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Hinduism (Sanatan Dharma) Other Pilgrimages

15 Famous Temples in India – Explore India’s Sacred Hindu Temples

Post author By gaudiya
Post date February 27, 2023

temple india

India, known for its spiritual serenity, is considered to be saturated with the essence of gods and goddesses, their enduring imprints, and an ever-present sense of divinity in the surrounding environment. The abodes of these deities, commonly known as temples, represent the magnificence of the ancient and culturally rich Hindu Sanatan Dharma. They are considered to be sacred places where devotees can connect with the divine and seek blessings from the deities. The architecture and design of temples in India vary widely depending on the region and the era in which they were built. Temples in India also serve as important centers of social and cultural activity. They are often the site of religious festivals and ceremonies, as well as community events like weddings and cultural performances. In many cases, the temple serves as the focal point of the community, bringing together people from all walks of life to celebrate and worship together. Overall, temples in India are a testament to the country’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. They are not just places of worship, but also symbols of the enduring traditions and values that have shaped Indian society for millennia.

Hinduism (Sanatan Dharma) Other Pilgrimages

Char Dham (4 Dham) : Mystical Abode of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri & Yamunotri

Post author By gaudiya
Post date February 26, 2023

priest ascetic

Uttarakhand, a state in northern India crossed by the Himalayas, boasts many holy places and welcomes devotees throughout the year. One of the most prominent religious circuits in Uttarakhand that devotees embark on is the Char Dham (4 Dham) Yatra. This pilgrimage involves visiting four revered sites – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath – nestled in the Himalayas. The term ‘char’ denotes four, and ‘dham’ signifies religious destinations in Hindi. Sometimes this pilgrimage is also referred to as ‘Chota Char Dham yatra’ or smaller 4 Dham yatra.

The high-altitude shrines remain closed for about six months each year, opening in summers (April or May) and closing with the onset of winter (October or November). The Char Dham Yatra is traditionally undertaken in a clockwise direction, beginning from Yamunotri and moving on to Gangotri, Kedarnath, and finally concluding at Badrinath. One can reach these sites by road or air (helicopter services are available). Some pilgrims also undertake a Do Dham (2 Dham) Yatra, which involves visiting two shrines – Kedarnath and Badrinath. Yamunotri temple, situated in a narrow gorge near the source of River Yamuna in the Uttarkashi district, is dedicated to the sacred personality of Yamuna, who is worshiped by devotees. The district of Uttarkashi is also home to Gangotri, dedicated to Goddess Ganga, India’s most sacred river. Kedarnath, located in the Rudraprayag district, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Badrinath, home to the sacred Badrinarayan Temple, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Lord. Undertaking the Char Dham Yatra is a challenging yet spiritual journey that provides nourishment to one’s soul.

Hinduism (Sanatan Dharma)

108 Names of Shiva with Meanings & Shiva ashtakam Prayers

Post author By gaudiya
Post date February 25, 2023

shiva vishnu meditating names of shiva prayersw to shiva

Shiva, who is also known as “The Auspicious One,” holds a significant role as one of the primary controllers of the material world. He is revered as the most devout follower of Vishnu, and is appointed as the exclusive overseer of the mode of ignorance in the material creation. As one of the twelve mahajans, or authorities on the devotion to Krishna, Shiva is responsible for annihilating the universe during the time of destruction. He is also married to Durga, who is known by various names such as Maya, Uma, Parvati, Sati, etc, and who personifies Krishna’s material energy. Shiva does not belong to the category of ordinary living entities, jiva, or typical demigods. Rather, he is in a unique category of existence known as shiva-tattva. Those who recite the 108 sacred Names of Shiva will receive divine blessings from the Lord. The recitation of this Shiva-Stotra has the power to cleanse one of all sins. The Supreme Lord of all beings will be immensely pleased with those who have memorized, recited or meditated upon these names with unwavering focus.

