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Showing posts from June, 2019


Ravana Worshipped in Kolar District of Karnataka

Ravana, the demon King of Lanka in epic Ramayana, is always portrayed in the negative. For majority of the people, he is the villain and demon who is ultimately killed by Lord Ram. But there are also several positive traits to the character of Ravana, which is worshipped by certain communities in Hinduism. For centuries, there is a tradition of worshipping Lankadipathi, the king of Lanka, by the people in Kolar District of Karnataka during the harvest festival. One of the positive traits in Ravana’s character was his unfathomable devotion for Lord Shiva. The people of Kolar District celebrate and worship this particular aspect of Ravana. Lord Shiva is popularly referred as Ishwara in this region because he is here known mainly as Gangadhareshwara, Ramalingeswara and Markandeshwara. A procession of a ten-headed idol of Ravana along with an idol of Shiva and the village deity takes place in the annual harvest festival procession. Interestingly, there is also a temple dedi

Solar Eclipse and Pregnancy In Hindu Religion - Pregnant Women And Various Beliefs During Surya Grahan In Hinduism

There is lot of fear among many Hindus regarding Surya Grahan (Solar Eclipse) and Pregnancy. Most people want to know about precautions to be taken during Surya Grahanam. The only precaution that you should take is that you should never look at the Sun directly during the Grahan. As a clear cut solution, ancient seers in Hinduism recommend pregnant women remain indoors during Grahan. The mantra chanted during the period is the Santana Gopala Mantra. Astrological Surya Grahan Viewpoint Now for those of you believe in astrology, there is a ‘punya kala’ when the Surya Grahan is visible. And people observe fasting during this period. If the Grahan is not visible in the particular region, there is no ‘punya kala’ and there are no restrictions. There is no restriction in moving around if there is no Surya Grahan in your region. Surya Grahan Ayurvedic View Point Some traditions in Hindu religion ask pregnant women to sit or lie down on a mat containing Darbha

Dindi to Pandharpur – What is a Dindi? – Dindi of Warkaris to Pandharpur – Dehu and Alandi

If one passes through Maharashtra – especially through Pune to Pandharpur – one might come across a group of people walking with saffron flags and women carrying Tulsi sapling on their head. This group is known as a Dindi – a unit of warkaris. Warkaris are followers of Lord Vithal, who travel from various parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and other parts of India to the Pandharpur Temple. A Dindi might consist of a few devotees or even thousands. Each Dindi is led by a Veenakari – one who has the Veena. Others in the group play Veena, cymbals and Pakhwaj. Women in the group hold a Tulsi sapling on the head. A Dindi travels from native village to Dehu, Alandi and Pandharpur. During the annual Pandharpur Yatra thousands of Dindi follow the various Palkhis. Dindi also goes to Dehu, Alandi and Pandharpur in Magh, Ashada and Kartik months as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra. It must be noted here that Dindi

Arya Samaj - Swami Dayanand Saraswati Quotes And Teachings

Quotes and Teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati – founder of Arya Samaj. Justice and mercy differ only in name. When the fruit is given in accordance with the actions – Karma, then it follows that sins are never forgiven. In life, there is no retirement. Where there is no peace, there is no limit to sufferings. The soul pervades the body and God pervades the soul. Swami Dayanand Saraswati Teachings On Satya or Truth Truthfulness is the harmony of thought, word and deed. A person who resolves to stick to the truth (Satya) at all costs, steadily rises in virtues.  When his virtues raise his reputation and prestige, he becomes all the more a devotee of truth. This devotion to truth becomes an unerring source of power and greatness. There is no higher happiness than the contemplation of Satya. My sole aim in criticizing the views of others is to arrive at the Truth.

