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Showing posts from February 26, 2015


Why is Ganesha depicted in the form of Symbol OM?

Before the creation of the present Universe there was a great deluge, pralaya. It had destroyed the Universe as it existed then. According to Hinduism, creation has no beginning or end – the endless cycle continues. After a great deluge there is Shanti or peace. This peace is broken with the sound OM or AUM – the sound which emanates from the Supreme Soul. The Ganapatya Cult, or the followers of Ganesha, believes that OM or Pranava Mantra the symbol of Brahman is embodied in the form of Ganesha. It is believed that Ganesh is the first word or the first cause. This is the reason why occasionally Ganesha is depicted in the form of symbol ‘ Om. ’ You may also like to read Flowers and leaves offered to Lord Ganesh

Ashtadravyam – Ashta Dravya In Ganapathi Homam

Ashta Dravya, or Ashtadravyam, are eight sacred puja items that are offered to Lord Ganesha during the special puja known as Ashta Dravya Maha Ganapathi Homam. It is offered to Lord Ganesh to get his blessings – who blesses with wealth, prosperity and long life. The eight sacred things that are part of the Ashta Dravya are: Coconuts, Molasses (jaggery), Sesame Oil, Sugarcane, Honey, Rice flakes Banana Rice. In some places Ashta Dravya are Dried coconut, puffed rice, jaggery, banana (kadali plantain), honey, sesame, sugarcane and fried paddy of rice. For some communities Ashta Dravya are Coconut, Banana, Honey, Sugarcane, Ghee, Modhaka, Jaggery, Puffed rice. The concept of Ashta Dravya is of South Indian origin and is more popular with Hindu communities in South India . Ashta Dravya is also presented to little children, who are new initiates into the world of learning, by the Guru after receiving Gurudakshina (limited to some communities). Ashta Dravya

Why Parijata is known as Night Jasmine? – Why its flowers bloom only at night? – Why Parijata Tree is also known as Sad Tree? – Stories in Hinduism

Parijata is known as night jasmine as its flowers bloom only at night and they fall off before sunrise. A story mentioned in Vayu Purana indicates about this unique aspect and also why Parijata is sad tree or the tree of sorrow. In fact there are numerous stories in Hinduism which give reason to unique behavior of the tree. In all the stories sun is the villain. Legend has it that a king had a daughter named Parijataka. She fell in love with Surya, the sun god. Surya reciprocated her love but as he could not stay with her, he betrayed her by abandoning her. Unable to bear the pain and insult, Parijataka burnt herself to death. Soon parijata shrub appeared in the places where her ashes fell. As Parijataka is angry and cannot bear the sight of the sun, its flowers bloom at night and fall off before sunrise. As the tree appeared after a heartbreaking incident, it is also known as tree of sorrow or sad tree.

Dauji Temple at Talvan near Mathura in Uttar Pradesh

Dedicated to Balram, Dauji Temple is located at Talvan, which is around 10 km west of Mathura , in Uttar Pradesh. The temple has murtis of Balrama (Dauji) and his consort Revati. There is also a murti of Sri Krishna in the main altar. An outer courtyard leads to the main altar of the temple. To the right of the temple there is the Balbhadra kund or sacred pond. The temple also has a few Tal trees. The region takes its name from these trees. Devotees offer worship to the tree as these trees were present when Balram, Sri Krishna, Gopas and Gopis roamed in Talvan. The divine brothers had killed demon named Dhenukasura at Talvan.