Several stories are associated with Holi in Hindu scriptures but the colours to play Holi festival only find its origin in the trees and flowers in spring season. Earlier, colors were made from natural products. In fact, all the colors used in various Hindu celebrations, art forms and paintings were made using natural products. Lord Krishna played Holi using the Tesu flowers which are found in abundance during the season. Today, we use highly toxic chemical substances to make colours during Holi. Some of these chemicals are purely meant for industrial use. But often the customer is cheated into buying these cheap colors. Most people are also unaware of the components used to make these colors. To make a quick money some manufacturers are seen to adulterate the colours with diesel, chromium iodine, engine oil, copper sulphate, and glass powder (to add sheen), which is known to cause nausea, headache, breathlessness among other ailments. The chemical colors are ma

There are some Hindu scriptures that list thirty-nine avatars of incarnations of Lord Vishnu. A list of thirty-nine avatars as found in the Ahirbhudhnya Samhita. The thirty-nine avatars are: Padmanabha                   Dhruva Ananta                            Shaktatman Madhusudhana               Vidhyadhideva Kapila                              Vishwarupa Vihangama                        Krodatman Badabavaktra                    Dharma Vagishwara                       Ekarnavasayin Kamateshwara                  Varaha Narasimha                         Piyusaharana Sripati                                Kantatman Rahujit                               Kalanemighna Parijatahara                        Lokanatha Shantatman                        Dattatreya Nyagrodhasayin                 Ekasrngatanu Vamanadeha                       Nara Narayana                            Hari Trivikrama                         Krishna Parashurama                

The 69th Acharya of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Jagadguru Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal attained Samadhi (died) at 9:00 am on February 28, 2019 (today) – Phalgun Shukla Paksha Trayodashi (Maasi month) - at Sri Kanchi Kamakotii Peetam Sankara Matam, Kanchipuram. Last rites Last rites - Brindavana Pravesha Karyakramam of His Holiness Pujyashri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal - will be performed on 1st March from 8 AM. Life History of Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi (1954 – 2019) Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi  was born as Sri Subramaniyam on July 18, 1935 at Irulneekki in Thanjavur District. He had study of Vedas at Tiruvidaimarudur under the direction of Mahaswamigal (Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal). He was initiated into Sanyasa on March 22, 1954 and was declared as successor Acharya and given the Sanyasa name Sri Jayendra Saraswati Sri Pada. Jayendra Saraswathi succeeded Chandrasekarendra Saraswat

Indrakund is a holy place on the banks of Aruna River at Panchavati in Nashik, Maharashtra. The holy pond and temple here is visited by devotees who are on a spiritual journey to Panchavati. Bhagavan Sri Ram, Mata Sita and Lakshman resided at Panchavati during their exile period in the Ramayana. Story of Indrakund Legend has it that Gautam Rishi cursed Indra to have pores in his body. To escape from the curse, Indra performed holy bath in the small pond here. He was then relieved of the curse and the place came to be known as Indrakund. The Indrakund Devasthan here has murtis of Vishnu, Hanuman and Ganesha. There is also Shivling here. Godavari River passes through the middle of Nashik city. The area on the northern banks of Godavari River is known as Panchavati. The area on the southern bank is known as Nashik city. There are temples and sacred place on the both the banks but people pilgrims prefer to stay in northern bank because Tapovan and many tirths are located

Once in Varanasi, two young men were walking through the Hanuman Square. They saw two young women drowning. Seeing this, they jumped into the water. They rescued and brought to shore those two women, who were about to drown. The rescued women thanked the young men. One young man asked the young woman he had rescued to marry him. He believed that this world was the only truth. The other young man looked upon women elder to him as his mother, those of his age as sisters, and women younger to him as his daughters. Hence, he said to the young woman he had rescued: ‘Sister, God has provided me the opportunity to do a good deed. I have done my duty.’ He believed that God alone was true. Externally, both the men did the same act of rescuing a life, but they differed in their attitudes. Hence, they got different results of the same work. Work that is done expecting results leads to bondage. Work that is done with the idea that one is the instrument of God and with an attitude of s

