Hindu scriptures
Rama’s Bridge – The Setu Built by Lord Rama in the Ramayana
Rama’s Bridge, also known as Ram Setu and Adam’s Bridge is a bridge mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana, which was built by Lord Rama with the help of the ape army. Per geologists, it is a chain of natural limestones between India and Sri Lanka. A lot of controversies are there around this topic. Different Names of Rama’s Bridge: Nala Setu. Setu Bandha. Adam’s Bridge. Ram Setu. Geographical Significance: Rama’s Bridge is a chain of limestone shoals that connects Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu and Thalaimannar in Sri Lanka. It is 48 km long and 50 m to 2-3 km…
18 Most Popular Bhagavad Gita Quotes in Sanskrit and English
This article contains 18 important and famous quotes from Bhagavad Gita. These quotes are inspiring and explain the meaning of life and how to live a good life. 1. कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन। मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥ २–४७ Meaning: You have the right to perform your duty but not to the fruit. Do not let the fruit be your motive to act nor let your attachment be inaction. 2. नैनं छिन्दन्ति शस्त्राणि नैनं दहति पावकः । न चैनं क्लेदयन्त्यापो न शोषयति मारुतः ॥ २–२३ Meaning: A soul can neither be cut by a weapon nor it can be burnt. Water…
Jambavan – The King of Bears
Jambavan (also Jambavantha) is the king of bears according to Hindu religious texts. He is part-man and part-bear and is immortal. Jambavan is also one of the fathers-in-law of Lord Krishna. He married his daughter Jambavati to Lord Krishna. He appears in both the Ramayana and Mahabharata. In some texts, he is mentioned as a monkey instead of a bear. Meaning of the Name Jambavan: The meaning of the word Jambavan is “the one who is born from yawn” because in Sanskrit the word for “yawn” is Jrimbhan. Another meaning could be “the one who is from Jambudvipa”. What Did…
Pradosh Vrat Katha – The Stories Behind Pradosh Vrat
There are different Pradosh Vrat Katha (stories) behind why the Pradosh Vrat is observed. Pradosh Vrat is dedicated to Lord Shiva and falls on Trayodashi (the thirteenth day of every fortnight) of the Hindu calendar. People observe fast and do some rituals on this day. Worshipping Lord Shiva during the Pradosha Kaal brings his grace upon the devotee. Pradosh Vrat Katha: There are many stories behind why the Pradosh Vrat is celebrated, and why it is celebrated on the thirteenth day only. The story of a prince and a beggar woman is the most popular among them. The Prince and…
Eklavya – An Unfortunate Warrior
Eklavya in the Mahabharata was one of the greatest archers, a tribal king, and a great disciple who sacrificed his thumb to honor his teacher. Because of his sacrifice, he has become a tribal hero in modern India. There are many institutions in India named after him. He is a symbol of injustice to tribal people in India. The Meaning of the word Eklavya: The name Eklavya means “the one who can cut anything with just one (arrow)”. Who was Eklavya: Eklavya was a tribal prince, the son of Hiranyadhanus, a Nishada (a tribe of hunters) king, who later become…
Panchakanya – The Five Virgins
Panchakanya (the five virgins), also known as Panchasati, is a group of five women from Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, who had more than one partner in their life (except Goddess Sita). They were not actually virgins, but are still considered so because of their contribution to establishing dharma (righteousness) in the world. Hindus worship these five women, although their worship is not prevalent except for Goddess Sita and Draupadi. Meaning of the word Panchakanya: The word “Panchakanya” comprises two words, viz. “Pancha” and “Kanya”. The word “Pancha” means five, and “Kanya” means a girl, daughter, or virgin. In this…
Siddhivinayak – The Right-Trunked Ganesha
A Ganesha idol whose tip of the trunk is tilted toward the right side is known as Siddhivinayak. This type of idol is not kept in homes but only in temples because it requires stringent adherence to rules and regulations. Why is Right-trunked Ganesha Called Siddhivinayak? Per the Puranas, Lord Ganesha has two wives, named Riddhi and Siddhi. Riddhi sits on his left side, and Siddhi on his right side. Therefore, the right-trunked Ganesha is called Siddhivinayak, and the left-trunked is called Riddhivinayak. Why is Siddhivinayak not Worshipped at Home? 1. The right trunked Ganesha idol signifies Pingala Nadi, which…
Abhimanyu – The Unsung Warrior
Abhimanyu was the son of Arjuna and the grandson of Lord Indra. He was a fierce warrior and defeated many Rathis and Maharathis in the Mahabharata War. His son Parikshita became the king of Hastinapur after Pandavas left for heaven. He was just 16 when he was killed in a war by many Kaurava warriors. His death changed the course of the Mahabharata War and resulted in the victory of the Pandavas. Meaning of the name Abhimanyu: According to the Mahabharata (1.220.67, Gita Press Edition), the word Abhimanyu means “the one who fights with passion without fear”. Other meanings of…
Why is Lord Shiva Primarily Worshiped In the Form of a Lingam?
The most straightforward answer to “Why is Lord Shiva worshiped in the form of a lingam?” is that Lord Shiva himself wants so. As per the Shiva Purana, the same question was asked by some sages to Sage Suta (Vidyesvarasamhita, Chapter 5: 9-16). In reply, he said: “O sages, this question is holy and wondrous. Here the speaker is Lord Shiva Himself and not any ordinary person. I shall tell you what Lord Shiva Himself had said and what I heard from my preceptor. Lord Shiva alone is glorified as Niskala (nameless and formless) since He is identical to Supreme Brahman.…
Samudra Manthan – The Churning of the Ocean
Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean) was a collaborative act by gods and demons that resulted in the discovery of Amrita (the nectar of immortality) and the other 14 ratnas (jewels). The story of Samudra Manthan is mentioned in the Vishnu Purana, Bhagavata Purana, Padma Purana, and the Mahabharata. It was one of the turning points in the history of gods and demons and changed their relationship permanently. The Story of Samudra Manthan (Bhagavata Purana Canto 8, Chapter 8): The Curse of Sage Durvasa: The churning of the ocean had to be performed because of a mistake by the king…