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The merits of Fasting on an Ekadasi has well been listed. Since times long, the praying and fasting on the day of Ekadasi has been held dear. To abstain from grains and devote one self in the name of the Lord is much desirous on this day. Yes, we do not need specific days to remember the God Supreme, but amidst our busy schedules these days remind us that there is one above towards whom we need to be grateful. Utpanna Ekadashi is another holy day that is observed on Ekadashi Tithi (the eleventh day). The day of Utpanna Ekadashi takes place during the months of November-December. This Ekadasi is considered as the origin of Ekadasi . Mythological Significance In Satya Yuga, there was an awful Demon named Mura. Mura was extremely powerful and awful. With his extraordinary powers Mura defeated not only God Indra but also many other Gods and stared ruling Indra Loka. To end the tyranny of Mura all Gods went to Lord Shiva to seek some help. Lord Shiva suggested them to approach Lo...

Mahalaya Amavas Every moment, everything around us is a gift. The intelligence with which we live our lives, the knowledge to  read, the knowhow of everything possible is but a gift. This very life that  we live, is a gift. A gift from the  ones who were before us. All those great men and women,  who contributed for us being here. Be it science or the mystery of creation, human life changed the day man decided to live together. To give  up his wanderings and to settle in a place called home. When emotions  like love, harmony, trust and respect  found their place and a family was made. The family , that we are proud of. The heritage that we take pride  in - each of it is a gift. One we have to be eternally grateful for. The ancestors are the foundation of who we  are, they are of us, and they  once were where we are now Mahalaya Amavasya, the new moon falling in the Hindu Month of Bhadraprada is one such occa...

There is never a right moment to bring positive changes into our lives. Nor is there a set method to honor the Gods. Every sunrise brings along a day of truth and one filled with hope and promises. . Rituals are a way to mark turning points in our lives. They can be used to symbolically welcome changes in our life. They can be simple or elaborate ones. The most important thing is our full presence in the moment. It's important to come up with a ritual that has meaning , instead of trying to follow any set guidelines. You're the one that knows your personal story best, and what to lift out of that narrative, what will infuse your ritual with power. Significance The time of the new moon is a time to breathe in deeply and move into a calm state of mind. In this state, you can watch your emo­tions come and go and not be affected by them. In this calm­ness, you begin to see your life more clearly; you begin to see what is possible. New Moon workings can be done fr...

Karva Chauth To celebrate the one you love. To honour the one you forever want to be with. A day of love, honour and respect, firmly tied with the strings of a prayer. “Karva Cahuth”. Karwa is another word for pot (a small earthen pot of water) and chauth means 'fourth' in Hindi (a reference to the fact that the festival falls on the fourth day of the dark-fortnight, or krishna paksh, of the month of Kartik). Karwa Chauth is an annual one-day festival celebrated by Hindu women. Mythological Significance The Story of Queen Veeravati A long long time ago, there lived a beautiful princess named Veeravati. The only sister of seven loving brothers, she was married to a king. On the occasion of her first Karva Chauth after her marriage, she went to her parents' house. After sunrise, she observed a strict fast. However, the queen couldn't stand the rigors method of fasting and was desperately waiting for the moon to rise. The seven brothers who loved her dearly,...

Apara Ekadasi occurs during the waning phase of moon in the month of Jyeshtha (May – June). Fasting on this Ekadashi is beneficial to those people who are suffering from remorse or guilt due to sin or sins committed. One can attain moksha by observing a fast on Apara Ekadasi. Krishna also mentions that one who observes this particular Ekadashi will become famous through meritorious deeds. Observing this Ekadasi removes the remorse associated with not performing a particular action, when the person had the opportunity to do it but shied away. Mythological Significance Sri Yudhishthira Maharaj said, "Oh Janardana, what is the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the month of Jyeshtha (May-June)? I wish to hear from You the glories of this sacred day of Hari. Please narrate everything to me" Lord Sri Krishna said, "Oh king, your inquiry is wonderful because the answer will benefit the whole human society. This Ekadasi i...

There might be an army beside, but as you stand facing death you are all alone. The trumpets shall blow any minute now, the sound of the horses thumping their feet echoes throughout and still you stand. You can feel the blood rushing to your face, your grip tightening on your sword and you wait. The trumpets sound, and a cry rushes from your mouth. A scream, a cry so loud everything else is muted in comparison and you march forward. This cry that can scare an enemy and inspire courage in ones comrades is attributed to the Roman Goddess Bellona.   Extremly popular with Roman warriors she is variously described as the wife, sister or even daughter of Lord Mars. She is attired with serpent hair, war helmet, full armour and carries a torch and a whip. ‘ Blood, Fire and Famine’ are considered her handmaidens. Bellona’s themes are protection, victory, communication and strength. Her symbols are swords (or athame) and spears.  She who kindles the fire of the sun and the fire...

Lord Shiva, is considered the most powerful of Gods according to Hindu legend. Lord Shiva is usually worshipped in the form of lingam. He is described as an omniscient yogi, who lives an ascetic life on Mount Kailash, as well as a householder with wife Goddess Parvati, and two sons,Lord Ganesha and Lord  Kartikeya. Shiva has many benevolent as well as fearsome forms. He is often depicted as immersed in deep meditation. In fierce aspects, he is often depicted slaying demons. Solah Somwar Vrat Significance Upvaas, or fasting, in Hinduism is mainly observed for the fulfillment of a vow. Upvas is also referred as 'Vrats.' But 'Vrat' has a wider meaning and it is not just curtailed to the fasting observed for material or other gains. Each day in a week is dedicated to one or more of the gods in the Hindu pantheon. A particular deity is appeased by the devotee on a particular day. Thus Monday is usually dedicated to Lord Shiva. Upvass, or fasting, on Mondays begi...

Anant Chaturdasi   A day signifying the essence of time. Perseverance is important in everything, more so when while showing honour and obedience towards our Gods. Anant means never ending, since the very beginning, something that cannot be measured; as with God’s grace. A Hindu religious observance performed on the fourteenth day of the bright fortnight (Shukla paksha) of Bhadrapad month of  the Hindu calendar. A prominent day, it is considered auspicious to immerse the idol of Lord Ganesh. Along side, prayers are offered to Lord Ananth ( Vishnu ) on this day. Mythological Significance Pandavas, during their exile are once visited by Lord Krishna. King Yudishter, the eldest among them asks the Lord to suggest a way through which their difficulties would pass soon.  Replying, the Lord answers “A way there is to rid you of all your sins, remove all your difficulties, promote your material prosperity and eventually lead you towards the path of moksha(lib...