Parivara Devatas, or subsidiary deities, are an important aspect of a Hindu temple. As per Hindu belief, the chief gods are accompanied by a host of attendant gods known as Parivara Devatas. Symbolically, Parivara Devatas are a concept based on the extended family system followed in ancient India. Human body may be seen to form the basic layout of the temple. The Hindu temple is a mirror of the cosmos and on a lower a mirror of the Hindu family. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are often described as adoring their respective regions brahmaloka, Vaikuntha and Kailasa. In these regions they are surrounded by a host of gana or attendants. Lord Shiva is guarded by the sentries Chanda and Prachanda and accompanied by a host of gods such as Nandikeshwara (bull), Bhringi, Veerabhadra (the Shiva Ganas), the seven divine mothers, Lord Vinayaka (himself the Lord of several bhuta ganas) and Kartik (Devasenapathi). In South India, a Shiva temple has Shivling in the sanctum and the mu...

In Hinduism, Parjanya is a term with various meanings and it is also used to address the Vedic rain god. The term parjanya is derived from the root prs, “to sprinkle, to give, to become wet.” In Hinduism it is used in the sense of a raincloud, thunder could, a cloud in general, the muttering or roaring of clouds, rain, and the God rain, Indra, or Surya, giver of all desires, etc. In the lexicons, all these senses are recorded. Yaska has given the etymology of the term parjanya in Nirukta (X.10) from which the basic concept of the term is expressed: parjanya (cloud) is derived from the verb tripti ‘to be stasified by reversing the first and the last letter (metathesis)”, one who gives satisfaction and is favorable to men or he is so called because he is the conqueror or he is the best progenitor or he is the bestower of juices. In Vedic literature, Parjanya is praised by the seers as a God, though it is actually a natural phenomenon like a rain cloud or rain. In Rig V...

The real individuality is only to be found in the Self, the Divine Substance of our being. Individuality means the ultimate undivided something in us which defines and makes us. All concepts and definition based on body-mind are subject to change and destruction and are hence inconsistent with the ever-present reality of our being. This of course produces fear, which though unfounded, is a thing to be handled in the right way or else it becomes a great obstacle in our spiritual striving. Fear is a powerful emotion. No one is devoid it. In some measure and form, everyone has some fear or other. A popular verse says that desire for food, sleep, progeny and the feeling of fear is common to both animals and man. Only man, endowed with a superior intelligence and understanding can overcome these instincts and live a life of Dharma, righteousness, and ultimately discover his inherent divinity. ( Vedanta Kesari Editorial March 2016) Protection Of The Guru Explained Through Ashta Kashti G...

Gada or Mace was an important weapon used in ancient Hindu world. In Hinduism, mace as weapon is associated with Hanuman and Bhima, the second of Pandavas. Here is a look at the material, size and other specifications of Gada in Hinduism. Gada was made using iron, bronze or wood. The mace had eight corners (the sphere is divided into eight equal parts). The spherical head was attached to a handle or shaft. The sphere had a spike on the top. The size of the mace is from ground to the heart of the user. Sometimes the sphere had spokes. Yama, the Hindu God of Death, is depicted with Gada. Balarama, elder brother of Sri Krishna, too is associated with Gada. He taught how to use the mace to Bhima and Duryodhana. Bhima mortally injured and killed Duryodhana using a mace. King Jarasandha and numerous other kings of ancient Hindu world used the mace. Ghatotkach, the son of Bhima, too was proficient in the use of mace. The mace of Vishnu is known as Kaumodaki. Goddess Durga too hol...

A forest dweller or wandering ascetic (sadhus or sannyasis) in Hinduism is known as Parivrajaka. As per this unique concept in Hindu religion, the person is the one who leaves his home for the sake of god realization. A Parivrajaka is a life style wherein a seeker forsakes attachments in spiritual pursuits on his own. A wandering ascetic was without family bondage and so roamed about seeking contact with different thinkers and teachers. They followed the discourses of philosophers and discussed matters of ethics, philosophy and mysticism. Sometimes they lived with their preceptors before moving on to the next stage. Most of the wandering ascetics lived alone and did not recognize the institution of any master. They pursued knowledge on their own. They never organized themselves into any institution and so were not governed by any rules or ideals. Any person, without attaching oneself to any particular sect or group, can become a wandering ascetic in Hinduism.

