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

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 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 (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

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