Annadanam – Importance of Food Donation in Hindu Religion

There is no better puja and ritual in Hindu religion than feeding a hungry living being. Annadanam is Mahadanam or the greatest donation in Hindu religion and is an essential part of Sanatana Dharma tradition. The food donation is not limited to feeding a human being but it encompasses all living beings. There are numerous stories in Hindu scriptures that extol the glory of Annadanam – prominent being Goddess Parvati appearing as Goddess Annapoorneshwari and feeding Shiva. Another instant is that Karna taking rebirth as he had performed all types of donation except food donation. He then performs food donation on earth to achieve moksha. A mistake many Hindus make while performing Annadanam is to feed only priests. This is wrong. Annadanam should be offered to all living being – there should not be any consideration of position, authority, religion or caste or nationality. In Hinduism, Annadanam is performed for redemption of sins, to attain piety, to get speedy reco

Tahia of Lord Jagannath – The Crown of Jagannath during Puri Jagannath yatra

When the murti (idol) of Hindu God Jagannath is taken from the temple to the Ratha for the Puri Rath Yatra ritual, he wears an ornamental crown on his head. This decorative piece which Jagannath wears is known as Tahia and is an important part of the Ratha Jatra ritual. The crown known as Tahia is made out of cane, bamboo sticks, solapith, flowers and colors (minimal, red and zinc, are used). Tahia is placed on the head of the murti while He is being taken from the temple to the chariot and it remains till the end of the Ratha Yatra. Only skilled artisans are entrusted to prepare the tahia. The tahia is shaped like a betel leaf. The crown is more than six feet in height and 8.5 ft in circumference. A lot of raw bamboo sticks (altogether 37 sticks) are held together with cotton strings to give the tahia its shape. Cane is also used at specific places. Flowers, made of sholapith, are also used, apart from jasmine. But the row of kadamba flowers at the t

What is Nishita Kala? – Nishit Kaal

Nishita Kala is defined as the 8th muhurta of the night and it is attained after doing complex calculation. It is of great importance to the Panchang makers and Jyothishis as this period is essential for calculating festival and auspicious days. Nishita Kala period is chosen to do pujas and worship on the Shivaratri day. This period is of great importance to some Hindu communities. For a festival to be fixed there should be a Nishita Kala on the day. For example a festival falling on Ashtami, there should be a nishita Kala on Ashtami day. The Nishita Kala period is usually of duration of less than an hour and fall during the midnight.

Swami Lilashah Ji Maharaj Quotes And Teachings

A collection of quotes and teachings of Swami Lilashah Ji Maharaj (1880 - 1972) The mind is the reason behind a person's bondage or salvation.  Pious and benevolent  actions resolves and purify the mind, remove all faults and lead to final salvation. Take your mind to task everyday! Constantly counsel your mind. "O restless mind! Now be quiet and steady. Why do you disturb me by wandering all the time? Time and again you run after sense pleasures and worldly relations, seeking company in relationships but don’t you know that they are short-lived? You have been forced to abandon them in all of your previous lives and will have to abandon them in this life as well. So immerse yourself in meditation of your True Self that is always with you, that is Bliss Supreme.” Never allow the mind free rein because it is an incredible treasure house of tremendous powers. It is such a fast horse as can easily and quickly simply gallop towards its goal if only given good direc

Different Types of Conch – Shankh – in Hinduism – Benefits

As per Hinduism, there are different types of Shankh and they have different benefits to a devotee when kept at home. Here are the different types of conch in Hindu religion and their benefits. Please note that many of the conch are very to find and some are hidden in the oceans and earth. Madhyavarti Shankh  This conch has opening in the middle. It is a very rare type of conch. Keeping this at home will help in achieving desires. Apart from desire fulfillment, it is also believed to be a harbinger of peace, success and prosperity. Vamavarti Shankh – Dakshinavarti Shankh - Valampuri This shankh is held using the left hand. It is known as Vamavarti, Dakshinavarti and Valampuri Shankh. This is also a very rare type of conch. Having it at home will help in driving out poverty and negative forces. This will help in solving financial problems. There will be blessing of Kuber and Lakshminarayan. Goddess Lakshmi will reside in such homes. Moti Shankh Moti Shankh is a small

