Articles on Hinduism

Story of Goddess Varahi Amman | Benefits of Worshipping

In the Hindu Religion, “Varahi” is one of the “Matrikas,” a group of seven mother goddesses. Bearing the head of a sow, “Varahi” is the shakti (feminine energy) of “Lord Varaha,” the boar incarnation (avatar) of the god Vishnu. In Nepal, Varahi is known as Barahi. In Rajasthan and Gujarat, She is revered as “Dandini”. Varahi is not only venerated in the sect of Shaktism, but also in Shaivism (devotees of Shiva) and Vaishnavism (devotees of Vishnu). She is usually worshipped at night, using secretive Vamamarga Tantric practices. The Buddhist goddesses Vajravarahi and Marichi have their origins in the Hindu goddess Varahi.

Published in Apr 2024

Chaitra Navaratri - The Festive Season with Scriptural Wisdom

Durga literally translates to “she who is difficult to attain”, however, one of her dhyana-mantra worshiped her as “Durgati-Nashini” or “she who ends evil or misfortune”. Simply put, goddess Durga is the ultimate deity, the beginning, sustenance, and end of creation. She is Srishti (creation), Maya (the visual and experienced world around), and Kali (the annihilator). In all the sects and traditions of the country, her presence is felt in one form or the other.

Published in Apr 2024

Types of Indian Bridal Jewelry

It is not a hidden fact that a bride in India is supposed to dazzle in her wedding with her bridal jewelry and not look lesser than the grand wedding venue. In India, we have the term called Solah Shringar, its literal meaning is sixteen adornments, in Indian tradition for the longest time through ancient times it is believed that a bride should adorn herself with sixteen adornments. This tradition started from the story of Rati, the wife of Kamdev, who is the God of love. As Rati was engaged in the presence of goddess Lakshmi, she was blessed with the sixteen adornments from Lakshmi, to impress and marry Kamdev. Of the sixteen adornments that were blessed by goddess Lakshmi, each of the adornments carries its own meaning. The list of solah shringar carries Sindoor, Maangtika, Keshapsharachana, Bindi, Kajal, Karn Phool(flowers of the ears/ earrings), Nath, Haar (necklace), Bajuband, Bangles, Hathphool, mehendi, Kamarband, Payal (Anklet), Itar, bridal outfit. Let's discuss some important jewelry that is worn by Indian brides.

Published in Mar 2024

Holi in India: A Journey Through Paintings

Sweets and savory dishes on plates, bowls of colors, Gulal in the air, people singing Phaag (folk songs celebrating Phagun or the month of Holi), fervor, and joy all around- the arrival of Holi is a time when everyone welcomes energy, newness, and life with open arms. In the states of India, people have different ways of celebrating the festival with their loved ones. This ancient festival of colors seems to be one of the most important occasions for the people of India till modern times. In this blog, we will relish the vibrancy of Holi through the colors of Indian painting. With each brushstroke and eye-catching color filling the canvas with eternal colors, these paintings perfectly capture the essence of Holi for India and its people.

Published in Mar 2024

Vasant: Spring Season in Indian Culture

In the Satikhanda of Rudrasamhita of Shiva Purana, the conversation between Kamadeva and Lord Brahma is described. The lord of love asks the creator, for a powerful companion and weapons, for his task of bringing Shiva out of his meditative state. As Brahma draws a deep breath, a young man, ornamented with garlands of flowers is born, brimming with beauty, and complete with all auspicious features. He was Vasant. The dark-skinned Vasant brought with him a bloom of nature- causing flowers to blossom and birds to sing, which transformed the ambiance into a heavenly one. Seeing this, Brahma was pleased and introduced the divine man to Kamadeva as his friend. Vasant from the moment of his birth was to accompany Kamadeva, empowering and amplifying his effects on all beings. By quickly transforming the state of space, Vasant has the power to cause romance, love, affection, and bliss, making it a welcome presence in the culture of India.

