--> Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from December 11, 2018


Story of Mamleshwar – Omkareshwar - Shiva Temple and Jyotirlinga

Omkareshwar is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples dedicated to Shiva at Mandhata or Shivapuri Island on Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. There is an equally important temple near Omkareshwar. The two temples are together known as Omkaram Malleswaram in the famous Jyotirlinga Stotram. Two Jyotirlingas are worshipped here – Omkareshwara Linga and Mamaleswara (also known as Amaleswara) Linga. Legend has it that Shiva agreed to stay on Mandhata Island as he gave a boon to king Mandhata. Shiva decided to be present there as Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga. It is believed that Shiva, who is present in past, present and future, realized that devotees who will come to Omkareshwar will be polluted due to desires and fear. They will not be able to attain moksha. So he decided to reside as Amaleswara on the southern bank of Narmada River . Amaleswara means remover of blemish and impurity. Devotees should first visit Amaleswara and then proceed to Omkareshwar. As Amaleshwara Shiva r

Importance of Parikrama in Hinduism - Walking For Kilometers In A Sacred Place in Hindu Religion

Parikrama in Hinduism is the circumambulation of sacred Hindu pilgrimage centers and is performed for redemption from sins committed. The importance of Parikrama is mentioned in the Puranas and other scriptures. A Parikrama is undertaken by walking for several kilometers in a sacred place. During the walk a devotee will pass through numerous temples and other sacred spots. The most important Parikramas in Hindu religion are held at: Nimsar Bithur Mathura Govardhan Parikrama Hari Parbat in Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir Girnar Hill in Junagarh Barda in Jamnagar Kashi – Varanasi Narmada Panchkoshi Padyatra Janakpur in Nepal There are several different types of Parikramas. And this is mentioned in the Kashi Khanda of the Skanda Purana. There are daily, fortnightly, monthly and annual parikramas. There are also circumambulations that are performed only during special months like Chaitra, Vaishak, Kartik etc. One of the most important Parikrama is the Panchkoshi

Goddess Mangala Gauri – Story Of Goddess Mangala Gauri

Goddess Mangala Gauri in Hinduism is a manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti. She is believed to be Goddess Sati, the manifestation that Mother Goddess Shakti took to become the wife of Shiva. One of the most popular shrines dedicated to Mangalagauri is located in Gaya in Bihar. Here she is worshipped in the form of two rounded stones. It is believed that these are the breasts of Goddess Sati. Mangalagauri is believed to be the protector of the universe. As per Hindu Scriptures, this is also one of the locations where a part of Sati's body fell. Most popular rituals dedicated to Goddess Mangala Gauri are observed on Tuesdays in Shravan Month (July – August). Please note that the term Mangalagauri has different meaning in different regions in India. In some regions, She is believed to be Goddess Parvati and who blesses devotees with prosperity.

About Yoga Narasimha Form – Yoga Narasimha Idol Explains Divine Origin of Yoga

One of the most popular idols (murti) of   Narasimha   Avatar of Vishnu is from the Chola period and is called Yoga Narasimha. This form is also one of the rare peaceful murti forms of Narasimha. This murti also explains the divine origin of Yoga. This Narasimha murthy has his front arms relaxed in meditation, his rear arms bearing the chakra and conch and around his tautly crossed legs is a yogapatta or yoga strap. The yogapatta or yoga strap is widely used today by those practising Yoga. It is believed that in the Yoga Narasimha form, Vishnu taught his ardent devotee Prahlada some yogic exercises. It is believed that those who worships the Yoga Narasimha would secure mental peace and tranquillity. This form of Narasimha is also referred as Yogananda.

How To Achieve Bliss? The Bhagavad Gita Answers

Bhagavad Gita talks about the following methods to to achieve Peace, Bliss and Tranquility. Keep your intellect, power of reasoning pure and unpolluted. Develop the approach of courage and conviction by practicing self control. Develop the habit of keeping away from the objects which have a tendency to pollute thought processes in your mind. Avoid the moods of desire, lust and hatred. Try to spend some time in solitude and quiet environment. Develop the habit of living with minimum means; you may earn more, but your own wants should be to the minimum. Steer the course of your body, speech and mind in the right directions with efforts and some devices derived by yourself. Do not allow yourself to be overpowered by the moods of vanity, excessive aggressiveness, pride, lust, anger and possessiveness. Develop the attitude of composure and balance. Source – An article on the Bhagavad Gita by Dr. V. R. Panchamukhi in Suguna Digest April – June 2005 Edit