--> Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from June 21, 2015


Shantadurga – Goddess Shanta Durga Devi

Shantadurga is a manifestation of Goddess Shakti. This is a peaceful form of Goddess Durga. She got the name Shanta Durga Devi after she manifested to create peace between warring Shiva and Vishnu. Legend has it that a fierce fight broke out between Shiva and Vishnu. Brahma who realized that the fight would usher in total destruction and end of universe prayed to Mother Goddess Shakti for peace and protection. Goddess Shakti appeared in the form of Shantadurga and put an end to the fight. Goddess Shantadurga form of Goddess Shakti is worshipped at the famous Shanta Durga Devi Temple in Goa . The murti of Shantadurga is seen here between the murti of Shiva and Vishnu. Symbolically, the story of Shantadurga illustrates that without Mother Goddess, the earth will be barren and will be soon destroyed. What keeps the earth moving forward is the feminine aspect. In this story, Shiva represents transformation and Vishnu represents preservation. The human mind wants t

What is Satyanarayana Pooja?

Satyanarayana Puja, or Satyanarayan Pooja, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is the preserver of the Universe in Hindu religion. Satyanarayana is a highly compassionate form of Lord Vishnu. Performing Satyanarayana puja is believed to usher in prosperity. The puja is performed after marriages, important ceremonies, achievements, purchase of property or house etc. There are devotees who perform the Satyanarayan Puja on all full moon days (Purnima). Basically, Satyanarayan Pooja is saying thanks to the Lord and also asking him to sustain the achievements. Satyanarayana Puja begins with the prayer to Lord Ganesha. Special prayers are also offered to Navagrahas. The rest of the Puja is dedicated to Lord Satyanarayana which involves normal puja procedures and the chanting of the various names of Vishnu. Varieties of food are offered as ‘Prasad.’ The puja also involves listening to the origin of Satyanarayana puja, which is read by the priest or an elderly person. It is heard by t