Upanayana is a sacred ceremony in Hinduism by which a boy or girl between the ages of seven and sixteen is initiated into the spiritual world. Upanayana literally means ‘providing an additional eye’ – upa means additional and nayana means eye of spiritual knowledge and wisdom. The term also means leading the disciple to the Guru (upa – means near and nayana means leading.) Symbolic symbol of Upanayana is the wearing of yajnopavita or sacred thread. Yajnopavita or sacred thread is believed to have worn by the creator. There is no reference to it in the Grahyasutras. Bal Gangadhar Tilak has stated that it is remnant of the cloth worn by Prajapati. Not all Hindus perform Upanayanam . Numerous Hindu communities and sects do not perform the sacred thread ceremony. Like all rituals in Hindu religion this one is also not mandatory. Those who wear the sacred thread are known as twice born . When a child starts his spiritual education by learning the Vedas, the child is gett...

Valliyankavu Devi Temple is a powerful shrine dedicated to Mother Goddess Shakti at Paloorkavu near Mundakkayam in Idukki, Kerala. The shrine has two separate sanctum sanctorums – one dedicated to fierce Goddess Bhadrakali and another dedicated to the motherly form of Parashakti Durga. Legend has it that the murti of Durga worshiped in the temple was originally worshipped by Pandavas and Panchali during their exile period inthe Mahabharata . The murti of Bhadrakali was installed by the tribals of the region. The temple courted trouble when some people suspected that the tribals were performing ‘bali’ (human and animal sacrifice) in the shrine. The government then took over the temple. Even today, the temple performs symbolic ‘guruti or bali’ using white pumpkin after the last puja. Guruti is not performed in the shrine when Sabarimala Temple opens for Mandala Makaravilakku season. The Guruti restarts with Mahaguruti after the Makaravilakku festival in Sabarimala...

Worshipping Yoginis —divine feminine forces—holds a sacred place in Hindu spiritual practice. Yoginis represent powerful energies, particularly associated with the Tantric tradition. Through their worship, devotees seek blessings for prosperity, protection, spiritual empowerment, and divine wisdom. This guide provides a step-by-step process for Yogini worship, focusing on eco-friendly, traditional practices. Benefits of Worshipping Yoginis Spiritual Upliftment : Yoginis are considered embodiments of Shakti (feminine power). Their worship can help balance energies within oneself. Protection : Yoginis are revered for their ability to protect against negative forces and guide one toward a path of righteousness. Inner Transformation : Worship brings purification of the mind and heart, clearing negative emotions. Prosperity and Success : Yoginis are known to bless devotees with success in endeavors, prosperity, and good health. Best Time to Worship Early Morning (Brahma Muhurta) : The best ...

Lord Venkateswara, famous as Tirupati Balaji, is worshipped and offered prayers by Muslims in certain regions in Kadapa and Rayalaseema in Andhra Pradesh. Muslims offer prayers in Venkateswara Temples in Kadapa and Rayalaseema during Ugadi, the Hindu lunar year in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. Why Muslims Offer Prayers to Lord Venkateswara Muslims in the region believe that Bibi Nancharamma, a consort of Lord Sri Venkateswara, is a Muslim. This belief is based on a folk story prevalent in Rayalaseema region. It is explained by some scholars that the story about Bibi Nancharamma was a folk imagination during the times of conflicts between Hindus and Muslims during the medieval times (Deekshitulu 2010: page 66). The story is believed to have helped in unifying Muslims and Hindus of the region. Story of Bibi Nancharamma The story of Bibi Nancharamma is associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of prosperity and consort of Lord Vishnu. In the regi...

Avvaiyar was a great devotional poetess of Tamil Nadu. Her life story is very interesting as she asked for old age to escape from marriage so that she can lead a hassle free spiritual life. The most popular legend is that Avvai was the daughter of Athy, a low caste woman, and a Brahmin named Pagavan. Unreconciled to his marriage with a low-caste woman, Pagavan unwillingly made Athy promise to abandon her children. Avvai, the first of seven children, was adopted by a family of traditional singers known as Panars. The adopted child surprised her parents by completing an unfinished song. When her marriage was being considered, she appealed to Lord Ganesha to extricate her from this travail, and she was transformed into an old woman. She then led a life of wandering minstrel and her songs and sayings are popular even today. She is believed to have had darshan of Lord Muruga. Muruga Gives Darshan to Avvaiyar Legend has it that once Avvaiyar stopped to rest in a forest...

