Why do we take people for granted?

"To the world you maybe just one person, but to one person you maybe the world"

Namaste, Hari Om,

Gods blessings to one and all, may the all mighty force grant us energy to love one and all. For we all are brothers and sisters that have crossed paths somehow somewhere in our past lives, yet we might not know it. I will talk about two sides of the coin, from the person taking someone for granted, and the person being taken for granted.

Why do we take people for granted?

This is an interesting topic that happens in all of our lives, the first encounter is most likely with parents, then with a significant other, i.e. partner.

Is there a science or reasoning why we do? I am sure there are scientific reasoning that deals with brain cells and the Limbic System sometimes called the "emotional brain" or "Old Mammalian Brain. We will not dive into that as its complicated and not too simple.

Taking people for granted is sometimes done without a notice to the person "taking someone for granted", they are either caught up in their busy life, or find their life more important to stop to spend time, help or chat with someone. We often live life by the second, everything that is happening is happening now, not 1 minute before or after the present, but now.

When we forget to look at the big picture and worry too much about the "now" we overlook people, things and tend to loose focus of our goals. Life is not easy as humans are emotional creatures for the most part and live off of each other to an extent (note this is from a general point of view).

We often look at someone's short comings before we look at their positive strengths, a person can do 9 things right out of 10, but that 1 wrong thing they have done will scar their image or perception in our mind. This is a way of taking someone for granted, we overlook their value and worth to us as its covered with emotions that are wrong and temprorary but we choose to elongate the bad image. We take people for granted because we are not thankful for their contributions to our lives. Is it subconsious that we do this? Possibly, similar to a parent who provides care and support for a child, the child is unaware of how hard the parent must work to keep the house running. The child is unaware of complexities of earning income, paying for bills, driving a car, risks of time and trade offs - all the child sees is the parent and their want/desire not fulfilled, thus calling the parent bad (taking for granted). Same for a wife or husband, one might not see the worth and work that goes on behind the scenes to support a relationship.

Same with God/the powerful force, we seldom think of the good karma/things that has happened to us, we often call Gods name for the bad things happening to us, versus thanking and praising God for the good things. For Example, we pray for food, but when we have food do we offer thanks? Most do, but its a way of being thankful and not taking anything for granted.

Its sad in life that we recount someone's worth when relationships end or parting with the soul comes about. We never realize how much that person is worth to us till they leave. We often tell ourselves why couldnt I say nicer things, why couldnt I help more, why couldnt I spend more time with this person, or why I couldnt be more thankful instead of ignoring or treating them bad. We all get warnings to enjoy each other and be thankful throughout our lives, why wait till parting with someone to recount these wishes? Do it now for time waits for no one! We think someone will always be by our side, we think they will always give us money, food or love, we always think that they will never die or part. Open your eyes to that person, each day we spend overlooking someone because a tv show or party is more important we lose that one day spending with them. Dont feel bad, its normal behavior, but if the person is blatnantly telling you, "spend time with me", or "You take me for granted", OPEN YOUR EYES AND EARS! Sadly this happens with older folks, they hold the most wisdom in our lives, yet we act like they are not worth anything. This is a sad outcome due to many things, primarliy technolody. Older folks hold life long advice that can help us become stronger and better humans on earth.

We should avoid taking someone for granted, especially someone who takes very good care of us. Someone who has taken good care of us, who is taking good care of us and who will be taking good care of us should not be taken granted for. Relationships with parents, grandparents, siblings, husbands, wives and childern etc.. Can be ruined if someone is taken for granted. Some of the negative outcomes if someone is being taken granted for;

The person who feels like they are being taken for granted*;
- Feels easily intimidated when they try to voice their words or ideas, because they will feel like they have nothing special to say as they fear they will be hurt or yelled at (yelling is another sign of being taken advantage of). Happens allot in many relationships, with parents and significant others. If a child has no outlet, who will they turn to?
- A parent who takes a child for granted will cause their child to withhold thoughts and feelings, shutting down when they are sad, angry or confused as they feel they have no outlet. You never get close with each other, thus building on the relationship pains - communication that is open and nice (both ways) will solve this.
- The person being taken advantage of will always put on a face that everything is ok, this false face is appeasing and they would rather do this than face intimidation or being hurt by the person taking them for granted. - This is where communication comes back in, voicing yourself will help even if you are not being heard.
- People who are being taken for granted develop fears that they dont want to talk further, they feel their worth is nothing infront of the person who is using them/taking them for granted etc.. The person taking them for granted uses tactics that causes pain and suffering that they dont even realize. - We must be careful of our fears with this, this could stem from worrying to much, You worry so much (worry about what the other person said, worry about what they meant by it, worry about how you reacted etc) that your worry creates a sense of helplessness and powerlessness. A parent that feels like they are helpless must find other ways to talk to their child, a partner must find other ways as this attitude does not grow the relationship very well.

We are all on earth for special reasons, some will know that reason within this realm, or another realm. Above examples relate how someone feels when they are being taken for granted, sometimes we never see this when we are living our life. A loved one will never say, "you are taking me for granted", they are afraid it will hurt you, but we need to open our eyes and consider how much they mean to us then spend more time to put a smile on their face.

What if you feel like you are being taken for granted?
 
In our life we give so much love and support but when we feel we are being taken for granted you could just sit down and talk to the person, you dont always have to be stepped on etc.. It is good to help other people. Unfortunately in today's world people take your goodness for granted and start taking advantage of it. So, help people but show as if you are doing it as a favour and making an exception. Make them feel obliged and indebted to you. People may call you a snob, but let them. It is much better than been taken for granted.

The person taking you for granted loves you, but they get caught up in your goodness and kindness and takes advantage of it, they abuse your love to get what they want. If you are a parent this will sound familiar around the time of gifting presents. It is always not nice to be nice. Let people know that you too can get upset and can call a spade a spade. Be polite, tactful and diplomatic but speak out your mind. Tell people clearly what you feel. They will never take your feelings and emotions for granted.

Some people feel that you are stuck with them and will take you for granted all the time, put your foot down and wake them up with your serious but loving words. Let them know of your value and worth, because you are equally worth more to them as they are worth to you.

If you are reading this post, ask your self, Do I take anyone for granted? And put yourself in their shoes, what if you had a daughter that treated you the way you treated your mother? Or (parent view) what if your parents treated you that way etc..? Or What if you did selfless things for your parenter and they treated you bad or took you for granted? Ask your self...

Consider this a warning not to take people for granted, we all need these warnings in our lives, dont wait for the hospital bed side, or a sad movie, or even parting with the loved one.

Always remember, put God first in everything we do, always have a kind heart but logical mind, we do live in a perfect world (As it was created by God), its the minds of people that are not so perfect :).

"To the world you maybe just one person, but to one person you maybe the world"

*Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Are-You-Being-Taken-For-Granted?&id=757974

Jai Shri Krishna,

-SimpleHinduBhai

Hindu Calendar - Updated for 2011 - Thanks to Swaha International

Namaste, Hari Om,

The Hindu Calendar for 2011 is now up to date thanks to Swaha International.

You can click calendar on the right side of the Blog, or click http://www.swahainternational.org/calendar/.

Many scriptures talk about special days in Hinduism that signify importance on many levels. We should always look at the calendar daily as it contains important dates for fasting, celebrating and observing special rites.

Special days are not just special due to its name or occasion, planets, suns, moons and stars are aligned in a special way for a reason, and on certain days energy can be channeled and transmitted easily, thus praying/fasting or meditating can raise our spirituality greatly.

Credit goes to Swaha International, many thanks!

Jai Shri Krishna
- SimpleHinduBhai

Simple Hindu Bhai Facebook Page - Please become a fan..

Namaste, Hari Om,

Please click the link to join our Facebook page, please forward to all your friends and family to stay up to date as well.. You can take part in discussions and post on topics and events..