Holi with ashes of the dead in Varanasi is observed in Phalgun month, couple of days before Dhulandi or Holi with colors. It is held at the famous Manikarnika Cremation Ghat in Kashi. In 2025, it will be held on March 11. This unique Holi in Banaras is played with ' chita bhasma' (ashes from pyres) and red gulals amid the burning pyres. The tradition is mentioned in the Skanda Purana and other scriptures. The tradition of playing holi amidst burning pyres is a very ancient tradition. Symbolically it proves that death is not fearful, and dying in Banaras means attaining moksha.  Manikarnika Cremation Ghat Holi is also believed to be the Holi of Shiva ganas, who missed the chance to celebrate Holi with him on Rangbhari Ekadashi day. Holi in Varanasi begins on Rangbhari Ekadashi. The belief is that Shiva and Goddess Parvati comes back to home after their divine wedding on the Rangbhari Ekadasi and this ritual is known as Gauna. The very next day Shiva goe

For many Holi is not just a festival of colors but an occasion to revel in ‘Bhang ki Thandai.’ Bhang is made from the leaves of Hemp and is considered to be the least intoxicating of the cannabis preparations in India . But is capable of giving a high for the entire day and is sold openly during Holi festival. Bhang ki Thandai is also given as a prasad in certain temples during the festivals. The Bhang usually comes in two varieties – capsule, dried Bhang leaves and dried plant. The capsules or golis are added to ice cream, sweets, paan etc. The dried plant or leaves is soaked in water and then it is cleaned and finally grounded on a stone slab to get the paste which is taken along with Badam milk or any sweet preparation. The sweet and the Bhang are considered to a highly potent combination and is said to give a real high. Therefore many revelers wait for Holi to get intoxicated in public. For fun, many people are also fed bhang mixed drinks and sweets without their

Chandanayika is a fierce manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti. She is closely associated with Goddess Durga and is invoked during Durga Puja. She is rarely mentioned in Puranas. But she is counted among a group of Navdurgas. She is a tantric deity and invoked for victory over enemies. She is also propitiated for good harvest and for early cure of various diseases. How to Worship Goddess Chandanayika? She is offered prayers mainly on Tuesday and during Ashtami tithi (the eighth day during the waning phase of moon). Wear red color dress and performing the puja facing east. Create a mental picture of Goddess in the mind. Light lamp using mustard oil and opt for two wicks. Offer red color flowers. Offer red chandan (sandalwood paste). Offer Kumkum. The sweet on the day should be prepared using rice. Benefits of Chandanayika Worship Desire fulfilment. Victory over enemies. Work that was abandoned or facing problems due to unknown reasons can be restarted

Lankini, the warrior maiden, was the guardian of Lanka, the kingdom of Ravana . Hanuman was stopped by Lankini when He attempted to enter the golden palace of Ravana . Lankini never slept and she guarded the palace day and night. As per Hindu tradition, Lankini was once the guardian of the abode of Brahma. As she guarded the home of the creator, Brahma, she was arrogant about her powers and status. This made her hot-headed and egoistic. She treated others in the palace with contempt and finally she was cursed by Brahma for her arrogance. Brahma cursed her to guard the city of demons. Soon Lankini realized her mistake and asked for pardon. Brahma gave her the boon that she will escape from the curse when a monkey will defeat her. Hanuman was eager to find Mata Sita and this is when Lankini stopped him. Lankini was huge figure with red protruding huge eyes and huge weapons. An impatient Hanuman did not want to fight Lankini and waste His time. So Hanuman grew in siz

Beam in house is not good as per vastu because your energy flow will be disturbed due to iron content in it. Sitting, sleeping and working under the bead causes serious problems as per Vastu Shastra. Problems due to beam in house Lethargy Irritability Fights in home Lack of energy Mental disturbances Negative thoughts Difficulties How to overcome the problems due to beam in house? Avoid sitting, sleeping and doing important work in the house under the beam. Hang bamboo flutes from the two sides of the beam. Completely cover the beam using false ceiling made using wood. Ancient Hindu Homes In ancient times, Hindus built home only using natural materials - mud, wood, stone and leaves of trees.  It is said that before cutting a tree for construction purpose special pujas were held. Permission was taken from the tree and from all the animals residing on the tree. Modern construction involves all kinds of materials that makes life difficult. 

