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Showing posts from April, 2020


Shiva Purana in English Summary pdf – Read – Download Shiva Puranam Book In English

Shiva Purana is one among the most important Puranas and narrates the stories associated with Hindu God Shiva. Reading Shiva Puranam on Mondays and other auspicious days associated with Shiva are considered highly rewarding. Shiva Puranam book in English is provided by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. You can read it in pdf format. Link – Shiva Purana in English Summary pdf An example of the style of summary in the text. WISE COUNSEL Lord Vishnu spoke to Himavan: “We thank you for your welcome and your hospitality. Daksha’s daughter, Sati, who married Lord Siva, has immolated herself. Unable to bear the pangs of separation from her, Lord Siva is performing rigorous penance. The Yogic and other holy men are worshipping Him at the same time, it order to see that Sati Devi would be reborn as His wife. Now, the grand daughter of Daksha, Menaka, is as wise as she is lovely, and will be your worthy lifemate in every way. Already the curse of the sages had determined the course o

How Nakula Died In The Mahabharata?

At the end of their rule, Pandavas decided to retire. It was time for them to bid good bye to civilization. Nakula died during the final journey of Pandavas and it is mentioned in the Mahaprasthanika Parva. Nakula followed his wife, Draupadi, and brothers to the great snow-clad mountains in the Himalayas. Draupadi slipped and fell as they started climbing the Himalayas. Sahadeva fell next and died. Nakula fell next. Bhima soon realized that Nakula had fallen and was about die. He asked to Yudhisthira as to why Nakula had fallen as he had never performed any evil. Yudhisthira told Bhima that Nakula had reaped the fruits of his actions. He had thought himself to be the most beautiful person in the world. His beauty made him insensitive and this was his sin. The brothers who had decided to give up all ties climbed the mountain leaving Nakula behind. Nakula died soon.

Biggest Emerald Nataraja In The World - Uthirakosamangai Emerald Shiva Nataraja Murti

Uthirakosamangai Sri Mangalanatha Swamy temple in Ramanathapuram District in Tamil Nadu is famous for the emerald Nataraja. The temple houses a 6 feet single Stone emerald Nataraja murti which is the biggest in the world. Here are some important facts about this unique and wonderful temple. Uthirakosamangai Emerald Nataraja Facts This is the biggest Nataraja vigraham carved out of Emerald or Marathakam in the world. The emerald vigraha or murti of Nataraja is covered with sandalwood paste throughout the year. The murti is only visible to public on the Arudra Darshan day in Margazhi month (December – January). Exposure to light and sound is said to disturb the molecular property of emerald, therefore the vigraha is kept covered with sandalwood paste throughout the year. People visiting the temple are asked not to make any noise near the murti. Even the sounds of anklets are prohibited near the Natarja sanctum. The actual murti measures 5.5 feet and the rest is the arch

Willingness To Sacrifice In The Present For Others Is A Good Investment For Future

Certain things in life are especially difficult, tedious, requires an extreme amount of effort, or is done in the most difficult or unpleasant way possible. It requires tremendous willpower to finish those things. But we do such tasks in the present to reach our future goals. We put in a lot of self-control. We delay gratification so that we can be successful in future. Self control is achieved through willpower, by suppressing emotions and desires for immediate pleasures. But our willpower drops when we are stressed or tired and we easily give up. Sense gratification sets in. This drop in willpower is the main difference between success and failure. Majority of us do not have the willpower to achieve our goals. We give up easily. But through cooperation we can achieve success. The dropping graph of willpower can be steadied through cooperation. For this, we need to build strong interpersonal relationships. Develop trust, generosity and fairness with a few people. A

Story – Why And How Bhagavad Gita Was Composed By Sage Vyasa?

There are numerous theories and stories why and how Bhagavad Gita became a part of the Mahabharata. This is one such story. Legend has it that when Sage Vyasa first composed the Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita was not included. Sage Narada who heard about the Mahabharata showed intense interest in it but the Sage was disappointed after reading the epic. He felt that the epic did not effectively bring out the teachings of Sri Krishna. Vishwaroopa Darshan in the Hastinapura Court and the agility and cleverness of Sri Krishna in the Kurukshetra battlefield is not enough felt Sage Narada.  If the epic is to be universal, the teachings of Sri Krishna should be included.   Answer to all the problems that Mahabharat raises is only found in the teachings of Sri Krishna, advised Sage Narada. Sage Vyasa agreed to Narada Rishi. However, did not know how to include the teachings of Sri Krishna in the Mahabharata. He felt adding a new chapter to the already completed work will mar the

