Rameshwaram Jyotirlniga

Lord Shiva’s jyotirlinga at Rameshwaram

Rameshwaram  is one of the 12 jyotirlinga. The temple is situated on Rameshwaram island in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple has the longest corridor among all Hindu temples in India.

Rameshwaram Shivlinga

Rameshwaram Shivlinga

The Temple

The primary deity of the temple is Ramanathaswamy (Shiva) in the form of lingam. There are two lingams inside the sanctum, one built by Goddess Sita, from sand, residing as the main deity, Ramalingam. Second one brought by Lord Hanuman from Kailash called Vishwalingam. Rama instructed that Vishwalingam should be worshipped first since it was brought by Lord Hanuman – the tradition continues even today.

Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga temple of Lord Shiva

Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga temple of Lord Shiva

Rameswaram Temple is spread over an area of 15 acres. The temple has high compound wall  on all the four sides, measuring about 865 feet from east to west and 657 feet from north to south. It has with huge towers (Gopurams) at the east and west and finished gate towers on the north and south.The outer set of corridors is reputed to be the longest in the world. The total length of those corridors is thus 3850 feet. There are about 1212 pillars in the outer corridor.The main tower or rajagopuram is 53 m tall. Most pillars are carved with individual composition.

An ancient time image of the temple corridore

An ancient time image of the temple corridor

Modern time image of the temple corridor

Modern time image of the temple corridor

The temple also has several mandapams with mini shrines to other deities. There is a huge Nandi measuring 12 feet in length and 9 feet in height.

There are sixty-four Tīrthas (holy water bodies) in and around the island of Rameshwaram. According to Skānda Purāṇa, twenty-four of them are important. Bathing in these Tīrthas is a major aspect of the pilgrimage to Rameshwaram and is considered equivalent to penance.Twenty-two of the Tīrthas are within the Rāmanāthasvāmī Temple. The number 22 indicates the 22 arrows in Rama’s quiver. The first and major one is called Agni Theertham.

Legend behind the temple

According to Ramayana, Rama is believed to worshipped and prayed to Shiva here to absolve sin of killing a brahmana, committed during his war against the demon king Ravana.  Rama wanted to have the largest lingam to worship Shiva. He directed Hanuman.  to bring the lingam from Himalayas. Since it took longer to bring the lingam, Sita, built a small lingam out of the sand available in the sea shore, which is believed to be the lingam in the sanctum.

Another  Story

According to another popular legend, It is believed that the Ling was installed by Lord Rama, himself. On the way to attack Ravana, when Lord Rama reached this place he started drinking water at the sea shore. There was a celestial proclamation, that “You are drinking water without worshipping me”. Then Rama made a linga of sand and worshipped Lord Shiva, and asked Shiva to bless him to defeat Ravana. Lord Shiva blessed him accordingly. Rama also requested Shiva to reside there eternally for the benefit of mankind. Lord Shiva then manifested himself as the Lingam and got installed there for eternity.

Significance of the Rameshwaram Temple Jyotirlinga

Significance of the Rameshwaram Temple Jyotirlinga has been described through a shloka in Manas.

Je rameshwar darshan kari hahi |
Te tanu taji mam loka sidaari hahi ||

Meaning: Those who go to Rameshwar and seeks my blessings, shall always reside in Shivloka.It is said that there is greatness associated with the ceremonial bath given to the linga by water of the Ganga.

 

Unknown Facts from Mahabharata

One warrior from Shri Krishna’s army did not fight alongside Duryodhana, contrary to the arrangement

This is a well known fact that Shri Krishna promised his army to Duryodhana, and he said that he will accompany Pandavas in the war, yet there was one person from his army, who helped Pandavas. He was Satyaki and he was like a disciple to Arjuna. He has helped Pandavas greatly when Drona was trying to capture Yudhishthira with the formation of chakravyuha.  Satyaki was rescued by Arjuna when Bhurisharava was trying to kill him and eventually Satyaki killed Bhurishravas. This happened on the fourteenth day of Mahabharata war.

Satyaki defeated Drona

Satyaki even engaged in a long fight with Drona, in which he breaks Drona’s bowstring 101 times successively. Drona gets so frustrated by Satyaki, that he even uses divine weapons, which Satyaki counters using his knowledge of divine weapons from his education under Arjuna.

Another fact about Satyaki

When Shri Krishna went to Duryodhana for one final attempt to maintain peace, Satyaki accompanied him. It was then when Duryodhana ordered him to be imprisoned, Satyaki draws his sword to fight. But Shri Krishna holds him back.

