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Showing posts from August, 2019


Meaning and Symbolism of the Big Ears of Ganesha

One of the striking features of Ganesha is his big ears. The ears of Ganapati are very prominent but do the large ears contain a hidden meaning or symbolism. The big ears of Ganesh represent his immense capacity of listening. Symbolically the big ears show us the importance of careful and active listening. Ganapati is capable of listening to the most faint and most complicated sounds. He can listen to all the sounds which are uttered in any speed and any volume. He will not miss a single syllable. Due to this quality and capacity of Ganapati, Sage Vyasa the author of the Mahabharata selected Ganesha to be his scribe. Whatever Sage Vyasa dictated was written down in a simple language by Ganesha so that human beings can understand. For devotees, the big ears means Ganesha carefully listens to their prayers with love and kindness. 

Duryodhana Temple in Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand

One of the largest temples dedicated to Duryodhan in the Mahabharata is found at Oslo in Uttarkashi District in Uttarakhand. Duryodhana is the main villain in the Mahabharata and one who practiced Adharma. So why is there a temple dedicated to Duryodhan in Oslo ? The popular belief is that the soldiers and people who supported Duryodhana escaped from the Kurukshetra and took refuge in this area of Uttarkashi. They built temples in memory of Duryodhana and Karna here. Today they are the protecting deities of the region. A couple of temples dedicated to Duryodhan can be found in the region at Saur, Sarnaul, Gangar and Datmir. Oslo village is on the way to Har Ki Doon, a popular location with trekkers. From Mussoorie one has to travel through Yamuna Bridge , Naugaon, Purola, Saur and Sankri to reach Osla. Related Duryodhana Temple in Kerala Ravana Temples in India

How to Observe or Perform Hartalika Vrat?

Hartalika Vrat is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and it is believed that those unmarried women who observe this fast will be blessed with good husbands and those married will have a happy married life. A strict fast by women (nirjala vrata) is the order of the day. On the Hartalika Vrat day, the idol of Goddess Parvati is decorated with fresh clothes and a pandal (small puja house) is made from banana bark and leaves. Today, most people prefer to observe the vrat in their usual pooja rooms and do not bother to create a pandal. A Shivling made from clay is placed along with Goddess Parvati. Listening or reading stories of Goddess Parvati and Shiva is considered auspicious. In the evening, special Aarti is performed on the idols. After the Aarti, relatives and friends join in traditional singing and dancing. Fresh fruits and vegetables are offered to Goddess Parvati. Some people make special delicacies from coconut. Women dress up beautifully on the day by applyi

How to Perform Gowri Habba or Swarna Gowri Vratha?

Gowri Habba or Swarna Gowri Vratha or Gouri Ganesha is a Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Parvati, also known as Gauri. The ‘Vrat’ is mainly observed by married and unmarried women and is mainly performed in Karnataka and other places in South India . An answer to How to do the Gowri Habba or Swarna Gauri Vratam is bit complex as there are numerous regional and community variations in performing the ritual. The festival is also known as Ganesh Gowri or Ganesh Habba as Ganesh Chaturthi is on the next day. Performing Gowri Habba On the Swarna Gowri Vratam day, the house is cleaned thoroughly. After bathing married women and young girls in the family dress up neatly. Some people perform the puja at home; others at the houses of relatives or friends and some opt for the nearby temples. A small temporary shrine is erected using banana leaves and banana stem. This is decorated with mango leaves, turmeric, tulsi and sandalwood paste. Those who already have a puja cabinet perfo

Balachandra Form Of Ganesha – Story Of Bhalchandra Ganesh

Balachandra is a unique form of Ganesha in which He wears the moon on His forehead. Balachandra means the boy with the moon. Bala means ‘child’ and Chandra means ‘moon’. The story of Ganesha as Bhalchandra is found in the Brahmanda Purana. Legend has it that Chandra, the moon god, was cursed by Darbhi to lose his brightness. It is believed that this Darbhi was a great saint who used to bring the four oceans to Kurukshetra to take bath. Chandra was in a great dilemma and did not know how to escape from the curse. Seeing Chandra losing his luster, Ganesha took pity on him and took him up and wore him on his forehead as a tilak. This saved Chandra and he got back his luster. The form of Ganapati in which he has the moon on the forehead is known as Balachandra. A popular temple with murti of Balachandra is found on the banks of Godavari River in Maharashtra. The temple of Bhalchandra is around 40 km from Parbhani.

