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Showing posts from June 19, 2019


Importance Of Swastika Symbol in Hinduism - Two Types Of Swastika - Meaning

In Hindu religion, Swastika symbolizes life and good fortune and is of great importance. Swastika is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘svastika’ – su (good), asti (to be) and ka (a noun ending) – and means ‘it is good.’ There are two different types of Swastika. There are two types of Swastikas – facing right and facing left. Both the forms indicate the two forms of Lord Brahma – evolution and involution. In the Swastika Facing Right the arms bend clockwise. It is considered auspicious and represents Lord Ganesh, Surya (Sun) and Nagas (Snakes). In Hinduism, the symbol is widely used during marriages, festivities and other auspicious occasions. It is also drawn on the floor of many Hindu houses. The front page of account books and other records relating to finance often contain the Swastika symbol. In the Swastika Facing Left the arms bend in anti-clockwise direction. It is considered inauspicious and represents involution. The Swastika has numerous other s

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama Steps – Benefits of Nadi Shodhana Pranayama

As special type of pranayama known as nadi shodhana pranayama is recommend for cleansing the arteries and nerves so that vayu or vital air can pass without any kinds of stoppages or blocks. Below are the important steps of Nadi Shodhana pranayama. The main benefits of the procedure is long life with good health. The importance of the removal of impurities from the arteries and nerves is stressed in Hatha Yoga Pradipika (II. 3-10). The book states that it is necessary to conserve or stabilize the vital air inside the Sushumna nadi by way of practicing pranayama (breath control). Nadi Shodhana Pranayama Steps In nadi shodhana pranayama, puraka (inspiration) through the left nostril is followed by kumbhaka (retention of breath), and then recaka (expiration) through the right nostril. Then the right nostril is used for inspiration and the left one for expiration. This makes one round. When through persistent intense practice the aspirant practices four sittings in a day and ei

Black Buffalo – Vehicle of Yama - Story - Symbolism In Hinduism

The vehicle or Vahana that is associated with Yama, the Hindu God of Death, is the black buffalo. All images of Yama show Him riding the black buffalo. The name of the Buffalo is Paundraka. Here is a look at the story and symbolism of the black buffalo associated with death in Hinduism. Legend has it that Paundraka was born from the thighs of Rudra form of Shiva. It is as quick as the mind. Paundraka is a He Buffalo. The black color represents the unknown world that a person goes after death. There is a belief that Buffalo is one of the most senseless animals. Just like the buffalo, death arrives to us senselessly – and takes our life without looking at age, status, religion or any other social parameters.

Goddess Shakambari Devi - Information On Hindu Goddess Shakambari Mata

Goddess Shakambari Devi is an incarnation of Mother Goddess Shakti. It is in this form she nourishes all living beings. Shakambari Mata means ‘She Who Is Clothed In Leaves And Twigs.’  In the Devi Mahatmya it is mentioned that Goddess Shakti appeared as Shakambari Mata after a period of hundred years of drought. All the plants had died and there was nothing to eat. Shakambari Mata brought forth from her body fruits, flowers, vegetables and herbs to suffice the hunger of the people. The form of Shakambari Devi is described in detail in Durga Saptashati. Maa Shakambari is blue in color. Her eyes are like lotus flower. She is depicted with numerous arms – one arm is shown as carrying a lotus with bees circling it. The other hands carry bow, arrows, flowers, roots, and vegetables. The stories of Goddess Shakambari is closely related to Goddess Banashankari and many scholars are of the view that both are the same goddess worshipped in different names. The most popular f

Ojas In Ayurveda – Effulgence Or Vigor In Hinduism

Ojas in Ayurveda is the quintessence of all tissues and the end product of the process of tissue formation. In simple terms, ojas is effulgence or vigor in Hinduism and is essential for the sustenance of life. It is believed to spread all over the body and is the seat of prana or vital force. Bala, physical and mental strength, is the synonym of ojas. If ojas is destroyed human being is likely to die. On the other hand, a personality rich in ojas is full of splendor. The seat of ojas is mainly the heart, although generally it is present in all over the body. A disease like madhumeha (diabetes) is also called ojomeha. Sometimes, bodily temperature and blood are also regarded in terms of ojas. The physical characteristics of ojas are reddish yellow color, sweetish taste and semi liquid. It is also heavy, soft, slimy and spreadable in nature. Para ad apara are the two types of ojas. Apara measures half an anjali handful, while para measures eight drops. Injury, de