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Simple-Hindu-Bhais-Blog/233430351518

Thanks!
-SimpleHinduBhai

Snake and Ladder had its origin in India - Hinduism Connection

Namaste, Hari Om,

Interesting article from Hindu-Blog.com, enjoy!

- SimpleHinduBhai,

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http://www.hindu-blog.com/2006/11/snake-and-ladders-had-its-origin-in.html


The game had its origin in India and was called Moksha Patam or Parama Padam or Mokshapat. It was used to teach Hinduism and Hindu values to children. The British renamed it as Snakes and Ladders.

Now, when and who created this game? Most people believe it was created by the 13th century poet saint Gyandev. There are certain references which take the game back to 2^nd century BC.

The ladders represented virtues and snakes vices. In the original game square 12 was faith, 51 was Reliability, 57 was Generosity, 76 was Knowledge, and 78 was Asceticism. These were the squares were the ladder was found.

Square 41 was for Disobedience, 44 for Arrogance, 49 for Vulgarity, 52 for Theft, 58 for Lying, 62 for Drunkenness, 69 for Debt, 84 for Anger, 92 for Greed, 95 for Pride, 73 for Murder and 99 for Lust. These were the squares were the snake was found.

The Square 100 represented Nirvana or Moksha.

The British took the game to England in 1892 and named it Snakes and Ladders and changed it according to Victorian values.

"Why God Permits Evil and How to Rise Above It" - by Paramahansa Yogananda

Namaste, Hari Om,

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Truly wish to thank all of you for the support and readings over the past year. You have truly inspired me to keep on researching and presenting great information on not only Hinduism, but other spiritual aspects that reinforce the fact that, "Ham sab ek hain", we are all one! By the grace of God this site has gotten thousands of hits per month from various countries in North/South America, Europe and Asia. I am truly blessed and honored to reach so many people with such simple words.

I received probably one of the best gifts of my life to date, a book by Paramahansa Yogananda, "Autobiography of a Yogi". I am very thankful for this book, I almost do not want to call it a book, it is a gift from a mighty force that is spreading the message of love and faith for the all mighty and human kind. The giver of this book is forever in  my heart as they have added energy and love to my spiritual path in more ways than they would ever know.. With love, I deeply thank you sincerely.

Its a truly special book, it was predicted long before its time, it was predicted to come out before the birth of the Author himself. It holds great spiritual power as it was written for our time and beyond. When reading it, questions will be answered in your mind, and you will start to conceptualize the scenery and emotions throughout the book. One cant help but find themselves in a new state of mind after reading each page.

By the grace of God, I will highlight a couple of key points from the book throughout the year. One particular interesting question that always arises is, Why is there so much evil on earth, why does God allow this and what can we do.

Of course Shri Shri Paramahansa Yogananda Ji can explain this as his knowledge came from a divine voice, but I wish to talk on a perception of the below teachings from the great Swami.

In life we tend to always remember the bad, the things that are not within our comfort zone. It happens with fellow humans, someone can do something nice nine out of ten times for us, but we will always remember that one time they did something bad, more often than the nine good things. We have to change our perception of how we look at life, being thankful and always looking at the glass half full (versus half empty) will put us in a calming state of mind.

Same for life, we focus too much on things that are negative, we have so much goodness going for us we are not even aware. In today's world, we are blessed with so many great things such as the speed of information, advanced economies and caring people all around us. Knowledge moves at the speed of light, but does it get absorbed at the speed of light? Sometimes but not always..

Back to the presence of Evil in this world, it will always be there. We should learn to accept and deal with negative aspects of our life just as we accept and deal with positive aspects of our life. Within negative situations in life there are blessings, we sometimes look at negativity as Evil. If someone cuts you off on the road, you might get angry and mad, but there could be a divine play at hand, what if you were speeding and by that person cutting you off the Police radar detects you at a lower speed, thus avoiding a ticket. Another example, you do not get that big promotion into the new division of your company. As you remain in your current position you are sad, but then a few months later you learn that the whole division was let go due to budget cuts, you are thankful for not having it but at the time of not getting it you were sad. We must develop a habit to always remember the will of the divine power and install faith in everything that happens. We must say, "Oh great divine power, you know whats best, please guide me".

We should always maintain a steady mind, extreme reactions and emotions will corrupt our outlook. Be the same when you win the lottery and the same when you lose the lottery - everything in life happens for a reason, the Divine Will is at play and we must have faith that it will be for the good. Even in sorrow we can understand what happiness is, even in anger we can understand the value of calmness, even in Evil we can understand the power of Good.

The below readings from the special book will further describe "Why God Permits Evil and How to Rise Above It". Its truly one of the best answers I have ever heard. Enjoy and let it develop questions and thoughts in your mind that reflects on our outlook of life. If you have never read, "Autobiography of a Yogi", I highly encourage you to do so.

Jai Shri Krishna
- SimpleHinduBhai




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Why God Permits Evil and How to Rise Above It
by Paramahansa Yogananda

Why God Permits Evil by Paramahansa Yogananda (Self-Realization Fellowship, Los Angeles, California.  All rights reserved).

Some say that God (consciousness) doesn’t know evil, because they can’t explain why a God who is good allows robberies, murders, disease, poverty, and other terrible happenings that are going on constantly on this earth. And yet, evil provides the contrast that enables us to recognize and experience goodness. Evil had to be, if there was to be any creation. If you wrote a message with white chalk on a white board, no one would see it.


 There is another angle about duality, or good and evil that I want to explain to you. If a movie producer made movies only of angels (of only goodness), and showed them in the movie theatres morning, noon, and night everyday, he would soon have to close up his business. He (the producer) has to produce variety in order to attract people’s attention.

 The bad man makes the hero look so much better! And we like plots that are filled with action. We don’t mind looking at exciting movies about danger and disaster, because we know they are only movies (a mere appearance on a screen). If you could see what is going on behind the screen of this life, you wouldn’t suffer at all. Life is a cosmic movie (projected within the screen of consciousness). I look at the beam of God’s light, which is projecting these scenes on the screen of life (consciousness). I see the pictures of the whole universe coming from this beam.

 Another time I was sitting in a movie theatre watching a movie on a screen. And then I looked into the projection booth. I saw that the projectionist was not interested in the movie, because he has seen it over and over again. Instead, he was reading a book. The projector was doing its job: there was the sound, and the beam of light was casting realistic images on the screen. And there was the audience caught up in the drama.

 From age to age, from civilization to civilization, the same old movies are shown over and over again, only with different characters playing the parts. When I took my gaze from the light of the projector and looked at the audience in the movie theatre, I saw that they were going through all the emotions of the actors in the movie. They were suffering with the hero, and reacting to the evil of the villain. To the audience it was a tragic experience. To the operator in the projection booth, it was only a movie! And so it is with God. He has created (imagined) movies of light and shadows, the hero and the villain, good and evil, and we are the audience and the actors.

It is only because we identify with the play too much (as being real) that we are in trouble. Without shadows as well as light (contrasts) there could be no picture. Evil is the shadow that converts the one beam of God’s light into pictures or forms. Therefore, evil (contrasting with good) is the shadow of God that makes this play possible. The dark shadows of evil are mixed with the pure white beam of the virtues of God. He wants you not to take these pictures so seriously.

The director of the movie sees the murders and the suffering and the comedy and the drama as means to create interest for the audience. He stands apart from the play and directs and observes it. God wants us to behave with detachment realizing we are only actors or observers in his cosmic movie.

 The way to supreme happiness will not be found by the scientist nor by material-minded people, but by those who follow the masters who say “Go back to the booth of the infinite (awareness) from which you can see the projection of all these cosmic movies. Then you won’t be troubled about God’s creation, God’s play.” Because you are a part of it now (identify with it as being real), you suffer. You must stand aside and watch (witness) it, and then you cannot suffer. When you are an observer, then you can enjoy this play. This is what you must learn.

To God, this (life) is only a movie, and when you turn to him (consciousness), it will also be a movie to you.

