Small malas or rosaries made from small conch shells or shankh are considered lucky and auspicious in Hinduism. Shankh is an important puja item and is used in Hindu pujas. Conch Rosaries are dear to Goddess Lakshmi. Conch Mala is used usually in the sadhana of Hindu Goddess Lakshmi or while chanting mantras and prayers dedicated to Goddess Laxmi. It is believed that wearing of small conch malas bring peace and prosperity. Some people keep this mala along with account books and in cash lockers for luck and business prosperity. People who constantly give speeches wear the conch shell mala to overcome stage fear and to gain confidence. Some people wear it to overcome speech problems. Some people also make offering of Conch shell mala to Goddess Lakshmi. You may also like to read Significance of Shankh or Conch Shell in Hinduism

Lord Shiva is shown with a crescent moon on his matted locks. There are several stories in the Puranas regarding how the crescent moon appeared on Lord Shiva’s head. The Crescent Moon on the hair also has a symbolic meaning – it represents the cyclical nature of the universe and is also the nectar of life. There is a belief that the rays from the moon fall on earth and nourish the animals and plants on earth – thus it is the nectar of life. Thus Shiva is the Supreme Force that nourishes the earth. Another symbolism is that the crescent moon represents the cyclical nature of the universe. The waxing and waning of the moon symbolizes the cycle through which creation evolves – birth and death. This cycle of creation and destruction is controlled by Lord Shiva – who is time, creation and destruction. Some scholars are of the view that the crescent moon Shiva wears on his crown, is a symbol of love – the nightly love of creation and thus a fertility symbol. I...

Vastu Purusha was a demon who was pinned down on earth by the Devas (Demigods) and is today present in all plots. Each god is the ruler of the point where he holds the demon down. Thus the north is ruled by Kubera ; South by Yama; East by Indra and West by Varuna. The center point of Vastu Purusha is held down by Lord Brahma . There is an interesting story in the Matsya Purana which narrates about the story of Vastu Purusha. Story of Vastu Bhagavan in Hindu Scriptures Legend has it that during the fight between Lord Shiva and demon Andhaka a man was born from the sweat of Lord Shiva. This man later started doing Tapas and penance to please Lord Shiva. His Tapas was so intense that Lord Shiva appeared before him and asked him to ask a boon. The demon wanted Lord Shiva’s permission to eat the three worlds. Lord Shiva granted him the boon. But when he was getting ready to swallow the earth, the gods lead by Brahma pinned him down on to earth and each god held him fr...

The most important fruit offering to Shiva is the Bel fruit – Wood Apple in English. Bel, or Bilva, is widely associated with Shiva – the leaves of the tree is an important offering as its leaves are equated with the three eyes of Shiva and it also resemble the trident and; Shiva is believed to meditate under the Bilva tree; the fruit is offered and consumed as Prasad by Shiva devotees especially during the Mahashivaratri. The story of origin of Bel Fruit is associated with Goddess Lakshmi. Symbolically, Shiva is like the bell fruit – hard outside but soft inside. A story mentioned in the Brihad Dharma Purana states that Goddess Lakshmi offered 10,000 lotus everyday while worshipping Shiva. One day she fell short of two buds. She the decided to offer her breasts instead of lotus flowers. She cut a breast and offered it. When she was about to offer the next, Shiva appeared before her and stopped her. It is said that the cut breast became the Bel fruit. Bel is widely...

You can listen to pravachan or lectures on Dnyaneshwari ( ज्ञानेश्वरी)  at the Swami Samarth website. The audio is mp3 format. There is no option to download. The pravachan is by Shri Mukundkaka Jatdevlekar and Ramdasi Shri Chincholkar. Link – Listen to Pravachan on Dnyaneshwari in mp3 Dnyaneshwari is the first and the most popular Marathi commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. Gyaneshwari continues to be read and discussed in Maharashtrian homes and its translation into various languages continues to inspire millions of people around the world.