Comprehensive Guide to Worshiping Goddess Sheetala Devi in Hinduism Worshiping Goddess Sheetala Devi , a powerful Hindu deity associated with curing illnesses, especially smallpox, chickenpox, and other contagious diseases, is an integral part of traditional Hindu practices. Sheetala Devi is revered as the goddess of disease and pestilence, and her blessings bring good health, protection from ailments, and overall well-being. This guide provides detailed steps, materials, and instructions to perform a simple, eco-friendly worship of Goddess Sheetala Devi, emphasizing cleanliness, sustainability, and devotion. Importance of Worshiping Goddess Sheetala Devi Healing and Protection : Goddess Sheetala is believed to cure diseases and bring protection from contagious illnesses. She provides relief from heat-related disorders and fevers. Health and Well-being : Worshiping Sheetala Devi brings good health to the family and purifies the environment. Cleanliness and Hygiene : The worship encoura...

Story of Jayadratha kidnapping Draupadi, the wife of Pandavas, is found in the Vana Parva of the Mahabharata. Jayadratha was the king of Sindhu. He attended the swayamvara (marriage ceremony) of Draupadi but did not succeed in marrying her. However, he continued to nurture a secret desire for her. Lust Blinds Once during the 12-year exile period of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata, Jayadratha happened to pass through with his army through the forest in which the Pandavas was living. He saw a beautiful woman standing on the doorway of the ashram. He was overpowered by lust and evil desires made him ask his deputy to find out if the woman was interested in making him her lord. His deputy soon returned and told Jayadratha that the woman was Draupadi, wife of the Pandavas. He also advised the arrogant king that it would be foolhardy to nurture such evil designs and it is better we vacate the place as soon as possible. Men who are drunk in power never listen to sane advice. Po...

Comprehensive Guide to Worship Goddess Yellamma in Hinduism Goddess Yellamma , also known as Renuka Devi , is a revered deity primarily worshipped in the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. Yellamma is associated with motherhood, fertility, and compassion, and devotees seek her blessings for protection, well-being, and prosperity. Worshiping her with devotion is believed to bring peace and solutions to family and personal issues. Here's a detailed, eco-friendly guide to worshipping Goddess Yellamma: 1. Preparation for Worship: Cleanliness and Purity Before beginning the puja, it is essential to prepare both the environment and yourself: Personal Cleanliness : Take a bath to purify yourself before performing the puja. Wear freshly washed clothes (preferably cotton or natural fibers to honor eco-friendly traditions). Maintain a calm and peaceful mind, free from distractions and negative emotions. Home Cleanliness : Clean the puja space (altar or the room) thoroughly...

Ugrasena was the father of Kamsa and the ruler of Mathura. His story is mainly found in the Srimad Bhagavad Purana. He is the maternal grandfather of Lord Krishna. Ugrasena was not the hereditary king of Mathura. He acquired the right to rule Mathura as Vasudeva, father of Sri Krishna, was not interested in kingship. When the rule of the solar race over the Mathura region ended, Surasena, king of Yadava clan, occupied the throne of Mathura. His son Vasudeva, father of Lord Krishna, did not wish to become the king. Ugrasena, a chief of an important Yadava clan occupied the throne. Ugrasena was a noble ruler but unfortunately, he had a son, Kamsa, who was arrogant and oppressive. Kamsa found an evil ally in Jarasandha. He married the daughters of Jarasandha who was ruler of Magadha. Many a times, Ugrasena attempted to change the cruel and inconsiderate behavior of Kamsa. But all advices of the wise king fell on deaf ears. The advice given by Ugrasena to Kamsa is found in the K...

The food that was cooked by Mata Sita in Ramayana was so delicious that it is part of several folklores. A story from Himachal Pradesh connects Sita’s kidnapping by Ravana to the tasty food she cooked. It is believed that Mata Sita did not have to eat anything in Lanka because Indra gave her a food which made sure that she was never hungry during her forced stay in the capital city of the demon king. As per the folklore, a crow carried the food Mata Sita cooked during her exile period in Ramayana to Lanka. Ravana happened to taste the food. He was so much happy and content with the food that he decided to kidnap Sita and get her to Lanka so that she would cook for him. Sita’s kitchen is very famous and the objects used by Mata Sita can be found in the Sita-ki-rasoi in Ayodhya. Sita Rasoi in Chitrakoot There is also a Sita Rasoi in the Chitrakoot area in Uttar Pradesh. It is located on the crown of the hill above Hanuman Dhara. Bhagavan Sri Ram, Mata Sita and Lakshman res...

Comprehensive Guide to Worshiping Goddess Renuka in Hinduism Goddess Renuka, revered as a powerful deity in Hinduism, is primarily worshiped in South India, particularly in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. She is considered a mother figure and a protector of her devotees, associated with purity, strength, and the ability to bestow blessings on her followers. Here’s a comprehensive guide to worshiping Goddess Renuka, including preparations, rituals, and eco-friendly practices. 1. Preparation and Cleanliness for Worship Cleanliness is essential in any Hindu puja (worship). Both physical cleanliness and purity of mind are crucial. Clean the area of worship: Ensure that the puja space is clean and tidy. Use natural cleaning products like cow dung and water, which are traditionally considered purifying. Personal cleanliness: The devotee should take a bath before starting the puja, wear clean clothes, and maintain a pure state of mind by focusing on devotion. 2. Choosing the Rig...

