Tag Archives: Hindu Culture & Traditions Q&A

The sixth form of Mother Durga is known as ‘Katyayani’, who is worshiped on the six day of Navratri. Katyayani: The legend behind her name goes thus: Once upon a time, there was a great sage called Kata, who had a son named Katya. Kata was very famous and renowned in the lineage of saints. He underwent long austerities and penance …

The fifth aspect of the Mother Durga is known as ‘Skanda Mata’ – the mother of Skanda or Lord Kartikeya, who was chosen by gods as their commander in chief in the war against the demons. Who is Skanda Mata? She is worshiped on the fifth day of Navratri. She is accompanied by the Lord Skanda in his infant form. …

The Navratri fasting is observed from the first day to the ninth day. Some people confine to milk and fruits during the nine days. Most devotees take a single meal during the day. Non-vegetarian food is totally avoided. Dishes For Navratri: Navratri Fast Rules and Food: What to eat and what not to eat Fasting in India will start from …

What is the significance of Navratri? The beginning of spring and the beginning of autumn are two very important junctions of climatic and solar influence. These two periods are taken as sacred opportunities for the worship of the Divine Mother. The dates of the festival are determined according to the lunar calendar. Navratri represents celebration of Goddess Durga, the manifestation …

Vishwamitra (विश्वामित्र) was the guru of Lord Rama. He took prince Rama and Lakshmana to forest for the protection of Yagna. There after, he lead them to Mithila*, to participate in the Swayamvaram of Sita Devi. Lord Rama successfully lifted the Shiva Danushu and married Sita Devi. Sage Vishwamitra was son of King Gadhi. His original name was Kaushika. King …

Vibhishana (विभीषण) is a significant character in the epic Ramayana, who served Rama during the fight of Rama and Ravana though he was the brother of Ravana, the king of Lanka. Although Vibhishana was born in Rakshasa dynasty he was a noble character. Vibhishana was against the kidnapping and abduction of Sita. He advised his elder brother Ravana to return …

Siddhidatri is the ninth form of Goddess. She is worshiped on the ninth day of Navratri. Siddhidatri has supernatural healing powers. She has four arms and she is always in a blissful happy enchanting pose. She rides on the lion as her vehicle. She blesses all Gods, saints, yogis, tantrics and all devotees as a manifestation of the Mother Goddess. …

The third facet of Goddess Durga is ‘Chandraghanta‘, who is worshiped on the third day of Navratri, for peace, tranquility and prosperity in life. She has a ‘chandra’ or half moon in her forehead in the shape of a ‘ghanta’ or bell. That is why she is called ‘Chandraghanta‘. She is charming, has a golden bright complexion and rides a …

Kushmanda is the fourth form of the mother goddess and is worshiped on the fourth day of Navratri. The meaning of the name ‘Ku-shm-anda’ is as follows: ‘Ku’ = a little; ‘ushma’ = ‘warmth’; ‘anda’ = ‘the cosmic egg’. So she is considered the creator of the universe. The universe was no more than a void full of darkness, until …

Holi, marked only with colors and love, is a festival that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. There are different aspects of Holi that different individual take into consideration. In this colorful festival, India gets into the groove of the celebration and brings about a vibrant positive attitude in the lives of all. It is important to realize …