Indu Popuri's Blog (27)

Dreams are called 'Swapna' in Sanskrit language. The literal meaning of the word conveys "seeing (experiencing) that as real which is not experienced in the real (perceivable) world." Dreams have been the focus of curiosity and enquiry since the beginning of human civilization. Haphazard or vague dreams are experienced during  the 'subconscious' (Swapna Nidra) or 'disturbed' sleep due to sickness, stress,  etc. Such dreams are often shortlived, perplexing and meaningless. In a state of deep…

Right from Brahma, the creator of this world down to the present era all the Rsis, saints, innumerable persons have realised and experienced the power of Gayatri. No other mantra has been worshipped and practiced so much as this mantra. Gayatri is praised as Maha Mantra Palapradhayai which means she helps to realise the effectiveness of any mantra. To realise the benefits of any ritual or practice of any mantra the Gayatri Japam is a must to be performed. A person who does…

Our beliefs determine our thoughts and attitudes about life, which in turn direct our actions. By our actions, we create our destiny. Beliefs about sacred matters--God, soul and cosmos--are essential to one's approach to life. Hindus believe many diverse things, but there are a few bedrock concepts on which most Hindus concur. The following nine beliefs, though not exhaustive, offer a simple summary of Hindu spirituality.

• Hindus believe in a one, all-pervasive Supreme…

Women enjoyed a position of respect and stature in ancient Vedic India. Women of the Vedic period (circa 5000-1200 BCE) were epitomes of intellectual and spiritual attainment. The Vedas have lots to say about these women, who both complemented and supplemented their male partners. When it comes to talking about significant female figures of the Vedic period, four names - Ghosha, Lopamudra, Sulabha…

The greatest saint ever born in the history of mankind, the sage Shankara probably lived around 800 A.D. His teachings can be summed up in half a verse: “Brahma Satyam Jagan Mithya Jivo Brahmaiva Na Aparah—Brahman (the Absolute) is alone real; this world is unreal; and…

Indians prostrate before their parents, elders, teachers and noble souls by touching their feet. The elder in turn blesses us by placing his or her hand on or over our heads. Prostration is done daily, when we meet elders and particularly on important occasions like the beginning of a new task, birthdays, festivals etc. In certain traditional circles, prostration is accompanied by abhivaadana, which serves to introduce one-self, announce one’s family and social stature.

Man…

The breakdown among the 108 Upanishads according to the 5 Vedas are as follows:

Shri Veda Vyasa (also known as Badarayana or Krishna Dvaipayana Vyasa) was one of the greatest of all the sages of India.

His contribution in compilation of the Vedas is an example of unparalleled erudition. With great perseverance, he searched for all the work of the Rishis. He  collected all the mantras and categorized them.…

Guru-Gita is a dialogue between Lord Shiva and Matha Parvathi, where Bhagawan Shiva glorifies the importance and the necessity of the Guru to Matha Parvathi. He also illustrates how upaasana to the Guru should be carried…

Lalitha Sahasra Naama is one of the principal texts of Sakta Cult the other two being are Durga Sapta Sati and Soundarya Lahari. Generally, only two Sahasranaamas ( thousand Divine names), i.e., Lalitha Sahasra Naama and Vishnu Sahasra…

In various parts of this country in the 7^th and 8^th centuries, along with the Jain and Buddhist religious orders, different sects established themselves and began eroding the Vedic religion. Those sects were the Shaiva, Shakta, Vaishnav,…

(FROM SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM)

Once King Yadu saw Lord Dattatreya (Avadhoot) in a forest and addressed him "Sir, you are indeed quite capable, energetic and wise. Such as you are, why do you live in the forest, free from all desires? Even though you have neither kith and kin nor even a family, how could you be so blissful and self-contented?"

The Avadhoot (one who has shaken off all worldly desires) replied, "My bliss and…

Shiva in his Nataraja form performed a great dance in the

center of the universe. Shiva was the dancer, the dance and the audience. With

bells ringing and flames encircling him, he…

The term Dharma is one of the most intractable terms in Hindu

philosophy. Derived from the root dhar (Dhri) to uphold, sustain, support, the

term Dharma denotes ‘that which hold together the different aspects and

qualities of an object into a whole.’ (Dharanat Dharmam Ithayahu, Dharmena

Vidhritah Prajah.’

Ordinarily, the term Dharma has been translated as religious

code, as righteousness, as a system of morality, as duty, as charity etc. But

the original…

Saptapuri is the name given to the

seven sacred cities associated with Hinduism in

India. These seven holy cities are also referred as Sapta Moksha

Puris and Seven Tirthas. The general belief is that by visiting these cities one

escapes from endless cycle of births and deaths and attains ‘moksha.’

Saptapuri is therefore also referred along with Char

Dhaams as…

Hinduism- the oldest living religion in the world- strongly believes in eradicating inner as well as outer imperfections by destroying undesirable elements and enriching positive energies in the environment.

To attain the goal of energizing and protecting the inner self and environment, Hinduism has given a significant place to havan/ homam, which is said to be created by Lord Brahma for man’s livelihood & the attainment of his desires. Havan is a sacred purifying ritual performed…