As per the Hindu Religion, Surya symbolizes the Sun God. Surya is considered as the only visible form of God that can be seen every day. God Surya is regarded as an aspect of Shiva and Vishnu by Shaivites and Vaishnavas respectively. Surya is also known as Surya Narayana. Surya, the Sun God is also acknowledged as one of the eight forms of Lord Shiva (Astamurti). Surya is the lord of excellence and wisdom.
Surya - The Image
The celestial body, Surya (the sun) is visible in the sky. Still according to the Hindu beliefs, Surya is depicted as a red man with three eyes and four arms, riding in a one wheeled chariot pulled by seven horses.
Surya - The God of Light
Surya forms the major god of the Navgraha (nine planets).Surya is the God of light as per the Vedic texts. Surya is the literal source of life. According to the scientific fact, the whole universe is based on the process of photosynthesis which takes place due to the presence of Surya (the sun).
God Surya - The worship
It is believed that Surya has been worshipped since ages to receive the kind blessings of God. A simple namaskaar (folding hands) to the lord makes him happy. Offering water to the God is too considered to receive the mercy. Surya is believed to be a generous deity capable of curing sick people, in India. It is also proved in Science that sunlight is a rich source of Vitamin-D. Surya is usually remembered for the brilliance and light in one's life.
Surya - The Gayatri Mantra
The Gayatri Mantra of the Hindu Religion is also associated with the Sun God, Surya. Aditya Hridayam is another hymn associated with Surya, recited by the sage Agatsya to Rama on the battlefield before the fight with Ravana.
Symbol of Surya is also regarded as one of the auspicious signs of the Hindu religion. People place the sign of the Sun over main doors as they think it would bring them good luck.
What is the Art of Living?
Art of living is all about leading a normal and enjoyable life, amidst all the tensions and stresses that inundate living today. It is more of a technique through which we learn to eliminate strains and worries and increase happiness and joy in our life. The concept of art of living has become so popular that it is being adopted at the corporate level also. Organizations are using it to help their executives in dealing with high levels of stress.
Art of Living Foundation by Sri Sri Ravishankar
Sri Sri Ravishankar is the one who pioneered the art of living concept. He established a foundation, known as the Art Of Living Foundation, in India, to promote this concept. People come to the various centers of this foundation, also known as the Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Foundation, to listen to the Guru and learn the technique of coping with life. The Mecca of Art of Living Foundation is in the Bangalore city of India.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
As far as appearances go, Sri Sri Ravishankar comes across as a tiny little man with flowing hair and beard. But, it is his soothing voice and the power of his words that keep people glued to their seat throughout his discourses. He speaks very softly, eulogizing the virtues of love and brotherhood. He embraces all the people who come to attend his discourses. After attending the art of living sessions by Ravishankar, you will feel more at peace with yourself.
Also known by the name of Gurudev, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has been walking on the path of a spiritual guide and a teacher since a long time. Right from childhood, he was involved with scriptures and religious environment. He has served the Transcendental Meditation Guru and mystic, Maharishi Maheshyogi, as a senior and trusted lieutenant. The credit of spreading Maharishi's gospel in South Africa as well as the rest of world goes mainly to Sri Sri Ravishankar.
The Technique of the Art of Living
The main technique behind the art of living concept is the Sudarshan Kriya. The basic course is based on this Kriya only and the other courses also derive from it. As per this technique, the main reason behind lethargy, inefficiency, ill health and sickness are the toxins, which accumulate in our system at a cellular level. Sudarshan Kriya aims at removing the toxins from the body, by oxygenating and revitalizing these cells. This leads to a balance in the physical, emotional and mental states and brings satisfaction in life.
The Courses
- Basic Course: The basic course of the art of living aims at all round development of an individual - at the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual level.
- Advanced Courses
- Art Excel Course: It is meant for children between 8 and 16 years of age.
- Sahaja Samadhi Course
- There are also courses for HIV and AIDS patients as well as the inmates in prison.
These courses are held all over the world and are open for each and every one. The fee that is charged for these courses varies from place to place.
Art of Living Foundation in Bangalore, India
The center situated in Bangalore is considered to be the Mecca of the Art of Living Foundation. It is the headquarters of the foundation and lies in the outskirts of the city, on the Kanakapura Road. The official name of the center in Bangalore is 'Ved Vignan Mahavidya Peeth Bangalore International Center'. Perched on a small hillock, it spreads over a large area. The entire complex comprises of offices, snack shop, dining hall, residential quarters, library, prayer hall, lawns, a lotus-shaped tower and a school.