Ekadanta Ganapati Story - Ganesha Form Of Ekadanta and Madasura

Ekadanta Ganapati is one among the numerous names of Ganesha and it means the single-tusked one. Mudgala Purana states that Ganesh took the form of Ekadanta to defeat demon Madasura – symbolically the demon represents pride. Madasura was created by Saint Chyavana. Madasura propitiated Shukracharya who initiated him with the Shakti mantra ‘Hrim.’ He performed intense penance by chanting the mantra. Madasura soon attained the power to rule the universe. With huge power in his disposal he became corrupt and evil. His activities caused immense difficulties to all living beings. Devas, saints and humans approached Sanatkumara one of the Sanakadi Rishis to find a way to defeat Madasura,  Sanatkumara asked them to pray to Ganesha in Ekadanta form. He taught them the greatness of Ekadanta – Eka stands for maya and danta stands for truth. Ekadanta is one who controls maya. Ganesha answered the prayers of living beings and he appeared before Madasura as Ekadanta. Madasura

Manglik Dosh Solution

The perfect solution for manglik dosh is the worship of Lord Hanuman. Bajrang Bali Hanuman has control over all the grahas and his true devotees will never suffer due to Navagrahas. Manglik Dosh Solution Offer Sindoor to Hanuman and Tuesday and read the Hanuman Chalisa. You should plant fruit bearing trees like Mango etc and take care of it. It is also good to plant banana tree on the day. Feeding animals like cows or monkeys is beneficial. Donate Sindoor to Ganesha temple on Thursday or when there is Pushya Nakshatra. This will help in alleviating problems due to Manglik Dosh. Install a Ganesh murti atop the front door of the house and sprinkle sindoor on it daily. This will help in avoiding all kinds of problems in life. And it will usher in positive energy which will mitigate the influence of Manglik Dosh.

Goddess Dasha Maa - Momai Maa - Story of Goddess Dasha Maa

Goddess Dasha Maa is an incarnation of Mother Goddess Shakti and is mainly worshipped in Gujarat. A ten days vrat dedicated to Dasha Maa is observed in the month of Shravan. Dasha Maa is one who betters the living condition. People offer worship to her for peace and prosperity in life. Worshipping her is considered highly meritorious. Dasha Maa is worshipped along with Nagbai Maa and Momai Maa. Murtis of Goddess Dasha Maa are prepared specially during Dasha Maa vrat. Dasha Maa Vrat is observed after Holi festival in Rajasthan. Story of Goddess Dasha Maa There lived a king named Vijay Singh along with his spiritually oriented wife Roopmati and two sons. The king had a palace called Jal Mahal, which was located on the outskirts of his capital. One evening the queen along with her attendants had gone to Jal Mahal. From the window, the queen saw a group of poor women engaged in a vrat near the village pond. They were engaged in the worship of Dasha Maa. The

Gandiva Bow – Power and Characteristics of the Bow of Arjuna

Gandiva, the bow of Arjuna, has been described as strong, sleek, and long, gold-tipped, and shining with different colors. The power and characteristics of the bow were extolled by both gods and demons. The history of Gandiva bow was narrated by Arjuna in the Virata Parva (43.1 – 7) of the Mahabharata. Power and Characteristics of the Bow of Arjuna Gandiva Bow was designed by Lord Brahma. It passed through the hands of Prajapati, Indra, Chandra and Varuna before Agni gave it to Arjuna. Arjuna got the Gandiva Bow as a gift from Agni. Arjuna and Krishna had helped Agni in burning the Khandava forest. Varuna had given it to Agni on request. It was characteristic of the Gandiva that its power increased or decreased exactly the same as that of the enemy. Arjuna respected Gandiva so much that he would not tolerate any insults to it. In the Karna Parva (68.30 and 69.1), Arjuna took arms against Yudhisthira, his elder brother, when he spoke disparagingly about it. In t

