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Showing posts from July 14, 2017


Ashtamangalyam Items in Kerala

Ashtamangalyam is a set of eight items widely found in Hindu homes in Kerala. It symbolically represents auspiciousness and prosperity. Ashta means ‘eight’ and Mangalyam means ‘that which gives happiness’. Ashtamangalyam is not the eight miniature vessels but it can be any eight auspicious items. Ashtamangalyam was earlier associated with marriage. However, today miniature set of it is kept in homes as a decorative item. Ashtamangalyam Confusion There is no one opinion regarding the eight items among scholars, pundits and priests. In reality, any eight auspicious items that are readily available can become Ashtamangalyam. However, today importance is given to objects (decorative piece) and not for the content. Again, the eight items vary depending on the auspicious occasion. The eight items are different for marriage; it is different for Vishu. Ashtamangalyam is used during Marriage Vishu Thiruvathira During Ramayana Masam (Karkidakam) All vessels

Vedagarbha

Vedagarbha is a name used to refer to Bhagavan Sri Krishna. As Vedagarbha He is the source and abode of the Vedas. The name is found in the Srimad Bhagavad Purana – second Canto.9.12. The term is also used to refer to a person who is well versed in the Vedas. The word then translates as one who has the depth of all Vedic wisdom. Lord Brahma is the one who has the depth of all Vedic wisdom. This reference is found in the third canto of Srimad Bhagavad Purana – verse 9.29. Vedagarbha is also one among the numerous names of Vaishnavi Mahamaya or Goddess Maya.

Karkidaka Masam – Karkidakam Month in Kerala

Karkidaka Masam, or Karkidakam Month, is the last month in the traditional Malayalam calendar followed in Kerala. Karkidakam 1, 2024 is on July 16. The month is also known as the Ramayana Masam – the epic Ramayan is read in the month in homes and temples. The monsoon rains are at its peak in Karkidakam month. In 2023, Karkidaka Masam begins on July 16 and ends on August 16. Karkidaka Vavu Bali a ritual dedicated to the dead ancestors and relatives is performed on the Amavasya or no moon day in the Karkidaka Masam. Thousands of people visit the seashores and riverbanks to perform the ritual. Two decades ago, Karkidaka Masam used to be one of the difficult months due to heavy rains and floods. Majority of the people depended on agriculture and this month used to be the month of scarcity. With the farm fields flooded, there used to be no work and the economy used to come to a stand still. In some places, due to the rains, it was even hard to venture outside the house. To w

Flowers Offered to Hanuman

Each deity in Hindu religion likes a particular flower. The flower offered is usually based on stories associated with the deity. Here are the flowers that are offered to Lord Hanuman while doing worship and puja. Hanuman likes yellow and red color flowers. Lotus (कमल ) Red rose (लाल गुलाब) Marigold flower (गेंदा फूल ) Sunflower  (सूर्यमुखी  Arka Flowers (अर्का ) Leaves offered to Hanuman include Arka Leaves Peepal Leaves

Why Do You Search In Vain For Happiness Outside? – Swami Chidananda

The sages, being filled with universal love for all beings, did not want to keep their enlightenment to themselves. They declared to all: “O mortals, striving and struggling upon this Earth plane, weeping, wailing, buffeted by the vicissitudes of life: we have come upon a great discovery.” “ There is something beyond these appearances, these vanishing names and forms that go to make up this universe.” “There is something beyond which is the very source and support of all these objects of the phenomenal world.” Why do you search in vain for happiness outside? Come, come, happiness resides within.” Swami Chidananda (1916-2008) president of Divine Life Society