Jivitputrika Vrat Katha, or Jitiya Fasting story, is listened to by all mothers observing Jivitputrika fast. The fasting is observed women in Bihar, Jharkhand, parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh  for the welfare of their children. When Kali Yuga began, mothers were worried about the fate of their children. Kali Yuga, the last Yuga or Age as per Hinduism, is the age of vice and all bad things is believed to take place before the total annihilation of creation. So mothers wanted to know what they can do to protect their children from evil and death. To find a solution on how to save their children from the effects of Kali Yuga mothers approached the learned and wise Sage Gautama. The pious saint agreed to find a solution and narrated a story that happened during the Mahabharata period. Pandavas were very unhappy after the end of the 18-day Mahabharat war as all their sons were killed. Draupadi, the mother of the children, approached a learned Brah...

Death is certain for those who are born, and birth is certain for the dead. This is inevitable and therefore a wise man should not grieve over it. Nobody should form an excessive attachment to anybody; the body is only a dream, what then of other persons’? As a traveler, taking resort in shade, rests awhile and then departs again; so is the coming together of beings. The good things eaten in the morning are destroyed by evening; how can there be permanence in a body which is sustained by these foods? (Chapter 9) The evil are ever prone to detect the faults of others, though they be as small as mustard seeds, and persistently shut their eyes against their own, though they be as large as Bilva fruit. Unhappiness comes from the sense of “I” and “mine”. As long as these feelings are there, true knowledge is impossible. Eliminating these means the elimination of one’s ego. Those who are learned chop down the tree with the axe of knowledge. It is such p...

Panar were musicians in ancient Tamil society. The word Panar is derived from Pan, which means a song. Different Category of Panar Panars were also known as akavar, cutar, ovar, matankar, ceyiriyar, ampanavar, cenniyar, and vayiriyar. The first five refer to vocal musicians. Akavar and cutar were bards who roused the ruler from sleep with songs in the morning. Ovar and matankar were minstrels who extolled the ruler by singing his glory. Ceyiriyar were musicians who sang in combats (from cevir, combat). Ampanavar were those who played on a stringed instrument in the shape of a turtle (ampanam). Cenniyar were those who played on a skull-shaped drum. Vayiriyar were those who blew through horns, and matankar were those who played on a matankam, a small drum. Panars are said to be of three kinds Isaippanar (vocalists), Yalppanar (stringed instrumentalists) Mantaippanar (percussionists) This classification shows that they were categorized on the ba...

Trimbakeshwar is one among the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples in India . The 12 shrines are dedicated to Shiva. Story of Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is associated with Sage Gautama. Legend has it that Gautama Rishi, one of the Sapta Rishis, was living with his wife Ahalya on the Brahmagiri Mountain in the Sahyadri hills. Once there was a famine here for 24 years in the region. Rishi Gautama then propitiated Varuna, who blessed him with pit with an unlimited supply of water at Trimbakeshwar. With the water, Gautama Rishi was able to grow grains and vegetables. He thus fed other sages and people of the region. The people of the entire region considered the Sage to be the holiest. This resulted in jealousy and some Rishis of a neighboring region decided to disgrace the Sage. One day they set loose a cow in field of the Sage. The Sage tried to drive away the cow using holy Dharba grass. The cow suddenly died and the Rishis from the neighboring region accused Sage Gautama...

An important lesson mentioned in the Kena Upanishad points towards the core teaching of Hinduism –  all that is animate and inanimate is nothing but the Supreme Truth (Parabrahma).  Once, Devas under the leadership of Indra defeated the demons. Indra, Agni, Vayu, Chandra and all other Devas were intoxicated by the victory and were praising their acts in the battle. Suddenly the Devas felt the presence of a Yaksha outside. Agni was asked to find out about the Yaksha. Yaksa asked Agni who he was. Agni proudly gave his name and boasted that he can burn anything in the universe. Yaksa then pointed towards a dried blade of grass and asked Agni to burn it. Agni did his best to make the dried blade of grass catch fire, but nothing happened. Frightened, Agni went inside and informed the Devas. Then Vayu was deputed to solve the mystery. He too bragged about his power and said that he can blow away anything in the universe. Yaksha then asked Vayu ...

Ayodhya is one the seven mokshadayi puris in Hinduism. Bhagvan Sri Ram was born in Ayodhya. It was also his capital city. But what is the meaning of Ayodhya? Ayodhya means one that cannot be won over in a war. Yuddh means war and A means cannot. It is believed that Ayodhya could not be defeated in war because of the several efficient rulers the land had. According to Skanda Purana, the three letters A, Yo and dhya represents Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva respectively. Interesting Facts About Ayodhya Ayodhya is situated on the banks of Sarayu River and it was the capital of Kosala. Atharva Veda describes it as a city built by Gods and being as prosperous as paradise itself. It covered an area 96 square miles. Ayodhya is the birth place of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Srihari Vishnu. Ramayana the great epic and one of the most important scriptures in Hinduism is based on Rama born at Ayodhya. As per Ramayana, Ayodhya was founded by Vaivasvata Manu, the law-giver in ...