Since God is perfect and this world is not a necessity for his evolution, it is therefore a sort of hobby (play) of God. For example there are two kinds of artists: one type is the commercial artist who makes art pay; and the other type is one who creates art with no market value, simply for the personal enjoyment of it.

 Now we can’t think of God as commercial, for he has nothing to gain from his art of creation. So this world is God’s hobby (play). But it is not any fun for those who are suffering in it. Because your eyes are closed (and you believe the world to be real), you cannot help thinking this world is terrible. But if you keep open your eyes of wisdom and calmness (and realize it is an appearance), you will see there is a lot of enjoyment in this world – just as though you are watching a movie.

There is so much more to life than what you think. Since everything worldly seems so real, how much more so must be the reality (consciousness) that creates this unreal reality (of the world appearance)! But the unreal reality makes you forget the real. God wants you to remember that you wouldn’t mind this world if it were like a movie. Even if the brittle bones of the body break, you would say “Well look at those broken bones”, and not feel any disturbance or suffering. You could say that when you are anchored in consciousness. You will make fun of your habits, and you will be intensely amused at your distinguishing characteristics, as from the balcony of introspection watch yourself perform in the movie of life.

When you know this world to be God’s Lila – his play – then you aren’t upset by the contrasts in this drama of good and evil.

In a dream you behold rich people, poor people, someone strong, someone else groaning with disease, someone dying, and someone being born. But when you wake up, you realize that it was only a dream. This universe is God’s dream. When you are neither touched by the nightmares of disease and suffering and worries, nor bound by the beautiful dreams, then God says “Wake up now! Come back home.”

Mystics are those who are half awake and half dreaming: on one side awake in God, and on the other side dreaming the dream of incarnation. But they can quickly get out of this dream.

So remember, God is dreaming this world. And if we are in tune with him, we will live a divinely intoxicating life and nothing will disturb us. We will watch this cosmic movie as we watch films in a movie theatre, without being hurt. God created (imagined) us that we may dream as he does, enjoying this dream and all its contrasting experiences, as an entertainment, without being affected by it, absorbed in his eternal joy.

Ones values are profoundly changed when one is finally convinced that creation is only a vast movie and that not in it, but beyond it, lies ones own reality (consciousness).

The rishis of ancient India, having penetrated to the original cause of being (consciousness), declare that God is perfect (complete); that he needs nothing, for all is contained within himself; and that this world is God’s Lila (divine play). The Lord (consciousness), it seems, like a little child, loves to play, and his Lila is the endless variety of ever-changing creation.

I used to reason in this way: God was infinite, omniscient bliss, but being alone there was no one but him to enjoy that bliss. So he said “Let me create (imagine) a universe and (appear to) divide myself into many souls that they may play with me in my unfolding drama”.
By his magical measuring power of Maya, he became dual; spirit and nature, man and woman, positive and negative. But even though he has created (imagined) the universe out of delusion, he himself is not deluded by it. He knows that everything is but an (imagined) diversification of his one consciousness. Experiences of the senses and emotions, the dramas of war and peace, sickness and health, life and death – all are happening in God as the dreamer of all things - but he is unaffected by them.

One part of his infinite being forever remains transcendent beyond vibratory (imagined) dualities: there God is inactive. When he vibrates (imagines) his consciousness with thoughts of diversity, he becomes (appears) immanent and omnipresent as the creator in the finite vibratory realm of infinity: there he is active. Vibration (imagination) brings forth (appearances of) objects and beings interacting in space in the motions of time – just as vibrations (the imagination) of man’s consciousness brings forth dreams in sleep.

We can say that God should never have created this world in which there is so much trouble. But on the other hand, mystics say that if you knew you were Gods, you wouldn’t mind it. If you watch a movie, you like a lot of action rather than something dull, don’t you? That is the way you should enjoy this world.

Look upon life as a movie and then you will know why God created (imagined) it. Our problem is that we forget to see it as God’s entertainment (the play of consciousness). When we have finished seeing the movie, we know that nobody was killed; nobody was suffering. In fact, that truth is the only answer I see when I look at the drama of life. It is nothing but an electrical-shadow-show, a play of light and shadows.

Everything is the vibration (imagination) of God’s consciousness condensed into (an appearance of) images. The essence of those images cannot be severed by a sword, nor burned, nor drowned, nor suffer pain of any sort. It (consciousness) is not born, nor does it die. It only (appears to) pass through a few changes.

Just as when you are half awake and can see a dream, and know you are dreaming, and yet are apart from it, that is how God feels this universe. On one side he is awake, and on another side he is dreaming this universe. And that is how you should look upon this world. Then you will know why he created it, and you will not ascribe these dream conditions to your soul. If you pass through a nightmare, you know that is no more than a bad dream. If you can live in the world in that consciousness, you will not suffer.

You won’t mind then, because you will know you are dreaming. Do not pay undue attention to the passing scenes of life. You are the immortal self (consciousness) living only temporarily in a dream that is sometimes (imagined) to be a nightmare. That is the higher philosophy (and truth) of the mystics.


Do not be so sensitive. Emotional sensitivity is the silent cause of all suffering. To give strength to creation as a reality by emotional involvement in it is foolishness! To not sit still and realize your true soul nature, but to drift along as a part of the eternal motion of (imagined) creation is a constant danger to your happiness. Perhaps someday your body will be terribly sick, and though you want to walk or do other things that you used to do in your younger or healthier days, you find you cannot do them; it is a terrible disillusionment for the soul. Before that day comes, make yourself so free, that you can look upon your body with detachment, caring for it as though it were someone else’s.
Be like the active-inactive Lord. In creation he is joyously busy; beyond creation he is joyously quiescent (still) in divine bliss. Be calmly active and actively calm. When you think about your mortal life and all your troubles and identify with them, you do an injustice to the consciousness of God within you. Affirm and realize “I am not a mortal being; I am spirit.”

Everywhere you will see people, good and evil, searching in their own way for happiness. No one wants to hurt himself. Sins are errors committed under the influence of ignorance, or delusion. But for a different degree of understanding, you might be in the same boat. The point is, in everything we do we are seeking happiness. No one can truthfully say he is a materialist, because anyone who is seeking happiness is seeking God. Therefore, in evil as well as in good God is coaxing us back to him by our search for happiness.

The greatest sin is ignorance – not to know what life is all about. And the greatest virtue is wisdom – to the know the meaning and purpose of life and it’s creator (consciousness). To know that we are not little human beings, but that we are one with consciousness is wisdom. Every night in sleep God takes away all your troubles to show you that you are not a mortal being; you are spirit. When there is health and joy, smile in the dream. When there is a nightmare or sickness or sorrow, say, “I am awake in God, merely watching the play of my life”. Dismiss this world appearance of disease and health, sorrow and joy.

Rise above it. Become the Self (consciousness). Watch (witness) the show of the universe, but do not become absorbed (attached) in it.

Death and darkness cannot cast fear upon us, for we are the very consciousness out of which this universe has been created (imagined) by God (consciousness).

So do not be afraid of anything (since life is a dream - only an appearance in consciousness alone).


* The above excerpts are from

Why God Permits Evil and How to Rise Above It

by Paramahansa Yogananda

Why God Permits Evil by Paramahansa Yogananda (Self-Realization Fellowship, Los Angeles, California.  All rights reserved).

Hinduism Today: Hinduism Today Magazine Jan-Mar 2011

Namaste, Hari Om,

Please see the Hinduism Today Magazine, its free in digital form, great magazine with interesting news.

http://www.hinduismtoday.com/archives/2011/1-3/pdf/Hinduism-Today_Jan-Feb-Mar_2011.pdf

Enjoy,

SimpleHinduBhai

Hanuman Quiz: A 20 question Quiz on everything Hanuman!

Hanuman muurthi From Tirupati (Tami Nadu)

Namaste, Hari Om,

Try this wonderful 20 question quiz on Shri Hanuman... Enter your name below and begin.

