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Showing posts from November 28, 2018


Dying in Kashi in Hinduism – Spiritual and Religious Importance of Dying in Kashi For Hindus

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

Importance Green Bangles, Green Dress and Mehndi in Hinduism

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.

Story Of Demon Gajasura And How Ganesha Got Elephant Head

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 Vidhi of Goddess Durga – No Rituals – Worshipping Durga in the Mind

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 in Hinduism – Founded By Vallabhacharya - Important Aspects of Pushtimarg

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