Krishna and Satyaki
Krishna and Satyaki

 

Death of Satyaki

Satyaki dies when the curse of Gandhari came to its fulfillment. Satyaki in anger said that he would kill Kritavarma for slaying the warriors of the Pandava army while they were asleep. Having said this he rushed towards Kritavarma and severed his head with a sword. He then started killing the warriors who were on Kritavarma’s side. Krishna then ran to stop Satyaki.

The Bhojas and the Andhakas incensed at Satyaki surrounded him. Krishna knowing the character of the hour stood there unmoved. The Bhojas and Andhakas started striking Satyaki with the pots in which they had been eating.

Bhagdatta and his eyelids

There is an interesting story of Bhagdatta’s eyelids. Bhagdatta was a fierce warrior who fought from the side of Duryodhana. He used Vaishnavastra on Arjuna, but as Lord Krishna was there, it fell upon him as a garland. Shri Krishna then advised Arjuna to first cut the support to his eyelids, as Bhagdatta was old and his eyelids were blocking the vision. He used to tie them up so that he could see properly. Duly, Arjuna cut the ropes holding his eyelids. This made him virtually blind, and then Arjuna killed him.

Arjuna kills Bhagaddatta
Arjuna kills Bhagaddatta

Bhima was captured by a python – Nahusha

There were few times in Mahabharata, when even Bhima was helpless. One was a great lesson of humbleness with Lord Hanumana. Another is presented here. What happened that there was a king named Nahusha, who became the gods of devtas. He became arrogant and wanted to marry Shachi. Shachi convinced him to come in palanquin, which should be shouldered by great sages. Nahusha did the same and even went one step further by kicking Sage Agastya. By doing this, he lost all his virtue and also became a python by the curse of Sage Agastya. But he was told that when Yudhishthira explained him the virtues of good king, he will become a man again.

Nahusha's downfall
Nahusha’s downfall

When Lord Krishna moved calendar

Sahadeva, the youngest Pandava was a great astrologer. Once, on the request of Duryodhana, he advises Duryodan the most auspecious time for stating the war will be the amavasya day. Lord Krishna overheard this and plans to do what next. Krishna performs amaysya tarpan one day earlier to the scheduled data and seeing Krishna performing tarpan one day earlier everybody starts doing the same. Seeing this,  moon god and sun god  comes down and ask Krisna why he is performing tarpan one day earlier .To this, Lord asked when does Amavasya happen? It is not when sun and moon face each other? They replied yes. Then Lord said that then today is amavasya since both you are facing each other. Unfortunately Duryodana also performs tarpan on a day prior to real amavasya and brings his downfall.

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Lord Shiva temple

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga – Lord Shiva’s temple

Bhimashankar Temple is a Jyotirlinga  located 50 km northwest of Khed, near Pune, in Maharashtra. Bhima Shankar Temple lies on the banks of the river Bhima, in the ghat region of the Sahyadri hills in the village of Bhavagiri.

Legend behind Bhimashankar Temple

In the dence forest of Dakini, there lived a demon named Bhima with his mother Karkati. Bhima harassed and tortured everyone. Once he asked his mother about the details of his father. His mother told him that his father Kumbhakarna is the younger brother of Ravana, the king of Lanka. Both his father and uncle were slain by Lord Rama. She told her that Lord Rama was incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This infuriated Bhima and he vowed to avenge Lord Vishnu.

Defeat of Devas by Bhima and Kamrupeshwar’s devotion to Lord Shiva

Bhima performed severe penance to please Lord Brahma. Pleased, Brahma granted him the boon of becoming a very strong man. With this new strength, he captured all the divines including Vishnu and Indra. They were in his control. After this he won a victory over the great Shiva devotee Kamarupeshwar. Kamarupeshwar did not stop his worship of Shiva even when in prison. He performed the Puja with the same devotion, observing all the procedures his wife also joined him in this.

Bhimashankar Temple Jyotirlinga

Bhimashankar Temple Jyotirlinga

On the other hand, Brahma and Vishnu along with all the other divines started praying Shankara and of asking for deliverance from the wicked Demon King. Shiva assured the divines and sent them home after pacifying them.

Lord Shiva defeats Bhima

Bhima asked Kamrupeshwar to worship him instead of Lord Shiva. When Kamrupeshwar refused, Bhima raised his sword to strike the Shiva Linga. But as soon as he raised his sword, Lord Shiva appeared before him in full magnificence. Then the terrible war began. Holy sage Narad appeared and requested Lord Shiva to put an end to this war. It was then that Lord Shiva reduced the evil demon to ashes and thus concluded the saga of tyranny. All the Gods and the holy sages present there requested Lord Shiva to make this place his abode. Lord Shiva thus manifested himself in the form of the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga.

