Articles on Hinduism

The Festival of Ganesha Chaturthi : Welcoming Auspiciousness

The day of Ganesha Chaturthi begins with the arrival of Ganapati or Pranapratishtha. The image of Ganesha is established in the home of the Puja-pandals (especially in Maharashtra and adjoining regions) and welcomed with devotional zeal. Then, the Shodashopchara (shodasha- sixteen, upchar-ritual offerings) starts, in which 16 forms of prayer and worship are offered to the Lord. As the day of departure approaches, the devotees prepare Bappa with Uttar-Puja, for the last part of the rituals, which is the Visarjana.

Published in Sep 2023

The Nataraja Statue at the G20 Venue : A Marvel of Ashtadhatu Craftsmanship and Divine Symbolism

At the G20 venue, the Nataraja statue stands as evidence of India's lasting cultural and spiritual legacy. Generations of artisans have infused their expertise into this creation by utilizing the divine Ashtadhatu alloy. A symbol representing Lord Shiva's celestial performance, the statue encompasses comprehensive teachings about spirituality and philosophy; this symbol holds excellent importance.

Published in Sep 2023

The Tradition of Puja in Hinduism – Important Religious Practices in Hinduism

From choosing the right pooja room decoration theme to setting up the appropriate idols, the puja rituals are vast and varied across India. Be it the method of pooja thali decoration or the items used for worshipping the deities, every ritual and practice has a unique meaning and significance. These different methods and rituals reflect the cultural and traditional beliefs of different communities and religions across India.

Published in Sep 2023

Bhudevi : Significance and Her Ancient Representation

The article explores the symbolism of Bhudevi, a Hindu goddess associated with wealth and abundance. It delves into her iconography, fertility, and prosperity. The significance of worshiping Bhudevi for financial well-being is highlighted, along with artistic representations of the goddess in Indian art forms. Bhudevi and Prithvi Devi as mentioned in ancient stories, apart from fertility, and abundance, are also the provider of a content and healthy life. Honoring them ensures the preservation and prosperity of the present and the protection of the coming generations. It is not mandatory to offer worship but thanking mother earth for its resources is a nice way to remind ourselves that -there is always enough for one's needs but not enough for one's greed and we should remain thankful for whatever we possess in the present moment.

Published in Jul 2023

Hinduism and Yoga : A Deep Connection

Hindu literature contains texts such as Yoga-Vasishtha of Valmiki, Yogayajnavalkya Samhita, Yoga-Upanishads, and numerous commentaries and translations of these books which hold the wisdom of Yoga in their pages. The emphasis of these Hindu texts on spiritual upliftment and withdrawal from the external world is not meant to instill disdain towards the world, albeit these Yogic practices and ideas are formulated to make a human being a valuable member of their society. A true yogi can perform all the actions as “Karma Yoga”, all the while being in a state of complete oneness with the supreme reality. In modern thought, Yoga is seen as an Indian way of life based around postures (Aasanas) and breathing exercises (Pranayama) which help one in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This image, however, is in no way a true and complete definition of the place of Yoga in Hinduism.

Published in Feb 2023

Traditions of Sun Worship in Hinduism : आदिदेव नमस्तुभ्यं

From the Vedas to the Puranas and the epics- Ramayana and Mahabharata, the glories of Surya who dispels darkness, negativity, illness, and evil forces through his heavenly light, are evoked. As Indians across the subcontinent prepare for the festivities of Makara Sankranti, a Hindu festival dedicated to Bhagwan Surya, we are here to follow the shining trail of the solar deity, through different periods of Indian culture. One finds that in comparison to other Hindu deities such as Krishna, Rama, Shiva and the goddesses, temples dedicated to Surya are far fewer in number. However, in texts, icons, and symbols, Bhagwan Surya can be found in every Hindu shrine, as an ancient symbol of power and divinity.

