--> Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from March 27, 2017


Ashvattha Tree in Hinduism – Spiritual and Religious Importance of Ashvattha Tree

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

Geometric Symbol and Diagram for female principle in Hinduism

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