Story of the Birth of Bhishma in the Mahabharata

In the Mahabharata, Bhishma was the son of Shantanu and Ganga . Birth of Bhishma and his suffering on earth is due to a curse in his previous birth. Ganga before marrying Shantanu had taken word from him that he will not question any of her actions. Ganga soon gave birth to Shantanu’s first child. Immediately, Ganga took the child to river and drowned it. Shantanu said nothing. She gave birth six more times and Ganga performed the horrific deed six times. When the eighth child was born, Shantanu questioned Ganga ’s merciless behavior. Ganga then told that Shantanu had broken his promise and she will leave him and return to heaven. She also told Shantanu that the children that she killed were seven of eight Devas known as Vasus. They had once stolen the cow of Sage Vasishta and were cursed to be born as humans. To save them from suffering, Ganga became their mother and spared them from suffering on earth by killing them as soon as they were born. The eight

Gau Lakshmi in Hinduism – Go Mata Lakshmi - Cow Goddess Form Of Goddess Lakshmi

Go Lakshmi, or Gau Lakshmi, is the cow goddess form associated with Goddess Lakshmi. In this form, Lakshmi nourishes all living beings. There is a popular story in Puranas which associates Goddess Lakshmi with cow and cow dung. Legend has it that once the Devas wanted to test the greatness of Goddess Lakshmi – as it was believed that prosperity happens wherever Goddess Lakshmi resides. So Devas asked Goddess Lakshmi to reside in cow dung. When Goddess Lakshmi resided in cow dung, people realized its importance and started using it as fuel, manure and for plastering homes. In many regions, Hindus make image of Goddess Lakshmi out of manure and worship it.

Yogi Krishna Prem Thought – Disciples Who Blindly Follow Fake Gurus

The Main Fault Lies With Disciples Who Blindly Follow Fake Gurus - Thought by Yogi Krishna Prem Until a man has reached a certain stage of development by his own efforts it is very little use for him to seek for a Guru. Of the vast army of ‘gurus,’ a very large number are charlatans who are simply desirous of acquiring disciples for the sake of their own fame and profit. There is a foolish notion current that any man has only got to go to some competent Guru and the latter will push him into a first-class compartment in the mukti-mail and then he will sit playing cards till he automatically reaches his destination. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The disciple must tread the Path by his own efforts, and no Guru, however great a Mahatma he may be, can do more than show him the Way. A devotee getting attracted to a fake guru is his own fault since he has not taken the steps which should qualify him to be disciple and is utterly unfit to recognize the Guru even if he

Sanakadi Rishis

Sanakadi Rishis are the combined names of four great sages – Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana and Sanat Kumara. They are the four sons of Brahma and appeared at the beginning of the creation. Scriptures state that due to their high spiritual attainments, they remain as five year olds. Brahma who did penance to start creation pleased the Supreme Truth and That appeared in the form of four Rishis – Sanakadi Rishis. Sanakadi Rishis are the greatest gyanis, yogis and bhaktas. Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana and Sanat Kumara They lead a life of renunciation. They can travel anywhere by merely wishing. They arrive on earth to give lessons in dharma to human beings. Immersed in Brahman they keep on chanting Hari Sharanam. Sage Narada addresses them in the Padma Purana like this – Though looking life five year olds, You are the eldest of the eldest, the great grand ancestors of the great grand ancestors. Vaikunta, the highest Heaven, the spiritual realm, your abode. Recitation of th

God Shiva, Bali Island and Mount Meru – the Story in Hindu Tradition

An interesting incident mentioned in the Usana Bali Scripture connects God Shiva, Bali Island and Mount Meru . Bali Island in Indonesia practices Hinduism. The story mentions how mount Meru was installed in Bali . Meru, or Mahameru , is a divine mountain mentioned in the Puranas and epics and is witness to several incidents in Hindu tradition.  In ancient time the island of Bali was spiritually vacant. The people on the island offered prayers to Gods to bless them and help them spiritually. Shiva as Pashupati heeded to the prayers of the people of Bali and placed Mahameru on the island. This stabilized the island and also brought holiness to the place. Shiva also instructed his two sons, Putrajaya and Gni Jaya, and his daughter, Dewi Danu, to reside in the island and serve as the guardian deities of the Balinese. Putrajaya reigns from Mt. Agung , Gni Jaya from Mt. Lempuyang , and Dewi Danu oversees the island’s rivers and forests from her palace in Lake