Published in Mar 2024

Lord Jagannath Puri Yatra : A Symbol of Devotion and Unity

India, the land of festivals is host to many colorful celebrations and the most grand of these is the Rath Yatra in Puri. It is hosted in honor of Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Devi Subhadra. They are the deities who reside in the Lord Jagannath temple in Puri, Odisha. The festival involves devotees pulling the chariots of the deities. Thousands of devotees participate in the Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra. This year the Lord Jagannath Puri Yatra will be organized on 7 July 2024. It is celebrated annually on the second day of the fortnight of the month of Ashadh as per the Hindu calendar.

Published in Mar 2024

Maha Shivaratri and its Stories from the Puranas

Maha Shivaratri- “the extraordinary or great night of Shiva” in Hindu tradition and Shaiva devotion is one of the most powerful occasions for celebrating the auspicious and eternal Shiva. Falling in the month of February-March, Maha Shivaratri commemorates the divine union of Shiva and Shakti by the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, but many also celebrate the occasion as a victory of Shiva over the forces of Tripuri in his Tripurantaka form. In Kashmir Shaivism, where Tantra reigns supreme, devotees observe the Hara-Ratri or night of Hara (Shiva) and Bhairavotsava- the union of Bhairava and Bhairavi, potent and Tantric forms of Shiva and Parvati. For others, Maha Shivaratri is the night when Shiva performs his legendary Tandava. As we eagerly look forward to this celebration of Shiva and Shiva-tattva (the essence of Shiva), let us revisit a few divine tales of Shiva from the Puranas and devotional traditions of the country and be mesmerized by the otherworldly yet easily pleased primordial one.

Published in Mar 2024

7 Common Lessons From The Religions of the World

When we think about religious teachings all religions in the world largely talk about topics like the purpose of life, the nature of existence, and the difference between the right and the wrong paths of life. These teachings are important because they help us live a meaningful life and often guide us when we need it the most. Most of these teachings are compiled in the sacred texts of the various religions like the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism and the Guru Granth Sahib of Sikhism among many other holy texts. It is from these religious lessons that we can take out the most important teachings that can be followed in life. Be it Christian beliefs or the teachings of Hinduism and Sikhism. There are some lessons that we learn from all religions in the world. Let’s take a look at 7 of them.

Published in Feb 2024

The History and Significance of the Shri Nath Ji Temple in Nathdwara

The sacred land of India is home to many beautiful temple towns that are visited by millions of devotees every year and one of them is Nathdwara which lies approximately 48 kilometers North-East of Udaipur. The town is popular because it is home to the idol of Shri Nath Ji which is a child form of Lord Krishna. He is the main presiding deity of the Nathdwara temple and is worshiped by many devotees throughout the year. He is mainly worshiped in the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan by the devotees of the Pushtimarg sect of Vaishnavism which was founded by Shri Vallabhacharya and follows the Bhagavat Purana. It is believed by devotees that the face and arms of Shri Nath Ji emerged from the Govardhan Hill itself. A temple was built for the deity in a nearby village called Jatipur. Later the temple was moved to the top of the Govardhan Hill by Shri Vallabhacharya.

Published in Feb 2024

Shaligram Stones: The Most Unique Form of Lord Vishnu

Devotees of the Hindu religion are known for their firm devotion and that is why they worship their deities in the most beautiful and unique forms. This can be seen in the worship of the Shaligram Shila by the devotees of the Vaishnava tradition. The Shaligram stones are sacred for Hindus because they are considered to be a form of Lord Vishnu who is considered to be the preserver and protector of the universe. They are found near the Gandaki River which flows in Nepal and is one of the largest tributaries of the holy Ganga. The unique thing about them is that they are smooth and shiny and that they are even marked with the impressions of the Sudarshan Chakra which is the divine discus of Lord Vishnu. Mostly Shaligram stones are black but they are found in other hues as well like yellow, red, blue, etc.

Published in Feb 2024

Adi Parashakti - The Most Powerful Energy of Universe

In Hinduism, the goddess Parashakti—also known as “Adi-Parashakti” or “Mahadevi”—is revered as Para Brahman, the Supreme Being. She is the Great Goddess, from whom all other deities originate, and she is also the real one who creates, observes, and destroys the entire universe. Parashakti translates as “The Eternally Limitless Power,” and it is the active energy that both generates and destroys the universe. Parvati, the goddess of strength and bravery, is venerated as her purest material form, Sagun Swaroop. However, the goddess “Adi Parashakti” is also described as a true spirit devoid of form (Nirguna).