How to Reach Art of Living Foundation, Bangalore
By Air
Bangalore airport has direct flights to all the major cities in the country.
By Rail
Bangalore railway station has regular train services, linking it with the key cities in India.
By Road
Bangalore is covered by an extensive network of roads.
Article Source: iloveindia
About Ramdev Baba
Baba Ramdev is a renowned Yoga teacher. Through the medium of television, he has taken the art of yoga to each and every household far and wide. He is the host of a program named 'Divya Yog' that airs on Aastha TV everyday, at 5 am in the morning. People from different parts of the country watch this program and have started doing yoga from the comforts of their home.
Early Life
Swami Ramdev was born as Ramkishan Yadav in the Mahendragarh district of Haryana. After studying at school till the eight standard, he joined a yogic monastery (gurukul) in Khanpur village. There, he started learning the techniques of Yoga, along with the Sanskrit language.
Renunciation
After completing his period of study at the Gurukul, Baba Ram Dev renounced the world and entered into Sanyas (monastic living). It was then that he assumed the name of Ramdev. He went to Jind district and joined the Kalva gurukul. There, he started teaching Yoga to the villagers across Haryana. It is believed that some time later, he traveled to the Himalayas, spending a number of years there. Thereafter, he went to Haridwar and till date, the city serves as his base.
Initiation into Ascetic Order
Swami Ramdev was initiated into the ascetic order by Swami Shankerdevji Maharaj. After his initiation, he joined the order of swamis and started studying the ancient Indian scriptures. At the same time, he also practiced intense self-discipline and meditation.
Divya Yoga Mandir Trust
As a promotional vehicle for Yoga, Baba Ram Dev established the Divya Yoga Mandir Trust in 1995. In this project, he was accompanied by Acharya Karamveer and Acharya Balkrishna. The headquarters of the trust are at the Kripalu Bagh Ashram of Haridwar. Baba Ramdev teaches yoga mainly at this ashram.
Baba Ram Dev Yoga
Baba Ramdev teaches Pranayama, a form of Yoga. The program consists of six breathing exercises, practiced in the following sequence…
- Bhastrika Pranayama
- Kapal Bhati Pranayama
- Bahaya Pranayama
- Anulom Vilom Pranayama
- Bhramri Pranayama
- Udgeeth Pranayama
Lord Bhairav is considered to be the incarnation (Avatar) of Lord Shiva. In the contemporary times, Bhairon has been worshipped by millions of people to get the powerful blessings from the god. Bhairav is a fierce form of Shiva. It is believed that Bhairon is connected to the Southern face and relates to the Mahavidya goddess named Bhairavi who gives Lagna shuddhi (purification of the Disciple). This purifies and protects the body, self concept, personality, and other attributes associated with the Disciple.
Bhairon- Lord of Rahu
Bhairav or Bhairavi are worshipped when there are malefic planets in the birth lagna (time) or when natural malefic planets are transiting. Bhairon removes and protects person from these types of effects. As per the Indian astrology, Rahu is known as a shadow planet, which plays an important role in the life of a creature. The Indian astrologers often suggest people, the worship of Lord Bhairav to reduce the evils caused by the malefic position of Rahu in the horoscope.
Bhairon - The Lord of Yogis
Lord Bhairav is worshipped by Yogis and Tantriks to gain Siddhis. Bhairon is regarded as the guardian of Yogis and Tantriks who attain accomplishment of Mantras by doing Sadhana (devotion).
Bhairon - The Kotwal
Lord Bhairav guards the temple of Lord Shiva and due to this fact, he is also known as "kotwal" (Guard).
Bhairav - The Worship
Worship of Lord Bhairon is very useful to win over your enemies, success and all materialistic comforts. It is very easy to please lord Bhairav by doing normal worship daily. Coconut, Flowers, Sindoor, Mustard oil, black til etc are offered to the God and the following mantra is chanted with devotion to get God's Blessings.
Main (Mula) Mantra :
"OM BATUK BHAIRVAYE NAMHA"
Dhyana Yoga forms the seventh constituent or limb of the ancient science of Yoga. It is derived from the Sanskrit root "dhyai" which means, "to think of". The literal meaning of Dhyana is Meditation. It concentrates upon a point of focus, with the intention of knowing the truth about it and is the thought and meditation of spiritual things. While practicing Dhyana Yoga, we meditate on a single flow of idea. The purpose is to withdraw all senses from various objects of interest. The focus is laid upon on one object.
