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Showing posts from November 4, 2018


Why Snakes Shed Their Skin? - Story In Hindu Religion

Nagas, or Snakes (especially cobras and hooded serpents) are worshipped in Hinduism. Finding the Nagas near abandoned termite hills (anthills) is considered highly auspicious. There is an interesting story in Hindu religion that explains why snakes shed old skin and grow new skin. The churning of ocean, or samudra manthan, was performed by the Devas (demi gods) and Asuras (demons) to get Amrut or the nectar of immortality. After getting the pot of Amrut from Dhanvantri, a fight broke out between Devas and Asuras as to who will first consume the Amrut. The Amrut pot was kept on the ground many times during the confrontation and some of it spilled on to the ground. The nagas, or snakes, is believed to have rolled on the grass on which the pot of Amrut was kept. That is why they are able to shed their old skin and grow new skin – thus they are symbols of renewal and regeneration.

How Many Incense Sticks To Be Burned – Number of Agarbatti To Be Lighted During Puja In Front of God in Hinduism?

Is there in any rule regarding the number of incense sticks to be burned in front of god during puja in Hinduism? The number of agarbatti lit depends upon the devotee. But there are some standard rules regarding incense sticks and agarbatti numbers. General rule is to light a single naturally made agarbatti or incense sticks while doing puja at home. If you are not sure about the number and deity worshipped then it is always safe to light a single agarbatti. Incense and agarbatti should be made of natural materials. All puja items in Hinduism were made of natural materials and there used to be no question of pollution. The agarbatti used earlier had medicinal property and it is used purify the air in the house. The agarbatti available today in market does the reverse job it pollutes the air in the house and it can cause itchy eyes, allergy and other breathing problems. Number of Agarbatti To Be Lighted For Shiva, you should avoid agarbatti made of tulsi, and all th

Death of Pandavas in the Mahabharat – How Pandavas Died?

How Pandavas Died? The answer to the query is found in the Mahaprasthanika Parva and Swargarohana Parva of the Mahabharata. Death of Pandavas raises numerous philosophical questions. When the Kurukshetra war was over and its immediate after effects subsided, Yudhisthira was crowned the king of Hastinapura and ruled for 36 years. He performed the Ashwamedha yajna. When their purpose of life on earth was over, the Pandavas installed Prince Parikshit, son of Abhimanyu and grandson of Arjuna, as king of Hastinapura. After the coronation, the Pandavas along with Draupadi started for their Mahaprasthanam towards the north. Literally Mahaprasthanam means the Great Journey but stands for departure from this world (death). A dog followed the Pandavas on their journey towards the north. As they moved towards the east direction, they saw Agni, the fire god, standing in human form. He was there for the Gandiva bow and the two inexhaustible quiver which Arjuna was carrying. The bow

Why Godavari River is also known as Gautami?

The Holy River Godavari is also known as Gautami. The popular belief is that Ganga River and Godavari River are the same. This is ratified by the Naradiya Purana. Godavari is also known as Dakshina Ganga or the South Ganga . The river is also known as Gautami because Sage Gautama is said to have brought Ganga in the form of Godavari . It is also stated in the Brahma Purana that to the south of Vindhyas Ganga is known as Gautami. A few miles below Rajahmundry Town, the river divides into two main streams, the Gautami Godavari on the east and the Vasishta Godavari on the west. Godavari is the second longest river in India and it one of the seven sacred rivers in India. Godavari River rise at Trimbakeshwar in Nashik District of Maharashtra at an elevation of 1067 meter and after flowing for about 1465 km in southeasterly direction through Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Godavari debauches into the Bay of Bengal. The river has a drainage area of abou

Kanti Vrata Dedicated To Balarama - Performed To Become Handsome

Kanti Vrata is a unique ritual dedicated to Sri Krishna and his elder brother, Balarama. It is observed on the second day of shukla paksha or waxing phase of moon in the Kartik month in some regions. In some regions it is observed on the second day of waxing phase of moon in Ashwin month. Note – Some people observe this Vrata from the second day of the Shukla Paksha of Phalgun month (February – March). The Vrata is observed for a year. For example if a person starts the Vrata on the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in the Kartik month he continues it for one year. But if the Vrata is observed from Phalgun month, it is only observed for four months. The rituals involve offering prayers to Balaram and Sri Krishna. After observing fast during daytime, food made using barley flour is eaten at night. Benefits of Kanti Vrata It is performed for getting good physical strength and good body. It is also performed for becoming handsome or beautiful. It is performed fo

Bhuta Shuddhi - Ritual Ceremony of Removing Spirits Before Puja Using Mustard Seeds

Bhuta Shuddhi is the ceremony of removing the spirits and other beings whose presence many interfere with the performance of rituals and pujas. The Bhuta Shuddhi is performed by offering curd, sugar and flower. This offering is known as Bali in some regions. Bhuta Shuddhi is completed by scattering mustard seeds (black til). Bhutas are generally believed to be spirits of those dead people who died without fulfilling desires. The popular belief is that scattering of mustard seeds along with mantras will protect the puja area from evil presence. It is said that if evil in the form of bhutas attempts to enter arena, the mustards seeds will enter them like thunder bolts and drive them out. Bhuta Shuddhi is performed before important rituals like Durga Puja. 

Swami Bodhananda Saraswati Quotes - Sambodh Foundation

Swami Bodhananda Saraswati  is trained in the Shankaracharya Tradition and has been teaching Vedanta since 1978. He is the Spiritual Founder and Director of several organizations under the umbrella of the Sambodh Foundation,   New Delhi . This is a collection of quotes from books by  Swami Bodhananda Meditation is not opposed to activity; it is not opposed to thought, but on the contrary, becomes nourishment for our thinking and our activities. Activity and meditation infuse energy into one another and create a wholeness of experience. Ultimately meditation is a state of total love for everything in the universe. Every failure becomes a stepping stone toward the higher mountain peak of experience. Failure is not a problem. Lack of effort is the problem. When you make one step forward, God takes ten steps towards you. Enlightenment cannot come as a result of evolution. Awakening is not a result of evolution. Awakening is a 'waking up'. Most of us fin