Tag Archives: Social Science Questions on Hindu religion

What are Ritual Bath of Shivalinga? Following the rituals prescribed in the Shiva Purana, every three hours, Shivalingam is given a special bath with milk, yoghurt, honey, sandalwood paste and rose water. Puja, meditation and chanting of ‘Om Namah Shivaya‘ accompany the ritual bath. Following the bath, vermilion paste is applied on the linga. Traditionally, leaves of a forest tree …

Marriage of Shiva and Shakti The legend of marriage of Shiva and Shakti is one the most important legends related to the festival of Mahashivaratri. The story tells us how Lord Shiva got married a second time to Shakti, his divine consort. According to legend of Shiva and Shakti, the day Lord Shiva got married to Parvati is celebrated as …

What is Lord Shiva Assurance? The legend of Lord Shiva‘s assurance explains the popularity of Shivaratri festival amongst the devotees. Besides, it also tells us why we observe fast in the name of the Lord and perform ceremonial baths on a Shivaratri day. The Legend Story goes that after creation was complete, Lord Shiva began to live on top of …

What is Shiva Tandava? Lord Shiva is also known as Nataraj, the Dancing God. This divine art form is performed by Lord Shiva and his divine consort Goddess Parvati. The dance performed by Lord Shiva is known as Tandava. Shiva’s Tandava is a vigorous dance that is the source of the cycle of creation, preservation and dissolution. Tandava depicts his …

Lakshmi Puja on Diwali is an integral part of the Diwali celebrations. This day is also known by the name of ‘Chopada-Puja’. Lakshmi-Puja is performed for the sole purpose of propitiating Goddess Lakshmi and to thank Her for the bestowal of her blessings on the humans. Lakshmi-Puja falls on the darkest night of Amavasya, though with the help of innumerable …

Why do we celebrate Diwali? Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, falls on the day of ‘Amavasya’, when the moon does not rise and there is darkness all around. Light, being symbol of hope and positive energy, indicates the victory of good over evil. By spreading light in every corner of our premises, we try to destroy the reign of …

Kaal Ratri is the seventh form of Mother Durga and is worshiped on the seventh day of Navratri. She has a dark complexion, disheveled hair and a fearlessness posture. A necklace flashing lightning adorns her neck. Who is Kaal Ratri? She has three eyes that shine bright and terrible flames emanate from her breath. Her vehicle is the donkey. Her …

Maha Gauri is worshiped on the eighth day of Navratri. Her power is unfailing and instantly fruitful. As a result of her worship, all sins of past, present and future get washed away and devotees get purified in all aspects of life. Who is Maha Gauri? Maha Gauri is intelligent, peaceful and calm. Due to her long austerities in the …

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. …