Bahiram – About Hindu God Bahiram

Bahiram is closely associated with Hindu God Shiva and is widely worshipped in the Amravati region in Maharashtra . One belief is that Bahiram is a corrupt form of Bhairav. The deity is also believed to be the guardian deity of the betel leaf gardens. Bahiram is also associated with the Khandoba worship in Maharashtra. The most popular temple dedicated to Bahiram is located near Karanja-Bahiram around 20 km from Achalpur. The temple is located atop a hill, locally known as, Bahiram hill, and is around 3 km from Karanja-Bahiram. The murti (idol) worshipped in the temple is Swayambhu, appeared on its own. The murti is 6 feet high and 8 feet to 10 feet in width. Bahiram is the kuladevata, or family deity, of many families in Maharashtra . Barias of Maharashtra annually go on pilgrimage to temples dedicated to Bahiram. The main offerings to the deity include sindhoor, butter, coconut, lowers, red lead and parched rice. Prayers are offered to Bahiram by couples for

Story of Adishesha Wearing Earth As Crown - Adishesha Snake Story

Adishesha is the king of Nagas or serpents and his story is found in the Mahabharata, Vishnu Purana and Devi Bhagavatam. Adishesha was the son of Sage Kashyapa and Kadru. He was not happy with his mother attempting to deceive Vinata, another wife of Sage Kashyapa. So he left his mother and brothers and performed intense austerities in Pushkara, Gandhamadana Mountain and Badari for several years. At the end of the austerities, Lord Brahma appeared before him and asked him to move to netherworld and support the earth on his hoods. Thus Adishesha dwells in the netherworld wearing the whole earth as a crown.

Gokarna in Hinduism – Importance of Gokarna in Hindu Religion

Gokarna, a place of Hindu pilgrimage, is mentioned in the Srimad Bhagavad Purana and the Padma Purana. The place is of great importance in Hinduism due to the sanctity of the place and the presence of Mahabaleshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Gokarna, means ear’s of cow, and the place is named after a pious saint with ears of a cow who performed intense penance here to get his wicked brother attain moksha. (You can read the story here) There is a popular belief that Lord Shiva emerged here from the ear of a cow here. The place is located at the ear-shaped confluence of two small rivers, Gangavali and Aghanashini. Another popular legend is that of demon king Ravana who was deceived by Lord Ganesha into giving him the Atmalinga. It is now worshipped in the Mahabaleshwar Temple. The area was under the rule of Kadambas, Sodhe and Vijayanagara empires. The area gave refuge to Hindus who fled from Gomantak (present day Goa) to escape forcible conversions by the Portug

Born During Rahu Kalam – Is birth during Rahu Kalam Bad in Hindu Religion

Many people in Hindu religion conclude that born during Rahu Kalam is bad. But reality is that birth during no time is bad. So the answer to the question – Is birth during Rahu Kalam Bad is No. If one goes through the Hindu scriptures it is clearly stated that all living and nonliving beings are nothing but the Supreme Truth (called by names like Vishnu, Devi, Shiva, Ganesha etc). So as per Hinduism there is neither birth nor death. One form transforms into another form. What is time? Time is nothing but a human creation. So anything that is based on it is not true. Birth of a being takes place long before it comes out of the womb. So it is near impossible to find the so called birth time of a baby. Now a question arises why do we see Rahu Kalam in calendar? This has been part of some cultures for a long time. So it is being followed by some people. It must be noted here that there are millions of Hindus who do not look into Rahu Kalam. Again in some regions Rahukala

Pratyumgira Devi Temple at Trivandrum – Brahmapuram Sree Mahalakshmi Pratyangira Devi Temple

Pratyumgira Devi Temple located at Trivandrum in Kerala is unique as it is one the rare temples in India where Goddess Lakshmi and Pratyangira Devi are the presiding deities. Another unique aspect of the temple is that Mahalakshmi and Ganapati are worshipped in the same sanctum sanctorum. Darshan of Mahalakshmi and Ganapati together is considered highly meritorious. Devotees offer prayers here for prosperity, marriage, healthy children, education, employment and good health. Pratyumgira Devi is a fierce manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti and she protects her children from all negative forces. Special prayers are offered to Goddess Pratyumgira Devi on Tuesdays and Amavasya days. The main offering to the Goddess is Prathyumgira Homam. It is believed to eradicate bad luck, evil eyes and other nefarious activities of enemies. The main festival in the shrine is observed in Malayalam Kumbham month. Subsidiary deities worshipped in the temple include Budhi-Siddhi Ga

Panchagni Tapasya – A Meditation on Five Fires in Hinduism

Panchagni tapasya is a type of meditation in Hinduism. The meditation is performed with five fires – four fires from wood fuel on all sides with the fire of the sun above being the fifth one. A devotee who attempts this kind of meditation has to tolerate an extreme degree of physical pain to attain deep and pure state of concentration. Devi Bhagavatam talks about this kind of tapasya. The person who performs this kind of tapasya tolerates high level of temperature. Such a person disconnects himself/herself with the body. Some saints perform such tapasya as part of Samadhi.

Why Balaram Did Not Participate in the Mahabharata War?

Balaram, the elder brother of Bhagvan Sri Krishna, did no participate in the Mahabharata war. But why did not Balarama participate in a war that saw the greatest warriors on earth assemble in the Kurukshetra. He did not side with Pandavas or Kauravas in the war. Duryodhana, the elder brother of the Kauravas, was sure that Balaram would side with him. As Balaram was his Guru. But Balarama did not side with the Kauravas as he did not want to fight against his brother Krishna who was on the side of the Pandavas. He also did not side with the Pandavas as he did not want to fight against Duryodhana, who was his student. So when the Mahabharat war was taking place, Balaram went on a pilgrimage. Related Why Rukmi Did Not Participate in the Mahabharata War?

