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Showing posts from October 26, 2020


Divine Meeting of Adi Shankaracharya And His Guru Govinda Bhagavatpada

The divine meeting between Adi Shankaracharya and his Guru Govinda Bhagavatpada is full of miracles. As per Patanjali charitam, Govinda Bhagavatpada resided in a cave near the famous Omkareshwar Temple on the banks of Narmada River. He lived here for several years expecting the arrival of Adi Shankaracharya. At the age of eight, Adi Shankaracharya left his home and walked towards North in search of a Guru. When he reached the southern banks of Narmada, the river was flooded. Govinda Bhagavatpada was inside a cave on the northern banks of Narmada River. Sensing the presence of his Guru in the cave, Adi Shankaracharya immediately composed the now famous Narmadashtakam – a hymn praising the greatness of   Narmada River. Immediately, the swelling of Narmada River stopped and the river entered the kamandalu of Adi Shankara. As soon as Adi Shankara reached the cave, Govinda Bhagavatpada woke up from his intense meditation. Govinda Bhagavatpada asked Adi Shankara Who Ar

Pancha Maha Yajnas In Hinduism

Pancha Maha Yajnas are the five important and compulsory Yajnas in the life of a Hindu householder. The five yajnas are like duties and it should be performed during the Grihastha Ashrama Dharma or during the life of a householder. The Pancha Maha Yajnas are: Brahma Yajna Pitr Yajna Deva Yajna Bhuta Yajna Atithi Yajna Brahma Yajna  This involves learning the scriptures especially Vedas. Sharing, discussing and teaching the scripture are part of Brahma Yajna. Learning important mantras, studying Upanishads and satisfying one who has thirst of knowledge is important. Pitr Yajna This involves offering of libations to ancestral spirits. The ritual is a simple procedure of offering a palm full of water while recalling the names of the departed ancestors. Some people also offered daily rice balls and water to the departed souls daily. In some rare instance, the rice balls are thrown into havan fire and the performer utters the word ‘Swaha.’ This is based on the belie

Mathematical Facts About Rath Yatra

Here are few important mathematical facts about Rath Yatra – Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra. Around 2,188 pieces of wood are needed for the construction of the chariots These are chiseled out by around 125 carpenters. They work for 58 days at the Mahakala – the front portion of the Palace located near the Jagannath Temple. The Chariot of Lord Jagannath is known as Nandighosa. It is also known as Garuda Dhwaja and Kapidhwaja. Height: 13’.5m (33 cubits and five thumbs) (45 feet six inches) Number of wheels: 16 (seven feet diameter) Length and breadth: 34’6” x 34’.6” The throne on which Jagannath sits is 35 square feet. Wrappings: Red, Yellow color cloths Total Number of wooden pieces used: 832 (in some texts it is 742) The Chariot of Balabhadra is known as Taladhwaja. Height: 13’.2m Number of wheels: 14 (seven feet diameter) Length and breadth: 33’ x 33’ Wrappings: Red, bluish green color cloths Total Number of wooden pieces used: 763 (731 in some texts) The Chariot of Subhadra is

Negativity Will Follow Us But We Have The Choice How To Face It

The way we view the world largely depends on our thoughts, actions and attitude. When we are sensitive to our surroundings, we will notice sympathy and hope around. When we have anger and hatred in us, we will only see negativity all around. It is true that there are many negative things happening around sadly we only get to hear about them through newspaper, internet and mobiles. But there are many positive things too happening in the world but we do not get to hear them because they do not have readership and TRP. There will be negative things in life always but we can decide how we want to look at them. Certain things that we hear, see and read will cause a deep sense of frustration, aversion and unfathomable anger. But we need to remain peaceful and make sure that such things do not happen in our area. We will be regularly challenged by pessimists and by depressing incidents. By now, we are well aware that negativity does not help us in anyway. It only pushes us down. It