Sita phal is named after the Goddess Sita. Sita was an avatar of Lakshmi as Rama was an avatar of Vishnu. Both were born as mortals in the Ramayana. There is an interesting story about the origin of Sita phal. Continue reading
In the Ramayana Visha (poison) and Amrit (nectar) are frequently mentioned. The reference refers to the spiritual and material context. Continue reading
Much interest is shown in the diet of the Gods and of the Vanar (monkey) army. The Vanar sena’s diet as described in the Ramayana aligns with their nature as forest dwellers, relying on fruits, roots and honey for survival. Continue reading
Sri Rama Raksha Stotram
Dear Ones, I am going to share with you ‘Sri Ram Raksha Stotram,’ one of the most powerful, spiritual armors. It was originally composed in Sanskrit and it is in the Ananda Ramayana. It is a powerful Hindu devotional prayer addressed to Lord Sri Rama. Continue reading
He is before us and when we utter an exclamation, we say his name, ‘Hai Rama. Hai Rama’ means ‘Oh Rama,’ ‘Oh God. ‘or ‘Goodness Gracious.’ It is typically used to express surprise, shock, distress or exasperation. While Rama refers to the deity, ‘Hai Rama‘ acts as a sigh or exclamation of divine appeal in everyday conversation, similar to saying, ‘Oh, my God.’ Continue reading
Reading the Ramayana, enables one to understand all aspects of Hindu religion. The Ramayana guides one on the path of spirituality. It is for ordinary beings and all one has to do is chant the name of Rama and be aware of the devotional love which Hanuman had for Rama. To purify one’s prana and then awaken the Divinity within. Continue reading
Agitated by present troubles (rakshasas)
Tempted by future joys (Ravana)
Tortured by past memories (Rama)
The Jeeva (Sita) grieves (Shoka)
Even while residing in Bliss (Ashoka).
Then the Jiva prays (Sita)
And the Guru guides (Hanuman)
Then the truth too arrives (Rama)
The ignorance destroys (Ravana)
And in Bliss unites (Ashoka). – Swami Vimalananda.
Hanuman was the son of the Vayu, God of the Wind. His mother, Anjane was a beautiful celestial nymph, who had been cursed to be born on earth as a monkey princess, because she was an impetuous maiden by Brihaspati’s wrath. Brihaspati was the guru of the Devas. Her curse would only be uplifted when she would bear a child. Anjane was seen by the Wind God and despite being a monkey, she was very beautiful. He was enchanted by her and he blew on her. Hanuman was born and she was freed of the curse. Continue reading
How did it all begin? Shakti, who is the cosmic Mother, has many names – Uma, Parvati, Durga, I can go on. She asked Shiva to narrate a story which will offer comfort in troubled times to all her children. Shiva then narrated the story of the Ramayana, which is about Ram and Sita. Continue reading
Ram is the seventh avatar of Vishnu, and he is born as a mortal. In our Hindu tradition, Ram is a divine human, a mortal god incorporating both into the exemplar who transcends both humans and gods. The story of his life is in the Ramayana and the Ramayana is an allegory for the duties, rights and social responsibilities of an individual. He is a superior being and does not render evil for evil. Continue reading
Lakshmi is the Goddess of wealth in every aspect. She resides where there is truth, charity and dharma. The Sri Suktam in the Vedas is dedicated to her and she is one of manifestations of Adya Shakti.
Lakshmi is addressed by many names: Vriddhi (growth), Matri Rupa (like mother), Vasudha (Earth) and as Aditi, mother of all the gods. Continue reading
Ram’s birthplace is Ayodhya. The meaning of Ayodhya is a place where there is no war. It was a place where there was no conflict, no duality, attachment or aversion, honour or dishonor, joy or sorrow, giving or taking, sense of multiplicity. Continue reading
The Ramayana is a beautiful description of the life of Rama. It is venerated as one of our most holy books. If one reads the Ramayana daily, one attains salvation. It is written in poetic and simple verse. One has to read just a verse or two every day. Continue reading
Proverbs are used by us in our daily life and most times we do not appreciate their real meaning. Each language has its own proverbs and sometimes one finds that the same proverb exists in several languages. Continue reading
It does not read well. Why should one have friends who are enemies? If one is on the spiritual path, one’s enemies should drop by the wayside. I am using the word frenemy as it describes the role of Kama in one’s life. Kama can pretend to be a friend and can also be an enemy. Continue reading