Namaste, Hari Om, SitaRam, This blog is for those interested in Hinduism and those who seek simple explanations in life regarding the ways of life, and how we can better our lives. Keep it real.
Radha Ashtami, or Radhashtami, celebrates the birthday of Radha and it falls on the eighth day during the waxing phase of the moon in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. In 2010, the date of Radha Ashtami is September 15. Radha and Krishna – the union of human soul and divine – the highest form of Bhakti. In every human being, there is a Radha waiting to merge with Krishna. Very few are lucky enough to reach that state of mind and when it takes place there is the ‘leela’ – eternal bliss.
The love of Radha and Krishna has been immortalized in verses by many poets of yesteryear and the unparalleled love continues to inspire many. To understand the love of Radha and Krishna, we need to undergo reformation. We need to realize the divine in all animate and inanimate. When that happens the individual becomes Radha and the individual sees Krishna everywhere.
The meeting of Radha and Krishna always takes place in pristine Nature. Extolling that human beings are part of Nature and the ideal way of existence is by living in harmony with Nature.
As we are in the Ganesh time frame, Ustav, lets keep remembering that sweet view of Ganapati Baba. The article from Hindu-blog talks about the 32 forms of Lord Ganesha. Article summary below with a link to the 32 Forms..
There are some rare photos, one of the rare ones are the Shakti Ganapati, "Four-armed and seated with one of His shaktis on His knee, Shakti Ganapati, "the Powerful," of orange-red hue, guards the householder. He holds a garland, noose and goad, and bestows blessings with the abhaya mudra."
Jai Ganesha,
- SimpleHinduBhai
Ganesha appears before his devotees in several forms – among them some forms have been clubbed together thus we have collections like 8 forms of Ganesha and also 32 forms of Ganesh. Zeenews has put a photo gallery and slide show of the 32 forms of Ganesh. Along with the pictures of the 32 forms of Ganesha, there is also a simple explanation of each form like - Bala Ganapati is ‘the Childlike’ for of Ganesha. In His hands He holds a banana, mango, sugar cane and jackfruit, all representing the earth’s abundance and fertility. His trunk garners His favorite sweet, the modaka.
This is one of the best times of the year for all across the world! Ganesh Jayanti marks the day of Lord Ganesh's coming to this world.
What to do on this day? Since this day is a most pleasing day to Lord Ganesh, fasting is encourged, if you can do an all day fast even better, but do what you can. Listening to Lord Ganesh Bhajans and performing Puja/Havan in the name of Lord Ganesh will be beneficial as well. Offering sweets and prasad, especially Ladoo!
Also please see the Ganesh Upasaana Book from Swaha International, its a great small book detailing the Guide to Worshipping Lord Ganesh. Please read through it as it contains very nice information regarding Lord Ganesh and symbolism etc.. We would usually post about many aspects of Lord Ganesh, but this guide does an amazing job of conveying the meanings and reasons to Lord Ganesha's amazing features.
- Danyavad, Jai Ganesh!
SimpleHinduBhai
"The first section of the book presents the nature of ‘Ganesh’, symbolism of the form as well as brief insights into the significance of the ‘Swastika’, the symbol of good luck and other emblems of this deity. A philosophical explanation of ‘Ganesh Visarjan’ or final immersion of the murti into the waterways is also presented. Some frequently asked questions pertaining to Pooja are also answered in this segment of the book.The second part of the book deals exclusively with the physical preparations and the actual worship of Shri Ganesh. Designed for personalised use, all preliminary preparations are comprehensively explained. A pooja checklist and a step by step format for offerings and mantras are clearly laid out so that the devotee can make use of this valuable information at any time. Powerful Sanskrit Stotras with English translation, pertaining to this form of God are included." Source: http://www.swahainternational.org/news/new-swaha-publication-ganesh-upaasanaa-a-guide-to-ganesh-worship/
May Lord Ganesh Always be with us, and his blessings ever remove obstacles for us all!