Published in Feb 2024

Nagas Sarpa Parampara: Origin & Symbolism Of Hindu Nagas

Rooted in traditions of eclectic nature, Hinduism fascinates as much as it stirs the surprised awakening to the celestial world. Such is what we’ll explore as the space of Snakes - Nagas/Sarpas in the Hindu world.

Published in Feb 2024

The Story of Sudarshan Chakra : A Celestial Weapon and a Divine Mystery

The word Sudarshan is made from the combination of 2 words Su and Darshan, while Su means auspicious, Darshan means Vision. Sudarshan Chakra is the divine disc of Lord Vishnu, the protector of the universe as per beliefs in the Hindu religion, which he bears as a weapon. In his various depictions and portrayals, he is seen holding the Sudarshan Chakra bearing it on his right index finger. It protects those who are righteous and destroys evil forces. It is the weapon that helps the Lord restore law and order in the world. Worshiping the Sudarshan Chakra grants protection from negativity and blesses people with spiritual well-being.

Published in Feb 2024

Bani Thani: A Jewel in the Crown of Kishangarh Paintings

I drank with my eyes the beauty of this glamorous woman who stood near Bihari Lal in ecstasy”. These lines are from the poem of Nagari Das aka Maharaja Savant Singh of Kishangarh, the poet-prince who is associated with the conception and origin of one of the most popular and unparalleled figures in Indian art- Bani-Thani or the “bedecked woman”. Emerging as the “Monalisa of Indian Art”, Bani-Thani is the representative of the luxurious and expressive art of Rajput school and a gem in the crown of Kishangarh paintings.

Published in Feb 2024

Brass Statues for an Aesthetic Look in Your Living Room

A well-decorated living room speaks volumes about your style and brass sculptures are one of the best options to decorate a living room. Brass sculptures bring a traditional beauty and an element of grandeur to the space. They also facilitate the flow of positive vibes. This creates a pleasant atmosphere in the house and enhances the productivity of the residents. It is also believed that brass statues bring good luck and prosperity to the lives of the homeowners.

Published in Jan 2024

The Significance of Sacred Animals in Hinduism

There are many unique qualities about the Hindu religion and one of them is the advocacy of compassion towards animals and in fact, all creatures in the world. Animals are considered sacred in Hinduism. Not only do Hindus worship various animals but they also show their compassion and respect towards them by following practices like pure vegetarianism and non-violence towards animals. They hold a lot of significance and are associated with various Gods and Goddesses as their mounts. For instance, the mouse is considered to be Lord Ganesha’s mount while the lion is considered to be the mount of Goddess Durga.

Published in Jan 2024

Ashtadikpalakas: The Guardians of the 8 Directions

There are a myriad of elements that are associated with deities according to Hinduism beliefs. While the Navagrahas rule the nine planets, the Ashtadikpalakas rule the 8 directions. The Ashtadikpalakas are revered not only in the Hindu religion but in other faiths too like Vajrayana Buddhism and Jainism. Ashta means eight, Dik means directions, and Palaka means guardian. Therefore, Ashta-Dikpalakas are the deities who rule and protect the 8 directions. There are 8 Hindu Gods who are the guardians of these directions. Lord Kubera presides over the North direction while Lord Yama guards the South, Lord Indra protects the East direction and the West direction is protected by Lord Varuna, Lord Isana rules over the North-East direction, Lord Agni presides over the South-East direction, while Lord Vayu guards the North-West direction, Nirrti is the guardian of the South-West direction.

Published in Jan 2024

Unlocking the Secrets of Temple Construction in India

India is the land of spirituality and all things holy. People from the far west come here for soul searching and are left spellbound by the temples in India. The grand architecture and the vibrant ways of worship have a profound impact on them. Temple construction in India has been immensely instrumental in the addition of a new dimension to the Hindu culture. The art of temple construction evolved under many dynasties that were spread all over India. Different regions had different styles of architecture that became synonymous with them. For instance, the Dravidian style of architecture was mainly preferred in the Southern regions for the construction of many ancient temples in India.

