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Showing posts from October 9, 2020


Khetri during Navratri

The ritual planting of khetri seeds in a pot on the first day of Navratri is an important ritual. The ritual is also known as Ghatasthapana. Khetri is barley seeds. The seeds grow during the nine days. The first shoots appear on the third day. Khetri during Navratri is a symbol of hope, fertility and prosperity. It is extremely satisfactory to see khetri seeds grow into shoots (small plant, which is the embodiment of the Goddess. The growing and blossoming of the plant in the house is considered highly auspicious and is a sign of the presence of Mother Goddess Shakti. On the tenth day, people bid farewell to the plant in a ceremonious procession that involves playing with dry colors. In some region, the shoots are cut and distributed as holy offering. Khetri is kept in homes during Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri. In Nepal during Dashain, several beds of Khetri are created in homes.

Sprinkling Holy Water For Purification In Hinduism

The consecration by sprinkling holy water for purification in Hinduism is known as Prokshana. It is done with water sanctified by mantras and water contained in a special vessel. The sprinkling of holy water is prescribed for food or any other item like flowers, water, utensils, basil and other things offered to gods and goddesses in Hindu pantheon. Sprinkling holy water in Hindu religion is done during the following occasions: At the daily ritual called sandhya vandana, by invoking Varuna – the god of rain. When children are scared of outside trauma, to ward off the evil aspects of nature. After the moon or the sun appears after an eclipse. At daily ritual called punyaha vachana on the eleventh day after the birth of a child. For the removal of impurity on the 12 th day after death ceremonies are completed. This is called ‘asaucapida parihara.’ On the day of the occupation of a newly built house. After the completion of a yajna. At marriage ceremonies – in four d

Do Not Get Attached To Any Philosophy Or Isms

Do not get attached to any philosophy or isms. Be just a person seeking truth. You will get something from every ism and teacher. Take them. Ponder over them. Then find your path. For a happier and conscious life, never get imprisoned by any belief system. Keep an open mind. There is a teacher everywhere. It can be a child, a dog, a tree or anything. Scriptures and teachers can only give us clues. It is for us to find the answer. When we are attached to something, we knowingly or unknowingly become a spokesperson of it. It only causes emotional problems. Learn from all traditions and focus on your inner experiences. This is the reason why Sanatana Dharma was never an organized religion. Sanatana Dharma always supported all kinds of seekers. That is why we Hindus have no problem in respecting genuine teachers of any religion.  Sanatana Dharma is perhaps the only way of life in the world in which son (Muruga) sits on the lap of father (Shiva) and teaches the father the g