Astrology and Mythology are related ?
Astrology and Mythology are related ? In Hindu belief, astrology and mythology mesh perfectly, showcasing Indian spirituality and the universe in ancient times. Here’s their connection: 1. Mythology as the Foundation of Astrology Mythology as Astrology‘s Grounding Myths from Hindu culture give astrology its context. Take the Navagrahas‘ tales (nine heavenly bodies), which are taken from mythological writings like the Puranas. Each graha (planet) becomes a divine figure with its distinct character traits, backstories, and roles in the cosmos.Think of it like this, Surya, or the Sun, is seen as the universe’s life force. On the other hand, Shani – that’s Saturn – is famous for dealing out justice. These storybook jobs shed light on how they’re seen in astrology. 2. Nakshatras and Divine Associations The 27 Hindu lunar mansions, known as nakshatras, each hold a link to a certain god or goddess. For instance, the nakshatra Krittika is connected to Agni, the firegod, and Revati is linked to Sarasvati, the goddess of wisdom. Each nakshatra takes on meaningful symbolism in astrological contexts from these divine ties. 3. Epic References to Astrology Stories such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana, revered Hindu works, include mentions of astrology. For example, Lord Rama’s birth time is clearly marked in the Ramayana, aligning with a favorable star configuration. These tales highlight the significance of sky events impacting our lives. 4. Karmic Philosophy Both astrology and mythology highlight the rule of karma. Tales from mythology show times when star-related beings change people’s lives. It’s mostly because of what they did in the past. Astrology readings do the same thing, but they go deep into karmic trends. 5. Symbolism in Rituals and Festivals Hindu celebrations and customs often match up with events in the stars, like solar and lunar eclipses or changes in the planets’ positions. These sky events are seen as grand cosmic tales in mythology. Stories like the shadow planets Rahu and Ketu causing eclipses come from the dramatic tale of the ocean’s churning (Samudra Manthan).Astrology as a Continuation of Mythological Beliefs. The source of astrology roots in myth stories and mythology. Take the placement and features of the celestial bodies. Fables tell us gods or magical events decided these. Thus, astrology becomes a useful way to understand myths. Hindu astrology and mythology beautifully mix heavenly symbols, godly tales, and thoughtful lessons. They provide a clear guide for life, both in spiritual and practical matters. Their combined power shows a strong respect for how everything in the universe links together. Explore Categories GODGODDESSDEMONSVAHAANSPIRITUAL PLACESMYTHOLOGICAL CREATURE Enhance Your Senses ! Divine Court of Bastar Trial And Punishment of Deity Muchukunda Gufa Tale Of Durga & Shumbha ! Tale of Devi Mahatmya and Chanda – Munda Who is Chand-Mund ? Indus Valley Civilization and Goddess
Divine Court of Bastar
Divine Court of Bastar In the unique divine court, bastar village leaders act like lawyers, and hens become witnesses. After each trial, a hen is set free, signaling its testimonial is over. A bastar village leader issues the judgment, assumed to echo the instructions of the goddess. Punished gods are then relocated from the temple, sometimes housed under trees – taken as symbolic jailing. Decorations of gold or silver remain on the idols. Tribals of bastar won’t dare to steal, believing that it will beckon divine punishment. As with any court, a ledger is kept. It includes all case specifics – the number of gods accused, the type of presumed crimes, the witnesses, and the final verdicts. Appeals Against Sentences In normal legal rules, you can challenge a sentence in a superior court. Yet, in Bastar‘s spiritual tribunal, Bhangaram Devi takes appeals, the one who announced the sentencing. If these banished Gods seek pardon and convince the divinity, their banishment is put on hold, and they’re allowed back in the temple. Poonam Vasam, a poet, explains, “This is a community construct. It’s thought that just like humans need to carry out their duties in the community of bastar, gods are required to do the same. If they can’t protect or assist their people, they get punished just like us.” In Bastar, tribes have unique gods and