Rules for the number of strokes of bells in Hindu temples and homes are well established. In Hinduism, one stroke of bell indicates moksha or salvation. Two strokes suggest enjoyment. Three strokes suggest achievement of desires. When incense is offered, lamps are waved, and food is offered, there must be two strokes. If lamp alone is waved there must be only one stroke. Three strokes are required during the propitiation of gods and goddesses. 

Onam Pookalam 2015 photos published in various newspapers and other websites – first and second prize winners. Talk about Onam in Kerala and one of the first images that come to mind is that of the flower bed or floral (designs) arrangements known as Pookalam or Athapookalam. Onam Pookalam 2015 designs are given below. The traditional Onapookalam usually consists of ten rings indicating the ten day ritual during the ten day celebrations of Onam which begins on Atham and ends on Thiru Onam in the month of Chingam (August – September).  These above images are from an Athapookalam competition held in Kerala 2015. The first three were prize winners. Related Onam Pookalam 2014

In spite of hard work quiet often we are not able to get the desired job. Success eludes us in job interview due to bad luck. As per Hinduism, offer prayers to Ganesha while preparing for the interview and while going to give a test or interview. Break a coconut before Ganesha and take his blessings before any important event in life. Ganesha provides intelligence, awareness, consciousness and luck. He has control over all the navagrahas as he is a combined form of all grahas. Therefore, any trouble related to bad positioning of planets or grahas in horoscope will be removed. He also alleviates bad luck and negative energy. When Ganesha is worshipped, you get the blessing of all deities. Above all, he is Vigneshwara, the one who removes all forms of difficulties. Therefore, for success in interview and jobs one should offer prayers to Ganesha. Prayers and Offerings to Ganesha for Success in Job Interview Offer sweet made of moong dal like Moong ladoo to Ganesha...

A broom is a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi in Hindu Tradition. Goddess Lakshmi is associated with cleanliness. It is believed that she resides only in places that are neat and clean. Dirty places invite Alakshmi who brings trouble, insecurity, debt, anger and creates financial loss. Dos and don'ts while using broom in Hindu home is given below in detail Symbolically the broom is also used to clear ego, greed, avarice, and anger from the mind. When ego, greed, and anger are kept out, a man prospers. The popular belief is that Brooms should be kept in a place not frequented by people. It should be taken out only for cleaning. It is also considered inauspicious to stamp on a broom. It is believed that the broom removes dirt, which is the home of Alakshmi, who ushers in poverty. Broom has the power to remove all forms of negative energy from a house. Dos and don'ts while using a broom in Hindu home: One should not stamp on the broom. Broom should not be kep...

Many people have strange and confused ideas about liberation (moksha). They tend to believe that moksha is some kind of ticket for a journey from a particular place (the material world) to another particular place (the spiritual world), that can be won in a lottery, purchased or received as a gift, or through bribery. This idea mostly comes from the abrahamic concept of salvation, a word that is sometimes incorrectly used to translate the Sanskrit term ‘moksha’, in which allegiance to a particular religious affiliation gives the immediate and automatic right to go to heaven even to the most unevolved and gross materialist. But such an idea is very foolish, and those who entertain it are in the terrible danger of wasting the valuable opportunity of the human birth, because they will refuse to make any effort in personal development, believing that they are already ‘saved.’ The true facts are very different. As Bhagavad Gita (8.6) clearly explains, at the time of death we will...

Chanting of the Dhanu Rashi Navratri Mantra helps, Dhanu Rashi born person to attain wealth, prosperity, property, job and desire fulfillments. The mantra should be chanted after taking bath in the morning. You should sit in your pooja room or in a quiet place and chant the mantra. The mantra is ऊॅं सर्वसिद्धि नमः The mantra should be chanted 21 times. Chanting of the mantra also helps in overcoming your enemies.

As per Vastu Shastra, the position of the dining room in a Hindu home should be near the kitchen. The dining room should be in the north or west side of the house. Other Important Tips On Dining Room Position: The face of the person eating food in the dining room should not face south. Dining table should therefore be arranged in such a manner. Earlier Hindus used to eat sitting on the ground. The concept of dining table is not associated with Hindu culture. Sitting on the ground in padmasana is considered good for health. Plates, dishes, cups and other small utensils should be kept on the northeast side of the dining room. Big vessels should be kept in the south or east side. Neat and clean plates should be used to eat food. Plates and other utensils that are broken, or have scratch, should not be used to eat food. One should avoid talking while eating food. Negative talks and intense arguments should not take place while eating food. Food should not be wasted and one sh...

