Category: Hinduism (Sanatan Dharma)

The primary objective of a Vedic temple is not simply to serve as a venue for prayers and pujas, but rather to inspire individuals to delve deeper into the Vedic spiritual path and tradition, and participate in it. This crucial aspect of a temple’s purpose is often overlooked. Without invoking inspiration, temples run the risk of becoming stagnant and losing their relevance in contemporary times. If this happens, in a few generations, they may become nothing more than relics, or even worse, warehouse-like structures.

To ensure the continuity of the Vedic community and culture, temples must create an environment that fosters inspiration. This can be achieved by motivating people to recognize the benefits of the Vedic traditions, understand the tradition’s purpose more profoundly, and comprehend why they should participate in the culture and its spiritual practice. Through service or seva, people can experience deeper spiritual happiness and a sense of fulfillment from the Dharmic path that is unattainable through material pursuits or sensual desires. In addition, the temple can provide access to secret knowledge about life and its purpose that is not readily available elsewhere.

Furthermore, individuals can deepen their understanding of their eternal spiritual identity and connection with the Divine through participation in temple activities. By helping in the operation of the temple, they can also gain a greater appreciation for the temple’s role as a launching pad to the higher purpose of life, spiritual dimensions of existence, and refined states of consciousness and fulfillment that everyone seeks. To secure a bright future for the Vedic community, Dharmic tradition, and humanity as a whole, the temple must transform individuals from mere observers to appreciators and eventually participants. This can be achieved by motivating them to take on responsibilities to help the temple in service to the deities and other temple members or the general community. If the temple can successfully inspire people to become active participants, it will help ensure a bright future for the entire Vedic community and humanity. The main focus of this article is to explore the essential purposes and objectives of a Vedic temple.

Lord Vishnu is one of the three divine beings in the Trimurti and is known for his role as the sustainer of the universe. In this article, we are going to discuss the ten avatars of Vishnu, commonly referred to as the Dashavatar or Dashavataram. Lord Vishnu resides in Vaikuntha loka, also known as the spiritual realm, where he is referred to as Narayana. Krishnaloka, on the other hand, is considered the supreme planet of the spiritual world and is believed to be the transcendental abode of Krishna. This abode is divided into three sections, namely Dwarka, Mathura, and Goloka. In Krishnaloka, Krishna manifests himself into four plenary expansions, namely Krishna, Balarama, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha.

Balarama, who resides in Krishnaloka, is considered the original Sankarshana and is the source of Maha-Sankarshana, who resides in the Vaikuntha planets. It is Maha-Sankarshana’s responsibility to maintain the planets in the spiritual sky. Maha-Vishnu, who lies on the causal ocean and is the source of all universes, is an expansion of the Sankarshana.

This article aims to explore the multifaceted concept of ‘Dharma’. We will provide a comprehensive understanding of Dharma, its significance in individual and societal growth, and the interrelationship between the various categories of Dharma, namely ‘Sanatan Dharma‘, ‘Varnashrama Dharma‘, and ‘Sadharana Dharma’. Additionally, we will delve into the four primary objectives of human life and the pivotal role that Dharma plays in achieving them. Through this discussion, we hope to offer a deeper understanding of this essential concept of ‘Dharma’ and its relevance in contemporary society.

Lakshmi, the eternal companion of Lord Vishnu, is frequently worshiped with him as Lakshmi-Narayana, but also venerated separately, particularly during Diwali. Often depicted seated or standing on a lotus, she carries a lotus and water pot in two hands, while showering coins and offering benedictions with the others. She is clothed in a pink sari, surrounded by auspicious symbols, including elephants spraying water from their trunks. Lakshmi is also known as “Shri,” meaning beautiful, and “Chanchala,” meaning fickle, symbolizing the unpredictable nature of worldly fortune. Nevertheless, she never forsakes her consort, Lord Vishnu. Although she is considered Vishnu’s eternal consort, she appeared from the ocean of milk during the churning of the gods and demons, helping the gods regain their fortune in their battle against the demons. In each of Vishnu’s appearances, such as Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, or Krishna, Lakshmi appeared as Padma or Kamala, Dharani, Sita, and Rukmini, respectively. She is thought to reside on Vishnu’s chest, earning him the name Shrinivas. In South India, particularly at Tirupati, she is known as Padmavati, the consort of Vishnu in the form of Venkateshwara. In this article, you will find a few important facts about the goddess Lakshmi that are worth knowing.