Dhyana Yoga produces a state of tranquility. Its objective is to cleanse the subconscious, develop concentration, clear the mind, and bring about various stages of unified communion with God. Practising Dhyana Yoga allows the person to calm his mind and allow him/her to look at the outside world without any distractions. This enables him/her to reach a heightened level of awareness. Meditation, consciousness, and experience, are all but a single unity. There are different forms of Dhyana Yoga and it is very important to remember the three things given below.
- One-pointedness of mind is the first thing, that means controlling its movements.
- Secondly, setting bounds to one's life to help achieve this, this means doing actions after weighing and measuring them.
- The third thing is the evenness of vision or state of level-headedness, which means having the nobility and decency to think in terms of the whole world.
Benefits Of Dhyana
- Dhyana Yoga is a system that, in the form of meditation, tranquilizes the body and mind.
- In the process of meditation, we calm the mind that leads to the realignment our inner self to the right path.
- Meditation leads to have lesser thoughts that give rise to lesser worries, which in turn results in spending a simple life.
- It enables us to contemplate on important things that we are connecting with the inner self. It also cut shorts too many distractions from our life.
- The mind becomes so occupied with a particular subject that it concentrates deeply in the object to find the underlying differences, making a connection of the mind to a particular object.
- While practicing Dhyana, the consciousness of the practitioner flows in the subject and helps in becoming one with the same. The mind is totally observed in the point of focus while concentrating on the same.
- On physical level, Dhyana Yoga helps each cell in the body to refresh and regenerate itself.
- It also facilitates digestion and makes respiration more efficient as well as improves circulation and quality of blood.
- Moreover, it improves your ability to analyze your emotions objectively, and the way you react in certain situation.
There are many stories of Lord Ganesha regarding his origin and various others which tell about the nature and traits of his character. Ganesha is known as the god of wisdom, literature and worldly success. He is known as the eldest son of Lord Shiva and Parvati (Uma), younger brother being Kartikay. Here are some legends associated with lord Ganesha.The Elephant Head - Story of Ganesha
This story is about Lord Ganesha's birth and how he gets the head of an elephant. Once upon a time, Parvati was going to take the bath and before going, she made a boy out of the dirt of her body ,to guard the entrance of her house. She asked him not to allow anyone inside .After saying this, she went inside to take the bath. After this lord shiva came himself to meet his consort and he was quite thirsty. Ganesha stopped him at the door as he was unable to recognize his father ,Lord Shiva. Lord Ganesha was beheaded by Shiva, who took him as an outsider, when Ganesha was trying to defend his mother's bath. When Parvati came to know about this, she persuaded Shiva, to restore Ganesha to life. Shiva ordered his servants (Gana) to bring the head of any creature that they come across first. An elephant, the wisest of animals, appeared and became the spontaneous donor in the head transplant of Ganesha. Shiva attached the head of the elephant to the torso of Ganesha. After looking at the child (Ganesha), Parvati asked Shiva that who will consider this god with the face of an elephant.Understanding Parvati's viewpoint, Shiva blessed the child, Ganesha that he will be the lord of beginning and people will worship him first, before any other God in any kind of undertaking. He ordained that the annual worship of Ganesha, should take place on the fourth day of the bright half of Bhadrapada (August-September).Who is elder? Ganesha or Kartikay
This is another interesting story of Lord Ganesha.Once Ganesha and Kartikay got into an argument as who was the elder of the two. The matter was told to Lord Shiva for an answer. Lord Shiva asked that whoever would travel around the world and come out first had the right to be the elder of two. Lord Kartikay flew off on his vehicle, the peacock, to take the round of the world. But Ganesha went round his parents and asked for the reward of his success. Lord Shiva said: "Beloved and wise -Ganesha! You did not go round the world". Ganesha replied: "No, but I went round my parents. My parents symbolize the entire world.'' The argument was settled in favour of Ganesha and thereafter recognized as the elder of the two brothers. Ganesha got a fruit as reward from his mother Parvati for this.Ganesha and His Love for Laddoo
Lord Ganesha is very fond of Laddoo (Modaka - a sweet delicacy). Once upon a day of Ganesha Puja, Ganesha went from house to house and accepted the offerings of laddoo. He stuffed himself to the capacity and decided to take a ride on his mouse at night. Along the moonlit road they got to see a large snake and the troubled rat stumbled, with the consequence Ganpati fell down .He hit the ground hard and as a result his stomach burst open. All the laddoos came out but Ganesha again stuffed them into his stomach. He caught the snake and tied it round his belly. Moon witnessed the whole event and laughed heartily. Lord Ganesha lost his temper and furiously looked about for something to throw at his tormentor. Getting nothing, he pulled out one of his tusks and hurled it at the moon. He cursed the moon that no one should look at the moon on the day of Ganesha Puja .If anyone would look at it , he will get a bad name ,criticism or ill reputation. If anyone gets to see the moon by chance, he would be free from that bad name or blame, after hearing the story of Lord Krishna's clearing, his personality in respect of the Syamantaka jewel. Thus, Ganesha was happy to proclaim this.
