DOCSLIB.ORG

Ramayana and the Mahābhārata, He Is Often Referred to As the Progenitor Or Great Grandsire of All Human Beings

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Ramayana and the Mahābhārata, He Is Often Referred to As the Progenitor Or Great Grandsire of All Human Beings भारत गणराज् The Arts of India are the illustration of the religious life of the Hindus. Like their faith, the arts have been preserved for the past 3,000 years, from change and decay, from foreign invasions, and from the fury of the nature. Officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. 7th LARGEST country by geographical area. GEOGRAPHY of INDIA Bounded by the: • Indian Ocean on the south • Arabian Sea on the south-west • Bay of Bengal on the south-east • it shares land borders with Pakistan to the west • China, Nepal, & Bhutan north-east • Burma & Bangladesh to the east. 2nd most populous country with over 1.2 billion people. ETYMOLOGY The name India is derived from INDUS: which is derived from the Old Persian word Hindu, from Sanskrit Sindhu (�सन्ध). The ancient Greeks referred to the Indians as Indoi (Ινδοί), the people of the Indus. • Bhagwa or the saffron color denotes renunciation or disinterestedness. • The white in the centre is light, the path of truth to guide their conduct. The INDIAN FLAG •The green shows their relation to (the) soil, the relation to the plant life here, on which all other life depends. The INDIAN FLAG The "Ashoka Chakra" in the centre of the white is the wheel of the law of dharma. The INDIAN FLAG Indian subcontinent is the home to the world’s oldest civilizations and a region of historic trade routes and vast empires. Four of the world's major religion originated in India — Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. whereas Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Islam arrived in the 1st millennium and also helped shape the region's diverse culture. भारत गणराज् HINDUISM A predominant and indigenous religious tradition of the Indian Subcontinent. HINDUISM Known to its followers as Sanātana Dharma a Sanskrit phrase meaning “the eternal law“. (the eternal law that sustains / upholds / surely preserves) HINDUISM Hinduism is formed of diverse traditions and has no single founder. Hinduism is often called the "oldest living religion" or the oldest living major religion" in the world. HINDUISM TRIMURTI: 3 FORMS TRIMURTI: THREE FORMS A concept in Hinduism "in which the cosmic functions of creation, maintenance and destruction are personified by the forms. TRIMURTI: THREE FORMS Brahmā the creator, Vishnu the preserver, and Śhiva the destroyer or transformer. TRIMURTI: THREE FORMS These three deities have been called “the Hindu triad” or the "Great Trinity", often addressed as: "Brahma-Vishnu-Maheshwara" TRIMURTI: THREE FORMS "Brahma-Vishnu-Maheshwara" One kind of representation for the Trimurti or Trinity shows three heads on one neck and often even three faces on one head that each one looking in a dissimilar direction. BRAHMA THE CREATOR BRAHMA: THE CREATOR “BRAHMA CREATED THE FOUR TYPES: GODS, DEMONS, ANCESTORS, AND MEN.” BRAHMA: THE CREATOR --- According to the Brahma Purana, Brahma – the creator is the father of Mānu. --- from Mānu all human beings are descended. --- In the Ramayana and the Mahābhārata, he is often referred to as the progenitor or great grandsire of all human beings. BRAHMA: Symbols Back right hand Back left hand represents mind represents intellect Front right hand is ego Front left hand is self- The Four confidence Arms & Hands: represent the four directions BRAHMA: Symbols The Book The Lotus symbolizes knowledge symbolizes nature and the living essence of all things and beings in the Universe. The Gold symbolizes activity; thus the golden face of Brahma indicates that He The Prayer beads is actively involved in the Symbolize the process of creating the substances used in Universe. the process of creation. BRAHMA: Symbols The Crown - Lord Brahma's crown indicates His supreme authority. The