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
Aditya Hrudayam is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. It is a very powerful prayer and was known to the Rishi Agastya, a revered Vedic sage of Hinduism, who saved humanity and helped the Gods in their battle against Evil. He recited it to Rama, before his battle with Ravana. It is hymn which brings victory, courage and strength. It also calms the mind and restores vitality. 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
Who is this hero? What are the qualities such a hero should have? Dear ones, I will list them.
Heroic deeds.
Marvelous feats of strength and bravery.
Sense of duty.
Great skill in military tactics.
Crossing the sea in one leap.
Lifting a mountain peak in the palm of his hand.
Carrying his brothers on his shoulders from the nether world.
An ideal Nishkama-Karma Yogi or Selfless Worker.
Bhakta
Brahmachari.
For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For the want of a horse the rider was lost.
For the want of a rider the battle was lost.
For the want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail. – Anonymous
“For the want of a nail,” is an ancient proverb. The meaning is that something of great importance may depend on an apparently trivial detail. What do we consider important and what do we consider trivial? Continue reading
Who does not love the sun and moon? There is a charming story about the sun and moon. A very fragrant flower called ‘Raat ki Rani’ (Queen of the Night), or Night Jasmine, fell in love with the sun, but he ignored her. She was heartbroken and decided that she would only flower at night. Then there is the sunflower is called Suraj Mukhi, which opens and gazes at the sun in the day and closes in the evening. Continue reading
Why is the North-East considered important in the Hindu Faith?
Many people want to know why our temples are built facing the North-east and also why we try to place our alters in the same directions. Shiva lives on Mount Kailash, which is in the north and the north is identified by the Pole Star as a symbol of permanence. Surya the Sun God rises in the East. The Sun enables growth. Therefore, the North-East is a combination of permanence and growth. We desire everything and therefore we place our deities in the North-East. Continue reading
What does immortality of the soul mean?
The soul cannot be destroyed by any weapon, fire, water or death. It is immortal, everlasting, deathless, and eternal in form. It is permanent from time immemorial, and its presence is everywhere. Continue reading
Sunday is called Ravivaar in Sanskrit. Ravi means Sun and vaar means day. Sunday is dedicated to worship Surya, who is the primary source of all energy to the universe. Worship of Surya leads to the granting of intelligence, courage, devotion to God and self-reliance and authority. Continue reading
There are five sacrifices which we must offer daily and these are spoken about by all Gurus. There are five Gods also associated with the sacrifices.
Each one of these has an outer and external meaning. Continue reading
The practice of Atmabhava (love for humanity) is like being aware of all the gods 24/7. We have seven days in the week and each day is allocated to a God.
Monday is dedicated to Shiva. Devotees fast for the whole day and can have one meal only. Fasting starts after sunrise. After rising from the bed, one should meditate on Shiva. Then have a bath and offer prayers to Shiva and Parvati. If fasting, wear white clothes. White flowers and white food are offered. Benefit is to receive Shiva’s blessings. Continue reading
Boons and blessings.
Ravana had been granted a boon from Lord Brahma that no God or demon could kill him. He thought that he was invincible. He also received a flying chariot and he could change his shape. He did not realize that the boon did not stretch to humans. And he could be killed by a mortal. Continue reading
Aditya Hrudayam means recitation to Surya (Sun God) from the heart. It is one of them most powerful incantation for removal of evil. It is a description of various aspects of Surya and how he sheds light on our lives bestowing good health, courage and warding off the darkness. Understanding the inner meaning of these divine names can help the supplicant to feel their connection to God. Continue reading
I bow to that which is the substance of all, which is all, the embodiment of the universe, the light on which yogis meditate. Markandeyapurana.
Among the five basic classifications of spiritual Tantra on the basis of Sampradaya (tradition and spiritual lineage), Surya Tantra based on purity, knowledge and positivity. The sadhana of Surya Tantra opens the third eye—universal intuition, and the fire element grants us vitality. Continue reading
We use the word Shakti, very freely in our daily life. Shakti is the presiding deity of Tantra Shastra. She is the feminine principal to whom all mantras, mudras and other elements of worship are devotionally dedicated. Continue reading