even easier to please the wise. However, even Brahma (the creator) cannot satisfy a conceited person with a bit of knowledge. The creator has provided only one means for hiding one’s ignorance, which is always under his own control. It is to keep silent, particularly, in the company of the learned. Bracelets do not adorn a person. Nor do pearl necklaces, or cleansing, nor anointment of the body, nor flowers nor decoration for the hair. It is cultured speech alone which embellishes a man. All other ornament lose their glitter, only the jewel of speech ever remains the jewel of jewels. Bhartrihari Bhartrih