Beard - Brahma's black or white beard denotes wisdom and the eternal process of creation. The Swan - is the symbol of grace and discernment. Brahma uses the swan as his vāhana, or his carrier or vehicle. BRAHMA: Symbols The Four Faces – represents the four Vedas or the four canonical sacred texts of Hinduism. BRAHMA: Symbols • Rik / Rigveda - contains several mythological and poetical accounts of the origin of the world, hymns praising the gods, and ancient prayers for life, prosperity, etc. • Samaveda - It consists of a collection (samhita) of hymns, portions of hymns, and detached verses BRAHMA: Symbols • Yajurveda - contains the liturgy (mantras) needed to perform the sacrifices. • Atharvaveda - a collection of spells and incantations, apostrophic charms and speculative hymns. BRAHMA: The Creator At the beginning of time Narayana lay on a banyan leaf floating on the ancient waters. After many ages, Narayana began to create the universe. BRAHMA: The Creator Banyan leaf. BRAHMA: The Creator From his mouth, Narayana created speech. Speech brought communication to the world. BRAHMA: The Creator From his mind, Narayana created the Vedas. The Vedas brought history and guidance to the world. BRAHMA: The Creator From his tongue, Narayana created amrita, the ocean of milk. Amrita was the 'water of life'. Without amrita, the existence of the universe was in danger. BRAHMA: The Creator From his nose, Narayana created the stars and the sky. The stars guided travellers on their way and the sky formed a canopy over the earth. BRAHMA: The Creator From the pupils of his eyes, Narayana created the heavens and the sun. The sun brought light and heat to the earth. BRAHMA: The Creator From his ears, Narayana created places of worship. Places of worship gave the people a way to honour and pay respects to their gods. BRAHMA: The Creator From his hair, Narayana created the clouds and rain. Clouds and rain brought water to the earth, making the land fertile. BRAHMA: The Creator From his beard, Narayana created lightning – it signals the power of the Gods. BRAHMA: The Creator From his nails, Narayana created rocks. Rocks brought stability to the earth. BRAHMA: The Creator From his bones, Narayana created mountains. Montains formed the landscape of the earth. BRAHMA: The Creator And thus, the UNIVERSE was created. VISHNU THE PRESERVER Vishnu governs the aspect of preservation and sustenance of the universe, so he is called “Preserver of the universe”. In almost all Hindu denominations, Vishnu is either worshipped directly or in the form of his ten avatara, most famous of whom are Rama and Krishna. VISHNU: Symbols Panchajanya The Four Arms & (Shankha / conch shell) Hands: represents his power to holding a lotus, mace, create and maintain the conch and a wheel universe. Sudarshana Chakra Padma (Lotus) symbolizes the purified represents spiritualized mind. • spiritual liberation • Divine perfection Kaumodaki • purity and the (Gada / mace) • unfolding of Spiritual symbolizes his divine consciousness within power is the source of all the individual. spiritual, mental and physical strength. VISHNU: Symbols The two earrings The crown represent inherent symbolizes his opposites in creation: supreme authority. • knowledge and sometimes depicted ignorance having a peacock • happiness and feather unhappiness • pleasure and pain Around his neck, he wears the auspicious "Kaustubha" jewel, The color of his skin is and a “vanamaalaa” (garland of flowers) new-cloud-like-blue VISHNU: Symbols Vishnu rests on Ananta Shesha: the immortal and infinite snake. VISHNU: The AVATARS An Avatar, meaning “descent” or “incarnation”, is a deliberate descent of a deity to earth, or a descent of the Supreme Being. VISHNU: The AVATARS The concept of avatar within Hinduism is most often associated with Vishnu. Vishnu's avatars typically descend for a very specific purpose. VISHNU: The AVATARS An oft-quoted passage from the Bhagavad Gita describes the typical role of an avatar of Vishnu—to bring