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Showing posts from October 12, 2018


Durga Puja Story in Bengal – Uma Visiting Her Parents

The murti (idol) of Durga in Bengal during Durga Puja is sometimes flanked by Ganesh, Kartik (Murugan), Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi. But what are these four important gods and goddesses in Hindu pantheon doing with Mahishasura Mardini during Durga Puja? The popular story of Durga Puja and Navratri is that of Goddess Durga slaying demon Mahishasura. But in Bengal and in Eastern India , there is another story too and that is Goddess Durga along with her children coming to the earth to visit her parents. Confused?... Well, in Bengali story Goddess Durga is Uma or Sati the consort of Lord Shiva. The legend goes like this. Uma or Sati Marrying Lord Shiva Uma, also known as Sati, was the beautiful daughter of Daksha, the king of Himalayas , and Menaka. Uma was in love with Lord Shiva and she worshipped and prayed to him to make her his wife. Pleased with Uma’s devotion, Lord Shiva accepted to marry Uma or Sati. But Daksha was not ready to give her daught

Shivling – The Formless – Symbolic Story on the First Shivling Made By Vishwakarma

Shivling is the apt representation of the formless Supreme Being – God. Shivling is the form of Shiva. There is very interesting story pregnant with symbolic meaning on the first Shivling. Vishwakarma, the architect of the universe and God of artisans, was given the job of creating the most beautiful image of God on earth. Vishwakarma stood before the cylindrical stone for days. He thought repeatedly to conceive the perfect form of God. This was to be the first image of God on earth. Therefore, he did not want to leave any stone unturned. He consulted various saints and scholars. He repeatedly listened to the words of scriptures. Each time he thought he had the perfect form in mind, there appeared something that proved that form he had thought in mind was imperfect. This continued for days. All forms that he thought were incomplete. Vishwakarma then sat in meditation and realized that Supreme Truth can never be captured in form. He realized that it is formless

Pancha Mahapurusha Yoga in Hindu Astrology

Pancha Mahapurusha Yoga is the five important planetary combinations in Hindu astrology. They are ruchaka, bhadra, hamsa, malavya, and sasa. If in the horoscope or janam kundali of a person, Mars (Mangal), Mercury (Budha), Jupiter (Guru), Venus (Shukra) or Saturn (Shani) occupy a Kendra house (quadrant or house I, IV, VII or X), which is its own house, exaltation sign or mulatrikona sign, the resulting yoga is called Pancha Mahapurusha Yoga. The effects of Pancha Mahapurusha Yoga are very good. Varahamihira’s Brihat Samhita deals with these five combinations. The planet to be effective should be de facto strong and not weak by debilitation, association or aspect. Manasagari chapter IV gives some specific physical qualities of those born in these yogas including some signs on their palms and soles. Another text that details about the yoga is the Saravali Phaladipila (VI:4) These five yogas may be counted from the ascendant or the moon’s place. Ruchaka yog

Importance of Yellow Colored Rice Grains on Hindu Wedding Cards

It is a practice to stick yellow colored rice grains on the wedding cards by many Hindu communities. This is because yellow color is considered highly auspicious – yellow stands for prosperity and love and is also associated with learning. The practice of giving uncooked rice grains mixed with yellow is more popular in rural areas in North India and western parts of India . The yellow colored rice is often kept inside the card or stuck on the cards. Another key element that is a must in a Hindu wedding card is Sri Ganesha. Yellow color in Hinduism is also associated with Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Lakshmi is Sri (auspiciousness) and they are together known as Lakshminarayana. The divine couple are associated with society and family life. Thus it is symbol of peace, prosperity, happiness, good health and fertility. 

Symbolism in Saffron Clothes or Robes Worn by Hindu Saints

Hindu saints generally wear saffron colored clothes. Today saffron color is associated with holy men of other religions too. White is another preferred color by Hindu saints. The choice of saffron robes by Hindu saints has a deep symbolism associated with it. The significance of the saffron color (bhagwa) has its origin in the Vedic age and then it was associated with Agni (fire). Saffron symbolically represents Agni or fire. Agni is light. A saint ushers in the light of knowledge and leads a person from darkness into light. Another quality of Agni is that it accepts anything and transforms it. A saint similarly accepts everything and purifies and absorbs it. The saint leaves out all that is bad and gives out pure knowledge. A Saint also has the capacity like Agni to accept whatever is offered. No questions are asked. Just like fire which takes up everything. It is also a symbol of serenity and calmness. 

Rabindranath Tagore Quotes - A collection of 100 Quotes of Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941)  was a Bengali philosopher, poet, and winner of the Nobel Prize for literature. Here is a collection of 100 Quotes of Rabindranath Tagore. Majority of the quotes have been collected from newspapers, magazines and books.  It is very simple to be happy, but it is very difficult to be simple. Fling away your promise if it is found to be wrong. Love is the only reality and it is not a mere sentiment. It is the ultimate truth that lies at the heart of creation. Love is an endless mystery, for it has nothing else to explain it. Let us not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless when facing them. The flower which is single need not envy the thorns that are numerous. Love is the only reality, and it is not a mere sentiment. It is the ultimate truth that lies at the heart of creation. Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man. Let me not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fear