Hanuman, a Hindu deity widely venerated in India, is often portrayed as a monkey-like figure who kneels before Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, and tears open his chest to reveal an image of Rama in his heart. As the son of Vayu, the wind god, Hanuman possesses superhuman abilities that he employs for good and in the service of Lord Rama and Sita. In addition to his strength and courage, Hanuman is renowned for his wisdom and devotion. Although he is worshiped by Vaishnava groups who venerate Krishna and his avatars, Hanuman is also revered by wrestlers and adherents of other faiths. While some regard Hanuman as an autonomous deity, it is established in the scriptures that he is a devotee of Rama. Valmiki’s Ramayana chronicles Hanuman’s birth, upbringing, and the extraordinary gifts he receives. While Hanuman exhibits simian traits, they are considered divine arrangements for his devotion to Rama. Throughout the Ramayana, Hanuman displays unwavering devotion to Rama, which is regarded as his greatest attribute. He is also known as Maruti and Anjaneya, named after his mother, Anjana. Devotees seek Hanuman’s blessings for enhanced devotion to Lord Rama. In this article, you will discover five essential facts about Hanuman that you should be aware of.

Lord Ganesh, also spelled as Ganesha, is an important Hindu deity who is revered as the Lord of thresholds and entrances, and is often placed above them or at temple gates to remove obstacles and grant blessings. He is the son of Shiva and Parvati and is recognized as the Lord of astrology and author of scriptures. Ganesh is commonly depicted with a red hue, a protruding belly, a broken tusk, and four arms carrying items such as a noose, an elephant goad, or a container of rice or his beloved sweet treats known as laddus. His love for laddus is renowned, and individuals often leave offerings of these sweets at his temple. Ganesh is known by various names, including Ganesh, Vinayaka, Vighneshvara, Gajanana, Gajadhipa, and Jyeshtha-raja. The primary texts dedicated to Ganesh include the Ganesh Purana, the Mudgala Purana, and the Ganapati Atharvashirsa, as well as the Brahma Purana and Brahmanda Purana. This article will cover six essential facts that one should know about Lord Ganesh.

The terms ‘Hinduism’ and ‘Sanatana Dharma‘ are frequently used interchangeably in contemporary times. The term ‘Sanatana Dharma’ is often associated with a particular sect or religion, but we rarely take the time to comprehend its true meaning. While ‘Dharma’ is commonly interpreted as ‘duty’, ‘religion’, or ‘religious duty’, its meaning goes beyond these concise English translations. The root of the Sanskrit word ‘Dharma’ is ‘dhri’, which means ‘to sustain’, and it also implies that which is essential and fundamental to something. ‘Sanatana’ means ‘eternal’, and the phrase ‘Sanatana Dharma’ refers to what is perpetually integral to a living entity. It is timeless, not confined by any boundaries, and not limited to any particular sect. Unlike faith, which can change, ‘Sanatana Dharma’ (commonly referred to as ‘Hinduism’ today) is unchangeable and eternal. The central theme of this article will revolve around the Hindu beliefs that are considered to be the most significant, as we explore the 10 key principles of Hinduism.

To a novice, Hinduism can appear as a religion with a multitude of deities being venerated. The extensive array of Hindu Gods and Goddesses is diverse, with each entity holding unique abilities that govern different facets of existence. This can lead to uncertainty among individuals as to whom they should venerate, and whether Hinduism adheres to a monotheistic or polytheistic belief system. The aim of this article is to provide insight and shed light on this topic by exploring the different Gods of Hinduism.

The Vedas are widely recognized as the oldest texts in Hinduism, thought to have been recorded approximately 2,500 years ago, though some traditions trace their origin back to the beginning of Kali yuga, around 3200 BC. These sacred scriptures are revered by many as the most authoritative and ancient literature in the world. Composed in Sanskrit, the Vedas originated in ancient India and were transcribed long ago, but they are believed to contain knowledge and wisdom that was passed down orally through a chain of disciplic succession for generations prior to their inscription. While some assert that there was only one Veda – the Yajur Veda, which was subsequently divided into four parts – others consider the Rig Veda to be the oldest of all Hindu writings. 

The Vedic/Hindu tradition is steeped in a rich tapestry of festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. These Hindu festivals of India come in a variety of forms, ranging from major events that draw people from all over the world to smaller, more localized celebrations that reflect the unique cultural practices of different regions. Some festivals are so significant that they are recognized as national holidays and celebrated with great fanfare across the country. Meanwhile, others are specific to certain regions or communities and are celebrated in unique ways that reflect the local customs and traditions. These festivals in Hinduism serve a unique purpose, honoring various incarnations of God, marking the changing seasons, celebrating bountiful harvests, recognizing the importance of relationships, and honoring fundamental principles of Vedic culture. The festivities are a riot of colors, music, dance, and religious rituals, with some festivals requiring devotees to undertake fasts as part of their observance. Despite these variations, the underlying thread that runs through all Hindu festivals is the deep reverence and devotion that is central to the religion. Whether celebrated on a grand scale or in a more subdued manner, each festival is an opportunity for Hindus to connect with their faith, honor their heritage, and come together in celebration and community. In this article we are going to discuss a few of the prominent Hindu festivals of India.