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Story – Why And How Bhagavad Gita Was Composed By Sage Vyasa?

There are numerous theories and stories why and how Bhagavad Gita became a part of the Mahabharata. This is one such story. Legend has it that when Sage Vyasa first composed the Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita was not included. Sage Narada who heard about the Mahabharata showed intense interest in it but the Sage was disappointed after reading the epic. He felt that the epic did not effectively bring out the teachings of Sri Krishna. Vishwaroopa Darshan in the Hastinapura Court and the agility and cleverness of Sri Krishna in the Kurukshetra battlefield is not enough felt Sage Narada.  If the epic is to be universal, the teachings of Sri Krishna should be included.   Answer to all the problems that Mahabharat raises is only found in the teachings of Sri Krishna, advised Sage Narada. Sage Vyasa agreed to Narada Rishi. However, did not know how to include the teachings of Sri Krishna in the Mahabharata. He felt adding a new chapter to the already completed work will mar the


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Burning Spear Weapon Of Goddess Durga

The burning spear wielded by Goddess Durga in her battle against the demon Mahishasura is a potent symbol of divine power and courage. As the legend goes, Agni, the Hindu God of fire, bestowed this formidable weapon upon Durga to aid her in her mission to vanquish evil. Crafted with divine precision, the burning spear is not just a physical weapon but a manifestation of spiritual energy and righteous fury. Its sharp-pointed head, engulfed in scorching flames, symbolizes the fierce determination and unwavering resolve of the goddess to combat darkness and restore balance to the universe. When launched, the burning spear flies with unparalleled accuracy, guided by the divine will of Durga herself. It pierces through the heart of darkness, striking down the forces of evil with unyielding force . The flames that surround the spear are not merely destructive but represent the transformative power of Shakti, the divine feminine energy that permeates all existence. In the hands of Durg

Why Shraddha Is Of Prime Importance In Hinduism?

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. Here is a look at why Shraddha is of prime importance in Hinduism. Shraddha brings out all the powers lying dormant in an individual. Swami Vivekananda says: ‘All progress and power are already in every man … only it is barred in and prevented from taking its proper course. If anyone can take the bar off, in rushes nature. Then the man attains the powers which are his already.’ Therefore, everything consists in taking the bar off, in connecting with God. Faith is but the wire that connects the lamp of consciousness in us to the central power station that is God. The light that burns in our lamp derives its energy from the central house. If we are able to excel in any field of endeavo

May 7 2024 Tithi – Panchang – Hindu Calendar – Good Time – Nakshatra – Rashi

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Tuesday, May 7 2024 – It is Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi tithi or the fourteenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi tithi or the fourteenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 10:34 AM on May 7. Then onward it is Amavasya tithi or the no moon day till 8:34 AM on May 8. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on May 7, 2024 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Ashwini or Aswathy nakshatra till 2:53 PM on May 7. Then onward it is Bharani nakshatra till 1:43 PM on May 8. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Ashwini or Aswathy nakshatra till 3:32 PM on May 7. Then onward it is Bhara

Only In The Depth Of Pure Silence Can We Understand God – Hinduism Teaching

The Hindu teaching – we need pure silence to understand god - reflects the profound spiritual emphasis on silence as a gateway to understanding the divine. In Hinduism, the concept of silence goes beyond just the absence of sound; it signifies a state of inner stillness where the mind transcends worldly distractions and connects with the deeper essence of existence . Silence is seen as a powerful tool for introspection and meditation, allowing individuals to quiet the constant chatter of the mind and delve into the depths of their being. In this silence, one can experience a sense of unity with the universe and gain insight into the nature of reality. The idea that only in the depth of pure silence can one understand God suggests that divine wisdom is not found in the external world or through intellectual pursuits alone, but rather through the direct experience of inner silence and contemplation. In this state of profound stillness , the individual may glimpse the presence of the

Buddhist Concept Of Origin Of Cosmos – Adi Buddha

In order to explain the cosmogony, the Vajrayana Tantrayana Buddhism conceived the Quintessential Principle out of which all creation originated. This principle was thought of as the manifestation of Shunyata (void) and Karuna (compassion). For the placement of this core concept in the pantheon, it was identified as Adi Buddha or the Primordial Entity . It was also personified as Vajrasattva or one whose essence is the thunderbolt. This was postulated to create monotheistic ambience in the Buddhist pantheon. It was presented as the source of the five Dhyani Buddhas or Tathagatas who were responsible for the entire creation including the divinities. Thus, Adi Buddha is often presented as the sixth Dhyani Buddha who presided over the five others. Adi Buddha is supposed to be in constant yabyum (embrace) with his consort known as the Adi Shakti or Prajnaparamita. Adi Buddha is represented either in the union with his female counterpart or singly as a male figure seated in the adama