Dashnami – The Ten orders of Shaivite Ascetics – Dashanami

Dasnami, or the Dashnami, is the ten orders of Shaivite ascetics, founded by Adi Shankaracharya. Dashanami Shiva sects exist even today and they are strict followers of the worship of Shiva. Each of the ten orders in Dasnami is attached to one of the four mutts founded by Adi Shankaracharya – the four mutts are Badrinath, Puri, Dwaraka and Sringeri. The ten orders are: Aranya, Ashrama, Bharati Giri Parvata Puri Saraswati Sagara Tirtha and Vana. Mutt heads, Gurus, Swamis or other saints of the orders incorporate the name of the order in their names. Thus we come across Swamijis like Paramanand Giri, Veda Narayana Tirtha etc. Dashnami Saints wear saffron colored dress and they wear three horizontal lines made with ash – tilak – on forehead and other parts of the body. They also wear rosary consisting of 108 rudraksha beads. Majority of the Dashanami saints grow their beards and wear their hair loose or tie in a topknot. Naga sadhus are also part of the Dash

Chakra Puja – A Tantric Ritual

Chakra puja is a tantric ritual performed by men and women together. In the puja, men are called Bhairava and the women are called Bhairavis. The group of individuals participating in the puja forms a circle or Chakra. While performing the Chakra puja, men and women sit in a circle with each man having a woman sitting on his left. The leader of the puja known as Chakreshwara sits with his Bhairavi in the center of the circle. The offerings include flowers, grains, fish, meat, wine and sexual union. The pujas and rituals were performed for obtaining wealth, luck, victory over enemies and for emancipation. Some of the different types of Chakras mentioned in the Rudrayamala are Rajachakra, Mahachakra, Devachakra, Virachakra and Chudachakra. 

Why Lord Shiva Is Known As Mallikarjuna Swamy?

Lord Shiva is worshipped as Mallikarjuna Swamy at the famous Srisailam Temple in Andhra Pradesh. But ever wondered why Lord Shiva is known as Mallikarjuna Swamy? The reason why Shiva got the name Mallikarjuna Swamy is associated with beautiful princess Chandravathi. Shiva never shy away from fulfilling the wishes of his ardent devotees. Legend has it that Chandravathi, beautiful princess, ran away to the distant Nallamala hill range, to escape from her father who was making her life hell through his amorous advances. Chandravathi worshipped Shiva here with jasmine or malle flowers. So powerful was her devotion that Shiva could not ignore her prayers. Shiva appeared before her and granted her wish that He adorn with jasmine flowers at all times. Shiva agreed to this innocent wish of his devotee. From that day onwards Shiva came to be known as Mallikarjuna Swamy. Did You Know? Hailed as Dakshina Kashi, Srisailam is the only temple complex that comprises of a Jyotir

Nine Forms Of Bhakti Explained By Prahlada - Nine Types Of Devotion As Told By Bhakta Prahlada

The nine forms of Bhakti or devotion as told by Bhakta Prahlada, the ardent devotee of Vishnu who made Narasimha Avatar possible are: Sravanam – Listening to Holy Scriptures and stories Kirtanam – Singing of Bhakti songs Smaranam – Remembering of the names of Gods Vandanam – Offer prayers Padasevanam – Do all the works dedicated to gods Archanam – offering of flowers Dasyam – servitude Sakhyam – friendship Atma Nivedhanam – merging of mind in the thought of god.

Daily Routine in Hinduism – About Dinacharya in Hindu Religion

Ancient teachers of Hindu tradition have mentioned about Dinacharya in various scriptures associated with Hinduism. Many of the teaching are today part of Ayurveda. Dinacharya means daily routine and it talks about the daily good practices that are essential for a good living. Nisha Manikantan writes about daily routine in Hindu tradition in an article titled ‘the perfect Dinacharya’ in express buzz Positive step - Step out of the bed and touch the ground with the leg on that side of the body wherein the flow of breath is dominant (check nostrils). Clean up - Rinse with cold water. Water is an electrical conductor and can never irritate sensitive tissues. Wash hands, face, mouth and eyes with cool water. Clean nose, teeth and tongue.  Meditate and exercise  - Relax - do pranayama until the breath flows evenly through both nostrils. Meditate while centering your energy in the heart chakra or at the third eye. Take a short, slow walk in the fresh morning air. Surround

Chanting Mantra the Way to Attain Moksha in Kali Yuga - Hinduism Teachings For Present Age

