Sanatan Dharma

Is Krishna and Jagannath same ? Krishna: Krishna is a central figure in Hinduism and is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, one of the supreme deities in Hindu mythology. He is revered as a teacher, philosopher, and divine hero. Krishna's life is extensively described in the ancient Hindu scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita, Mahabharata, and the Puranas. He is often depicted as a young cowherd playing the flute and is associated with love, devotion, and divine playfulness. Jagannath: Jagannath is a form of Lord Vishnu worshipped primarily in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. Jagannath, along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, is the presiding deity of the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. The temple is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus in India. Jagannath is depicted as a dark, wooden deity with large round eyes and a smiling face. The worship of Jagannath has its unique rituals and traditions associated with the Jagannath Temple. While

What happens every 12 years in Jagannath temle ?  In the Jagannath Temple, located in Puri, Odisha, India, a significant event known as the "Nabakalebara" takes place approximately every 12 to 19 years. The term "Nabakalebara" translates to "new embodiment" or "new form." During this ceremony, the wooden deities of Lord Jagannath (Krishna), Lord Balabhadra (Balarama), Devi Subhadra, and Sudarshana (a celestial wheel) are replaced with new idols carved out of specially identified neem trees. The Nabakalebara event is considered highly sacred and holds immense religious and cultural significance. It involves complex rituals and ceremonies performed by a specific group of temple priests. The process of finding suitable neem trees, carving the new idols, and transferring the spiritual essence or "Brahma" from the old idols to the new ones is meticulously executed.

Origin of Sanatan Dharma  Sanatana Dharma, often referred to as Hinduism, is one of the oldest religions in the World. The term "Sanatana Dharma" itself emerged later in history and translates to "eternal or timeless dharma." It encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices, and philosophical systems that have evolved and transformed over thousands of years. The foundations of Sanatana Dharma are found in the Vedas, the oldest sacred texts of Hinduism, which were composed between 1500 and 500 BCE. The Vedic period witnessed the development of key concepts and rituals that form the basis of Hinduism, such as the worship of various deities, sacrificial rituals, and the exploration of philosophical ideas. The Vedic texts, including the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda, contain hymns, prayers, rituals, and philosophical discussions. Over time, Sanatana Dharma absorbed and assimilated various cultural, religious, and philosophical influences, leading to the

What is special about Jagannath temple  The Jagannath Temple, also known as the Shree Jagannath Temple, is a famous Hindu temple located in Puri, Odisha, India. It is one of the most renowned and sacred pilgrimage sites in Hinduism and holds immense cultural and religious significance. Here are some aspects that make the Jagannath Temple special: Lord Jagannath: The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Jagannath is worshipped alongside his siblings, Lord Balabhadra (Balarama) and Devi Subhadra. The deities are believed to be self-manifested from an ancient wooden log known as the Daru Brahma. Rath Yatra: The Jagannath Temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra or Chariot Festival. It is one of the most grandiose religious processions in the world, drawing millions of devotees from all over India and abroad. During this festival, the deities are taken out of the temple in massive chariots and pulled through the streets of Puri. Prasad: The temple is know

Ratha Yatra Celebration Puri Ratha Yatra Puri Ratha Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival or Car Festival, is an annual Hindu festival that takes place in the city of Puri, Odisha, India. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Krishna, and celebrates his journey to his aunt's house, Gundicha Temple. The festival typically occurs in the month of June or July, during the Ashadha Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the Hindu calendar. The main highlight of the festival is the procession of the deities in massive, elaborately decorated chariots. The three main chariots used in the Ratha Yatra are: Nandighosa: This is the chariot of Lord Jagannath, which is approximately 45 feet high and has 16 wheels. It is painted yellow and red and is crowned with a wheel-shaped flag called Nandimukha. Taladhwaja: This chariot belongs to Lord Balabhadra, the elder brother of Lord Jagannath. It is around 44 feet high and has 14 wheels. It is painted in blue and red and has a flag with a

Paths of Yoga Four paths of Yoga  Raja Yoga: Raja Yoga, also known as the "Royal Path of Yoga," focuses on meditation and mental control. It emphasizes the cultivation of the mind through practices such as asana (physical postures), pranayama (breath control), concentration, and meditation. The goal of Raja Yoga is to attain self-realization and union with the divine by quieting the fluctuations of the mind. Bhakti Yoga: Bhakti Yoga is the path of devotion and love for the divine. It involves cultivating a deep sense of devotion, surrender, and worship towards a chosen deity, formless divine, or a higher power. Bhakti Yoga is often expressed through practices such as prayer, chanting, singing devotional songs, and engaging in rituals. The aim of Bhakti Yoga is to dissolve the ego and experience union with the divine through love and devotion. Karma Yoga: Karma Yoga is the path of selfless action and service. It emphasizes performing one's duties and actions without attach

Moksha or liberation is the ultimate goal, the highest endeavor. It is your right. Freedom from sorrows is your right. Freedom from bondage is your right. Freedom from attachment is your right. Liberation or Moksha is your right, after righteousness (Dharma), material prosperity (Ardh) and pleasure (kama