dharma, or righteousness, back to the social and cosmic order: VISHNU: The AVATARS “Whenever righteousness wanes and unrighteousness increases I send myself forth. For the protection of the good and for the destruction of evil, and for the establishment of righteousness, I come into being age after age.” (Gita:4.7–8) VISHNU: The Dashavatara The ten best known avatars of Vishnu are collectively known as the “Dashavatara”. Avatar literally means "descent, alight, to make one's appearance", and refers to the embodiment of the essence of a superhuman being or a deity in another form. VISHNU: The Dashavatara Yuga in Hinduism is an epoch or era within a four age cycle. A complete Yuga starts with the Satya Yuga, via Treta Yuga and Dvapara Yuga into a Kali Yuga. Satya yuga Treta yuga Dwapara yuga Kali yuga. Satya Yuga The first of the four Yugas, the "Yuga (Age or Era) of Truth", when humanity is governed by gods, and every manifestation or work is close to the purest ideal and humanity will allow intrinsic goodness to rule supreme. Satya Yuga lasted 1,728,000 years. Treta Yuga - Ages of mankind Treta Yuga is the second out of the four yugas, or ages of mankind, in the religion of Hinduism. (Treta means 'a collection of three things ) 5TH - Vamana 6TH - Parashurama 7TH Rama Treta Yuga lasted 1,296,000 years. Dvapara Yuga / Dwapara Yuga – Ages of compassion and truthfulness. The third out of four Yugas, or ages, described in the scriptures of Hinduism. There are only two pillars of religion during the Dvapara Yuga: compassion and truthfulness. Dvapara Yuga lasts 864,000 years. Kali Yuga - Age of [the demon] Kali", or "age of vice") The last of the four stages the world goes through as part of the cycle of yugas described in the Sanskrit scriptures. Kali Yuga is associated with the demon Kali. The start of Kali Yuga, which is dated to 17/18 February 3102 BCE. (Before Common Era ) VISHNU: The Dashavatara 1. MATSYA the fish-avatar who saved Manu – the progenitor of mankind from the great flood and rescued the Vedic scriptures by killing a demon. VISHNU: The Dashavatara Manu said prostrating before the fish."Manu, the Yuga is about to end in seven days.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Bhagwan Parshu Ram Parshu Ram Jayanti Celebrate Brahman Divas
    An Official organ of World Brahman Federation Canada www.wbfcanada.org APRIL, 2009 Volume 3, Issue 2 EKO'HAM Bhagwan Parshu Ram Parashu Ram, also known as Parasurama, Bhrigupati, Bhargava, Bhargava Rama, a Brahman, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, belongs to the Treta yuga, and is the son of Jamadagni and Renuka. Parashu means axe, hence his name literally means Rama-of-the-axe. He received an axe after undertaking a terrible penance to please Shiva, from whom he learned the methods of warfare and other Mark the Calendar: skills. He fought the advancing ocean back thus saving the lands of Konkan and Malabar (Maharashtra - Karnataka - Kerala WBF Canada coastline). The coastal area of Kerala state along with the Konkan Parivar Milan (March, 2009) region, i.e., coastal Maharashtra and Karnataka, is also sometimes called Parashurama Kshetra (Parashurama's area). Parshuram Jayanti Some say it extends all the way to Mumbai in Maharashtra. (April, 2009) Parashurama is said to be a "Brahma-Kshatriya" (of the duty WBF Canada between a Brahmana and a Kshatriya), the first warrior saint. His Convention (TBA) mother is descended from the Kshatriya Suryavanshi clan that ruled Ayodhya and, also, Lord Rama belonged to. Shravani (August, 2009) Parashu Ram was the Great Grandson of Bhrigu Rishi, after whom the Deepawali Milan "Bhriguvansh" has been named. Bhrigu's Son, Rucheek, married King Gadhi's (October, 2009) daughter, Satyavati. One day, Satyavati requested Bhrigu for a son for herself and her mother. Bhrigu prescribed separate regimens for the two ladies in terms of worshipping a particular kind of tree, keeping in mind that Satyavati was married to a Brahmin and Her mother to a kshatriya.
