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Showing posts from November 7, 2018


Why Narmada Is Considered To Be A Holy River In Hindu Religion?

Narmada is a holy river in Hindu religion and is associated with Lord Shiva. It is believed that a mere darshan of the holy river Narmada helps in purifying the soul. It is also believed that taking a holy dip or bath in Narmada is equal to taking bath in Ganga River . Narmada is extensively mentioned in the Puranas and there are chapters dedicated to it in the Vayu Purana and Skanda Purana. Narmada is also known as Reva and Shankari. There are numerous legends associated with Narmada . One legend says that Goddess Ganga once in a year appears in Narmada in the form a black cow and washes all the sins collected in Ganga . This shows the holiness of the river. There are numerous stories regarding the origin of Narmada River in Hindu scriptures. She is considered to be the daughter of Lord Shiva. It is believed that once while Shiva was meditating in the Amarkantaka Peak , Narmada spontaneously appeared from his body. Her sight evoked tenderness (narma) in

Importance of Turmeric in Hindu Pujas and Rituals - Haldi or Manjal in Hindu Religious Worship

Turmeric, popularly known as Haldi or Manjal, is an important puja item in most Hindu ceremonies. The color of turmeric is yellow and it is believed to have a cooling effect on the brain. It is also believed to help in regularizing the brain wave. Turmeric has healing properties and is widely used in bathing in rituals by many Hindu communities. Large amount of turmeric powder is sprinkled on the idols of Nagas or Snakes in South India . Haldi Kumkum is an important ceremony with many Hindu communities in western parts of India . There is a belief that Turmeric should not be offered to Shiva. This is purely regional as there are many regions in which Shiva is offered Turmeric. Related Offering Turmeric on Shivling

Satavahana Dynasty and Potter – Story of Origin of Satavahana Rulers

Satavahana dynasty ruled parts of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh from 230 BC to 220 AD. There is a popular story which traces the origin of the Satavahana dynasty to a potter. The legend has it that a potter named Satavahana had made a thousand mud horses and he colored it with red ochre. The thousand horses were an offering to his personal deity. When the Arabs invaded the region with a massive cavalry, the potter prayed to his personal deity and transformed all his mud horses into real ones. He then fought against the invaders with the help of the 1000 horses. He won the battle with invaders and proclaimed the kingdom. This is the origin of the Satavahana Dynasty. 

Taraka Upanishad on the glory of Om Namo Narayanaya

The greatness and importance of Om Namo Narayanaya is mentioned in the Taraka Upanishad. Om Namo Narayanaya is the Taraka. It should be worshipped as Chidatma. Om is a single syllable and of the nature of Atma. Namah is of two syllables and is the nature of prakriti (matter). Narayanaya is of five syllables and is of the nature of Parabrahman. He who knows this becomes immortal. Through Om , is Brahma produced; through Na is Vishnu produced; through Ma is Rudra produced; through Na is Ishwara produced; through Ra is the Anda-Virat (or Virat of the universe) produced; through Ya is Purusha produced; through Na is Bhagavan produced; and through Ya is Paramatma produced. This Ashtakshara (eight syllables) of Narayana is the supreme and the highest Purusha.