The Name ‘Durga’ ‘Durga’, in Sanskrit, means “she who is incomprehensible or difficult to reach.” Goddess Durga is a form of shakti, worshipped for her gracious as well as terrifying, as the mother of the Universe; she represents the infinite power of the Universe and is a symbol of a female dynamism. The manifestation of…
The Auspicious 9 Days – Navratri
Navratri, the festival of ‘nine nights’, lasts for 9 days with three days each devoted to the worship of Ma Durga – the Goddess of Valor, Ma Lakshmi – the Goddess of Wealth and Ma Saraswati – the Goddess of Knowledge. During the nine days of Navratri feasting and fasting take precedence over all normal…
Questions About Hinduism – Answered
Sanatana Dharma…Hinduism. What are these? Sanatana Dharma and Hinduism are synonymous. The term Sanatana Dharma, loosely translated as “Eternal Law or Way,” is self-referential. The term “Hindu” however, is a 12th century Persian abstraction referring to the Indic civilization they found espousing certain beliefs, practices and a way of life on the banks of the…
Lord Ganesha: the Path and the Goal – Swami Chinmayananda
The Supreme Reality is unknown; the human equipment cannot directly come in contact with It. Hence various idols are provided in the Hindu mythological literature, to serve as a means to reach the unknown ideal. Idols by themselves are not the Reality, but only pointers, indicating It. Lord Ganesha is one such idol having a…
108 Names of Lord Ganesha with Meaning
108 Names of Ganesha Lord Ganesha is the most revered Hindu god. He is worshiped before performing any puja, and is known as the remover of obstacles. He is also known as the bestower of wisdom, which is why his devotees are encouraged to chant His mantras and 108 names to appease him. Akhurath –…
Significance of Janmashtami
Janmashtami – the Story Krishna was born on Janmashtami. Krishna was born on this day in Mathura and we are inspired by the story year after year. Later, Krishna married several wives and perhaps divorced some!Thus we have brought him down to our own level, and then think that we are not as bad as…
Why Do We Have So Many Festivals in India?
Festivals – Why we Have Them Festivals are there to celebrate our lives, the joy of being alive and it is to be shared with all – our friends, relatives, our neighbours, our colleagues, the young, the old, everyone. Amongst the gaiety and celebrations are hidden great values which rites and rituals bring forth as…
Live in Freedom
A person who lives in freedom, satisfied with knowledge and wisdom, is ever tranquil. To him a lump of earth, a stone, and gold are the same. He views all the three with the same equanimity. It is not that he does not understand the differences between them, but he does not give undue weight…
Precious Pearls by Swami Chinmayananda
THE FIRST PEARL Love and Work Love is the heart of religions, the theme of all classical works of art and literature and the song of all devotees. Scientists know only what love does… not what love is. Love can indeed empty our asylums, perhaps all our prisons, may be all our hospitals. People suffer…
Guru and Disciple by Swami Sivananda
One who is versed in Vedas, who has knowledge of Brahman, who has a balanced mind, who is an ocean of mercy and who is able to remove the doubts and avarana of the aspirants is a real Guru. (In this blog, let’s read about Guru and Disciple by Swami Sivananda.) A true Satguru is…