English Translation Of Venkateswara Suprabhatam Meaning Lyrics

Among numerous devotional songs and hymns in praise of Lord Venkateswara , Sri Venkateswara Suprabhatam is the most famous and is listened and sung in millions of Hindu homes daily. Here is a English translation of Venkateswara Suprabhatam meaning and lyrics. The translation and meaning is provided by BVL Narayana Rao and was published in 1999 by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. The book also contain numerous other information about the Morning Prayer. Link – English Translation Of Venkateswara Suprabhatam

Physical Features Of Lord Rama

Physical features of Lord Rama are described by Sage Narada in the first chapter of the Bala Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana. Lord Rama possesses broad shoulders and mighty arms. His neck is like a conch shell and his cheekbones stand out. His chest is broad and his bow is huge. He is a subjugator of enemies and his collarbones are hidden. His arms stretch down to his knees and he possess excellent head and beautiful forehead. His tread is superb. He is medium in size and his limbs are well proportioned. He is pleasant in complexion and powerful. His chest is muscled ad his eyes are large. He is prosperous and possesses all auspicious qualities.

Dhanannadana Suktam – Hymn Extolling Charity In Rig Veda

Dhanannadana Suktam (Rig Veda X. 17) censures miserliness and extols charity. Yaska has cited this hymn in his classification of the contents of the mantras (Nirukta VII.1-2). Dhanannadana Suktam comprises nine verses (mantras). Its seer (rishi) is Bhikshu Angiras. The virtue acclaimed in this hymn is dana (the gifting) of dhana (wealth) and anna (food). Vedas shower liberal praise on people with magnanimous nature and condemn the miserly, the greedy and the selfish. The sukta first describes the relation of hunger with death, clarifying that “hunger is certainly not used by gods as a means of death, for even those who eat will meet death in various forms.” The verses that follow talk of food and the virtues and vices related to it like: “he who hardens crying for nourishment in spite of having food in his possession finds no consoler” or “bounteous is he who gives unto the beggar who comes to him for help”; “he who eats alone commits sin”; he is not a friend who gives

Boat Symbolism In Hinduism

Often, in the teachings of Hindu saints and scriptures in Hinduism and in general idiom, life has been compared to a journey in a boat. And living is compared to rowing a boat. Through all the ups and downs of life, the boat of life sails past the rough or smooth waters of life, until one reaches the other shore—the Beyond, where there is neither birth nor death. That is how life is often described. To understand it further, body and mind is the boat we use to travel in the waters called life. While travelling in a boat for a joy ride may be a pleasant experience that a tourist may look forward to, not always is boat ride a pleasant experience. There are storms and strong winds on the way. And one’s own resources are limited. One has to grapple with many unexpected situations. Called variously as bark, catamarans, trawlers, steamers, big and small ships, a boat is essentially a mode of transport, to travel through waters to reach one’s destination. Comparing the harshness of th

Trichambaram Temple Akshaya Tritiya Appam

A special offering is made at Trichambaram Sree Krishna Temple on Akshaya Tritiya day. This is known as Karolappam or Unniyappam – a very famous offering to Lord Krishna in Kerala temples. Although the offering is performed daily in hundreds of Sri Krishna temple in Kerala and around the world, at Trichambaram Temple the Akshaya Tritiya karolappam is special. The Karolappam for the day is prepared by the women of the family of the priests and offered to Lord Krishna. The legend is based on the belief that Devaki fed Sri Krishna on see her son for the first time after he annihilated Kamsa. The offering is made every month by a family of the region. But on Akshaya Tritiya day all the families of the village make the offering. The unique dish is made using rice flour, wheat Flour, jaggery, ripe banana (small Kerala banana) and coconut pieces. The deity worshipped in Trichambaram temple is of angry of young Sri Krishna (Raudra Bhavam). He had just killed Kamsa, Chan

Yanamadurru Shiva Temple – Shiva Worshipped In Shirshasana Form In Andhra Pradesh

