Mula Ganga is a water reservoir (well) located in the Kanyakumari Temple in Tamil Nadu. When Devi Kanyakumari annihilated the demon Banasura, Devas came to the seashore, the site of the battle, to felicitate Goddess on her victory. But Devas could not find fresh water to pour over the Devi. There was no fresh water in the vicinity and they could not use the salt sea water. Goddess Kanyakumari then threw down her spear which split the earth a great fountain of water gushed out from the seven Patalas and covered the earth. The flood alarmed the gods and human beings. They asked Goddess to save them. She then made a huge hole on the spot and contained the water in it and the water never overflowed. This well was named the Mulgaganga. The Mula Ganga is located in the second Prakaram (inner courtyard) of the temple. Water from it is used during the abhishekam ritual for deities worshipped in the temple. 

Gopala Tapani Upanishad details as to how one should portray Lord Vishnu in image form. Some scriptures have minor differences regarding the rule. His feet bear the auspicious signs of a celestial standard, a royal parasol. His chest is adorned by srivatsa locks of hair, the brilliantly shining kaustubha gem and rows of forest-flower garlands (vanamala). His four hands hold shankha (conch), chakra (discus), gada (mace) and padma (lotus). He is adorned with armlets, garlands, jewels, diadem and earrings shaped like makara the sea monster (makara-kundala). His form is enchanting and auspicious (divya mangala vigraha). He is radiant like the full moon. His eyes glow like blue lotus blossoming amidst the pool of clear water. His eyebrows are like a well-strung bow. His nose  slender and shapely like the petals of champak flower. The serene, cool, gentle smile, pure like cow’s milk...

Amarnath Yatra is annually observed to have darshan of the naturally formed ice Shivling in the Amarnath Cave in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The story of Amarnath Yatra and origin of Amarnath cave is associated with Goddess Parvati wanting to know about eternal life (Amar or Amaratv). Once there happened a conversation between Shiva and Goddess Parvati on eternal life. Goddess Parvati wanted to know why Shiva was the only one who was immortal and all other beings were mortal. Shiva then told her that only He knows about the secret of creation and immortality. Goddess Parvati insisted that she also want to know the secret of immortality. Shiva avoided her for several years. But Goddess Parvati was adamant and finally, Shiva agreed to divulge the secret of creation and immortality. Shiva now wanted a place on earth where he could secretly teach Goddess Parvati. Shiva chose the Amarnath Cave to reveal the secret. It is believed that he created the cave. On his way to the ca...

Hindu rituals in Bengal depict two types of cyclic event, and the onus of performing and popularizing them rests primarily on the womenfolk. The Hindu women are the major contributor to, and in fact, the upholder of Hindu religion that gives tremendous importance to rituals. The two types of cyclic event are either the life cycle events like birth, marriage and death or the seasonal time cycles of peninsular India. Most of the symbols are derived from the natural world, and the other from a rich tapestry of Hindu stories, legends and poetry, inherited from a centuries old civilization. When the classic puja was generally forbidden to women, she was allowed the entire field of fasts, festivals, get-togethers wherein she could uphold tradition with an entire gamut of vrats (vows or fasting). These involved the worship of particular deities, undertaken for a specific period and for a specific purpose and with specific methods, which were passed on orally. Few of the ...

Prashasta Yog is an auspicious period in Hindu astrology. The yog renders success is all areas and ventures. The following combination of days and nakshatras create prashasta yog. Sunday and Revati Monday and Hasta or Atham or Hastam. Tuesday and Pushya or Poosam or Pooyam Wednesday and Rohini Thursday and Swati or Chothi Friday and Uttara Phalguni or Uthiram Saturday and Mool or Moolam Work done during the rare combination of days and birth stars will be successful. The combination is ideal for hospital visit and to perform surgeries. Prashasta Yog is also god for starting new work and to begin shops etc. The time is also ideal for first visit regarding marriage.