Hinduism (Sanatan Dharma)

12 Adityas – Twelve Sun Gods and Their Divine Associates

Post author By gaudiya
Post date February 24, 2023

12 aditya sun god

The Sun-God Surya takes on various forms as the 12 Adityas. They have been described elaborately in the Bhagavata Purana. Every month of the year, a distinct Aditya shines. Surya (Sun), as Indra, vanquishes the foes of the deities. As Dhata, he fashions living creatures. As Parjanya, he precipitates rain. As Tvashta, he resides in the flora and fauna. As Pusha, he fosters the growth of crops. As Aryama, he exists in the air. As Bhaga, he pervades the bodies of all living beings. As Vivasvana, he abides in fire and facilitates cooking. As Vishnu, he annihilates the adversaries of the gods. As Amshumana, he once again manifests in the wind. As Varuna, Surya dwells in the waters, and as Mitra, he inhabits the moon and the oceans.

Amidst the chants of Sama, Rig, and Yajur Vedas, the sun-god is celebrated by the sages for his true essence. The Gandharvas vocalize their admiration for him, and the Apsaras dance to his chariot’s tune. As the Nagas assist in tying the chariot’s ropes and the Yaksas fasten the horses, the mighty Raksasas push it forward. Preceding the chariot, the Valakhilyas, a group of sixty thousand Brahmin sages, recite Vedic mantras and offer prayers to the all-powerful sun-god. Thus, the ruler of the sun, along with his six categories of companions, journeys in every direction throughout the twelve months, spreading among the dwellers of this cosmos the purity of consciousness, both for the present and the afterlife. Lord Surya’s chariot is drawn by seven horses, earning him the title of Saptashwa (Master of Seven Horses). These horses are Gayatri, Samvrihati, Ushnik, Jagati, Trishtubh, Anushtubh, and Pankti. The names of the 12 Adityas and their associates are described below.

Radha Krishna

Letter to Krishna: Rukmini’s Secret Message Will Leave You Speechless!

Post author By gaudiya
Post date February 24, 2023

son of krishna names rukmini letter to krishna

Rukmini’s secret love letter to Krishna :

Oh Krishna, you are the epitome of beauty and your qualities are renowned for their ability to enter the ears of those who hear, relieving them of bodily distress. Your beauty is known to fulfill all visual desires. Having heard of both, I have shamelessly fixed my mind upon you.

Hinduism (Sanatan Dharma)

Vishnu Bhagwan – Vishnu is God : The Supreme Deity of the Universe

Post author By gaudiya
Post date February 23, 2023

garuda vishnu lakshmi dashavatar

Lord Vishnu is one of the three divine beings in the Trimurti and is recognized for his role as the sustainer of the universe, as well as being one of the primary deities in Hinduism. He is worshiped by many and is known to reside in Vaikuntha loka, which is a spiritual realm. In Vaikuntha loka, he is referred to as Narayana. Krishnaloka is considered the supreme planet of the spiritual world and is believed to be the transcendental abode of Krishna. It is divided into three sections, Dwarka, Mathura, and Goloka. In this abode, the Supreme Lord manifests himself into four plenary expansions – Krishna, Balarama, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha. In this article we shall discuss as to why Vishnu is also referred to as Bhagwan or God.

Belvan & Mansarovar Radha Krishna

Maha Lakshmi Mandir in Belvan – Lakshmi Devi’s Austerities to attain Krishna

Post author By gaudiya
Post date February 23, 2023

belvan maha lakshmi

Belvan, which is the tenth forest of Vraja Mandala, got its name due to the plentiful bael (bilva) trees present during Krishna’s pastimes. As Krishna and His friends grazed their cows in Belvan, they engaged in various sports and enjoyed the ripe bael fruits available in the forest. This is described in Bhakti Ratnakara –

Ramakrishna sakha saha e bilvavanete
pakka bilvaphala bhunje mahakautukete
–
At this location, Balarama, Krishna, and their companions celebrated and enjoyed consuming ripe bael fruits.