Published in Jan 2024

25 Popular Sanskrit Words and Their Meanings

Sanskrit is a sacred language and is considered to be the mother of all languages because many words of these languages have been taken from Sanskrit. For instance, many of the words of English have been taken from Sanskrit. Many sacred texts of the Hindu religion like the Vedas, the Upanishads, epics like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, and the holy Bhagavad Gita have been written in Sanskrit and this gives this holy language a highly revered status, especially in India. As the world is gaining interest in India and in the Indian culture, more and more people are getting drawn to this divine language and are attempting to learn it. If you’re one of them, we have a list of Sanskrit words that not only sound melodious but also have profound meaning to them.

Published in Jan 2024

11 Most Influential Thinkers of Ancient India

Ancient India was the hub of learning. With the most gifted and sharp minds being born here, India was a boiling pot of thoughts, ideas, and philosophies that transformed the world. The earliest known universities were in India, from Nalanda which had the biggest library in the world to Takshashila which graduated great thinkers like Chanakya. Many scholars contributed to a variety of fields. For instance, Acharya Pingala who invented the binary number system, Adi Shankara who was the pioneer of Advaita Vedanta, and many more. It is these revolutionary bright minds who made the history of India so glorious.

Published in Jan 2024

Aditya Hridaya Stotra: When Sri Rama worshipped the Sun

As winter air gets chillier and the sky gets grey, our eyes reach the sky, looking for the shining heavenly body- Surya or Sun, which has been a source of light, life, hope, and strength for civilizations, for centuries. Little do we know, that ages, Yugas apart from today, standing on the brink of war with Ravana, Sri Rama too reached out to the powers of Suryadeva (Sun god), at sage Agastya’s advice, to instill in him, divine prowess, confidence, and victory. Bowing down to the most illustrious Sun, Agastya with Rama created the “Aditya Hridaya Stotra”- “the Heart of the Sun” hymn (that which infuses the heart with the powers of the Sun), a hymn chanted by Hindus to gain worldly and spiritual benefits, which like the light of the Sun, never end.

Published in Jan 2024

Ram Mandir Architecture: A Story Beyond Brick and Mortar

The construction of the Ram Mandir has been completed to a great extent and the temple is finally nearing the day of its inauguration. With this development, the eyes of the entire world are on how the temple is turning out. It has been going on under the guidance of Chandrakantbhai Sompura who designed the Akshardham Temple in Gujarat. He is being assisted by his two sons Nikhil Sompura and Ashish Sompura. There are questions about every aspect of the construction and we have tried to answer most of them.

Published in Jan 2024

Tirupati Balaji Temple: Stories, History, Geography, Secrets

With a followership that comprises commoners and some of the richest and most influential people of our times, Sri Tirupati Balaji as a powerful and ever-present form of Vishnu in Kaliyuga has gained popularity across the globe. For his devotees, the Sri Kshetra (auspicious region) of Tirumala is “Kaliyuga Vaikuntha” (the abode of Vishnu in Kaliyuga) and Tirupati Balaji is “Kaliyuga Varada” (he who bestows boons in Kaliyuga). The mighty Balaji is “Sat-chit-ananda” – the bliss of supreme, pure consciousness and the essence of devotion and divinity. Let us immerse ourselves in the glory of the Lord of Tirumala, and go on a virtual journey of this sacred land of Vishnu on earth.

Published in Dec 2023

Rudrashtakam: The Hymn of Rudra, its Significance and Meaning

In the pages of Rig Veda, Rudra emerges as a potent and supreme deity, who controls the balance of the universe. He is Vastospati- the protector of Vastu or the sacred order of Srishti. He is Pashupati, who controls the frantic soul in the forest of the world. In the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, it is Rudra, who is being evoked for the powers that he holds over death and time. Rudra of Rigveda merges with Shiva in the Puranas, becoming an aspect of the Lord, when he is angered and takes up the task of protection of good and destruction of negative forces.