How to sleep properly as per Ayurveda? Peaceful Time Hours Before Sleep Spend time away from work and stressful interactions in the hours before sleep. Use the time for bonding, good relationships, enjoyment, and appreciation. Bring inner light into your environment after sunset. The Ayurvedic prescriptions for a healthy night routine involve a fruitful end of the day and preparations for the night ahead, including meals, relationships, preparation for the next day, and sleep. Amount of Sleep Each person needs a different amount of sleep. That amount differs slightly based on how the day’s events stressed the body. Emotional traumas, violence, and anger require more time in sleep. People with heavier bodies, or with toxins in their bodies, need more time in sleep. Vastu and Sleep Never sleep with the crown of the head facing north. The alignment of the chakras has its own flow and should not be in alignment with the magnetic field of the earth. When you sleep with the h

Koodalike or Koodukattu is a unique form of Holi observed by Hindu communities who migrated from Goa to the Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts in Karnataka. These Hindu communities shifted to these regions after they were prosecuted by the Portuguese. This is a five-day festival begins on the Dasami or the 10th day of the Shukla Paksha of Phalguna month and ends with the Holi Purnima and festival. The migrated communities form small groups known as Koodalike or Koodukattu, which is headed by a Gurkar. The festival is observed in the place of the Gurkar or at a convenient spot. The festival begins after offering prayers to the Tulsi Plant. A coconut and a lamp lit on it which is touched by all the members of the Koodalike is offered to the Tulsi plant. This is done to have an incident free five-day of festivals. A unique dance is observed during the ritual to music of gong, sticks, cymbals and other musical instruments and it is known as Habbada

Here are some important tips to protect your skin, hair, scalp and nails during Holi festival. If not taken proper care the chemical colors can wreak havoc on your skin, scalp, hair and nails. Traditionally, holi was played with natural colors made from herbs, flowers, roots and leaves. They were good for the body. They were beneficial in many ways. But today natural holi colors are replaced with synthetic and chemical colors. Hence it is very important to take care of the body during holi festival. Pre Holi Always use natural holi colours. Use a moisturizer or sunscreen on your face and all those parts that are exposed. Do not leave your hair untied on Holi. Wear thick hairband with a bow or opt for bandana. Use oil or conditioner on your hair before playing Holi. The oil or conditioner will form a thin layer and it will act as a barrier. You can easily remove it with shampoo later. Paint nails with transparent varnish. Keep nails trimmed. If you’re allergic to chemicals, co

Dandia is a special sari, or saree, gifted to daughters during the Holi festival. Dandia therefore is an important Holi gift and many Hindu parents make it a point to gift the sari during Holi. Married daughters are invited and are specifically presented with the saree. Dandias are also unique saris and they differ from the normal saris in appearance. In some places, Dandia is only gifted to newly-wed daughters. In other regions, the sari is presented to both married and unmarried daughters. In some places, along with Dandia a normal sari is also gifted. Dandia is a cotton sari with Indian pink edges. The pink color creates an uneven pattern and the sari can be described as a pink and white colored sari. The saree also contains other designs and the part covering the head has ‘kiran’ attached to it. ‘Kiran’ is the gold or silver color borders found on the sari of brides. The pallu also has ‘kiran’ attached to it. Dandia is worn by newly-weds on the day of Holi

Married couples those who are unable to have children due to various reasons can find relief after offering Yashoda – Krishna Puja at home. Here is brief idea on how to perform the Yashoda – Krishna Puja. How to Perform Yashoda – Krishna Puja at Home? Take bath in the morning and wear yellow color dress. Offer prayers to Ganesha in mind. Perform the puja facing east or northeast. Keep the painting of Yashoda holding little Krishna on a yellow color cloth. Light the lamp using cow ghee – if you have copper lamp use it. Light one wick. Offer red color flowers. Offer gugal dhoop or other fragrant flower agarbhatti. Offer white chandan. Make a Prasad using jaggery, milk and rice. Sprinkle some tulsi leaves on the cooked Prasad and offer it. This should be later shared with family members and children. Chant the mantra ॐ यशोदा - वत्सलाय नमः (Om Yashoda Vatsalaya Namah) 108 times using a chandan mala. Special Offerings to have children Keep a kalash filled wi