Another story from Puran

There is another famous story about Bhimashankar. In ancient days there was a demon named Tripurasura, He harass and torture everybody in all three world namely Swarga, Naraka and Patal. Every one even Gods were scared of him.  Then Lord Shiva himself came to destroy Tripurasura. Lord Shankar assumed colossal proportions. Tripurasura feared when they saw this Rudravatar. The fight went on and at last Lord Shiva killed the wicked demon and set the there worlds free. After the fight Lord shiva was very tired so in order to get some rest he settled in the high areas of Sahyadri mountains. His sweat started pouring down from his huge body in thousands of streams. It all joined together and collected in a pond or Kund. The river that started from there is known as Bhima, which can be seen even today. Devotees then prayed to Bhimakaya Rudra to reside there for ever.  Lord Shiva listened to the devotees and stayed there as a Jyotirlinga forever.

Bhimashankar jyotirlinga

Bhimashankar jyotirlinga

 Architecture and surroundings

The Bhimashankara temple is a composite of old and the new structures in the Nagara style of architecture.  It is a modest yet graceful temple and it dates back to the 13th century and the sabhamandap developed in the 18th century by Nana Phadnavis.  The Diwan of the Peshwar, Nana Phadanvis renovated this temple.  It is decorated with the Dashavatar statues. These are very beautiful to look at. A unique and a huge bell can be seen in front of the the temple was presented by Chimaji Appa. (brother of Bajirao Peshwa). Chimaji Appa collected five large bells after he won in war against the Portuguese from Vasai Fort. When this bell is rung, the entire echoes with its sound.

Bhiashankar is declared as wildlife sanctuary in 1985.  It is rich in floral and fauna diversity. . A variety of birds, animals, insects, plants can be seen. A rare animal Malabar Giant squirrel locally called as ” Shekaru” can be found in deep forest.  It is said that the lions from these forests come to the shrine every night to get a Darshan of the Lord.

It seems as if Lord Shiva is keeping a silent vigil over the majestic ranges of the Sahyadris. The serenity interrupted only by the silent murmuring of the cool breeze and the occasional chirping of birds

Other temples and shrines 

There is a shrine to Kamalaja near the Bhimashankara temple. Kamalaja is an incarnation of Parvati, who helped Shiva in his battle against Tripurasura.  Shaakini and Daakini the Shivaganas who helped Shiva in the battle against the demon are also honored and worshiped here.

The Mokshakund thirtha is behind the Bhimashankara temple, and it is associated with the rishi Kaushika. There are also the Sarvathirtha, the Kusharanya thirtha where the Bhima river begins to flow eastward, and the Jyanakund.

Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga – Lord Shiva as Mahakal

Lord Shiva is worshipped as Mahakala. Located in the ancient city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, is the temple of Mahakaleshwar. This temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India.  There is an interesting story which explains about the Mahakaleshwar form of Shiva. This form of Lord Shiva is a fierce form which is beyond imagination and description. This story took place when Ujjain was known as Avanti and is mentioned in the Shiva Purana.

Lord Shiva as Mahakal

Lord Shiva as Mahakal

The Story of Mahakala

Once there lived a pious man in Avanti (nowadays Ujjain),  who was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. He had four sons and the family worshipped Lord Shiva daily.

Not far away from their home in a hill named Ratanmala. There lived an Asura (demon) named Dooshana. Demon Dooshana hated all forms of Shiva and vedic worship. He went around killing people who worshipped Shiva. Soon Dooshana came to know about the family in Avanti that worshipped Lord Shiva.

He arrived with his army and attacked the city. But the family continued to worship Shiva in the form of a Shivling.

Finally, the demon and soldiers reached the home of the pious man and started hurling weapons. The demon broke open the door and advanced towards the Shivling by raising a sword.

Suddenly, there was a deafening sound and there appeared a dreadful form beyond explanation before the Shivling. A single glance by the Mahakala form of Shiva burned the demon and his army into ashes. Uncontrollable and unsatisfied, the form of Shiva gave a huge roar; the entire universe trembled in fear.

But the family was but delighted to see Lord Shiva and continued chanting his glory and prayers. Before his true devotees, Shiva is always the Bholenath – one can be easily influenced. Hearing the prayers of his devotees, His anger subsided.

But the family who was aware of the dangers of the world realized that the form of Shiva as Mahakala was essential for peace and prosperity and asked him to reside in this form at Ujjain. Since then Shiva remains at Ujjain Mahakala Temple as Mahakala – the one with the power to annihilate all living and non-living.