Jai Hanuman!

-SimpleHinduBhai

HB Quiz 2 HB Quiz » Fun Trivia Maker

Hindu-Blog.com: Goddess Alopi Devi – About Hindu Goddess Alopi Devi

(A Love that has no begining or ending...)

(At Alopi Devi Mandir)

Namaste, Hari Om,

There are many aspects of God in Hinduism, we must try our hardest to breakthough the image that they are all different. Their aspects could be different but they are all one, with various aspects.

Below article from Hindu-Blog.com talks about Alopi Devi, its an interesting story that takes a tale from Sati. Please enjoy reading it. Alopi Devi is a manifestation of Goddess Shakti and is one among the 51 Shaktipeetahs. I have also found the Mandir that is related to the story.

-SimpleHinduBhai


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Hindu-Blog.com:

Alopi Devi is a manifestation of Goddess Shakti and is one among the 51 Shaktipeetahs. The legend of the Goddess is associated with the death of Sati at the yajgna conducted by Daksha and the subsequent anger of Shiva and his roaming with the body of Sati and Vishnu then cutting the body using his Sudharshana Chakra to save the universe. The temple dedicated to Alopi Devi is located at Prayag (Allahabad) in Uttar Pradesh.

Alopi Devi is also popularly known as Goddess Madhaveswari.

The popular belief is that the fingers of the hands of Goddess Sati fell at the spot where the Alopi Devi Temple stands. It must be noted that Goddess Alopi temple is also part of the Ashta Das Shaktipeetah concept more famous in South India and propagated through the Ashtadasa Shaktipeetaha Stotra of Adi Shankara.

Alopi means disappeared. The Goddess gets the name Alopi because of the belief that the last part of Goddess Sati’s body fell here and disappeared. Hence this is the last spot from where Goddess Sati disappeared from earth and it is considered highly auspicious.

At the Alopi Temple, Goddess Alopi Devi is depicted as a Dholi placed atop a marble stone.

Alopi Devi Temple is located at Alopi Bagh west of Daraganj in Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh.
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Picture of the arial image of the Alopi Mandir in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh.
http://wikimapia.org/13846791/Alopi-Devi-mandir 
http://newshopper.sulekha.com/india-hindu-festival_photo_736398.htm

The importance of looking within

Namaste, Hari Om,

What does it mean when we look within? Is it a physical view, cutting our self open and looking at our internal organs or performing an x-ray?

Physically looking within is not so, looking within is using our mind and breath. Our breath is used as the scalpel to open our inner selves and look within. Through breath we can control everything, vision, touch, hunger, pain and our minds. When the mind is in control through the power of breath then we can control our senses and look within with greater effect. With the breath in control, Our minds act as the x-ray to scan our body for relaxation and to dive within. The mind can be discussed in depth but we will save that for another day as its extremely indepth.

I have been blessed to attend a yoga class today where the teacher painted a picture of our being as compared to a bow and arrow.

With a bow and arrow, the harder you pull the arrow towards you, the further it goes and much powerful it will be.

Same for looking within, the more we look within (pulling the arrow back) the more peace and goodness we can project outward.

By projecting peace and goodness outward we can help others.

We create a pleasant surrounding that wards away negative energy.

How does one look within? Meditation works, for those beginning, guided meditation is the best way to go. This can help you by focusing on yourself while meditating. Also self reflection as the day ends can also help you look within, think about your day and how you impacted others. There are many ways to look within, but having the desire and time is important. Yoga can also help those trying to calm their minds and relax their tensions, yoga helps our outside body relax and get in tune with our minds, thus leading to better meditation sessions.

Good luck in your inward journey, may we all be a powerful arrow projecting peace and goodness to the world! Never forget, everything is within us, that same divine spark thats everywhere is also within us.

Jai Shri Krishna,
-SimpleHinduBhai

Shubh Diwali! Nov 5th 2010! Happy Diwali! 5 days of Diwali?

Namaste, Hari Om,

Shubh Diwali to you all! Diwali in 2010 will take place on Nov 5, 2010!

Its celebrated in great style all accross the world, from the US, Islands, Europe and all the way to the grandest place, India!

There are various ways to celebrate this great time, some countries/towns host Diwali shows/ceremonies - We just attended the Diwali Nagar in South Florida, We performed a Devi Play (Will post the video Soon).

But there are more questions regarding Diwali.. Is it one day, two days or five days? Lets take a closer look...

I have been in India during Diwali time and have celebrated Diwali across the five days. The time is nice when kids and pople go door to door sharing and taking sweets. Also the fireworks are on the same level with the US's 4th of July. Its a great time where lights are everywhere and people are happy. Also its important to note that you have a right to celebrate Diwali, taking it off from work is mandatory and should not come with problems. I myself am taking this day off as a Religious Holiday, not a sick day or personal time. Stand up for yourself, just as others have as well for their religious holidays!

Our borthers and sisters at Hindu Americation Foundation have done so much for Diwali in the political realm in the USA; http://www.hafsite.org/media/pr/diwali-2010 please read their message.

Also, our President of the US will be celebrating Diwali in India; click here to read.

What do the days mean During Diwali? Read ahead from http://www.diwalifestival.org/
Jai Maa
- SimpleHinduBhai




Five Days Of Diwali:


Deewali is a festival of joy, splendor, brightness and happiness. It is the festival of lights and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by all Indians all over the world. The uniqueness of this festival is its harmony of five varied philosophies, with each day to a special thought or ideal. People celebrate each of its five days of festivities with true understanding, it will uplift and enrich the lives.

The first day of Diwali: Dhanteras

The first day of Diwali is called Dhanvantari Triodasi or Dhanwantari Triodasi also called Dhan Theras. It is in fact the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksh, the dark forthnight of the month of Kartik. On this day, Lord Dhanwantari came out of the ocean with Ayurvedic for mankind. This day marks the beginning of deepawali celebrations.

On this day at sunset, Hindus should bathe and offer a lighted deeya with Prasad (sweets offered at worship time) to Yama Raj, the Lord of Death and pray for protection from untimely death. This offering should be made near a Tulsi tree, the Holy Basil or any other sacred tree that one might have in their yard.

The second day of Diwali: Choti Diwali

The second day of dipawali is called Narak Chaturdasi. On this day Lord Krishna destroyed the demon Narakasur and made the world free from fear. On this day, one should massage the body with oil to relieve it of tiredness, bathe and rest so that Diwali can be celebarated with vigour and devotion.

On this night, Yama Deeya should not be lit. The Shastras (Laws of Dharma) declares that Yama Deeya should be offered on Triodasi night with Prasad. Some people mistook it to mean that because Yama Deeya was lit on that night, that it should always be lit on the night before deepavali. This is absolutely not true. It is advisable that one consults with a learned Pandit or Hindu Astrologer for proper guidance on this matter.

The third day of Diwali: Lakshmi Puja on Diwali

This is the day when worship unto Mother Lakshmi is performed. Hindus cleanse themselves and join with their families and their Pandit (priest) and they worship the divine Goddess Lakshmi to achieve the blessings of wealth and prosperity, the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

The fourth day of Diwali: Padwa & Govardhan Puja

On this day, Govardhan Pooja is performed. Many thousands of years ago, Lord Krishna caused the people of Vraja to perform Govardhan Pooja. From then on, every year Hindus worship Govardhan to honour that first Pooja done by the people of Vraja.

The fifth day of Diwali: Bhai Duj

The fifth day of the Diwali is called Bhai teeka. This is the day after Goverdhan Pooja is performed and normally two days after Diwali day. It is a day dedicated to sisters. Many moons ago, in the Vedic era, Yama (Yamraj, the Lord of death) visited his sister Yamuna on this day. He gave his sister a Vardhan (a boon) that whosoever visits her on this day shall be liberated from all sins. They will achieve Moksha or final emancipation. From then on, brothers visit their sisters on this day to enquire of their welfare.