There are four yugas in Hindu tradition and the present is the Kali Yuga – the last of the four yugas. All imaginable and unimaginable Adharmic activities will take place during the Kali Yuga as per Hinduism teachings. But as per Hindu tradition Kali Yuga also provides an easy way to moksha for those who follow Dharma. Chanting of mantra or the names of the lord will help in attaining Moksha in the present age. Legend has it that Sage Narada was saddened by the Adharma (evil) in Kali Yuga. He asked Brahma what is the ideal way for people to attain moksha in Kali Yuga? Brahma suggested that chanting of mantra is the best option. Mantras and name of the lord can be chanted by anyone at anytime and anywhere. The reason for this was that Gurus and Saints who should be doing pujas, yajnas and guiding people will become corrupt in Kali Yuga. Devotees will be fooled by these people. Therefore, people just need to chant the name of God in Kali Yuga to attain Moksha. Chan

Khairatabad Ganesh 2022 Pictures – One Of The Biggest Ganpati Murtis in 2022 During Ganesh Chaturthi Festival

Hyderabad Khairatabad Ganesh Idol 2022 is having 5 faces and and it is called Sri Panchamukha Lakshmi Ganapati. The Khairatabad Ganesh Utsav Committee is celebrating 68th year of formation. The height of murti in 2022 will be nearly 50 feet. Ganesha Vigraha or Murti made during Ganesh Chaturthi festival at Khairatabad near Hyderabad are famous for its huge size. The Vinayak murti in 2022 is flanked by Sri Shanmukha Subramanya Swamy idol and Sri Trishakti Maha Gayatri Devi. On the immersion day, all the trio murtis will be carried on a specially designed trolley up to Hussain Sagar (known also Vinayaka Sagar) through a procession and put them on a platform. Then, water will be sprinkled to melt the clay idols, instead of immersing them. The clay will be distributed to the devotees either to use for gardening purposes or to make small Ganesh idols to keep at their worship place in their homes, Some facts about Hyderabad Khairatabad Ganesh Every year the construction of the huge

Story Of Origin Of Bhutamata

Story of origin of Bhutamata is found in the Bhavishya Purana. Sri Krishna narrates the story. Legend has it that one day Goddess Parvati was in conversation with Shiva. She was so involved in the conversation that living beings on earth began to suffer as there was no one to nourish them. Then suddenly a Goddess appeared from the body of Goddess Parvati and this was Bhutamata. She is today worshipped under numerous names. You can find murtis of her in villages and towns under an old tree. People regularly offer water, flowers, diya, and prasad. It is believed that she blesses her devotees with children, food, cattle, good health and protects children against diseases. 

Lord Shiva and Tiger Skin - Reason For Shiva Wearing Tiger Skin

Lord Shiva is usually depicted as sitting or meditating on a tiger skin. Lord Shiva is usually portrayed as wearing a tiger skin as garment. Tiger symbolically represents power. Shiva sitting on tiger skin and wearing it symbolically means that He is beyond all power and dominates over all the powers. There is an interesting story in the Shiva Purana which narrates about how Lord Shiva got the tiger skin. Once Lord Shiva was roaming around the world like an Avadhuta. He was completely naked and was so merged in this meditation that he was unaware of any other existence.  During His roaming, once He reached a forest inhabited by a group of saints. The saints lived along with their family and the arrival of a naked mendicant created flutter in their small and confined society. The women in the community were attracted by Shiva and there was disturbance in the daily routines of the Ashram. The saints became furious after they realized that it is the new mendic

Dhumraketu Incarnation of Ganesh – Dhumravarna Avatar of Ganesha

Dhumraketu, also referred as Dhumravarna, is the incarnation of Hindu God Ganesha that will appear at the end of the Kali Yuga. The Ganesha Purana and Mudgala Purana mentions about this avatar of Ganesh which has striking similarities with the Kalki Avatar of Vishnu. This final avatar of Ganesh is yet to take place. Ganesha Purana states that he will appear to annihilate the demon named Abhimanasura. Symbolically the demon represents the pride and attachment in the human beings. This is believed to be a fierce form of Ganesha and he will ride on a blue horse. In this form he will bring an end the Kali Yuga and will clean up the universe for the next cycle of creation.

Story - How Mahishi Got the Buffalo Head?

Mahishi was the sister of Mahishasura, the demon killed by Goddess Durga. To avenge the death of Mahishasura, Mahishi did intense tapas and pleased Brahma. But how did Mahishi become a buffalo-headed demoness. The story of Mahishi is very popular in South India and the reference is found in the Puranas. Sage Galvan lived on the Vindhyas in his ashram. He had a daughter named Leela. The sage also had a student named Dattan. Leela was in love with Dattan. But he did not reciprocate the love as he did not want to lead a family life. Leela continued to disturb Dattan. As she was beautiful, she tried numerous methods to entice the young man. Once, Dattan was performing intense meditation. Leela approached him and told him in his ears that she will be his Pattamahishi or queen. Dattan was angry at Leela for disturbing his mediation and in a fit of rage cursed her to be born as Mahishi – a buffalo headed woman. Leela was thus born in the house of Demon Karamban as his dau

Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple – Haridwar – Uttarakhand

Bilkeshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva at Haridwar in Uttarakhand. The popular belief is that Goddess Parvati performed intense Tapas here to get Shiva as her husband. She survived by eating Bilwa leaves and hence the Shivling here is known as Bilkeshwar. The temple is located atop the Bilwa Mountain and it is near to Hari-ki-Pauri in Haridwar. The Shivling worshipped in the temple is under the canopy of Sheshanag. The Gauri Kund located here was created by Brahma. He created the pond to quench the thirst of Goddess Parvati. It is considered meritorious to take holy dip in the pond. Thousands of people arrive here to have a holy dip in Shravan month and during Makar Sankranti. There is widespread belief that prayers offered here never go unanswered. Unmarried girls get good husband after performing abhishek and offering bilva leaves to the Shivling here. It is believed that if a devotee offers Bilva leaves here then the devotee will n

Bhagavad Gita Quotes On Ignorance

Quotes and teachings on ignorance from the Bhagavad Gita The Lord takes neither the demerit not even the merit of any; knowledge is enveloped by ignorance, thereby beings are deluded. (5.15) But to those whose ignorance is destroyed by the Knowledge of the Self, like the sun, to them Knowledge reveals the Supreme. (5.16) Out of mere compassion for them, I, dwelling within their hearts, destroy the darkness born of ignorance by the luminous Lamp-of-Knowledge. (10.11) Constancy in Self-knowledge, perception of the end of true knowledge --- this is declared to be "knowledge, " and what is opposed to it is "ignorance. " (13.12) The fruit of good action, they say, is Sattvic and pure; verily, the fruit of Rajas is pain, and the fruit of Tamas is ignorance. (14.16)

Ravana and Story of His Golden Shivling

Ravana was an ardent devotee of Shiva and there are numerous stories associated with Shiva, Shivling and Ravana. In the Uttara Khanda of the Ramayana it is mentioned that Ravana always carried a golden Shivling. Ravana had also composed the famous Shiva Tandava Stotram. Where Ravana went he carried with him the golden Shivling for his worship. He used to create a pedestal of sand and place the Shivling on it. He then used to worship it. Puja was performed with incense and fragrant flowers. Golden Shivling is intended for constant worship. Ravana worshipped it from the desire of sovereignty. It is described in the Tantric texts that a golden Shivling should be worshipped when any one desires sovereignty. It is also believed that worshipping a Shivling made of gold grants wealth (Sripadam). Source – Elements of Hindu Iconography – Vol II. Part 1 – by T. A. Gopinatha Rao.

Story Of Diti – Mother Of Demons In Hinduism

Diti was the daughter of Daksha Prajapati and wife of Sage Kashyapa. It is believed in Hinduism, that she is the mother of Daityas or demons. Diti served Sage Kashyapa with devotion to attain a valiant son. She was blessed with a child but Indra killed the embryo and cut into forty nine pieces and they became Maruts (a group of Devas). Indra was the son of Aditi, another wife of Sage Kashyapa, and she did not like Diti’s son to be powerful and challenge Indra. So it was on her advice that Indra killed the son of Diti. This cruel fate did not deter Diti from giving up, she continued serving Sage Kashyapa and she was blessed with two powerful sons, Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu. These two demons had defeated Indra numerous times. Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu are believed to be the ancestors of demons.

Kilkari Baba Bhairav Nath Temple – Pragati Maidan New Delhi

Kilkari Baba Bhairav Nath Temple, also known as Bhairon Mandir, is located opposite the famous Purana Qila, opposite of Pragati Maidan, in New Delhi. It is believed to have been established by the Pandavas at the entrance of the city of Indraprastha in the Mahabharata. Kilkari Baba Bhairav Nath Temple Timings Monday to Saturday 5 AM to 12:00 PM 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM Sunday 5 AM to 10:00 PM Bhairon is a manifestation of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Bhairava approached the mother goddess with lust and she, incensed, beheaded him. The head apologized to her and sang sons in her praise. Appeased, she declared that Bhairava’s head would be worshipped. Bhairava is the manifestation of Shiva for devotees. He rides a dog and is offered bottles of alcohol. The belief is that the murti of Bhairav Baba at Kilkari Bhairon Temple was brought by Bhima, the second of the Pandavas. He is believed to have got the image from the mountains. Bhairava’s condition to Bhima was

Keeping Lion Sculpture In Home – Vastu

Is keeping lion sculpture in home good or bad as per Vastu in Hindu religion?. As per Hindu astrologers keeping lion idol made using brass metal is good. Keeping lion sculpture made from cement and plaster-of-paris is not good. Where To Keep Lion Sculpture In Home? As per Vastu shastra followed by Hindus, the lion is to be kept in the eastern side of the plot or house. The lion should be facing the main portion of the house. Benefits It is believed that keeping the sculpture of lion will help in improving confidence. People in the house will develop self confidence and self belief. There will be success in business and job related matters.