Sage Kapila is associated with the Samkhya Philosophy. Kapila Rishi teachings are found in the Srimad Bhagavad Purana. These quotes and thoughts are mostly from books and Srimad Bhagavad Purana. It is the mind, which is the cause of bondage as well as freedom. Consider the mind. When it gets involved in the three Gunas – when there is an upset in the balance of the three Gunas, then one of the Gunas becomes predominant and the Atman gets involved in the play of the emotions. The mind turns away from the inner self and begins to be interested in the objects of the senses – it seeks gratification of them and it wanders farther and farther away from the Atman. This same mind, if it is turned inwards, if it attaches itself to the Lord, then this same mind will be the cause of freedom of man from the coils of the senses. This path is called by the name Chittasanyamana and it is the first step towards Moksha. Those who lead a life of domesticity are certainl...

Immersion of the ashes of the dead after funeral rituals in the Asthi Kund adjacent to Ramkund in Godavari River at Nashik in Maharashtra is considered as one of the rituals that gives peace to the soul of the dead in Hinduism. The holy Asthi Kund at Nashki is a small pond, 3X3 feet, adjacent to the Ramkund. It is believed that the Asthi Kund is more than 100 feet deep and has natural springs and the mortal remains that are immersed along with the ashes are dissolved here. Ramkund is considered to be holy because Godavari River turns to the right in 90 degrees at this place. It is also believed that Sri Ram used to take bath at Ramkund during his exile period in the Ramayana. Hindu tradition also states that a drop of nectar from the pot which was being carried by Garuda after the Gods had won it from the demons during Sagar Manthan (churning of the ocean) had fallen at Ramkund. This is another reason why the place is very sacred. The tradition of immersing ...

Shiva is believed to have appeared in the form of Jyotirling. There are twelve Jyotirlinga Temples in India . The story of Jyotirling is associated with Brahma and Bhagvan Vishnu entering into an argument. Legend has it that Bhagwan Vishnu and Brahma Ji wanted to know who was superior and this led to a fight. Mahadev Shiva intervened and said whoever can find out the origin or end of Shivling is superior. Shiva appeared before them in the form of a huge pillar of fire. This huge pillar of fire is referred as Jyotirlinga or lingodbhavamurti. This day of the appearance of Shiva in the Jyotirling form is celebrated as Shivratri. The story states Vishnu went down searching for the end of column of fire and Brahma went up searching. Both traveled and traveled but never reached the beginning or end. Symbolism of Jyotirling The story is symbolic and it suggests that the Supreme Truth as taught by Hinduism is present in all animate and inanimate. That divine light in Sun i...

Women of all age should be allowed to have darshan at Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala. The Supreme Court decision on Sabarimala Temple Case (on September 28, 2018) to allow women of all age group into the shrine should be welcomed by all Hindus. There should be no restriction based on menstruation. Hinduism is a living religion. It continuously evolves and adapts. It is not a stagnant pool that is restricted by a particular scripture or set of rules. It is a full-fledged river – always fresh. Hinduism is only concerned about an individual’s quest to know the Supreme Truth. And how an individual reaches or approaches the truth is left solely to the individual’s discretion. Menstruation is a lame excuse to deny entry to women in Hindu temples. Menstruation is a natural process, it is considered highly auspicious, and it is celebrated at a temple very close to Sabarimala Temple – The menstruation occurring in the idol of Goddess Parvati at the Chengannur Mahadeva Temple in Kerala...

Lord Ganesha’s picture is always printed on the cover of Hindu wedding cards. But why is Lord Ganesh picture printed and not of any other Hindu Gods. The reason is that Lord Shiva had given Ganesha the boon that no ceremony or function should be conducted without first invoking Ganesha. For a ceremony to be successful His blessings are necessary. All other deities give their blessing only after Ganesha gives consent to the ceremony. Hindus also believe Lord Ganesha will clear all the obstructions and hurdles in an auspicious event like marriage. He also blesses the couple with prosperity and happiness. Ganesha is also known as Mangal Murti. Therefore his presence on the card signifies auspiciousness. The picture is also a symbol to suggest that the marriage will be held as per Hindu religious tradition and customs. Again in many regions, Ganesha Puja (Ganapati Homam) is performed couple of weeks before the marriage ceremony. The puja is performed to remove all obstac...

