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Showing posts from September 18, 2015


Taraka Mantra

Taraka Mantra is associated with Shiva. It is believed that Shiva chants the Taraka mantra into the ear of a dying person in Varanasi or Kashi. In Benaras, the mantra is also referred as the ferry boat mantra. By the power of the Taraka Mantra, the dying person is believed to be illumined with the knowledge of Brahman – the Supreme Truth without a second – the ultimate truth in Hinduism. Thus, the dying person is ferried across cycle of birth and death with the help of the mantra.

Dasaswamedh Ghat in Varanasi – Dashashwamedh Ghat in Kashi

Dasaswamedh Ghat in Varanasi is one of the famous Ghats and is located near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is believed that taking holy dip in Dashashwamedh Ghat in Kashi is equal to going on a pilgrimage Prayag. Legend has that Brahma conducted ten Ashwamedha or horse sacrifices here. Hence the name Dasaswamedh Ghat. Every evening the famous Ganga Aarti dedicated to Ganga River, Lord Shiva, Agni and Surya is performed here.

Garutman in the Vedas

Garutman is a bird with beautiful and strong wings and is a powerful deity mentioned in the Vedas. The Rigveda mentions the Sun as the celestial bird, or Garutman. He is also known Suparna, which means the strong-winged one. As per Mahabharata, Garuda, the Vahana or Vehicle of Bhagvan Vishnu, is same as Garutman. The Vedic altars had the shape of Garutman owing to the belief that He can soar up to the Heavens carrying the offerings. The word garutman means 'winged' or 'praised' ("garutman garanavan paksavan va "). As per Shatapatha Brahmana, Garutman personify courage. A verse in Rig Veda refers to the bird as a supreme god equal to Indra, Mitra, Varuna, Yama, and other Vedic gods. Garutman is also the name of a Rishi in the Atharva Veda.

Book – Our Heritage Revisited: A glimpse into ancient Indian texts

The book titled Our Heritage Revisited: A glimpse into ancient Indian texts is written by Anju Saha. As the title suggests the book is a journey through the Hindu scriptures. In the journey, important aspects of Hindu philosophy and culture are revealed. The book is an attempt to help all those people who complain that they do not know where to begin studying Hindu scriptures and culture. The book is an excellent guide as the author has attempted to clear many such doubts. It is basically a good primer. The book touches upon Vedas, Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyakas, Upanishads, Agamas, Puranas, Darshanas and many other aspects of Hindu culture. The book is easy to read and is useful for all age groups. The book inspires us to learn more about our culture. Book – Our Heritage Revisited: A glimpse into ancient Indian texts Pages – 135 Author - Anju Saha Price – 350/- Available online at Amazon both kindle and paper back

How Prayag Became Allahabad? - And Now Prayagraj

Prayag is one of the holiest places in Hinduism. Prayag is was popularly known as Allahabad. Here is how Prayag became Allahabad. The name was finally and deservingly changed back to Prayagraj. Prayag means ‘place of sacrifice’ after Lord Brahma performed the first sacrifice here. For centuries, the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati was known as Prayag. Mughal Emperor Akbar first changed the name in 1572 AD when he built a massive fort here. He named it Illahabas. Emperor Shah Jahan again changed the name to Allahabad during the 17th century. The city got back its original name, Prayagraj, in 2019. Prayagraj, refers to the confluence of the three holy rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati, the site of Kumbh Mela, which takes place in once in 12 years.

Bhai Panchami – Raksha Bandhan Festival of Maheshwari Community

The popular Raksha Bandhan festival which is observed on the Shravan Purnima day by most Hindu communities is observed around twenty days later by the Maheshwari community. In 2024, the date of the Raksha Bandhan festival of Maheshwari community is September 8. It is also known as Bhai Panchami and is observed on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha of the Bhadrapad month. Maheshwari community mainly worships Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Some of the festivals and rituals of the community differs from the normal Hindu rituals and festivals. Bhai Panchami is the day when sisters tie Rakhi on the hands of brothers and brothers pledge to protect her. Badi Teej is observed a day before Bhai Panchami and women observe fast for the wellbeing of their husbands.