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Showing posts from August 14, 2019


Chhati Puja Dedicated to Sri Krishna after Janmashtami

Chhati Puja is observed six days after Janmashtami and is dedicated to Sri Krishna. The ritual is mainly observed in North India especially in Uttar Pradesh. Chhati Puja is similar to the rituals that are performed on the sixth day after a baby is born.   A unique prasad is prepared on the day and is distributed in temples. The prasad is known as ‘Khadi Chawal.’ The prasad is also prepared at home and distributed among neighbours, relatives and friends. Temples perform special pujas on the day. Bhajans and Satsangs are also held on the day.

Story of Demons Kalakeya

Kalakeyas were born to Sage Kashyapa and his wife Kalaka. Adi Parva of Mahabharata states that there are 60,000 Kalakeyas. They performed numerous Adharmic activities including disturbing Vedic rituals, murders and looting. Once a yajna of Sage Agastya was disturbed by Sage Agastya. Unable to face the anger of Sage Agastya, Kalakeyas hid in the ocean. The Sage immediately drank up the water of ocean and annihilated numerous Kalakeyas. Those Kalakeyas that escaped took refuge in netherworld. They again started disturbing human beings and saints. Once they attacked heaven. Indra took the help of Arjuna, the third of Pandavas. Arjuna then killed the remaining Kalakeyas. The incident is famous because when Arjun reached heaven, Urvashi, the damsel, fell in love with Arjuna. But Arjun did not reciprocate the love. An angry Urvashi cursed Arjuna to become a Eunuch. Later, Indra changed the curse that Arjuna will only have to live the life of Eunuch for a year. Arjuna use

Balaram Purnima - Dedicated To Baladeva

Balarama Purnima, also known as Baladeva Purnima, is observed on the Shravan Purnima day in North India . Some Hindu communities believe that it is on this day that Balaram appeared on earth. Balaram Purnima 2024 date is August 19. Baladeva appeared after Jhulan Yatra on the purnima, the full-moon day, and Sri Krishna appeared seven days later on Ashtami (August/September). Legend has it that Balarama was transferred from the womb of Devaki to the womb of Rohini to avoid persecution by Kamsa. In Vrindavan, after the arrival of Lord Krishna, Balarama and  Krishna  participated in numerous adventures. Balaram was also the Guru of Duryodhana and Bhima. He avoided joining the army of either Pandavas or Kauravas in the 18-day Mahabharata war. Throughout India, on this day women bind rakhis (a decorated cloth bracelet) on their brothers. Another name of a rakhi is ananta. People used to wear these anantas, made of either gold or silver, so that Ananta-deva would protect th

Meaning Of Inverted Tree Concept in Hinduism - Inverted Tree Of Life

This meaning of Ashvattha Tree – the famous inverted tree concept in Hinduism - is based on the Kathopanishad. This tree of the world is an ashvattha (literally, ‘not existing tomorrow’) that which by its nature is ever unsteady, like the peepal tree, shaken as it is by the wind of desire and deeds; . .  downwards are its branches, consisting of heaven, hell, and states of beasts and ghosts; (it is) existing from time immemorial, having no beginning. That very thing—which is the root of the tree of the world — is white, pure, resplendent — being in reality the light of the Self which is Consciousness. (Kathopanishad 2.3.1) Commentary of Adi Shankaracharya The above description of the tree of world that we live in have the following implications The world is impermanent; it is ever changing The world is full of dualities of life, of pain and pleasure, good and bad. The world, though impermanent, is ever-rooted in God—in other words, it emerges from the Self or Pure Con

Raksha Bandhan in Nepal – Different from the Rakhi Ritual in India

Raksha Bandhan festival in Nepal is observed on the Purnima day (full moon) in Shravan month. On the day all people including children, girls and women tie a sacred yellow thread on their wrist. The thread is worn for protection and for good luck. In 2021, the date of Raksha Bandhan in Nepal is August 22. The ritual is dedicated to King Bali, a generous king mentioned in the Puranas who was pushed to the underworld by Lord Vishnu in his Vamana Avatar. Difference Between Raksha Bandhan In Nepal And India There is a big difference between the Raksha Bandhan festival in India and Nepal . In India , the festival celebrates sister-brother relationship. On this day, the sister ties ‘Rakhi’ on her brother who pledges to protect her from any danger. In Nepal , the Raksha tied is a yellow thread and is tied by a priest. All people including men, women and children tie the thread. The priest chant prayers and ties the thread. Men tie it on their right wrist and women tie it

Garga Samhita – Hindu Scripture Dedicated to Lord Krishna

Garga Samhita in ten chapters narrates the story of Bhagavan Sri Krishna and Balarama. It also gives details about Krishna worship. Garga Samhita contains many stories of Krishna that is not found in other Puranas, Mahabharata and Harivamsa. The scripture gives prominence to Radha and her relationship with Krishna. Radha who is a very popular character in folk stories associated with Krishna is ignored in Srimad Bhagavad Purana. But Garga Samita have dedicated chapters to the relationship. Garga Rishi, who was one of the Gurus of Krishna and Balaram, is the one who narrates and engages both the brothers in conversation. Garga Samhita begins with the description of the greatness of Krishna. The beginning of the text contains episodes like: Geography and greatness of Gokula Kamsa’s wealth and arrogance Birth of the cowherdess Radha Marriage of Vasudeva with Devaki Birth of Balrama and Sri Krishna Popular childhood sports and divine events in the life of Krishna Marri

Rabindranath Tagore on the Greatness of Gayatri Mantra

The text of our every day meditation is the Gayatri, a verse which is considered to be the epitome of all the Vedas. By its help we try to realize the essential unity of the world with the conscious soul of man; we learn to perceive the unity held together by the one Eternal Spirit, whose power creates the earth, the sky, and the stars, and at the same time irradiates our minds with the light of a consciousness that moves and exists in unbroken continuity with the outer world… To be truly united in knowledge, love and service with all beings, and thus to realize one’s self in all pervading God is the essence of goodness, and this is the keynote of the teachings of the Upanishads: Life is immense. (Rabindranath Tagore) …….. Swayambhu Manu states There is no higher mantra than Gayatri, there is no higher deity than one’s mother. ….... Savita is the main deity addressed in Gayatri Mantra. According to Taittiriya Upanishad, this Savita is the impeller, the driving force beh