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Showing posts from June 26, 2015


Ramakian in Thailand – Ramakien – the Thai Version of Ramayana

Some of the important cultures in Southeast Asia are influenced by Hinduism which filtered through the region from around the first century AD onwards as a result of trade with South India . The epic of Ramayana has been one the greatest influences in the region. Almost all the countries in the Southeast Asia have a regional version of the Ramayan. In Thailand , the epic Ramayana is known as Ramakian or Ramakien. Ramakian is the national epic of Thailand and the influence of Ramayana is deeply etched in the Thai culture and the Kings of Thailand take the title of Rama. There are some major differences between Ramakian and the original Valmiki Ramayan. The narrative and outline of Ramakian is similar to the original Ramayan.  Ramakian is strongly influenced by the South Indian versions of the Ramayana especially the Kamba Ramayan. Influence of the Bengali and other Southeast Asia versions of Ramayan, especially of that in Indonesia , are seen in Ramakian.

How Indra Got The Weapon Thunderbolt Or Vajra?

Thunderbolt, or Vajra, is the weapon associated with Indra , the king of the Devas. There is an interesting story in the Puranas that narrates how Indra got the weapon thunderbolt. The story begins with Namuchi, the demon of darkness, removing light from earth and another demon named Vritra removing moisture from earth and thus making earth dry. Due to the activities of Namuchi and Vritra, the earth became barren and living beings began to die. Indra tried to subdue the demons but he failed in all his attempts as the demons had got the boon that they can only be killed by weapon that which is neither solid nor liquid. Indra then approached Srihari Vishnu for a solution. Vishnu then collected foam from the milky ocean and made from it Vajra – a weapon that send out thunderbolts. Indra used the weapon to annihilate Namuchi and Vritra. He then destroyed their palaces and brought back light and moisture to earth. Thus saving the living beings on earth.

Story of Demon Kabandha in the Ramayana – A Headless Rakshasa

Kabandha is a headless Demon, or Rakshasa, mentioned in the Ramayana. Kabandha had a weird shape; his mouth was in his belly. A huge eye was on his forehead, which was on his chest. He also had two enormous arms. Sri Ram and Lakshman were caught by Kabandha while they were searching for Mata Sita after she was kidnapped by Ravan. Kabandha caught hold of Sri Ram and Lakshman in his huge arms. They could not escape from the mighty arms and finally they cut off the arms of the demon and freed themselves. Kabandha was now about to die. Now, the demon introduced himself to Sri Ram and Lakshman. He told them that he was a Gandharva who was cursed by a sage named Sthulashiras. Before being cursed he was called Vishvavasu and was very handsome. He used to take fearful forms to scare and harass humans and saints. During one such antics, Sage Sthulashiras cursed him. The sage told the demon that he will get back his handsome form when Sri Ram will cut off his huge arms and cr

Chinnamastika – About Hindu Goddess Chinnamastika

Chinnamastika is believed be the incarnation of Mother Goddess or Goddess Shakti that appeared before the Devas or Gods who sought for a wife for Shiva. Hindu god Shiva led an ascetic life. He saw no sense in transitory pleasures of life. Devas realized that this would create an upheaval in the universe as there will be no creation if all the living being start to follow the path of Shiva. So they prayed to Goddess Shakti to help in solving the peculiar situation. Goddess Shakti then appeared before the Devas as Chinnamastika. In this form, Mother Goddess was headless. She held a sword in one hand and in the other hand was her cut head. The head was drinking the blood that spurted from her cut head. Chinnamastika is flanked by Jaya and Vijaya. In some painting it is two women that are on both the sides of the Goddess. Mother Goddess stands over Kama (God of Love) and his consort Rati. This shows conquest of lust. Symbolically her portrait shows that through the ma

Aryabhatiya in Sanskrit – Read Aryabhatiya of Aryabhata in Sanskrit

Aryabhatiya, a manual of astronomy, is the classic text composed by Aryabhata. The text is Sanskrit with the commentary Bhatadipika of Paramadievara. Aryabhatiya in Sanskrit is provided by Sri Sathya Sai Veda Pratishtan. There is an option to download too but the text is not in pdf format. You must also not confuse the text to in Hindi pdf. Link -   you can read and download Aryabhatiya in Sanskrit here

Vedvyas Shiva Pitha at Rourkela in Orissa – Veda Vyasa Wrote Mahabharata Here

Vedvyas Shiva Pitha is an ancient temple dedicated to Shiva at Rourkela in Orissa. The popular belief is that Veda Vyasa Wrote Mahabharata in a cave located here. Vedvyas Shiva Pitha is located on the bank of confluence of three rivers Brahmani, Koel and Sankha. A dip or bath performed at confluence helps in redemption of sins. Hundreds of devotees visit this sacred place daily and the number of devotees swell into thousands during Shivaratri and Shravan mela. The management is planning to construct a hanging bridge over the Brahmani River to connect Rourkela city to the temple. The place is located around 15 km from Rourkela .

Makayiram Nakshatra Female Characteristics – Makayiram Birth Star Born Female Character

One of the most important characteristics of Makayiram Nakshatram born female is that they will be energetic and enthusiastic. Another important character of the birth star is that they will have constant mood swings and change in opinions. Other Makayiram Nakshatra Female Characteristics are given below: Will be beautiful with good figure. Will be smart in handling money and wealth. Will talk sweetly. Will win over people easily. Will be of peaceful nature. Will follow rules and regulations. Will have good and healthy children. Might commit mistakes knowingly. Will make lot of enemies. Will like to travel a lot.

Krittika Nakshatra Female Characteristics – Krittika Birth Star Born Female Character

The most important characteristics of Krittika Nakshatra born Female is that they will be truthful. They will have good health and will be beautiful. Another important character is that is that they will be intelligent and keen in studies. Other Krittika Nakshatra Female Characteristics are: Will be good in cooking. They will win the praise of others. Loveable nature. Good strength. Some of will have short temper. Might not be keen in following rules and regulations. They will stay away from siblings due to misunderstandings. Will be unduly worried about the future of children. Might not be thankful.

Ashwathy Nakshatra Female Characteristics – Ashwathy Birth Star Born Female Character

Ashwathy Nakshatra is the first birth star or Nakshatra in Hindu astrology. Below are the important Ashwathy Nakshatra female characteristics. Females born in the birth star will have good character. They will be very intelligent. Will show good courage in the face of difficulties. Will get the respect of family members. Will have a kind heart and loving mind. Will be beautiful and will bring luck. Women will also be blessed with good and healthy children. The Nakshatra born people will give importance to cleanliness. Will be alert and will show good capability in handling various kind of matters. The birth star born people will prefer liquid food. The Ashwini Nakshatra born people might get offended easily. Some will have uncontrollable anger. Will  not like unwanted advices and too much control.