The Earth Under Siege: Why Hindus Must Rise Against Modern-Day Hiranyaksha In the depths of Hindu scriptures lies a profound warning that resonates with alarming clarity in our contemporary world. The ancient tale of Hiranyaksha, the demon who dragged the Earth into the cosmic ocean's depths, is not merely a story from the past but a prophetic vision of our present environmental crisis. As biodiversity collapses at unprecedented rates and ecosystems crumble under human pressure, we witness the manifestation of Hiranyaksha's destructive force in modern form. The Sacred Bond Between Humanity and Nature Hinduism stands unique among world religions in its fundamental understanding of the interconnectedness between humanity and nature. The Rigveda declares, "The Earth is our mother and we are her children," establishing a sacred relationship that goes beyond mere stewardship. This ancient wisdom recognizes that human welfare is inseparable from ecological health, a trut...

How Food Habits Influence Gunas In Hinduism? In Hindu thought, the concept of the three gunas—sattva, rajas, and tamas—represents the fundamental qualities that underlie all nature, including the human mind and behavior. These gunas are present in varying combinations in everyone and everything. Sattva is associated with purity, harmony, and balance; rajas with activity, passion, and restlessness; and tamas with inertia, ignorance, and heaviness. One of the most direct ways to influence the balance of these gunas within ourselves is through food. What we eat not only nourishes our physical body but also shapes our mental and spiritual tendencies. This article explores how dietary habits affect the three gunas, lists common foods associated with each guna, identifies the problems arising from imbalanced eating, and offers practical solutions. Understanding the Gunas Sattva : Sattva guna signifies clarity, peacefulness, and upliftment. A mind dominated by sattva is calm, discerning,...

Nature plays a profound role in Hinduism due to its interconnectedness with the religion's core beliefs and principles. In Hinduism, nature is not merely viewed as a physical entity but as a manifestation of the divine, with each aspect of nature representing different aspects of the divine. Several aspects contribute to this unique relationship: Cosmic Unity: Hinduism sees the universe as an interconnected web where everything, including humans, animals, plants, and even inanimate objects, is part of the same cosmic unity. This perspective fosters a deep reverence for nature as it is viewed as a manifestation of the divine. Hinduism teaches that there is one ultimate reality, Brahman, which pervades everything in the universe. Nature, therefore, is seen as an expression of Brahman, and everything within it is considered sacred. Divine Manifestations: In Hinduism, gods and goddesses are often depicted as being closely associated with elements of nature. For example, Bhagavan...

Annually, April 22 is observed as Earth Day. For Hindus all day is earth day. Take any Hindu scripture and one will find that Nature plays an important role in it. Earth is worshipped as Mother in Hindu religion - she is Bhu Devi. The earliest teachers of Sanatana Dharma saw Earth as a large family and knew the importance of each animate and inanimate in Nature. The Vedic teachers realized that the Supreme Soul (Brahman) resides in all living and non living being and he coined the great thought – Tatvamasi – Thou Art That and Vasudeva Kutumbakam - the world is a village. A Hindu worships nature not out of fear but by realizing each living being is a representation of the Supreme Soul or God. Hindus worship and feed cows, ants, rats, bull, snakes…we find divinity in rivers, mountains, trees…Each and every aspect of Nature is Holy for a Hindu. Waters which come from heaven, or those that wander dug from the earth, or flowing free by nature, bright, purifying, speeding t...

Offerings are made to Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, to overcome poverty, for good intelligence and for peace and prosperity. The favorite plant dedicated to Brahma is Little ironweed or Sahadevi. This plant or its leaves or flowers are offered to Brahma especially during the sunrise period facing northeast. It is believed that taking care of the plant will help in success in life. The offering also helps a person achieve moksha and spiritual success. The plant and flower is known as - Little Ironweed or Purple fleabane (Cyanthillium cinereum) in English Sahadevi in Hindi, Poovamkurunnila in Malayalam, Kuksim in Bengali, Puvamkuruntal in Tamil, Sadodi in Marathi Sahadevi in Telugu

In Hinduism, bats do not hold a central or prominent religious significance. However, they are mentioned in Hindu scriptures and folklore, often associated with various beliefs and symbolism. Here are a few aspects related to bats in Hinduism: Folk Beliefs: In some regions of India, people may hold certain folk beliefs about bats. For example, some consider them as messengers of death or associate them with inauspicious events. These beliefs are not universally held, and they vary among different communities and regions. Symbolism: Bats are sometimes associated with darkness, ignorance, and confusion in Hindu symbolism. The term "Andhaka" is used in some Hindu texts to describe a demon or entity that represents ignorance and darkness, and this term can be associated with bats. However, this symbolism is not a significant part of Hindu religious doctrine. Depictions in Art: Bats may appear in Hindu art and iconography, but they are not as common as other animals and sy...