Adi Shankaracharya Parakaya Pravesha to Learn Kamashastra - Entering The Body Of Another Person

Adi Shankaracharya traveled all around India engaging scholars in religious debate. During one such debate, Bharati, wife of scholar Mandana Mishra, attempted to defeat Adi Shankara in the topic of Kama Shastra – sex. To win this debate Adi Shankaracharya performed parakaya pravesha – enter the body of another person. In the debate between Mandana Mishra and Adi Shankara, Bharati was appointed the judge as she was a scholar by herself. Mandana Mishra was easily defeated in the debate by Adi Shankara. Bharati contented that Adi Shankara had only defeated one half of Mandana Mishra. To completely defeat him, Adi Shankara had to defeat his wife too. Bharati soon realized that she could not defeat Adi Shankara in philosophy, so turned the debate towards Kamashastra. As Adi Shankara was a Brahmachari he had no knowledge of sex. Adi Shankara asked Bharati to give him a month’s time to debate this topic with her. Adi Shankaracharya then used his yogic powers to enter t

Mantra For Enemy – Powerful Mantra In Hinduism To Destroy Enemy

The greatest enemy as per Hinduism is ignorance, desire, lust, hatred, jealousy and anger. External enemies are created by these enemies within us. Here is a powerful mantra in Hinduism to destroy enemy. Mantra For Enemy Om Braam Kalbhairavaya Phat ॐ भ्रां कालभैरवाय फट् ‍ How To Chant The Mantra? Wake up early in the morning before sunrise. Take bath. Sit facing east and chant the mantra 21 times. Feed a dog during day time. Chant the mantra again at midnight around 12. This time chant only 7 times. Along with chanting the mantra daily for 42 days ones should read the Yoga Vasistha daily. Doing charity work and maintaining garden and trees will be highly meritorious in the quest to defeat enemies. 

Path Of Dead In Hinduism – Pitryana

Pitryana is the path of ancestors or the path of the dead in Hinduism. The central purport of the description of the path of the dead is to create an urge in human beings to escape the monotonous commuting between the earth and heaven (cycle of life) and to engage in efforts that lead to the northern way and, through that, to eventual liberation. The exposition of the sacred Panchagni Vidya by Pravahana Jaivali to Goutama is described in Brihadaranyaka Upanishad and Chandogya Upanishads (with minor variations). In that context, Jaivali describes the “northern path” (also known as devayana or the path of manes.) Path Of Dead In Hinduism The performers of sacrifices and charitable deeds for the public ascend to the lunar world (chanda lokha) through the path of smoke (dhuma marga). While traveling on this path, they first come across the deity of smoke and then successively reach the deity of smoke and then successively reach the deity of ratri (the night); the deity of Kris

Koorathazhwan – The Greatest Disciple of Sri Ramanujacharya – Sri Koorathazhwan Works and Life History

Koorathazhwan is one of the greatest expositors of Visista Advaita Vedanta. He was born at Koora Agrahara, a village near Kanchipuram in a rich Brahmin family. His original or birth name was ‘Srivatsanka Misra’, but was more known as Kooreshan or Kooranathan as he was the chief of Koora Agrahara. Short Life History of Koorathazhwan Koorathazwan was born in 1009 AD. He is believed to be an amsam of Sri Vathsam (partial incarnation of mole on the chest of Srihari Vishnu.) He is also known as Kuresan, Azhwan, Pavithram of Swami Ramanuja. He was married at a young age. The name of Koorathazwan’s wife was Andal Amma. But the pious couple had a very short married life. It is believed that Andal Amma attained moksha at a very young age. He attained Vaikunta (feet of Lord Vishnu) in 1127 AD. (As per some calculations, it is 1132 AD). When Sri Ramanujacharya embraced Sanyasa Ashram, Koorathazhwan sacrificed all his riches went to Srirangam, stood by the side of Sri Ramanujacha