This day marks the end of the five days of deepavali celebrations. This is also known as Bhai fota among Bengalis. Bhai fota is an event especially among Bengalis when the sister prays for her brother's safety, success and well being.

2010 Divali Nagar - Coral Springs, Florida Oct 28-30th - Devi Play LIVE Streaming!

Namaste, Hari Om,

Divali Nagar is a celebration for the community regarding the values and teachings of Divali.

Its hosted by a local non-profit organization based in Florida that has put a great deal of time and effort into this community event. There are various forms of devotional dancing, music, singing, and art work - There are also old Indian village replicas.

One aspect of Divali Nagar we wanted to promote is the Devi Play. The Devi Play is from the Sri Mad Devi Bhagvatam, we recently posted about the exact article on the blog; http://simplehindubhai.blogspot.com/2010/03/sri-mad-devi-bhagvatam-bhagavata-purana.html. 

Its a wonderful play depicting the Devi's importance in the Ramyana when Shri Rama is sorrowful in the loss of Sita Mata. Please see the play Live Streaming Via this link Oct30th; http://www.divalinagar.us/livefeed.php  

Please Provide comments or let us know what you think of the play - Takes place Saturday Oct 30th - 6pm US Eastern Standard time, that will be, 12am In Germany, 12pm In Singapore, or 3:30AM In India.

If you can not watch it, it will be recorded and posted to the internet. Its finally a chance to dive deeper into the influence of the Devi within the  Ramayana.

Jai Adi-Shakti Maa!
-SimpleHinduBhai

Hindu-Blog.com: Hinduism and Nature (Go Green Connection)

Namaste, Hari Om,

‘No religion, perhaps, lays as much emphasis on environmental ethics as does Hinduism. It believes in ecological responsibility and says like Native Americans that the Earth is our mother. It champions protection of animals, which it considers also have souls, and promotes vegetarianism. It has a strong tradition of non-violence or ahimsa. It believes that God is present in all nature, in all creatures, and in every human being regardless of their faith or lack of it.’ - Dr. David Frawley

(Note: I don't wholly agree with the first line, i believe all religions hold this same emphasis, just in various ways). 

“Plants are mothers and Goddesses.” - (Rig Veda Samhita x-97-4)

This is extremely powerful, a mother can birth children, thus trees and plants can birth new off spring. We should look at mother nature as a true mother, they provide shade, food and sustainability in living conditions.

All to often we forget about the world we live in, sometimes we think that we are just one person, how can we save this earth, "We are just a drop in this big ocean".

Well the maha sagar (great ocean) would be nothing without every drop, same for our efforts - together we can fill any bucket drop by drop.

There is a old stigma that the older generations do not know of the go green theme, or are unaware of our planets suffering. Looking at the below points, not only do the older generations know of it, they also forewarned us all of it. In the Garuda Purana, Garuda flew to the three worlds and told Vishnu that he has seen movable and immovable creatures in all three worlds. I stopped and thought to myself, what is an immovable creature? These are plants, trees and living matter that does not move, yes even rocks!

If we do not have respect for the life forms that support us, how can we support each other? Lets take a look at some of the notes from past scriptures;

“Waters cleanse humanity from the evil of pollution committed by it.” - (Atharva Veda Samhita xii-2-40)

The waters we have in our world are being defiled by pollution all for the magical dollar. We are sacrificing our own mother for the sake of pleasing our materialistic needs. Ganga Mata came from the louts like feet of Lord Vishnu, thus she is pure and ever cleansing. Wherever there is dirty water caused by humans, there will be a lack of good health and food standards – is this a direct link to dirty water? Yes.

Continue reading the below, it’s a great eye opener to those who are Hindu/faith based/religious, and question why we should go green. You can not afford a dualistic lifestyle while walking the spiritual path – I have often said that we can not just turn off the Spiritual switch when we want too. It must be on always as we are tested always!

Contaminating our bodies with flesh and sorrow (From the dead animals as they experienced pain while bing slaughtered) is bad, same for contaminating our planet. It starts with one drop, together we can fill the bucket and clean up this world.
 
Enjoy,

Jai Mata Ki Jai,

-SimpleHinduBhai





Please read the Article below from Hindu-Blog.com:

Nature and Hinduism are so entwined that it is quite impossible to think about one without the other. The need for an ecological balance is stressed in the Vedas and Upanishads and this message is repeated in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Gita, Puranas and in the messages of Hindu saints. Mother Nature is worshipped in Hindu religion. But for majority of Hindus, worship is confined to temples and homes and thus they are equal contributors in global warming, pollution and emissions.


Here are a few thoughts which ancient seers of Sanatana Dharma had shared more than 5000 years ago regarding the importance of nature and majority of them are highly relevant today.

•One should not destroy the trees. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-48-17)

•Plants are mothers and Goddesses. (Rig Veda Samhita x-97-4)

•Trees are homes and mansions. (Rig Veda Samhita x-97-5)

•Sacred grass has to be protected from man's exploitation (Rig Veda Samhita vii-75-8)

•Plants and waters are treasures for generations. (Rig Veda Samhita vii-70-4)

Earth, in which lie the sea, the river and other waters, in which food and cornfields have come to be, in which lives all that breathes and that moves, may she confer on us the finest of her yield. Earth, in which the waters, common to all, moving on all sides, flow unfailingly, day and night, may she pour on us milk in many streams, and endow us with lustre. (From the Atharva Veda - Hymn to the Earth - Bhumi-Sukta)

May those born of thee, O Earth, be for our welfare, free from sickness and waste, wakeful through a long life, we shall become bearers of tribute to thee. Earth my mother, set me securely with bliss in full accord with heaven, O wise one, uphold me in grace and splendor. (From the Atharva Veda - Hymn to the Earth - Bhumi-Sukta)

•Earth, atmosphere, sky, sun, moon, stars, waters, plants, trees, moving creatures, swimming creatures, creeping creatures all are hailed and offered oblations. (Taittiriya Samhita i-8-13)

•One should protect the habitation. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-71-3)

•Waters as friends of man give full protection to his progenies. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-50-7)

•One shall take care of quadrupeds. (Taittiriya Samhita iv-4-10)

•One shall be auspicious to animals. (Taittiriya Samhita ii-3-14)

•One shall not find fault with animals. (Chandogya Upanishad ii-18-2)

•Waters represent splendor. (Atharva Veda Samhita iii-13-5)

•Waters bear off all defilements and cleanse people. (Vajasaneya Samhita iv-2)

•Whoever injures the essence of food, kine or steeds is a robber who sinks both himself and his offspring into destruction. (Rig Veda Samhita vii-104-10)

•Offerings are dedicated to waters of wells, pools, clefts, holes, lakes, morasses, ponds, tanks, marshes, rains, rime, streams, rivers and ocean. (Taittiriya Samhita vii-4-13)

•There was only water in the beginning. (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad v-5-1)

•Waters and herbs should have no poison. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-39-5)

•Waters are to be freed from defilement. (Atharva Veda Samhita x-5-24)

•Waters cleanse humanity from the evil of pollution committed by it. (Atharva Veda Samhita xii-2-40)

•Waters are healing and they strengthen one to see great joy. (Taittiriya Samhita vii-4-19)

The Mahabharata says that 'even if there is only one tree full of flowers and fruits in a village, that place becomes worthy of worship and respect.’

‘No religion, perhaps, lays as much emphasis on environmental ethics as does Hinduism. It believes in ecological responsibility and says like Native Americans that the Earth is our mother. It champions protection of animals, which it considers also have souls, and promotes vegetarianism. It has a strong tradition of non-violence or ahimsa. It believes that God is present in all nature, in all creatures, and in every human being regardless of their faith or lack of it.’ Dr. David Frawley

We Hindus are always proud to hear others praise our culture. We publish them, discuss them in social circles but rarely follow the unparalleled teachings in our scriptures.

