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Showing posts from October 30, 2018


Understanding Karma - Simple Definition of Karma in Hindu Religion

In Hindu religion and philosophy, Karma is of great importance. It is the law of the divine – according to Karma philosophy the future of an individual’s mode of existence depends on the good or bad actions he/she has performed. The actions that you have performed in the past and the present will follow you and it will play an important role in your future life. The law of karma also states that the actions performed in previous births play a crucial role in the future births. In simple terms, every action has a fruit. Depending on the nature of the action the fruit can be sweet or sour. Sometimes the fruit is delivered immediately, sometimes in future.  The strength of the sweetness or sourness depends on the action that produced the fruit. The primary aim of the doctrine of Karma is to teach an individual the importance of good actions and through which one can attain moksha or bliss on earth. Derived from the Sanskrit word karman, meaning ‘to ac

Story - How Lord Vishnu Got The Name Madhusudana

Madhusudana is one among the numerous names of Vishnu. He got this name after he annihilated the demon named Madhusudana. Legend has it that Madhu and Kaitabha came of Narayana’s ear. This happened at the beginning of a cycle of creation. The story if mainly found in the Srimad Bhagavata Purana and other Puranas. Narayana lies on the milky ocean and from the navel in his lotus appeared Brahma. Similarly, Madhu and Kaitabha appeared from the ears of Narayana. They both then attempted to kill Brahma. Brahma then prays to Goddess Mahamaya to wake up Lord Vishnu. Brahma appeals to Mother Goddess who is in the form of sleep to come forth from Vishnu so that he will awaken and slay the two demons.. Narayana then annihilated the demons and got the name Madhusudana. As per Shakti Tradition, Vishnu is able to annihilate the demons because he gets boons and blessing from Mother Goddess. She confuses and creates illusion which makes the demons less powerful. When the story

Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha – The story listened while fasting on Ahoi Ashtami puja day

Ahoi Ashtami Vrat is an important fasting (upvas) observed in North India by mothers for the well being of their children. The fasting is based on popular legend known as Ahoi Ashtami Vrat Katha, which is listened to before breaking the fast. Usually, the katha is listened by women when an elderly woman narrates it. Today, people also the story using various audio sources. Once there lived a woman along with her seven sons in a village, which was located near a dense forest. Diwali was fast approaching and she decided to decorate her house. For this she decided to go to the forest and gather soil. While digging for soil near a den, she accidentally killed a lion cub. She felt remorse and sad. But as she could not do anything she took the soil and returned home. But in a year’s time all her seven sons disappeared and they were considered dead by the villagers. People thought they might have been carried away by wild animals from the jungle. The mother

Toe Rings in Hindu Religion – Why Hindu Women Wear Toe Ring?

Toe rings are worn by many Hindu women. It is an essential ornament for many communities in Hindu Religion. But why is toe ring worn by Hindu women? Because it is associated with conceiving and menstrual cycle. Toe rings are worn on the second toe or the second finger of the leg. The finger after the big toe or leg thumb. It is worn on both legs by some communities. Some communities wear it only on one leg preferably on the left leg. Some communities wear it on the second and third toe of both the legs. It is believed in Hindu tradition, especially in Ayurveda, that the nerve on the second toe is connected to the uterus, heart and brain. It helps in keeping the menstrual cycle in control. It is also associated with conception. Some texts also suggest that it helps in keeping the blood pressure level intact.

Where is God? – A Story in Hinduism - Shows Presence of God Through Milk - Butter Example

This is a famous story in Hinduism in which the answer to where is god and why I don't see him is answered. The example used is that of milk and butter. Once there lived a virtuous and learned man who was summoned by a local king. The king was unable to find answers to his questions and he wanted the man to find answers.  The questions – Where is God? Why don’t I see Him? The king warned that if the questions were not answered correctly the man would be executed. The man knew that it was impossible to answer these questions. So he was imprisoned. Next day, the man’s son appeared and asked the king if he would release his father if he answered the questions. The king agreed. The boy asked the king for a pot of milk. He then asked the milk to be churned to butter. It was also done. The boy then said that the two questions were now answered. The king wanted to know how? The boy asked the king: Where was the butter before it was churned?

Panchayudha of Lord Vishnu – Five Divine Weapons - Panchayudha Stotram in English and Benefits of Chanting

Panchayudha of Lord Vishnu are the five divine weapons used by Vishnu. There is also a famous Panchayudha Stotram which is chanted for all kinds of protection. It is highly beneficial to people suffering from phobias. Panchayudha Sudarshana Chakra - Discus Panchajanya Shankh - Conch Kaumodaki Gada - Mace Nandaka Khadga - Sword   Saranga Dhanush - Bow Sudarshana Chakra – It is held in the upper right hand. It has 1000 vents and shines like a million suns. When it is held vertically by a deity in temple it is known as Prayoga Chakra. Panchajanya Shankh – It is held in the upper left hand. It is believed that it has the splendor a million moons. Kaumodaki Gada – It is held in the lower right hand. It is the personification of Meru Mountain. It is held to keep out all kinds of evil. Nandaka Khadga – The sharp sword cuts off internal and external enemies. Saranga Dhanush – It is an ornament for devotees and a weapon for the evil people. It helps

Sri Karunamayi Quotes - A Collection Of Teachings Of Amma Karunamayi

Sri Karunamayi is popularly known as Amma Karunamayi and is renowned for her teachings based on the Sanatana Dharma. This is a collection of teachings and quotes of Sri Karunamayi. It is selfishness which perpetuates mortality and sensual life which leads to hell. Wisdom, divya prema, divine love and forgiveness all lead to immortality. He who has intense desire for God, who has the inner vision, only he understands the universe. Your heart must be pure. When you have inner vision, you can rightly understand the universe and know what life is. This is the goal of life and to achieve that state of absolute consciousness, that poorna pragna, the seeker seeks. Body, mind and spirituality--these are three cages. A spiritual seeker will go beyond all these cages. In his natural state, samadhi, the entire universe is nothing but his Self.  Whatever he enjoys in this world is nothing but Self; time is Self only; wisdom is Self only. He realizes he is not this body. I