How to perform Mundan ceremony of new born child?

The mundan ceremony of new born child should be performed after child’s first birthday and before the child turns three years old. Here is a brief account on how to perform mundan ceremony. On the auspicious day of the Mundan ceremony, the child is duly bathed and clothed and sits on the mother’s lap or any female member in the house. Father or a male member moistens the hair of the child with warm water. He offers prayers to Ganesha, Shiva, Vishnu and Devi. He then uses a porcupine quill, three blades of Darbha or Durva Grass and cuts off a tuft of hair. While cutting he prayers for the longevity of life and prosperity of the child. The act is repeated thrice. He then leaves the shaving of the hair to the barber. Top hair or tuft of the child is left intact by some Hindu communities. Note - if a priest is present during the function, then he will chant the relevant mantras. If there is no priest then the family members can pray to Ganesha.

Pola Amavasya 2024

Pola festival is dedicated to the cows and ox. It is observed in Maharashtra, north Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and other parts of rural India on the Shravan Amavasya (no moon day in Sawan month). Farmers pay respect to bullocks and cows as cattle is their main source of livelihood. In 2024, the date of Pola Amavasya is September 2. A day before Pola Amavasya, the rope tied on the ox is removed and turmeric paste and oil is applied the body of cows, ox and bullocks. On Pola day, cattle are bathed and special food prepared like Puran Poli, Kichadi and Bajari are provided to them. The animals are also adorned with various ornaments and clothes. Their horns are given a fresh coat of paint. The bull is also worshipped on the day and villagers in large numbers gather to pay their respect. The animals are taken around the village in processions accompanied by music. Many farmers also start the next farming season on the day.

Swami Ranganathananda On Truly Educated People

Swami Ranganathananda’s observances on truly educated people is based on a parable by Sri Ramakrishna A father brought from the market two fruits for his two children at home; he gave one fruit to each child. The elder child took the fruit, found it fine, straightaway went to his room, closed the door, ate the fruit, wiped his mouth, and came to the courtyard. The second child took the fruit, found it fine, straightaway went to his comrades in the courtyard and shared the fruit with all of them. Between the two children, who is the truly educated one? The first one is very intelligent, but that intelligence has become mere cleverness due to being self-centred; there you see just an individual, not yet developed into a person; but the second has achieved that growth into a person. He or she has spiritually expanded so as to think of others, care for others, and has developed the spirit of service. Here you can see the moral, ethical and humanistic development of the child

Tanha Pola - Festival of Wooden Bulls by Children

Tanha Pola festival, festival of wooden bulls by children, is dedicated to the cows and ox and is observed mainly in Maharashtra and parts of Madhya Pradesh the day after Shravan Amavasya (no moon day in Sawan month) as per traditional lunar calendar in Maharashtra. Tanha Pola 2024 date is September 2 and September 3. Farmers pay respect to bullocks and cows on the day as cattle is their main source of livelihood. In Nagpur and other regions in Vidarbha, a wooden replica of the bull is taken around the streets. Children also make small replica of bulls and place it near the streets. An elaborate worship (puja) is performed on the replica of bulls made by children and adults in Nagpur. King Raje Raghuji Bhonsle-II of Nagpur started the Tanha Pola in 1806 AD for children. The main aim was to make children aware of the importance of livestock and agriculture activity which is the backbone of the region. Today, during the Tanha Pola period, markets in Vidarbha regio

Arjuna – Srikandi In Indonesian Folklore

In Indonesian folklore, Arjuna is said to have married seven women other than Draupadi. One of them was Srikandi. Did you know that Srikandi and Shikhandi were the same? But the stories are in Indian Mahabharata and Indonesian Mahabharata are entirely different. It is believed that Srikandi is the Indonesian interpretation on the gender-neutral character of Shikhandi in the Mahabharata. Srikandi was Draupadi’s sister, a saucy and skilled archer. Srikandi later participated in the battle at Kurukshetra and was responsible for Bhishma’s death. In the Vyasa Mahabharata, Arjuna does not marry Shikhandi. But Shikhandi is responsible for the death of Bhishma. Subhadra is known as Sumbadra in Indonesian folklore and is described as gentle and self-effacing. She is one among the eight wives of Arjuna in the Indonesian version of Mahabharata stories.