Kabir Panth is a sect practicing thoughts and ideas of Sant Kabir. The members of Kabir Panth consist of lay devotees, sadhus, other holy men and sufis. The sect claims to have been founded by spiritual descendants of Sant Kabirdas during the 16th century. The principle religious heritage of the sect is based on songs and verses of the poet-saint. The followers are known as Kabir Panthis. What do Kabir Panthis Worship? The nirakara, or formless God, addressed as Rama is worshipped by the community. Inner devotion is given importance. Caste system, rituals and customs practiced by various religions are criticized by the sect. Interestingly, the Kabir Panthis have their own set of ritual manuals for morning and evening prayers, religious initiation and for the monthly Chauka ceremony. Majority of the branches of Kabir Panth states that their spiritual lineage can be traced back to one or more of the immediate disciples of Sant Kabir. Where do they reside? Majority...

We need to realize in all its implications the fact that the ego itself is the source of all the evil that besets life. But to most inquirers the ego is dear as life itself, because they think it is themselves, and do not want to lose it. They would rather suffer all the ills of life than be happy without it. He that will not surrender himself to God’s grace has to suffer worries without end, while the devotee that cultivates the attitude of surrender is free from cares, and therefore happy, even now... People don’t want simplicity, they want something complicated. Mind is only thoughts. The more easily you can be without thoughts, the nearer you are to a direct experience of Self. To make the mind die you must deprive it of thoughts. Humble righteousness is nine-tenths of the Egoless State. The religious man always thinks that his zeal for making converts is a virtue. It is not a virtue at all, but a vice because this zeal is due to his egoism. The amount of grace w...

Mother Goddess Shakti Worshiped at Saptashrungi Shaktipeeth (65 kilometers from Nashik in Maharashtra) is known as Adi Maya. It is another form of Mother Goddess Durga. Saptashrungi Mata, this fierce form of Mother Goddess Shakti, is believed to have annihilated demon Mahishasura. The goddess worshipped at Saptashrungi Temple is also known as Brahma Swaroopini as she came out of the Kamandalu of Brahma. The Mother Goddess here is a combination of Goddess Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. The murti, which was hidden for millions of years, was discovered by shepherd who went in search of honey. The murti of Goddess is seen in a niche carved in a rock. It is about 2.5 meters high with 18 arms. The arms hold various weapons given to Goddess Durga by various Gods – Vishnu’s discus, Shiva’s trident, Indra’s thunderbolt, Yama’s staff, noose of Varuna and so on. The murti is depicted as riding on a lion. A unique aspect of the murti of Mother Goddess is that it i...

When Sri Krishna decided to end his stay on earth, it was time for Balarama, his elder brother,  too to depart. How Balarama died is mentioned in the Srimad Bhagavata Purana. When Dwapara Yuga was coming to an end, Sri Krishna decided to put an end to his avatar. Soon Dharma (righteousness) started disappearing and it was replaced by Adharma. Yadavas, who were into merrymaking and wanton lifestyle, dressed up Samba as a pregnant woman and decided to mock the Rishis. They approached the rishis and asked them whether the woman would give birth to a girl or boy. The Rishis could not tolerate the behavior of the Yadavas and cursed them that he would give birth to an iron pillar, which would destroy the Yadava clan. Shamba soon gave birth to an iron pillar. King Ugrasena asked the iron pillar to be powdered and thrown into the sea. But the powder reached the shores and turned into iron reeds and which eventually led to the death of the Yadavas. Balarama who witne...

Brahmadanda is a staff (stick) which belongs to Lord Brahma. A Brahmastra can only be stopped by a Brahmadanda. It must be noted that the term Brahmadanda is also used to refer to the staff in the hands of an ascetic or a Sage. The power and strength of the Sage is concentrated in the staff. Legend has it that Vishwamitra had used several arrows against Sage Vasishta including the famous Brahmastra. But all the arrows were destroyed by the Brahmadanda. Brahmadanda has the power to stop any weapon. The spinal column is known as Brahmadanda in Yoga. Among human beings, today it is associated with the various sticks carried by ascetics. There is also a popular belief that a Guru never imparts the knowledge of Brahmadanda that he has gained directly from Brahma. It is believed that Guru Dronacharya had the knowledge of Brahmadanda and he did not teach it to his son, Ashwathama, and his favorite disciple, Arjuna. The reason for it is that the power of Brahmadanda c...