Tiruvundiyar is a Shaiva Siddhanta text. Shaiva Siddhanta is one of the many South Indian schools of Shaivism. There are fourteen Shaiva Siddhanta texts and Tiruvundiyar is the first among them. The author of the text is Tiruviyalur Uyyavanda Devar. The scripture contains the quintessence of Shaiva Siddhanta teachings in 45 verses. The text is composed in a meter known as Kalittal issai. The text is unique and interesting as the author addresses a fly about the basic truths of the philosophy. The author states that all evils, vices, and blemishes fly away on listening to the truth of Shiva. The basic theme of the literary work is that one can only see Shiva through his grace. One has to make one’s heart free of all vices. It has to be purified. Then one can enjoy the unalloyed bliss of Shiva. -------------- Tiruvundiyar is an important text in the Shaiva Siddhanta tradition, a school of Shaivism that emphasizes devotion to Shiva as the supreme deity. Shaiva Siddhanta is o

What is the lucky number of Kark Rashi born people? The benefits of lucky number include progress and change in luck. Kark rashi lucky number is one. The people born in the rashi should buy car, bike or scooter having number one in it or when added the total should be one. Buying shop number 1 is good for the Kark Rashi people. Similarly, buying flat or plot having number one is good. Having mobile number with number 1 is good for the people. Lighting one-wick lamp on birthday is good for Kark Rashi. Offer one coconut and a banana to Hanuman to overcome all forms of troubles in life. Offer one banana to Vishnu and offer prayers. Later give the banana to a cow.

Hurang or Hurdang Holi celebration is dedicated to Balram, or Baldev, the elder brother of Lord Krishna. It is observed in and around Baldev Town , around 20 km from Mathura . The temple dedicated to Balaram here is known as Dauji Ka Mandir. Thandai, a cool drink mixed with Bhang, is lavishly served during the period and this intoxicates the Holi participants here. Hurang is observed for two days during Holi period. The Baldev town turns into a carnival of music, rasia competitions and folk dances during the period. People go around splashing colors from pichkaris or mini water cannons from dawn to dusk. Thousands of Krishna devotees arrive at the town to observe the festival. The colors for the festival are prepared from Tesu flowers in a huge tank in the premise of the Baldev Temple . Traditional musical instruments are used create music during the period. But the highlight of the festival is the activities of people under the influence of bhang.

What is the lucky number of Mithuna Rashi born people? The benefits of lucky number include progress and change in luck. Mithuna rashi lucky number is four. The people born in the rashi should buy car, bike or scooter having number four in it or when added the total should be four. Buying shop number 4 is good for the Mithuna Rashi people. Similarly, buying flat or plot having number four is good. Having mobile number with number 4 is good for the people. Lighting four-wick lamp on birthday is good for Mithuna Rashi. Make a garland of four peepal leaves and offer it to Hanuman to overcome all forms of troubles in life. Offer four banana to Vishnu and offer prayers. Later give the bananas to a cow.

Deotamura, means peak of God, is famous for its panels of rock carvings on a steep mountain wall on the bank of Gomati River in Tripura. The place is also known as Chabimura or Devtamura and is around 75 km from Agarthala and 5 km from Amarpur. Huge images of Shiva, Vishnu, Kartik, Mahishasuramardini Durga and other gods and goddesses from Hindu pantheon are carved on a mountain at Deotamura. It is believed that the images were carved during 15th and 16th centuries. To reach one can take bus from Udaipur to Rangamati. From Rangamati one has to take a boat to reach Deotamura.

The pantheon of Hindu deities is rich and diverse, reflecting a wide array of beliefs, practices, and philosophical traditions. Among these deities, Shiva and Vishnu stand out as two of the most prominent and widely revered gods. Despite their shared status in the Hindu tradition, Shiva and Vishnu embody different aspects of the divine and hold unique places within the broader spectrum of Hindu theology. This essay explores the key differences between Shiva and Vishnu, encompassing their iconography, roles, associated myths, and theological significance. Iconography The visual representations of Shiva and Vishnu are distinct and symbolize their differing attributes and roles within Hinduism. Shiva is typically depicted as an ascetic with a tranquil and meditative demeanor. He is often shown with a third eye on his forehead, symbolizing wisdom and insight. His matted hair holds the Ganges River, representing purification, and he is frequently adorned with serpents, a crescent moon, an

