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Showing posts from October 24, 2022


Diwali Lakshmi Puja Katha – Story Of Performing Lakshmi Puja On Diwali

A story associated with Goddess Lakshmi and an old lady explains the importance of performing Lakshmi puja on Diwali. This Diwali Lakshmi puja katha narrates the significance of lightning Diya (lamp) on Diwali night. One day Goddess Lakshmi was roaming on earth. It was the Kartik Amavasya day – no moon day in Kartik month. She roamed and forgot about night approaching. Because of the darkness created by no moon day, Goddess Lakshmi lost her way and decided to stay among humans on the day. But when Goddess Lakshmi looked around she found that all the houses were closed and there were no Diya (light) burning. After roaming for a while she came across a home which in which a Diya was burning. It was a dilapidated hut of an old woman. When Goddess Lakshmi reached the hut, the old woman invited her into the home and said that it was not safe for a maiden to roam around on a dark night. She offered the little food that was in her home and made bed for Goddess Lakshmi

Diwali Is Going Mainstream In US

A few years back, Diwali was a festival limited to South Asian entrepreneurs In US. But this year things have changed a lot, popular brands like Lego, Costco, Hallmark and Target have joined in the Diwali celebrations. Harmeet Kaur writes in CNN about this change… Diwali seems to be everywhere this year. More and more major brands are recognizing the festival of lights, running ad campaigns and stocking products related to the holiday in the US. South Asian Americans who celebrate Diwali can now pick up fireworks from Costco, greeting cards from Hallmark and party decorations from Target. The growing acknowledgment of the holiday in the US is a marked shift for many first- and second-generation South Asian Americans who grew up celebrating the festival at home but rarely saw it acknowledged outside of their communities. The proliferation of Diwali ad campaigns and products, marketing strategists and business owners say, reflects just how much the South Asian population in the

Deepavali Diya – Why do we light Diyas or Lamps during Diwali?

There is no Diwali without Diyas or lamps. Diyas are an indispensable part of Deepavali celebrations. But why do we light lamps during Diwali? Legend has it that the tradition of lighting diyas during Diwali began when Sri Ram returned to Ayodhya after completing his 14-year exile. People of Ayodhya wanted to give an extraordinary welcome to Sri Ram and it is said that they lit lamps everywhere in Ayodhya. It must have been a great sight to Sri Ram, who was returning from Lanka in Pushpak Viman – flying machine, to see the Diyas in all of Ayodhya. Another reason for lighting lamps is that Diwali is observed on Amavasya. The no moon day (Amavasi) which is the darkest day in a Hindu lunar month is also dedicated to dead ancestors. There is also a belief that the period of night time of ancestors begin with Diwali Amavasya. So the lamps are lit to show them way to their abode. This belief is widespread in Eastern parts of India . Lighting of lamps on Dhanteras is dedic

Why King Janaka Was Known As Videha?

This story of Yajnavalkya explains why the famous King Janaka was known as Videha. Yajnavalkya was to address an assembly of sages in Janaka’s palace. Though it was time to begin the discourse, Yajnavalkya waited for Janaka’s arrival. The audience whispered among themselves about Yajnavalkya’s trying to curry favour with the king. Yajnavalkya thought here was an opportunity to demonstrate Janaka’s greatness. The king arrived shortly and the discourse began. Suddenly, with his yogic power, Yajnavalkya made fire engulf the palace. The sages started running helter-skelter with their staffs and water pots in hand. Janaka was the only one calmly seated. Yajnavalkya asked Janaka, ‘O king, don’t you see your palace burning and the all the sages have taken to their heels?’ Janaka smiled and said, ‘Nothing in this world is mine. The palace may burn but it cannot burn me, the real, immortal Self.’ Yajnavalkya withdrew the fire by his power and the sages returned to their seats, now wiser a

Kedareshwar Vrata 2024 – Kedar Gauri Vrat 2024 Date During Diwali

Kedareshwar Vrata, also known as Kedar Gauri Vrat, is observed on the Amavasya day during Diwali. Kedareshwar Vrata 2024 date is November 1. Kedara Gauri Vrat is observed on Kartik Amavasya in North India and the corresponding Amavasya in other regions is Ashwin Amavasya. The Vrat is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is based on Goddess Parvati's attempt to merge with Lord Shiva. Initially, Kedareshwar Vrata used to begin on the Ashtami day or eighth day of the Krishna Paksha of Ashwin or Kartik month and end on Amavasya day during Diwali. But now most people only observe the Vrat on the Amavas day. Most Shiva devotees observe a fast on Kedareshwara Vrata day. Some people only perform a partial fast. Kedareshwar Vrata is observed for attaining Moksha and merging with the Supreme Being. Story of Kedareshwar Vrata Legend has it that Kedareshwara Vrata was observed by Goddess Parvati to merge with Lord Shiva and be part of his body. Once a Gana (attendan

How To Perform Lakshmi Puja At Home On Diwali?

