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Showing posts from October 23, 2017


Story of Dhanurdasa and Sri Ramanujacharya – Fascination for Physical Beauty

The story of Dhanurdasa and Sri Ramanujacharya is associated with the famous Sri Ranganatha temple at Srirangam in Tamil Nadu. The story narrates about the futility of the fascination of physical beauty. It was the Brahmotsavam festival at Srirangam Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple. Hundreds of men and women had gathered to see Sri Ranganatha go on a procession seated on the shoulders of Garuda, his ratha. The Lord came out led by priests chanting the mantras, devotees singing His glories and musicians creating a wonderful melody. In the vast gathering, everyone had their eyes focused on the Lord and His consort Mother Lakshmi. But amidst them walked a handsome, strong man holding a big umbrella over the head of a beautiful, large-eyed young lady, Hemamba. Sri Ramanujacharya noticed the young man who had eyes for nothing but the beauty of his woman. The Acharya sent for him and asked what he saw in the woman that made him forget the world and walk happily without shame or fear of

Kankabhisheka in Hinduism – Showering of Gold Coins

Kankabhisheka in Hinduism literally means showering of gold coins on an individual as an honor or as a part of a religious rite. The ritual is performed either by directly showering gold coins over a person or by pour water over the coins placed in a sieve above the head of the person. When is it performed? It is mainly performed with Sathabhishekam – a ceremony observed when person has witnessed one thousand full moons. Some communities observe it when a person completes his/her 80th birthday. Kankabhisheka ritual is also performed by disciples to honor pontiffs, teachers and scholars. The coins used in the ritual are used for educational and charitable purposes. Why is it performed and the benefits? It is believed that the ritual confers prosperity and longevity on the recipient. The ritual is equal to taking holy dip in Ganga River, visit teerthas, practicing chandrayana or giving alms. The rite has the capability for elevating ten generations of ancestors in