Dantura is a malevolent form of the Mother Goddess. She is invoked through tantric rites and is worshipped mainly in eastern parts of India. Dantura means one having fangs. "She is described as having bare canine teeth, rounded eyes, ghastly smile, emaciated body, lean and pendulous breasts, sunken belly and peculiar sitting posture." Some scholars equate her with Alakshmi. Goddess Dantura, in Hinduism, represents a fierce and malevolent form of the Mother Goddess. Primarily revered in the eastern regions of India, Dantura is a deity who embodies the darker aspects of divinity. Her worship involves intricate and secretive tantric rites, reflecting her complex and formidable nature. The name "Dantura" itself translates to "one having fangs," a reference to her fearsome appearance. She is typically described with vivid and terrifying characteristics: her bare canine teeth are prominent, enhancing her fearsome demeanor. Her eyes are rounded and inte

The story of Khatu Shyam, lovingly known as Shyam Baba, is the story of unfathomable sacrifice. Khatu Shyam was the grandson of Bhima, the second of Pandavas. He willingly gave his head to Lord Krishna before the Mahabharata war. It is said that the head of Khatu Shyam was placed atop a hill near the Kurukshetra and he watched the entire Mahabharata war from there. Khatu Shyam Katha Full Version Previous Birth of Khatu Shyam In his previous birth, Khatu Shyam was a Yaksha. Once when Adharma (evil) grew out of control on earth, Vishnu agreed to the prayers of Devas and humans and agreed to take an avatar to bring back Dharma. A Yaksha named Suryavarcha said that not Vishnu but he alone could relieve earth’s burden. For this arrogance, he was cursed by Brahma to be born on earth and said that whenever there is an opportunity to relieve earth’s burden he would die at the hands of Krishna. Grandson of Bhima in Mahabharat Later Khatu Shyam was born as the son of Ghatotkachch a

What is the lucky number of Vrishabha Rashi born people? The benefits of lucky number include progress and change in luck. Vrishabha rashi lucky number is five. The people born in the rashi should buy car, bike or scooter having number five in it or when added the total should be five. Buying shop number 5 is good for the Vrishabha Rashi people. Similarly, buying flat or plot having number five is good. Having mobile number with number 5 is good for the people. Lighting five-wick lamp on birthday is good for Vrishabha Rashi. Make a garland of five peepal leaves and offer it to Hanuman to overcome all forms of troubles in life. Offer five bilva leaves to Shiva and offer prayers. Then offer prayers to Nandi.

In Hindu Tradition, Aruna is the charioteer of Surya (the Sun God) and he is also the red sky of dawn or during sunrise. The story of his divine birth is mentioned in the Astika Parva of Mahabharata. Aruna was the son of Sage Kashyapa and Vinita (some scholars refer her as Vinata.) Aruna was born with half-body because of his mother’s impatience. Sage Kashyapa had two wives – Kadru and Vinata. Once Sage Kashyapa asked his wife to ask a boon each. Kadru asked for one thousand Nagas or serpents as her sons. Vinata wished for two sons who were greater in strength than the thousand sons of Kadru. Sage Kashyapa gave them the boons and asked to nurture the embryos with care. In due course of time, Kadru gave birth to one thousand eggs and Vinata gave birth to two eggs. The eggs were carefully placed in a steaming vessel. After several years, thousand sons emerged from Kadru’s eggs. But nothing emerged from the two eggs of Vinata. As days passed Vinata grew

What is the lucky number of Mesh Rashi born people? The benefits of lucky number include progress and change in luck. Mesha rashi lucky number is eight. The people born in the rashi should be buy car, bike or scooter having number eight in it or when added the total should be eight. Buying shop number 8 is good for the Rashi people. Similarly, buying flat or plot having number 8 is good. Having mobile number with number 8 is good for the people. Lighting eight-wick lamp on birthday is good for Mesha Rashi. Make a garland of eight peepal leaves and offer it to Hanuman to overcome all forms of troubles in life.