Published in Dec 2023

Learning All About Shani Dev, the Hindu God of Karma

The Hindu pantheon reveres many Gods and Goddesses, with devotees seeking their blessings to live peaceful and happy lives. One of them is Lord Shanidev, the son of Surya Dev, and Goddess Chhaya, the Goddess of shadows. He represents Saturn and is considered the physical manifestation of the planet; hence, he is the Lord of Saturdays or Shanivaar, as termed in Hindi. Shani Dev is one of the 9 celestial beings or the Navagrahas as per Hindu astrology, and he is also the Hindu God of justice and karma. He is brother to Lord Yama, the God of death, and both bring a person to justice. While Yama Dev settles karmic debts in the afterlife, Shani Dev settles them while a person is still alive. He has two sisters, Yamuna, and Putri Bhadra, along with two brothers, Vaivastahva Manu and Manu.

Published in Dec 2023

What is ISKCON: History, Origin and Teachings of the Hare Krishna Movement

ISKCON- International Society for Krishna Consciousness, also known as the “Hare Krishna Movement” is one of the most popular, modern Vaishnava movements, that has gathered massive followership in India and abroad. Europeans, Americans, and Asians, all chanting “Hare Krishna” in unison, ISKCON has successfully built a cosmopolitan culture of devotion. Most of us have seen the beautiful temples, Radha-Krishna statues, and gatherings of ISKCON somewhere, but very few know about its origin, journey, and mission. Let us start from the beginning and answer the question- What is ISKCON?

Published in Dec 2023

12 Major Lord Rama Temples: Testaments of Ramayana Carved in Stone

The fabric of India’s immensely rich culture and heritage is dyed with the vibrant hues of epics as grand as the Ramayana. Known as the land of spirituality and peace, this country is home to many breathtaking Lord Rama temples, each housing a statue of Lord Rama that is not only a visual treat but also exudes positivity in abundance. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Published in Dec 2023

Lord Ganesha in 32 Forms - A Timeless Source of Inspiration

Lord Ganesha, a central and foremost deity in Hindu rituals and rites, is revered widely in India and across the Continent of Asia! The inner shrine of Lord Shiva Temple at the Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, has a 9th-century Ganesha statue. Chachoengsao is known as Thailand's "city of Ganesha," it is home to three gigantic Hindu-Buddhist deity Ganesha sculptures housed in three distinct temples. In Thailand, Ganesha stands 39 meters tall in the "Khlong Khuean Ganesh International Park." His 32 thirty-two manifestations have been traced in a suggestively thousand-year-old text - Mudgala Purana. Let us know them more closely

Published in Dec 2023

Peeking Into the How and Why of Astrology

For the longest time, astrology has piqued the curiosity of the masses and has always been a mystery. How a distant celestial object is observed by the gifted few on Earth and how its ever-changing movement impacts the events of our world is still not understood by many. Among the countless astrology questions that puzzle the human mind, one of them is how exactly does astrology work? To understand that, we must first acquaint ourselves with what astrology is. Astrology is the study of planetary positions and the alignment of stars in relation to the Earth to predict the events of the future to a great extent. It is the science that bridges the gap between the world on earth and the one beyond the sky.

Published in Dec 2023

10 Biggest Statues in India of Lord Hanuman

A true symbol of loyalty, Lord Hanuman is the epitome of devotion. He dedicated his life to serving his lord Bhagwaan Rama. Such was his love for Lord Rama that even today, people sing praises of him and build temples in his honor. Being the land of breathtaking architecture, India has some of the most magnificent statues of Lord Hanuman. While the biggest Hanuman statue in India is located in Madapam on the banks of river Vamsadhara, the statue in Paritala Anjaneya Temple in the state of Andhra Pradesh, along with others in the Nalco Temple in Odisha, Jakhu Temple in Shimla etc are scattered around the country. From the mighty Himalayas to the banks of serene rivers in the south, the sacred land of India is beautifully adorned with the most striking statues of Lord Hanuman. Let’s take a look at 10 of them.

Published in Nov 2023

Guru Parb: Remembering the Holiness of Guru Nanak

“Ik Omkar Satnaam”- Om, the sacred word, is the only true (sat) name (naam), of the supreme divine- the beginning of the Mul Mantara (first, root chant) of Sikhism carries within itself the highest degree of spiritual knowledge. The divine being as one and formless, which is the root of Nirguna Bhakti (formless devotion) is encapsulated in the beliefs of Sikhism and its pious text, Guru Granth Sahib. Devotion to Guru acts of service as acts of devotion and valor coursing through the veins of its members- Sikhism is one of the most popular and widespread religions in the modern world. And all its virtues owe their origin to the heavenly persona of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, whose descent is celebrated with enthusiasm and devotion as “Guru Parb” every year, in the days that follow the festivities of Deepawali.