Parihara rituals is to eliminate wrong acts is an important concept in Hinduism. According to the ancient Vedic texts, the four stages of life in Hindu religion (brahmacharya, grihasta, vanaprastha and sannyasa) are duty bound. All this duties are mandatory and are expected to be performed in the form of rituals. If any of the rituals is neglected, he is considered a sinner, which has to be cleansed by the remedial measures known as parihara. Parihara is a necessary tool for Hindus whereby, through performing various rituals, evil forces are destroyed. Hindu knowledge texts elucidate a number of pariharas, which may help the wrong doer to eliminate the sins he had committed. For example, Veda mantras uttered with the knowledge of their meaning will lead to expiation of wrong act, i.e., papa parihara. To absolve himself of the heinous crimes he had committed or as the repentance of previous sins, he is obliged to gift some long to the needy as papa pariharam. Shanti P...

A collection of positive quotes based on Hindu teachings - this good thoughts can provide the good food for mind. Negative thoughts and feelings harm us more than the person or persons on whom it is directed. The best way to keep negative thoughts and feelings is to engage in hobbies like gardening, reading, music, writing, dancing etc. Key to a healthy mind is realizing that happiness does not reside outside. Positive thoughts, acceptance and contentment are good food for the mind. Observing the mind and getting mastery over it is the best method to have a healthy mind. Making money is important. Equally important is to know the real value of it in the larger scheme of things. Anxiety and aggression have never solved a problem or found a solution. Only a calm mind can plan a proper strategy and successfully execute it. Remaining aware can help in overcoming many troubles in the present and in future. Awareness is not General Knowledge; it is something that we...

There is a very popular Shani Dev story which is associated with Shani worship and Hanuman. It is widely believed that worshiping Hindu God Hanuman will help in removing the hardships caused by Shani Bhagavan or Saturn. People worship Hanuman on Saturdays to remove the malefic influence of Sani in their horoscope. As per Hindu Astrology, bad positioning of Shani results in a difficult period in life. There is an interesting story regarding why worshipping Hanuman will help in overcoming Shani Dosha or Sade Sati. Ravan, the demon-king in Ramayana, had defeated all the Devas and had brought all the grahas (planets in astrology) under control. He kept all the grahas (planets) suppressed beneath his leg.  Ravana was also a great astrologer. When his eldest son, Indrajit, was about to be born he forcefully kept all the grahas in the most favorable astrological position. The Demigods (Devas) were worried that if Ravana’s son was born in a favorable astrological positio...

Paratantra in Hinduism is the obedience or complete submission to a master. Implicit in this attitude is total obedience. These are the characteristics of the jivatma (individual self). This is illustrated in the Ramayana by Bharata and Lakshmana. Lord Rama fulfilled the promise given by his father to one of his wives, Kaikeyi (pitrvakyaparipalana). Thereby he was observing his samanyadharma (duty). Lakshmana accompanied Rama to the forest Dandaka (dandakaranya), declaring that he would do everything for Rama at all times by being brother and disciple. This is sesatva, a distinctive kind of behavior. Bharata was one step ahead by implicitly obeying Rama’s request to return to Nandigrama for obtaining the Paduka (sandals) of Sri Rama. A return to Ayodhya was categorically rejected by Lakshmana. Similarly, Bharata’s paratantrya (submission) is illustrated by his acceptance of consecration to become yuvarajabhisheka (heir apparent) only on rejection by Lakshmana. This is an ex...

A collection of quotes and teachings of Swami Smaranananda of Ramakrishna Mission. Ask yourself whether what you are doing is selfish or selfless. This will be the criterion to judge whether what you are doing is spiritually and morally right or wrong. If peace and harmony are there the human being can evolve spiritually, which is the ultimate goal of all humanity. A little relaxation is not laziness. Actually, you should work better after a day’s relaxation. If you dedicate all your actions and the fruits of actions to God, your responsibility ends; the Lord takes them up. That is karma yoga. This way you can conquer your ego. One thinks of spiritual life when one fails to think of higher things in materialistic life, is totally wrong. One has not to fail in worldly life in order to think of God. This is a very negative attitude. The rishis were very positive. Their search was for knowing the truth behind this phenomenal world. The only way to purify the mind is to ...