Unknown facts about the Mahakaleshwar Temple

One of the oldest places of pilgrimage, the temple finds mention in ancient texts and scriptures and has been eulogised by the great Sanskrit poet and dramatist in emotive terms.

Mahakaleshwar Temple, with its astonishing architectural beauty, dominates the skyline of Ujjain and instills a sense of reverence among the devotees. The lingam at this spiritually important shrine is believed to be swayambhu (self-arisen).

Mahakaleshwar Ujjain

Mahakaleshwar Temple at Ujjain

The idol of Mahakaleshwar is known to be dakshinamurti, which means that it is facing the south. This is a unique feature, upheld by the tantric shivnetra tradition to be found only in Mahakaleshwar among the 12 Jyotirlingas. The idol of Omkareshwar Mahadev is consecrated in the sanctum above the Mahakal shrine. The images of Ganesh, Parvati and Karttikeya are installed in the west, north and east of the sanctum sanctorum.

To the south is the image of Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva. The idol of Nagchandreshwar on the third storey is open for darshan only on the day of Nag Panchami. The temple has five levels, one of which is underground.

The temple itself is located in a spacious courtyard surrounded by massive walls near a lake. The shikhar or the spire is adorned with sculptural finery. Brass lamps light the way to the underground sanctum. It is believed that prasada (holy offering) offered here to the deity can be re-offered unlike all other shrines.

Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar

One of the most important rituals of Mahakaleshwar is Bhasma Aarti. The temple opens in the morning at 4AM with a special aarti – the one of its kind Bhasma Aarti – where the aarti is performed with sacred ash – Bhasma. Since ancient times, this bhasma used to be the fresh and burning hot ash from a funeral pyre, since Lord Shiva is believed to live in and enjoy the atmosphere of a cremation ground. However, now, the temple has changed its ways in keeping with modern times and the aarti is now performed with bhasma made with cow dung, what we call Vibhooti.

Mahakal Bhasma Aarti at Ujjain

Mahakal Bhasma Aarti at Ujjain

While those who have seen the original aarti (which was performed till about 15years ago) maintain that it was a different experience which can not be recreated. The present aarti is also a grand experience.

Another Legend of Mahakal

According to the Puranas, the city of Ujjain was called Avantika and was famous for its beauty and its status as a devotional epicenter. It was also one of the primary cities where students went to study holy scriptures. According to legend, there was a ruler of Ujjain called Chandrasena, who was a pious devotee of Lord Shiva and worshiped him all the time. One day, a farmer’s boy named Shrikhar was walking on the grounds of the palace and heard the King chant the Lord’s name and rushed to the temple to start praying with him. However, the guards removed him by force and sent him to the outskirts of the city near the river Kshipra. Rivals of Ujjain, primarily King Ripudamana and King Singhaditya of the neighboring kingdoms decided to attack the Kingdom and take over its treasures around this time. Hearing this, Shrikhar started to pray and the news spread to a priest named Vridhi. He was shocked to hear this and upon the urgent pleas of his sons, started to pray to Lord Shiva at the river Kshipra. The Kings chose to attack and were successful; with the help of the powerful demon Dushan, who was blessed by Lord Brahma to be invisible, they plundered the city and attacked all the devotees of Lord Shiva.

Mahakaleshwar Shivji

Mahakaleshwar Shivji

Upon hearing the pleas of His helpless devotees, Lord Shiva appeared in his Mahakala form and destroyed the enemies of King Chandrasena. Upon the request of his devotees Shrikhar and Vridhi, Lord Shiva agreed to reside in the city and become the chief deity of the Kingdom and take care of it against its enemies and to protect all His devotees. From that day on, Lord Shiva resided in His light form as Mahakala in a Lingam that was formed on its own from the powers of the Lord and His consort, Parvati. The Lord also blessed his devotees and declared that people who worshipped Him in this form would be free from the fear of death and diseases. Also, they would be granted worldly treasures and be under the protection of the Lord himself.

Draupadi and Pandavas born due to a curse

There are many stories which establish the fact that why Draupadi had to become wife of five brothers, but this story is rather less known, where it was due to curse of Goddess Parvati, Draupadi became wife of five Pandavas. Similarly, it was curse of Lord Shiva, which resulted in five gods to bore children in Pandavas.

Ketaki and Daksha

Ketaki was the daughter of Daksha Prajapati. She was very beautiful. Because of her beauty and demeanor, she earned lot of fame. This made her arrogant. When her father asked her to get married, She refused saying that she can not find any person worthy of marrying her. So, she decided to spend her entire life under the shelter of Lord Shiva in Himalayas. Accordingly, She went to Himalayas and started her penance.