| Characteristics : | Knowledge |
| Other Names : | Vaagdevi, Sharda |
| Consort : | Lord Brahma |
| Vehicle (Vahana) : | Swan |
| Mula Mantra : | Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah |
| Saraswati Gayatri Mantra: | Aum Saraswatye Cha Vidmahe
Brahmaputriye Cha
Dheemahi Tanno Saraswati Prachodayat
|
Goddess Saraswati is the Goddess of arts, music, knowledge, and wisdom. Saraswati is considered as the divine consort of Lord Brahma, the Creator of the universe. Goddess Saraswati is said to possess the powers of speech, wisdom and learning. Saraswati is regarded as the dispeller of chaos and confusion.Saraswati - the Consort of Brahma
Lord Brahma is known for creating the universe. Since knowledge is required for creation, Maa Saraswati signifies the creative power of Brahma. An apt creation requires sound knowledge. The creation of Lord Brahma became fruitful with the knowledge provided by Goddess Saraswati. Maa Saraswati - The Image
Goddess Saraswati is usually depicted as a beautiful woman with yellow skin dressed in a pure white saree. Saraswati is portrayed sitting on a white lotus with veena (a musical instrument) in her hands. The book in her hand signifies the eternal and universal knowledge as well her perfection of the scriptures. Lotus symbolizes the supreme reality and it suggests that the goddess herself is rooted in the supreme reality. The color white represents purity and her rejection of everything that is base and materialistic. The Swan represents the discrimination between the evil and the good, the eternal and the transitory. The four arms of the goddess suggest the four aspects of human personality i.e. mind, intellect, vigilance, and ego. The pearl string represents the power of spirituality. The peacock standing near Maa Saraswati represents arrogance and pride over its beauty. The Goddess teaches that physical appearance could be deceptive, by not taking peacock as the vehicle. Goddess Saraswati suggests that one should be wise regarding the eternal truth.Saraswati - Bestower of Knowledge
Musical instruments, books, speech, knowledge, intellect are regarded as symbols of Saraswati. Saraswati is believed to be the provider of knowledge that dispels ignorance and unhappiness. Saraswati is worshipped by seekers of knowledge especially students, scholars and scientists.Basant Panchami
Vasant Panchami marks the beginning of the spring season. The festival of spring is celebrated with full vivacity and joy amongst the Hindu people. In Hindi language, the word '' basant / vasant'' means ''spring'' and ''panchami'' means the fifth day. In short, Basant Panchami is celebrated as the fifth day of Spring Season.
Dharana is the sixth limb of Ashtanga Yoga. The word 'Dharana' simply means 'unbending concentration of mind'. Working with complete focus and concentration is something that satisfies every individual at the maximum. Each of us, feel a sense of frustration, when we are not able to focus. The inability to focus may be because our minds were racing with ideas, judgments, worries, songs, or even memories. The main idea underlying Dharana, is the ability to focus on something (uninterrupted both by external or internal distractions).
Dharana is a form of meditation that can be called receptive concentration. With the help of Dharana, a set of conditions are created that helps the mind focus in one direction and object, rather than concentrating in many directions, thereby diverting the mind. The term 'Dharana' is given to both the practice of deep concentration and the state in which you achieve deep concentration. Ideally, 'Dharana' should be performed at every moment of the day to gain utmost control of both body and mind.
Benefits Of Dharana
Dharana aims at setting up the mind, by focusing it upon some stable entity. One good method to start it is by rolling the eyes upward and downward, in one direction to get the concentration. Any object selected for practicing has no role to play in the meditation process. The object is only used to stop the mind from wandering - through memories, dreams, or reflective thought - by intentionally holding it obsessively upon some static object. This ability is a movement toward perception of its true nature and not an escape from reality.
Dharana helps in channeling one's thoughts on a certain thing. It makes sure that you reach a level of awareness in anything you do, by focusing on every step you take. Dharana can bring richness to one's life. With the help of deep contemplation and reflection, one can create the right conditions. Dharana works with the objective to achieve the mental state, where the mind, intellect, and ego are controlled. The mind becomes purified by the practices. It becomes able to focus efficiently on one subject or point of experience. Dharana also helps in the cessation of fluctuations in the mind.
