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Showing posts from September 23, 2022


Vijnanatman In Hindu Religion

In Hindu religion, Vijnanatman is the conditioned self (jiva) in Vedantic literature. The pure Brahman is without any adjuncts, and hence will not be performing any activities. All worldly activities are guided by the desire to attain them. Thus, the Absolute has to be conditioned by the nescience or maya. At the individual level, the consciousness has to be conditioned by the intelligence or buddhi. Thus, the conditioned self is called vijnanatman. Just as a marakathamani (an emerald) turns milk green when put in it without actually transforming the milk itself and makes it difficult to differentiate it from the milk, vijnanatman, too, in the presence of consciousness, identifies himself with it, makes it difficult to differentiate the two and conceals successfully the consciousness. One when confuses buddhi itself as consciousness. When buddhi or vijnana attaches itself with mind, sense organs and the gross body, they too are confused to be consciousness. Thus, a common man thinks

Vijnana Bhairava – A Yoga Text Of Shaivagama

Vijnana Bhairava is an old work containing the principles of Shaivagama. It contains 112 types of Yoga, which are mentioned as ‘Dharana’ in the book. It is the only book which describes almost all the ways of approach to the Ultimate Reality. Yogas described in the book are based on the principles of the non-dualistic ‘Shaiva Philosophy’. According to Sivopadhyaya, a commentator, the number of verses in this book is 163. However another commentator, Ananda Bhatta, puts it at 161. Three authentic commentaries are available for this book. One of them is composed by the celebrated commentator Kshemaraja, which is, however, incomplete. The other two commentaries by Shivopadhyaya and Ananda Bhatta are complete. Vijnana Bhairava is in the form of a dialogue between Bhairava and Bhairavi. The title of the book Vijnana Bhairava is explained thus – Bhairava means the divine power which undertakes the projection, maintenance and withdrawal of the universe. Vijnana means self realization, whi

Vidyananda – Digambara Jain Monk

 Vidyananda is a prominent Digambara Jain monk of the 9 th century CE. He was a profound scholar, orator, philosopher, grammarian, poet and, above all, a great Jaina saint. There have been more than one acharya of the name Vidyananda. He is the author of Tattvartha-Shloka-Vartika and Aptapariksha. He was initiated in the Nandi Sanga. Very little is known about his family lineage, parents, birthplace, etc. Scholars are of the opinion that he was born in Mysore in a Brahmin family and remained unmarried. His austere lifestyle, disciplined daily routine, and self-control helped his intellectual explorations. He was well versed in literature of Jaina religion and his work reveals his mastery of Mimamsa and Buddhist philosophy. He wrote three commentaries and authored six independent works. Tattvartha-Shloka-Vartika is the first of the three commentaries on the famous Tattvartha Sutra in poetic form with prose explanations, divided into ten chapters containing 18,000 shlokas. Ashtasaha

Nirvikalpa Samadhi In Hinduism

Non-dual consciousness is known as nirvikalpa samadhi in Hinduism. Vikalpa means imagination or thinking, which is the main function of the mind. Thought or imagination implies duality, such as subject and object. Nirvikalpa means free of imagination and thinking and of dualistic consciousness in general. So “Nirvikalpa Samadhi” means an exclusive concentration upon the one entity without the distinct and separate consciousness of the knower, the known and the knowing, and without even self consciousness. Non-dualist Vedantins, such as Shankaracharya and his followers, believed that Brahman (Reality), being non-dualistic in nature, can be grasped in such thought free concentration. “The truth, that is Brahman, is surely realized by nirvikalpaka Samadhi, not by any other method. Otherwise, due to the inconsistency of the mind, it will be mixed up with other modifications.” (Vivekachudamani, verse 366). Adi Shankaracharya says in another work that the salt mixed in water appears as

Shradh – Tarpan To Dead Ancestors At Badrinath Temple

Badrinath Temple, or Badrinath Dham, in Uttarakhand is one among the temples in Char Dham Yatra to the Himalayas. The temple is also famous for performing Shradh and Tarpan to dead ancestors. The ritual is performed at Brahma Kapal on the banks of Alakananda River near the temple. The popular belief is that once a person performs Tharpanam or Shraddh at Badrinath temple then one need not perform the ritual anywhere else. The ritual can be performed for any dead person in the family. It is also a good place to perform the ritual if one does not know the death tithi or date. The cooked rice for the purpose can be obtained from the temple.

