Religious Education

The philosophy of Raamaayan in a nutshell

The philosophy of Raamaayan in a nutshell

The journey through Shri Raamcharitramanas signifies the journey of each individual through the forest of the world process. The main character, Shri Raam, God-incarnate who walked the earth as man, reinforced the principles of Sanatan Dharma as he taught idealism in every situation he found himself and through every ...

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Devi Worship

Devi Worship

The symbolism of the forms of Durgaa, Lakshmi and Saraswati is presented in order to have a deeper understanding Devi worship: DURGAA: The word ‘Durgaa’ literally means ‘that which is inaccessible’. According to Devi Bhagavatam, one of the names accorded to this form of Devi is Mahishaasur Mardini (the one who ...

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The Shiva Lingam

The Shiva Lingam

The lingam is a ‘nishkal’ form of Lord Shiva. Various forms of the lingam are depicted but the most common one is the shape of a vertical rounded column. The first lingam was a column of fire that appeared during the time of creation. Story has it that once Lord ...

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Paramshiva To Shiva

Paramshiva To Shiva

According to the teachings of Sanaatan Dharma, when Paramshiva, the Supreme Soul creates, he is known as Brahma. When he sustains all that was created, He is known as Vishnu Bhagavan and when He destroys and re-absorbs everything back into Himself, he is known as Shiva Bhagavan. In ...

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Pooja: An Act of Reverence

Pooja: An Act of Reverence

Pooja is the act of showing reverence or worship to God through the use of invocations, mantras, bhajans and rituals. It can be either physical (upaansu) or mental (maansic). The first type involves making actual physical offerings upon the bedi (altar) or murti of the deity – each of which ...

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Importance of Havan

Importance of Havan

Havan is one of the ten positive virtues or niyam that is prescribed for the devotee whose aspiration is to draw closer to the Divine, ultimately acquiring Oneness with Him. It is also one way of performing Deva yagya, one of man’s five daily duties, according to the tenets ...

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