Published in Jan 2023

10 Ancient Temples in India That Every Indian Must Visit

India is known as Bharat Bhoomi. It is the land of Vedic civilization that stands out for its rich tradition and culture. The consciousness of most Indians is filled with piety and genuine love for God. People with different faiths and religions such as Sikhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, etc, live together in peace and harmony. The majority of Indians follow the principles of Hinduism or Sanatan Dharma. It is believed that Sanatan Dharma is not just a religion based on a particular faith but is a scientific way of living life that teaches us how to love the Godhead. Temple is an important place for Hindus where they congregate and glorify the Lordship. There are lakhs of temples in India, some of which still stand erect for many centuries. The ancient temples are especially known and revered for their Svayambhu (self-manifested) deities and excellent architecture that attract many tourists throughout the year.

Published in Nov 2022

An Insight into the Texts, Philosophies and Gods of Hindu Dharma

The canon of Hinduism is basically defined by what people do rather than what they think. Consequently, far more uniformity of behaviour than of belief is found among Hindus, although very few practices or beliefs are shared by all. Most Hindus chant the gayatri hymn to the sun at dawn, but little agreement exists as to what other prayers should be chanted. Most Hindus worship Shiva, Vishnu, or the Goddess (Devi), but they also worship hundreds of additional minor deities peculiar to a particular village or even to a particular family. Although Hindus believe and do many apparently contradictory things—contradictory not merely from one Hindu to the next, but also within the daily religious life of a single Hindu—each individual perceives an orderly pattern that gives form and meaning to his or her own life. No doctrinal or ecclesiastical hierarchy exists in Hinduism, but the intricate hierarchy of the social system (which is inseparable from the religion) gives each person a sense of place within the whole.

Published in Jun 2022

A tale of Indian Rites of Passage – The Tradition of Vrats

In the Hindu society there are many rites of passage (samskara) that are performed throughout the year. These rites of passage come in many forms, such as, birth, leaving the birth chamber, giving a child a name, first feeding of solid food, puberty, marriage, and cremation. To accompany these rites are the vrats, an ascetic ritual that involves women fasting for the welfare of their husbands and children. As stated by Pearson “Varts [are] a rite…performed on a regular basis to achieve particular objective, following respective rule that have been transmitted from one generation to the next” (Pearson 45). The tradition of vrats can be traced back to the Vedic period which makes them over three thousand years old in nature. Most vrats are performed by women in Hindu society because they are believed to enhance a women’s power (sakti). This power can then be transferred to her loved ones. This idea of women performing vrats is common because they are a part of the domestic rituals, over which Hindu women have control and power. Some vrats are performed for a woman’s individual needs, so she can focus on herself and then be attentive to her family needs.

Published in Apr 2022

Ved Vyasa – The Sage Who Compiled the Wealth of Spiritual Literature

According to the mythic sources, Vyasa was the son of Satyavati, the Daughter of a fisherman and Parashara who was a wandering sage. Satyavati used to row boats for passengers from one end of the shore to another. That was where Parashara and Satyavati met. Since Satyavati was the daughter of a fisherman, she smelled of fish hence Parashara gave her a boon that she would never smell like she had been around fishes ever again, she then gave birth to Krishna Dvaipayana on the shore of River Yamuna. At birth, he was given the name Krishna Dvaipayana (Ramesh 1-2). The name Krishna Dvaipayana came from his dark complexion meaning Krishna and Dvaipayana-came from the place he was born. He was born on the shore of Yamuna (which is a river in India) Dvipa (meaning island).

Published in Apr 2022

The God of Creation : Who is Brahma

Because of that fact, which we’ll explain below, many of us are not as familiar with Brahma as we should be. Many people around the world have at least some passing recognition of Vishnu, Shiva, and Krishna — yet when we understand the god Brahma, we come into contact with answers to some of the most profound questions we are ever to ask about our lives and the world we live in. This god who exists at the heart of creation, whose existence is an eternal yes to being, can help us keep in touch with our own powers of generation. Whether it is having children, creating art, or starting a business — we must all tap into Brahma’s energy if we are to follow our dharma.