Yanamadurru near Bhimavaram in Andhra Pradesh is home to a very unique Shiva temple. Lord Shiva murti worshipped in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is in Shirshasana form. Goddess Parvati in the same sanctum is depicted as holding child Subrahmanya Swami. Shiva murti is found in the shrine in upside form. A drawing of the sanctum sanctorum of Yanamadurru Shiva Temple The temple is around 10 km south of Bhimavaram in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is known as Sri Parvati Sameta Sri Shakteeshwara Swamy Vaari Temple. Another name of the temple is Sri Shakteeshwara Temple. It is believed that the murti worshipped in the shrine belongs to the Treta Yuga. Lord Shiva is known here as Shakteeshwara and also Shirshasana Swamy. The temple has a Nandi facing the sanctum. There is another murti of a five-headed serpent. It is believed that live serpents always visit the temple. The pushkarini or pond of the temple is known as Shakti Gundam. The water in the pond i

Ravi Pradosh 2024 Dates – Importance Of Pradosh Vrat On Sunday

Ravi Pradosh occurs when the Pradosh Vrat dedicated to Lord Shiva falls on Sunday. Pradosh is observed on the 13 th day of lunar fortnight. The trayodashi tithi should have pradosh period for the vrat to be observed. In 2024, Ravi Pradosh are marked on April 21, May 5 and September 15. Importance Of Pradosh Vrat On Sunday It is believed that observing Pradosh vrat, which falls on Sunday, will help a devotee in having a long life. It is also believed that one observing the vrat will be blessed with good health. How To Observe Ravi Pradosh Vrat? The person performing the vrat should wake up early in the morning just before sunrise and take bath. The person should be clean both mentally and physically. The person should then offer prayers to Ganesha. Next is to offer prayers to Shiva and Maa Parvati. A fast is kept for the entire day. The puja should be performed an hour before sunset. After taking bath the devotee should wear white color dress. The puja is performed at

Daiva Prakriti in Hinduism – People With Divine Nature

Daiva Prakriti (also known as Daivi Prakriti) is divine nature in Hinduism and is the characteristic quality of divine creations in relation to the gunas (internal nature) like sattva, rajas, and tamas. Daiva is divine and asuri is demoniac. In every era, there will be few people who are of divine nature and peace and prosperity in the world is due to their selfless activities. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions that Arjuna is born with the divine qualities or daiva sampat. Those who have daiva prakriti, overcome maya (all illusions), and attain ultimate liberation. Those who are born with a demoniac nature will suffer, and those of daiva prakriti need not have to suffer. Those born with daivi prakriti will attain moksha (self realization). They are of sattva guna (purity), and they are free from all bad thoughts, bound to truth and truth alone, pure physically and mentally, and they lead a completely devoted life. Lord Krishna during the war at Kurukshetra,

Upcoming Hindu Festivals in May 2020 – Hindu Vrat – Fasting – Rituals in May 2020

Dates of important upcoming festivals and fasting associated with Hinduism in May 2020 – based on major Hindu calendars and Panchang used in India. The festivals, Vrats and ritual days are based on Indian Standard Time (IST). May 1 – Monthly Durga Ashtami Vrat May 1 – Bagalamukhi Devi Jayanti May 1 – Sita Navami May 2 – Thrissur Pooram in Kerala May 3 – Smarta Ekadasi Fasting – Lakshmi Narayan Ekadasi in Odisha May 4 – Vaishnava Ekadasi Fasting (in most regions) May 4 – Agni Nakshatram begins in Tamil Calendar May 5 – Parashuram Dwadasi – Rukmini Dvadasi May 5 – Pradosh fasting – Som Pradosh as it is Monday May 6 – Narasimha Chaturdashi - Narasimha Jayanti May 7 – Chinnamasta Devi Jayanti May 7 – Purnima or full moon day – Purnima Vrat May 8 – Chithirai Pournami May 7 – Gorakhnath Jayanti May 7 – Kurma Jayanti May 8 - Ashada month begins in North Indian calendars May 8 - Narada Jayanti May 10 – Sankashti Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat – Breaking time

Simple But Effective Quotes From Bhagavad Gita

A collection of simple but very effective quotes from the Bhagavad Gita. Hell has three doors – lust, rage, and greed. As the blazing fire reduces wood to ashes, similarly, the fire of self knowledge reduces all karma to ashes. For one who has been honored, dishonor is worse than death. A mirror is obscured by dust, just as the embryo rests deep within the womb, wisdom is hidden by selfish desire. Man is made by his belief. As he believes, so he is. He who actually loves even those that do not love him in return is compassionate. A man consists of the faith that is in him. Whatever your faith is, you are. There is no purifier like knowledge in this world: time makes one find himself in his heart. The raft of knowledge ferries the worst sinner to safety. When one has no lust, no hatred, a man walks safely among the things of lust and hatred. The Self is unmanifested, beyond all thought and beyond all change; knowing this, you should not grieve