Bull – Elephant sculpture at the famous Airavatesvara Temple in Tamil Nadu is a classic example of unimaginable heights reached by ancient Hindu sculptors. The sculptures of these ancient sculptors will give tough competition to all modern computer and software created models. Bull – Elephant sculpture at the famous Airavatesvara Temple is also a classic example of perception paradox. It also points towards an important teaching in Hinduism that what we see is not real. If we look at the sculpture from left to right you will see a bull and when we look at the sculpture from right to left we will see an elephant. A similar Bull – Elephant illusion sculpture is also found in the 6 th century AD Badami Cave Temples in Karnataka. These sculptures which are 1400 years and 800 years old were carved by bare hands. Next time when you praise ancient buildings and sculptures in foreign nations, pause and think about the greatness our ancient Hindu world. When it comes to dexterity and innov...

Poomoodal is an important ritual performed in many temples in North Kerala. The ritual is performed for desire fulfillment. The most famous poomoodal ritual is held at the Kadampuzha Devi Temple. Basis Of Poomoodal Ritual The basis of poomoodal ritual is based on Shiva as Keeratamurti fighting Arjuna during the exile period of Pandavas in the Mahabharata. To test the agility and firmness of Arjuna, Shiva took the form of a hunter and fought with the Pandava. It is believed that all the arrows that were shot by Arjuna at the hunter form of Shiva was turned into flowers by Kadampuzha Devi (form of Mother Goddess Shakti). The ritual is performed on the basis of this divine incident. How Is Poomoodal Ritual Performed? The ritual involves covering the deity worshipped in the temple with flower. The murti of the deity in the sanctum sanctorum is completely covered with Chethi Poo (Jungle Geranium or Ixora Coccinea). Food offerings are also made as part of the ritual and this includ...

Revati Nakshatra is the 27th Nakshatra or birth star among the 27 Nakshatras. Below is Revathi Nakshatra date and timing 2021. The astrological prediction of the birth star Revati as per Moon Sign is that of Meena Rasi or Pisces Zodiac. Guru or Jupiter is the Lord of Pisces. The color of Revati is brown. Revati Nakshatra Date and Time 2021 - North - East - South of India This time is applicable in Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Pondicherry, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Andaman and Nicobar. January 20, 2021, Wednesday Time is from 10:43 AM on January 19 to 12:59 PM on January 20, 2021 February 16, 2021, Tuesday Time is from 5:56 PM on February 15 to 8:08 PM on February 16, 2021 March 15, 2021, Monday Time is from 1:14 AM on March 15 to 3:24...

Most of us Hindus might be aware of taking oil bath during Diwali or Deepavali which is a tradition in many Hindu homes. But sacred Hindu scriptures and Ayurveda suggest the importance of taking oil bath periodically. Ayurveda suggests oil bath for regaining the balance of the body which gets upset due disturbance in the body. The ideal day for taking oil bath in Hindu tradition is Chaturdashi or the 14 th day during the fortnight. In a week the day suggested is Saturday or Shanivar. It is indicated in scriptures that planet Saturn, or Shani, is associated with sleepiness and therefore it is the ideal day to take rest. For women the ideal day for oil bath is Friday, especially during the afternoon hours. An interesting commonality is that the planets that rule Friday, Saturday and Chaturdasi are associated with long life. There are also shlokas associated with oil bath and this varies from community to community. One of the popular Shloka is the ch...

There is always anger around us in the form of demonstrations, debates, revenge, arguments etc. This anger is a human-made disaster. There is tension, resentment and violence due to this anger. But we need not join in all these madness simply because anger never produces any positive results. Sometimes we might make few gains through anger. Now someone else is angry due to our action. We just transferred our anger to someone else. Anger always sows the seeds of anger. It also gives birth to remorse. Anger is an undisciplined energy. We cannot think properly in anger. When there is some injustice, we get angry. This anger has to be channelized in a positive way that we calmly overcome the injustice. It has to be controlled and used in a peaceful way towards finding a solution to the injustice.   Controlling anger does not mean you should take everything lying down. Controlling anger is not allowing others to trample us. Instead of using it for destructive purpose, anger s...