Published in Dec 2021

Narasimha : Vishnu's Avatar Who Restored Dharma

Generally, it is conceived that temple is an abode of Hindu gods and goddesses.In the Hindu religion, Narasimha is the fourth avatar of Lord Vishnu, the preserver god in the Hindu 'Trimurti' (Trinity), who showed up in old occasions to save the world from a haughty devil figure. As indicated by Hindu folklore, Narasimha's half-lion, half-man appearance permitted him to dodge the gift got by the evil presence god Hiranyakashipu that he was unable to be killed by any human and creature. The worship of Lord Vishnu is especially famous among the Hindus in India just as Odisha. Narasimha, the part-lion, part-man god is viewed as one of the ten symbols or manifestations of Lord Vishnu. The word Narasimha comprises of two words viz "nara" which means man and "simha" which implies lion.

Published in Nov 2021

Secrets of Tandava Dance : 108 Poses from Natya Shastra Legend

Old stories tell of a time, when God Shiva attended a play, staged by the Sage Bharata and his hundred disciples (Some accounts say they were his hundred sons). The play was called Tripura Dahan and Bharata was staging it at the behest of God Brahma. Shiva, who was attending with his ganas, was impressed by the performance. He suggested to Brahma that it would get even better if the drama being acted out on the stage was embellished with dancing. Shiva accepted Brahma’s request graciously and instructed Tandu, one among his retinue of ganas, to teach Bharata the secrets of dance. Tandu was a masterful dancer. There were many dance forms that Tandu had learned during his time with Shiva. But teaching the divine dances of Shiva was a difficult task. Tandu realized that every time his god danced, it was a new form. For Natyashastra, which was for the consumption of common folk, Tandu could only choose one. He remembered a graceful dance routine he had once seen Shiva perform against a dusky Kailasha sky. Tandu taught the one to Bharata, who later added it to the Natyashastra. In honor of his teacher, Tandu, Bharata called this dance form, the Tandava.

Published in Nov 2021

Narrating Dharma - Story of Shakuntala in the Mahabharata

"The primary thrust in the Mahabharata is to teach us the nuances of dharma through the poignant love story…. I have full control over my mind, even then it is attracted towards you…. You think you are alone with your own self. But don’t you know that the all-knowing God dwells in every heart…. Those who have wives are the ones who have Lakshmi…. I tell you that truth is equal to studying all the Vedas and bathing in all the pilgrimages…. The immortal dialogue between Shakuntala and her husband is one of the greatest…."

Published in Nov 2021

The Vedic Mantras – Chants and Hymns for the Human Psyche

In ancient India, mantras formed a vital part of Vedic religion. It is possible that the Indus people also might have used similar practices to invoke their gods. Vedic mantras are derived mainly from the Vedas, which are primarily books of mantras, which go by different names such as the Riks, Samans and Yajus. They were chanted or sung or used in formulae in elaborate Vedic, sacrificial ceremonies. Mantras have traditionally been used in both ritual and spiritual practices and worldly activities for various ends. They still occupy an important place in Hinduism as the manifestations of divine speech and expression of gods and heavenly knowledge. In Hindu ritual practice and prayers, mantras are used to communicate with gods and invoke their power to achieve certain ends.

Published in Oct 2021

The Conch Shell or the ‘Shankha’ – Emanator of Healing Vibrations

Conches are a species of extremely large mollusc which belong to the Strombidae family. They’re considered ‘shy’ creatures since they usually come out during the night to feed and spend the day buried deep in the sand. If the lip of the conch shell is well flared, it means that the shell is fully developed. The conch uses the lip of its shell to dig itself into the seabed where it usually stays and hides. The meat of the conch is a great source of nutrition since it contains a high amount of protein and the shell is much coveted around the world. Conch shells also produce pearls, but these are extremely rare and very expensive.

Published in Oct 2021

The Shiva Linga – A Symbol of Satya (Truth), Jnana (Knowledge), and Ananta (Infinity)

The devotees mostly worship Lord Shiva in the form of Linga or Lingam. So, what is the context behind the linga worship of Lord Shiva? This representation of Shiva is most recognizable to Hindus for their worship and ritual known as the lingam. Hinduism uses the Shiva Linga, a potent symbol that symbolises Lord Shiva's heavenly power. It is a round-topped, cylindrical stone building that represents the cosmic pillar of fire. The essay examines the Shiva Linga's importance and its connection to truth (Satya). It emphasises the idea that realising the ultimate truth and attaining spiritual enlightenment are possible as a result of pure, devotional worship of the Shiva Linga.