Food Offering At Badrinath Temple

Unique food offerings are made at the Badrinath Temple or Shri Badrinath Dham in Uttarakhand. The popular belief is that Goddess Lakshmi cooks the food (bhog or naivedya) for Badrinath or Bhagavan Vishnu at the temple kitchen. The first main food offering to the deity is at morning around 6:30 AM. The food offered is mewa. Next offering is at 7:30 AM and this is kheer bhog. The main food offering of the day is at 12:00 PM. Kesaria Bhog – yellowed-hued rice with kesar (saffron) and dal – arhar and moong dal with a little chana dal, cooked together are the main offering. Plain rice is offered along with the offering. The final food offering is doodh baath (mik rice) and this is at 9:30 PM. Devotees visiting the temple offer mishri or rock sugar, dry dates and fruits and dry leaves. The temple doors are never closed during the food offerings in the temple.

Vidhi Nishedha In Hinduism

Vidhi nishedha is a prohibitory injunction of vidhi (sacred precept) in Hinduism. Purva Mimamsa lays down the rules of interpretation of Vedic sentences and is therefore known as vakya-sastra (the science of sentences). It divides Vedic sentences into vidhi, niyama, parisamkhya, nishedha and arthavada. Vidhi nishedha refers to one kind of Vedic sentence. Vidhi is a sacred precept which enjoins something for the first time (vidhiratyantam aparaptau). The usual illustration is ‘a person desirous of heaven should perform yajna with soma.’ (svargakamah somena yajeta). That a pleasant place like heaven exists and that it can be obtained by soma yajna is known for the first time. Therefore, this is a vidhi. Mimamsakas classify the vidhi sentences into four groups Utpattividhi (vidhi of origin) – example he performs agnihotra. This is the original vidhi. Viniyogavidhi (vidhi of application). (Example – He performs yajnas with curd). Application of curd is laid down; therefore this is

Nirukta in Hinduism - Etymology

In Hinduism, nirukta is one of the Vedangas (limbs of Vedas). It is the science of exposition of words, etymology. Only one complete work on Nirukta, composed by Yaska, generally taken to be earlier than Panini, is available today. Nirukta of Yaska, which is related to Rig Veda, is in the form of a commentary on Nighantu, five collections and discussions of 1,839 words, composed of 1,410 Vedic synonyms, 278 homonyms, and 152 names of deities. It can be considered an independent work dealing with linguistics, Vedic hermeneutics, etymology, mythology, theology and philosophy, apart from explaining a few hundred Rig Vedic verses. To the twelve original chapters of Nirukta, which is divided into 400 sections, two more chapters were added long after Yaska. Yaska includes nearly 1,200 Vedic words, about half of them from Nighantu. The main purpose of Yaska was to establish the principle of interpretation of Vedas through etymology. Nirkuti, the art of deriving words from verbal roots to

Veshabhusha In Hindu Drama

Veshabhusha is a modern expression for the old world aharya, meaning dress, costumes and make up in dramaturgy. The physical presentation in a stage performance is made according to the character and thematic context by the Vesha Bhusha. The aharya aspect in many stage performances is derived as per the gunas (quality or nature) – sattvika, rajasa and tamas (divine, heroic and dull). According to Natyashastra, aharya is of four kinds: pushta (stage props), alankara (decoration or ornamentation with flower or metallic ornaments), angaracana (facial and body make-up with sandal paste and similar cosmetics) and sajiva (lively objects). Stage decorations with suitable structures, figures, furniture, or instruments are of the pushta type. Alankara includes character-wise costume and dress. Angaracana is applying pastes, cosmetics, colors, etc., on parts of the body for beautification, according to the character acted, king or queen, God or Goddess, warrior, servant, Brahmin, messenger, sage

Veppathur Subrahmanya Shastri

Veppathur Subrahmanya Shastri was a scholar in the philosophical systems of Nyaya and Vedanta. He was born on August 10, 1909, to Venkatarama Shrauti at Veppathur village in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. After his studies, he taught at the Annamalai University and at the Madras Sanskrit College. His great proficiency in the Shastras was recognized by the late Parikshit Maharaja of Cochi, who awarded him the title of ‘Panditaraja.’ He was a recipient of many honors in his lifetime. Veppathur Subrahmanya Sastri write a commentary called Vivaranam on Lakarartha vichara, a portion of Vyutpattivada of Gadadhara Bhattacharya. In his Sabdatrangini, he deals with the idea of sabdabodha, i.e., understanding the meaning of the words in a sentence from the viewpoints of grammarians, Mimamsakas, and Naiyayikas, in six chapters called Tarangas. This work shows Shastri’s deep understanding of the subtleties of the Sanskrit language. The introduction contains a comprehensive history of lang

Dreaming Of Murky Water – Meaning

Dreaming of murky water is a bad omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will see some bad developments in your life. There will no clarity regarding many things and you will be confused. Dreams of murky water also mean certain secrets will be exposed and this will cause fight among family members. It also means problem to an important aspect of life. Dream of murky water entering your house and you trying to save things means natural or man-made calamity. The dream also means breakage of sewage or other similar pipes in your home or area. Dream of drinking murky water means you will face sudden problems in life and you will not know what to do. Dreaming of murky water and you are not present in the dream means you will face helpless situation in life especially created by family members. It also means no one will be there to help you. Dreams of murky water in an unknown place are a sign that your actions might result in problems for others. This means