Diwali and Christmas are two of the important festivals in India. Here are some of the differences and similarities. Both Christmas and Diwali are a religious festival. Diwali marks the return of Bhagavan Sri Ram, Mata Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman to Ayodhya after 14-year exile period. Christmas is the birthday of Jesus Christ. Christmas is observed on a fixed date (December 25). Diwali is based on lunar calendar and is usually observed on the no moon day (Amavasya) falling during the second fortnight of october or the first fortnight of november. If Christmas is synonymous for cakes, then Diwali is synonymous for sweets. Gifts are exchanged in both Diwali and Christmas. However, in Diwali there is no figure like Christmas father (Santa Claus). Lighting arrangements are part of both the festival. Diwali lamps (diyas) are lit during the period. During Christmas, it is stars. The lamps lit during diwali are traditional and made using natural materials like clay, oil ...

In Hinduism, people often complain about pujas being not effective. The real reason for this is that in pujas they do not make the offering of five important items. Apart from diya and flowers these items are essential. The five items are: Milk Curd Ghee Honey Misri (Rock Candy or Kalkandam) (instead of misri you can use sugarcane juice). The five items are together known as Panchamrit. It is widely believed that the puja is incomplete if the five items are not part of the offering. The reason is that three items– milk, curd, and ghee – are provided by the cow, which is the abode of various gods and goddesses. Honey is a natural and pure offering. So too is rock candy or sugarcane juice. When these five combine, it becomes Amrit – elixir, that which can purify and give rebirth. Not just the above said five items, all puja ingredients should be natural. Unnatural items should not be part of puja. Please note that the above said items are not to be included...

Guests are equal to God in Hinduism. Here is the symbolic meaning of various types of uninvited guests arriving at home in Hindu religion. There is a belief by many Hindus that sudden arrival of uninvited people at home predicts future. Napunsak (Kinnar or Hijra), Transgende r – Such individuals bring the luck of Budh Graha. They help in alleviating diseases, bad luck and court cases. This is the reason why a transgender should never be allowed to return empty-handed. Handicapped Beggar – Solution to Rahu related problems in the horoscope of the people in the house. Aged (old) Beggar – Solution to problems related to finance, education and children. Someone Comes Asking For Oil – It means the people in the family will get relief from Shani Grah related problems. Sanyasi – If Sanyasi or saint comes then it means your luck is going to change. Unmarried Girl Wearing White Cloth And Coming To Home – This is considered highly auspicious. It means peace will retu...

Sama Veda is one of the four Vedas in Hinduism. Samaveda consists of chants and prayers. This is a collection of important teachings and quotes from the Samaveda. Agnir Vrittraani Janghanad (Verse 4) Agni (fire) destroys the demons (vritras). Agni implies ‘knowledge’ and Vritta 'darkness of ignorance'. Just as Agni destroys the darkness, in the same manner we should use 'the fire of knowledge' for the destruction of Kama (lust), Krodh (anger), Moha (attachments) and Ahamkara (arrogance) – the five inherent enemies of man. The fire of knowledge is capable of destroying these enemies. Ignorance (darkness) can be destroyed by knowledge of self. Agne! Nah Drishe Devah Hi Asi (Verse 10) Agni is the deity, who shows us the (right) path. Agni is known for his capability to annihilate darkness. As soon as there is light, darkness vanishes and as a result the surroundings become clearly visible. It shows us the right path when it is dark. So, quite rightly Agni ...