The Hidden Truth in the Bhagwat Gita  The central theme of the Bhagavad Gita revolves around the concept of self-realization and the realization of one's true nature. It emphasizes the importance of selfless action, devotion to God, and the pursuit of knowledge. The Gita teaches that one should perform their duties without attachment to the outcomes, surrendering the fruits of their actions to a higher power. The text also delves into the nature of the self, the eternal soul or Atman, and its relationship to the ultimate reality or Brahman. It discusses different paths to attain spiritual liberation, such as the path of knowledge (Jnana Yoga), the path of devotion (Bhakti Yoga), and the path of selfless action (Karma Yoga). It is important to note that the Bhagavad Gita is primarily a spiritual and philosophical text, not a historical or scientific one. Its purpose is to provide guidance and insight into the nature of existence and the human condition. While some may find deeper sy

Gita's Spiritual Wisdom Bhagwat Gita  The Bhagavad Gita, often referred to as the Gita, is a sacred Hindu scripture that is part of the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. It is a 700-verse dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna, who serves as his charioteer and guide. The Bhagavad Gita is set on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, just before the great Kurukshetra War. Arjuna, a skilled warrior, becomes overwhelmed with moral dilemma and compassion upon seeing his friends and relatives on the opposing side of the war. He hesitates and questions the righteousness of fighting. Krishna imparts divine wisdom and guidance to Arjuna, addressing his doubts, fears, and ethical concerns. The dialogue covers various aspects of life, duty, righteousness, devotion, self-realization, and the nature of the soul. Krishna emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's responsibilities, performing actions selflessly, and maintaining a spiritual connection with the divine. The

Shiva & Shakti What is Shiva and Shaki In Hinduism, Shiva and Shakti are two important aspects of the divine, representing the male and female energies or principles. They are often depicted as a divine couple, with Shiva being the masculine aspect and Shakti being the feminine aspect. Shiva, also known as Mahadeva or the Great God, is one of the principal deities in Hinduism. He is often depicted as a meditating yogi with matted hair, ash-smeared body, and a third eye on his forehead. Shiva is associated with various aspects, including destruction, transformation, meditation, asceticism, and the dissolution of the universe. He is considered the supreme deity by many Shaivite sects, and worshipped as the creator, preserver, and destroyer of the cosmos. Shakti, on the other hand, is the divine feminine energy and represents the creative power of the universe. She is often portrayed as Devi, the goddess, and is associated with various forms and aspects such as Durga, Kali

Supreme Power: Shiva is considered the ultimate and supreme power in the Hindu pantheon. He is believed to be the creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe. The title "Mahadev" acknowledges his immense power and authority over all aspects of creation.

Why Shiva open his third eye  In Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is often depicted with a third eye, which is known as the "inner eye" or "divine eye." The opening of Shiva's third eye carries great significance and is associated with different interpretations and stories. One popular legend behind the opening of Shiva's third eye is the story of Kamadeva, the god of desire. According to the myth, Kamadeva tried to disrupt Shiva's deep meditation and awaken feelings of desire within him. In response, Shiva opened his third eye, releasing a fiery beam of energy that incinerated Kamadeva, reducing him to ashes. This act demonstrated Shiva's ability to transcend desire and remain focused on his spiritual path.

Jagannath Temple in Puri The Puri Jagannath Temple, also known as Shree Jagannath Temple, is a famous Hindu temple located in Puri, Odisha, India. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, who is considered a form of Lord Vishnu in Hinduism. The temple is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus and is an important religious and cultural landmark in India. Here are some key details about the Puri Jagannath Temple: History: The temple's history dates back to ancient times, with its origins believed to be in the 12th century. The temple was built by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.

Jay Jagannath" is a phrase commonly used by devotees of Lord Jagannath, a deity worshiped in the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, India. It is an expression of reverence and devotion to Lord Jagannath, who is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Shiva, Hindu God Lord Shiva  Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadeva, is one of the principal deities in Hinduism. He is considered the supreme god in Shaivism, one of the major branches of Hinduism. Lord Shiva is often depicted as a meditating yogi, adorned with a snake around his neck, a crescent moon on his matted hair, and the sacred river Ganga flowing from his locks. He is also known for his trident (trishul) and his vehicle, the bull

Dharma: It refers to the moral and ethical duties and responsibilities that individuals have in different roles and stages of life. Karma: The law of cause and effect, where actions have consequences in this life or future lives. Samsara: The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, based on one's karma. Moksha: The ultimate goal of liberation or spiritual enlightenment, breaking free from the cycle of samsara. Atman: The individual soul or self, which is believed to be eternal and connected to the universal consciousness or Brahman. Yoga: A system of physical, mental, and spiritual practices aimed at self-realization and union with the divine. Sanatana Dharma is also known for its rich mythology, with a multitude of gods and goddesses representing different aspects of the divine. The most widely worshipped deities include Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Durga, among others

Shiva lingam is the union of Shiva (consciousness) and Shakti ( energy)