Plant classification in ancient Vedic India was elaborate. The vedic view of plants was that they were living beings. The Vedas state that their evolution preceded the evolution of animals. Here is a look at botany in the Vedas of Hindu religion. Atharva Veda, Taittiriya Samhita (Shaka of Krishna Yajur Veda) and Vajasaneyi Samhita of Shukla Yajur Veda deals with plants in considerable detail. In the Vedas plants were classified into Vriksha (tree) Oushadhi (herb) Virudha (minor herb) Vedic literature contains elaborate morphological descriptions of various plants. It also discusses about the rotation of crops. The description of the various parts of the plants is more detailed than all known ancient treatises. Philosophical aspects of plants are discussed in Rig Veda and some Upanishads. Soma plant is widely discussed in all the Vedas. There is an elaborate list regarding the various plants, flowers and grains to be used in Vedic Yajnas. Plants and

Gof Gunthan is a traditional Navratri Garba Dance and it has a history of more than 300 years. The dance is performed annually during Sharada Navratri (September – October). Gof Gunthan is a popular dance form of Koli and Kanbi community in Saurashtra and is a variation of Dandiya Raas. In the dance, each dancer holds a stick in one hand and a string in the other. The string is tied with a ring hung from the ceiling. The string is an important part of the dance. The dancers perform various raas such as fundadi, tappa and bethak and they then weave a braid using the string. The braid is then unweave. The dance includes the striking of the stick. Traditional musical instruments like harmonium, tabla, dhol and manijra are used to create the desired music for the dance.

Lalitha Sahasranamam is dedicated to Mother Goddess Shakti and details the thousand names of Shakti. Adi Parashakti Sri Lalita Mahatripurasundari form of Shakti is worshipped in this Sahasranama. This prayer is considered to be the best for householders (Grihasthashram). Poverty and diseases never happens in those homes where Dharma is followed and Lalitha Sahasranamam is chanted. Lalitha Sahasranama is found in the Brahmanda Purana. Each name of Mother Goddess mentioned in the Sahasranamam is pregnant with meaning. They also contain hidden symbolism. Generally stories of various Shakti incarnations, the beauty of goddess and numerous of her qualities are enumerated.  The greatness of this Sahasranama is that not a single name of Goddess is repeated. Also there are no unnecessary addition of syllables etc to make the rhyme correct. One will only find pure mantras in it. You may also like to read Lalitha Sahasranamam Text in English Lalita Sahasranamam Text in Tamil

Garlic (Lasun, Belulli, Veluthulli, Rasuna, Vellay poondoo and Tallagadda) is an important ingredient in many dishes prepared by Hindus. The story of the origin of Garlic in Hindu religion is associated with Samudra Manthan or the churning of the ocean episode. Legend has it that a fight ensued between Asuras (demons) and Devas (demigods) over the Amrut (elixir) that was obtained due to Samudra Manthan or the churning of the ocean. Both started pulling the Amrut pot. Drops of Amrit started falling out from pot due to the pulling. The belief is that Garlic appeared from the drops of Amrit that fell on to the ground. It is believed that garlic has powers to mitigate food poisoning. It also helps in proper digestion.

Shasti  Vratam is a monthly fasting dedicated to Hindu God Muruga (Kartik) and is observed on the sixth day during the waxing phase of moon. Some devotees observe 108 Sashtis, which is for nine years. There are numerous stories regarding the origin of Shasti Vratam. This particular story is associated with Goddess Parvati and it narrates the importance of observing 108 Sashtis. Legend has it that once Muruga wanted to know the meaning of Pranava Mantra (OM) from Brahma. Brahma said that he is the meaning of ‘OM.’ Muruga did not like this answer and got angry and imprisoned Brahma for not properly answering his question and for belittling Pravana. Shiva intervened and asked Muruga why he had imprisoned Brahma. Muruga said that Brahma told him that he is the embodiment of knowledge and when asked the meaning of ‘OM’ he did not give the correct answer and this punishment is for his arrogance. Shiva then asked Muruga to tell the meaning of ‘OM’. Muruga told Shiva that t

Bhartrihari (570 AD - 651 AD) was a Hindu philosopher and poet. He was also a famous grammarian. Neeti Shataka and Vairagya Satakam are the works attributed to him. Bhartruhari Subhashitas are famous even today. Here is a collection of quotes and thoughts of Bhartrihari . Daily, with the rising and setting of the sun, life shortens and time is not felt on account of affairs heavily burdened with manifold activities. Neither is fear produced at beholding birth, death, old age and sufferings. The world is become mad by drinking the stupefying wine of delusion. Possessed of tall mansions, of sons esteemed by the learned, of untold wealth, of a beloved wife of beneficence, and of youthful age, and thinking this world to be permanent, men deluded by ignorance run into this prison-house of worldliness; whereas blessed indeed is he who considering the transiency of the same world renounces it. Enjoyments of embodied beings are fleeting like the quick play of lightning within a