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Showing posts from April, 2012

Ganga (Ganges) - Anthya Pushkara

Adoration of sacred rivers is prevalent in Hindu culture and philosophy since time immemorial and we find reference to the glory and significance of river worship in several sacred Hindu texts. Prominent among the sacred rivers is the Ganga (The Ganges) considered unparallel in terms of its spirituality, merits and religious significance. In Hindu philosophy it is an age old custom and tradition to celebrate river festivals on several occasions.  One such occasion which is very prominent is Pushkara festival which occurs once in twelve years for a notified river that coincides with the transit of Jupiter (Bruhaspathi) in a particular sign in the zodiac. Twelve sacred rivers have been identified in Hindu philosophy wherein Pushkara enters each River once in twelve years. Transit of Jupiter in each sign starting from Aries (Mesha raasi) is assigned for celebration of Pushkara festival for a particular river.   Thus, when Jupiter transited into Mesha (Aries) raasi in Ma...

Symbolism and Significance of Number Three (३)

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Om! Gam! Ganapathaye! Namaha! Om! Sri Raghavendraya Namaha! Om! Namo! Bhagavathe! Vaasudevaaya! Om! Ham! Hanumathe! Sri Rama Doothaaya Namaha! Number three is the first triangle number, a number the units of which can be laid out to form a triangle which is also known as Tribhuja. Triangle is the first complete shape used for mathematical calculations. Three is a prime number that cannot be evenly divided except by it and number one.  Number three is also known as Triad the noblest of all digits.  It was the first true number that was considered as the number of harmony, wisdom and understanding. In Hindu philosophy number three represents AUM (OM) in its diagrammatic aspect which is considered to be primordial. Number three is considered as a highly sacred number that represents the Trinal Lords Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwara and their energies Saraswathi, Lakshmi and Paarvathi. Known as Trimoorthi (Trinity) they are highly revered in Hindu philosophy. Sacred Yagn...