Introduction Ocimum basilicum or sweet basil is known across the world for its medicinal value as the plant contains immense healing properties for the treatment of cancer, stress, asthma, diabetes, skin disorders etc. But in Indian culture, this plant is also considered extremely sacred and pious. The Basil, known asRead More →

Introduction Kalasha is a jar which is used variously in a variety of rituals. In Indian tradition a Kalasha is installed during all religious, auspicious and important ceremonies which is known as Kalashasthapana. Normally installing Kalasha is considered as an option for all complicated religious practices. Hence it is aRead More →

In The Words Of Lord Krishna In Bhagavad-Gita, The Sacred Book Of Hindu Religion, Lord Krishna Makes Clear The Concept Of Worshiping Him As An Incarnation Of The Supreme Being. 1. Isvarah Sarva-Bhutanam Hrd-Dese’rjuna Tishthati, Bhramayan Sarva-Bhutani Yantrarudhani Mayaya (Bhagavad-Gita 18.61) Meaning – Give Up All Other Duties And SurrenderRead More →

Introduction Since ages, Indian society has been worshiping trees and plants as symbolic deities. Hindus also consider the flora and fauna of various types as extremely sacred. This inherent nature of the society exhibits the refinement and sensitivity of Indian culture. Whilst modern man overpowers Mother Nature, ancient Indian societyRead More →

Introduction It is an Indian tradition to greet each other with Namaskara. Namaskara or Namaste could be just a casual or formal greeting, a cultural convention or an act of worship with devotional and respectful mind. What is Namaskara? Namaskara is bowing down with clasped palms in front of aRead More →

How to perform Aarti? Aarti belongs to one of the sixteen steps (shodash upachaar) of the Hindu puja ritual. It is referred to as an auspicious light, illumining pure spiritual effulgence (mangal niraajanam). Holding the lighted lamp in the right hand, we wave the flame in a clockwise circling movementRead More →

What is Naivedya? Naivedya is included in the Shodashopachara worship. The holy ritual involves two steps. The first step involves offering food to God before anyone else has eaten or tasted it. In the second step, a portion of the offering is returned to the person offering it for eatingRead More →

Introduction Coconut has great significance in India. It has religious and social connotations. One of the most common offerings in a temple is a coconut. Various names of coconut Coconut is known as Narikela in Sanskrit. It is known as Shrifala, auspicious fruit. It is also known Mahafala, great fruitRead More →

Introduction In almost every Indian home a lamp is lit daily before the altar of the Lord. In some houses it is lit at dawn, in some, twice a day – at dawn and dusk and in a few it is maintained continuously. All auspicious functions and moments like dailyRead More →

Introduction Almost every Indian household has a prayer or alter room where the Almighty is worshiped each day. What is it called Prayer room is called Devalaya in Sanskrit. It can be explained as devasya devaanaaM vaa Aalaya: which means the home or abode of deity or deities. Agni PuranaRead More →

Introduction Most religious Indians on special occasions undertake fasting on regular basis as per traditions. During fasting they usually undergo rigorous diet and show their reverence to the Almighty. What is fast Fasting in Sanskrit is called उपवास. उप in Sanskrit means ‘near’ and वास means ‘to say’. The literalRead More →

Introduction Pradakshina is going around or circumambulating the deity with devotion. It is one of the aspects of Shodashopachara. Shodashopachara is the worship of deity done in sixteen segments. What is Pradakshina The definition of Pradakshina is given as, pragatamdakshinamatih This simply means taking a round from the right sideRead More →