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Goddess Durga Rides Lion or Tiger – Which is the Vahana of Goddess Durga?

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Many people have doubt as to Goddess Durga rides a lion or tiger. Frankly, lion or tiger should be of no matter to a devotee. It is not the animal that matters but the symbolism. Lion is mentioned as the vahana or vehicle in the Devi Mahatmya – the story of Goddess Durga is based on it. But Devi Mahatmya was composed during the sixth century AD. Goddess Durga was worshipped for several hundred years before the composition of the scripture. History The lion first appeared along with Goddess Durga during the late Kushan Period (2nd Century BC to 3rd century AD). Lion is the king of animals and Goddess Durga is the primordial Goddess. She is the all-powerful and her mount had to be of similar qualities. Thus, lion was chosen. The forest tribes of Bharat who worshipped Goddess Durga from time immemorial associated her with tiger. Large relief panels began to appear from the 5th century AD in which Goddess Durga is depicted along with lion. Calendars with image of Godde
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Sudarshana Chakra Of Goddess Durga – Symbolism And Meaning

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The Sudarshana Chakra (disc), wielded by Goddess Durga, holds deep symbolism and significance in Hindu mythology. Here's an expansion on its symbolism and meaning: Divine Weaponry: The Sudarshan Chakra is a powerful celestial weapon gifted to Goddess Durga by Bhagavan Srihari Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Its association with Vishnu highlights its divine origins and its potency as a tool of divine intervention. Destruction of Evil: When Goddess Durga is depicted wielding the Sudarshana Chakra, it symbolizes her role as a warrior goddess engaged in the eternal battle against evil forces. The Chakra's presence in her hand signifies her readiness to annihilate negativity and restore cosmic balance. Wheel of Time: The Sudarshan Chakra is often interpreted as a representation of the wheel of time, symbolizing the cyclical nature of existence. Its circular form signifies the endless cycle of creation, sustenance, and transformation that characterizes the
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Concept of Shraddha In Various Hindu Scriptures

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‘Etymologically, the word shraddha is derived from shrat, a root noun probably cognate with the English word ‘heart’, and dha to place; it would thus mean: “to put one’s heart on something”. ’ Though generally the English word ‘faith’ is used to translate ‘shraddha’, it does not convey the same meaning. Explaining the uniqueness of this word, Swami Vivekananda says: ‘I would not translate this word Shraddha to you, it would be a mistake; it is a wonderful word to understand , and much depends on it.’ In the Rig Veda we come across the ‘Shraddha Sukta’ (Rig Veda, 10.151). Its seer is a woman whose name is also Shraddha. Here shraddha is deified and conceived of as a deity who is to be worshipped thrice a day. The hymn states that shraddha is to be attained through heartfelt devotion, and that by this shraddha everything can be achieved. In the Brahmanas, shraddha signifies ‘the aspiration for the sacrificial goal — namely, svarga, heaven — and a confidence in the efficacy of the sac
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May 4 2024 Tithi – Panchang – Hindu Calendar – Good Time – Nakshatra – Rashi

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Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Saturday, May 4 2024 – It is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 5:38 PM on May 4. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 3:10 PM on May 5. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on May 4, 2024 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Purva Bhadrapada or Pooruruttathi nakshatra till 7:33 PM on May 4. Then onward it is Uttara Bhadrapada or Uthrattathi nakshatra till 5:53 PM on May 5. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Ra
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What We Know Is A Drop In The Ocean – Hinduism Teaching

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The concept "What we know is a drop in the ocean" resonates deeply with Hindu teachings, encapsulating the idea of the vastness of knowledge and the limitations of human understanding. In Hinduism, this sentiment aligns with the notion of Maya, the illusion that the material world is the ultimate reality, obscuring the infinite nature of existence. Limitations of Human Knowledge: Hinduism acknowledges the finite nature of human perception and intellect. It teaches that our understanding of the universe is limited by our senses, experiences, and cultural conditioning. What we perceive and comprehend is only a tiny fraction of the cosmic reality . The Ocean of Consciousness: Hindu philosophy describes the universe as a manifestation of Brahman, the ultimate reality or cosmic consciousness. This Brahman is likened to an ocean of infinite knowledge and existence, transcending all boundaries of time, space, and comprehension. Hindu saints have always reminded us that what is
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Temporal Power – Authority In Hindu Philosophy