Jagannath Puri Lord Jagannath

Jagannath temple of Puri – A Fascinating Journey to Lord Jagannath’s Abode

Post author By gaudiya
Post date February 22, 2023

jagannath puri

The holy site of Jagannath Puri is known by several names such as Sri Kshetra, Purushottama Kshetra, Nilachala Dham, Jagannath Dham, Samanik Tirtha, Uddiyan Pith, Marta-Vaikuntha, Nilgiri, Niladri, Sankha Kshetra, Bhu-svarga, and Nrsimha Kshetra. Regarded as one of India’s (Bharat) foremost spiritual destinations, it is believed that the Supreme Lord Sri Vishnu takes a bath at Badrinath in North India, changes His attire in Dwarka in West India, enjoys His meals in Jagannath Puri in East India, and retires to Rameshwaram in South India. In Jagannath Puri, the Supreme Lord is worshiped in the form of His deity. A sighting of the Lord is said to grant one liberation from the material world, and visiting Jagannath Puri is believed to have the same spiritual merit as visiting all other holy sites. The term “Jagannath” translates to “Lord of the Universe,” and the temple was established by King Indradyumna on the Nilachal hill. The current temple was constructed in the 12th century on the site of its predecessor by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, the progenitor of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.

Hinduism (Sanatan Dharma) Radha Krishna

Wives of Krishna: Unveiling the Story of Their Divine Marriages

Post author By gaudiya
Post date February 21, 2023

krishna wife 16108 wives of krishna

The Adi Purush, as referred to by Lord Brahma, is none other than Lord Krishna, who is considered the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Around 5000 years ago, Lord Krishna appeared on earth and manifested His eternal spiritual pastimes. He was born as the son of Vasudeva and Devaki in the prison cell of His demoniac maternal uncle, Kansa. To fulfill His divine mission, Vasudeva escaped from Kansa’s prison shortly after Krishna’s birth and exchanged Him with the newborn daughter of Nanda Maharaja and Yashoda in Gokul. Thus, Krishna was brought up in the cowherd community under the care of His foster parents. He was a mischievous boy who loved to steal milk and butter from the Vraja gopis’ houses, but despite His teasing and harassment, everyone adored Him. As He grew up, Krishna left Vrindavan and went to Mathura, where He became the leader of the Yadus. Lord Krishna had a total of 16,108 wives, out of which eight were considered his principal wives or “Ashta Bharya”. The names of these eight wives of Krishna were Rukmini, Jambavati, Mitravinda, Satyabhama, Nagnajiti, Bhadra, Kalindi, and Lakshmana. Each wife gave birth to ten sons, making Lord Krishna the father of 80 children. Lord Krishna had rescued 16,100 women from the control of the evil demon Narakasura, who had been keeping them forcibly. However, when these women returned to their families, none of them were accepted back. As a result, Lord Krishna married them to provide them with social and economic security. In this article we shall discuss about the enchanting wives of Krishna and their legendary marriages.

Gaudiya Vaishnavism Radha Krishna

Who was the Husband of Radha Rani – Abhimanyu or Krishna ?

Post author By gaudiya
Post date February 20, 2023

krishna husband of radha abhimanyu

Abhimanyu is referred to as Radha Rani’s husband, though it was a so-called or nominal marriage. Radha’s mother-in-law was Jatila, and her sister-in-law was Kutila. Radha Rani resided with her in-laws in the small village of Yavat, which is approximately 5 kilometers from Nandgaon. Radha and Abhimanyu were wedded on the guidance of Paurnamasi Devi (Yogmaya). However, it is essential to recognize that Radha and Krishna are inherently one and cannot be separated. They have manifested themselves as two distinct entities purely for the sake of experiencing their sweet pastimes. In truth, Radha and Krishna had already been united in marriage long before Radha’s association with Abhimanyu, as we will discuss later in this article. This gandharva marriage took place in Bhandirvan and was officiated by Lord Brahma. In this way, it is commonly acknowledged that Radha and Krishna are truly married. However, to make their divine pastimes more appealing, Radha is referred to as being married to Abhimanyu. The allure of their secret meetings and plotting against Jatila and Kutila adds to the enjoyment of their divine exploits.