Nagaraja Swami Temple in Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu is a popular Naga or Snake Temple in this region. The sand or clay around the Nagaraja Murti is unique as it changes its color during the Uttarayan and Dakshinayana. Uttarayana is the journey of the sun northward and Dakshinayana is the journey of the sun southwards. The sand or clay around the main murti in temple is black when the Dakshinayana takes place (mid July to mid December). The color of sand or clay changes to white during Uttarayana (mid December to July). This sand is given to devotees as Prasad and they wear it on the forehead. The presiding deity in the temple is Nagaraja – five headed cobra and is seated on the sand bed. The temple also once had a creeper named Odavalli. It grew abundantly behind the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and was known to cure leprosy. Each leaf of the creeper had a different taste. But sadly this plant was destroyed. The temple is located around 12 km from Kanyakumar...

A simple Vishnu Puja at home can be performed by lighting diya, doing aarti, offering Tulsi leaves and chanting of the mantra Om Namo Narayanaya Namah or Vishnu Sahasranama. Simple Lord Vishnu Puja  Select a calm and quite place preferably north east corner of the house . Clean the place and then take a bath. Place a photograph or idol or picture of Vishnu on a yellow color cloth. Keep a ghee lamp ready with one wick.  Place some Tulsi leaves and yellow flowers Yellow fruits (banana) or yellow color sweets ready in a plate. Before starting puja pray to Ganesha in mind. Meditate for a few minutes to clear the mind of unwanted thoughts and to attain concentration. How To Perform Vishnu Puja At home? Now light the lamp with one wick using pure cow ghee. Meditate or pray to Srihari Vishnu. Offer flowers – Tulsi leaves. You can light incense or agarbathis (optional). If needed you can ring the bell, while offering flowers. (optional) ...

Surya, sun god, is the pratyaksha Brahman or visible god in Hinduism. Here is a powerful Surya mantra to achieve success, to get good job, to find a job at the earliest and to change luck. Powerful Surya Mantra ऊँ   ऐं  कृष्णेन रजसा वर्तमानो निवेशयन्नमृतं मर्त्यं च | हिरण्येन सविता रथेना देवो याति भुवनानि पश्यन् ॐ जपाकुसुम संकाशं काश्यपेयं महाद्युतिम। तमो रि सर्वपषपघ्नं सूर्यमषवषह्याम्यहम। ॐ ह्रां ह्रीं ह्रौं स : सूर्याय नम : Om Aim Krishnena Rajasa Vartamano Niveschanamrta Martya cha Hiranayane Savita rathena devo yati bhoovani paschayam Om Japa kusumam Samkasha Kashypase Mahadryutam Tamo ri sarvashapknam Suryamashvshayamyaham Om Hroom Hreem Hroum Sa Surya nama: The mantra has to be chanted for 21 days, starting from a Sunday. The mantra should be chanted 7 times. If you find the mantra to be difficult then you can chant only the last line 108 times. How to Chant Powerful Surya Mantra? Wake up early in the morn...

Swami Rama (1925 - 1996) was a spiritual Guru who unravelled the wisdom of ancient Gurus. This is a collection of Swami Rama Quotes mostly from books. You are searching for something without understanding that it is within you. Search within. This is a direct approach. Do not search for God outside. God is already within you. When you come to know that God dwells within you, then your life will totally change and you will be transformed. When you have perfect control over the modifications of the mind, you will attain the highest level of consciousness or samadhi. When you practice meditation, initially you come in touch with yourself and all your thought patterns; you come to understand your inner dialogue. Then, you learn to discriminate – to select and reject; and finally, you learn how to work with yourself. Spiritual practices, undertaken at an early age, have a profound and long lasting effect. Human beings have tremendous potential provided they are taught to trai...