Lakshmi Puja is an important ritual during Diwali or Deepavali. There were numerous queries on how to do Lakshmi Puja at home? There is no straightforward answer to this question as the ritual varies from region to region. But here is a simple guide to perform Lakshmi Puja during Diwali. In 2024, Diwali Lakshmi Puja is on October 31. In Maharashtra, it is marked on November 1. First and foremost step is to clean the house. Through the puja we are inviting Goddess Lakshmi to our house and she likes everything to be neat and clean. In some communities, even the broom is worshipped on the Lakshmi Puja day. This symbolically represents the need for cleanliness. Three forms of Shakti – Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswathi and Goddess Durga –Lord Ganesh and Lord Kubera are worshipped on the day. No puja is performed without paying customary tributes to Lord Ganesha. Lord Kubera, represents wealth, and he is the treasurer of Gods. In homes, usually the locker or safe in which

Pandit Din Dayalu Sharma

Pandit Din Dayalu Sharma was a proponent of Hinduism. He was an eminent scholar in Sanskrit, Persian, Urdu, was born in May 1863 CE in Jhajjar (Haryana). He started social service at the age of eighteen when he founded the Panchayat Taraqqi Hunud (the Council for the Advancement of the Hindus). Soon, he became the editor of Mathura Akhbar, an Urdu monthly, propagating the principles of Hinduism. The young pandit organized a meeting in Haridwar and founded the Gau Varnashrama Hitaishini Ganga Dharma Sabha (The Religious Association for the Welfare of the Cow, Social Order and the Holy Ganga) in 1886 CE. As a preacher, he travelled all over Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal (Kolkata in particular), with the aim of setting up Hindu organizations, and Sanskrit schools. In April 1887, he convened the “Bharat Dharam Mahamandala” (Indian Religious Conference) at Kapurthala, with the aim of bringing together all leaders of the Sanatana Dharma. Its first meeting was from May 29 to that

Diwali Gharonda – Miniature House Made by Girls during Diwali

The word Gharonda ( घरौंदा ) is associated with the word Ghar or house. It is the miniature house that is prepared by girls and unmarried women during Diwali. It is like a dollhouse with rangoli in front and all other essential items needed for a house. Why is Gharonda made during Diwali? The belief is that if Gharonda is made then there will be peace and prosperity in the house. It will also help girls when they get married. There will be prosperity in their husbands home. When is it made? In some regions, the preparation begins on the first day of the Kartik month – 15 days before Diwali. Today it is limited to just Diwali day as readymade Gharonda are available in the market. Reason It is said that Ayodhya became a proper city and houses prospered only after the arrival of Bhagavan Sri Ram from exile. In memory of this event, people started making miniature houses to display prosperity. How the gharonda houses are prepared and what are kept? Some p

Varttikabharana

Varttikabharana is an exposition of the Varttika, defined as an explanatory or supplementary rule explaining the meaning of a statement said or left unsaid or imperfectly said. Varttikabharana of Venkateshwara Dishita is a commentary on Kumarila Bhatta’s Tuptika. Tuptika is an exposition on Sabarasvamin’s Bhashya, which is a commentary on Purvamimamsasutra of Jaimini. Venkatesvara Dikshita, the son of Nagambal and Govida Dikshita, was a minister in the court of Acyutappa Nayak and Raghunatha Nayak, kings of Thanjavur. He was also known as Venkatamakhin. Besides his immense contribution to the field of music by way of codifying the melakarta scheme, his erudition in the field of music by way of codifying the melakarta scheme, his erudition in the field of mimasa is well reflected in the Varttika Bharana. Mimamsa Sutras of Jaimini deals with the principles of interpretation of rituals in Vedic texts, is divided into twelve sections, each one dealing with a particular topic, and hen

Vasishtha Samhita – Text On Law

Vasishtha Samhita is a text on sacred law ascribed to Sage Vasishta. It is only after knowing and following the sacred law that a religious man becomes worthy of praise in this world and after death. Vasistha Samhita explains ways of conduct for the student, the householder, and the hermit. The geographical limits and physical features of Aryavarta and Brahmavarta are also mentioned. The nomenclature of the four castes and the reasons for calling the first three castes as twice born are described. The ways of levying taxes are also described. Penance is prescribed in cases of miscarriage of justice. Twelve kinds of sins are recognized, and their status and definitions are given. Penance for wine drinkers and procedures for them are prescribed. The duties of the householder, the hermit and the religious mendicant and the ascetic are delineated in the texts. The right of parents to give away their son in adoption is also given, along with the procedural description of the mode of takin

Dreaming Of My Neighbor – Meaning

Dreaming of my neighbor is a both positive and negative sign as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will need to cooperate with your neighbor to solve a problem in the area. It also means sudden personal problems requiring help from your neighbor. Dreams of my neighbor also mean additional responsibilities. It also means you will be forced to interfere in the affairs of your neighbor as it is disturbing your peaceful life. Dream of my neighbor and you are seen simply talking means help and satisfaction. Dreams of my neighbor and you both are doing some kind of hard work means you will face hardships in your area. It also means natural calamity. Dreaming of my neighbor and you wake up terrified means your neighbor might cause some problems in your life. It also means you will find out that your neighbor is creepy or spreading lies about you. Dream of my neighbor and you both are happy in the dream means you happiness and peaceful life. It also means you wil