Nagayakshi is a goddess in Hinduism worshipped mainly in South India especially in Kerala and coastal Karnataka. She is also known as Ahiyakshi. She is depicted as standing with serpents or nagas in her hands. Naga itself means snake and therefore she is associated with serpents. Nagayakshi is an important upadevata in many temples in Kerala. She is also an important deity in famous snake temples like Mannarasala. Nagayakshi kalam is created by Pulluvar while singing songs of nagas in sarpam pattu ritual in Kerala. A female representing Nagayakshi moves hysterically while the ritual is performed. Nagayakshi Bhada There is a belief in some regions that Nagayakshi overwhelms children and this results in children losing weight as food is not digested properly. This is known as Nagayakshi Bhada. Other symptoms of Nagayakshi bada include bed wetting and remaining angry and moody. To overcome this problems curd and ghee mixed together are offered as havis to Nagayakshi. This is ma...

Bairagi in Hinduism is a group of religious mendicants. They form the group themselves. The term ‘Bairagi’ is derived from the Sanskrit Vairagya meaning asceticism. They came to acquire that name on account of their mendicant life. The founder of this order was Ramananda (14 th -15 th century AD). The founder of this order originally belonged to the Vaishnava sect of Saint Ramanuja became unacceptable to his fellow members as he deviated from the code of conduct prescribed for them. This resulted in division within the order. The followers of Ramananda who came out were called Bairagis or Bavajis. Bairagi so formed were Tengalai Vaishnavites who practiced a kind of strict mendicant life. They took meager food once a day and lived mainly on alms. They put a prominent Vaishnavite mark on the forehead (namam), and wore a necklace made of tulasi leaves and lotus seeds. Scantily dressed, they grew long beards and tied their hair in a peculiar knot on top of their head. T...

Here is a short life history of Sri Sarada Devi – Wife of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Sri Sarada Devi was born in December 1853; in a small rural family in Jayrambati village in the Bankura district of Bengal. She was the eldest child of Ramachandra Mukhopadhyay and Shyamasundari Devi. She had one sister and four brothers. At the age of five she was married to the twenty-three year old Gadadhar Chattopadhyay of nearby Kamarpukur village, who later came to be known as Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Gadadhar used to live at the Dakshineswar temple compound as a priest. He was leading an austere life with rigorous spiritual practices and seemed to be a lunatic to the public eyes. Hearing all this, Sarada Devi visited her husband at Dakshineswar in 1872 and started living with him. There she used to take care of her husband, her mother-in-law, and the devotees who came to see Sri Ramakrishna. After the demise of Sri Ramakrishna, Sarada Devi spent most of her time in Kamarpukur an...

Suryaja is one among the numerous names of Yamuna River. The river is known as Suryaja because she is the daughter of Surya, the sun god in Hinduism. Yamuna is the daughter of Surya and his wife Samjna. Samjna is daughter of divine architect Vishwakarma. As per Markandeya Purana, Surya approached Samjna, she being unable to tolerate her brilliance closed her eyes in fear. Surya saw this as an insult and cursed her to give birth to a River. Thus, Yamuna is the daughter of Surya and in his wife Samjna and is therefore also known as Suryaja.

Uttarabhadra Nakshatra, also known as Uttara Bhadrapada or Uthrittathi in South India, is the 26th Nakshatra among the 27 Nakshatras. Below are Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra dates and time in 2021. The astrological prediction of the birth star Uttarabhadra as per Moon Sign is that of Meena Rasi or Pisces Zodiac. Guru or Jupiter is the Lord of Pisces. The color of Uttara Bhadrapada is purple. Uttara Bhadrapada - Uthrattathi Nakshatra Date and Time 2021 - North - East - South of India This time is applicable in Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Pondicherry, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Andaman and Nicobar. January 19, 2021, Tuesday Time is from 8:51 AM on January 18 to 10:43 AM on January 19, 2021 February 15, 2021, Monday Time is from 4:06 PM...