There is a widespread belief that Goddess Lakshmi is associated with money, gold and richness. This is not true. True happiness and true richness on earth is for those who have mental peace. A person who is able to enjoy heaven on earth has the true blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Maa Laxmi should be worshipped for mental peace. When a person is at peace, prosperity will follow him. Only a calm and serene might can produce good work. Creativity and original ideas come to a mind that is at peace. The toughest problems are solved when there is peace. A turbulent mind is unproductive. It creates rift, fights and problems in relationships. Lack of peace leads to anger and anger only opens the doors of destruction. Mental peace can dissolve ego, anger, desires, lust and unwanted thoughts. When the mind is at peace, even porridge can satisfy you but when the mind is agitated, even a feast fit for a king will not satisfy you.  If the mind is not at peace you cannot enjoy wealt

As per teachings in Hinduism, Iccha or desire is one of the basic qualities of the human mind. Here is a brief understanding of Iccha – desire as per Hindu religious philosophy and teaching. Iccha is the first reason behind the first creation - the desire of the Supreme Truth. It is the root cause of all activities. Along with knowledge and effort, desire is one of the three aspects that proceed before the performance of any action. Iccha Shakti of Bhagavan is eternal. The iccha shakti of all other living beings in temporal. Desire is the direct cause of action. Iccha is not a negative force. Natural desires are necessary for a living being to survive on earth. Desire becomes dangerous when living being moves away from the basic surviving mode. Desire to quench thirst, have food, sleep etc is natural. But the desire to accumulate, possess, control etc are negative. Negative desires are the result of the wrong belief that individual soul separate from the Supreme Truth. Wh

Two birds of beautiful plumage, inseparable companions, sat upon the same tree, one on the top and one below. The beautiful bird below was eating the fruits of the tree, sweet and bitter, one moment a sweet one and another a bitter. The moment he ate a bitter fruit, he was sorry, but after a while he ate another and when it too was bitter, he looked up and saw the other bird who ate neither the sweet nor the bitter, but was calm and majestic, immersed in his own glory. And then the poor lower bird forgot and went on eating the sweet and bitter fruits again, until at last he ate one that was extremely bitter; and then he stopped again and once more looked up at the glorious bird above. Then he came nearer and nearer to the other bird; and when he had come near enough, rays of light shone upon him and enveloped him, and he saw he was transformed into the higher bird. He became calm, majestic, free, and found that there had been but one bird all the time on the tree. Th

There are numerous stories in Indian folklore based on the various episodes in the Ramayana. One such story from Telugu folklore is of Demon Shoorpanakha creating an illusion of her brother Ravana. She uses the trick to accuse Sita of being unfaithful to her husband Bhagavan Sri Ram. Shoorpanakha wanted to marry by Lord Ram but he rejected the proposal. When the adamant demon attempted to have her desire fulfilled forcibly, Lakshman, brother of Sri Ram, cut off her nose. She decided to take revenge on Lord Ram. She took the form of a poor beggar woman, went to the ashram of Sita, and asked her for food. When Sita went inside to get food; Shoorpanakha drew a sketch of Ravana on the floor and brought it to life by threatening Brahma. The shadow Ravana hid under Sita’s bed and emerged just as Rama came inside. Ram accused Sita of being unfaithful and banished her from the ashram. Note - This story is not in the original Valmiki Ramayana. It is part of Telugu Folkl

Nandi is the bull of Shiva. Nandi Puja is performed for attaining peace and prosperity. Below is the Nandishwar pooja vidhi or procedure along with mantra. This is a simple guide on how to perform Nandishwara Puja and is ideal for performing it at home. When to Perform Nandi Puja? Ideal day to perform the puja: Shukla Paksha Saptami Tithi – seventh day during the light or waxing phase of moon. Purvabhadra Nakshtra – when there is Purva Bhadrapada or Poorurttathi nakshatram during the waxing phase of moon in a month. It is doubly auspicious to perform the puja when Saptami Tithi and Purvabhadra nakshatra coincides. Benefits of Performing Nandishwar Puja Relief from various body pains. To overcome serious diseases. Fulfillment of desires. The puja is performed for getting job and success in professional life. Simple Nandishwar pooja Vidhi The puja should be performed early morning after sunrise or during pradosh period (1.5 hours before sunset). Ide

Nageshwar Mahadev is one of the 12 Jyotirling forms of Hindu God Shiva. The story of Nageshwar Mahadev is a classic example of the power of Bhakti in Hinduism . As per Puranas, there lived a Shiva Bhakta named Supriya. She used to do all her work as an offering to Lord Shiva. A demon named Daruk was unhappy with the Shiva bhakti of Supriya as it had created peace and prosperity in the region. Daruka and his wife Daruki were ardent devotees of Shiva and Ma Parvati. The couple had got several boons from Maa Parvati. The demon devised numerous methods to unsettle and cause obstacles to Supriya. But her devotion remained steadfast. One day, Daruka kidnapped Supriya and took her to his kingdom. Here too she continued with her prayers and mediation. This angered the demon and he decided to kill her. The threat of death did not move Supriya. She continued with her prayers. Pleased with the intense devotion of her devotee, Shiva appeared in the prison in the fo

