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Beliefs & Practices

Rituals, festivals, yoga and the living practice of the faith.

150 entries

Sumantra – Charioteer of Dasharatha

Sumantra – Charioteer of Dasharatha

सुमंत्र Sumantra was the trusted charioteer and a wise minister in the court of King Dasharatha, the ruler of Ayodhya. Known for his loyalty and wisdom, Sumantra played a significant role in the events leading to the birth of Rama and his brothers. It was Sumantra who suggested that Dasharatha seek the assistance of Sage … Read more

Shani – Munificience and Malevolence

Shani – Munificience and Malevolence

शनि Expanded Text Shani, or Saturn, is one of the most powerful and influential planets in Indian astrology. He is the son of Surya (the Sun God) and Sangya, the daughter of Vishwakarma – The Architect of the Devas, the celestial architect of the Devas. Shani is the son of Surya, the radiant Sun God … Read more

Rati – The Consort of Love

Rati – The Consort of Love

रति Rati: The Goddess of Love, Beauty, and Passion Rati, the daughter of Daksha Prajapati – The Creators and the wife of Kama, the God of love, occupies a significant place in Hindu mythology. She is celebrated as the embodiment of beauty, charm, and grace, her very presence symbolizing the power of attraction and the … Read more

Rukmi – Prince of the Bhojas

Rukmi – Prince of the Bhojas

रुक्मी Rukmi: The Prince of Bhoja and the Spurned Warrior Rukmi, the son of King Bhishmaka of the Bhoja Kingdom, is a complex figure in Hindu mythology, known for his ambition, sibling rivalry, and eventual isolation. His actions and alliances in various episodes of the Mahabharata – The Great Epic and Bhagavata Purana showcase themes … Read more

Pradyumna – Son of Krishna

Pradyumna – Son of Krishna

Pradyumna was the son of Krishna – An Incarnation of Vishnu and Rukmini – Wife of Krishna, born into the Yadava dynasty, one of the most powerful and renowned lineages in Hindu mythology. Rukmini herself was the daughter of King Bhishmaka, further linking Pradyumna to the royal house of Vidarbha. Known for his valor and … Read more

Prashushruka – Ancestor of Rama

Prashushruka – Ancestor of Rama

Prashushruka was a king of the Solar dynasty, an esteemed lineage tracing back to Surya, the Sun god, and known for producing righteous rulers who adhered to dharma (righteousness). As the son of Maru and an ancestor of Rama, Prashushruka occupied an important place in the Solar dynasty’s history. His own legacy was carried forward … Read more

Madri – Second Wife of Pandu

Madri – Second Wife of Pandu

Here’s an expanded version of the text on Madri, her connection to other entities, and her role within Hindu and Indian mythology: Madri – The Noble Queen and Devoted Mother of the Pandavas Aspect Detail Parentage Sister of Shalya, the king of Madra. Marriage to Pandu Became the second wife of Pandu, king of the … Read more

Jayadratha – Brother-in-law of the Kauravas

Jayadratha – Brother-in-law of the Kauravas

Jayadratha was married to Dushala, the only sister of the Kauravas, thus binding him closely to the royal family of Hastinapura. During the Pandavas’ exile, he once visited their forest abode. On finding Draupadi alone, he was captivated by her beauty and, unable to control his desire, he abducted her. This act of arrogance was … Read more

Ashwamedha – The Horse Sacrifice

Ashwamedha – The Horse Sacrifice

Ashwamedha, the horse sacrifice, also known as the Haya-medha sacrifice, is one of the most challenging and grand rituals in Vedic tradition, involving numerous intricate requirements and ritual observances. It is considered so demanding and spiritually potent that it is said, “He who performs a hundred such sacrifices shall be rewarded with the post of … Read more

Angaraka – Mars

Angaraka (also known as Mars, Mangal, or Kuja) is one of the nine celestial influences, or Navagrahas, central to Hindu astrology and mythology. Often depicted as a fierce, red-hued deity, he represents a planet of martial energy, embodying qualities of courage, strength, and aggression, much like Mars in Roman mythology or Ares in Greek lore. … Read more