During the exile period in the Ramayana when Bhagvan Sri Ram and Mata Sita slept, Lakshman stayed awake watching over. He never slept and for this reason he is also known as Gudakesh. One night when he was keeping watch over Sri Ram and Sita, a luminous light appeared before him. It was Nidhra, the Goddess of Sleep. She came to warn Lakshman that he would not be able to stay awake during the entire exile period as no living being can survive without sleep. Lakshman then wanted the blessing of the goddess to survive the exile period without sleeping. Goddess Nidhra then told Lakshman that he could survive without sleeping if someone else could sleep all the sleep that he needed. Lakshman then told the Goddess that his wife, Urmila, would surely sleep for him. Goddess Nidhra then went Ayodhya and asked Urmila whether she would be able to help her husband. Urmila readily agreed and took Lakshman’s share of sleep. Thus, Lakshman could survive without sleep during the...

Mukha Linga is a unique Shivling with face of Shiva etched on it and are found many Shiva temples. Some these Shivlings are covered with metal sheaths and the face is etched on the metal. Some Mukhlingas have the entire image of Shiva carved on the surface. On of the most popular form of Mukha Linga is the Panchamukha Shivalinga . In this Shivling, four faces are in four directions and in some Shiva Lingams the fifth face is shown facing the sky and in some it is the southeast direction. The five faces are known as Ishana, Tatpurusha, Aghora, Vamadeva and Sadyojatha. The different types of Mukha Linga are: Ekamukha Linga, Dvi-mukhalinga, Tri Mukhalinga, Chaturmukha Linga and Panchamukha Linga The Shivling worshipped in the famous Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal have five faces of Shiva etched on the Shivling in the sanctum sanctorum. The Shivling as per devotees is not manmade and appeared on its own. Sarvato Bhadra Mukha Linga Sarvato Bhadra Mukha Linga i...

One of the most important offering that is made to a Hindu Goddess is traditional sari and blouse – cotton saree or silk sari. The sari offering is traditionally made to incarnations of Goddess Shakti – Durga, Bhagavathy, Parvati etc. But saris are also offered to various other goddesses in Hindu pantheon like Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati. The color of the sari depends on the purpose of manifestation – thus most Shakti incarnations are given red saris as they appeared to restore Dharma by annihilating Adharma. Durga is offered only Red color saree. In some cases, she is also offered green color saree - this is mostly associated with fertility. Goddess Lakshmi is offered orange, yellow or red color – mostly a mix of yellow and red or mix of orange and red. Goddess Saraswati is offered White color sari or Yellow color – or a mix of yellow and white. When it is a mixed color yellow will be the border color. Goddess Kali is offered Purple color saree in most regio...

Amavasya, also Karutha Vavu, is the no moon day in a Hindu Calendar. Amavasya Vrat is observed for the welfare of dead ancestors, parents and other relatives. People observing fast on the day only take a single meal. It is believed that by observing the vrat family will attain peace and prosperity with the blessings of ancestors. The popular belief is that Pitrus (dead ancestors) receive the light of the moon on Amavasya night. Therefore the day is ideal for performing Shradh, Tarpan and Tila Tarpan. Bathing in holy rivers and performing the rituals is highly meritorious. The rituals on Amavasya day is dedicated to all dead people in the family. When Amavasya falls on Monday it is known as Somavara Amavasya and Hindus should perform vrat, holy bath and Daan (charity) on this day. Devotees also should do pradakshina (going around) of Peepal Tree for 108 times on the Somvar Amavasya day. The single meal on Amavasya day is usually taken after sunset. The fast should ...

Patal Ravan is not one of names of Ravana, the king of Lanka. Patala Ravana was a dear friend of the ten-headed Ravan. This demon got the name 'Patal Ravan' after he took refuge in Patal or the netherworld. His story is popular among the regional Ramayana stories in North India. Legend has it that fed up with the atrocities of Asuras (demons), Srihari Vishnu decided to annihilate them. Fearing the attack of Vishnu, a group of demons took refuge in Patala. The leader of this group was Ravan and thus he got the name Patala Ravana. Patal Ravan did intense tapas and pleased Brahma. As boon, Patala Ravan asked for the power to fly and also that he will only be killed when the ruby Bramarendra Neelam that he wears will be broken. Patal Ravan is also the nephew of Demon Malyavan - who was the chief advisor of demon king Ravana in the Ramayana. He also had a brother named Kumbodaran. Ravana, the king of Lanka, was impressed with the powers of Patal Ravan. They soon beca...