The practice of Dharana, at the time, when you are struggling with anger, restlessness or expectation would help in balancing those struggles. Dharana is the practice of training the mind, to concentrate and focus, in such a way, that we can possibly avoid frustrations. Concentrating our attention on one point allows the mind to be stable and calms the disturbance of activity, to which we are used to. The point of concentration can be anywhere within our body or outside. Therefore, maintaining a fixed and focused concentration, throughout the practice, gives consistency and clarity to the thoughts.
Asanas can be described as the third one in the eight limbs of Yoga. Asana, which literally means staying or abiding, is basically a specific body position, attained by following certain steps. It is through asanas only that a human being achieves the unity of body and mind, which is the essence of yoga. Yogic asanas, commonly known as postures or posse in the west, are created for the purpose of improving the overall health and well-being of a person.
When a person is performing an asana, there is a corresponding balance between his movements and stillness. Patanjali, in his famous Yoga Sutra, says that each posture of yoga reflects a mental attitude, whether that attitude is one of surrender to the Almighty, strengthening of the will or creation of a physical prayer with the body. Through the performance and practice of different asanas, we revitalize as well as invigorate our body, mind and soul.
Types Of Asanas
- Standing Asanas: The standing asanas bring elasticity in joints and muscles and build up stamina and physical stability of a person. The beginners should always start with standing asanas, as they constitute the most basic training of yoga practice.
- Forward Bending Asanas: In this type of asanas, the posterior half of the body is stretched. Such asanas prepares you to proceed and bring consistency in the development of physical and mental pliability.
- Sitting & Supine Asanas: The asanas that involve sitting upright or supine extending positions help in preparing a person, physically and mentally, for pranayama.
- Inverted Asanas: These asanas give strength, mental balance and emotional stability to a person and also help him/her get rid of everyday stress and pressure.
- Abdominal & Lumbar Asanas: Abdominal and lumbar asanas are known to tone and massage the abdominal organs and strengthen the pelvic and lumbar areas.
- Twisting Asanas: Such type of asanas help tone the internal organs of a person and also tranquilize the mind. They consists of lateral stretching and twisting of the spine
- Back Bending Asanas: These asanas are the opposite of forward bends. In forward bends, the posterior spine is extended, whereas in back bends, the anterior spine is extended and stretched. This, in turn, brings physical and mental sharpness.
- Balancing Asanas: Balancing asanas are believed to help strengthen the arms and wrists of a person. They also exercise the abdominal organs, making the body feel light.
Benefits of Asanas
- The main purpose of yoga asanas is to restore and maintain the practitioner's well-being, both spiritually and physically.
- Regular practice of the asanas helps improve health, strength, balance and flexibility.
- The asanas are used as a tool to calm the mind and help a human being discover his/her inner essence.
- The different poses offer the practitioner the opportunity to explore and control all the aspects a person's mind and body - emotions, concentration, intent, faith and even the unity between physical and ethereal body.
- The various asanas in yoga also provide us a way of exploring our mental attitudes and strengthening our will.
- Yoga asanas help a person in creating a balance between his/her material world and spiritual experience.
- The physical benefits from asanas include muscle flexibility and strengthening of almost all the body parts.
- The asanas lead to a better functioning of respiratory system and also help control blood pressure.
- and other issues related to the functioning of the circulatory system
- Practicing yoga asanas on a regular basis reduces the stress levels as well as the health problems related to stress.
- Apart from building the stamina of an individual, the various asanas also improve his/her concentration level.
- All those who are trying to lose weight will find the various asanas of yoga to be quite helpful.
The legends of Radha-Krishna have become immortal. There are numerous legends and stories of Radha and Krishna depicting their true love. Radha's devotion and dedication towards Sri Krishna is the most sincere one. Here are some legends of Radha-Krishna portraying their love for each other.
Legend of Hot Milk
This is one interesting story showing the eternal relation of Radha and Krishna. Radha was not married to Lord Krishna. The immeasurable love of Krishna for Radha made Krishna's wives jealous of Radha. Once, they all planned a mischief to make Radha suffer. They set out a bowl of burning hot milk. They gave the bowl to Radha, saying that Krishna had sent it for her. Radha readily drank the hot milk.
When the wives returned to Krishna, they found him full of painful ulcers. This shows that Krishna resides in every pore of Radha i.e. why the hot milk didn't touch Radha, but it affected Krishna. He took all her pain and miseries upon himself.
Legend of Charanaamrit
This is another sweet story depicting the intense love between Radha and Krishna. Once, Sri Krishna got very ill. Krishna asked that he would be alright if, he would get the Charanaamrit of a true devotee. All the Gopis were asked but none of them offered. They were afraid of committing a serious offense, by offering the water with which they had washed their feet to Sri Krishna.