Published in Oct 2021

The tale of Radha and Krishna – A Benchmark of Love

From mythological to this technological era, Radha Krishna has always been symbolised as a benchmark of love. These two words in our Indian history are never been taken separately. Whenever we talk about Radha, it is impossible for any human being to not to think about Lord Krishna. It definitely strikes our head and compels us to think at least once about the everlasting tale of love. They shared an eternal love with each other. Regardless of the fact that they never tied a nuptial knot together, they are worshipped together. These days, modern-day couples admire these pure souls most and make promises to each other to be like them. They are the representation of the purest bond, love, and emotions.

Published in Oct 2021

Goddess Ganga – Waters of Devotion

The Ganga River has been considered as the most sacred river of India in Puranas. It is called as Ganga Maa (or Mother Ganga) or Ganga ji (or reverend Ganga). People of India believe that a bath in the holy waters of Ganga washes all the past sins of a person. Numerous pilgrimages such as Allahabad, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Varanasi and Patna are present all along the river. Water from the Ganga is used to cleanse any place or object for ritual purposes. Bathing in the river is believed to wash away one’s all sins. The word Ganga is considered as a synonym of pure and holy water. That is why the word is attached with the names of many other rivers in Central and South India. According to a mythological legend, Lord Brahma collected the sweat of Lord Vishnu’s feet and created Ganga. Being touched by two members of the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh), Ganga became very holy.

Published in Oct 2021

Analyzing the Eternal Dimensions of Dharma Through Itihasa (History)

"Here is a fragment from one of the most poignant episodes of Indian history…. This piece of history is from the Mahabharata…. She was dying with shame but inside, like a true kshatrani (woman of the warrior race), she was burning with anger…. I have heard that women who follow dharma were never brought before a public court….Greed is the destroyer of dharma. I do not desire a third boon…. Draupadi was as forgiving as mother earth herself…. Just then Arjuna saw his dear friend Bhagawan Krishna approaching him…. “Leave him, leave him. He is a brahmin and worthy of our worship. Their mother should not cry, like I have at the death of my children."

Published in Mar 2016

Friendship with God : A Case Study of Krishna and Sudama

"Sudama never asked anybody for anything…. His wife, extremely devoted to her husband, lived in the same condition….There was no restriction on saints and Brahmins who had free access to Krishna’s residence… Then Lord Krishna washed Sudama’s hands and feet with His tears…Next morning, when it was time for Sudama to leave, Shri Krishna thought to Himself….When food is offered to Lord Krishna with love and devotion, He is pleased with it and accepts it…He remained detached all his life, and used all his possessions as if actually belonging to God."

Published in Mar 2014

Uma Sutam Ganesha : His Mother's Son

"No epithet, even any contextual to his father Shiva, defines him so completely as does ‘the son of Parvati’....Ganesha himself is the manifest cosmos, duality diluting into his very form – an entirety, a presence beyond act.... Ganesha only assures that ‘Shri’ or Lakshmi, the goddess of riches, shall precede him when his presence is invoked....The innocent looking Ganesha ever remains, essentially and exclusively, the mother-born, the product of an innocent playful mind filled with positive energy desiring creation and effecting it.....Brahma was ordained to create a world of numbers, measurable, subject to rule and that which decayed and had an end....Full of zeal, energy, sportiveness, mischievousness in eyes, carefree disposition, cool, soft, simple, benign, child-like innocent looking Ganesha is essentially the mother’s son – Uma-sutam."

Published in Sep 2012

Karttikeya : The Celibate Warrior

"He is known for observing complete celibacy so much so that the popular tradition in some parts of the country barred women from visiting his shrines....Brahma appeared and granted him the boon that he would not be killed by anyone exceeding the age of seven days....Filled with fresh hopes only the other day gods challenged demons for war....Once Indra received reports of the birth of a child who was as effulgent as the rising sun....She infused herself in all women with the result that in every woman’s face Karttikeya saw the face of his mother."

Published in Dec 2010

Concept of Incarnation and Vishnu's Ten Avataras

The ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu hold great significance and mythology in Hinduism, representing different aspects of his personality and mythology and serving as a reminder of the importance of preserving righteousness and balance in the world.

