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#Hinduism

The Whys and Hows

Why is Tulsi considered as the most sacred plant among all?

The Tulsi plant is revered in India and the name Tulsi means "incomparable one." In Hindu tradition, the presence of a Tulasi plant is considered essential in every household. This revered plant requires adequate sunlight and regular watering for its sustenance. Varieties such as Rama Tulsi, Krishna Tulsi, and Vishnu Tulsi exist, each holding significance in Hindu culture. Worshipping Lord Vishnu with Tulsi leaves or a garland made from them is believed to please him. The placement of this plant within one's home is believed to usher in good fortune and pave the way for success. The roots of this belief lie deep within Indian mythology, fascinating and enchanting devotees to this day. The celebration of Diwali, a festival of lights, is believed to be supported and enriched by the presence of Tulsi. Revered as the earthly embodiment of the goddess Tulsi, a devoted follower of Lord Krishna, the plant itself shares a profound connection with Lord Vishnu, a principal deity in the vast Indian pantheon of Gods. Hence, Tulsi holds unparalleled sanctity in Hindu culture, finding a cherished place in households, often positioned in the central courtyard as a mark of respect and devotion to these divine entities. Tulsi is regarded as a bridge between heaven and earth in ancient scriptures. According to a holy prayer, the Tulsi has the supreme creator Brahma in its branches, the sacred Hindu literature known as the Vedas in its lower branches, all other deities in its stem, and the Ganges coursing through its roots, as well as the focus of all Hindu pilgrimage. This colorful depiction conveys the significance of this plant in the hearts and thoughts of its adherents. Festival of Tulsi: Hindus execute a rite called Tulsi Vivah between Prabodhini Ekadashi (the eleventh lunar day of Kartika's waxing moon) and Kartik Poornima (the full moon in Kartika), usually on the eleventh or twelfth lunar day. The Tulsi plant is ceremonially married to Vishnu in the form of his image, Shaligram, or a Krishna or Rama image. Both the bride and groom are ritually honored before being wedded according to traditional Hindu Wedding traditions. It marks the conclusion of the four-month Chaturmas period, which coincides to the monsoon and is considered unlucky for weddings and other rites, therefore the day kicks off India's yearly marriage season.  The reverence attributed to Tulsi extends to the belief that tending to this plant leads to the attainment of moksha, signifying salvation or spiritual liberation. Beyond its spiritual significance, Tulsi is renowned for its therapeutic properties and serves as a pivotal element in various traditional healing practices. As a result, it is reasonable to argue that Tulsi is not only a part of Indian tradition but also a catalyst for it. This holy plant gives its adherents hope and prosperity, as well as a sense of serenity to everyone around it.  

17 Nov 2023
The Whys and Hows

Igniting Emotions With Diyas Every Diwali!

Are you wondering why, on Deepawali, we light diyas in our homes and temples? Here's everything you need to know about the significance of lighting earthen lamps ahead of Diwali 2023. The Hindu community views the festival of lights, also known as Diwali or Deepawali, as one of the most auspicious occasions of the year. It is observed with much fanfare and spectacle, with people decking up in new clothes, giving gifts to friends and family, and decorating their homes with lights, diyas, candles, and flowers. Diwali, along with Narak Chaturdashi, is a much-anticipated holiday that people gather to celebrate with their loved ones on this day. In 2023, it falls on November 12, 2023. The Conceptualization of 13 Diyas:  Hindu custom dictates that thirteen diyas—each with a unique significance or meaning—must be lit during Diwali at various locations. During Diwali and Dhanteras, it is believed that the person who lights thirteen diyas will be blessed with good health and prosperity. Thirteen diyas are lit on Dhanteras in accordance with ancient scriptures and religious texts. These diyas are dedicated to Kuber, the diety of wealth, valuables, and splendor. However, on Choti Diwali, lighting 14 diyas is thought to be auspicious. Emotions gets a Conduit to Light up your Smiles:  Since these earthen lamps are meant to ward off evil spirits and other negative energies and to represent kindness and purity, lighting diyas is a significant Hindu custom that is regarded as auspicious. The Hindu community holds that lighting diyas on Diwali protects the family from an early death, brings good fortune, and invokes Goddess Lakshmi's blessings for success, wealth, and prosperity. At last, It is thought to represent healing from both financial and health issues, to attract prosperity and positive energy into your life, to protect you from negative energy or battle bad energy, to be good for your health, and to adorn the intersection of your home, which will help attract positive energy into your life.