    [Show full text]
  • Narasimha, the Supreme Lord of the Middle: the Avatāra and Vyūha Correlation in the Purāṇas, Archaeology and Religious Practice Lavanya Vemsani [email protected]
    International Journal of Indic Religions Volume 1 | Issue 1 Article 5 10-29-2017 Narasimha, the Supreme Lord of the Middle: The Avatāra and Vyūha Correlation in the Purāṇas, Archaeology and Religious Practice Lavanya Vemsani [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.shawnee.edu/indicreligions Part of the Buddhist Studies Commons, Hindu Studies Commons, History of Religions of Eastern Origins Commons, and the South and Southeast Asian Languages and Societies Commons Recommended Citation Vemsani, Lavanya (2017) "Narasimha, the Supreme Lord of the Middle: The vA atāra and Vyūha Correlation in the Purāṇas, Archaeology and Religious Practice," International Journal of Indic Religions: Vol. 1 : Iss. 1 , Article 5. Available at: https://digitalcommons.shawnee.edu/indicreligions/vol1/iss1/5 This Research Article is brought to you for free and open access by Digital Commons @ Shawnee State University. It has been accepted for inclusion in International Journal of Indic Religions by an authorized editor of Digital Commons @ Shawnee State University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Vemsani: Narasimha, the Supreme Lord of the Middle ISBN 2471-8947 International Journal of Indic Religions Narasimha, the Supreme Lord of the Middle: The Avatāra and Vyūha Correlation in the Purāṇas, Archaeology and Religious Practice Lavanya Vemsani Ph.D. Shawnee State University [email protected] Avatāra is a theologically significant term associated with Vishnu, due to his role as protector and maintainer of balance between evil and good in the universe. Hence, each avatāra of Vishnu indicates a divinely inspired cosmic role of Vishnu. However, the incarnation of Narasimha is significant, because this incarnation is a dual representation of the God Vishnu within the creation.
    [Show full text]
  • Bhoga-Bhaagya-Yogyata Lakshmi
    BHOGA-BHAAGYA-YOGYATA LAKSHMI ( FULFILLMENT AS ONE DESERVES) Edited, compiled, and translated by VDN Rao, Retd. General Manager, India Trade Promotion Organization, Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, currently at Chennai 1 Other Scripts by the same Author: Essence of Puranas:-Maha Bhagavata, Vishnu Purana, Matsya Purana, Varaha Purana, Kurma Purana, Vamana Purana, Narada Purana, Padma Purana; Shiva Purana, Linga Purana, Skanda Purana, Markandeya Purana, Devi Bhagavata;Brahma Purana, Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Agni Purana, Bhavishya Purana, Nilamata Purana; Shri Kamakshi Vilasa Dwadasha Divya Sahasranaama: a) Devi Chaturvidha Sahasra naama: Lakshmi, Lalitha, Saraswati, Gayatri; b) Chaturvidha Shiva Sahasra naama-Linga-Shiva-Brahma Puranas and Maha Bhagavata; c) Trividha Vishnu and Yugala Radha-Krishna Sahasra naama-Padma-Skanda-Maha Bharata and Narada Purana. Stotra Kavacha- A Shield of Prayers Purana Saaraamsha; Select Stories from Puranas Essence of Dharma Sindhu Essence of Shiva Sahasra Lingarchana Essence of Paraashara Smtiti Essence of Pradhana Tirtha Mahima Dharma Bindu Essence of Upanishads : Brihadaranyaka , Katha, Tittiriya, Isha, Svetashwara of Yajur Veda- Chhandogya and Kena of Saama Veda-Atreya and Kausheetaki of Rig Veda-Mundaka, Mandukya and Prashna of Atharva Veda ; Also ‘Upanishad Saaraamsa’ (Quintessence of Upanishads) Essence of Virat Parva of Maha Bharata Essence of Bharat Yatra Smriti Essence of Brahma Sutras Essence of Sankhya Parijnaana- Also Essence of Knowledge of Numbers Essence of Narada Charitra; Essence Neeti Chandrika-Essence of Hindu Festivals and Austerities- Essence of Manu Smriti*- Quintessence of Manu Smriti* - *Essence of Pratyaksha Bhaskara- Essence of Maha Narayanopanishad*-Essence of Vidya-Vigjnaana-Vaak Devi* Note: All the above Scriptures already released on www.
