VICTORY OF NARADA OVER ‘KAMA’

VICTORY OF NARADA OVER ‘KAMA’ Once upon a time a Narada was performing a penance in the cave of Himalaya mountain. Indra becoming fearful sent Kamadev to obstruct his penance. But Kamadeva was unsuccessful in his attempt as the place where Narada was doing penance was the same place where Lord Shiva did penance. After the completion  of his penance, Narada became arrogant that he had defeated Kamadeva. He went to Kailash mountain and narrated about his feat to Lord Shiva. Narada was naïve not to realize the fact hat … Continue reading

WORLDLY BONDAGES AND SALVATION

WORLDLY BONDAGES AND SALVATION In the eighteen chapter, all the sages requested Suta to explain the meaning of bondages of life and Salvation Suta replied- “Because of the eight types of bondages which a man feels on this earth, the soul is also known as “Jiva”. The Jiva becomes liberated only after becoming free from these eight bondages. These eight bondages are – Nature, Intelligence qualitative- ego and the  Panchatanmatras i.e. Sound, touch, appearance, taste and smell. “Each soul is binded by these eight aspects of the Nature. The actions … Continue reading

APPROPRIATE PLACE AND TIME FOR WORSHIPPING SHIVA

APPROPRIATE PLACE AND TIME FOR WORSHIPPING SHIVA In the Vidyeshwar Samhita of Shiva Purana, describing about the importance of place and time for worship of Shiva says- “Worshipping Shiva at a pure place in a house gives appropriate fruits, while worship done in a cowshed gives virtue, which are ten-times more than the former one. Worshipping Shiva at the banks of a river gives, ten times more virtues than the second one. Worship of Shiva done either in temple, under the basil plant etc. or at the banks of Sapt … Continue reading

CONDUCT OF THE RESPECTIVE CASTES–DHARMA

CONDUCT OF THE RESPECTIVE CASTES–DHARMA On the request of the sages, Suta described about the virtuous and invirtuous activities of a man according to the respective castes he belongs to. He said: “A brahmin who performs the rituals, as described in the Vedas, only is entitled to be called a Dwija. A brahmin who is not that proficient in the Vedas is  called a ‘Kshatriya brahmin’. A brahmin engaged in agricultural activities and business is called a Vaishya-brahmin’. A brahmin who is in the habit of condemning and criticizing others, … Continue reading

THE METHODS OF WORSHIPPING SHIVA

THE METHODS OF WORSHIPPING SHIVA On the request of the sages, Suta retold the preaching which had been narrated by Brahma to Narada. Describing the method of Shiva worship he says- “A devotee should get up early in the morning and contemplate on Shiva, who gives benediction. After  that,  he  should  finish  his  daily routing  work  and  perform  rituals  like  ‘Sandhya’  and Vandana  etc.   After  that,   he  should   worship  Shivalinga  according   to   vedic  rites  like Panchopachar, Sodashopachar etc. He should also perform ‘Abhiseka’ with various offerings. At last, the should … Continue reading

Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra – 26° 40′ Sagittarius to 10° 00’ Capricorn

The twenty-first nakshatra is Uttara Ashadha, consisting of two stars in the breast of the Archer. Uttara Ashadha has one pada in Sagittarius and three in Capricorn. Ruled by the Sun, its symbol is an elephant’s tusk, reflecting Ganesha’s blessing on our activities. Another symbol is the planks of a bed, which symbolize the securing of rest and peace. Called the “universal star,” this asterism reflects deep humanitarian concern and fairness to all races. Abraham Lincoln had his natal Moon in this nakshatra. Uttara Ashadha is ruled by the Universal … Continue reading

Anuradha Nakshatra – 3° 20′ to 16° 40′ Scorpio

The seventeenth nakshatra, Anuradha contains three stars in the body of the Scorpion. In this constellation lies the star Alpha Centauri, which is the closest star to our solar system. The stars of Anuradha are depicted as a staff or a row of offerings to the Gods. Its primary symbol is a lotus flower, which reflects the ability and perseverance to blossom in the midst of life’s trials and tribulations. The ruling planet is Saturn, which reveals the spiritual challenges to be faced in Anuradha. This lunar mansion resides entirely … Continue reading

Vishakha Nakshatra – 20° 00′ Libra to 3° 20′ Scorpio

The sixteenth lunar mansion is named Vishakha, the “star of purpose.” It resides primarily in the constellation of Libra and consists of four stars forming the scales while extending toward the sign of the Scorpion. This nakshatra is thus called “the forked” or “two branched.” Vishakha is sometimes represented by an image of a large tree with spreading branches providing protection for others. It also suggests one who slowly grows in influence and can produce great fruit as one ripens with age. It is also known as Radha, “the delightful” … Continue reading

Chitra Nakshatra – . 23° 20’Virgo to 6° 40’Libra

Chitra, the “star of opportunity,” is beautifully reflected by the fixed star, Spica. It is symbolized by a bright jewel or pearl representing the divine spirit within us. Chitra means “the brilliant,” “the bright,” or “the beautiful.” It reflects the many, variegated colors seen in the radiance of a white star. Chitra also translates as a painting or work of art suggesting “pretty pictures” or something pleasing to look at. Artistic talent and ability to arrange things creatively is observed here. Chitra people are usually attractive, charismatic and possess dynamic … Continue reading

Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra – 26° 40’Leo to 10° 00’Virgo

The twelfth nakshatra, Uttara Phalguni resides in two fixed stars at the tail of the Lion but extends into the constellation of Virgo. Called the “latter reddish one,” it is ruled by the Sun and has a strong Mercury influence in its last three padas. The first pada (3° 20′) is located in Leo, ruled by the Sun, which can bring tremendous opportunities for growdh and creative expansion. The successful movie director Oliver Stone has both his natal Sun and Mercury’ in this pada. This segment of Uttara Phalguni helps … Continue reading