goddesses. Local tales tell that many of these deities were once human. Their excellent actions raised them to a heavenly rank. READ MORE.. Divine Court of Bastar Divine Court of Bastar 09 December 2024 Divine Court of Bastar In the unique divine court, bastar village leaders act like lawyers, and hens… Read More Trials at Bhangaram Devi Temple Trials at Bhangaram Devi Temple 09 December 2024 Trials at Bhangaram Devi Temple In the heart of India, tucked in Chhattisgarh‘s green Bastar region,… Read More Trial And Punishment of Deity Trial And Punishment of Deity 09 December 2024 Trial And Punishment of Deity Bastar, a tribal region in Chhattisgarh, is famous for its unique courts… Read More Muchukunda Gufa Muchukunda Gufa 03 December 2024 Muchukunda Gufa In the area of Mana near Badrinath, you find a special… Read More Legends of Dwarka Legends of Dwarka 03 December 2024 Legends of Dwarka Krishna‘s worst… Read More Krishna And Mahabharata Krishna And Mahabharata 03 December 2024 Krishna And Mahabharata In the grand saga of the Mahabharata, Krishna shines… Read More MAGICAL DWARKA MAGICAL DWARKA 03 December 2024 MAGICAL DWARKA The kings of Dwarka were Ugrasen, then Balarama. However,… Read More Lord Krishna’s City-Dwarka Lord Krishna’s City-Dwarka 03 December 2024 Lord Krishna’s City-Dwarka Lord Krishna moved his family from Mathura to Gujarat,… Read More TALE OF DURGA & SHUMBHA ! TALE OF DURGA & SHUMBHA ! 30 November 2024 TALE OF DURGA & SHUMBHA ! Chanda and Munda hint to Shumbha that there’s… Read More Tale of Devi Mahatmya and Chanda-Munda Tale of Devi Mahatmya and Chanda-Munda 30 November 2024 Tale of Devi Mahatmya and Chanda – Munda Chanda and Munda are the… Read More
Trial And Punishment of Deity
Trial And Punishment of Deity Bastar, a tribal region in Chhattisgarh, is famous for its unique courts where even divine beings aren’t spared! These special courts occur yearly in a temple, pronouncing the deity guilty and delivering punishment. With tribals making up 70 per cent of Bastar’s populace, this area is rich in traditions and tales that are unique to the Gond, Maria, Bhatra, Halba, and Dhurwa tribes. The “jan adalat” or people’s court is one such tradition that occurs annually at Bhangaram Devi temple during the Bhado Jatra monsoon festival. The Deity Trial Over the festival’s three days, trials overseen by temple deity Bhangaram Devi take place. The gods are the defendants, animals and birds act as witnesses, and the villagers are the plaintiffs. The villagers bring forth grievances, from crop failures to unresolved illnesses – any unfulfilled prayer is fair game. The punishments ? A deity found at fault is exiled. Their symbols, mostly wooden totems, are ejected from the temple, banished to its peripheral grounds. Sometimes, the banishment can be finite or infinite, depending on if the deity corrects its ways and regains temple acceptance. People from approximately 240 neighboring villages gather to witness these divine trials, culminating in a feast.Behind the festival, which is a symbol of India’s rich diversity, is an idea that even Gods are accountable to the people. READ MORE… Blog Divine Court of Bastar Divine Court of Bastar In the unique divine court, bastar village leaders act like lawyers, and hens… Read More Blog Trials at Bhangaram Devi Temple Trials at Bhangaram Devi Temple In the heart of India, tucked in Chhattisgarh‘s green Bastar region,… Read More Blog Trial And Punishment of Deity Trial And Punishment of Deity Bastar, a tribal region in Chhattisgarh, is famous for its unique courts… Read More Blog Muchukunda Gufa Muchukunda Gufa In the area of Mana near Badrinath, you find a special… Read More Blog Legends of Dwarka Legends of Dwarka Krishna‘s worst… Read More Blog Krishna And Mahabharata Krishna And Mahabharata In the grand saga of the Mahabharata, Krishna shines… Read More Blog MAGICAL DWARKA MAGICAL DWARKA The kings of Dwarka were Ugrasen, then Balarama. However,… Read More Blog Lord Krishna’s City-Dwarka Lord Krishna’s City-Dwarka Lord Krishna moved his family from Mathura to Gujarat,… Read More Blog TALE OF DURGA & SHUMBHA ! TALE OF DURGA & SHUMBHA ! Chanda and Munda hint to Shumbha that there’s… Read More Blog Tale of Devi Mahatmya and Chanda-Munda Tale of Devi Mahatmya and Chanda – Munda Chanda and Munda are the… Read More
Muchukunda Gufa