Kashi, also known as Benares or Varanasi, is the city where people attain moksha. There is immense spiritual and religious importance of dying in Kashi. Many Hindus wish to die in Benares. The main belief is that Kashi is the city of Shiva and he will not allow any devotee to suffer after death. Therefore, whoever dies in Benares escapes from the cycle of birth and death. Religious Importance of Dying in Kashi Shiva is the ruler of Kashi and Yamraj or other gods do not have any power here. Shiva chants the name ‘Ram’ in the ear of the dead. With the blessing of Shiva and Ram mantra, all living beings that die in Kashi attain moksha and they do not have another birth. They merge in the Supreme Truth – permanent escape from the cycle of birth and death. Shiva Chanting the Name Ram in the Dying Person’s Ear There is a strong belief that when a person is about die in Kashi, Shiva chants the name ‘Ram’ in his ears. And it is due to the chanting of the mantra that the ...

Green Bangles, green dress and mehndi in Hinduism are sign of prosperity and auspiciousness. The color green is also associated with Budh Grah. There is also a famous festival associated with green – Hariyali Teej observed on Shravan Shukla Paksha Tritiya tithi (third day during the waxing phase of moon in Shravan month). Green color is given preference by women during Shravan month (July - August). Green is also associated with luck in Hindu religion. Budh Grah becomes happy when green color items are offered. With the blessings of the planet, one can do good in studies and business. For better relationship in married life, one should have green color in the southeast side of bedroom. It is also believed that green keeps out negative energy. Green color is worn to please Shiva, Vishnu and Budh Graha.

There are numerous stories that attempts to explain as to how Ganesha got the elephant head. One such story is associated with Gajasura and Shiva. Gajasura was an ardent devotee of Shiva. He performed intense austerities and performed Tapas for several years. Finally, the harsh penance of Gajasura pleased Shiva who promised him a boon. The demon requested Shiva to stay in his stomach. Lord Shiva is also Bholenath and he agreed to the wish of his devotee. Goddess Parvati was devastated and he sought the help of Lord Vishnu. Mother Goddess Parvati and Lord Vishnu stitched together a plan. Vishnu disguised as a musician, Brahma became a tabla player and Nandi became the dancing bull. Together they performed before Gajasura. The dance of Nandi impressed so much Gajasura that he offered him anything he wanted. Nandi asked Shiva back. Gajasura agreed even though he knew that this meant his death. Pleased with his Dharma, Vishnu and Brahma asked him what boo...

Manas Puja of Goddess Durga means worshipping Durga in the mind. She is given a place in the heart of the devotee. The devotee then meditates on Her. Puja Vidhi and all rituals that you wish to do are performed in imagination. This is considered by many people as the finest form of Durga worship. There is a close contact with the Goddess in Manas Puja. There is no intermediator. How to do Manas Puja? After taking bath, sit in Padmasana posture in a quiet place. It is now time to quieten the mind by shutting out all forms of thoughts. Then start to meditate on the Goddess. Close the eyes and think of Goddess sitting on the lotus of your heart. Once you realize the presence of Mother Goddess, converse with Her mentally. Next if you wish, you can make your offerings, perform rituals and pujas mentally. Some devotees hum the mool mantra of Goddess Durga. The mantra is Aum Hreem Shreem. The puja ends when you are content. You then engage in daily chorus but with a...

Pushtimarg is a tradition of Krishna devotion founded in the early 16th century AD by Vallabhacharya. Pushtimarg means the path of grace. It is today a leading sect of Sri Krishna worship and devotion and is spread all over India and abroad. The most important temple and center of Pushtimarg is located at Nathdwara in Rajasthan. Pushtimarg is a householder tradition and there is no formal provision for Sannyasa or renunciation. Path of devotion to Krishna is the cornerstone of the sect. The temples of Pushtimarg are known as Havelis. They are houses resembling the house of Krishna in Gokul. The followers and teachers of the sect are known by the names of Dasa and Goswami. “Service to Krishna is essential, and that service which is mental is regarded as the highest. Service is consciousness flowing towards Krishna. In order to perfect it, service must originate from one’s physical body and material resources. Cessation of worldly suffering and awakening into Brahman resul...

 imalayan salt lamps are often praised for their unique glow and the soothing atmosphere they create, but in Hinduism, they carry even deeper spiritual and metaphysical significance. Derived from ancient sea salt deposits in the Himalayan mountains, these lamps are associated with purity, peace, and natural energy flow. Below, I’ll expand on the benefits, practical uses, physical and spiritual impacts, personality effects, and related mantras to enhance your experience with a Himalayan salt lamp. 12 Spiritual and Health Benefits of Himalayan Salt Lamps Purification of the Air Benefit: Himalayan salt lamps are known to purify the air by attracting and trapping dust and pollutants. Practical Solution: Place it near the main entrance to purify the air that enters your home, fostering a cleaner living environment. Reduction of Stress and Anxiety Benefit: The warm glow and energy of the lamp bring calm and reduce anxiety levels, providing a relaxing space. Practical Solution: Place ...

