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Showing posts from February 20, 2020


Symbolism of the Earrings or Kundalas of Shiva – Alakshya and Niranjan

Hindu God Shiva wears two earrings or Kundalas. Traditional images of Shiva depict the two earrings named - Alakshya and Niranjan. Alakshya is believed to be one that cannot be shown by any sign – perhaps suggesting that the Supreme Truth (Shiva) cannot be captured in any form. Niranjan is said to be one that cannot be seen by mortal eyes. The Supreme Truth cannot be grasped by human eyes, we can only see parts of it and what we see is the tiniest of the tiniest drop in the ocean of bliss. Symbolically, Alakshya and Niranjan suggest that Shiva is beyond ordinary perception. In traditional images, the earring on Shiva’s left ear is one that is worn by women. The earring that is on the right ear is the one that is worn by men. Thus the two earrings also symbolize Shiva and Shakti – the Ardhanarishwara form of Shiva. 

Prayageshwar Mahadev – Story Of Prayageshwar Form of Shiva

Prayageshwar Mahadev is worshipped in  Ujjain  in Madhya Pradesh and in  Varanasi . It is one of the 84 forms of Shiva worshipped in  Ujjain . This form is associated with prayag, the holy spot which is the confluence of Ganga , Yamuna and Saraswati. The temple is dedicated to Prayageshwar Mahadev and is located near the Harsiddhi temple complex. In Varanasi , the temple is located in the premises of Bandi Devi Temple at Dasaswamedh ghat. This form of Shiva is worshipped for attaining moksha or liberation. Prayageshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in  Ujjain  and it is the 71st temple visited during the parikrama of Shivalayas here. Prayageshwar Mahadev Story Before marriage,  Ganga  had told Shantanu in the Mahabharata that she should not question any of her actions. If she is questioned, she will desert him. Ganga  threw away seven children on birth into the river. The king did not question the action of Ganga as he was smitten by the

Evil Eye In Hindu Religion

Evil eye is known as Kudrishti or Karikannu in Hindu religion. The glances of people with impure or harmful intentions, jealousy or rivalry are categorized under evil eye. It is difficult to determine the precise period or date when the concept of evil eye first originated in Hinduism. But the concept seems to have existed since ancient times. Once the concept was accepted, people initiated various methods to counteract or offset the effects of evil eye. A host of stories, legends, rituals, prayers and other forms of worship have evolved from this concept and are purely based on regional and oral tradition. There are no references to evil eye in Hindu scriptures. The literature on the concept is limited, mainly confined to casual references to real life incidents. But the concept is well known and is accepted throughout India among all communities of Hindus. The prayers, methods and rituals adopted to counter evil eye vary from region to region and from community to commu

Vedha In Hinduism – Observation Of Celestial Bodies

Vedha is a Sanskrit word meaning observation of celestial bodies. The word vedha in Sanskrit comes from vyadh meaning ‘to distribute’ for studies. There are two types of vedha: drishti vedha, meaning study with naked eyes and yantra vedha, meaning study of planets, etc., using instruments. Vedha is done for acquiring knowledge of astronomy and astrology. The place of vedha is called the observatory (vedha shala). The rulers in India set up observatories from time to time and promoted the study of astronomy. The fifth chapter in Rig Veda contains the Sanskrit word Turyia, meaning observations about the Sun. The basic text in astronomy, Vedanga Jyotisha (1300 BCE), written by Lagadh, also refers to calculations of planetary motions, reiterating the concept of Vedha. Vedha yantras i.e., instruments in the observatories are rashi valay, for calculation of rashis to be used in predictions in astrology; shanku yantra for measurements and study of motions of planets; prakasa

When you fail, you are asked to learn – But when you win, also learn

Everybody talks about learning from failure. You should also learn from a win. Whether you win or lose, you should learn. Winners need to have the right attitude. Pieces of advice should not be for losers alone. Real winners study the mistakes of the opponents so that the mistakes are not repeated by them in future. Today, there is a constant fight between losers and winners. The problem starts with winners making fun of losers. Sometimes winners brag about the victory as if this is the last match and there is not going to be another one ever in future. Grudges are sown by winners and they reap it quickly in the next given opportunity. The increasing number of fights on the field makes us think that our players need to be given lessons in ethics and anger management too. Whether it is exams, jobs, promotion, or sports, the right attitude makes the victory sweeter. Your attitude during victory shows the real person you are and what course your life will take in future. H