Muchukunda Gufa In the area of Mana near Badrinath, you find a special cave. This cave is known as Muchukunda Gufa. Long ago, King Muchukunda practiced his devotions to Lord Narayana here. Afterward, he achieved moksha, a pure state of liberation and peace. Just a short distance away, under a kilometre, is Vyasa Gufa. This spot is in the Mana Village of the Chamoli district, in Uttarakhand. Both caves have a significance all their own. Muchukunda Gufa is a must-visit for those with deep faith. The lotus footprints of Lord Vishnu are present inside this cave. Lord Vishnu had once blessed King Muchukunda with his vision. These footprints have now become a significant draw for the faithful, making this cave even more holy. The location of the cave has its charm. It’s nestled in the untouched beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas. Getting there might be a bit hard for some. The journey is through rugged terrains with patches of lush greenery. But the hiking challenge is worth it for many devotees. The lila of the lord Krishna Lord Krishna‘s interactions with King Muchukunda are detailed in volume ten of the Srimad-Bhagavata Purana. Lord Ramachandra, of the Ikshvaku dynasty, is the lineage King Muchukunda hails from. He is the son of King Mandhata. His fame spread far and wide. Traditional Vedic values? He championed them, as was common in the Ikshvaku dynasty. Lord Indra himself sought King Muchukunda‘s assistance in the battle against the asuras, siding with the devatas. The king said yes, personal interests set aside, and engaged in years-long battles, mirroring the timescales of elevated planetary systems. Lord Karthikheya, the head of the devatas requested him, finally, to retire and rest. King Muchukunda Begins Resting Karthikeya acknowledged the king’s deeds and advised him that going home wasn’t sensible. Too much time had elapsed; loved ones and advisors were gone. He offered the king any blessing excluding ultimate liberation, as his mind only pondered rest. Feeling immense fatigue, the king simply craved sleep. He asked a unique favor – to turn into ashes anyone disturbing his sleep. Karthikeya granted King Muchukunda this wish along with his desired tranquility. At this point, King Muchukunda settled in a remote cave, straddling Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh’s boundaries. During Lord Krishna’s time on earth, the king experienced the Lord’s kindness.
Legends of Dwarka
Legends of Dwarka Krishna‘s worst fear came true. With sadness, he watched his cherished Dwarka transform into a city of excess and vanity. The Yadavas had gained immense wealth and sunk deep into debauchery, prompting Balarama to prohibit wine. Yet, during a festival at Prabhas Patan, they defied the ban and, filled with wine, began a killing spree in their drunken state. When Krishna witnessed the death of his son Pradyumna and grandson Aniruddha, he alongside Balarama, lost all motivation and retreated into the forest. यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत। अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम् ॥ Balarama left this world first, followed by Krishna, the victim of a hunter’s poisoned arrow mistaken for a deer. Krishna ascended to heaven and unified with the god’s radiance. Post his demise, Dwarka also vanished when a colossal tidal wave swept away its grandeur. Prior to his ascension, Krishna had instructed his charioteer Daruka to bring Arjuna, his friend. On Krishna’s command, Arjuna escorted Dwarka’s women and children to Hastinapur. In the Mahabharata, Arjuna describes Dwarka’s final moments as the ocean god, Samudra, claimed the land lent to Krishna. In his words, “I watched the beautiful buildings submerge one after the other. Within moments everything was swallowed. The ocean calmed, leaving no trace of the city. Dwarka is now just a memory.” Krishna‘s demise marked the end of the third Hindu era, Dvapar Yuga, and the beginning of Kali Yuga. Krishna’s great-grandson, Vajranabha, restored the lost kingdom. He travelled back to Dwarka’s coast and built a temple in Krishna’s memory, which became the original Dwarkadhish Temple. Considered one of the most sacred Vaishnava tirthas, Dwarka pays homage to Vishnu’s eighth avatar, Krishna. Known as Dwarkadhish and Dwarkanath, Krishna is the lord of the city. Affectionately known as Ranchhodji, the battle-leaver, and Trivikrama, the grand ruler of the three worlds.