Shiva Mantra helps in alleviating fear of exam and for getting good marks and excellent grade in exams. The mantra as per Hindu astrology is good for students attending exam and interviews. Below is the brief idea on how to chant Shiva Mantra for Exam and Interview. Shiva Mantra For Students ॐ  ऐं   गे ऐं   ॐ Om Aaim ge Aaim Om How to Chant Shiva Mantra For Students? Ideal time – daily early morning hours – one hour before sunrise. Cloth color – White or blue Direction to face – east First offer prayer to Ganesha. Light lamp using cow ghee Creating a mental picture of Shiva in mind. Chant the mantra 11 times using a Rudraksha Mala. Sit in meditation. Start studying after chanting the mantra

A collection of quotes on Women's education by Sarojini Naidu. Education knows no distinction of caste or creed or province. In matters of education you cannot say thus far and no further. Neither can you say to the winds of heaven blow not where ye list, nor forbid the waves to cross their boundaries nor yet the human soul to soar beyond the bounds of arbitrary limitations. The word education is the worst misunderstood word in any language. Instruction being merely accumulation of knowledge might, indeed, lend itself to conventional definition, but education is an immeasurable, beautiful, indispensable atmosphere in which we live and move and have our being. Does one man dare to deprive another of his birthright to God’s pure air which nourishes his body? How then shall a man dare to deprive a human soul of its immemorial inheritance of liberty and life? Therefore I charge you, restore to your women their ancient rights, for, as I have said it is we, and not you,

In Hinduism, Gods like Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna, Lord Ram and Lord Shiva are shown as having blue or dusky skin. The color of the skin is shown as either blue or sometimes black. Hindu religion is full of symbolisms and the blue color is also a symbol. Most avatars of Hindu gods are also shown in blue color. Blue is the color of the infinite. All Hindu gods are an attempt by the human mind to give form to the formless Brahman (God). The color blue symbolizes immeasurable and all pervading reality – formless Brahman. Swami Chinmayananda talking on the subject says that whatever is immeasurable can appear to the mortal eye only as blue; thus the cloudless summer sky is blue to us because the endless distance of space is interpreted by the physical eye as blue in color. The blue color thus teaches us that what appears as Lord Vishnu , Krishna and Shiva is the all pervading reality. Brahman (the Supreme Reality) takes a particular form to satisfy the human mind

In Hinduism, all religious and auspicious ceremonies begin with the invocation of Lord Ganesh. The first prayer in all ceremonies, religious or secular, is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. But why is Lord Ganesha invoked in the beginning of all auspicious ceremonies? Because He is Vighneshvara, destroyer of obstacles and his blessing is necessary for the smooth conduct and functioning of any activity in the world. There is also an interesting incident mentioned in Hindu scriptures, which explains why the first prayer is always to Ganesha. The answer to why Lord Ganesha is always the first God invoked in all religious ceremonies is linked to his divine birth. Goddess Parvati using her supernatural powers gave birth to Lord Ganesha and assigned him the duty to guard the house while she was bathing inside. Lord Shiva appears and is denied entry by Ganesha as he is unaware that Shiva is Goddess Parvati’s husband. Lord Shiva too is unaware about Ganesha’s birth. After a ver

The video below compares the concept of beginning and end of universe in Hinduism with that of modern cosmology. The video is presented by Carl Edward Sagan - an American astronomer and astrobiologist and a highly successful popularizer of astronomy, astrophysics, and other natural sciences. Below is the transcript of the video. This is because the subject matter is very complex and you might need repeated listening. Hindu religion is the only one of the world’s great faiths dedicated to the idea that the cosmos itself undergoes an immense, indeed an infinite number of deaths and rebirths. It is the only religion in which the time scales correspond, no doubt, by accident, to those of modern scientific cosmology. Its cycles run from our ordinary day and night to a day and night of Brahma 8.64 billion years long. Longer than the age of the earth or the sun and about half of the time since the big bang. And there are much longer time scales still. There