Ashvattha Tree is popularly known as pipal (ficus religiosa), or the sacred fig, and it is of great spiritual and religious importance in Hinduism. It is known as the tree of knowledge and enlightenment. It is the symbolic inverted tree mentioned in Hindu scriptures. Ashvattha Tree is also the seat of gods and abode of the Goddess of wealth. Ashvattha literally means the tree under which the horses stand. As per old beliefs, it was the chariot of Gods. Ashvattha in Vedas The tree, as per Atharva Veda, is found in the heaven and Devas, or demigods, sat under its shade. The holiness and sanctity of the tree is also mentioned in the Rig Veda. The tree showers soma (the drink of the Gods), as per the Chandogya Upanishad. As per Katha Upanishad, the roots of Ashvattha grow upwards and its branches grow downwards. ( Symbolism of the inverted tree .) As per the Rig Veda, the wood of the tree was used to make vessels. The twigs of the tree were used for oblation i...

There are particular symbols for male, female, creation etc in Hinduism. The symbol for female principle in Hinduism is circle with a dot in the center and inverted triangle. These geometric symbol and diagram explains the female principle or nature in Hindu religion. As per the Shaktas, or the school of thought that believes in the female energy concept, Mother Goddess Shakti is the deciding factor in salvation or moksha. Creation is only possible in Mother Goddess. The life force is her wish. She is the mother of all energy forms. She is worshipped in innumerable forms including Durga, Kali, Parvati, Chamunda… She is also worshipped in the form of symbols especially in the tantric school of thought. Circle with a dot in the center and inverted triangle symbolizes fertility. The concept of fertility should not be narrowed down to sexual union of human beings only. It symbolizes regeneration, greenery and plentiful. This is the reason why Mother Goddess takes the...

Comprehensive Guide to Worshiping Jayadurga (Jaya Durga) in Hinduism Worshiping Jayadurga holds significant spiritual and cultural importance in Hinduism. Jayadurga, a form of Goddess Durga, symbolizes victory, power, and divine strength. Devotees believe that by worshiping her, they can invoke her blessings for protection, success, and fulfillment of their desires. Here is a detailed guide on how to worship Jayadurga with eco-friendly practices, including cleanliness, proper attire, puja items, mantras, and prasad. Importance of Worshiping Jayadurga Protection and Strength : Jayadurga represents victory over evil forces. Worshiping her is believed to protect devotees from negative influences, enemies, and personal struggles. Empowerment : She symbolizes inner strength and courage. Her blessings empower devotees to overcome difficulties and gain self-confidence. Spiritual Growth : Worshiping Jayadurga fosters devotion, mindfulness, and connection to the divine, aiding in spiritual pro...

The Balaji form of Lord Vishnu is most famously associated with Lord Venkateswara who is worshipped in the famous Tirupati Balaji Temple in Tirumala. As per Bhagavad Purana the name Balaji means ‘the cosmic child’ or ‘eternal child.’ This meaning has nothing to do with the present day meaning of the term. So how did Venkateswara came to be known as Balaji. True Meaning of Balaji in Srimad Bhagavad Purana When man breaks Dharma, he breaks cosmic order. Nature is in disarray. The cosmic dissolution happens to set the house in order. Destructive storm and torrential rains destroy all manmade things in the universe. The raging waters consume all that is there in the world. Then on the endless ocean, a banyan leaf floats and on it, we get the first glimpse Balaji – a dark child, suckling his right toe. He is the cosmic child. Next cycle of creation begins with his appearance. (This form of Vishnu is also referred as Vatapatrashayin ). But before the next cycle of cre...

Our aim in life should be to directly experience the true reality behind all the forms in the universe. We are impressed and inspired when read or hear spiritual teachings. We decide to follow them. Either we become blind followers or drop following halfway through. We should read and listen to spiritual teachings but stop following them blindly. Think. Contemplate over them. Then chalk out our own path. Then we will be able to lead a better and fruitful life. Only then will we be able to have self realization. Until then what we are having is borrowed realization. When we realize the unlimited universal Self, we learn more about the limitations of our body, mind and intellect.  We have been fed this wrong notion that we are an island. In the island, we are supposed to have only certain type of people, ideas and beliefs. This is wrong. By supporting this wrong teaching, we are limiting ourselves. That life force which is present in me is present in all animate and...