12 Nov 2023
The Whys and Hows

East India Celebrating Diwali with Kali Puja

Everywhere in India, people celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with great majesty. The world is shown the splendor of Diwali at this time of year when every window and road twinkles. Lanterns, earthen lamps, and fairy lights are commonly used in homes to dispel darkness. Each area of India has its own Diwali customs because the country is a melting pot of cultures with a wide range of heritage and beliefs.2023's Diwali falls on a Sunday, November 12, to be exact. Every state has its customs and celebrations for Diwali. It still doesn't change the fundamentals of appreciating everything good in life. Let's look at one of the distinctive Diwali customs.- Worshiping goddess Kali in East India. Depending on the tithi, Bengali Kali Puja is usually held one day following Diwali in Northern India. Legend has it that the celebration represents the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance."While the majority of North India celebrates one of the largest Hindu festivals of the year by worshiping Maa Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, Kerala celebrates Lord Krishna and people in West Bengal, the Mithila region of Bihar, Odisha, Assam, and Tripura worship Maa Kali. Revisiting Powers Of Goddess Kali:  The Hindu word Kala, which means both "black" and "time," has a feminine form called Kali. Kali is eternal, existing outside of time, both before and after. She is also unconstrained by the distinctions between light and dark, good and evil. This relationship with time, blackness, and creation is exemplified by the other names that people know her by. Scripture refers to Goddess Kali as "Rudira paana Priyaa," which means "One who is fond of drinking blood." Here, the Asuras—a group of natural demons—rather than an innocent animal are the ones whose blood this is. Few major holy chants with reference to Goddess Kali are listed below:  'Kali who is time' 'Kali who devours time' 'Kali who is the Mother of time' 'Kali who is black" Power itself is the goddess Kali. She is fundamentally the same as power, or Shakti, and cannot exist apart from it. She doesn't "get" her power from outside sources. She already possesses all power in all places.  Kali Puja is the festival of shimmer and twinkling lights. Goddess Kali is the Shakti, or angry form of Maa Durga. It is the celebration of destroying evil and establishing goodness and truth. Another name for Diwali is Shyama Puja. It usually occurs on Amavashya Day, which is thought to be the most fortunate day. On this day, the people of Bengal, Orissa, and Assamese worship the goddess Kali; on Diwali, people in other parts of India worship the goddess Lakshmi.The entire city was once adorned with lights of hope and protection from Ma Kali, reflecting joyous lights throughout the streets and lanes. Every market is bustling with people going about their last-minute shopping.There is something distinct about the joyous atmosphere of Kali Puja. Everything appears to be gleaming like diamonds and gold. Cracker noise is coming from everywhere, and everyone, young and old alike, is having a good time. Everyone is grinning and greeting each other with gifts and candies. The beauty of the Diwali night is akin to that of a stunning bride who is adorned in priceless jewelry!

10 Nov 2023
The Whys and Hows

Jai Maa Brahmacharini ! : Day 2 of Navratri 2023

On this day, devotees pray to Maa Brahmacharini, who is Adi Shakti's second avatar. The unmarried version of Goddess Parvati is known as Maa Brahmacharini.  She has two hands, is barefoot, and carries Kamandal in her left hand and Jap Mala in her right. Hindu mythology claims that Goddess Brahmacharini underwent rigorous penance to win the hand of Lord Shiva. She walks barefoot and wears just white clothing. White, the color of the day, stands for harmony and cleanliness. It also stands for wisdom, knowledge, and enlightenment. On this day, wearing white invokes Brahmacharini's blessings for understanding, calm, and devotion. A milk, curd, and honey Abhishek is also offered to the deity. During Navratri, a special sugar bhog is also created for the Goddess.White mogra are also offered with it's melodious fragrance in the puja. May this day bring you countless blessings and peace in your life!