Protection From Ghost Mantra In Hinduism

The mantra for protection from ghost in Hinduism is associated with Hanuman. No evil forces will dare to come to the vicinity of a true Hanuman devotee. But a devotee needs to have unwavering devotion. Protection From Ghost Mantra Hanuman Om Hanumanjani Suno vayuputra Mahabala Akasmadagatotpanti Nashayashu Namostute Om Ham Hanumate Ruudratmakaya Hum phat ॐ हनुमन्नंजनी सुनो वायुपुत्र महाबल :   अकस्मादागतोत्पांत नाशयाशु नमोस्तुते ॐ हं हनुमते रुद्रात्मकाय हुं फट् How To Chant The Protection From Ghost Mantra? The mantra can be chanted whenever you feel insecure or is about develop fear of ghost. For protection chant the mantra daily in the morning and evening. Sit in meditation for a few minutes. Bring the picture of Hanuman in mind. Chant the mantra 21 times. Apply sindoor on forehead. Keep Hanuman Chalisa book nearby and alway read it before going to sleep

Pancha Thanmathra in Samkhya Yoga

Pancha Thanmathra are five subtle primary elements which are subtler than atoms or paramanus. They are mentioned in the Samkhya Yoga, the ancient Indian school of philosophy. Pancha Thanmathra are: Shabda Tanmatra (sound) Sparsha Tanmatra (touch) Rupa Tanmatra (visual) Rasa Tanmatra (taste) Gandha Tanmatra (smell) In the process of evolution the five tanmatras evolve from the element (tattva) called asmita or ahamkara (sense of) in Samkhya Yoga. Ahamkara itself evolves from buddhi (intellect), which is also called lingamatra or mahat-tattva which is the very first evolute from primordial nature, i.e., mulaprakriti. This process of evolution is explained in Samkhya Karika (verse 22). From the tanmatras, the five mahabhutas evolve. They are the akasha (ether), vayu (air), tejas (fire), apah (water) and prithvi (earth). From these mahabhutas, a great variety of objects of experience arises. According to Samkhya, the tanmatras form a part of the subtle body

Anumati – Vedic Goddess

Anumati is the name of a Vedic Goddess. Her name means ‘the favor of the gods.’ In the Vedas she is the goddess of love and is the goddess worshipped for healthy children. Her name is found in the Rig Veda and Atharva Veda. In post Vedic scriptures, she is the daughter of Sage Angiras and is worshipped as a lunar deity. In Puranas, She is the wife of Dhata, one of the Adityas. She is also mentioned as the mother of Purnima. In some Puranas is also a personification of Goddess Shakti. 

Miracle Of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Reviving Dead Boy

There is a famous miracle of Sri Raghavendra Swamy reviving a boy who had died due to an unfortunate incident. Sri Raghavendra Swamy during one of his regular tours happened to stay at the house of one Desai at Kiritagiri, now in Gadag District in Karnataka. The family prepared special dishes, including the delicacy seekarni (sugar mixed with mango juice) to be served to the seer and his accompanying followers. Unfortunately, the only son o the couple fell into the vessel in which the delicacy was being prepared and died. Sri Raghavendra Swamy who came to know about the death of the boy, asked the parents to bring the child to him. He sprinkled holy water from his Kamandala on the boy. To the astonishment of the people the boy arose as if from a sleep and ran up to the parents. There are numerous such incidents of Sri Raghavendra Swamy reviving the dead using holy water.

Charvakas Teachings And Quotes - Charvaka Philosophy

Charvaka Philosophy represents the materialistic thoughts that co-existed along with the six orthodox school of philosophy in ancient India . Mainstream Hindu schools of philosophy refuted the Teachings of Charvakas. But there are many scholars who believe that the Charvaka school of thought presented a materialistic and realistic view of life.  Here are few quotes and teachings of Charvakas. As long as you live, live joyously None can escape Death's wide net; When once this body has been burnt, How can it ever return? While you live, live well, even if you have to borrow, for once cremated there is no return. Swan's egg produce swans and not snakes. If the offering of the food satisfies the hunger of departed soul, why does not the supply of oil rekindle the flame of an extinct lamp? The Charvakas (sweet-tongued), had no faith in Dharma (divine duty) and Moksha (salvation) and they were always in favor of Artha (wealth) and Kama (pleas

Learn Advaita Through An Earthworm – Story

Learn Advaita Through An Earthworm – Story told by Shantananda Puri Maharaj Somewhere a contractor had just finished building a house for a rich man. In that ground, an earthworm had been living since a very long time. The earthworm one day called the contractor and requested him, “Sir, this is also my house. But I cannot live inside it. Would you kindly build for me a small cozy house in this ground where there will be cross ventilation by keeping one door in the west and one door at the east?” The contractor complied with the wish of the earthworm within about ten minutes and invited the earthworm to inspect it. The earthworm entered through the eastern gate, went to the western gate and peeped through. The scenery was very delightful and it was happily enjoying it. Suddenly to its horror, it found, another earthworm jutting its head out of the eastern gate and enjoying the scenery. In a vexed manner, the earthworm ordered the other one, “Hey, what are you doing

Poothana Moksham Parayanam – For Good Health Of Children – Reading Poothana Lord Krishna Episode

Poothana Moksham Parayanam is the reading of the episode related to the demon Poothana and Hindu God Krishna from the Srimad Bhagavata Purana or the Bhagavatham. It is believed that the reading of the chapter will help in curing illness or diseases of children. Parents usually read the chapter and the child listens to it. After this they make offerings to Lord Ganesha and Krishna . Demon Puthana tried to kill Gopal Krishna (Child form of Krishna ) by rubbing poison on her breasts. Little Krishna drank the poisoned milk from the breast but it had no effect on him. Krishna continued drinking the milk and finally blood started oozing out of Puthana’s breast and she was finally killed. Puthana in her earlier birth was a pious lady and had become demon as a result of a curse. By getting killed by Krishna she was relieved of the curse and she attained Moksha. There is a belief among many Hindu communities that reading this episode which contains the leela (divine pla