Ketaki

Ketaki

Curse of Goddess Parvati

Once Goddess Parvati thought of testing her. Parvati disguised as a cow reached the plac ewhere Ketaki was meditating and started bellowing loudly. Ketaki was disturbed so she uttered some foul words for the cow. Hearing this, Goddess Parvati came into her real form and cursed her. She said in your arrogance you can’t find any male worth marrying you so you will have to go down to earth and be common wife of five men.

Parvati relents

On recognizing Parvati, Ketaki fell in her feet for apology. Parvati said her curse is immutable, but this will be as a blessing in disguise for her. Even after being a common wife of five husbands, your wifely devotion shall remain intact and then realms Parvati left.

Sadness of Ketaki and Indrani’s wish

Ketaki was sitting at the bank of Ganga, her tear drops that fell on the water become golden lotus and began to float in the current. Indra spoted them and took few flowers for his wife Indrani. Indrani was delighted to have them. Indrani longed to have more of them and said that the right place of blooming was the pond in the heaven.

Indra sends Gods to find the flower

Indra send Dharamraj to find the origin of the flower. When he didn’t return, Indra send Vayu dev behind him. But, when he also failed to return Indra send Ashwini Kumars to find the golden lotus. But after long time when none of them returned Indra decided to go and search himself.

Indra meets Ketaki

Indra found Ketaki sitting on the bank of Ganga. Charmed by her beauty he sought her identity. Ketaki said she is daughter of Daksha Prajapati and she was there to do her penance and meditation. Indra said that meditation and penance are for elderly sage and offered her to marry him and enjoy the pleasure of heaven.

Keatki was hurt by the offer and said your four deites have already suffered the consequence of giving me such offer and if you seek your welfare you should return to your abode.

Ketaki shows helpless gods to Indra

Indra immedately understood that the four deities referred to by her were none else but Dharamraj, Vayu, Ashwini Kumars. When Indra inquired further about them. Ketaki took him to a deep cave where four deities were lying tied down. On seeing them Indra lost temper and said though you pretend to be ascetic, but  your heart is full of demonic tendencies. Do you know the consequence of holding them in captive.

Indra meets the protector of Ketaki

Ketaki said, thet they are being held n captive by her protector. Indra found an ascetic with long matted hair lost in meditation in a cave. Indra in arrogance began to utter some foul words for the ascetic. But when the ascetic came in his real form Indra was shocked to see that he he was no one else then Lord Shiva himself.

Lord Shiva

Lord Shiva

Lord Shiva curses five Gods

Lord Shiva thundered that Ketaki is like a daughter to him and since Indra and his deities have insulted her so you five have to go down on earth as human being.

Ketaki and Lord Shiva

Ketaki and Lord Shiva

Lord shiva said that in Dwapar Age, Lord Vishnu will incarnate as human being, at that time you five will also live on earth as human being, and at that time Ketaki shall be your common wife. In this way, your desire to have her shall be satiated and you five will also help Lord Vishnu to establish the rule of righteousness on the earth. This way your curse will fructify as boon to you all.

Thus due to the effect of the collective curse of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati, Pandavas got Draupadi as a common wife.

The gem which gave Lord Krishna two wives

 The Story of Syamantaka Gem, Jambavant duel with Lord Krishna and his marriage

Syamantaka gem, is a rare gem which had the power to bestow all sorts of good things to the person holding it. This jewel originally was with Sun God, who gave this to Satyajit, who was an ardent devotee of Sun God. Satyajit brought this gem to Dwarka, where Lord Krishna instructed him to give it to Ugrasena, but Satyajit did not listen.

Satyajit gave this to Prasen, who was once killed by a lion while he was wearing this gem. Shortly after, it was attacked by Jambavant, described as king of the ‘bears’ , who killed it after a fierce fight and took off with the bounty.

Lord Krishna and Jambavant

Lord Krishna and Jambavant

Prasen’s disappearance fed to rumour that Shri Krishna killed him, as he wanted the Gem himself. To get himself rid of this, he decided to solve the mystery, Soon he found the Prasen’s corpse, followed it and found Lion’s corpse and finally discovered Jambavant’s cave.

Soon a fierce battle was ensued between these two. After 28 days, Jambavant got tired and he wondered that who is this person who can stand up to him for a fight? He realized that he was none other than Lord Vishnu himself. He happily handed over the gem to Lord Krishna and got his daughter, Jambavati married to Lord.