Diwali Thoughts and Quotes – Hindu Blog

Take bath in the early morning, perform Lakshmi Puja, eat sweets, meet friends and relatives, light diya and play with crackers and Diwali comes to an end. From next day we are back to our routine – making both ends meet. Do we ever spare time on Diwali to think about its spiritual significance – why light diya on the darkest night of the month? We are surrounded by darkness. There is spiritual darkness; there is darkness created by ignorance; there is darkness created by jealousy and lust; there is darkness of greediness and avarice; there is darkness of desire; darkness of anger, hatred and darkness of fear. The only light that can remove all these darknesses is the light of self realization. The light of pure knowledge that there is no second here to hate. That the universe is single homogenous whole. Everything here is nothing but the Supreme Truth. The human-made darkness in the life of living beings on earth is getting even more darker. Human beings plunder nature out of gre

Dreaming Of My Late Uncle – Meaning

Dreaming of my late uncle is both positive and negative sign as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will face some crisis in near future and will miss your uncle who would have been a great help. It also means you will fulfill a wish of your uncle. Dreams of my late uncle also mean you will achieve success and this will make your uncle proud. Dream of my late uncle and you wake up terrified means an old problem will come back to haunt you. It also means you will be exposed or will have to answer for an action of yours. It also means a secret getting revealed. Dreaming of my late uncle and you see other relatives in the dream means get together or family function. The dream also means you will find out something new about the death of your uncle. Dreams of my late uncle and it is taking place in an unknown place means your uncle is trying to tell you something about his death or something that he had left for the family.

Reality Behind Names And Forms

According to Vedanta the Spirit alone is the ultimate Reality; the differences we see around are due to our distorted vision. Just as during twilight we see a snake in a rope, even so, because of ignorance of our real nature, we see differences in the world, which is in reality nothing but Brahman. The Spirit alone is the abiding reality. The apparent differences are based on names and forms. Everything we perceive is composed of five factors: being (asti), the ability to be cognized (bhati), attractiveness (priya), form (rupa) and name (nama). The first three pertain to Brahman and the other two to the world. In other words, minus name and form, the world is nothing but Spirit. Other names and forms are real to us because our own name and form are real to us in the first place. Body-based differences are real to us as long as our own body is real to us. The external world appears as it does because of our identification with our bodies. Our perception of the world stands to change i

Dreaming Of Kissing My Boss – Meaning

Dreaming of kissing my boss is a bad omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will do something that you will regret in future. It also means you will try to take advantage of the vulnerability of your boss. Dreams of kissing my boss also mean professional relationship turning into an emotional relationship. It also means you will get carried away by a situation and will do something shameful. Dream of kissing my boss and you wake up terrified means you will be forced to do something you do not like in near future. It also means you getting trapped or blackmailed. Dreaming of kissing my boss in an unknown place means you will get into a complicated relationship. It also means you will be in a relationship that you have to hide from public, colleagues and family. Dreams of kissing my boss and you wake up happy means desire fulfillment regarding a relationship. It also means happiness.

Dreaming Of Late Grandmother – Meaning

Dreaming of late grandmother is a good omen as per those who believe in dream meaning interpretation. The dream means blessing and hope. It also means you should attempt to get your dreams fulfilled and you have the approval and help from grandmother. Dreams of late grandmother also means she is giving you some kinds of signs of a hidden secret or warning about future. Dreaming of late grandmother and if she is happy you will soon achieve peace, progress and prosperity. You will also have the opportunity for new work. Dream of late grandmother searching for something in a specific place means she has left something for you. Dream of a concerned late grandmother is a kind of warning about future accidents and illness. You should be careful while doing things especially driving etc. Dream of an angry late grandmother comes in dream to warn her grandchildren about future. You need to be careful with all your activities, new relationships and friendship. Late grandmother appears

Dreaming Of Kissing My Boyfriend – Meaning

Dreaming of my kissing my boyfriend is a good omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will take a special relationship to next level. It also means you will show courage to reveal something you love and want to do in life. Dreams of kissing my boyfriend also means you will decide to get married. It also means you will get carried away by a situation. Dream of kissing my boyfriend and you wake up terrified or sad means a secret relationship of yours will be exposed. It also means you will do something in near future that you will regret. Dreaming of kissing my boyfriend and you are happy you will have desire fulfillment. It also means you will get into a steady relationship. Dreams of kissing my boyfriend and you see other people in the dream mean engagement or living together with your partner. Please note that usually such dreams happen as a result of intense activity on the same subject during day time. Then the dream has no meaning. The dream to hav

31 October 2022 Tithi – Panchang – Hindu Calendar – Good Time – Nakshatra – Rashi

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Monday, 31 October 2022 – It is Shukla Paksha Saptami tithi or the seventh day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Sashti tithi or the sixth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 4:53 AM on October 31. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Saptami tithi or the seventh day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 3:30 AM on November 1. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on October 31, 2022 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Purvashada or Pooradam nakshatra till 8:56 AM on October 31. Then onward it is Uttarashada or Uthradam nakshatra till 7:14 AM on November 2. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Pur