Om Namo Narayanaya -  ॐ   नमो   नारायणाय -  is the Ashtakashar ( अष्टाक्षर ) mantra dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the greatness, glory and benefits of chanting the mantra is found in the Narasimha Purana.  The mantra "Om Namo Narayanaya" is a powerful and revered chant dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Chanting this mantra is believed to bestow numerous spiritual, mental, and physical benefits. Here are some of the key aspects of its greatness and the benefits it offers: Greatness of "Om Namo Narayanaya" Divine Invocation : The mantra invokes the divine presence of Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe, who embodies righteousness, mercy, and eternal truth. Ancient Wisdom : Rooted in the Vedas, this mantra carries the essence of ancient spiritual wisdom and has been chanted by sages and devotees for millennia. Cosmic Connection : "Om" is considered the primordial sound of the universe, representing the...

Enathur is located around 4 km from Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. This small town is famous for the SCSVMV University (Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya). The 120-feet statue of Adi Shankaracharya is located inside the University. This is the biggest statue of Adi Shankara in the world. The statue of Adi Shankaracharya is located in front of the International Library in the SCSVMV University. The library is famous for palm-leaf manuscripts and rare manuscripts from various parts of India. You can take a virtual tour of the 120-feet Statue of AdiShankara here at the official website of the university. 

Once upon a time conceit entered into the heart of Narada and he thought there was no greater devotee than himself. Reading his heart, the Lord said, “Narada go to such and such a place; there is a great Bhakta; cultivate his acquaintance; he is my true devotee. Narada went and found a peasant who rose early in the morning, spoke the name of Hari (god) once, and taking his plough went out and tilled the ground the whole day. At night before going to bed he uttered the name of Hari once more. Narada said to himself” “How can this rustic be a lover of God? I see him busy in worldly duties and no sign of a pious man about him.” So the sage went back to the Lord and told Him what he thought of his new acquaintance. But the Lord said, “Narada, take this cup of oil and go round the city and come back with it, but take care that you do not spill a single drop of it.” Narada did as he was told, and on his return, he was asked by the Lord how many times he had remembered Him in...

Gaja Lakshmi form of Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for attaining wealth and prosperity. There is a popular belief that chanting the mantra for 16 days will help in alleviating poverty. This Gaja Lakshmi mantra should be chanted for 16 days in the morning and evening. Gaja Lakshmi Mantra ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं गजलक्ष्म्यै नमः॥ Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Gajalakshmaye Namah Rules of Chanting the Gaja Lakshmi Mantra  The mantra should be chanted for 16 days. House should be kept neat and clean. All junks should be removed from the house. A painting or photo of Gaja Lakshmi should be installed in the puja room. On one of the 16-days, you should donate food - perform Annadanam. A sapling of a fruit bearing tree should be planted and taken care of. During any four days of the 16-day chanting, prasad using wheat should be prepared. Related Goddess Lakshmi Food Offering - Which Food Should Be Offered to Goddess Lakshmi as Bhog or Prasad?

Goddess Vanashankari is an incarnation of Mother Goddess Shakti. It is in this form she nourishes all living beings. She is popularly worshiped in the northern districts of Karnataka and southern parts of Maharashtra. She is essentially a forest Goddess. In the Devi Mahatmya, it is mentioned that Goddess Shakti appeared as Vanashankari after a period of hundred years of drought. All the plants had died and there was nothing to eat. Vanashankari brought forth from her body fruits, flowers, vegetables and herbs to suffice the hunger of the people. The form of Vanashankari is described in detail in Durga Saptashati. Vanasankari is blue in color. Her eyes are like lotus flower. She is depicted with numerous arms – one arm is shown as carrying a lotus with bees circling it. The other hands carry bow, arrows, flowers, roots, and vegetables. Her vehicle is a lion. The most popular festival dedicated to Goddess Vanashankari is held from Paush Shukla Paksha Ashtami to Paush Purnim...