Parivrajaka In Hinduism – Meaning – Importance

The simple meaning of Parivrajaka in Hinduism is forest dweller or wandering ascetic. The term is of great importance as the Hindu who leaves his or her home for the sake of god realization is referred to as Parivrajaka. Parivrajaka is a life style wherein the seeker forsakes attachments in spiritual pursuits on his own. Today, Parivrajaka is more commonly associated with Buddhism. But this kind of leading a life of solitude for self realization came into existence far before the origin of Buddhism. The original Parivrajakas were without family bondage and so roamed about seeking contact with different thinkers. They followed the discourse of philosophers and discussed matters of ethics, philosophy, and mystic. Sometimes they lived with their preceptors before moving on to the next stage. Many Parivrajaka lived alone and did not recognize the institution of any master. They pursued knowledge on their own. These Pravrajakas of ancient times did not organize t

Start Travel With This Mantra For Safety And Success

Traveling is an important part in Hinduism and there are several numerous mantras and rituals associated with traveling. Here is a mantra that can be chanted while starting a travel. It will ensure safety and success. Travel Mantra For Safety And Success श्री हनुमंते नम : How To Chant the Mantra? First offer prayers to Ganesha in mind Chant the mantra 11 times and break a coconut. Sprinkle some coconut water on head. Eat some coconut kernels and share it with those present. The belief it that one will face no problems during journey and will also achieve success from the journey.

Swami Tyagananda Quotes And Teachings

Swami Tyagananda is associated with the Ramakrishna Mission. This is a collection of quotes and teachings of Swami Tyagananda. When we react to what is happening outside, we get involved in it. A detached witness sees things differently than someone who is involved in a situation. Sri Ramakrishna gave the example of people playing chess and others observing them. The observers can often see things that the players themselves cannot. When the ego is strong, it wants to get involved in everything. With involvement comes the loss of capacity to be a neutral witness and the inability to put one’s experiences in the right context. It is not enough to have experiences in life, we need the ability to learn the lessons that every experience brings. This can be a lifelong process. Thoughts on Benefits of Celibacy – Swami Tyagananda What are the benefits of celibacy? What exactly happens when a person practises Brahmacharya? The yoga traditions of Hinduism have made a deep stu

Purusha Sukta Yantra

Yantra is a visible form of a personal deity. Purusha Sukta Yantra is a popular and important Vaishnava Yantras. By worshipping Yantra, a person attains peace, good health and prosperity. A yantra is also a visual form of mantras. Purusha Sukta Yantra is worshipped for gaining beauty, wealth, prosperity, children and peace. The Yantra is prepared based on the famous Purusha Sukta mantra in the Rigveda. It is believed that possession of Purusha Sukta Yantra and daily worship of it alleviates many problems in life. It provides a devotee with confidence to overcome numerous problems in life especially those associated with fear and bad luck.

Origin of Sabarimala Aravana Payasam

One of the most important offering made at the famous Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is the Aravana Payasam. Millions of tinned Aravana Payasam is sold at the temple in year. The demand for payasam in special can increases during the Mandala Makaravilakku season. Origin of Aravana Payasam is attributed to Aravana Rishi. There are two theories regarding the origin of Aravana payasam. One of the most popular versions is that the offering was first prepared by Sage Aravanan. He made the offering in the temple in the dense forest. In olden days people used to carry dry rice (unakkalari) for cooking while visiting the temple. Dry rice is the main ingredient in the Aravana Payasam. So this theory might be true as people might have started preparing the payasm with minimum ingredients. Another theory is that ‘Aravanan’ means God and as it is cooked and offered to Ayyappa, the sweet got the name Aravana. Related Significance - Ghee-filled Coconut Offered At Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

Rama Gita in Jnana Vasishtha Tattva Sarayana – Dialogue between Hanuman and Sri Ram

There are two Rama Gitas one is a dialogue between Hanuman and Sri Ram in Jnana Vasishtha-Tattva Sarayana. Another Rama Gita is the dialogue between Rama and Lakshmana in the Chapter V uttara khanda of Adhyatma Ramayana. The dialogue between Hanuman and Sri Ram in Jnana Vasishtha-Tattva Sarayana focuses on jnana, bhakti, vairagya and yoga from the standpoint of Advaita (monistic philosophy). It advocates the acquirement of right knowledge, and not retirement to the forest for penance. It asserts that the realization of Brahman consciousness would lead one to jivanmukti (liberation whole being alive) and then to videha mukti (emancipation at death). The text deals mainly on jnana (knowledge), spiritual practice (upasana) and actions (karma). Jnana Vasishtha Tattva Sarayana is more popular in South India especially in Tamil Nadu.