Shankh Mudra Worn By Devotees Of Lord Vishnu

Shankh mudra is the body markings worn by Lord Vishnu devotees. The body markings are applied with gopichandana or a ball of yellow clay. The clay is rubbed on the palm of the left hand with water to form a watery paste and then applied. The paste is applied curved or straight lines moving upwards (rarely downwards). Shankh mudra is worn two on the left side of the stomach, three on the left chest, one on the left neck, one close to the left eye, two on the left shoulder and on one on the right shoulder. In total ten mudras are associated with Shankh mudra. The benefit of wearing it is that it enables a person to cross the ocean of life without committing sins. Adopting mudra is not mere convention. These markings ward off sins and make a the devotee pure for subsequent rituals and meditations. The religious significance of mudras are explained in Krishnamrita Maharnava, Sadachara Smriti and Tantrasara (samagraha) of Madhvacharya. Some mudras are only followed by the Ma

Making Chariots For Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra Begins On Akshaya Tritiya Day

Construction of the chariots for Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra, or Car Festival, begins on the Akshaya Tritiya Tithi. Each year three new Rathas (chariots) are made for the ceremonial journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra. The chariot making begins on the on the Grand Road of Puri Jagannath Temple on the third day of the Vaisakh or Baisakh month. The chariots are completed in less than 60 days. Three logs of wood are chosen and special rituals are conducted to mark the beginning of the construction of the chariots. The three chariots used in the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra have specific size and dimensions and are a classic example of indigenous carpentry and engineering. You can find more details about the sizes and other measurements of each chariot in this article – the size and dimensions of the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra chariots. No scales or measuring tapes are used by the carpenters for measurements. Instead the carpenters use their hands and finge

Junk At Home Attracts Negative Energy Rahu And Ketu - Hindu Astrology

If your house is filled with junk, then as per Hindu astrology it is bad. Rahu and Ketu cause trouble in such homes. Here is what will happen due to junk at home. You will be troubled by enemies. Poisonous animals will cause health damage to family members. There will be no peace in the house. Constant fights among family members. Rahu and Ketu are two planets that cause immense trouble. Junk at home means a lot of negative energy. Rahu and Ketu gets attracted to it. Boxes, cartons, and covers should not be kept in front of the house and in the northeast corner. Today, we find many electronic items being damaged easily. We replace them but keep the damaged one at home and it stays there without any use. Such items attract a lot of negative energy. When there is too much junk at home, it is impossible to clean the house. This means financial damage as Goddess Lakshmi never resides in a house that is unclean. Therefore get rid of the junk and make the house neat and clean

Discontentment Is Threatening The Very Existence Of Life On Earth

There are numerous factors that make us restless and unsatisfied and chief among them is discontentment and it is threatening the very existence of life on earth. How much food, clothing, books, how much big house and car and salary does a man need? And now, in today’s trends, how many cars, smart phones, gadgets, designer goods and so on does a man need! Objects change their forms and names but ‘needs’ do not. Having more is what is called ‘progress’, generally speaking. To think that one can overcome or decimate one’s desires, whatever be their names, forms and shapes, by fulfilling them is like adding fuel to fire with the hope that it will get extinguished. Unbridled enjoyment only adds to our desires. We get caught and entangled in them more and yet more. There comes a time when we seek to get out of this network of illusion of getting and losing, this endless suffering of being at the mercy of desires. And thus begins our journey of tracing back to ‘where it all s

Kal – Bikal Messengers Of Yama Who Come To Take The Dead

Kal – Bikal are two of messengers who come to take away the dead people from earth. The name of the messengers Kal and Bikal are mentioned in the Sarala Mahabharata. As per Garuda Purana, they are not seen by anyone. Only the person who is about to die can see the two attendants of Yama. Kal – Bikal are black skinned – dark like coal with two burning eyes. They are stark naked and frightful. They have twisted mouths and angry red eyes. Their nails are sharp and look like weapons. Their hair stands stiff and erect. They come with whips and black ropes. All the dirt from the body of the dead person is emptied out without the knowledge of the person by the messengers. Next, the dead person gets transformed into a thumb-sized being shedding his sthoola sareera, gross body. The messengers of Yama capture the thumb-sized person the moment he looks around. Just as a criminal is treated by King’s officers of justice, the body would be bound with a rope and dragged to Yamapur