Vaikunta Perumal Temple is located near the world famous Kailashnatha Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple has three tiers. The second tier is open only twice in a month during the Ekadasi tithi (11 th day during the fortnight) and the third tier is only open on the Vaikunta Ekadasi (December – January – the Ekadasi during the waxing phase of moon in Tamil Margazhi month.) The temple is one among the 108 Divya Deshams and is also known as Thiru Parameswara Vinnagaram. Lord Vishnu is worshipped here as Vaikunthanathan or Sri Paramapadanathan and Mother Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped as Vaikunthavalli. Believed to be the first of the Divya Desam temples in Kanchipuram. Vishnu in Standing – Sitting and Reclining Posture The first tier of the shrine is open on all days. The sanctum sanctorum here houses a standing murti of Lord Vishnu The second tier, which is open only on Ekadasi, houses the murti of Vishnu in sitting posture...

The love of Radha and Krishna is symbolic of the eternal love affair between the devoted mortal and the Divine…Radha’s yearning for union with her beloved Krishna is the soul’s longing for spiritual awakening. Every human being is constantly seeking a share of peace and happiness, and since one does not know the real source of these, one seeks them in the midst of sense objects. But when, in devotion, one comes to turn one’s entire attention towards the higher and the nobler, one experiences the Immortal, the Infinite – as intimately as one experienced the world and its changes before. Sri Krishna says in the Bhagavata Purana: “ The mind that constantly contemplates the sense objects irresistibly comes to revel in their finite joys, and the mind that learns to constantly remember Me comes to dissolve into Me and revel in Me. ” Radha represents this state of devotion and consequent merging with the Lord. Swami Chinmayananda

It cannot be reached by the organs of knowledge, neither by the organs of action, nor by mind; it cannot be controlled by anything; it is not seen; it is not intellectually ascertained; it is not indicated by any word. He is the hearer, thinker, seer, speaker and knower. He is the in-dweller of all the beings.’ – that is the Supreme Truth. Rishi Vamadeva - that in his mother’s womb itself he came to know the Truth, the Reality, by overcoming the iron citadels which were as though guarding him but obstructing him; he released himself by transcending these matter envelopments like an eagle. It was thus, he became the all-knowing and immortal. The Aitareya Upanishad starts by saying that in the beginning nothing existed except the Atman, and it finally makes the statement that nothing here exists without Brahman the pure Consciousness. Thus it is Brahman which existed before creation and which supports and sustains the created universe and continues to exist when the universe is w...

Raudreya is one among the numerous names of Lord Hanuman. There are numerous stories in Hindu tradition, which narrates the birth of Hanuman. Some stories are of the view that Hanuman is son of Shiva, some claim he is an avatar or incarnation of Shiva, some say he is amsha or manifestation of Shiva. Raudreya is used to refer to Hanuman when his birth is associated with Shiva. Legend has it that Vishnu took the form of Mohini to distribute the Amrut, or elixir of life, that the Devas and Asuras received after the Samudra Manthan or Churning of ocean. Asuras and Devas started a fight over who will have the Amrut first. Mohini appeared to distribute the Amrut peacefully. Shiva who happened to know about the beauty of Mohini wanted to see it. Shiva was enamoured by the beauty of Mohini. Scintillating nature and the beauty of Mohini made Shiva spill his semen. The semen spilled was collected by Rishis in a leaf and deposited in the womb of Anjana – who was meditating on Shiva fo...

Bilva Tree is highly auspicious and it is associated with Lord Shiva. The holy tree is worshipped by Shiva devotees. If you are looking for means for desire fulfillment, then there is a secret worship involving Bilva Tree and Shivling. On Monday , a devotee should place a black Shivling made of stone under a Bilva Tree and then offer prayers to Shiva. The devotee should then chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ 108 times. He should then offer water to the Shivling. The Shivling should then be taken home. The puja should be performed for 7 consecutive Mondays. On the final Monday, after puja, the Shivling should be dropped in a river or pond. The devotee should then plant a sapling (small tree) and take care of it. Fruit bearing tree like mango, pomegranate, awala or neem is highly auspicious. Related How many Shivling can be worshipped in home?