Meanwhile, Lord Krishna’s companions, who waited for Krishna to come out of the cave, returned to Dwarka despondent. All of Krishna’s friends and family members became extremely sorrowful and began regularly worshiping Goddess Durga to assure the Lord’s safe return. Soon,  Krishna entered the city in the company of His new wife. He summoned Satrajit to the royal assembly and, after recounting to him the entire story of the Syamantaka jewel’s recovery, gave the jewel back to him.

Satrajit accepted the jewel, but with great shame and remorse. He went back to his home, and there he decided to offer Lord Krishna not only the jewel but also his daughter so as to atone for the offense he had committed against the Lord’s lotus feet. Sri Krishna accepted the hand of Satrajit’s daughter, Satyabhama, who was endowed with all divine qualities. But the jewel He refused, returning it to King Satrajit.

Lord Krishna and Satyabhama

Lord Krishna and Satyabhama

Note: Incidentally Lord Krishna’s battle with Jambavant is because of a boon given by Lord Rama. Jambavant, the played a major role in during the building of the bridge, appears in the Mahabharat. Lord Rama was pleased with Jambavant’s devotion and told him to ask for a boon. Jambavant wished for a duel with Lord Rama, which he granted, saying that it would be done in his next avatar.

More stories about Lord Krishna

Seven important rituals of Hindu religion

Seven Important Hindu Rituals

We are presenting another series of Hindu Rituals which explain the importance of these rituals. Their observance brings great luck and happiness to devotees.

Importance of Deepa

The deepa or diya is lit on all auspicious occasion, festivals even in daily puja. Deepa is lighted in front of deities. In some temples we can also find a akhand deep which is burnt continuously.  It is also lighted in educational and social events like inauguration.

Importance of Burning Deepak

Importance of Burning Deepak

 

It is believed that the oil of the deep symbolizes one’s base instinct (vasana) the wick the ego. So when a deep is illuminated by spiritual knowledge the base instincts get exhausted and  the ego slowly perishes. The flame of the deep always burns upward similar to a spiritual knowledge which elevates a person. Thus, lightning a deep symbolises knowledge that eradicates the darkness of ignorance.

What is the purpose of Aarati and how it is performed ?

Aarati is one of the sixteen steps of the puja ritual. It is referred to as the auspicious light. Aarti is performed at the end of every ritualistic puja. It is performed by circling the lighted lamp with the right hand in a clockwise direction before the deity. During aarti devotees sing prayer describing the glory of God, clap their hands, ringing of bells and blowing of conch shell. After aarti devotees place their palm over the holy flame and then touch them over their eyes and head to be blessed by God’s divinity.

The ritual of Performing Aarti

The ritual of Performing Aarti

 

Why Coconut is worshipped ?

In early days, animal sacrifice was in practice in yajnas, this symbolizes offering of wealth to Devas. But slowly this practice was discontinued and coconut,  which symbolizes life came is used instead.

The Coconut worship

The Coconut worship

 

Coconut is worshipped with the kalash as this symbolises prosperity and auspiciousness. It is also offered into the sacrificial fire during homa ceremony. It is also broken during worship rituals and on occasions like inauguration or opening of new buildings , factories shops etc.

The splitting of a coconut symbolises the shattering of one’s ego. The coconut water represents the base instinct (vasana) which is offered with white kernel ( the mind) to God.

What is pradakshina and why it us done ?

Pradakshina means circumambulation, its a devotional act expressing respect and honour to God’s divine presence. While circumbulating the devotee chant the name of God. This is always performed in a clockwise manner so that the deity is always on one’s right, symbolising auspiciousness.

pradakshina

 

Why do Hindu offer namaste or namaskar or dandavat pranam ?

Namaste , namaskar or dandavat pranam is a gesture of greeting and respect to God, guru, senior or even a stranger. Namaste means ”I bow to you” It also includes the sentiment of offering prostration and salutation. The Hindus say offer namaste or namaskar by folding their palms together by the and chest and bowing their heads. Bowing of the head symbolises humility and folding of hands means, may our mind meet together.

namaskar

Dandavat pranam is performed by sitting down on one’s knees with one’s head and hands touching the ground and the mind engage in humble thoughts. Dandavat pranam is performed by lying prostrate on the ground with eight parts of the body touching the floor.

dandvat

Both the pranams are performed in acknowledgement of their greatness, selfless love, service and sacrifice.  In return the guru , parents, seniors, teachers generally place their hands in benediction on the disciple, child or student’s head to allow the free flow of divine vibrations and positive energy.

Why do Hindus observe fast ?