Lord Ganesha, Holy Cow, Worship of Mountains, Worship of Nagas (Snakes), Tulsi and the numerous other plants and animals that form part of Hindu worship are nothing but messages incorporated by wise Hindu Saints to teach us that we humans are part of nature and not outside it and above it.

The Hindu concept of Brahman, the Supreme Soul, suggests that all animate and inanimate and all born and yet to be born are part of Brahman. Therefore an imbalance in a particular part will affect all other parts. The Supreme Being then finds out a method to transform that defective part. Since Brahman is present in all, it is easy to transform. And we humans might term such a transformation as the End or Death or total annihilation. For the Supreme Soul, it is a small repair work carried out by a minute virus.

Mother Nature is not dependent on Human Beings but Human Beings are. Ancient Seers knew it and therefore they worshiped Nature. Modern Humans termed it as animism and replaced it with more refined worships. And the result of such a refined worship ...

‘In our arrogance and ignorance we have destroyed the environment of this planet. We have polluted the oceans, we have made the air unbreathable, we have desecrated nature and decimated wildlife. But the Vedantic seers knew that man was not something apart from nature, and, therefore, they constantly exhort us that, while we work for own salvation, we must also work for the welfare of all beings.’ Karan Singh

Only a people’s movement can save the earth from destruction. We are armed with wise teachings of our saints. Now what we need is its implementation.

Courtesy: Quotes from Vedas as found in the articles of Dr. S Kannan and Dr. Karan Singh

Why do you let the little things in life bother you?

Namaste, Hari Om,

Why do you let the little things in life bother you?

In our lives we come across many people who worry too much about the little things in life. There is a famous saying, “Don’t worry about spilled milk”. Spilled milk here refers to small things, like a little ding in your car, someone cutting you off on the road, or someone forgetting a minor detail that can be corrected fast. These small things can cause anger in many people when in reality its nothing but spilled milk, a problem that can be fixed with ease.

When walking the spiritual path we must learn tolerance. Through tolerance we can evolve and free our minds from tension over many things. Someone who gets angry and agitated over little things in life needs to review why they act the way they do. Think about problems that make you angry over all, these problems are usually linked to your anger over the little things. This is when you take out your anger from major problems (i.e. bad day at work, bad grades etc..) onto the little things (Spilled milk).

When our minds are free from anger, we can evolve faster as the mind is calming and can receive wisdom and love with ease. Anger blocks spiritual growth, and when you get angry over the little things in life, it only gets worst as bigger problems happen. Tolerance is gained through practice.

How do you practice tolerance? Yoga and breathing exercises really work, breathing alone can cure many things even anger. Click here for special pranayama breathing tips; http://www.yogiclogic.com/Yoga-articles/pranayama-in-yoga.php.

When someone or something minor makes you angry, talk to your self. Ask, is my anger necessary? Is it a major problem that will cause great effort and time to correct? Will the person feel good if I yell at them over something so little? The answer most of the time is NO.

When you get mad at someone, put yourself in their shoes (look at life from their perspective), sometimes others have had a bad day, or they might be suffering with great sorrow and you might not even notice it. Be compassionate to those who are not skilled, teach them and help them become better if they fail or have a minor mistake.

Look at someone and remember the good that they do, the good things they have given to the world and to yourself. One should not only focus on the bad, as we tend to remember the bad and forget the good in people. This is the seed of problems in relationships with parents and significant others, our own worries over small things cause us to miss the true beauty in others. Why worry over the small problems in life, have faith in the Supreme Being.

Words from Lord Krishna below;

“Delusion arises from anger. The mind is bewildered by delusion. Reasoning is destroyed when the mind is bewildered. One falls down when reasoning is destroyed.” - Bhagavad Gita

"One must elevate --- and not degrade --- oneself by one’s own mind. The mind alone is one’s friend, as well as one’s enemy. The mind is the friend of those who have control over it, and the mind acts like an enemy for those who do not control it." - Bhagavad Gita (6.05-06)

In this time of Navratri, may Saraswati Mata bless our minds to think peacefully and be thankful for those we have close to us. Do not take anyone or anything for granted or hurt anyone (even animals) over small problems in life, we have too much to be thankful for.

Jai Shri Krishna,
Jai Saraswati Mata ki Jai..

-SimpleHinduBhai

Hindu Calendar: Navratri Oct 8-16, 2010

Namaste, Hari Om, Jai Mata,


This time of the year is very special, Navratri is a time for the Jagajanani Bhavani Mata (Universal) mother. It is celebrated in various ways and forms across the world and across India. The all mighty Devi is worshiped throughout the nine nights, seeking the blessings of the divine mother will help us all in our path towards spirituality.

A while back we posted about the Ramayana and Navratri link, you can read the posting here once more. http://simplehindubhai.blogspot.com/2010/03/sri-mad-devi-bhagvatam-bhagavata-purana.html 

It is a great example that shows how powerful these nine nights are. Shri Rama Ji himself performed the Navratri fast and the Devi gave him power and blessings to conquer the evil king Ravana.

Let us all dispel the dark forces in our life with the Shakti of the caring Mata Ji. Any efforts toward the divine Devi will go a long way, fasting and meditating on her glories will enhance our vision and energy. Those seeking happiness and protection should look towards a mother.

Just as childern think of their mother in times of pain and suffering, in hunger and thirst, let us think of our divine Mother in this wonderful time of Ashwin.

Jai Mata Di,
-SimpleHinduBhai

__________________
Below explanations come from http://www.mantraonnet.com/navratri.html , great info on the general overview of Navratri and how its celebrated acorss India.

Nav-Ratri - The festival of nine nights is one of the most prominent festivals of Hinduism dedicated to chiefly Mother Durga an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva. This is the most pious and pure time in the complete Hindu calendar. These nine nights are dedicated to the three main goddesses of Hinduism - Parvati, Lakshmi and Sarasvati.
The first three nights are dedicated to the goddess of action and energy. Her different manifestations viz Kumari, Parvati and Kali are worshipped during these days.

Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for the next three days in her various aspects as the goddesses of peace, plenty and bliss. Fulfillment is more important than wealth itself. As the goddess of wealth, Goddess Lakshmi bestows wealth, success and fame and fortune to her worshippers and devotees. The four hands of Goddess Lakshmi indicate that she has the power to bestow on humanity the four ends of human life. In one hand she holds a lotus flower - reminding us of ever-lasting life and the immortality of the soul. The other hand that holds another lotus symbolizes to us to detach ourselves from too much of the worldly power, position, considerations, etc. Another hand holds what symbolizes material wealth, prosperity which are to be used as a means / tools for the achievements or goal in life; while the other hand, the fourth one is shown open and pointing downward, showering wealth and reinforcing the message of sharing.

On Lalita Panchami (the fifth day), children gather all the books in the house before a sacred lamp and invoke the blessings of Goddess Saraswati. It is also the occasion for all artisans to lay down their tools before the goddess and seek her benediction upon their trade. Goddess Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge. She is the goddess of the spiritual knowledge and the knowledge that frees us from this bind of this materialistic world. She is worshipped during the final three days of the Navratri.
On the eighth and ninth days of the festival, yagnas are performed as a final act of farewell that marks the termination of the ceremonies. Ghee or clarified butter, a sweet concoction of rice cooked in condensed milk (paayas or kheer) and sesame seeds are traditional items used in the yagna to the chanting of mantras conveying the theme-"This is my offering to God".

On the tenth day or Vijaya Dasami, more popularly known as Dussehra, enormous effigies of Ravana stuffed with firecrackers are torched with flaming arrows to the delight of throngs of revelers. It is also valued by devotees as an auspicious occasion to start an enterprise and for the business communities to open their annual books of account.