Story of Karaikal Ammaiyar is an example of unwavering devotion. Young Punitavati lived in Karaikal with her husband Paramadhattan. Punitavati was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. Once, her husband sent two mangoes from his workplace. Soon a hungry sage appeared at the door and as food was yet to be prepared, Punitavati gave him one of the mangoes. In the evening, Paramadhattan wanted to eat the mangoes. The first one was so tasty that he asked for the second too. A helpless Punitavati prayed to the Lord. Miraculously a fruit fell into her palms. Her husband ate the fruit and wanted to know how the mango tasted different from the first one. Punitavati then told him the truth. Her husband then asked her to get more of the sweet mangoes. Punitavati again prayed to Lord Shiva. A mango appeared again but when Paramadhattan attempted to eat it, the fruit disappeared. Paramadhattan was rattled by the experience, got scared, and he ran away from home.  A puzzl...

Neelkanth Linga is a very rare form of Shivling – naturally formed and are counted among the Bana Lingas found in the Narmada River. Neelakantha is pure white in color and what distinguishes it from other white colored Lingas is a single black dot on it. This linga symbolically represents Shiva who drank the poison Halahala that appeared from Samudra Manthan or Churning of ocean. Shiva got the name Neelkanth or the one with blue throat after this incident. The description about the linga is only found in a text credited to Hemadri, a 13th century who wrote books related to murtis, temple architecture and construction. Naturally occurring Neelkanth Linga are found in the  Narmada River . Benefits of possessing Neelkanth Shivling include peace, prosperity and solution to horoscope related problems.

In Hindu tradition, there is the concept of Chiranjeevi – living beings without death. Hanuman is one among the seven Chiranjeevis mentioned in Hindu scriptures. Hanuman became a Chiranjeevi after he got a boon from Brahma, the creator, and Indra, the king of Devas. This is the reason why Hanuman will never die. Legend has it that Hanuman in his childhood reached for the sun thinking it to be a fruit. Indra, fearing Hanuman might swallow the sun, used his thunderbolt to stop Hanuman. The thunderbolt struk Hanuman on his cheek and child Hanuman fells on to earth unconscious. Vayu, the Hindu wind god and father of Hanuman, picked him up midair and went into a cave. An angry Vayu avenges this attack on his son by removing air from earth. Soon all beings suffocate. Terrified, Devas approach Brahma . Soon Devas and Brahma reach the cave. Brahma revives Hanuman. All the gods present their give Hanuman a boon each. Brahma gave Hanuman the boon that he will never be kille...

Kal Bhairav Ashtami is dedicated to the fierce manifestation of Mahakal Bhairav of Shiva . It is observed in Margashirsh month in traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India . Please note that the procedure of Kala Bhairava Ashtami Puja varies from region to region. Here is a brief idea on how to observe the Kaal Bhairav Ashtami Puja. After morning purification rituals a painting or murti or photo of Bhairav is installed in the puja area. Some people also keep a Bhairav Yantra. Lord Ganesha is remembered first and prayers are offered to him. A shloka dedicated to Ganesh is chanted. One should face east while performing the puja. Lamp should be lit using sesame oil (Til ka tel). Panchopchar Vidhi is followed in Bhairav Puja. Panchopchar puja involves offering – Akshata (unbroken rice mixed with turmeric), dhoop (incense), diya (lamp), flowers, prasad or naivedya (food). Incense should be of Lobaan. Banyan tree leaves should be offered.  Sindhoor and kaj...