Nabapatrika, also known as Nava Patrika, are the nine leaves worshipped during Durga Puja. ‘Nava’ means nine and ‘Patrika’ means leaves in Sanskrit and Navapatrika is part of rituals during Durga Puja and is installed on Saptami day. The leaves are also known as Nine Durgas. Nabapatrika symbolize nine deities worshipped in Hinduism. The nine plants are plantain (Banana), Kacu, Turmeric, Jayanti, Wood Apple (Bilva), Pomegranate, Ashoka, Arum and Rice Paddy or Dhanya. Here are the photos of the nine plants with the Goddess each plant represents: Banana or Plantain - Goddess Brahmini Plantain or Banana Tree symbolically represents Goddess Brahmani. In rituals plantain is referred as Rambha. Kacu - Goddess Kalika Kacu or Kachu symbolically represents Goddess Kali or Kalika. This plant has an edible root and is scientifically known as Colocasia Indica. Turmeric - Goddess Durga Turmeric Plant also known as Haridra or Halud represents Goddess Durga. J...

Hinduism, one of the world's oldest religions, has a rich tradition of teachings and philosophies that emphasize a deep respect for the environment and nature. While Hinduism is a diverse and multifaceted religion with many different schools of thought, here are some key principles and teachings related to the environment within Hinduism: Ahimsa (Non-violence): Ahimsa is a central principle in Hinduism, emphasizing non-violence and compassion towards all living beings, including animals and plants. This principle encourages Hindus to avoid causing harm to any form of life and to live in harmony with nature. Sacredness of Nature: Many elements of nature are considered sacred in Hinduism. Rivers like the Ganges and Yamuna, mountains like the Himalayas, and forests are revered as places of spiritual significance. Hindus often worship natural elements as manifestations of the divine. Dharma (Righteous Duty): Hinduism teaches that individuals have a moral duty or dharma to prote...

Climate change is a global environmental issue that affects all societies and religions, including Hindu religion. Hinduism, one of the world's oldest religions, has a complex relationship with environmental ethics and sustainability. While Hinduism does not have a single, centralized authority or doctrine, there are various teachings and practices within the religion that can be related to climate change and environmental conservation: Respect for Nature: Hinduism teaches respect for all living beings and the natural world. Many Hindus believe in the interconnectedness of all life forms and view nature as divine. This perspective encourages stewardship of the environment. All Hindu scriptures directly and indirectly point out that Humans are not above nature but a part of it. Hinduism teaches its adherents to respect and protect nature. There are several stories in Hinduism that shows how Avatars of various gods and goddesses arrive on earth to protect it from plundering and gre...

Hindus in certain regions of India consider Bilva tree as ‘the tree of great success’ and therefore Hindus walk around the tree before starting any important work. It is said that Goddess Lakshmi once made Bilva tree her home and thus it is associated with the Goddess. The tree is also known as Shri Vriksha, the tree of prosperity and good fortune. Agni Purana states that in some temples Goddess Lakshmi murti carries a bilva fruit in her left hand. It is mentioned in Kurma purana that the fruits of Bilva tree is the breast of Goddess Lakshmi (Kurma Purana 2.18.19). A story found in the Skanda Purana, once Bhagavan Vishnu was worshipping Shiva and He ran out holy offerings. Goddess Lakshmi who was present created the bilva tree to continue the offerings without a break. Vishnu Bhagavan plucked leaves from the tree and offered it to Shiva. There is another belief that Goddess Lakshmi once took the form a cow and the bilva tree appeared the dung. Another legend has it that Godde...