Almost all the temples in Kerala have a pond. These ponds never dry and were perennial source of water. Our ancestors were capable of detecting the right water channels below earth. Here are some interesting temples ponds in Kerala. There was a temple pond in Kerala built by Perumthachan – to a person viewing the pond appeared in different shape from each corner. Temple ponds were meant for devotees to take bath, wash their face, hands and feet. Devotees entered the temple only after washing their hands and feet. Each temple pond has a belief and history attached to it. Some temple ponds like the one at Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Swamy Temple is attached to the temple that it gives a great view to the temple from a distance. The temple pond in Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is known as Bhasma Kulam. The temple pond of the famous Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Trivandrum is known as Padmatheertham. The pond at Cherthala Thiruvizha Mahadeva Temple is known as Thavala Chelakul...

Ginseng, though not traditionally rooted in Hinduism, has been appreciated in various Eastern spiritual practices for its profound effects on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. In Hinduism, where herbs and natural remedies hold significant value, ginseng's properties align well with the principles of Ayurveda and spiritual enhancement. Below is an expanded look into its benefits, practical uses, and spiritual significance. 1. Boosting Prana (Vital Life Force) Benefit: Ginseng is believed to enhance prana , the vital life energy that sustains all beings. It strengthens energy reserves and improves overall vitality. Day-to-Day Use: Consuming a small amount of ginseng tea or extract in the morning can revitalize energy levels, especially during meditation or yoga practices. Effect: Strengthened prana enhances physical health and increases longevity. 2. Improving Mental Clarity and Focus Benefit: Ginseng helps sharpen mental focus and cognitive abilities, aiding concentra...

A rat, referred as Mooshika or Moonjoor, is the Vahana or vehicle of Lord Ganesha. Each deity in the Hindu pantheon as a Vahanam and it carries a symbolic meaning . When a person thinks logically, it is impossible for a mouse to carry Lord Ganesha. But Hinduism depicts a mouse as the vehicle of Lord Ganesha. The mouse is a symbol and contains a hidden truth. The mouse is a symbol of greed – mice have the tendency to eat whatever it sees, it also has the habit of biting anything and making it not usable. Lord Ganesha controls this aspect in one’s character. Thus the symbolism of mouse as vehicle of Ganesha teaches us that we should only bite into what we need to suffice our hunger. We should not destroy food. Again we should not go around peeping into other people’s life. Simply going around and passing comments and creating confusion is not a good habit. This habit of human beings is like that of the rat which simply bites on anything that it sees. Another s...

In Hinduism, giving alms or "dāna" is not merely an act of generosity; it is a spiritual duty that fosters self-purification, balances karma, and strengthens social harmony. Rooted in ancient scriptures and upheld by practices across generations, giving alms benefits both the giver and the receiver, promoting positive energies and spiritual progress. 1. Significance of Giving Alms in Hinduism In Hindu philosophy, the act of giving transcends materialistic gain and cultivates a sense of renunciation, humility, and empathy. It aligns with "Dharma" (moral duty) and "Karma" (action), leading to a more virtuous and fulfilling life. Almsgiving also reflects the Hindu understanding of interconnectedness — by supporting others, one nurtures and sustains the larger cosmic order or "ṛta." 12 Spiritual Benefits of Giving Alms Purification of the Mind and Heart By giving with pure intentions, individuals cleanse themselves of ego, pride, and attachment. This...

In Hinduism, the practice of feeding cows is imbued with deep spiritual and cultural significance. The cow is revered as "Gau Mata" or "Mother Cow," symbolizing nurturing, compassion, and abundance. Feeding a cow is believed to create positive karma, helping devotees align with dharma (righteousness), while also bringing blessings, protection, and spiritual progress. Among various items, potatoes hold specific significance due to their grounding, nourishing qualities. Here’s an in-depth exploration of the spiritual benefits, practices, and implications of giving potatoes to cows in Hinduism: 12 Spiritual Benefits of Feeding Potatoes to Cows Attracting Wealth and Prosperity : Feeding a cow is associated with "Dhan Prapti" (gain in wealth). The act of feeding potatoes, a staple and abundant food, can symbolize a wish for prosperity and stability in life. Removal of Past Sins (Paap) and Karmic Debts : Engaging in cow seva (service to cows) helps alleviate pas...