When Radha came to know about the situation, she said: "Take as much as you like. What does it matter if I have to go to hell as long as my Lord is released of His pain and ailment"! Radha offered the Charanaamrit with true heart. It is due to this fact; it is believed that Radha could not marry Lord Krishna. Radha loved Krishna from the core of her heart but still she offered Charanaamrit to Krishna to save him from his sickness.
Radha and Krishna were celestial beings and their love was eternal. Whether they were married or not, their love made them united for ever.
Goddess Radha is a well-known deity in Hindu Mythology. She is also known as Radharani in the northern part of India. For her deep devotion towards Krishna, Radha is usually depicted with Krishna. Radha is sometimes considered as the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu.
Radha- the Embodiment of Love
The love story of Radha-Krishna has become a legend in the Hindu mythology. The story is believed to have taken place in the Dwapar Yuga, when both of them took birth in this world. Radha was a cowherdess, who through her beauty and charm captivated the heart of Lord Krishna and became his beloved goddess. Lord Krishna is considered to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, whose birth was predestined.
Krishna took avatar in order to slay the demon king Kansa and to spread happiness. During his life, Krishna met Radha and they fell in love with each other. Krishna had a motive behind his life i.e. to kill Kansa and to fulfill this mission; he had to face many problems. But, Radha with her intense affection and steady devotion helped Krishna to overcome the problems.
Radha - Devotee of Krishna
Radha represents the true devotee, both in the form of male and female. And Lord Krishna represents the divine. Intense love of Radha for Krishna symbolizes each devotee's passionate longing for ultimate unification with God. With her utmost devotion towards her lord, she became the supreme devotee of Lord Krishna. Today people remember Radha-Krishna in a single term. However, Radha was not the consort of Lord Krishna, but their love had united them for ever. Radha is an inescapable part of Krishna. Without Radha, Krishna doesn't mean anything and without Krishna, Radha is nothing.
Radha - The Goddess
Radha has attained the status of goddess in the Hindu Religion. Radha's immense love and dedication towards lord Krishna got her this position, which she truly deserves. Radha is the heavenly queen of Krishna's celestial world. Today, Radha is worshipped like any other goddesses in temples.
Radha Gayatri Mantra
Aum Vrashbhanujaye Vidmahe
Krishnapriyaye Dheemahi
Tanno Radha Prachodayat
LegendsThe legends of Radha-Krishna have become immortal. There are numerous legends and stories of Radha and Krishna depicting their true love. Radha's devotion and dedication towards Sri Krishna is the most sincere one. Here are some legends of Radha-Krishna portraying their love for each other.
Radha AshtamiBirthday of Radha is celebrated as Radhaashtami throughout the country and especially in the north, with full devotion and joy. Radha Ashtami is observed after 15 days of Janmashtami, which is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna. Radharani's birthday is the sacred eighth day of the month of Bhadrapada (August-September).
Characteristics :
| Ideal woman, Virtuous
|
Other Names :
| Janaki, Maithili, Ramaa, Vaidehi
|
| Principal Scriptures : | The Ramayana |
Consort : |
Lord Rama |
| Sita Gayatri Mantra : |
Aum Janaknandiniye Vidmahe
Bhumijayai Dheemahi
Tanno Sita Prachodayat |
Goddess Sita Maa
Sita is the consort of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu. Sita is the one of the most popular goddesses of Hindu religion. Devi Sita is regarded as the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, the divine consort of Lord Vishnu. Sita is considered as the ideal daughter, ideal wife, and ideal mother, since ages. Goddess Sita is remembered for her virtues and attributes. Devi Sita symbolizes all that is noble in womanhood.
Devi Sita - A Woman of Virtue
Sita is one of the principal characters in The Ramayana, the great epic of India. Her entire life constitutes an example of idealism. Sita is a perfect example of loyalty and morality. Goddess Sita leaves the palace charms and amenities, in order to stay in exile with her husband. During the period of exile, Sita was abducted by the demon-king Ravana and imprisoned for months, in Lanka. When Sita got freed from the clutches of Ravana, she proved her sanctity to Lord Rama by giving Agni - Pariksha (Fire Ordeal). Sita is regarded as the role model of wifely love and adherence to duty.
Maa Sita - Mother of Luv - Kush
After returning from the exile, Ram and Sita were declared as the king and the queen of Ayodhaya, respectively. Sita's imprisonment in lanka became a consideration for the people of Ayodhaya. Lord Rama loved his wife endearly, but with no other option left, he banished Sita from his household. Sita again found herself in exile, this time she was not only alone but also pregnant. Sita got refuge in the hermitage of sage Valmiki, where she delivered twins, and named them Luv and Kush. She brought up her sons single handedly in the hermitage.