Story – Arjuna Gets a Lesson in Humility from Sri Krishna

Once Arjuna was overcome with pride and blurted out that there is no one stronger than him in the entire world and Sri Krishna himself drives his chariot. Krishna drove Arjuna’s chariot out of compassion but Arjun mistook it thinking it was due to his greatness. Therefore, Bhagavan Sri Krishna decided to give the great warrior a lesson in humility. One day Sri Krishna took Arjuna to a forest. They stopped by a stream. Krishna told Arjuna that He was tired now and therefore he should roam alone in the forest while He took some rest. Arjuna ventured into the forest and came across a cave of a great Saint. The Saint sustained on dry leaves and water from the stream. Arjuna suddenly noticed three sharp swords in the cave. He was curious and asked the Saint for the reason for possessing three swords. He said that he is extremely angry with three people because they could achieve what he could not achieve even after intense austerities and prayers. They had th

Documentary On The Existence Of Lord Krishna - Krishna: History or Myth

Krishna : History or Myth is a documentary that proves the existence of Lord Krishna through archaeological, astronomical and other evidences. The documentary goes deep into both scientific knowledge and religious belief. Manish Pandit, a UK-based nuclear medicine physician, has produced and directed ‘ Krishna : History or Myth.’ "Krishna existed in reality and not merely in the imagination of devotees and scripture writers." "The film relies on four premises -- the archaeological evidence, the astronomical evidence, the living traditions and the oral traditions to prove that Krishna existed and the Mahabharata did occur," says Pandit, originally from Pune and now working as a consultant and an honorary senior clinical lecturer in nuclear medicine in United Kingdom. Krishna : History or Myth is currently being dubbed into eight Indian regional languages and also in Spanish and German. You can view the movie here at Saraswati Films .

Lessons from Sri Krishna Tales In Breastfeeding And Infant Care

Think of Lord Krishna and the images that come to our mind is that of him rendering the Bhagavad Gita and then that of the naughty pranks played by little Krishna. Dr Hemant Joshi, an activist and a pediatrician from Maharashtra , thinks that Gopal Krishna has left enough hints regarding the importance of breastfeeding and infant care in the stories associated with him in the Bhagavata Purana. He illustrates his points with examples from Bhagavad Purana On the concept of modern breastfeeding banks, he said that if a mother’s milk is insufficient for her infant, then the child can be provided with the milk of another mother like Yashoda did it for Krishna . (The Newindpress) Dr Hemant Joshi says feeding bottle is like Demon Putana who came to kill Krishna with poisoned milk. Putana as an evil character here represents the feeding bottle and as the little Krishna had taken up the cause, every one of us should fight against feeding bottles and baby food, he

Lord Krishna - Source of Energy and Dynamism

This article, Hindu God Sri Krishna - Source of Energy and Dynamism ,is written by Dr. Srinivasan is the author of book - The Vedic Wedding: Origins, Tradition and Practice and Hinduism for Dummies If there is one god whose name is known and recognized throughout the world, it is Sri Krishna. Philosophers identify Krishna as the teacher of that amrita (nectar) known as Srimad Bhagavad Gita. The pious identify Him as the savior and protector of those who seek and surrender to Him. Students of the Gita know Him as the charioteer friend and mentor of Arjuna. Students of the epic Mahabharata know Him as the pivot around which hundreds of ugly events that occurred were resolved through His guidance and intervention. The most notable example of his power was the spectacular saving of Draupadi’s honor in the court of Dhritarashtra. For his bhaktas (devotees) Krishna is a delight with His playful pranks as a child. Who can ever forget the episode of the child Krishna eating mud and revealin

108 Facts about Sri Krishna – Unknown and Known

These 108 facts about Sri Krishna is an attempt to learn more about Lord Krishna. Some of the facts are well known and some are unknown. The image of Sri Krishna today we see was described by Uttara, wife of Abhimanyu and daughter-in-law of Arjuna. King Vajranabhi, great grandson of Krishna, created the first image of Krishna based on the description given by Uttara. The three meals that Sri Krishna enjoyed on earth gives the importance of devotion and simplicity. The three foods are stone filled and sweat drenched beaten rice (poha or aval) of Kuchela, the leftover grain (in some case amaranth leaf) offered by Draupadi and the porridge in the home of Vidura.  Sri Krishna is very rarely depicted with moustache. Parthasarathy form of Sri Krishna worshipped in Triplicane Parthasarathy temple in Chennai has moustache. Cave drawings in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh depict Sri Krishna holding Sudarshan Chakra. This drawing is dated to 800 BC. Kri