Galungan Festival 2024 Dates In Bali Hindu Culture In Indonesia

Galungan Festival is an important annual ceremony in the Hindu culture in the Bali Island of Indonesia and it celebrates the victory of the good (Dharma) over bad (Adharma). The ritual and festival is also dedicated to various gods in Hindu pantheon and to the dead ancestors. Galungan Festival 2024 dates are February 29 and September 26 (sometimes certain rituals are performed on the previous day too September 25). The 10-day festival is observed once in 210 days in Balinese calendar. It is based on the legend that gods visit people on earth during the period and ancestors visit their relatives. Like all Hindu festivals, the important aspect of the festival is the victory of the good over evil. Here it is represented by the death of demonic ruler Mayadenawa The 10-day festival begins on a Wednesday. A thanksgiving ritual is performed a day before on Tuesday. Galungan represents ‘Pawedalan Jagat.’ The day before the ten-day festival begins; Balinese Hindus thank Brahma,

Snake Sculptures In Hindu Temples – Importance Of Naga Sculptures In Hinduism

Snake sculptures are an essential part of Hindu Temples. It symbolically represents fertility and water (birth and life). Naga sculptures in Hinduism have aboriginal connections. One of the earliest evidence of snake sculpture is found in one of the Harappan seals (starting from 6000 BC). The seal depicts a naga honoring a yogi. As per Hinduism, it is believed that snakes moved to underground or patala so that humans can reside on earth safely. Shesha or Ananta is the king of Nagas and it is also believed that the earth is held atop the thousand-head of Ananta. The term Naga in Hindu religion is a general term for quasi divine hybrid beings that guard the mineral wealth of the earth. Snake sculptures in Hindu temples have varying number of hoods. Often, serpents are portrayed as handsome men wearing crowns, large earrings and ornaments, accompanied by beautiful women with single cobra hoods over their heads. In Hindu temples and sacred places, nagas appear as subservie

Angaraka Stotram – Lord Angaraka Mantra for Overcoming Life Problems

Angaraka Stotram is dedicated to Mangal Navgraha (planet Mars) in Hindu astrology. Chanting the mantra will help in overcoming problems in life due to the bad positioning of Angaraka in the horoscope – janam kundli. Angaraka Stotram ॐ अंगारकाय सर्वकष्टनिवारकाय नमः Om Angarakaya Sarvakashatanivarakaya Namah How to Chant Angaraka Mantra? Chant the mantra on Tuesday morning during sunrise. First offer prayers to Ganesha in mind. Chant the mantra on sunrise facing northeast. Wear red color clothes while chanting the mantra. Fill kalash with water and put some red color flowers and red chandan in it. Place it on a red color cloth. Light lamp using cow ghee with one wick. Offer red color chandan. Offer red flowers. Offer uncooked rice. Offer jaggery sweet. Chant the mantra “ ॐ अंगारकाय सर्वकष्टनिवारकाय नमः ” 108 times. Perform it for 21 Tuesdays. Put the water in kalash under a peepal tree.

Swami Sukhabodhananda Teachings

This is a collection of teachings of Swami Sukhabodhananda When we say that life is empty and meaningless, what it means is that life is like an empty canvas. Whatever you write on the canvas is the meaning. Not that life is meaningless, but whatever meaning you give to life is the meaning life has for you. One should be wise as to what meaning one gives to life. It should be an empowering meaning. The greatest meaning one can give is transforming oneself and transforming others. Life can be a process of growing and aging. Growing is adding life to years and aging is adding years to life. Most of us are ageing rather than really growing. What is the use of all the theories of life and their meaning if you have never tasted life. I would rather eat the pudding than create a theory of pudding. Difficulties are like divine surgery. Do not resist difficulties. Nature expects us to use our heart and head to discover new and wiser skills to fly in life. Commitment i