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Showing posts from November 5, 2018


Papa Samaya in Hindu Astrology – Evil or Sinful Time

The navagrahas or nine planets in Hindu astrology have been attributed with various properties. Papa Samaya (evil or sinful time) is one such property, which indicates when a particular navgraha is prone to give malefic results to the person because of the specific combination or place in which the graham is situated in the horoscope at a given time. Varahamihira in his text Brihajjataka (2 – 5) describes the nature of these planets. The classification is extensive, and for the final calculation of the strength of the planet about its ability to give a benefic result, all these factors are to be taken into consideration. Papa Samaya for a navgraha arises because of one or more of these reasons: By the nature of the planet itself, the sun, waning moon (after the tenth day in the dark half, for five days), Mars and Saturn are classified as papa grahas (sinful planets). The location of these planets in some bhavas will cause malefic results. The combination of other pla

Why Gambling on Diwali? - Reason for Playing of Cards during Diwali Festival

There is a tradition of playing of cards (Jua) or gambling during Diwali in many regions by several communities. Why people gamble during Diwali? There is only one reason and that is checking your luck. Playing of cards and gambling are seen as an attempt to know the luck during the coming year. Diwali also marks the end of a financial year and beginning of the next financial year in some regions. So people test their luck by playing cards or using other gambling methods. Legend also has it that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati used to play the cards. There are several incidents mentioned in the Puranas of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati playing cards. Playing of cards by betting money is a bad precedent and should be discouraged. Stories from scriptures are taken out of context to defend such bad habits. Gambling should never be encouraged and it is a very bad habit. Playing cards for fun by family members and friends during festivals does not cause much damage.

Why is Diwali Celebrated?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is the most widely observed Hindu festival. Here are the reasons as to why is Diwali celebrated? Apart from Hindus, the festival is also observed by Sikhs and Jains. Victory Over Ignorance Diwali is known as the ‘Festival of Lights’ - it refers to the rows of earthen lamps celebrants place around their homes. Diwali light symbolizes the victory of knowledge over ignorance, and goodness over evil. It further represents an awareness of God in our lives. Victory of Good over Evil The popular legend in Hinduism associated with Diwali marks the day when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya, the capital of his kingdom, from a forced exile after defeating Ravana, the ultimate force of evil, in His time. His return symbolically represents the return of Dharma – peace, goodness, prosperity and happiness. In South India, Diwali is also believed to be the day when Lord Krishna annihilated Demon Narakasura and restored Dharma. Sikhs In additio

What to do with Idols and Puja Items after Diwali?

If you have used idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses during Diwali then it make all possible attempt to reuse it. All puja items should contain only natural materials. Invest in permanent idols made of metal or natural clay murtis. If it is not possible to reuse the idols then you can follow the following methods: You can donate them to a responsible temple or sacred place, which has the capacity to take care of them. If it is made of natural items, then you can dig the earth and bury them. If you have idols made of plastic or POP (plaster of paris) then you will have to dispose them without harming nature. The best option is to give it away to authorities who dispose plastic and POP in the best possible way. Do not throw plastic and POP in water. In future, do not buy plastic puja items and plastic idols. Never buy POP idols for puja. All puja items should be of organic materials. You take some items from nature, perform puja and then return it back to nature.

Swami Venkatesananda Quotes

Swami Venkatesananda (1921 - 1982) was associated with the Divine Life Society of Swami Sivananda. This is a collection of quotes of Swami Venkatesananda. Everything in the universe is filled with the same energy, with the same intelligence, the same consciousness. Thus, the objects that we use in our life, the actions that we do with this body, the persons to whom our actions are directed, are nothing but the manifestations of God. Constant vigilance is necessary in order not to lose sight of the goal. We have our feet planted firmly on the ground and let our heart and mind fly aloft in the realms of the infinite. We grasp the form and let the indwelling presence envelop our heart, our consciousness. As long as we are unable to step out of the conventional attitude towards sorrow, it will continue. We are taught, conditioned and brought up with the concept that if someone insults you, you must punish him. We must try to get out of the group rut and try to look at this w