We are all victims of social anxiety. But does it really exist. We should not really worry about what other people think because they rarely do that. They themselves are under the grips of social anxiety and numerous other fears. It is true that people judge others. But why should we bother. It has no real value. It has nothing to do with our life. When we attempt to impress others, we are becoming someone else. We are acting. We are being unknowingly controlled. Be what you are. It is our wrong belief that people have us in their thoughts always, thinking what we look like or scrutinizing what we spoke. Go out and do things that you like and enjoy. Be happy with what we are doing. Forget the end result. People only look at result. They do not know what you went through in getting to the result. Enjoy each moment of your work. More thoughts on the same topic: Social anxiety, a pervasive and often misunderstood condition, affects countless individuals, manifesting in...

Ashwarooda Devi is powerful manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti popularly worshipped in South India especially in Kerala. Ashwarooda Devi Dhyana Sloka or mantra is mainly chanted to get a desired partner in life.  It is also mentioned in the Vashika Tantra that those chanting the mantra will get victory over the world.  Ashwarooda Devi Dhyana Sloka Pashenabandhyasadhyam smarsharvivasham vamadeshnanyantheem Souparneem vethrashteem nijkarkamale naparenaddhanaam raktham raktaamgaragambara kusumyutamshamsamstham prasnam devim balendhuchudam mansi munintam parvatheem bhavayami पशेनाबंध्यासध्याम स्मरशविवशं  वामदेशननयांथीं  सौपर्णिम वेतराष्टीं निजकरकमले  नापारेणादधानाम  रक्ताम रक्तांगरागमभारा कुसंयुतमशासंस्थाम परसनाम  देविं बालेन्दुचुड़ाम मानसी मुनिताम  पार्वतीम भावयामि Know more about Ashwarooda Devi  

The story of Hiranyaksha and his brother, Hiranyakashipu, is found in the Puranas. The two powerful demons were the incarnation of Jaya and Vijaya, the doorkeepers of Vishnu, as per Hindu scriptures. Sage Sanaka, who was denied entry into Vishnuloka by Jaya and Vijaya, had cursed them to be born as demons on earth. Hiranyaksha performed intense austerities and became highly powerful. He defeated the Devas (demigods) and threw them out of the heaven. He then jumped into the ocean and thrashed the waves with his club. Soon the earth was inundated. He challenged Varuna, the Lord of the Oceans. But Varuna admitted his inability to fight with the demon and advised him to challenge Vishnu. Brahma who realized that Hiranyaksha had become too powerful meditated on Vishnu to save Mother Earth. Vishnu appeared through the nose of Brahma in the form of a tiny boar. Soon, the boar grew in size, jumped into the ocean and lifted up the submerged earth with its tusks. Hiran...

Purvabhadra Nakshatra 2021 dates and timing based on traditional Hindu calendar, Astrology and Panchangam. Also known as, Pooruruttathi in South India, it is the 25th Birth Star among the 27 Nakshatras. Below are Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra dates and time in 2021. The astrological prediction of the birth star Purvabhadra as per Moon Sign is that of Kumbha Rashi or Aquarius Zodiac and Meena Rasi or Pisces Zodiac. The first three quarter of Purva Bhadrapada is in Kumbha Rasi and the last quarter is in Meena Rashi. Lord Shani or Saturn is the Lord of Kumbha Rasi. Guru or Jupiter is the lord of Pisces. The color of the nakshatra is blue green. Purva Bhadrapada - Pooruruttathi Nakshatra Date and Time 2021 - North - East - South of India This time is applicable in Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Pondicher...

Devi Karumariamman is a powerful manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti. There is an interesting story of Karumariamman and Surya, the sun god. The story is also associated with Sri Devi Karumariamman temple in Thiruverkadu, a suburb of Chennai. Legend has it that once Devi Karumariamman disguised as soothsayer and visited Surya to predict his future. Proud Surya ignored Devi Karumariamman and did not give Her an audience. The behavior of Surya angered Mother Goddess and she left angrily. The moment Devi Karumariamman left, Surya started losing his luster. Soon he was turned into a big black coal. Earth plunged into darkness. There was total chaos in the universe. Surya realized his mistake and asked for forgiveness. To pacify Devi Karumariamman, Surya promised that two times in a year he would touch her feet. Devi Karumariamman blessed Surya and he regained his lost luster. Today, the sun rays fall directly on the feet of Devi Karumariamman at the Thir...