Sita is a brave woman of extraordinary brilliance. She has got all the values that people believe, a woman must have in her character. Sita is a woman of virtue and of immeasurable patience. Through her great character, she has captured hearts of millions of people.
| Characteristics : | Destroyer, Compassionate |
| Other Names : | Bhadrakali, Rudrani, Dakshinakali, Aadya |
| Abode : | Cremation Grounds |
| Weapon : | Sword |
| Mula Mantra : | Om Kreem Kalikaye Namah |
Goddess Kali
Kali is one of the many forms of Shakti. Maha Kaali is the fiercest of all goddesses of Hinduism. The word Kali has its roots in the Sanskrit word "Kaal", which means time. And nothing escapes from time. Goddess Kali is sometimes referred as the goddess of death. But actually Kali brings the death of the ego. Even in the scriptures, she has killed demons but not anyone else. Kali is also not associated with Yama (the Hindu God of Death). Kali is considered a form of mother too. Maa Kali is one of the few Goddesses who are celibate and practice renunciation.Goddess Kali and Lord ShivaGoddess Kali and Lord Shiva, both are regarded to inhabit cremation grounds. Devotees go to these places to meditate with the purpose of overcoming the ego. The cremation grounds emphasize the idea that the body is temporary. Kali and Shiva are known to stay in cremation grounds because it is our attachment to the body that gives rise to the ego. Kali and Shiva give the idea of liberation by dissolving the illusion of the ego. The corporeal frame ultimately vanishes but the soul still remains. This is emphasized by the scene in the cremation grounds. Maa Kali - The Compassionate GoddessMaha Kaali is the most compassionate of all the forms of goddesses as she provides salvation or liberation to her children. Kali is equivalent to Shiva because both of them are the destroyers of evil fake and unreal. It is considered that with the glimpse of Maa Kali, ego trembles with terror seeing its own eventual demise in her. People who are attached to their ego would not be able to receive the idea of Kali and she will appear in a wrathful form to them. But people, who are engaged in spirituality, removing the illusion of the ego, will find Maha Kaali in a different form. Maa Kali will appear as sweet, affectionate, and overflowing with perplexing love for them.Maa Kali - The ImageGoddess Kali has four arms and hands depicting her immense strength. In two of her hands, she holds a sword and a fresh severed head, representing a great battle in which she defeated the demon Raktabija. The other two hands are there to bless her true devotees, suggesting that they will be saved as she will guide them here and in the hereafter. Kali wears a garland made of 52 skulls and a skirt made of dismembered arms because the ego comes out of identification with the body. It suggests that physical body is false and spirit is the only reality. Her black or sometimes dark blue skin represents the womb of the unmanifest from which all of creation is born and into which all of creation will ultimately return. Therefore, the concepts of color, light, dark, good or bad do not apply to her as she is the pure, un-manifested energy, the Adishakti.Goddess Kali is seen standing with her one feet on Lord Shiva who is pure formless awareness Sat-Chit-Ananda (being-consciousness-bliss) while Kali represents "form" eternally sustained by the underpinning of pure awareness.Kali AartiGoddess Kali Arti completes the worship or prayers made to the Goddess. It is believed that Kali aarti provides a completion to the Kali puja.