Hindus observe fast on festivals. They fast to please God, control the senses or atone for sins.Fast is observed in various forms like some take only milk, or water or fruit juice, while some fast strictly without taking any food and water at all.

Spiritually, fasting facilitates mental proximity to God by withdrawing the senses from material objects. It also evokes feeling of gratitude and humility for all that God gives and does for our happiness, survival and sustenance. The mind become pure, poised and peaceful. Physically, fasting allows the digestive system to rest for some time and thus improve its efficiency. It also detoxifies the body.

Why do some Hindu deities have animal features?

Some Hindu deities have animal features include Ganesha , Hanuman, Vishn’s avtars like Matsya(fish), Kumra (turtle), Varah (boar), Narasimha (half man half lion) and others. Hindus believe that Paramatma or Bhagwan manifests in human and other forms for the purpose of re-establishing dharma and destroying adharma. God is free to take whichever form he desire for the purpose of fulfilling his mission. This Hindu tradition reverse all the manifestation of Bhagwan and other deities, whether in human or other forms, and believe that they are divine.

Lord Ganpati having elephant features

Lord Ganpati having elephant features

 

 

sun god

In other religions and civilizations Gods with animal features are worshipped, like in Ancient Greek civilizations, they worshipped God Pan, who had hindquaters, legs and horns of a goat. In Egyptian civilization also people worshipped Anubis, Lord of underworld, and Ra (Sun God) who are potrayed as men with falcon heads. In Christianity winged angels are portrayed as half human and half bird.

greek god

Today, many of these animal feature deities have lost their prominence and no longer remembered or worshiped. But,  in Hinduism Ancient deities are still worshiped , believing them to be divine regardless of them having animal features.

 

Goddess Alakshmi ( A unheard deity)

We all know about the Goddess Lakshmi, but few of us know about Alakshmi, who is equally and important Goddess, but unpopular for other reasons.

Alakshmi is elder sister of goddess Lakshmi.  She is Goddess of misfortne, bad luck, durbhagya, inauspiciousness. She represents every thing opposite to Goddess Lakshmi. Another name for Alakshmi is Nirriti.

She has dry shriveled up body, sunken cheeks, thick lips, and beady eyes and she rides a donkey. She likes to live where people are full of ego, vanity, and selfish mindset.

Emergence of Alakshmi

There are many myths related to emergence of Alakshmi.

According to one belief, Alakshmi was born with goddess Lakshmi during churning of ocean. Goddess Lakshmi emerged from amrita and Alakshmi emerged from  Kalakuta poison dripping from vasuki naga’s mouth.Another belief, says her sister was born from the radiance of Prajapati’s face, while Alakshmi was born from his back.

Alakshmi
Alakshmi

Her existence with sister Lakshmi

Alakshmi is said to co-exist with Lakshmi. Where there is Lakshmi, there is Alakshmi. Some legends believe she is invisible in existence while some believe she is always near Lakshmi in the form of a owl.

Alakshmi brings, discord, strife, jealousy, mlice and hardship where ever she goes. Proximity to her gives rise to lack of knowledge, vision and positive thinking. She divides families and destroys wealth. She plants distrust and misunderstanding among family members, friends and relatives.

How to pray to Alakshmi

One should always acknowledge Alakshmi as she accompanies Lakshmi everywhere. she is the negative energy or force that silently comes with rising wealth. one must be very careful to not let riches corrupt them. Auspicious wealth has invisible seeds of sinful pride, arrogance, sloth, surrounding it.

Ritually, one keeps sweets in the house for Lakshmi Ma while lemons and chillies are kept outside the house for Alakshmi. Symbolically, Lakshmi is welcomed through the decorated main front door and Alakshmi is seen off through the little back door.

Interesting stories of Alakshmi 

1. Once Goddess Lakshmi visited a trader.  He was very happy to see her and welcomed her in his home. But he was sad to see his  Alakshmi behind the radiant goddess.

Trader was very smart. He bowed to both the goddesses with respect. He then said that Lakshmi looks beautiful as she enters a home and Alakshmi looks beautiful as she leaves a home. In saying so, Lakshmi or wealth and splendour moved with him to his home while, misfortune, discord, and poverty moved away from his home.

2. According to one story, she was upset because her younger sister was wife to Vishnu and was living in the Vaikuntha paradise, while she had neither husband nor abode. Lakshmi then decreed “Mrityu, god of death, decay, and degeneration will be Alakshmi’s husband and she will dwell wherever there is dirt, ugliness, sloth, gluttony, envy, rage, hypocrisy, greed and lust.