Krishna And Mahabharata
Krishna And Mahabharata In the grand saga of the Mahabharata, Krishna shines as a king, fighter, leader, and thinker. He’s a layered character who has intrigued admirers and scholars for ages. His tale intertwines with that of two cousin groups, the Kauravas and the Pandavas, and their struggle for power. Ruling various kingdoms, they compete fiercely, leading to a deceit-filled game where the Pandavas are robbed of all they hold dear, including their honor. In their darkest hour, Krishna steps in to save the day, protecting them from Dusshasan’s cruelties. The tension escalates, war looms, and each side rallies allies. Both Duryodhan of the Kauravas and Arjuna of the Pandavas covet Krishna’s alliance. However, Krishna maintains neutrality, offering only his chariot services, not his physical participation. Interest piqued, Arjuna opts for Krishna, leaving Duryodhan with Krishna’s formidable army. Thusly, Krishna, the remarkable king, assumes the humble duty of a charioteer. As historian Irawati Karve notes, Krishna’s unbiased guidance was the crucial key to the Pandavas’ plan. यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत। अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम् ॥ This strategic prowess amplifies Krishna’s heroism in the grand narrative. The battle begins and Arjuna staggers morally, his affection for his relatives making him hesitant to fight. He gets disheartened, laying down his weapons. Krishna‘s counsel becomes Arjuna’s fortitude, encouraging him to persist. These powerful words are encapsulated in the Bhagavat Gita, a Hindu philosophical masterpiece that stresses duty and karma. The philosophy inspires many today, promoting a balanced lifestyle with measured actions, as Krishna advises. With the Pandavas victorious, Krishna returns to Dwarka, shadowed by a hefty curse. He witnesses the eradication of the Kauravas in battle, a tragedy that Gandhari, their mother, links to Krishna. Her curse binds him to a grim destiny: observe his kinsmen destroy themselves.
Lord Krishna’s City-Dwarka
Lord Krishna’s City-Dwarka Lord Krishna moved his family from Mathura to Gujarat, coastal India. They created a city next to the sea, named Dwaravati or Dwarka. This city prospered as long as Krishna stayed and it disappeared beneath the ocean when he died, suggesting its existence depended on him. Dwarka never forgot Lord Krishna. His dynamic spirit still touches this peaceful coastal city. He is honored every day at the grand Dwarkadhish Temple with lamps, flowers, incense, and chants. Folks sing hymns and perform ecstatic dances. They consider him Dwarkadhish, the superior lord of Dwarka. Dwarka appears often in the scriptures of the “Mahabharata“. Here, many stories of the Pandava brothers from Hastinapur take place. Arjun often visited Krishna and ended up marrying Krishna’s sister, Subhadra. Different scripts, such as Harivamsa, Bhagavat Purana, Skanda Purana, and Vishnu Purana mention the city too. People believe it’s a place where you can attain spiritual liberation from the cycle of life and death. Although the ancient stones of Dwaravati are now deeply beneath the Arabian Sea, Krishna’s caring spirit invites every pilgrimage from across the country. Krishna’s Life Krishna grew up near the Yamuna River in Mathura-Vrindavan, in what we now call Uttar Pradesh. But why did he set up his kingdom so far away in Gujarat’s Dwarka? This epic journey of the Yadava tribe is an intriguing story from the Mahabharata. The plot thickens when Krishna and his older brother Balarama overthrew their wicked uncle Kansa, the self-made king of Mathura. Kansa had taken the crown and sent his own father Ugrasen to prison. Afterwards, Ugrasen was reinstated as king but the real ruler of Mathura was Krishna. This change in power made Mathura an enemy of Jarasandha, the mighty king of Magadha. His two daughters had married Kansa, so Jarasandha despised Krishna. Additionally, Jarasandha dreamed of ruling an empire and had captured many local kings. But Krishna and his Yadava warriors stood in his way. Despite losing to Krishna eighteen times, Jarasandha wouldn’t admit defeat. Krishna knew he could win again but the constant battles had worn his people down. As if things weren’t tough enough, Jarasandha’s partner Kalyavahan, the Yavana king, planned to attack from the west while Jarasandha readied his troops for a nineteenth attack from the east. To protect his people, Krishna decided to escape the repetitive battles. He led his tribe across North India to distant Saurashtra. Krishna picked a place to settle that was guarded by the sea on one side and round hills on the other. Dwarka was so safe that Jarasandha never threatened them again there. Krishna even earned a new nickname in Dwarka, Ranchhodji. ‘Ran’ translates to battlefield and ‘chhor’ means to quit. So Ranchhodji describes a king who left the battlefield.
