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Showing posts from February 21, 2019


Importance of Yajna In Hinduism – Symbolism – Meaning – Different Types of Yajnas

Yajna in Hinduism is an ordered set of symbolic steps of self offering (atmayajna) and is of great importance. The symbolism of yajna is that it is a self-offering for self transformation. Yajna came to have a meaning that was simultaneously macrocosmic and microcosmic:   macrocosmic in that it was equated with the creation or re-creation of the universe; microcosmic in that it represented a concentrated meditative effort for the purpose of inner transformation. Importance of Yajna In Hinduism A sacrifice, seated on a stone at the sacrificial fire, beseeches, “Accept me, divine fire, but do not burn me.” Then the sacrifice stands up with an understanding and having been comprehended by the divine fire and sprinkles personal tokens of offerings into household fire (garhapatya) as a seed to sprout forth as a new life, as a new event of becoming. This symbolism has sustained the spirit of yajna. Although the outward mode of sacrifice has been transformed over time into w

Hindu Trinity Symbolism - Brahma - Vishnu - Shiva or Lakshmi - Saraswati - Durga

Hindu religious symbols and idols have a deeper depth for us to discover, over and above their mere external appearance. Stories of the Hindu trinity – Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva hide much more than their role of creation, sustenance and destruction. Similar is the messages hidden in the triad of Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati and Durga. Devdutt Pattanaik explores the message hidden in the three worlds, three goddesses and three gods in an article in livemint titled Decoding the Hindu Trinity The world Brahma creates is not the objective world. Hindu seers had scant regard for the objective, measurable reality. They believed that the human mind is so prejudiced that it can never ever truly break free from the fetters of bias. They focused their explorations on subjective reality, the virtual image of the world that every individual constructs in his or her mind.  Data for this mental image of the world comes from the five senses. It is then shaped by prejudices, both po

Food Offerings Made to Goddess Saraswati

The food offering (prasad, naivedya or bhog) made to Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of learning and knowledge in Hinduism, is very unique. This unique Prasad for Goddess Saraswati is made of five seeds which are believed to provide essential nutrients for the brain.  The offering is made during the worship of Saraswati in Magh month (Saraswati Jayanti - Basant Panchami) and also during Saraswati puja during Navratri. The five items that are part of offering are: bamboo shoot (Banslochan),  misri (sugar) coated nuts,  cardamom,  lotus stems and lotus seeds. The offering can also be made when a student starts learning something new and even during aksharabhyasam or vidyarambham (initiation into the word of learning).