Different forms of Gods are symbols of their virtues and powers. Vishnu is said to be in a slumber on the coils of Shesha Nag. He is in this state for four months. It is written in the Gita, that God does not rest, even for a blink of the eye. When we see Vishnu reclining in Yoga Nidra in this depiction, it means that God is fully aware, and nothing can go wrong. Continue reading
Vishnu is revered as the Preserver and the element; water plays a very important role in his life. He is depicted as the cosmic ocean Nara, meaning water. Water was the only thing in existence before the creation of the universe. On account of this, he is known as Narayana, or one who moves on the waters. Vishnu’s Shakti is the sustaining energy because it refers to Vishnu, God of preservation. Continue reading
In all faiths numbers play a role. 108, 13, 3, 613, 786, 5, 888, 666 are spiritual numbers.
In my seminars, my students always ask, why is 108 important? In Hinduism 108 is a holy number. An individual breathes 21,600 times in 24 hours. When divided by two, it becomes 10,800 resembling 2 horizons – the north and south poles, emphasizing 108 as basic. The sky is divided into 27 nakshatras, each having four sectors of 30, i.e. 27×4=108. The moon crosses one nakshatra in 54 hours, which if divided into day and night gives 54×2=108. 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
What is Tulsi Vivah? It is a festival which is a very important ritual. It celebrates the ceremonial marriage of the holy Basil plant, known as Tulsi to Vishnu and Krishna. It is believed that if one has a Tulsi plant outside one’s house, then one’s husband will never leave one. The holy Basle has to be watered daily. Tulsi Vivah is a sacred tradition which marks the beginning of the wedding season in Hindu culture. 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
Grass is an essential part of our life, and do we take it for granted? Dear ones are you aware that in the process of creation a blade of grass and a Neem tree take the same time.
Every blade of grass has its spot on earth whence it draws its life, its strength; and so is man rooted to the land from which he draws his faith together with his life. – Joseph Conrad
Grass is what saves and holds the water that keeps life good and going… It keeps the falling rain from flushing away. Blades of grass take water from the air and transpired it into the ground. That works the other way around too. Because grass blades help put water back into the air so that rain can fall again. – Theodore Roosevelt
Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish, I wish tonight.
We have always been enchanted by stars. The Phoenicians looked to the sun’s movement across the heaven to tell them their direction. Stars since ancient times are described as forever hope, destiny, heaven and freedom. We also believe that seeing a falling star will fulfill our wishes. One has to wish immediately, because a falling star disappears in seconds. Continue reading
How to worship God? Seek God and serve him in this world, which is his creation.
Jale Vishnu, thale Vishnu
Vishnu parvatamastake
Jvaalamaalaakule Vishnu
Sarvam Vishnumayam jagat.Vishnu is in the oceans,
In the land, in the mountain peaks,
In the garland of flames,
In every nook and corner of the world.
A Shakta is a devotee of the Mother Goddess and his/her prayer can be described like this verse:
May all my idle talk be your japa, sound divine,
May all my gestures be your mudras,
May all my steps be around your seat,
May all my lying down be your pranam,
May all your oblations be my only food,
And may all acts of mine be in joy for you.
Extracted from a hymn dedicated to Tripura Sundari from Saundarya Lahiri. Continue reading
In Hinduism we follow the path of Dharma. Dharma consists of three principles, Artha (material wealth), Kama (fulfilling of desires) and attaining Moksha (righteousness and liberation). Fulfilling our responsibilities and commitments will lead to a life of harmony and detachment. Continue reading
God is truth and God is love. He is the supreme being. He is the support for the universe. Without him not an atom can move. He is the womb for the Vedas. Indra, Agni, Vayu, Varuna, and Yama are his assistants. Earth, water, fire, air and ether are his five powers. Maya is his elusive Shakti. Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva are his three aspects. Creation, preservation, destruction, veiling are the five kinds of activities of God. He dwells in our hearts He is in us. – Swami Sivananda
To be read during Navratri. Dear Ones enjoy the blessings of the Mother.
I bow to you Durga, the bestower of happiness,
I bow to you, O Goddess Amba who ends all miseries.
The radiance of your light is limitless
And all pervading and all of the three realms (Earth, Heaven and the Netherworld) are enlightened by Thee.Your face is like the moon and mouth very huge.
Your eyes shine with a red glow
And you have a frightening frown.
O mother, your look is enchanting, the very sight of which
Ensures welfare of the devout.All the power of the world reposes in
Thee and it is you, who provide food and wealth
For the world’s survival.
Like the feeding, Mother Annapurna,
You nurture the whole universe and you are
The one, who appears like the timeless
Bala Sundari (the young girl of extreme beauty).At the time of dissolution, it is you,
O Mother, who destroys everything.
You are the beloved consort of Lord Shiva, Gauri.
Lord Shiva and all the yogis always chant your praise
Brahma, Vishnu and all other Gods ever meditate on you.You appear in the form of Goddess Saraswati too,
To grant wisdom to the sages and thus ensure their welfare.
In the form of Goddess Lakshmi,
O Mother you appear in the world
And repose by the side of Shree Narayan.Dwelling in the ocean of milk,
O goddess with Lord Vishnu,
Please fulfill my desires.
He who sings your glory with devotion, love and sincerity
Goes beyond the cycle of births and deaths.O Merciful Mother! Show me your favor and make me feel
Happy bestowing me with all sorts of riches and powers.
Pray with sincerity, Ma has a mother’s heart and she knows what you wish for.
My question has been answered and I will share the answer with you dear ones. In our scriptures, the Gods always pray to the Cosmic Mother, who is Maha Devi. I have always believed and venerated the Cosmic Mother as the creator. Continue reading