Indra once happened to see Surabhi, the Kamadhenu (divine cow), crying in the Indraloka. Indra asked her why she was crying. The story of Indra and Surabhi is found in the Puranas and there is also a famous Kamadhenu Stotram written by Indra. It is chanted for attaining peace and prosperity. Surabhi then described the troubles that her children are going through in the world. She told him that her sons were ploughing without rest. They were always tied to the yoke of farmers. She said that she was overwhelmed by their sufferings and tears rolled out from her eyes. Indra’s heart melted due to the tears of Surabhi. Indra then caused heavy showers in the world, when ploughing became impossible. Thus the sons of Surabhi (oxen) got rest in the world. Surabhi Stotram By Indra There is also a famous stotra written by Indra praising the glory of Surabhi in the Prakruti Khanda of Brahma Vaivarta Purana. The stotra extols the glory of Surabhi by telling who all have worship...

Rajarishi in Hinduism is a term used to refer to a sage king. The concept is also used to refer to a king among saints. The most famous Rajarishi in Hindu scriptures is King Janaka. A Rajarishi rules the kingdom as a visionary, with the values of a saint. Vishwamitra, the famous saint of Treta Yuga, was a Rajarishi. Raja Janaka is a term constantly associated with Rajarishi.   It is also believed that a king who had attained the status of Rajarishi was given the name Janaka. Janak means father. The king becomes a fatherly figure to all his subjects. The characteristics of a Rajarishi are: Rajarishi should be an advocate of Truth, Dharma and Peace. He should assure justice and equality to his subjects. Atmosphere of freedom to pursue their vocations should be created. He should collect correct taxes for running the affairs of the kingdom. He should employ ministers with good knowledge, principle and discipline. He should encourage freedom of religion. He sho...

Disciple : What is this ignorance? Master: Listen. In the body appears a phantom, the ‘false-I’, to claim the body for itself and it is called jiva. This jiva always outward bent, taking the world to be real and himself to be the doer and experiencer of pleasures and pains, desirous of this and that, undiscriminating, not once remembering his true nature, nor enquiring “Who am I?, What is this world?”, is but wandering in the samsara without knowing himself. Such forgetfulness of the Self is Ignorance. Disciple: All the shastras proclaim that this samsara is the handiwork of Maya but you say it is of Ignorance. How are the two statements to be reconciled? Master: This Ignorance is called by different names such as Maya, Pradhana, Avyakta (the unmanifest), Avidya, Nature, Darkness and so on. Therefore the samsara is but the result of Ignorance. Advaita Bodha Deepika

Purva Punya in Hinduism is the effects of good deeds done in previous births. The karmas that were performed in previous births which were beneficial to nature and other living beings form part of Purva Punya. Luck and fate in this birth depends on Purva Punya. It is due to Purva Punya that a person is born in good family with good lineage, absence of poverty, good education, and absence of mental and physical defects, good behavior and favorable circumstances. The eleventh, ninth and second houses of person’s horoscope gives an idea about Purva Punya. The ninth division is especially helpful in determining the good effects of previous births. The effects of Purva Punya in this life especially regarding long life, children, health etc can be ascertained from these three houses. It is stated clearly in the Bhagavad Gita that an individual is linked through Prarabdha Karma. The individual with good parabha and a good dharmic life enjoy good results in this life. ...

Once there lived a Pauranika – a person who gives religious discourse. He was considered an expert with regard to discourse on the Bhagavata Purana. This also led to him having an inflated ego. Benaras or Kashi was then considered to be the highest seat of learning. Pauranika once approached the King of Benaras. and told him that while he had given discourses in several courts, he had one desire left, that of giving a discourse in the Benaras King’s court. The king was very pleased, but got down from this throne and, with folded hands, told him how it would be a great honour for him to listen to him but could the Pauranika please read the Bhagavad Purana once more before starting his discourse? The Pauranika was angry but as his anger would be of little avail in the presence of the king, he had no option but to go back and read the epic once again. As he did so, he found deeper meanings in the various passages. His anger evaporated as he realized that the king had...