The pose of Shiva Nataraja is represented in a number of bronzes, dating from the tenth century onwards. The movement which is in the bronzes is astonishing. In his role as Nataraja, Shiva is awake and constantly active and in ceaseless motion. Continue reading
Vishnu took the form of a mortal, Rama to combat with Ravana, the ten headed demon king. Ravana had been blessed with the boon that no God could kill or harm him. He had overpowered all the Gods. There was fear all around and he had abducted Sita, Rama’s wife. Sita was an incarnation of Lakshmi. Continue reading
Payasam is a dessert made from milk, sugar or jaggery and vermicelli (Sevika) or other grains. It is also flavored with dried fruit, nuts, cardamom and saffron. It is frequently mentioned in the Ramayana and it is considered a divine offering. Today is made during occasions like pujas, festivals, birthday, births and anniversaries. Continue reading
Independence, unwavering endurance and defiance of adversity were the key gunas of Goddess Sita. She stood her ground literally being the daughter of Bhudevi (Mother Earth). She had boundless courage to face adversity. She was a model of a woman, who was aware of her powerful, spiritual strength. Continue reading
The story is narrated in Devi Mahatyma of Skanda Purana. Durga was created with the combined energies of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and other Gods. After she was created, the Gods gave her a variety of weapons and other ornaments. And she was gifted a lion. Continue reading
She who has the color of the fire, effulgent with the power of Tapas blazing, the one who is desired in the fruits of all actions, I take refuge in her, the goddess Durga. Reverence to the wonderful savioress for all our deliverance.
Fire, deliver us anew, across all difficulties to wellbeing. Be a wide, vast and abundance city for all the progeny of our creative work.
Fire, Knower of all births as a ship across the sea, deliver us across all difficulties. Like the Sun, chanting with the mind, awaken as the protector of our being.
Mahanarayana Upanishad. Durga Sukta 2-4. Continue reading
Part 2 of the Hymn of Creation.
10. From that Sacrifice, the Cosmic offering,
Issued forth Rcas (individual stanzas) and Sama-hymns;
From that were born rhythmic meters,
From that also Yajus came. Continue reading
In the Jataveda form, fire is defined as he who knows all creatures. Agni acts as the divine model for the priest. He is the messenger who carries the oblation from humans to the gods, bringing the Gods to sacrifice and intercedes between gods and humans. (Rig Veda. 26.3) Continue reading
Every important Hindu God has an animal as its vahana (vehicle). They are never without them. In Sanskrit vahana means that which carries or that which pulls. These vahanas are either animals or birds and they represent the various spiritual and psychological energy that bears the Gods. The vahana may wear a saddle upon which the deities sits, or they may pull a chariot, driven by the deity. Continue reading