    [Show full text]
  • Goddess Lakshmi Goddess Lakshmi Is Vishnu’S Concert
    Tri Murthis: The Three Gods The Indian culture consisting of Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Epics and the classical books explain that there are three Gods: Brahma Vishnu Maheswara Each of them has been identified with specific functions in the Universe. Brahma, the Creator Four-faced God Brahma is called Chaturmukha Brahma. He has taken birth from the Lotus flower which came out of the navel of Bhagavan Vishnu. He has four faces and four hands. He holds the four Vedas in one of His hands. He is seated on Lotus. The story of Brahma is the story of Creation. Brahma is the beginning. He is the Origin of all the Creation. This is sum and substance of the story of Creation as available in all the sacred books of India (Vedas and Shastras). Hamsa (Swan) is his vehicle. Goddess Saraswati Goddess Saraswati is Brahma’s consort. She is Goddess for Vidya or education and learning. She also grants Jnaana (Knowledge and Wisdom). Brahma granted boons to many asuras (demons) in the past because they did penance or tapasya for Brahma’s appearance. He gave them what ever boons they wanted. Some asuras like Hiranya Kashipa, became violent and cruel. Lord Vishnu had to incarnate on earth and kill these asuras who troubled the devataas, lokas and even the ordinary human beings. Vishnu, the Protector Vishnu is the God who protects the Universe. He took ten avataras (births or incarnations) to save the earth, to protect the good people and to punish the persons doing wrong deeds. Vishnu is also called Shesha Sayana.
    [Show full text]
  • South-Indian Images of Gods and Goddesses
    ASIA II MB- • ! 00/ CORNELL UNIVERSITY* LIBRARY Date Due >Sf{JviVre > -&h—2 RftPP )9 -Af v^r- tjy J A j£ **'lr *7 i !! in ^_ fc-£r Pg&diJBii'* Cornell University Library NB 1001.K92 South-indian images of gods and goddesse 3 1924 022 943 447 AGENTS FOR THE SALE OF MADRAS GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS. IN INDIA. A. G. Barraud & Co. (Late A. J. Combridge & Co.)> Madras. R. Cambrav & Co., Calcutta. E. M. Gopalakrishna Kone, Pudumantapam, Madura. Higginbothams (Ltd.), Mount Road, Madras. V. Kalyanarama Iyer & Co., Esplanade, Madras. G. C. Loganatham Brothers, Madras. S. Murthv & Co., Madras. G. A. Natesan & Co., Madras. The Superintendent, Nazair Kanun Hind Press, Allahabad. P. R. Rama Iyer & Co., Madras. D. B. Taraporevala Sons & Co., Bombay. Thacker & Co. (Ltd.), Bombay. Thacker, Spink & Co., Calcutta. S. Vas & Co., Madras. S.P.C.K. Press, Madras. IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. B. H. Blackwell, 50 and 51, Broad Street, Oxford. Constable & Co., 10, Orange Street, Leicester Square, London, W.C. Deighton, Bell & Co. (Ltd.), Cambridge. \ T. Fisher Unwin (Ltd.), j, Adelphi Terrace, London, W.C. Grindlay & Co., 54, Parliament Street, London, S.W. Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co. (Ltd.), 68—74, iCarter Lane, London, E.C. and 25, Museum Street, London, W.C. Henry S. King & Co., 65, Cornhill, London, E.C. X P. S. King & Son, 2 and 4, Great Smith Street, Westminster, London, S.W.- Luzac & Co., 46, Great Russell Street, London, W.C. B. Quaritch, 11, Grafton Street, New Bond Street, London, W. W. Thacker & Co.^f*Cre<d Lane, London, E.O? *' Oliver and Boyd, Tweeddale Court, Edinburgh.
    [Show full text]
  • Srirangam – Heaven on Earth
    Srirangam – Heaven on Earth A Guide to Heaven – The past and present of Srirangam Pradeep Chakravarthy 3/1/2010 For the Tag Heritage Lecture Series 1 ARCHIVAL PICTURES IN THE PRESENTATION © COLLEGE OF ARTS, OTHER IMAGES © THE AUTHOR 2 Narada! How can I speak of the greatness of Srirangam? Fourteen divine years are not enough for me to say and for you to listen Yama’s predicament is worse than mine! He has no kingdom to rule over! All mortals go to Srirangam and have their sins expiated And the devas? They too go to Srirangam to be born as mortals! Shiva to Narada in the Sriranga Mahatmaya Introduction Great civilizations have been created and sustained around river systems across the world. India is no exception and in the Tamil country amongst the most famous rivers, Kaveri (among the seven sacred rivers of India) has been the source of wealth for several dynasties that rose and fell along her banks. Affectionately called Ponni, alluding to Pon being gold, the Kaveri river flows in Tamil Nadu for approx. 445 Kilometers out of its 765 Kilometers. Ancient poets have extolled her beauty and compared her to a woman who wears many fine jewels. If these jewels are the prosperous settlements on her banks, the island of Srirangam 500 acres and 13 kilometers long and 7 kilometers at its widest must be her crest jewel. Everything about Srirangam is massive – it is at 156 acres (perimeter of 10,710 feet) the largest Hindu temple complex in worship after Angkor which is now a Buddhist temple.