Frogs In Hinduism

In Hinduism, frogs hold a significant place in mythology and symbolism, often associated with rain, fertility, and transformation. Here's a deeper look into the role of frogs in Hindu culture: Rain and Fertility: Frogs are commonly linked with rain in Hinduism . Their croaking is considered a harbinger of the monsoon season, symbolizing the arrival of rainfall essential for agriculture and fertility of the land. In this context, frogs are seen as auspicious creatures, bringing blessings of abundance and growth. Magical Powers: In Hindu mythology, frogs are sometimes depicted as possessing magical or mystical powers. For example, the story of the frog-faced sage, Mandooka Rishi, is prominent. According to legend, Mandooka Rishi was cursed to be born as a frog due to a misunderstanding with Indra, the king of gods. Despite his appearance, Mandooka Rishi retained his wisdom and spiritual insight, teaching valuable lessons to those who sought his guidance. Symbol of Transformat

Adi Alvars – 12 Tamil Vaishnavite Saints

Adi Alvars were the first Vaishnava saint mystics (6 th to 8 th century CE) who initiated the Bhakti Movement with Bhagavan Vishnu as the main deity. Their poetry was in the language of the masses. The Alvars, through their four thousand poems, collectively known as Divya Prabandham (divine hymns), emphasized the glory and grandeur of God and renewed the Vedanta philosophy. The 12 Adi Alvars were – Poygai, Bhutam, Pey, Thirumalisai, Nammalvar, Madhurakavi, Kulashekhara, Periyalvar, Andal, Thondaradippodi, Tiruppan and Thirumangai. The first three Alvars are called ayonija (not born of the mortal womb) and it is commonly believed that they manifested themselves from different flowers. Their lives are shrouded in mystery. These god-intoxicated men had the vision of Bhagavan Vishnu and poured out ecstasy, hundreds of devotional lyrics called Tiruvandadi in the andadi form (the closing word in a stanza forming the opening word of the next stanza). They extolled the syncretic form of G

Animisha – Hindu Gods Do Not Blink

The concept of Hindu gods being described as "animisha" or "unblinking" is deeply rooted in Hindu tradition and symbolism. In Hinduism, gods are often depicted as transcendent beings who possess superhuman qualities and characteristics. The idea that they do not blink is a symbolic representation of their eternal, unchanging nature and their ability to maintain unwavering focus and vigilance. The Sanskrit term "animisha" is derived from "a" meaning "not" and "nimesha" meaning "blinking." Therefore, "animisha" literally translates to "without blinking." This attribute is often associated with the divine beings such as gods and goddesses in Hindu tradition. The belief that Hindu gods do not blink carries several symbolic meanings: Eternal Vigilance: Gods are believed to be ever-watchful and vigilant, overseeing the universe and its affairs without interruption. Their unblinking gaze symboliz

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17 On Shraddha

In the Bhagavad Gita one whole chapter — Chapter 17 — is dedicated to expounding the types of shraddha and their implications . It starts with Arjuna’s question to Sri Krishna about the faith of those who, without following scriptural injunctions, offer sacrifices with faith. What is the nature of their faith? Is it sattvic, rajasic, or tamasic? Sri Krishna answers: The shraddha of the embodied beings, born of their own nature, is threefold — born of sattva, rajas, and tamas. Hear about it. O scion of the Bharata dynasty, the faith of all beings is in accordance with their minds. This person is made up of faith as the dominant factor. He is verily what his shraddha is. (Bhagavad Gita, 17.2–3.) A person’s shraddha is in accordance with his or her temperament; one is verily what one’s shraddha is! The rest of the chapter explains the functions of these three types of shraddha: The Shraddha of embodied beings is three-fold. It is born of individual svabhava or the latent disposit

May 6 2024 Tithi – Panchang – Hindu Calendar – Good Time – Nakshatra – Rashi

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Monday, May 6 2024 – It is Krishna Paksha Trayodashi tithi or the thirteenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Trayodashi tithi or the thirteenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 12:48 PM on May 6. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi tithi or the fourteenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 10:34 AM on May 7. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on May 6, 2024 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Revathi nakshatra till 4:18 PM on May 6. Then onward it is Ashwini or Aswathy nakshatra till 2:53 PM on May 7. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Revathi nakshatr