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Adhikara is a polyvalent word generally referring to temporal power, authority or right. In grammar, adhikara is a governing rule under which a set of rules are enumerated. In philosophy , a section dealing with a particular topic is called adhikara. In the Nyaya system of philosophy (Nyayasutra of Gautam), it means commencement or beginning. It is defined as ability and power to lay down an injunction. In Vedanta, particularly in the commentaries of Upanishads, Gita and Brahmasutra, it means the same. Shankara uses the term in the sense of relevance, duty, authority, eligibility, and competence. Bhaskara and later Vedantins frequently use this word in the sense of ‘injunction laying down eligibility’. In Samkhya, it means context, relevant topic, discussion, occasion, and proximity, whereas in Yoga it means ability or power. In legal treatises, adhikara means ownership, lordship, right, title, property, duty and so on. Besides these meanings, it means administrative rules. In Smriti
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Agnivesha

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Agnivesha, also known as Agniveshya, holds a significant place in Hindu mythology and ancient Indian texts like the Mahabharata and Puranas. Born as the son of Devadatta, an incarnation of Agni, the fire god, Agnivesha is revered as a rishi or sage. He is also known by the names Kanina and Jatukarna. Within the broader framework of Vedic literature, Agnivesha is credited as the progenitor of the Brahmana group of Agniveshyayana, also known as Prarava Agniras. This lineage traces its ancestry back to Agnivesha, indicating his esteemed position in the ancient Indian social and intellectual hierarchy. According to the Mahabharata, Agnivesha played a pivotal role as the teacher of Drona, who himself is a prominent figure in Hindu tradition and is renowned as the martial arts guru of the Kauravas and Pandavas. Agnivesha's teachings and guidance to Drona underline his stature as a revered guru and scholar. Moreover, Agnivesha is depicted as a disciple of the venerable Sage Agastya
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Acintyabhedabheda - Philosophical Doctrine Of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

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Acintya Bhedabheda is the philosophical doctrine of C haitanya Mahaprabhu (1486 – 1533 CE) and his followers. Achintyabhedabheda highlights the ‘incomprehensible difference-non-difference’ nature of Reality. It represents a Vaishnava tradition. It is also known as Chaitanya-Mata, and the Gaudiya Vaishnavism school but more generally the Bengal school of Vaishnavism. Among all the philosophies advocating both bheda (difference) and abhead (identity), it is Nimbarka’s philosophy of Bhedabheda that comes closest to the Bengal school of Vaishnavism. However, there are substantial differences between them. Nimbarka believes in two categories of reality – the independent reality and the dependent reality – the former is Brahman or God and the latter comprises the world and the being. The relationship between these two categories of reality has the nature of both difference and identity, i.e., bhedabheda. The logical challenge involved in explaining the possibility of both difference and
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Agnijvala Hell In Hinduism

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In Hinduism, the concept of hell is complex and varied , with different texts describing various hells and their punishments for different sins or transgressions. Agnijvala is indeed one of the hells described in the Garuda Purana, an ancient Hindu text that covers a wide range of topics including cosmology, rituals, and moral conduct. According to the Garuda Purana, Agnijvala is a hell reserved for those who have violated the rules of an ashrama (a hermitage or spiritual community) or disturbed the peaceful life there. In this hell, it is described that the souls of such individuals are subjected to extreme heat or are roasted as a form of punishment for their disruptive actions. The idea behind the punishment in Agnijvala hell is not merely physical torture, but also a symbolic representation of the spiritual consequences of disrupting the harmony and order of a spiritual community or environment. In Hinduism, the ashramas are considered sacred spaces where individuals pursue spi
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Purpose Of Brahmacharya Ashrama In Hinduism

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In the Vedic age the lifespan of an individual was divided into four ashramas, stations of life: Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, and Sannyasa. According to Hindu ancient tradition , every individual had to pass through the stage of brahmacharya before taking up any of the next stages of life. In Hinduism, the Brahmacharya Ashrama consisted in staying with the teacher, serving him or her, studying the Vedas, following a life of self-control, and also performing certain austerities. The students remained with the teacher for a fixed period of time after the completion of which they were free to choose their way of life — either returning home to live as a householder or continuing to stay with the teacher while practicing lifelong celibacy along with other spiritual disciplines, service, and study. The former type was called Upakurvana brahmacharya and the latter Naishtika brahmacharya. The final purpose of the Brahmacharya Ashrama and its activities was spiritual enlightenment a
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May 3 2024 Tithi – Panchang – Hindu Calendar – Good Time – Nakshatra – Rashi

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Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Friday, May 3 2024 – It is Krishna Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 8:05 PM on May 3. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 5:38 PM on May 4. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on May 3, 2024 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time till 12:41 PM.  Nakshatra  – Satabhisha or Sadhayam or Chathayam nakshatra till 9:13 PM on May 3. Then onward it is Purva Bhadrapada or Pooruruttathi nakshatra till 7:33 PM on May 4. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Dhanishta or
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