    [Show full text]
  • Hinduism and Hindu Philosophy
    Essays on Indian Philosophy UNIVE'aSITY OF HAWAII Uf,FU:{ Essays on Indian Philosophy SHRI KRISHNA SAKSENA UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII PRESS HONOLULU 1970 Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 78·114209 Standard Book Number 87022-726-2 Copyright © 1970 by University of Hawaii Press All Rights Reserved Printed in the United States of America Contents The Story of Indian Philosophy 3 Basic Tenets of Indian Philosophy 18 Testimony in Indian Philosophy 24 Hinduism 37 Hinduism and Hindu Philosophy 51 The Jain Religion 54 Some Riddles in the Behavior of Gods and Sages in the Epics and the Puranas 64 Autobiography of a Yogi 71 Jainism 73 Svapramanatva and Svapraka!;>atva: An Inconsistency in Kumarila's Philosophy 77 The Nature of Buddhi according to Sankhya-Yoga 82 The Individual in Social Thought and Practice in India 88 Professor Zaehner and the Comparison of Religions 102 A Comparison between the Eastern and Western Portraits of Man in Our Time 117 Acknowledgments The author wishes to make the following acknowledgments for permission to reprint previously published essays: "The Story of Indian Philosophy," in A History of Philosophical Systems. edited by Vergilius Ferm. New York:The Philosophical Library, 1950. "Basic Tenets of Indian Philosophy," previously published as "Are There Any Basic Tenets of Indian Philosophy?" in The Philosophical Quarterly. "Testimony in Indian Philosophy," previously published as "Authority in Indian Philosophy," in Ph ilosophyEast and West. vo!.l,no. 3 (October 1951). "Hinduism," in Studium Generale. no. 10 (1962). "The Jain Religion," previously published as "Jainism," in Religion in the Twentieth Century. edited by Vergilius Ferm.
    [Show full text]
  • ESSENCE of VAMANA PURANA Composed, Condensed And
    ESSENCE OF VAMANA PURANA Composed, Condensed and Interpreted By V.D.N. Rao, Former General Manager, India Trade Promotion Organisation, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, Union Ministry of Commerce, Govt. of India 1 ESSENCE OF VAMANA PURANA CONTENTS PAGE Invocation 3 Kapaali atones at Vaaranaasi for Brahma’s Pancha Mukha Hatya 3 Sati Devi’s self-sacrifice and destruction of Daksha Yagna (Nakshatras and Raashis in terms of Shiva’s body included) 4 Shiva Lingodbhava (Origin of Shiva Linga) and worship 6 Nara Narayana and Prahlada 7 Dharmopadesha to Daitya Sukeshi, his reformation, Surya’s action and reaction 9 Vishnu Puja on Shukla Ekadashi and Vishnu Panjara Stotra 14 Origin of Kurukshetra, King Kuru and Mahatmya of the Kshetra 15 Bali’s victory of Trilokas, Vamana’s Avatara and Bali’s charity of Three Feet (Stutis by Kashyapa, Aditi and Brahma & Virat Purusha Varnana) 17 Parvati’s weds Shiva, Devi Kaali transformed as Gauri & birth of Ganesha 24 Katyayani destroys Chanda-Munda, Raktabeeja and Shumbha-Nikumbha 28 Kartikeya’s birth and his killings of Taraka, Mahisha and Baanaasuras 30 Kedara Kshetra, Murasura Vadha, Shivaabhisheka and Oneness with Vishnu (Upadesha of Dwadasha Narayana Mantra included) 33 Andhakaasura’s obsession with Parvati and Prahlaad’s ‘Dharma Bodha’ 36 ‘Shivaaya Vishnu Rupaaya, Shiva Rupaaya Vishnavey’ 39 Andhakaasura’s extermination by Maha Deva and origin of Ashta Bhairavaas (Andhaka’s eulogies to Shiva and Gauri included) 40 Bhakta Prahlada’s Tirtha Yatras and legends related to the Tirthas 42 -Dundhu Daitya and Trivikrama