Desire Is What Makes A Prisoner Of Us

Desire is what makes a prisoner of us. We are caught in the endless maze of seeking, and yet more seeking and never finding a place to lay our head on. How to emerge out of this maze? By cultivating a sense of contentment. Contentment brings us true riches that we have been seeking. Asks Adi Shankaracharya: ‘Who is rich? One who is content.’ What material prosperity is it supposed to bring? Happiness. But does happiness come from fulfilling a desire? According to Vedanta psychology, happiness is not in the object of senses. They seem to give happiness. We come in touch with them, and then they bring happiness. If we are out of sorts for any reason—disturbed or distracted or depressed due to an unpleasant event or experience such as failing in a school examination or being dismissed from our job and so on—we cannot get the enjoyment that seems to come from what we like. A sweet, for instance, may be what we like but if it is offered when we had just fractured our leg! Cr

Kunjarugiri Parashurama Temple - Kurkal Village Near Udupi Karnataka

Kunjarugiri Parashurama Temple is located atop Parashurama Giri (Vimana Giri Hill) and is around 11 km from Udupi in Kurkal Village in Karnataka. The murti of Parashurama in the temple is carved out of black stone. He holds axe in his right hand and a bow in the left hand. Legend has it that Kanava Maharishi installed the murti of Parashurama temple. The temple and other structure is believed to have build during the Vijayanagara era. Another legend states that Parashurama installed the Durga Murti in the famous Durga Parameshwari Temple at Kunjagiri and mediated a cave in the base of the mountain. Four ponds were created here by Parashuram using his axe – Parashu Teertha, Gadha Teertha, Bana Teertha and Dhanusu Teertha. Whenever there is a dispute regarding land people come to the temple to find a solution. The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Temples dedicated to Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, are very rare. Majority of the templ

Story Of King Janaka And Yogini Sulabha

Once a Yogini called Sulabha came to test King Janaka. Though old and weak she disguised herself as a beautiful and charming lady, with her yogic power. Janaka received her and treated her with great respect. But she tried to attract Janaka with her beauty. She behaved in amorous ways. Janaka enquired about her whereabouts and told her that he was the disciple of Rishi Panchasikha and has renounced all the materialistic pleasures, for him gold is equal to sand and added that knowledge is more important to attain moksha (salvation) but not lust and wealth. He further said that it was not right on her part to behave that way. On hearing his words, Sulabha told him that she belonged to a great lineage and received knowledge and wisdom from Mahatmas. She had come all the way in search of a husband and having heard about Janaka, that he had attained liberation, came to him to propose marriage but was disappointed. Janaka remained calm with a genuine smile on his face. Sul

Download Anjaneya Ramayana In English PDF

Anjaneya Ramayana is a simple retelling of the Ramayana in Telugu by DSR Anjaneyulu. You can download the Anjaneya Ramayana English translation in pdf for free. The book in prose is easy to read and helps a devotee understand the dedication and devotion of Hanuman to Lord Rama in more enlightened way. The book is a very good summary of the epic. It is easy to read and each chapter has been summarized beautifully keeping in mind readability and the non-scholarly devotee. Link - Anjaneya Ramayana In English PDF

Swami Vivekananda Teachings On Character

As pleasure and pain pass before his soul they have upon it different pictures, and the result of these combined impressions is what is called man’s ‘character’. If you take the character of any man, it really is but the aggregate of tendencies, the sum total of the bent of his mind; you will find that misery and happiness are equal factors in the formation of that character. Good and evil have an equal share in moulding character, and in some instances misery is a greater teacher than happiness. In studying the great characters the world has produced, I dare say, in the vast majority of cases, it would be found that it was misery that taught more than happiness, it was poverty that taught more than wealth, it was blows that brought out their inner fire more than praise. (CW, 1:27) Swami Vivekananda Thoughts on Meaning of Rishi The Rishi is defined as a Mantra-drashta, a seer of thought; not that the thought was his own. Whenever you hear that a certain passage of the Vedas c

Ten Tasks in Shaiva Siddhanta For The Spiritual Evolution Of Soul Towards Liberation