A collection of teachings and quotes from Yajur Veda The Lord who is all pervading and all knowing has no beginning or end. He is eternal. He is omnipresent and omniscient. He manifests Himself in all forms and in all directions. He is one without a second, Paramount Lord of all. May good betide all people. May the sovereign rule the earth following the righteous path. May al beings ever attain to their welfare. May the worlds be prosperous and be happy. The mysteries of life are revealed to one who keeps his mind vigilant all the time of life. grahaa urjaa hutayo vyanto vipraaya matim  (9/4 Yajurveda) O men, the one who enhance their strength, please bless us with knowledge of all kinds. Scholars who incessantly contemplate on acquiring strength and knowledge should also consider it their moral duty to impart knowledge to the ignorant, so that these lesser mortals can develop their mental faculties. This would automatically lead to the latter’s self-developme...

Ashwatha Narayana Pooja is performed in many Hindu temples especially in South India. It is dedicated to Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The puja is performed before Ashwatha tree (sacred fig or peepal tree). The popular belief is that Bhagavan Vishnu along with Goddess Lakshmi resides in the Ashwatha tree. The puja is based on this belief. There is reference to Ashwatha Narayana Pooja in the Padma Purana. Benefits of Performing Ashwatha Narayana Pooja Ashwatha Narayana Pooja is performed for good health, recovery from illness, auspicious and prosperity, and for the birth of healthy children in the family by married couples. The puja is also performed as a solution to sade sathi or ezhara shani (the bad influence of Shani for 7.5 years in the horoscope of an individual.) The puja is also performed for another Shani dosha that extends for 2.5 years in the horoscope of a person. This bad influence happens in ashtama rashi.

Shatabhisha Nakshatra, also known as Shatataraka or Satabhisha or Chathayam in South India, is the 24th Birth Star among the 27 Nakshatras. Below are Satabhisha Nakshatra time and dates in 2021. This Nakshatra is also known as Sadayam. The astrological prediction of the birth star Satabhisha as per Moon Sign is that of Kumbha Rashi or Aquarius Zodiac. Lord Shani or Saturn is the Lord of Kumbha Rasi. The color of Shatabhisha is blue green. Satabhisha - Chathayam Nakshatra Date and Time 2021 - North - East - South of India This time is applicable in Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Pondicherry, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Andaman and Nicobar. January 16 and January 17, 2021, Saturday and Sunday Time is from 6:19 AM on January 16 to 7:...

Chanda is one of the six auxiliary sciences of Vedas (Vedanga). Chanda Shastra is the science of metrics or prosody. There is a long textual tradition of prosody in Sanskrit. Sages such as Ashvalayana, Sankhayana, and Apastamba have formulated the rules governing the Vedic meters and arrange them in aphorisms to facilitate easy application of rituals. The later classical meters were developed from Vedic meters. Pingala systemized the science of meters. Gayatri, usnika, brihati, pankti, anstupa (used in Valmiki’s Ramayana), tristubha, and jagati are some of the most popular meters in Vedas. Gayatri has three lines of eight syllables each. Many of the others have four feet each. In classical Sanskrit, anustup is the most popular meter; it has several variations. In the case of long meters, yati – a pause – is introduced for rhythmic pronunciation. The meters are broadly classified as sacred vaidika chandas and general or literary laukika chandas. A verse in which the mete...

The story of Vedavathi starts in the Treta Yuga during the period of Ramayana and ends during the reign of Venkateswara of Tirupati in the Kali Yuga. It is believed that Lord Vishnu who knew that Mata Sita will be kidnapped by Ravana hid her inside fire (Agni). The Sita that was kidnapped by Ravana was Vedavathi. Story of Birth of Vedavathi Maya was a scholar who used to recite the Vedas always. Once, he came across a nymph Urvashi. He got enamoured of her and his semen got ejected. Out of this emerged Lakshmi as a child. She was named Vedavathi, because she was born when the Vedas were recited. Rama Gives Boon To Vedavathi After Ravana’s killing in Ramayana and Sita’s fire-trial, two women who liked Mata Sita, emerged from the flames. Agni, the fire god, told perplexed Rama, ‘O Ramachandra! The lady who stayed in Lanka till now was Vedavathi. Actual Sita is with me.” Sita asked Rama to marry Vedavathi who underwent suffering in Lanka for her sake. But, Rama told her...