Upcoming Hindu Festivals in July 2019 – Hindu Vrat – Fasting – Rituals in July 2019

Dates of important upcoming festivals and fasting associated with Hinduism in July 2019 – based on major Hindu calendars and Panchang used in India. The festivals, Vrats and ritual days are based on Indian Standard Time (IST). July 1 – Monthly Shivratri fasting July 2 – Amavasya July 3 – Ashada month begins in calendars followed in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. July 4 – Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra July 7 – Hera Panchami July 8 – Muruga Sashti Fasting July 8 – Aani Uthiram in Tamil Culture July 8 – Vivasvat Saptami July 9 – Monthly Durga Ashtami July 9 - Kharchi Puja in Tripura July 10 – Bhatali Navami July 12 – Ekadasi Fasting – Devshayani Ekadasi July 12 – Ashadi Ekadasi July 12 – Pandarpur Yatra ends July 12 – Gauri Vrat begins in Gujarat July 13 – Chaturmas Begins July 14 – Pradosh July 14 - Jaya Parvati vrat begins in Gujarat July 16 – Gauri Vrat ends in Gujarat July 16 – Purnima Fasting July 16 – Gur

Gochara – Planets in Transit in Hindu Astrology

Gochara refers to the current movement of planets through Rashis in Hindu astrology. It is predictive astrology based on the movements of planets. There are several ways of using gochara in predictive astrology. One method involves the consideration of birth nakshatra (birth star), in which the moon would be moving at the time of a person’s birth. When the nakshatra of birth and the nakshatra which is the 10th or 16th or 19th from it are afflicted by malefic planets such as Rahu, Saturn, Mars, Ketu and Sun, the native is believed to be subjected to pain and suffering and may even face death. A few days before his death, King Dasharatha of Ayodhya informed his son Rama of his astrologers prediction that the nakshatra of his birth occupied by Sun was about to be afflicted by Mars and Rahu and that, therefore, some great calamity was to befall him shortly. Another method of Gochara is to study the position and strength of the seven planets at the time of birth, as

Krishna Mantra For Success

Bhagavan Sri Krishna is the god who walked among humans. He taught humans to survive by following Dharma in society. Here is a Krishna mantra for success. Krishna Mantra For Success hee krishna dwarkavasin kakasi yadavnandan Aapadribham paribhootam ma trayasvashu janardan ‘ हे कृष्ण द्वारकावासिन क्कासि यादवनंदन। आपाद्रिभं परिभूतां मां त्रायस्वाशु जनार्दन How To Chant The Mantra? Chant the mantra 11 times daily. First offer prayers to Ganesha in mind. Sit in a quiet place and chant the mantra. After chanting the mantra read few shlokas from the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.

Pancha Vyuha – Consecration And Worship Of Vishnu In Five Manifestations

Pancha Vyuha is the consecration and worship of Vishnu in a five-fold manifestation. This is a direct continuation of the Vedic fivefold fire, a connection which is clearly felt by one who follows the Vaikhanasa tradition. The five manifestations in Pancha Vyuha are Vishnu Purusha (person) Satya (the true one) Achyuta (the steadfast one) Aniruddha (the unobstructed one). Vishnu is the original and highest among the pancha vyuha. The concept is also characterized by the four qualities of Vishnu – tradition, wisdom, dominion and equanimity. Therefore the four manifestations of purusha, etc, are inseparable from the primeval manifestation. The manifestation of Purusha is individualized by the quality of tradition; the manifestation of satya by knowledge; the manifestation of achyuta by dominion; the manifestation of aniruddha by equanimity. These manifestations stand for four eras, the four stages of life, the four classes of society, the four Vedas and the