The ten tasks in the spiritual evolution of soul towards liberation as per Shaiva Siddhanta is known as Dasa Karyam. The ten tasks are: Understanding the cognitive functions of the mind as occasioned by the 36 physical categories constitutes the first task or stage called tattva rupam. Understanding that these are inert instruments, not the conscious self. This is called tattva darshanam. Variable states of experience like waking, dreaming and sleeping are distinguished from the constant self. This is called tattva shuddhi. The soul knows itself as essentially free from accidental adjuncts. This is atma roopam. The soul’s self-appreciation called atma darshanam. The soul stands, bereft of all ego and self-will, makes no decision and initiates no action of its own. This is atma shuddhi. As a result of the instruction by the preceptor, awareness dawns that it is the grace of God that breaks the soul’s identification with body mind. This is called Shiva roopam. Soon this s

Sage Bhrigu Cursing Agni To Consume Pure Or Impure – Brahma Changing The Curse

Agni, the fire god in Hinduism, was cursed to consume anything that is pure or impure. Brahma intervened and changed that curse. This story found in Kashidasi Mahabharat is based on the belief that in the beginning Agni only accepted pure things like soma, ghee etc. A demon once arrived at the ashram of Sage Bhrigu when he had gone out for his morning ablutions. Puloma, the pregnant wife of Sage Bhrigu, was alone at home and she only had the Agni in kitchen as her protector. The demon claimed that Puloma’s father had promised her in marriage to him. But her father did not keep the promise and married her to Sage Bhrigu. Agni was the witness to all this the demon claimed. Agni was not sure so he gave a diplomatic answer. He told that may be her father might have promised. But he is only sure about the fact that Puloma is the wife of Sage Bhrigu as they had gone seven times around the fire as part of marriage. Puloma was angry at Agni for not completely favoring her.

Each one will carry away what his vessel can contain

No teacher can give the best in Him unless He has disciples to appreciate and understand Him. When the disciples drink in the words of the guru as immortal nectar, then Truth flows from the teacher as from a perennial spring. The real guru possesses all Truth. But the disciples carry away with them only as much as they can comprehend and contain. The holy man is like the fabulous stone called chintamani, which yields anything its possessor thinks of. The guru draws out the best in us. But if we approach him with an indifferent mind full of worldly desires and thoughts, then he will not be able to draw out much spirituality. The mental attitude in which we approach a teacher is so important. There must be humility, a great desire to learn, gratitude and willingness to serve. In India the guru is approached with great reverence and never empty-handed. No matter how humble the little gift may be, something is offered to show one’s attitude willingness to serve the guru. We are all d

Story Of Dundubhi Snake And Ruru

The interesting story of Dundubhi Snake and Ruru is found in the Kashidashi Mahabharata. Pramadvara, wife of Ruru, died as a result of snake bit. But Ruru gave half of his remaining lifespan to his wife and saved her. After this incident, he was angry at snakes and, even though a Brahmin, he roamed around the world killing all the snakes. One day he came across Dundubhi Snake. It was unusually huge and he had never seen anything like it. Ruru rushed towards Dundhubhi with a stick to kill it. Dundubhi wanted to know what wrong he had done to him that he wished to see him dead. Ruru told that all snakes are his enemies and he had made a promise to eradicate them from the world. Dundubhi then told Ruru that his path of violence was wrong and he should take the path of nonviolence. Revenge never ends as it sets a cycle of killing. Thousands die as a result of the cycle of revenge. Ruru wanted to know more about the snake and asked it who he really was. Dundubhi

Mongoose In Dream – Meaning of Seeing Mongoose In Dream

Seeing mongoose in dream is considered as a positive as per those who believe in dream interpretation. In Hindu religion there is an ancient scripture known as Swapna Shastra which gives interpretation and meaning of various dreams. Meaning of Seeing Mongoose In Dream Those seeing mongoose in dream will be able to overcome all kinds of fear in life. It is also associated with spiritual liberation. Dream in mongoose means the person will finds ways to overcome fear of enemies. It is also means that you will overcome  various types of fear and problems associated with snakes. Person seeing dream of mongoose should visit temples associated with snakes, navagrahas or Ganesha.