Published in Nov 2023

Kshatriyas : Hindu Religion’s Guarding Forces

The Hindu religion has always managed to fascinate the world. As more and more people try to explore the various Hinduism beliefs and ideologies, many interesting concepts are not completely well understood. One of them is the origin and history of the four varnas of the Hindu society. The second out of these four varnas is Kshatriya, the ruling class and the military.

Published in Nov 2023

Dev Deepawali: Celebrating Bhakti with Bhagwan

Kartik, beginning in October and ending in November, has been hailed in Hindu tradition and scriptures as the month of the divine. From the first-revered Ganesha, the goddess of wealth Lakshmi, to Vishnu, Shiva, Krishna, Tulsi, and even one of Mahabharata’s heroes Bhishma are evoked and celebrated in Kartik Maah. The best of Kartik’s festivities in India can be experienced in the home of Shiva, Kashi, where a five-day festival known as “Dev Deepawali” or the Deepawali of the Gods is celebrated with enthusiasm unseen anywhere else.

Published in Nov 2023

Sparkling Delights: The Ultimate Guide to Best Diwali Gift Ideas

Mist in the air, a thousand diyas lit, laughter all around, firecrackers and mouth watering sweets adding to the spirit of festivities, Diwali for Indians is THE festival! With families, states and the entire nation coming together, it seems that the week-long joys of Deepawali can not get any better. But there is one thing which is sure to add to the cheeriness of the occasion. Gifts!

Published in Nov 2023

Namastasyayi Namo Namaha: Bowing Down to 9 Forms of the Great Mother

“Sattchidananda Swaroopini”- the manifestation of the bliss of supreme truth experienced by the mind. Amongst many epithets, the great goddess has been described thus, in the Devi Bhagavata Mahapurana. As the festivities of Navaratri- the “nine nights” of the goddess, is at our thresholds, the bliss that She carries, can be experienced in the air by her devotees. Devi, Adishakti, Bhagavati, Ambika- Her names are as innumerable as drops of water in an ocean. She has been described by the texts as “Kshemankari”- who is favorable to her devotees and “Kaalroopini”- death incarnate. She is Vidya and Avidya both. Though born from the energies of all Devatas (gods), her divine actions are beyond comprehension for gods, sages, and humans. Bowing down to her greatness, unable to swim across the cosmic ocean of her powers, the human mind, in the end, calls her “Maa”, mother- who is beyond reach and yet ever-ready to give eternal refuge to her children.

Published in Oct 2023

21 Forms of Goddess Tara: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

Most of the iconographical descriptions in commentaries always seem to be non-cooperative with the “Praises to the Twenty-one Taras.” The reason is simply three main iconographic traditions formed in Tibet, each one of them describes the Goddesses Tara according to their beliefs:

Published in Oct 2023

The Festival of Ganesha Chaturthi: Welcoming Auspiciousness

The day of Ganesha Chaturthi begins with the arrival of Ganapati or Pranapratishtha. The image of Ganesha is established in the home of the Puja-pandals (especially in Maharashtra and adjoining regions) and welcomed with devotional zeal. Then, the Shodashopchara (shodasha- sixteen, upchar-ritual offerings) starts, in which 16 forms of prayer and worship are offered to the Lord. As the day of departure approaches, the devotees prepare Bappa with Uttar-Puja, for the last part of the rituals, which is the Visarjana.

Published in Sep 2023

The Nataraja Statue at the G20 Venue: A Marvel of Ashtadhatu Craftsmanship and Divine Symbolism

At the G20 venue, the Nataraja statue stands as evidence of India's lasting cultural and spiritual legacy. Generations of artisans have infused their expertise into this creation by utilizing the divine Ashtadhatu alloy. A symbol representing Lord Shiva's celestial performance, the statue encompasses comprehensive teachings about spirituality and philosophy; this symbol holds excellent importance.