SEAL AND SHIVA OF INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION
SEAL AND SHIVA OF INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION The mystery of the Indus Valley civilization fascinates many. Researchers tirelessly delve into the ancient era, studying old landmarks and artifacts to piece together the civilization’s history. A relic that propels this pursuit is the Pashupati Seal found in the ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro. The artifact’s varied interpretations provide insight into the civilization’s religious customs. This small relic holds powerful clues to the vast puzzle of the Indus Valley civilization. Measuring a mere 3.56 cm by 3.53 cm and 0.76 cm thick, the tiny seal is crafted from soapstone. The discovery was made in 1928-1929, with estimates placing the seal’s creation between 2350-2000 BCE. The seal’s central figure – a man with a horned headpiece – disrupts the norm of animals being the primary characters in Indus Valley seals. This man, perched on an elevated stage in a yoga pose, has three elongated, sharp-featured faces. His arms display a wealth of bangles stretching from wrist to shoulder, while necklaces cover his chest. Tassels on a belt adorn his waist. The intricate art of the Indus Valley civilization shows various plant-eating wild animals surrounding the seated man.Depictions of a rhino, an elephant, a buffalo, and a tiger, with the tiger appearing to attack the man, fill the seal. There are also two goats near the figure, their purpose – whether as animals or design elements of the platform – remaining unclear. Undeciphered Indus Valley civilization script adorns the seal. The seal’s purpose remains unknown but could have been a trading tool or an amulet, going by the hole seen on other seals. Thus, the seal might have been an identity marker for a community or worn as a status symbol. A number of historians have shared thoughts about a small seal’s scene. Most believe the human figure sitting is Shiva or Rudra, his other name. This idea came from John Marshall, an archaeologist and Director-General for the Archaeological Survey of India. He pointed out four reasons for his theory. First, the seated man’s three faces match some images of Shiva, who sometimes has four or five heads that look like three from the front. Second, the headpiece horns might depict Nandi, Shiva’s bull. Third, the man’s yoga pose links him to Shiva, who is seen as the first yogi and yoga’s source. Fourth, wild animals around the man might tie to Pashupati, another Shiva form known as ‘the animal king’, giving the seal its name. However, some have disagreed. Doris Srinivasan, Indian studies professor, argues the figure is a god that’s half man and half buffalo. She thinks the figure has cow ears, not three faces. Since their society relied on farming, cattle were essential, and a cattle god fits. Others have a slightly different idea. They believe the seal shows asura, a type of demon, rather than a god, but still half man and half buffalo. They say this could be a depiction of Mahishasura, a known asura who was defeated by Goddess Durga. Durga’s tiger, Dawon, might be the one attacking the figure in the seal. Some historians believe the figure might resemble gods from Vedic tales, such as Agni, Indra, and Varun. Leaving behind religious views, the seal also gives clues about yoga’s history in India. The figure’s pose, called Mulabandhasana, is a hard yoga posture. It demands flexible knees, hips, legs, ankles, and feet. Its presence on the seal of the Indus Valley civilization suggests advanced yoga was practised in the Indus Valley, indicating yoga may have started before or during their civilization.
Who is Vishnu and Garuda?