North Indian Belief :

Lord Brahma of the trinity Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva, granted Mahishasura the "buffalo demon," or simply Mahisa (buffalo) a boon that protected him from any man in the world . Empowered by this gift, Mahishasura set out to conquer the world, heaven and the world, and brought about the defeat of Indra king of deities. At the pleading of Indra, the king of the Gods, Lords Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva created Durga, the female through and amalgamation of their own shakti or divine power. Endowed with the trinity's shakti, Durga proved to be a formidable opponent who fought Mahisa for nine days, beheading him on the tenth. The nine nights simply translated Navratri, symbolize the nine days of battle, while the tenth day, vijayadashami-literally means the victorious tenth day of conquest. This great epic is recounted and celebrated slightly differently in various regions taking on different forms and names. In West Bengal Navratri, and vijayadashami are respectively celebrated as Durga Puja and Dasara. In South India the festival includes other female deities an dedicates three days of the festival to Lakshmi, the female archetype of wealth and fortune, and another three to Saraswathi, the female archetype of learning, music and knowledge. In northern India it takes the form of the great epic Ramyana where Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu is victorious over the evil king Ravana.

Eastern Indian Belief :

Daksha, the king of the Himalayas and the plains, and his wife, Menaka, had a daughter called Uma. Uma, right from her childhood, started worshipping Shiva as her would be husband. Shiva, being pleased with the worship of Uma, came to marry her. Daksha did not like this tiger-skin clad groom with ash & dirt spread over all of his body. Uma got married to Shiva but was prevented by her father from moving to Kailash, the abode of Shiva. Daksha, later on, arranged for a 'yagna' where everyone except Shiva was invited. Uma, feeling ashamed of the behavior of her father and shocked by the attitude towards her husband, committed Sati (the woman immolates herself in a burning pyre). Shiva came to know about this and went to Daksha's house. He lifted the body of Uma on his shoulders and started dancing madly. With the supreme power dancing, the World was on the verge of destruction. Narayana, another SuperGod, came forward as a saviour and used his 'Chakra' to cut the Body of Uma into pieces. Those pieces started falling off from the shoulder of the dancing Shiva into different parts of the World. Shiva was finally pacified when the last piece fell off from his shoulder. Narayana revived Uma for a new life. Daksha, who was extremely sorry about his misdeeds, prayed for mercy and was finally forgiven. The places where the pieces had fallen are known as the 'Shakti Piths' or energy pits, few of these places being Kalighat in Calcutta, Kamakshya near Guwahati among others. Ever since peace was restored, Uma, with her four children, Ganesh, Kartick, Saraswati and Laxmi and with her two 'sakhis' - Jaya and Bijaya, comes to visit her parent's home each year during the season of 'Sharat' or autumn when Durga Puja is celebrated.

 What is AkalBodhan?

In the 'Ramayana', as it goes, Lord Rama went to Lanka to rescue his abducted wife, Goddess Sita, from the grip of Ravana, the king of the Demons in Lanka. Before starting for his battle with Ravana, Lord Rama wanted the blessings of Devi Durga . He came to know that the Goddess would be pleased only if she is worshipped with one hundred 'NeelKamal' or blue lotuses. Lord Rama, after travelling the whole world, could gather only ninety nine of them. He finally decided to offer one of his eyes, which resembled blue lotuses. Goddess Durga, being pleased with the devotion of Lord Rama, appeared before him and blessed him. The battle started on the 'Saptami' and Ravana was finally killed on the 'Sandhikshan' i.e. the crossover period between Ashtami (the next day) and Navami (the day after). Ravana was cremated on Dashami. Since the period of this worship was different from the conventional period (during the spring - 'Basanta'), this puja is also known as 'Akal-Bodhan' or a worship (Bodhan) in an unconventional time (A-Kaal).


Navratri in various parts of India

The festival which is devoted to the Mother Goddess known variously as Durga, Kali, Bhavani, Amba, and Chandika, has been celebrated in it's most unique and different nature in various parts of India and abroad with devotional songs, bhajans and cultural programs with the world renowned Garba or Dandiya Raas in the state of Gujarat.

Western India : - Here this Festival is celebrated in a most unique and unusual way. The Garba or Dandiya Raas is the most significant feature during the festival of Navratri. This is the traditional and folk dance of the state of Gujarat, but today, people throughout the country perform this dance with great fervor and enthusiasm. During the dance, a decorated pot is ceremoniously placed with a light inside and the women folk dance in a circle, singing 'traditional songs' or 'garbas'. Then there is a pooja on each day of this holy period where Goddess Durga, known in this state as Ambe Maa is worshiped for prosperity and happiness. The word "Garba" by which the pot as well as the dance is known is etymologically close to the word Garbha meaning womb. In this context the lamp in the pot, symbolically represent life within a womb. The Dandiya Raas or the dance as this is called is played with dandiyas or wooden sticks. Apart from Gujarat, Dandiya Raas and Garba's is a common feature in all over India and especially in cities like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Vadodra and Surat. The women wear their vibrant, mirror-work ghaghras and cholis in different styles and the men in their traditional attire; play garba to traditional and rhythmic songs.

Northern India: In Northern India specially in Punjab and Delhi, even the name of the festival is changed, this becomes Navratras, here this is a period of fasting for seven days, and the people are said to keep their "Navratras" or fasts. On the eighth day or Ashtami, devotees break their fasts by calling young girls home and these girls are treated as the goddess herself. They are called "Kanjak Devis". People ceremonially wash their feet, worship them and then offer food to the "girl-goddesses" giving them the traditional 'puri', ' halwa' and chana' to eat along with bangles and the red 'chunnis' to wear with a token amount of money as "shagun". The ninth day is then called Navami which means literally the ninth day of this holy and pious period. Another prevalent practice is of sowing pulses, cereals and other seeds on the first day of this festival in a pot which is watered for nine days at the end of which the seeds sprout. This pot is worshipped throughout the nine days. This custom is also indicative of fertility worship and is known as "Khetri".It is significant of prosperity and abundance. On the first day of the Navaratras, grains of barley are planted in the puja room of the house. Every day some water is sprinkled on it. On the tenth day, the shoots are about 3 - 5 inches in length. After the puja, these seedlings or the "Khetri" as this is referred to is submerged in water . This custom suggests a link to harvesting. The sowing and reaping of barley is symbolic of the "first fruit". 

West Bengal & Eastern India :- In West Bengal, Navratri is celebrated as Durga Pooja, where beautiful idols of the Goddess are decorated and adorned, and worshipped for a period of nine days and immersed on the tenth day. Different manifestations of Durga are worshipped every night and this is one of the biggest and most important festivals for the people of W. Bengal. For these ceremonies Pundals (temporary public booths) are erected. The ceremonies are conducted amidst grand prayers and mass feeding.
South India : - In southern India celebrations constitute a display of images of God and toys at home for nine days amidst much pomp and gaiety with poojas and archanas conducted for Goddess Durga.

In different states of India especially around the North, the Ram Leela is performed during Navratri. It is the staged enaction of the Ramayana. This is the day according to the Ramayana when Lord Ram killed the demon Ravana and hence this day marks the victory of good over evil. The day after Navratri (i.e the tenth day) is known as Dassera. In many parts of India this is also referred to "Vijaya Dashmi" and is celebrated with equal pomp and glory associated with Divali.
In northern India, on the tenth day (Dassera) giant effigies of Ravana. Kumbhakarna and Meghnad (Lord Rama's enemies), are publicly burnt. But despite the various ways in which this festival is celebrated the feature that is common is that of the worship of the mother goddess.

Hindu-Blog.com: "Different Colour of Saris That are offered to Hindu Goddess"

Namaste, Hari Om,

"Different Colour of Saris That are offered to Hindu Goddess" - Hindu-Blog.com

I never really knew the actual colors for the other Devi's, but its interesting to note when we perform Puja at our home or Mandir. Also the explanation is really nice:

Enjoy,
-SimpleHinduBhai

From Hindu-Blog.com:
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Different Colour of Saris That are offered to Hindu Goddess


One of the most important offering that is made to a Hindu Goddess is traditional sari and blouse – cotton saree or silk sari. The sari offering is traditionally made to incarnations of Goddess Shakti – Durga, Bhagavathy, Parvati etc. But saris are also offered to various other goddesses in Hindu pantheon like Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati. The color of the sari depends on the purpose of manifestation – thus most Shakti incarnations are given red saris as they appeared to restore Dharma by annihilating Adharma.