    [Show full text]
  • Why I Became a Hindu
    Why I became a Hindu Parama Karuna Devi published by Jagannatha Vallabha Vedic Research Center Copyright © 2018 Parama Karuna Devi All rights reserved Title ID: 8916295 ISBN-13: 978-1724611147 ISBN-10: 1724611143 published by: Jagannatha Vallabha Vedic Research Center Website: www.jagannathavallabha.com Anyone wishing to submit questions, observations, objections or further information, useful in improving the contents of this book, is welcome to contact the author: E-mail: [email protected] phone: +91 (India) 94373 00906 Please note: direct contact data such as email and phone numbers may change due to events of force majeure, so please keep an eye on the updated information on the website. Table of contents Preface 7 My work 9 My experience 12 Why Hinduism is better 18 Fundamental teachings of Hinduism 21 A definition of Hinduism 29 The problem of castes 31 The importance of Bhakti 34 The need for a Guru 39 Can someone become a Hindu? 43 Historical examples 45 Hinduism in the world 52 Conversions in modern times 56 Individuals who embraced Hindu beliefs 61 Hindu revival 68 Dayananda Saraswati and Arya Samaj 73 Shraddhananda Swami 75 Sarla Bedi 75 Pandurang Shastri Athavale 75 Chattampi Swamikal 76 Narayana Guru 77 Navajyothi Sree Karunakara Guru 78 Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha 79 Ramakrishna Paramahamsa 79 Sarada Devi 80 Golap Ma 81 Rama Tirtha Swami 81 Niranjanananda Swami 81 Vireshwarananda Swami 82 Rudrananda Swami 82 Swahananda Swami 82 Narayanananda Swami 83 Vivekananda Swami and Ramakrishna Math 83 Sister Nivedita
    [Show full text]
  • Practice of Ayurveda
    PRACTICE OF AYURVEDA SWAMI SIVANANDA Published by THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY P.O. SHIVANANDANAGAR— 249 192 Distt. Tehri-Garhwal, Uttaranchal, Himalayas, India 2006 First Edition: 1958 Second Edition: 2001 Third Edition: 2006 [ 2,000 Copies ] ©The Divine Life Trust Society ISBN-81-7052-159-9 ES 304 Published by Swami Vimalananda for The Divine Life Society, Shivanandanagar, and printed by him at the Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy Press, P.O. Shivanandanagar, Distt. Tehri-Garhwal, Uttaranchal, Himalayas, India PUBLISHERS’ NOTE Sri Swami Sivanandaji. Maharaj was a healer of the body in his Purvashram (before he entered the Holy Order of Sannyasa). He was a born healer, with an extraordinary inborn love to serve humanity; that is why he chose the medical profession as a career. That is why he edited and published a health Journal “Ambrosia”. That is why he went over to Malaya to serve the poor in the plantations there. And, strangely enough, that is why, he renounced the world and embraced the Holy Order of Sannyasa. He was a healer of the body and the soul. This truth is reflected in the Ashram which he has established in Rishikesh. The huge hospital equipped with modern instruments was set up and the entire Ashram where all are welcome to get themselves healed of their heart’s sores and thoroughly refresh themselves in the divine atmosphere of the holy place. Sri Swamiji wanted that all systems of healing should flourish. He had equal love and admiration for all systems of healing. He wanted that the best of all the systems should be brought out and utilised in the service of Man.