Daridra Yoga In Hindu Astrology – Poverty – Financial Troubles

Daridra Yoga in Hindu astrology is associated with poverty and financial troubles in life. It is indicated by the position of certain planets or navagrahas. Daridra Yoga results in a horoscope when: The moon and the sun are in conjunction and are aspected by malefic planets. The sun and the moon are in conjunction and are placed in malefic navamsa. The native is born at night and the weak moon in the horoscope occupies the eighth house aspected by or in conjunction with malefic planets. All the quadrants in the horoscope are occupied by malefic planets. The moon remains disturbed either by Rahu and Ketu or other malefic planets. All the quadrants in the lunar horoscope are occupied by malefic planets. A weak moon occupies the quadrant or a trine and Jupiter occupies the sixth, eighth or twelfth house. The lord of the eleventh house occupies the sixth, eighth, or twelfth house. A person having any one or more than one of these combinations in his or he

No tree has branches so foolish as to fight among themselves

Native American Tree of Wisdom – No tree has branches so foolish as to fight among themselves. Native American Tree of Wisdom – Hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. We gain by working together. We destroy all good things when we work against each other. Know that the universe as God. Once we realize this truth, we will be able to drop all kinds of attachment, expectation and grudges. Living in harmony with other beings is the only way to achieve peace and happiness. To realize dreams keep out negativity. You become that which you constantly think about, so think about positivity and happiness always. We all make mistakes. So accept mistakes of other people and give them a chance to correct it. Tale of Two Wolves – Old Cherokee Tale It is as if there are two wolves inside me; one is good and does not harm. He lives in harmony with all around him and does not take offense when no offen

Skeleton In Dream – Meaning of Seeing Skeleton In Dream

Seeing skeleton in dream is considered as a positive as per those who believe in dream interpretation. In Hindu religion there is an ancient scripture known as Swapna Shastra which gives interpretation and meaning of various dreams. Meaning of Seeing Skeleton In Dream Those seeing skeleton in dream will see change in fortune. There will be financial gains. As per scholars the belief is that the person will see positive change in all walks of life. It is good to offer prayers to Shiva or Bhairav after seeing skeleton in dream.

Story Of Ruru – Husband Who Gave Half Of His Life To Wife

The story of Ruru is found in the Kashidashi Mahabharat. He loved his wife so much that he gave half of his life to save his wife from death. Ruru was the grandson of Chyavan and son of Pramati. He married Pramadvara, daughter of heavenly damsel Menaka. They led a simple and happy life. One day Pramadvara was bitten by a snake and she died immediately. Ruru was inconsolable. He ran from the spot crying loudly. He reached the forests soon and kept crying loudly. All living beings in the forest were disturbed by the non-stop crying of Ruru. Devas arrived at the scene and told Ruru that all living beings have to die that is law of nature. His wife, Pramadvara, was never destined to live forever. It was her destiny that she had to die from snake bite. The words of Devas did not console Ruru. He kept crying loudly. The Devas then told Ruru that he can have his wife back, if he was willing to give half of his remaining lifespan to her. Ruru did not have any second tho

Dagdhakshara – Inauspicious Letters In Alphabet

Dagdhakshara means scorched alphabet implying thereby that certain so-considered letters never be used, generally at the beginning of a composition. As such daghaksharas are forbidden at the beginning of any literary work. In Sanskrit prosody called Pingala Shastra, there are some instructions for poets regarding the use of words. It is believed that the choice of letters, at the beginning of any poetic composition, specially a mahakavya (an epic) or a khanda kavya (near epic poem, or a long narrative in cantos or books), brings either a good or a bad effect on the composer of the poetic work. Out of the letters of the Sanskrit alphabet in Devanagari script, some are called shubha (auspicious or propitious) and some ashubha (inauspicious). The auspicious letters are fifteen, namely k, kh, g, gh, c, ch, j,  ḍ , d, dh, n, y, s, sh and k ṣ . The inauspicious letters are nineteen, namely  ṅ , jh, naa,  ṭ ,  ṭ h, ḍh,  ṇ , ta, tha, p, ph, b, bh, m, r, l, v, ṣ and  ḥ . Amo

Choose God As Our Main Player And Allow Him Make The Moves

Story from the life of Pandava brothers inspires us to make God as our main player. By allowing god to choose god as our main player we are ensuring our victory because his moves will never end in disasters. The great five Pandava brothers, when they were in exile, once complained to Sri Krishna about the endless sufferings they had to undergo, despite He, Sri Krishna, the Lord, being with them always. Sri Krishna smiled and explained, when you were playing the game of dice with the Kauravas, which you had accepted as part of your royal disposition, and when it was offered that either side could choose anyone whom they held accomplished to represent them as their main player who will decide the moves, while Kauravas chose their uncle Shakuni, you chose your own elder brother whose skills in dealing with this challenge were no equal to it. If you had chosen Me as your main player, the whole story would have been different. The moral is that we should choose God as our ma