Cluster fig tree is known as gular or ambar in Hindi, atthi in Tamil and Udumbara in Sanskrit. There are many legends in Hinduism associated with the tree. There is a belief among Hindus that the tree has no flowers because on Diwali night the demigods or devas gather on the tree and pluck all its blossoms. Atharva Veda (XIX.31.1-4) states that the wood of the tree was used to make poles in yagyashala (temporary sacrificial hut) and yajna ladle. It is praised and regarded as a amulet in Atharva Veda (XIX.31) The tree is a constituent of the sacred panchavata and is also a wish-fulfilling tree or kalpa vriksha. The wood of the tree is used in yajnas. The entire tree is believed to be a manifestation of Vishnu Bhagavan and one of the names of Bhagavan Vishnu is Udumbara. In some regions, there is a belief that Brahma resides in the root of the plant, Vishnu on its trunk and Shiva on its branches. The tree is also sacred to Bhagwan Dattatreya. The throne of Vivaswan, the deity worsh...

Ashoka tree is sacred to Hindus and in Hinduism the tree is associated with Kamdev, god of love and Mahadev Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The tree is believed to be a wish fulfilling tree. The Sanskrit word ‘a-shoka’ means without sorrow or that which gives no grief. It is said that one who lives under the tree will never be sad and people who look at the tree when in full bloom will forget their worries and become happy and contented. The shrishti kanda of Padma Purana states that planting and taking care of Ashoka tree helps in mitigating sorrows. Goddess Parvati states in the Matsya Purana that an ashoka tree is equal to having ten sons. It is believed that Goddess Parvati planted and took care of the plant and thus it is said that a house with an Ashoka tree is very auspicious. Bhavishya Purana and Brahmavaivarta Purana extol the glory of the tree. It is said that once Goddess Parvati asked Shiva about the greatness of the tree. Shiva told Goddess Parvati that Ashoka fulfils wishe...

Offerings are made to Yama, the Hindu god of death, to overcome fear of death, for good health and for early curing from life threatening diseases. The favorite plant dedicated to Yama is Gorakhbuti or Mountain knotgrass. This plant is offered to Yama especially during Pradosh period (just before sunset) facing south. It is believed that taking care of the plant will help in having a long life. The plant and flower is known as - Mountain Knotgrass in English Gorakhbuti in Hindi, Bilesuli in Kannada, Cherula or Cheroola in Malayalam, Chaya in Bengali, Pindi Kura in Telugu, Kapuri Madhura in Marathi Bhui in Rajasthan Polpala in Sinhalese

Offerings are made to Hindu Goddess Parvati, the Mother Goddess Adi Parashakti, to achieve success, for early marriage and for desire fulfillment. The favorite plant dedicated to Goddess Parvati is little tree plant or biophytum sensitivum. This plant or its leaves or flowers are offered to Goddess especially during the sunrise period facing northeast or during pradosham period just before sunset. It is believed that taking care of the plant will help in success in life. The offering also helps a person in having a good life partner and happy and peaceful married life. The plant and flower is known as - Little tree plant or biophytum sensitivum in English Mukkutti in Malayalam Wearing the plant on hair helps in having a long married life and for begetting healthy and intelligent children. Please note that this plant is not the ‘touch me not’ plant or lajjalu.

Haimavati, a synonym of Shatadru (present Sutlej), is one of the ten rivers referred in the Rig Veda. The story being the Puranic name ‘Shatadru’ is that of grief stricken Sage Vasistha, jumping into Haimavati River. The river, having realized that the sage is as powerful as fire, divided itself into many branches and flowed into many directions, and hence the name Shatadru. In the Mahabharata (Anusasana Parva, 146.18), Goddess Parvati mentions Shatadru as one of the sublime rivers, while she was talking to Shiva. In Hinduism, bountiful rivers are conceptualized as goddesses. Ancient Hindus realized rivers are indispensable for life on earth and worshipped them as Goddesses. As recorded truth, even from the Rig Vedic age, they were esteemed as deities, on account of the immense benefits they conferred on humanity. The mountains, rivers, trees and plants are invoked as so many high powers.