Lakshmi is the goddess of beauty, wealth and good fortune in the Hindu Mythology. Goddess Lakshmi is one of the most popular goddesses among the Hindus. Maha Lakshmi is the divine consort of Lord Vishnu and assists him with wealth for the maintenance of the universe. Lakshmi fulfills all the wishes of her sincere devotees. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped to attain wealth, beauty and good luck. A special worship of Goddess Lakshmi is sought on the night of Kartik Amavasya. Lakshmi Devi is known by many names. Chanting of different names of the goddess is considered as propitious. This list contains 108 names of Goddess Lakshmi with their meanings:
| Name | Meaning |
| Prakruti | Natural World |
| Vikruti | Many-Sided Nature |
| Vidya | Knowledge |
| Sarvabhootahitaprada | Provider of Universal Facts |
| Shraddha | Devotion |
| Vibhuti | Prosperity |
| Surabhi | Celestial Creature |
| Paramatmika | Omnipresent |
| Vachi | Eloquent Speaker |
| Padmalaya | Sitting on the Lotus |
| Padma | Lotus |
| Shuchi | Personification of Purity |
| Swaha | Shape of Swahadevi (Auspicious) |
| Swadha | Shape of Swadhadevi (Inauspicious) |
| Sudha | Amrut (Nectar) |
| Dhanya | Embodiment of Gratitude |
| Hiranmayi | Golden Appearance of Hirana (Dear) |
| Lakshmi | Goddess of Wealth and Fortune |
| NityaPushta | Gaining Strength Day By Day |
| Vibha | Radiant |
| Aditi | Bright like the Sun |
| Deetya | One who Answers the Prayers |
| Deepta | Flame-Like |
| Vasudha | The Earth |
| Vasudharini | Bearing burden of the Earth |
| Kamala | Lotus |
| Kantha | The Divine Consort of Vishnu |
| Kamakshi | One with Attractive Eyes |
| Kamalasambhava | Originating from the Lotus |
| Anugrahaprada | Granter of Good Wishes |
| Buddhi | Intelligence |
| Anagha | The Sinless |
| Navadurga | All Nine Forms of Durga |
| Harivallabhi | The Devine Consort of Lord Hari |
| Ashoka | Dispeller of Sorrows |
| Amrutha | One who is like Amrut (Nectar) |
| Deepa | With Radiance |
| Lakashokavinashini | Remover of Universal Agonies |
| Dharmanilaya | Creator of Eternal Law |
| Karuna | Kindhearted |
| Lokamatri | Mother of the Universe |
| Padmapriya | The Lover of Lotus |
| Padmahasta | Having Lotus-Like Hands |
| Padmakshya | Lotus-eyed |
| Padmasundari | Beautiful Like the Lotus |
| Padmodbhava | One Who Emerged Out of the Lotus |
| Padmamukhi | Lotus-Faced |
| Padmanabhapriya | Beloved of Padmanabha |
| Ramaa | Pleaser of the Lord |
| Padmamaladhara | The Wearer of Lotus Garland |
| Devi | The Goddess |
| Padmini | Lotus |
| Padmagandhini | Having the Aroma of Lotus |
| Punyagandha | Having Divine Scent |
| Suprasanna | Ever Glowing and Smiling |
| Prasadabhimukhi | Emerging to Grant Boons |
| Prabha | One who is Radiant like the Sun |
| Chandravadana | Having Moon like Face |
| Chanda | One who is cool like the Moon |
| Chandrasahodari | Sister of the Moon |
| Chaturbhuja | One having four arms |
| Chandrarupa | Moon-Faced |
| Indira | Radiant like the Sun |
| Indusheetala | One who is cool like the Moon |
| Ahladajanani | Source of Joy |
| Pushti | Healthy |
| Shiva | The Auspicious One |
| Shivakari | Source of all auspicious things |
| Satya | The Truthful |
| Vimala | Pure, Chaste |
| Vishwajanani | Mother of the Universe |
| Pushti Possesses | All Wealth |
| Daridriyanashini | One who removes poverty |
| Preeta Pushkarini | One with lovely eyes |
| Shanta | Peaceful |
| Shuklamalambara | Wearer of White Garland |
| Bhaskari | Radiant like the Sun |
| Bilvanilaya | One who lives under Bilva tree |
| Vararoha | Ready to Offer Boons |
| Yashaswini | The Famous |
| Vasundhara | Daughter of the Earth |
| Udaranga | Endowed with a Beautiful Body |
| Harini | Beautiful like Deer |
| Hemamalini | Having Golden Garlands |
| Dhanadhanyaki | Bestower of Wealth and Food grains |
| Siddhi | Ever Ready to Protect |
| Straina | Soumya Showering Goodness on Women |
| Shubhaprada | Granter of Auspicious Things |
| Nrupaveshvagathananda | Loves to Live in Palaces |
| Varalakshmi | Granter of Bounty |
| Vasuprada | Bestower of Wealth |
| Shubha | One who is auspicious |
| Hiranyapraka | Amidst Gold |
| Samudratanaya | Beloved Daughter of the Ocean of Milk |
| Jaya | The Goddess of Victory |
| Mangala | Most Auspicious |
| Devi | The Goddess |
| Vishnuvakshah | Residing in Vishnu's Chest |
| Vishnupatni | The Consort of Vishnu |
| Prasannakshi | With graceful eyes |
| Narayana | Samashrita One who sought Refuge in Narayana |
| Daridriya | Dhwamsini Destroyer of Poverty |
| Devi | The Goddess |
| Sarvapadravanivarini | Dispeller of all Distresses |
| Mahakali | A Form of Kali |
| Brahma-Vishnu-Shivatmika | Trinity of Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva |
| Trikala-dnyanasampanna | Aware of all, the Past, Present and Future |
| Bhuvaneshwarya | The Supreme Deity |