Published in Jul 2009

Churning the Ocean - Samudra Manthan as a Roadmap for Sadhana

"A flower is the abode of Goddess Lakshmi....The nature of Lord Brahma is such that he can give only specific boons, but never lasting relief from distress....Effort is the vehicle of divine grace....The movement of the massive mountain on the back of the tortoise made God feel as if someone was pleasantly scratching his back....Seeing their distress Lord Shiva was overwhelmed with compassion....Only the one, who like Lord Shiva, bears of the Ganga of knowledge on his head can survive them.... Goddess Lakshmi, shining like a creeper of gold, holding a garland in her arms, set out in search of a suitable spouse....One who backbites or complains, has to face eclipses"

Published in Nov 2008

Parvati's Quest : Understanding the Essence of Shiva

"Shiva is an embodiment of the three principal themes of Indian philosophy....The marriage of Shiva and Parvati was preceded by a long interval of courtship. It was no ordinary engagement however....Shiva was tempted enough to touch her, and Parvati, tantalizing him, withdrew....She would exist only as an intense flame burning for Shiva....Tapasya means to gradually start bringing restraint into our lives....She was no different from the way trees live in this world....Though he possesses nothing, he is the source of all possessions....Inevitable union between male and female"

Published in Feb 2007

Ganga The River Goddess - Tales in Art and Mythology

"Ganga is...(the) divine grace flowing on to our material world, as is visible in the prosperity of the fertile and rich crop-yielding regions adjacent to her banks... The intense devotion and love which her devotees feel for Ganga is no small measure due to the fact that she is the only accessible physical entity that flows both in the heavens and on the earth... Ganga is a river that has been at the core of sacred Hindu lore and tradition... As a mother, Ganga is tangible, approachable, and all accepting... Ganga's icon at the (temple) doorway... implies her status as a remover of pollution..."

Published in Aug 2003

Vishnu - A Symbolic Appreciation

Curiously, the interpretative saga of Lord Vishnu begins with Lord Shiva. Once when man's wickedness overran all restraining boundaries, an infuriated Shiva transformed himself into a wrathful form known as Bhairava. Thus converted, Shiva began his rampage of destruction, killing, maiming, and ripping out the hearts of humans and drinking blood, his menacing laughter thundering all around. In Hindu esoteric imagination, the supreme and ultimate reality is believed to reside in the Universal Soul, which is said to pervade the entire manifested cosmos. The cosmos itself is thought to have evolved from this abstract entity, which is formless and devoid of any qualitative attributes (Skt. Nirguna Brahman). It is neither male nor female, and is infinite, without beginning or end. It is both around us and inside us. The goal indeed of all spiritual practice is to unite with this Supreme Soul.

Published in Jan 2003

Wisdom Goddesses - Mahavidyas and the Assertion of Femininity in Indian Thought

Each of the Devi's manifested forms made Shiva realize essential truths, made him aware of the eternal nature of their mutual love and most significantly established for always in the cannons of Indian thought the Goddess's superiority over her male counterpart. Not that Shiva in any way felt belittled by this awareness, only spiritually awakened. This is true as much for this Great Lord as for us ordinary mortals. Befittingly thus they are referred to as the Great Goddess's of Wisdom, known in Sanskrit as the Mahavidyas (Maha - great; vidya - knowledge). Indeed in the process of spiritual learning the Goddess is the muse who guides and inspires us. She is the high priestess who unfolds the inner truths.

Published in May 2002

Ganesha - The Elephant Headed God

The chronicle of Ganesha’s might and glory in Indian religion and Hindu art is unending. Moved by the immensity of Sri Ganesha, Indian artists have handcrafted a range of magnificent Sri Ganesha murtis, which are the best way to feel the presence of Ganesha in your life. Exotic India Art brings to you an assemblage of handmade and divine icons of Parvati-Putra (son of goddess Parvati), sculpted by skilled artists following the established instructions of ancient iconographical traditions. Bring a statue home from our collection and experience living under the protective gaze of Sri Ganesha.

Published in Oct 2000

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