Bamboo plant is a regarded a symbol of large family and progeny in Hindu religion. The green bamboo is held sacred. The dried one does not have any sanctity. As per stories in Hinduism, bamboo is sacred to Shiva, Subrahmanya and avatars of Bhagavan Vishnu especially Krishna. Bhagavan Krishna is Venugopala, the one who holds flute made of bamboo. As per a temple legend in Tamil Nadu (Tiruvetkalam Pasupatheeswarar Temple), the famous bows Pashupata, Sharanga and Gandiva were crafted out of a bamboo plant that appeared here. The bamboo had appeared from a termite mound which covered Sage Kanava who was performing intense meditation. The epic Ramayana (6.12.56; 2.55.8; 2.55.14; 3.1.21; 3.15.21 – 23) mentions about the uses of bamboo in ancient times. It was used to build the raft used by Rama to cross rivers. It was also used in making huts. Mahabharata (1.63) mentions about a festival dedicated to Indra, the king of Devas. A bamboo pole decorated with golden cloth, garlands, ornamen...

Banyan tree, known as Vata in Hindi and Aal in Tamil, is a highly auspicious tree in Hinduism. Here is a look at some of the important banyan tree stories in Hinduism. The name banyan is said to have been given to the tree by the British when they saw merchants (baniyas) assemble for business under the tree. The Sanskrit word ‘vata’ means to surround or encompass, derived from the tree’s ability to put down aerial roots and cover an enormous area. The tree is mentioned in Rig Veda (1.24.7), Atharva Veda (IV.37.4; V.5.5) and Aitareya Brahmana (VII.30.31.) At end of a cycle of creation, there is a great flood ad Narayana sleeps on single leaf floating in the turbulent waters. The single leaf is described as that of a banyan tree. (Srimad Bhagavata Purana 3.33.4). The tree is mentioned in Ramayana (2.52.68) – the latex of the tree was used to braid the hair of a sanyasi. Ramayana (2.55.23) also mentions about the enormous tree. The tree is part of the Panchavati (3.13.21) and Sita c...

Kadamba tree, also known as Vellai Kadambu in Tamil and common bur flower tree in English, is associated with Murugan or Subrahmanya. According to ‘Thirumurugatrupadai’ (an ancient intensely devotional Tamil poem in the Sangam literature genre entirely dedicated to Muruga by Nakkiranar), Murugan is pleased to wear garlands of red kadamba flowers. He also dwells in the tree, thus acquiring the name Kadamban. ‘Thirumurugatrupadai’ (225) states that the Kadamba tree smiling with new blossoms is one of the places frequently visited by Murugan. There is a popular belief that worshipping Kadamba tree is equal to worshipping Murugan. Gohitayani, a nurse of Skanda or Muruga, is worshipped under a Kadamba tree. There are many references connecting Kadamba tree with Murugan in the Sangam literature.

In Hinduism, cutch tree is mentioned in Rig Veda and Atharva Veda. The tree is known as katha or kaira in Hindi, karungali in Tamil and khadirah in Sanskrit. The tree is mentioned in the Vedas frequently especially for its hard wood. It is mentioned in Rig Veda III.53.19. In Atharva Veda it is mentioned in III.6.1; V.5.5.; VIII.8.3; and X.6.6.). According to Patanjali, it has a white and hard trunk and small leaves. According to Aitareya Brahmana, yupa or sacrificial post for yajna should be made using the trunk of khadira tree if one wishes to attain heaven. As per Shatapatha Brahmana (III.4.4.9), the tree emerged from the bones of Prajapati. It is mentioned in Ramayana (1.4.2) that the tree was used as yupa or sacrificial post in yajnas. The tree was also found in Panchavati forest (3.15.18). Vayu Purana (74.9) states that the tree is used in Shradh ceremonies. The wood of the tree is also used to prepare sacrificial ladle. The tree is also associated with Navgraha Mangal...

Cuscus plant is put in the water used to bathe deity every day in Hinduism. It is known as khas or khas-khas or khus in Hindi, vettiver in Tamil, ushira or rashira in Sanskrit. As per Srimad Bhagavad Purana (11.27.30-31), the worshiper should bathe the deity every day, as opulently as his assets permit, using waters scented with sandalwood, ushira root, camphor, kumkum and aguru. The plant is also associated with Mahadev Shiva. Unmarried girls should circumambulate the cuscus plant and knot two blades for early marriage to a desired man. It is believed that Mahadev Shiva appeared in the form of a swayambhu Shivling in the midst of ushira grasslands and thus is known as Ushiraneshwara.