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Showing posts from November 4, 2020


Lingodbhava Symbolism - Shiva In Linga Form To Settle Dispute Between Vishnu And Brahma

There is a very popular story in Hinduism in which Brahma and Vishnu attempts to find the beginning and end of Shivling. The story in plain sight might suggest the superiority of Shiva but there is deep symbolism attached to the story. The Story Once there was a tussle between the Lord of Creation, Brahma, and the Lord of Protection, Vishnu. Brahma maintained that since he was the creator, without him there would be nothing to protect, therefore he was the mightiest. Vishnu contested this, saying that since nothing created could remain without his acts of protection, he indeed was the greatest. This developed into a heated argument. As the situation deteriorated, the Maheshwara Shiva decided to intervene and he decided to appear before them as an infinite column of light (Shivling). Maheswara suggested to the contenders that they might resolve their argument by taking part in a contest of trying to find either end of the column of light, and that whosoever succeeded could indeed be

Bhramari – Feet Posture In Indian Classical Dance

Bhramari is one the four divisions of feet postures (pada bheda) in Indian classical dance. The other three postures are Mandala, Utplavana and Padacarika. The Bhramari pada is of seven types Utpluta Cakra Garuda Ekapada Kunchita Akasha Anga Bhramari refers to the circular motion. In recika, the wais and the neck are put to use and in bhramari, a foot, lower part of the spine and knee are put to use. Bhramari is very important in the Odissi form of Indian classical dance. Tribhariga and Carrka are the two circular motions wherein bhramaripadas are extensively used. Odissi speaks of two other bhramaris namely, viparita bhramari and antar bhramari, in addition to a variety called utpluta. In these circular motion, the movement can be from left to right or from right to left. In antar bhramari, one foot should touch the knee of the other and the circular motion is made complete. In another form of Indian classical dance, Kathak, bhramari get

Nripureshwar Mahadev in Ujjain – Story of Nripureshwar Form of Shiva – 47th Shiva Temple in Ujjain

Nripureshwar Mahadev is worshiped in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 84 forms of Shiva worshiped in Ujjain. It is believed that worshipping Nripureshwar Form of Shiva will result in cure of all diseases. The person will also find peace and happiness. The temple dedicated to Nripureshwar Mahadev is located at Dabri Peeda Gali in Ujjain. This form of Shiva is associated with giving moksha or liberation to Nripur Gana. Nripureshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 47th temple visited during the parikarama of Shiavalayas here. Story of Nripureshwar Form of Shiva in Ujjain Legend has it that once Nripur Gana visited the palace of Indra in heaven. Here he happened to witness the sensuous dance of Apsara Urvashi. Nripur was unable to control his passion and he threw flowers at Urvashi. Urvashi complained about the behavior of Nripur Gana to Kuber. An angry, Kuber cursed Nripur to be born on earth and suffer pains of birth and

Pleasure Without Pain Is Impossible - Swami Yuktatmananda

Life in the world is beset with dualities: pleasure and pain, praise and blame, heat and cold, and so on. Pleasure unmixed with pain is impossible in the world. We seek pleasure, and pain comes in uninvited. In the words of Swami Vivekananda, "Happiness presents itself before man, wearing the crown of sorrow on its head. He who welcomes it must also welcome sorrow." A life of unbridled sense enjoyment is bound to end up in misery and frustration. The Chandogya Upanishad (7.23.1) teaches the important truth that infinite bliss is not possible from finite things: "The Infinite is bliss. There is no bliss in anything finite. Only the Infinite is bliss. One must desire to understand the Infinite." The Upanishads teach that we are not just body and mind, but are essentially divine. Divinity is the very basis of our existence and is the source of infinite Knowledge and Bliss. We are unaware of our divine nature because of ignorance (avidya). Ignorant of