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 →
Introduction The lotus, born in water bodies remains untouched by the surrounding water but rises above to bloom beautifully. Found in blue, red and white colors, it is held very dear to Indians since the ancient times. Other Names In Sanskrit the lotus is variously known as Padma, Nalina, Narasa,Read More →
What is Bhajana? Bhajana is a musical event for expressing Bhakti (devotion) towards Almighty. It is a folk-music-genre in which devotional songs are sung on the rhythm of various musical instruments such as mrudanga, vina and tala. Why do we sing Bhajana for deity? Bhajana is an important expression ofRead More →
Introduction Regarded as one of the most significant religious symbols, Om is also the most chanted mantra in Hinduism. Chanting of the Om is believed to have a deeply profound influence on an individual. The significance of Om is such that most of the Vedic prayers and mantras begin withRead More →
Name of the ritual Conch shell is known as Shankha in Sanskrit. It is one of the important instruments (Puja Upakarana) included in the worship of deities. In India a conch is blown in the temples or home sanctum during worship. When it is performed Normally conch is blown duringRead More →
The dictionary meaning of Bhasma is the ash of any burnt object but in Hindu tradition the word has a different dimension altogether. Read More →
Introduction In simple language Mala is garland. Various types of beads or flowers or any other materials are treaded together in it. It is type of ornament which has been used since ancient time. What is ornament? Ornaments play a vital role in the human life for beautification. The SanskritRead More →
Introduction Food is considered as a part of God or Brahman in Hinduism. Ancient Vedic scriptures regard food with great reverence and look up to it as the only source of physical, mental and emotional nourishment for the body. Food defined in Ancient Scriptures Sasyam kshetragatam prahuhu satusham dhanyamuchyate AmamRead More →
What is Deity? Deity represents human struggle as well as man’s effort to discover his identity against the limits of his known universe. Concept of deity expresses a human experience that says man is not alone in the universe and the sensible world is not all that seems to beRead More →
Incensematerial is burnt in front of deities as per the Hindu rituals. When burnt, itRead More →
As per the Hindu tradition, morning is the most auspicious part of the day. A promising start is the key to a successful end.Read More →
Most of the Indian homes have a prayer room or altar. It is considered as the abode of deities in the home.Read More →
Lord Shiva is the Supreme God of the whole Universe and Sanatan Dharma (Hindu Religion). He is one of theRead More →