Durga is offered only Red color sari.

Goddess Lakshmi is offered orange, yellow or red color – mostly a mix of yellow and red or mix of orange and red.

Goddess Saraswati is offered White color sari or Yellow color – or a mix of yellow and white. When it is a mixed color yellow will be the border color.

Goddess Kali is offered Purple color sari in most regions. In some regions a mix of purple and red.

The saris are offered to Goddess Bhagavathy in South India on any Tuesday or Friday or any of the auspicious days associated with the Goddess.

In other regions the offering is made during Navratri, Durga Puja and during the Jayanti celebrations of various incarnations of Shakti.

Hindu-Blog.com: "Navratri Puja Lamp – For How many days should one keep lamp or Diya during Navaratri?"

Namaste, Hari Om,

"Navratri Puja Lamp – For How many days should one keep lamp or Diya during Navaratri?"

Nice article on Hindu-Blog.com, talks about lighting Diyas (Deep) on this special time of the year. Nautratrii starts this friday, so lets all try to keep the diya lit for at least three days. Special reason why written below.

Happy Nauratrii to everyone!

- SimpleHinduBhai

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Hindu-Blog.com:

 The lighting of the lamp for Navratri Puja is known as Deepa Stamba Sthapana in some regions. The Navratri lights (diya) are lit for nine or seven or five or three days. The lamp should be lit using ghee and it should be continuously lit for 9 or 7 or 5 or 3 days. The number of wick used in lamp varies from region to region – but generally during auspicious occasions like Navratri puja people light 5 or 7 wicks in a traditional lamp. You can also light one or two wicks.


The lamp that is lit during Navratri should be adorned with flowers or garland.

It is believed that while prayers are offered before the lamp – 27 nakshatras or birth stars are invoked atop the lamp.

Only rule that should be carefully followed is that once the lamp is lit is should be continuously lit for 9, 7, 5 or 3 days. You should not stop after the first day and then start two days after. 

Hindu Calendar Oct 22nd 2010: Maharas Purnima - "divine Raas Lila of Sri Krishna with Radha and Gopis"

Namaste, Hari Om,

Oct 22nd, 2010 Ras Leela.

Also see more detailed information on the Ras Leela from this website;
http://www.krishnajanmashtami.com/performing-rasleela.html

Enjoy,
Jai Shri Krishna,
-SimpleHinduBhai

Nice article From Hindu-Blog.com:
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Maharas Purnima

The Purnima or full moon day in Ashwin month (September – October) is observed as Maharas Purnima in Braj region of North India. Maharas Purnima 2010 date is October 22. It is believed that divine Raas Lila of Sri Krishna with Radha and Gopis happened on the night of Maharas Purnima. Due to this importance, the day is also referred as Raas Lila Divas or Ras Lila day. A fasting (Vrata) is also observed on the day. The day is popularly known as Sharad Purnima.

There is also a close connection between the moon and the Sharath Purnima day – it is believed that moon’s rays contain nourishing elements. It is believed that the moon is closest to the earth on the day

The significance of Sharat Purnima is mentioned in the 10th chapter of the Srimad Bhagavad Purana. It is also said that the moon is close to the earth on the day and due to this the rays of the moon has several curative properties.

Hindu Calendar: Sept 15th 2010 - Radha Ashtami (birthday of Radha)

Namaste, Hari Om,

From Hindu-Blog.com;

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.

Hindu-Blog: Pictures of 32 forms of Ganesha – Photo Gallery and Slide Show of 32 forms of Ganesh

Namaste, Hari Om,

http://www.zeenews.com/imagegallery1514.htm

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.

http://www.zeenews.com/imagegallery1514.htm

Hindu Calendar: Ganesh Jayanti Saturday Sept 11, 2010 - Guide to Worshipping Lord Ganesha

Namaste, Hari Om, Jai Ganesh Baba,

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!

We did post about Lord Ganesh in an earlier post, see the link below:
http://simplehindubhai.blogspot.com/2010/01/lord-ganesha-remover-of-obstacles.html

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!

Krishna Janmashtami is on 1st/2nd September 2010

The above painting is form an artist named Syamarani dasi and is copyrighted www.bhaktiart.net.

 

Namaste, Hari Om, Jai Shri Krishna,

Happy Krishna Janmashtami!

This wonderful day needs no major introduction, best thing to do is read the Glorious Gita and sign the praises of Shri Krishna. Also going to your local Mandir to support plays, dances and the event will make you feel happier. A link on Hindu-Blog.com helps us all to further understand this wonderful day, also see below from the site;

 -SimpleHinduBhai

                                 "Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birthday of Lord Krishna and is observed on the eighth day of the Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapad month as per traditional calendar followed in North India. The corresponding months in other region is the Shravan month. In 2010, the date of Janmashtami in North India is September 2 and in other parts it is on September 1.

The Sri Krishna Janmashtami is observed on different days in different parts of India and this is due to the differences in regional calendars and also due to the various calculations in the time of the birth of Krishna.

The Smarta Tradition observes the festival on September 1 and the Vaishnava Tradition on September 2.

In Maharashtra, Janmashtami is famous for the Dahi Handi and the next day is observed as Gopalkala.

Special pujas are held in Sri Krishna Temples around the world. Special poojas and rituals are also held at midnight – the time of Krishna’s birth. Processions with tabloids depicting various episodes from the life of Shri Krishna enacted by children are a major highlight of the festival.

Staunch Krishna devotees fast on the day and it is a 24-hour fast."

Source: http://www.hindu-blog.com/2009/08/janmashtami-2009-sri-krishna.html

How to celebrate Krishna Jayanti: http://www.hindu-blog.com/2007/09/how-to-celebrate-or-perform-rituals-on.html

Importance of Krishna Jayanti: http://www.hindu-blog.com/2007/09/significance-of-sri-krishna-jayanti.html

Bharatanatyam Krishna Nee Begane Baaro:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bRP3hTpQP8


Jai Shri RadhaKrishna,

Hindu Calendar: Tulsidas Jayanti - Sunday August 15, 2010

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Namaste, Hari Om , SitaRam,

Sunday Aug 15, 2010 will mark a great day in Hinduism, the Jayanti (birth) of Goswami Tulsidasa Ji, the creator of the Ramcharitmanasa.

Many of you know of the Ramayana, Tulsidasa's gift was a blessing of Shri Ram himself. The ability to have the vision and love is truly the work of a great aatma (soul).

Tulsidasa's story is an interesting one, the link below from Hindu Jagruti helps to provide a brief but meaningful view of Tulsidasa Ji.

http://www.hindujagruti.org/articles/39.html#4 <- Please click here for the full story on Tulsidasa Ji.

On this day, fasting will be great, but even greater will be remembering Shri SitaRam and the wonderful glories written by Goswami Tulsidasa Ji. Reading the Ramayana will be a blessing to anyone, but on this day, remembering Tulsidasa's love and joy for Shri Ram is a blessing in itself.

Please note: if you do not have a Ramayana, Youtube is a good source for videos on the Ramayana, also the link from Gita Press is a place to find a .pdf version of the Ramayana so you can read on your computer.

YouTube: 
- Tulsidas Movie (One of my favorite movies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA8s1zOBbOM , part 1).
- Mohammed Rafi - KAHA JUPE HO RAJA RAM (Tulsidas) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-3Xl7HkEXA <- Beautiful song, shows us The Name of Shri Ram is all you need. Ram Nam Satya hain!


Gita Press: http://www.gitapress.org/Download_Eng_pdf.htm

Jai Shri Sita Ram, Jai Jai Goswami Tulsidasa!!

SitaRam, Jaya Ram, SitaRam.
- SimpleHinduBhai