 Ghee, or clarified butter, holds immense spiritual, physical, and cultural significance in Hinduism. It is not just a staple in Indian households but is revered as a "sattvic" (pure) substance with a calming and nurturing energy. Ghee is used in spiritual rituals, cooking, and healing therapies due to its potential to enhance mental clarity, promote physical vitality, and support spiritual growth. 12 Spiritual Benefits of Ghee in Hinduism Purification and Cleansing : Ghee is believed to purify the mind and soul. When used in rituals, it is considered to have a cleansing effect on negative energies and impurities. Enhances Mental Clarity : Regular use of ghee, especially in meditation or consumption, can improve focus and mental clarity, promoting a peaceful and clear mind. Connection with Divine Energy : In Hindu rituals, ghee is offered to deities through fire rituals (yajna) to establish a connection with divine energies, helping individuals feel closer to the divine. Elev...

Goddess Kali is the fierce form of Mother Goddess. She is violent and brutal but at the same time she blesses and protects her devotees. Which Food Should Be Offered to Goddess Kali as Bhog or Prasad for her constant blessing? Each Hindu God and Goddesses like a particular kind of food. Devotees offer that particular food as Bhog, or Prasad, to get the blessing of the deity.   The food offering to Goddess Kali should be prepared using rice. She also accepts red color foods. Kheer made using rice, sabzi (made of vegetables) and rice and red color sweets are her favorite. Sabzi made using melon is her favorite. Making garland of lemon is her favorite. The best day to make the food offering to Goddess Durga is Amavasya (no moon day), Tuesday, Friday or Saturday. The food should be offered during morning or evening puja and should be taken back when the puja is completed. It should be then distributed as Prasad among family members, relatives, friends, and neighbors. It i...

 In Hinduism, overcoming obsession over someone, especially if it disrupts mental peace, is viewed as essential for inner stability and spiritual progress. Hindu philosophy emphasizes detachment (Vairagya) and self-mastery (Swa-dharma) as core principles to guide individuals away from fixating on temporary external attachments. Here is an exploration of practical methods, mantras, and deities, combined with scriptural guidance, to help overcome such obsession. 1. Understanding the Nature of Attachment Through Scriptures Bhagavad Gita : Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita , explains that desires can cloud one’s judgment, creating illusions that lead to attachment and obsession. By focusing on one’s duties and practicing self-control, Krishna advises that individuals can attain peace and clarity. “Desire and anger are the destroyers of peace and the great enemies. The wise one should abandon them.” ( Bhagavad Gita 3.37) Yoga Vasistha : The sage Vasistha teaches that mental attachments com...

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple at Karol Bagh in New Delhi is a shrine dedicated to the Narasimha Avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple is managed by the famous Ahobila Math. The shrine is located on the Guru Ravidas Marg in Karol Bagh. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple has a beautiful murti of Lakshmi Narasimha. The small temple complex has a separate shrine dedicated to Ashta Lakshmi – it is found in the prakara of the temple complex. There is also a separate small shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The other deities worshipped in the temple are Sudarshan Chakra, Garuda and Hanuman. The small beautiful temple is a replica of the South Indian Temple architectural style. The area is dominated by South Indians.

Obsessive Love Disorder (OLD) refers to a condition where one experiences uncontrollable thoughts, emotions, or behaviors focused on another person to the extent that it negatively affects well-being and relationships. In Hinduism, love is recognized as sacred but requires balance and detachment for spiritual growth. Here are some Hindu concepts, practices, mantras, and inspirational teachings to help one overcome obsessive attachment while still honoring the love in a balanced, healthy way. 1. Understanding the Roots of Attachment in Hindu Philosophy Maya (Illusion) : In Hinduism, Maya, or illusion, is often described as the force that binds the soul to worldly attachments, including obsessive love. Recognizing that excessive attachment is a form of Maya helps in detaching oneself from the fixation and focusing on one’s inner self. Karma and Dharma : Excessive attachment or obsession can often arise from unresolved karma or a lack of purpose (dharma). Engaging in activities that fulfi...