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Showing posts from July 25, 2018


Story of Shrifal in Hinduism

Coconut, or nariyal, is known as Shrifal in Hindu pujas and rituals. There is an interesting story regarding Shrifal in Hinduism. Legend has it that once Lord Vishnu appeared on earth from Vaikunta to bless those who followed Dharma. He arrived on earth with Goddess Lakshmi Coconut Tree and Kamadenu (the divine cow) Sri means Goddess Lakshmi and therefore coconut is the fruit of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. As the tree arrived on earth with Vishnu and Lakshmi it came to be known as Shrifal. Related Symbolism of Coconut Shell Bowl of Hindu Gods and Saints  Symbolically Kamandalu in Lord Brahma’s hands suggest that water is life and is the physical element that caused the whole creation to exist. ( read more ) Cowrie Shell Mala and Rosary Cowrie shell mala, or Kauri bead necklace, is considered auspicious by Hindus and has a place in Hindu religious ceremonies and it is believed to represent Goddess Lakshmi. ( read more ) Curse of Mata Sita – The Re

Understanding Hinduism – Hindu Religion Basics for Beginners

Many people find it difficult to understand Hinduism because of the numerous deities, scriptures and schools of thought. The difficulty is primarily due to the popular concept of God – that there is a God sitting somewhere up in the heavens and controlling the happenings on earth. In fact majority of Hindus too believe in a ‘God sitting above’ but the sole difference that a Hindu can choose a personal God or Gods from the numerous deities in the Hindu pantheon who are all the representative of the Supreme Being – Brahman. Hinduism, the real name Sanatana Dharma, should be understood step by step. The confusion arises when people directly jumps into the various schools of thought and scriptures or by forming an opinion by standing in the outskirts. There is only one Supreme Truth called by different names. It is present in all animate and inanimate. All birth and death are the result of this Supreme Truth. We are born into this state of Supreme Bliss. But soon this Supreme

Swami Nirmalananda Teachings And Quotes - Swamiji Had Performed Prayopavesa In 1997

Swami Nirmalananda (1924 – 1997) of Vishwa Shanti Niketan Ashram. Swamiji lived a quiet life but his decision to enter into prayopavesa (fast to death) was made into an issue by secularists. What is Prayopavesa? And Why It is Not Suicide? There is a world of difference between prayopavesa and suicide.  Suicide is a violent form of voluntary sudden death, inflicting pain to the body. It's born out of dejection and disorientation of mind. It's escapist in nature.  Prayopavesa is a nonviolent, spiritual form of voluntary, slow dissolution of the body. It is done in quest of communion with Him after fulfilling one's responsibilities in full. The extinction of life progresses very slowly. To ensure slow, painless and conscious dissolution, the fasting progresses in stages. Swami Nirmalananda Teachings and Quotes Wisdom to me is not a set of words, but freshness and emptiness of the mind. Empty the mind by self-observation, self-awareness and inner attent