17 Oct 2023
The Whys and Hows

Good News

This Community in close proximity to Delhi NEVER observes Dussehra; here's why

There is a village near Delhi that sticks out with its unique traditions amid the hectic celebrations that go along with Navratri and Dussehra throughout India. The Greater Noida community of Bisrakh declines to take part in the holiday of Dussehra, during which revelers triumphantly burn an effigy of the evil king Ravana. This Hamlet mourns the passing of Ravana because they regard him to be their own, a son, and a guardian in a country where burning Ravana's effigy is seen as the victory of good over evil. While the rest of the country celebrates Lord Rama's symbolic triumph over the 10-headed demon king, the people of Bisrakh assemble for another reason. They perform a yagna, a sacred fire rite, to pray for Ravana's soul to achieve moksha, or release from the cycle of birth and death, rather than to condemn him. Because they think Ravana was a fervent follower of Lord Shiva, they have a special viewpoint on him; as a result, they view Bisrakh as honoring Ravana rather than demonizing him. This is quite an interesting instance to know for sure wherein this village is going full devotional and honest in their intentions. The local notion that attempting to burn his effigy has in the past caused enormous disaster to the community makes Bisrakh's perspective on Ravana even more intriguing. The villagers saw Ravana not as a representation of evil that has been conquered but rather as a representation of their son, guardian, and a follower of Lord Shiva; burning him will incur Shiva's wrath on the locals. Due of this, the peasants abstain from the Ravan Dahan celebrations that are popular across India. The people of Bisrakh follow their own path, choosing to lament Ravana's passing and ask for the salvation of his soul.  

26 Oct 2023
Good News

'Jai Mata Di'- Says the New Skywalk Bridge!

Nestled among the majestic Trikuta Mountains in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, lies one of India's most hallowed pilgrimage destinations—the revered Vaishno Devi Hindu temple. This sacred site is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Vaishno Devi and stands as one of India's most frequented pilgrimage sites, drawing millions of devotees annually. According to the various statistics and compiled data, as many as one crore people participate in festivities like Navaratri, making it a vital spiritual and cultural hub. President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate a skywalk project at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan during her two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir starting on coming Wednesday(15th October). Beginning in August of last year, construction on the desperately needed skywalk, which will segregate visitors entering and exiting the shrine close to the Bhawan area, is slated to be finished before Navratri in October. The skywalk flyover's flooring will be made of wood. There won't be any issues when walking without shoes. The flyover will also have mirrors. It will not only give you a chance to see the mother, but it will also keep you warm.  There will be LED screens put along the route so that people can see the building and watch the morning and evening aartis. Every 100 meters, a modern waiting area has been constructed. 100 to 200 devotees would be able to sit in the waiting area. Additionally, there will be emergency exits every 100 meters. Navratri (Navratri 2023) is about to start, and just like every year, there will be a sizable number of worshippers in Mata Vaishno Devi's court. Because of the crowding, there have been stampedes here frequently in the past. The Skywalk Flyover was constructed with all of these factors in mind to ensure a safe and memorable experience for the devotees.

15 Oct 2023
Good News

Positive Reads

The Konark Sun Temple: One of Odisha's Many Wonders

The Konark Sun Temple is a magnificent structure located in the state of Odisha in India. The temple is known for its stunning architectural design, intricate carvings, and rich history. It was built in the 13th century as a dedication to the sun god, Surya, and is widely regarded as one of the best examples of temple architecture in India.   The temple is a massive structure, with a towering height of over 200 feet. The walls of the temple are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Visitors can spend hours admiring the intricate details and the beauty of the temple's design. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery, which adds to its natural beauty and makes it a popular destination for tourists.   The Konark Temple is also known for its unique structure, which resembles a giant chariot with seven horses pulling it. This design is thought to symbolize the sun's journey across the sky. The temple is surrounded by a vast courtyard, which was once used for various religious ceremonies. Visitors can also explore the numerous rooms and halls within the temple, which were once used by priests and devotees.   The temple is also close to other popular tourist destinations, such as the Jagannath Temple and the Puri Beach.   With its stunning design & rich history, it offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a local or a tourist, the Konark Sun Temple is a place that should not be missed.  

30 Jan 2023
Positive Reads

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