Published in Sep 2023

The Tradition of Puja in Hinduism – Important Religious Practices in Hinduism

From choosing the right pooja room decoration theme to setting up the appropriate idols, the puja rituals are vast and varied across India. Be it the method of pooja thali decoration or the items used for worshipping the deities, every ritual and practice has a unique meaning and significance. These different methods and rituals reflect the cultural and traditional beliefs of different communities and religions across India.

Published in Sep 2023

Traditions of Sun Worship in Hinduism: "Adi Deva Namastubhyam”

From the Vedas to the Puranas and the epics- Ramayana and Mahabharata, the glories of Surya who dispels darkness, negativity, illness, and evil forces through his heavenly light, are evoked. As Indians across the subcontinent prepare for the festivities of Makara Sankranti, a Hindu festival dedicated to Bhagwan Surya, we are here to follow the shining trail of the solar deity, through different periods of Indian culture. One finds that in comparison to other Hindu deities such as Krishna, Rama, Shiva and the goddesses, temples dedicated to Surya are far fewer in number. However, in texts, icons, and symbols, Bhagwan Surya can be found in every Hindu shrine, as an ancient symbol of power and divinity.

Published in Jan 2023

10 Ancient Temples In India That Every Indian Must Visit

India is known as Bharat Bhoomi. It is the land of Vedic civilization that stands out for its rich tradition and culture. The consciousness of most Indians is filled with piety and genuine love for God. People with different faiths and religions such as Sikhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, etc, live together in peace and harmony. The majority of Indians follow the principles of Hinduism or Sanatan Dharma. It is believed that Sanatan Dharma is not just a religion based on a particular faith but is a scientific way of living life that teaches us how to love the Godhead. Temple is an important place for Hindus where they congregate and glorify the Lordship. There are lakhs of temples in India, some of which still stand erect for many centuries. The ancient temples are especially known and revered for their Svayambhu (self-manifested) deities and excellent architecture that attract many tourists throughout the year.

Published in Nov 2022

A tale of Indian Rites of Passage – The Tradition of Vrats

In the Hindu society there are many rites of passage (samskara) that are performed throughout the year. These rites of passage come in many forms, such as, birth, leaving the birth chamber, giving a child a name, first feeding of solid food, puberty, marriage, and cremation. To accompany these rites are the vrats, an ascetic ritual that involves women fasting for the welfare of their husbands and children. As stated by Pearson “Varts [are] a rite…performed on a regular basis to achieve particular objective, following respective rule that have been transmitted from one generation to the next” (Pearson 45). The tradition of vrats can be traced back to the Vedic period which makes them over three thousand years old in nature. Most vrats are performed by women in Hindu society because they are believed to enhance a women’s power (sakti). This power can then be transferred to her loved ones. This idea of women performing vrats is common because they are a part of the domestic rituals, over which Hindu women have control and power. Some vrats are performed for a woman’s individual needs, so she can focus on herself and then be attentive to her family needs.

Published in Apr 2022

Analyzing the Eternal Dimensions of Dharma Through Itihasa (History)

"Here is a fragment from one of the most poignant episodes of Indian history…. This piece of history is from the Mahabharata…. She was dying with shame but inside, like a true kshatrani (woman of the warrior race), she was burning with anger…. I have heard that women who follow dharma were never brought before a public court….Greed is the destroyer of dharma. I do not desire a third boon…. Draupadi was as forgiving as mother earth herself…. Just then Arjuna saw his dear friend Bhagawan Krishna approaching him…. “Leave him, leave him. He is a brahmin and worthy of our worship. Their mother should not cry, like I have at the death of my children."

Published in Mar 2016

Ganga The River Goddess - Tales in Art and Mythology

"Ganga is...(the) divine grace flowing on to our material world, as is visible in the prosperity of the fertile and rich crop-yielding regions adjacent to her banks... The intense devotion and love which her devotees feel for Ganga is no small measure due to the fact that she is the only accessible physical entity that flows both in the heavens and on the earth... Ganga is a river that has been at the core of sacred Hindu lore and tradition... As a mother, Ganga is tangible, approachable, and all accepting... Ganga's icon at the (temple) doorway... implies her status as a remover of pollution..."

Published in Aug 2003

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