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Showing posts from June, 2023

Kanwar Yatra 2023: Significance, Story, Rituals & more

The Kanwar Yatra is a Hindu pilgrimage in which devotees walk barefoot to collect holy water from the Ganges River and other sacred rivers and streams. The water is then carried back to their home temples, where it is used to bathe and worship the god Shiva. Some of the significance of the Kanwar Yatra: The Kanwar Yatra is a way for devotees to seek the blessings of Shiva, the god of destruction and regeneration. By carrying the holy water from the Ganges River, devotees believe that they are purifying themselves and their surroundings. The Kanwar Yatra is a physically and mentally demanding journey. The long walk, the heat, and the carrying of the heavy kavad are all seen as a way to cleanse the body and soul. The Kanwar Yatra takes place in some of the most beautiful and scenic parts of India. The journey through the mountains, forests, and rivers is a way for devotees to connect with nature and to appreciate its beauty. Date : The Kanwar Yatra 2023 will start on Tuesday, July 4,...

Devshayani Ekadashi 2023: Muhurat, Significance, Rituals, and Spiritual Observance

Introduction Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi or Shayani Ekadashi, is a significant Hindu festival observed on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month of Ashadha. This auspicious occasion holds immense spiritual significance as it marks the beginning of the Chaturmas period , during which Lord Vishnu is believed to go into a deep slumber for four months. In this article, we will delve into the significance of Devshayani Ekadashi, its rituals, and the spiritual observance associated with this sacred day. Significance of Devshayani Ekadashi Devshayani Ekadashi is celebrated to commemorate the cosmic union of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, his divine consort. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu, the preserver, and protector of the universe, reclines on the cosmic serpent, Shesha, in the Ksheer Sagar (ocean of milk). On this day, he enters a deep slumber and remains asleep for the next four months until Prabodhini Ekadashi, wh...

Adhik Maas 2023: Everything You Need to Know

Adhik Maas, also known as Purushottama Maas or Malamasa, is an extra month that occurs in the Hindu calendar every three years. It is believed to have been created by Lord Vishnu to compensate for the time he spent asleep during Chaturmas. The 2023 Adhik Maas will begin on July 18, 2023, and end on August 16, 2023. It will coincide with the Shukla Paksha of Shravan month, making this year's Shravan month a 59-day long one. Muhurat This year, Adhik Maas will begin on the 18th of July and will conclude on 16th August. Adhik Maas will start with the waxing phase (Shukla Paksha) and will be followed by the waning phase (Krishna Paksha). The Krishna Paksha of the month of Sawan and the Shukla Paksha of Adhik Maas will span a duration of one month. Subsequently, the Krishna Paksha of Adhik Maas and the Shukla Paksha of Sawan will also last for one month. In this way, the month of Sawan in this year will extend to a duration of two months. Significance Adhik Maas is considered to be a hol...

Unveiling the Diverse Traditions of Tantra in Hinduism

Introduction: Tantra, a profound spiritual tradition rooted in ancient Indian wisdom, holds a prominent place within Hinduism. Its rich tapestry of practices, rituals, and philosophies has captivated seekers for centuries. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the various tantra traditions within Hinduism, shedding light on their significance, stories, and unique aspects. Kashmir Shaivism: Kashmir Shaivism stands as a beacon of non-dualistic tantra within Hinduism. Originating in the picturesque Kashmir region, it places profound emphasis on recognizing the divine consciousness (Shiva) within oneself. Through practices such as meditation, mantra recitation, visualization, and rituals, followers of Kashmir Shaivism seek to unveil their true nature and merge with the supreme consciousness. Shaiva Siddhanta: Shaiva Siddhanta is a prominent tantra tradition within Shaivism, dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Embracing the path of devotion (bhakti), practitioners of this tradition...

The Saptarishi: Seven Sages of Hinduism

Saptrishi (Sanskrit: सप्तऋषि) are a group of seven sages who are said to have been born from the mind of Brahma, the creator god. They are also known as the "Manasaputras" or "Mind-born Sons". The Saptarishi are said to have been responsible for creating the Vedas, the sacred texts of Hinduism. They are also said to have been the first teachers of mankind and to have imparted the knowledge of the Vedas to the human race. The Saptarishi are often depicted in Hindu art and literature. They are usually shown as seven seated sages, each with a different symbol. The names of the Saptarishi vary according to the different Hindu scriptures. However, the most common list of Saptarishi includes the following seven sages: Atri: Father of Dattatreya, Durvasa and Soma Jamadagni: Father of Parshuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu Bharadvaja: Father of sage Garga, Dronacharya, maternal grandfather of Kuber  Gautama: Attributed to legends of Tryambkehwar and Godavari ri...