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Showing posts from October 7, 2018


Dhruv – The Story of Pole Star in Hindu Religion - Dhruva Nakshatra

Dhruva Nakshatra is the name of the pole star in Hindu Religion. The origin of Dhruv star is narrated through an interesting story in the Bhagavata Purana. Dhruv was the son of King Uttanapada and Suneeti. The king also had another wife named Suruchi and she had a son named Utham. The King had a special attachment for Suruchi and the queen decided to take advantage of this to make Utham, her son, the next king. But the next in line to the throne was Dhruv. Once the young Dhruv saw his younger brother Utham sitting on the lap of his father, now he also wanted to sit on the lap of his father. But when he ran to his father, Suruchi rebuked him and asked him to go to God and ask him to let you sit on his lap. The king felt sad but remained quiet for not wanting to hurt Suruchi. Dhruv was a determined child and he immediately went in search of God. He walked away from the palace and passed through numerous places but no one could guide him to God. Finally, h

Forms of Worship in Hindu Religion - Different Types of Worship in Hinduism Other Than Pujas

Apart from performing daily pujas and worship at home. There are other forms of worship in Hindu religion. Sravanam: Sravana or listening is an important form of worship in Hindu religion. This includes listening to prayers, mantras, prayers, nama japa, listening to stories from scriptures, and participating divine discourse or Satsangs. Darshanam: Darshanam means seeing the divine in all animate and inanimate beings. Under this category comes visit to temples, sacred places, visiting saints, scholars and all those people who spread Dharma on earth. Keerthanam: Keerthanam includes chanting Om , mantras, sahasranamas, narrating scriptures to others etc. Smaranam: This is remembering the Brahman or Supreme Truth before all actions. Archanam: This includes offering flowers, food, leaves and other valuables to the almighty Vandanam or Namaskara : This is bowing and showing respect to divine present in all living and nonliving. Sev

Pancha Pakshi Shastra in Hindu Religion – Birth Bird Astrology

Pancha pakshi shastra is the system of associating each person with a particular bird. It is based on the natal moon star, state of activity of the birds and whether it is a bright/dark fortnight with timings. This birth bird astrology has followers in many regions of India. The method of pancha pakshi shastra is very practical and is derived from five tattvas. It can be used by an individual for complete gratification in different walks of life. The pancha tattvas are personified as pakshis (birds) and gradations of their faculties are associated with five activities of the birds. Each day is divided into five equal durations (day or night). The five birds are Vulture Owl Crow Cock Peacock The five activities are Eating Walking Running Sleeping Dying Each bird performs all these five activities in a day or night every day during the waxing and waning phase of the moon. The duration of each activity is 1/5 th of the day or night i.e.,

How to do Ghatasthapana during Navratri? – Kalashsthapana Puja on Navaratri and Dashain

Ghatasthapana, also known as Kalash Sthapana Puja, is performed on the first day of Navaratri and Dasain. Ghatasthapana involves invoking Goddess Shakti in Kalash or Pot and symbolically on the growing shoots of grains. In 2024, the ritual is on October 3 during Ashwin Navratri. During Chaitra Navratri it is on April 9, 2024. Ghatasthapana is performed mainly in Nepal during Dashain, North India during Navratri and in some parts of Bengal and eastern parts of India during Durga Puja. Here is a step by step guide on how to do or perform Ghatasthapana. Please note that this article only aims to give an idea of Ghatasthapana. You must be aware that Hindu rituals vary from region to region. Items needed for Ghatasthapana Pot made of mud (earthen) or copper with a big mouth Copper or Silver or Mud Pot as Kalash Soil or Sand Five or Seven types of grains (Most people nowadays opt for single grain or gram) An idol or image of Goddess Durga or any form of Goddess Sha

Shiva Reminds Hanuman the Power of Chanting Lord Ram’s Name

There is an interesting story of Lord Shiva reminding Hanuman the power of chanting Rama Nama or Lord Ram’s name. Hanuman was roaming around the world with the horse that was part of the Ashwametha Yagna being conducted by Lord Ram. Anyone who does not accept the royal authority of Lord Ram can stop the horse and challenge Ram’s army. A fierce and valiant king named Veeramani stopped the horse and challenged the army of Lord Ram. Veeramani was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. This Shiva Bhakta defeated all the warriors in the army of Lord Ram except Hanuman. Hanuman easily defeated the army of Veeramani. Veeramani then sought the help of Lord Shiva and He came to rescue of his devotee. But soon Shiva realized that he cannot defeat Hanuman as Hanuman was always chanting the name of Lord Ram. Shiva then made Veeramani understand the glory of Lord Ram and asked him to accept his royal authority. Then turning to Hanuman, Shiva asked what he wanted as b

Tulsi Mala – Rosaries Made using Tulsi or Basil Plant

Tulsi Mala, or Tulsi Rosary, is made using the Basil Plant. Tulsi is a sacred plant associated with Lord Vishnu, Sri Krishna and Goddess Lakshmi. Mala made from Tulsi plant is said to have medicinal values. It is also believed that the place where Tulsi mala is kept remains pure. Tulsi Mala is worn by Ayyappa devotees when they are undertaking the Vratam to visit Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala and have darshan of Lord Ayyappa. The Ayyappa mala is worn during the entire period of vratam and is only removed after returning home back from Sabarimala. Wearing of Tulsi Mala is believed to help in curing diseases like fever etc. It is also said that a devotee who wears Tulsi mala develops mental peace and strong devotion. Small balls are made using Tulsi plant and this is used to make the Tulsi mala and rosaries which devotees wear. Some people also offer Tulsi mala to Lord Krishna. Tulsi Mala is also made using leaves and stems and this is usua

Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji Quotes – Teachings of Sri Bharati Tirtha of Sringeri Sharada Peetham

Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji is the present Jagadguru of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham. He is the 36th Guru of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham. These quotes and teachings of Sri Bharati Tirtha have been collected mostly from online sources. By continuous contemplation on God, the tendency of the mind to go out in search of ephemeral objects gradually decreases, and slowly the mind becomes tranquil. Sins and virtues stem at the level of thought. It is only a thought which marks the beginning of any action. So it is essential to harbor good thoughts which in turn leads to good actions and fetch good results. No purpose is served in seeking solitude and dwelling alone in the Himalayas, without the control of the mind. It is mind control that helps one along the spiritual path, and not the place where he lives. Many lose their grit and confidence under tribulations. Some even consider suicide. Ups and downs are natural in life. Even emperors