Found 80 Articles for Religion & Spirituality

Bindis is various shapes and sizes have remained an integral part of an Indian face especially for the followers of Sanatana Dharma and Jaina religion. Since the ancient times, Bindi has remained a very powerful segment of the Indian Culture. The significance of the Bindi is two-fold and can be understood as follows:Chakras of the BodySanatana Dharma elaborates on the existence of different energy centers in various parts of the body. These Chakras are Muladhara (placed at the base of spine), Svadishthana (in the pelvic area), Manipura (between the navel and plexus), Vishuddha (between the neck and the shoulders), Agya ... Read More

According to the Hindu Mythology, Brahma Vishnu and Shiva form the trinity who symbolize creation, preservation, and destruction respectively. The Dashavatara theory is based for Lord Vishnu who is considered to be the protector of the universe. Dashavatara Theory is a very important aspect of the Bhagavata cult. Kalki is the last avatar in series of ten reincarnations that Lord Vishnu takes on earth who is yet to arrive.Following points help us to understand this aspect in details further:The Significance of the Ten AvatarasGood and bad phases exist in this world and it is the cycle that cannot be changed. ... Read More

Jagannath Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu as Jagannatha, Balbhadhra, and Subhadra. It is the tallest surviving shrine in the state of Odisha. For centuries, the temple has been known as the White Pagoda due to the thick coating of lime plaster over it.Here are some surprising facts about this temple:Flag of the TempleThe flag of each temple moves toward the direction of the wind. But, Jagannath Temple, Puri is an exception. Here, one finds the flag moving towards the opposite direction of the breeze. This has been the ... Read More

Religion today has taken a much-institutionalized form. Its origin has always been debated and discussed today by various scholars. In sociological terms, ‘Religion is a system of sacred belief and practices both in the tangible and intangible form’. Religion can serve the dual role of ideology as well as institution. Today, religion has assumed a more narrow-minded approach. However, understanding religion in the broad sense highlights the following important points about it in society:Cultural IdentityReligion plays a crucial role for a person in giving a cultural identity. Each religion has festivals, traditions, mythologies which form a part of the tangible ... Read More

Hinduism is undoubtedly one of the oldest religions in the Indian Subcontinent and also one of the most complex ones. There are different sect and sub-sects within this one religion adding to its diversity. It is due to this reason that the country has prominent pilgrimage centers spread across different geographical zones all of which have stories and spirituality associated with them. The popular ones are:VaranasiVaranasi is undoubtedly the most visited pilgrimage center in India. Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi holds its significance for the river Ganga and the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The Ganga Aarti performed ... Read More

In a historic decision, the Telangana Police has banished the controversial Telugu film critic Kathi Mahesh from Hyderabad for six months. The derogatory remarks against Lord Sriram by Kathi has led to law and order crisis, and police feared even the arrest may trigger more unrest. So, the police have decided to extern him from the state capital and pack him off to his native in Andhra Pradesh, the Chittoor district.Police have also initiated action against a popular Telugu TV channel, for violating Cable TV networks (Regulation) Act. The named channel has repeated Mahesh's controversial remarks again and again which ... Read More

Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day long Hindu festival celebrated by Hindus all over the world. Ganesh Chaturthi is the birthday of the elephant-headed God Ganesha, who is the elder son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.His story goes like this. He is made by the goddess Parvathi with bath powder and turmeric as a small and cute boy. She gives him life and keeps him as the gatekeeper while she goes inside to take bath. Meanwhile, Lord Shiva comes back from a victorious battle and demands to go in. Ganesha who follows his mother's orders does not let him in. ... Read More

The Supreme court's verdict on allowing women of all ages into the shrine of Sabarimala has come as a disappointment to millions of devotees of Ayyappa. Women between the age of 10 - 50 (basically the menstruating age) are prohibited into the temple to protect the deity's celibacy. One should understand that the restriction is imposed by the religion (or practiced for the past 1000 years) because of the nature of the deity worshipped there and not because of any discriminatory attitude towards women.There are many religions who practice such discrimination towards women in particular areas. They should be respected ... Read More

The entire country is celebrating Navratri with utmost zeal and enthusiasm. Fasts, pooja, Arathi, Garba dances and Dandiya ... there is festival fervor all over India and all over the world among Hindus. This is the longest festival for Hindus.Let's take a look at the connection between Navratri and Dasara.Goddess Durga killed Mahishasur, the demon after fighting with him for nine days and nine nights. The tenth day is celebrated as Vijaya Dasami, also known as Dussehra or Dasara to signify the victory celebrations. This is the reason it is called Vijaya Dasami -- Vijaya meaning victory and Dasami, the ... Read More

In the Hindu religion (Sanatana Dharma), there are three main deities who form the trinity- Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. There are ten different avatars associated with Lord Vishnu which basically implies ten reincarnations to restore righteousness (Dharma) again in the world whenever humanity is in threat. Lord Krishna is the 9th avatar of Lord Vishnu. He is one of the most beloved deities across the length and breadth of India worshipped with many names.For the people who are the followers of Bhakti Cult of Vaishnavism (those who pray to Lord Vishnu) consider Lord Krishna to be the Supreme deity in ... Read More