3. She can only be kept at bay Goddess Saraswati or sound knowledge and good judgement. Lord Vishnu knows this secret. It is believed, Goddess Swarsati stays hidden on Vishnu’s tounge and through knowledge keeps him steadfast on the path of ‘Dharma’ or righteousness. He is never swayed by the cunning tricks of Alakshmi and so Ma Lakshmi never leaves his side – ever.

Vidya lakshmi – Ashta Lakshmi

In Hindu religion and mythology, Goddess Lakshmi has great importance. She has eight forms and called Ashta Lakshmi. Lakshmi,the hindu goddess of beauty, wealth and fertility has eight iconic manifestations. Know about Vidya Lakshmi here who symbolizes knowledge.

Vidya Lakshmi

Vidya means knowledge as well as education, not just degrees or diplomas from the university, but real all-round education.  Education is not mere studies, but divine education also. Serenity, Regularity, Absence of Vanity, Sincerity, Simplicity, Veracity, Equanimity, Fixity, Non-irritability, Adaptability Humility, Tenacity, Integrity, Nobility, Magnanimity, Charity, Generosity and Purity are the eighteen qualities imbibed through proper education that only can give immortality. Vidya Lakshmi is the understanding and the knowledge to mould the ordinary life into the Divine Life.

Vidya Lakshmi - The provider of knowledge

Vidya Lakshmi – The provider of knowledge

In this for the Mother is four-armed, in white garments, carries two lotuses, other two hands depicting abhaya mudra and varada mudra, similar to Goddess Saraswati.

Vidya-Lakshmi Prayer Song:

Pranatha Suresvari, Bhaarathi, Vaargavi,

Shokavinaashini, Rathnamaye, Manimaya

Bhooshitha Karnavibhooshana

Shanthisamaavrutha Haasyamukhe

Navanithi Dhaayini, Kalimala Haarini

Kaamyaphalapradha, Haasyayuthe Jaya

Jaya He, Madhusoodhana Kaamini

Vidhyaalakshmi, Paalayamaam ||

Ashta Lakshmi

There are eight forms of goddess, which symbolizes various aspects of human behaviour and fortune. Remembering them removes all obstacles from ones path and guides a human being towards well being. These forms are:

1. Aadi – (The Primeval Goddess) or Maha Lakshmi (The Great Goddess)
2. Dhana or Aishwarya (The Goddess of Prosperity and Wealth)
3. Dhaanya (Goddess of Food grains)
4. Gaja (The Elephant Goddess)
5. Santana (The Goddess of Progeny)
6. Veera/ Dhairya (The Goddess of Valor and Courage)
7. Vidya(The Goddess of Knowledge)
8. Vijaya/ Jaya  (The Goddess of Victory)

Santana lakshmi – Ashta Lakshmi

In Hindu religion and mythology, Goddess Lakshmi has great importance. She has eight forms and called Ashta Lakshmi. She, the hindu goddess of beauty, wealth and fertility has eight iconic manifestations. Know about Sanatana Lakshmi here.

Santana Lakshmi

Her name she is bestower offsprings. One who worships Santana Lakshmi are bestowed with the wealth of good children possessing with good health and a long life.

This form of  Maa is depicted as six-armed, holding two pitchers, a sword, and a shield; the other two hands are engaged in abhaya mudra and most importantly, for holding a child on her lap. The child is seen holding a lotus.

Santana Lakshmi - Bestower of children

Santana Lakshmi – Bestower of children

Santana-Lakshmi Prayer Song:

Ayi, Gaja Vaahini, Moohini, Chakrini,

Raagavivardhaini, Jnanamaye

Gunagavaaridhi, Lokayithai Shini

Sapthaswara Maya Gaanamathe, Sakala

Suraasura Dheva Muneeshvara

Maanavavandhitha Paadhayuthe, Jaya Jaya He,

Madhusoodhana Kaamini Santhaanalakshmi, Paalayamaam ||

Ashta Lakshmi

There are eight forms of goddess, which symbolizes various aspects of human behaviour and fortune. Remembering them removes all obstacles from ones path and guides a human being towards well being. These forms are:

1. Aadi – (The Primeval Goddess) or Maha Lakshmi (The Great Goddess)
2. Dhana or Aishwarya (The Goddess of Prosperity and Wealth)
3. Dhaanya (Goddess of Food grains)
4. Gaja (The Elephant Goddess)
5. Santana (The Goddess of Progeny)
6. Veera/ Dhairya (The Goddess of Valor and Courage)
7. Vidya(The Goddess of Knowledge)
8. Vijaya/ Jaya  (The Goddess of Victory)