Who is Vishnu and Garuda? Vishnu stands as one god within the Hindu trio known as the Trimurti. This trio, consisting of Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva, each bear different responsibilities concerning our world. While Brahma’s job involves creating the universe, Shiva’s duty calls for its destruction. In contrast, Vishnu preserves and safeguards the universe. Vishnu’s role entails returning to earth during hardships, reestablishing the equilibrium of good and evil. Currently, Hindus believe Vishnu has reincarnated nine times. They also believe a final reincarnation will happen before this world’s end. People who worship Vishnu, known as Vaishnavas, view him as the supreme god. They see the remaining gods as minor or semi-gods. Vaishnavas hold Vishnu in exclusive admiration. This single-minded devotion to Vishnu is coined Vaishnavism. image of lord vishnu and garuda , pc-google images Garuda, a significant figure in Hindu myths, is a bird, which could be a dragon or eagle. Vishnu, a deity, considers this bird his mountain.The Rig Veda, an ancient text, compares the sun to a bird soaring in the sky. This eagle bring the celestial ambrosia plant from the sky to earth. In the epic tale of Mahabharata, it’s said that Garuda and Aruna, the sun god Surya’s charioteer, were brothers. Garuda’s mom, Vinata, considered as the birds’ mother, was fooled into being a servant to her sibling and fellow spouse, Kadru, the Nagas (snakes) mother. image of lord vishnu and garuda , pc-google images The continuing enmity between birds, especially Garuda, and snakes is believed to have resulted from this. The Nagas agreed to release Vinata if Garuda could obtain a draught of the elixir of immortality, either amrita or soma. Garuda accomplished this feat, endowing the snake with the ability to shed its old skin. On his way back from heaven, he met the god Vishnu and agreed to serve as his vehicle and as his emblem. Garuda. Krishna Garuda. Krishna ascending on Garuda, Satyabhama, opaque watercolor, gold and silver on paper, Bundi, Rajasthan, India, c.1730. At the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. One document describes Garuda as emerald green, with a dragon’s beak, round eyes, golden wings and four arms, and a dragon-like chest, knees and legs. He is depicted as an anthropomorphic figure with wings and hawk-like features. His two hands are folded in prayer (anjali mudra) and the other two hold an umbrella and a pot of amrita. Sometimes Vishnu rides on his shoulders. Images of Garuda are used by Vishnu devotees to show their affiliation. Coins from the Gupta period feature such images. With the spread of Hinduism, Garuda traveled to Nepal and Southeast Asia, where he is often depicted on monuments. He is related to the royal families of several countries in Southeast Asia. image of lord vishnu and garuda , pc-google images
God Of Love – KamaDev
God Of Love – Kama Dev In the ancient Indian scripture Rigveda, we first meet Kamadeva (kamadev). His name joins ‘kama,’ meaning desire, and ‘deva,’ God, and thus he’s known as the ‘God of Desire’. An interesting way to picture him? Imagine a person flying on a parrot, holding a bow made from a sugarcane stalk. Now, think of the bow string – it’s a line of buzzing bees! As for his arrows, they’re not the usual ones. They’re flower-tipped, symbolizing desire. That’s Kamadeva’s unique way to spread love – those arrows can make anyone fall in love! Tale of Lord Shiva and kamadev Kamadeva was cursed by Shiva and was finally brought back to life only after Shiva and Parvati were happily married! There could be two reasons for this. For starters, Kamadeva was considered a part of the Vaishanava tradition, thought to be Vishnu and Lakshmi‘s son. Later on, Krishna took over as the ideal lover. Krishna, one of our most widely beloved gods, is perceived as the timeless lover alongside Radha and the gopis. In Mathura, there’s even a trace of a festival dedicated to the local god of love – Madana, that was absorbed by Krishna’s followers. There is celebration in the city that used to be the Madana Leela is now honored as Krishna’s Raas Leela! Kamadeva, a character dating back to the Rigveda, has a name that simply means ‘God of Desire.’ His description is vivid, involving him riding a parrot and holding a bow crafted from a stalk of sugar-cane. This bow is strung with a line of bees that hum. His arrows? They’re not your common ones. They’re flower-tipped, representing desire itself! Supposedly, their influence can make anyone fall in love! The Indian Kamadeva, the Greek God Eros, and the Roman Cupid share clear similarities in storytelling. The most outstanding story is when Kamadeva disturbed Lord Shiva‘s meditation to help Parvati, a king’s daughter, get his attention. Shiva, upset by the intrusion, lashed out at Kama with a curse. The love God returned to life once Shiva and Parvati tied the knot. It appears Kamadeva never truly bounced back as there aren’t many stories about him afterward.