Dreaming Of Mulberries – Meaning - Mulberry Dream

Dreaming of mulberries is a positive omen as per dream interpretation and meaning. The dream means you will soon be joining something new and exciting. It also means fulfillment of desires especially associated with opposite gender. Dreams of mulberry also means getting something more than expected. It also means visiting exotic places or eating rare fruits. Dream of mulberries and if the color is red it means you will get promotion or new job or recognition. Dreaming of you eating mulberries or juice flowing from face is associated with desire fulfillment. Dream of black mulberries means you will turn religious and seek solace in spirituality. Dreams of mulberries getting crushed or being thrown away means accident or problems due to carelessness. Dreams of mulberries with worms or caterpillar means financial gains. Dreaming of mulberries on the plant means you will soon move to a new place and you will make progress here. It also means marriage or new relationship. Dreami

Forgiveness – From The Wisdom Of Vemana

It is interesting to note that the poet saints of Hinduism who composed songs and poems in different parts of the country have similar thoughts and concerns to propagate. While upholding reformatory spirit and imparting practical wisdom through popular axioms that eventually became part of popular imagination and everyday sayings, they ushered in modern temperament. Their tone varied from one of chastisement, censure, castigation, condemnation of evil practices and superstitions to making appeals to uphold and cherish humanistic values. They all provided precepts for peaceful coexistence, healthy human relations marked by tolerance and fortitude. They all advised to shun violence for the benefit of humanity. On closer examination, it becomes clear that the issues they talked about have contemporary relevance for us. They are like visionaries who imbibed the essence of Bharatiyata, the idea of India, and passed it onto the next generations. Vemana says: Don’t think of avenging your

Dreaming Of Murugan Temple – Meaning

Dreaming of Murugan temple is good as per dream interpretation and meaning. After seeing dream of Murugan temple you will see positive changes in your life especially in career, money and relationship matters. It is also a sign of new beginning. Dreams of Murugan temple also mean travel to mountains or hilly spiritual places after fulfillment of desires. You dreaming of Murugan temple and you are present in the dream mean in future you can expect good luck in romance and marriage matters. You will marry a desired partner. Unmarried women dreaming of Murugan temple is associated with early marriage or meeting someone. It means new beginning in life and it can be relationship or job. Unmarried men dreaming of Murugan temple is associated with good progress in love matters and also changes in career. Dreaming of Murugan temple and seeing relatives or friends or family members means spiritual journey or function in family. Dream of Murugan temple and unknown people in it means he

Dreaming Of Murdered Bodies – Meaning

Dreaming of murdered bodies is a bad omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will soon watch or hear something gruesome. It also means being a witness to something illegal or totally against the values of society. Dreams of murdered bodies also mean bad luck and you will be wrongly blamed for something. Dream of murdered bodies and there are other people in the dream means you will witness mass suicide or murder in your society or neighborhood. Dreaming of murdered bodies and you are seen walking around them or doing something weird means you will have suicidal thoughts. It also means you will come under the influence of negative propaganda or evil sect. It should be taken as a warning sign. Dreams of murdered bodies and you are alone in the dream means you will face depression or other mental health issues. You need to take help from elders or professionals after seeing such dreams constantly. Please note that seeing dream of murdered bodies after wat

Dreaming Of Muddy Road – Meaning

Dreaming of muddy road is a bad omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means problems in life and you will find it really hard to move forward in life. It is a warning sign and you need to be careful about all aspects of your life. Dreams of muddy road also mean you will have to go through severe hardships to reach your goal. Dream of muddy road and you are seen struggling in the dream means getting stuck in a bad place. It also means having to deal with things and situations which you would never want to be part of. Dreaming of muddy road and you know the place means you can expect some kind of trouble in your regular matters. It is also a sign of sudden problems in your regular road or route. Dreams of muddy road and you are not seen in the dream means a lucky escape from a bad situation. Dream of getting stuck in muddy road means troubles during travels. It also means a distant journey might get into problems. Dreams of falling in muddy road mean embarrass

30 September 2022 Tithi – Panchang – Hindu Calendar – Good Time – Nakshatra – Rashi

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Friday, 30 September 2022 – It is Shukla Paksha Panchami tithi or the fifth day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Chaturthi tithi or the fourth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 12:24 AM on September 30. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Panchami tithi or the fifth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 10:39 PM on September 30. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Sashti tithi or the sixth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 8:37 PM on October 1. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on September 30, 2022 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Vishaka or Vishakam nakshatra till 6:25 AM on September 30. Then onward it is Anuradha or Anusham or Anizham nakshatra till 4:57 AM on October 1. (Time appli