Puranas Quotes - A Collection Of Quotes From Puranas

Purana quotes are a collection of important quotes from Hindu Puranas. Happiness is the essential nature of the soul. It is manifested after withdrawal and cessation of all activities. Having perceived that enjoyment and experience are fanciful creations of the mind, I lie down (enjoying whatever comes my way ordained by the Divine). Having forgotten that this blissful nature is inherent in one’s self, a man is verily enmeshed into samsara which is terrible (owing to birth, death and other miseries) and yet strange (as it consists of birth in celestial, subhuman, human and other-species). He, who (being ignorant of his innate blissful state) thinks of finding his object (happiness) elsewhere (outside his self), is like an ignorant person who, with a desire to get water (to quench his thirst), leaves water (near him, but) runs after the mirage. Whenever we fail to see the unity of all objects and the subject but see multiplicity of objects, it will give rise to fear. The one,

Sapta Puri – Seven Holy Cities in Hinduism - Sapta Moksha Puris In India

Sapta Puri is the name given to the seven sacred cities associated with Hinduism in India . These seven holy cities are also referred as Sapta Moksha Puris and Seven Tirthas. The general belief is that by visiting these cities one escapes from endless cycle of births and deaths and attains ‘moksha.’ Sapta Puri is therefore also referred along with Char Dhams as ‘moksha dayika.’ Sapta Puri Names The sacred cities in the Sapta Puri are Kashi Kanchipuram Haridwar Ayodhya Ujjain Mathura Dwarka Sapta Puri Shloka There is also a Sanskrit shloka referring to the seven great tirthas. ‘Kashi, Kanchi, Maya, Ayodhya, Avantika Mathura , Dwaravati chaiva saptaita mokshadayika’ Kashi is also known as Varanasi and is located in Uttar Pradesh.  Kanchipuram is in Tamil Nadu.  Haridwar is also known as Mayapuri and is in Uttarakhand.  Ujjain is also known as Avantika and is in Madhya Pradesh.  Dwarka is also referred as Dwaravati and is in Gujarat . 

Five Elements And Color In Hinduism

Five Elements is known as Pancha Bhuta and each of the five element has a color associated with as per Hinduism. As per Hindu teachings, life is made up of pancha bhoota and depends on them for the sustenance. The five elements in Hindu religion are prithvi, apu, agni, vayu and akasha. The colors associated with them are yellow, white or silver, red, blue and black. The earth, according to Tarkashastra, has seven colors in it, for a grain of sand alone can be held in the hand, while the other elements cannot be contained in the palm. The seven colors associated with earth are white (shukla), blue (nila), yellow (pita), red (rakta), green (harita), grey (kapisa) and multicolor (citra). Earth (Prithvi) is yellow in color. The yellow color suggests stability on earth and its riches. Gold, Goddess Lakshmi and Vishnu are associated with yellow color. Yellow powder of turmeric is an important offering in many temples. The shape associated with this element is square as it is perfec

Origin of Pandharpur Yatra - Origin of Varkari Pandharpur Wari Tradition in Maharashtra

Waari is the term used to refer holy pilgrimage in Maharashtra and the word is synonymous with Pandharpur Yatra to the famous Lord Vitthal Temple . Waari is undertaken annually by Varkaris in the Maharashtrian month of Ashadha and it culminates on the Ekadashi during the waxing phase of moon in the month. It is a three week long pilgrimage from Dehu and Alandi near Pune to Pandharpur, which is around 450 km away. But who were the first warkaris and when did the Pandharpur Wari Tradition begin. The followers of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) never bothered about dates and why would they bother, when their sole aim is to understand Brahman – the timeless – and merge with it. Same is the case with the Pandharpur Wari tradition and no one knows exactly when the first Pandharpur Yatra took place so many people roughly say it is thousand years old. Some believe it was the parents of Sant Dnyaneshwar who undertook the first pilgrimage in the 13th century. Sant Dnyaneshwar to