    [Show full text]
  • Gods in Front Side of Brindavana
    Gods in Front side of Brindavana Sahasrolkaha Sankarshana Maholka Maya Madhusudana Vishnu Govindaha Madhavaha Purushotamaha Bhargava Anirudhaha Vamanaha Varaha Narashimaha Kurmaha Matsyaha MahaLakshmi Saraswati Brahma Yamaha Durga Vrujana Darpana Chamara Dharini Dharini Dharini Kriya Gyana Uthkarshini Antarathma Rama Shwethadweepa Abhimanihi Kshirasagara Varunaha Bhumi Vayu Kurma Vishnu Kurma Aadhararupini Shakthi Paramapurusha All credit to srs mutt mantralayam. Translated in english by https://meerasubbarao.wordpress.com Gods in Right side of Brindavana Sahasrolkaha Vasudeva Krudholkaha Shanthi Narayana Keshava Pradhumna Vasudeva Sankarshana Krishna Kurma Matsya MahaLakshmi Varuni Anantha Bhudevi Sreedevi Bhoo Garuda Souparnihi Sree Indra Brahma Agni Ishanaha Nirakuthi Yama Indra Chatradharini Agneya Peethada Agni Anugraha kaalu Vimala Garuda Aathma Saraswathi Rama Swethadweepa Ksheerasagara Varuna Abhimani Bhoomi Vayu Kurma Vishnu Kurma Aadhararupini Shakthi Parama Purushaha All credit to srs mutt mantralayam. Translated in english by https://meerasubbarao.wordpress.com Gods in Left side of Brindavana Sahasrolkaha Pradhumna Virolaka Jayaha Vamana Trivikrama Janardhana Achyutha Narashima Adhokshaja Krishna Rama Bharathi Vayu Chandra Surya Vayu Varuna Kama Shesha Nirakuthi Shiva Vayu Ganakarthi Durga Yoga Durga Vedavyasa Paramathma Rama Shwethadweepa Ksheerasagara Abhimani Varuna Bhoomi Vayu Kurma Vishnu Kurma Aadhararupini Shakthi Parama Purushaha All credit to srs mutt mantralayam. Translated in english by https://meerasubbarao.wordpress.com Gods in Back side of Brindavana Sahasrolkaha Anirudha Dhyulka Kruthi Damodhara Padmanabha Hrishikesha Shreedhara Hari Upendra Ananthaha Kalki Bhudhav Vishawarupa Parvathi Rudra Kubera Rudra Stotra Vadyahastha Nruthanthi Karthi Prahva Ishanav Satya Gyanathma Rama Shwethadweepa Ksheerasagara Abhimani Varuna Bhoomi Vayu Kurma Vishnu Kurma Aadhararupini Shakthi Parama Purushaha All credit to srs mutt mantralayam. Translated in english by https://meerasubbarao.wordpress.com.
    [Show full text]
  • Dasavatara in Puranas
    Component-I (A) – Personal details: Prof. P. Bhaskar Reddy Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati. Prof. V. Venkata Ramana Reddy Director, O.R.I., S. V.University, Tirupati. Prof. V. Venkata Ramana Reddy Director, O.R.I., S. V.University, Tirupati. Prof. V. Kannan University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad. Component-I (B) – Description of module: Subject Name Indian Culture Paper Name Vedic, Epic and Puranic culture of India Module Name/Title Dasavatara in Puranas Module Id I C / VEPC / 33 Pre requisites Knowledge in Puranas and importance of Dashavataras of Vishnu To know about the general survey of Puranas, Objectives Meaning of Dashavatara, Types of Incarnation Dashavatara, Scientific analogy of Avataras and Darwinian Theory of Evolution Keywords Puranas / Dashavatara / incarnation / Vishnu E-text (Quadrant-I): 1. Introduction to Avatara(Incornation) The word 'avatara' means 'one who descends' (from Sanskrit avatarati). The descents of Vishnu from Vaikuntha to earth are his avatars or incarnations. The form in each time he descents will be different because the needs of the world each time are different. The different avatars thus balances and reinforce the dharma that rules and regulations that maintain order. They are harmed when the demands of evil clash with the good for order. As man's understanding of the world changes, desires change and so do concepts of order.. Social stability and peace on the earth must not be compromised, yet new ideas that are good for mankind must be respected. Vishnu's descents are not just about The word specifically refers to one who descends from the spiritual sky. The word 'incarnation' is can also mean as 'one who assumed flesh body’ 2.
    [Show full text]