For which we seek the answers.
Why are temples built facing the east? Temples are built facing the east so that the first rays of the rising sun can fall on the image of the deity. The deity faces east, and the devotees face west, so that the sun’s rays fall on the god and are reflected on the devotee. Temples are compared to a woman’s body, sitting with her knees bent. The place where the deity is installed is known as the Garbha Griha, womb. Continue reading
An important Hindu ritual
Pitru means ancestors. Paksh refers to a lunar phase (fortnight). In the lunar month there are two pakshas or fortnights, suklapaksha (bright fortnight) and Krishnapaksha (dark fortnight). Shradha means a Hindu rite performed on behalf of departed ancestors. Pitru Paksha Shradha is a ceremony in which devotees pay homage to their dead ancestors. Various rituals are observed. Pitra means dead ancestors and these rites enable their souls to rest in peace. Offering food in the name of the ancestors is the most important part of the ceremony. Continue reading