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Showing posts from April 23, 2018


Story of Goddess Lakshmi living on Earth in a Poor Man’s Home

The story of Goddess Lakshmi living on earth in a poor man’s home symbolically gives the message that Ma Lakshmi resides in the homes of people who have a good heart and are ready to help others without any expectations. It also suggests that arrival of a girl child in the home means growth, peace, and prosperity. One day Bhagavan Vishnu was getting ready to roam on earth. Goddess Lakshmi, his consort, too wanted to go along with Vishnu. Bhagavan agreed to Goddess Lakshmi’s wish but on one condition that while on earth she should not look to the north side. Soon the divine couple left Vaikunta and reached earth. Goddess Lakshmi was enamored by the beautiful earth. Animals, flowers, trees, and plants made her forget about the condition put by Vishnu. She looked all around. When she looked to the north side, she saw a beautiful farm. She went into the farm, plucked a flower, and returned to Bhagavan Vishnu. Goddess Lakshmi who was extremely happy saw tears in the eyes of Bhag

Ashtami Tithi on Monday – Som Durga Ashtami – Importance – How to do Puja?

When ashtami tithi, the eighth day during a lunar fortnight, falls on Monday, it is known as Som Durga Ashtami. Somwar, or Monday, in Hinduism is dedicated Lord Shiva. The importance of Durga Ashtami was narrated by Lord Krishna to Yudhishtira, the eldest of the Pandavas. It is found in the Bhavishya Purana. As per this narration, Ma Durga appeared to annihilate demon Durgam. He had unleashed a rule of terror in the three worlds. Goddess Shakti annihilated the demon and restored Dharma. As this manifestation defeated demon Durgam, she came to known as Goddess Durga. This is believed to have happened on a Shukla Paksha Ashtami Tithi - during the light phase or waxing phase of the moon. The eighth day during the waxing phase of moon in a Hindu lunar calendar is observed as Durga Ashtami. Depending on the day of the week, Mother Goddess is worshipped as Durga, Kali, Bhavani, Jagadamba, Mahadevi, Gouri and Parvati. When Durga Ashtami falls on Monday, Ma Durga is worshipped

Abandonment of Desires at All Time Is Called Sama

The indifference with which one treats the excreta of a crow – such an indifference to all objects of enjoyment from the realm of Brahma to this world is very called pure Vairagya. Atman in itself is alone permanent, the seen is opposed to it – such a settled conviction is truly known as discrimination. Abandonment of desires at all time is called Sama and restraint of the external functions of the organs is called Dama. Turning away completely from all sense objects is the height of Uparati, and patient endurance of all sorrow or pain is known as Titiksha which is conducive to happiness. Implicit faith in the words of the Vedas and the teachers (who interpret them) is known as Shraddha, and concentration of the mind on the only object Sat (i.e. Brahman) is regarded as Samadhana. Teachings from Aparokshanubhuti of Adi Shankaracharya