Sprinkling Water Around Before Eating In Hinduism – The Mantras And Symbolism

The rite of sprinkling water drops of sanctified water over and around before eating is Parisecana. The sprinkling of water around before eating in Hinduism combines and symbolically invokes the three powers of water, fire and Surya, the sun god. By being honored through this invocation, the three powers contribute towards the well-being and prosperity of the performer. The mantra for the evening meal is rtam tva satyena parisincami “Order, you are sprinkled around with truth”) and for the daytime is satyam tva rtena parisincami “Truth, you are sprinkled around with order”). (The word ‘Order’ – rta – stands for the eternal order that governs the Universe. These mantras are originally mentioned in Taittiriya Brahmana (11.11.1) in the context of performing the Agnihotra rites which begin in the evening and conclude the following morning. Drops of water received in the palm of the hand are sanctified by the recitation of these mantras and then sprinkled around the food in

Foot Prints Of Lord Venkateswara – Religious Significance And Importance Of Padala Mandapam At Alipiri In Tirupati

The root of the foot path leading to the top of the Tirumala Tirupati hills, Alipiri, is the pedestal of the seven hills in Tirumala. A pilgrim takes the first step of the journey to the holy abode of Balaji from here. It is believed that Lord Venkateswara, in order to climb His holy hills took His first step here and left the imprints of His sacred feet at Alipiri. This spot is immortalized as 'Padala mandapam'. The spot is of great religious significance and importance to all Venkateswara devotees. In 1628 AD. Matla Kumara Anantharaja of Devachoda family built a mandapam at Alipiri renowned as padala mandapam. It is under the tamarind tree here that Tirumala Nambi taught the secrets of Ramayana to his disciple the divine Ramanuja. It is believed that the holy footprints of Lord Venkateswara appeared at this spot as narrated in Sri Venkatachala Itihasa Mala. Pilgrims coming by foot to Tirumala first worship these sacred foot prints of Lord Venkateswara. Tho

Seeing Puja – Temples – Prayer In Dream – Meaning

Seeing puja, temples or prayer etc in dream is considered highly auspicious as per Hindu religion beliefs. It is also an indication that with attitude and behavior change you can win the favor of the gods. In Hindu religion there is an ancient scripture known as Swapna Shastra which gives interpretation and meaning of various dreams. Seeing pujas and prayers are highly meritorious. Seeing visiting temples and sacred places in dream is good. Dreaming of temples means you will see peace. There will be change of luck and there will be gains in property and financial matters. But seeing pujas and rituals involving blood and gore are considered bad. After seeing such dream it is good to visit temples and perform annadanam.

Drishadvati Nadi - Holy River In Vedas

Drishadvati is a tributary of holy Saraswati River. It is mentioned in the Rig Veda, the most ancient text. The Nadistuti in Rig Veda makes a specific mention of this river along with Sindhu with its five tributaries in the east, and Saraswati, Ganga, Yamuna and Sarayu. Several scholars identify Saraswati as the present day Surasti in Punjab, which is a small river. Sursati falls into the present day Ghaggar, another small river which is also said to be the lost Saraswati River. Likewise, Drishadvati is identified as the present day Chitang or Rakshin Punjab, anther rivulet. It appears that in ancient times the present day Sursati-Ghaggar-Haka-Nara must have formed a considerable stream as Saraswati. The present day Chitang is a tributary of Ghaggar. Drishadvati was a big river in those days. Saraswati was also a substantially large river. Even Puranas include these in the list of major rivers. Later accounts, however, say that Saraswati had vanished in the desert at Vinasana

A Simple But Profound Truth – We Are The Atman

The truth that we are the Atman is very simple. Swami Vivekananda says that the greatest truths are the simplest things in the world. But to realise this simple fact, we have to practise hard. What comes in the way of our understanding is ego, or the principle which separates us from one another. The ego is like the scum on the surface of water, to give the simile of Sri Ramakrishna. You see the clear water beneath, but very soon the scum covers it again. The sum and substance of Vedanta is to get rid of the ego that I am the body and mind and identify ourselves with the Atman which is beyond both. Identifying ourselves with our bodies brings in its train endless miseries. Recently, a son died prematurely in a family. The mother, who could not bear his loss, also died within two months. That is because of the tremendous attachment to their egos. Contrast this with Dr. Sri Shivakumara Swamiji (1 April 1907 – 21 January 2019) who was the head of Sree Siddaganga Mutt in Tumkur d