bhargavasarma {nirikhi krishna bhagavan}

ASHTA-VASUS (Vedic Gods)..... They are a class of Vedic deities; eight in number called Ashta Vasus; the elemental gods who are associated with Indra, the Lord of Heaven. They represent the basic aspects of nature; cosmic natural phenomenon viz; the earth, fire, water, wind, sky, sun; moon and stars. Their nomenclatures differ in different sacred texts and puranas and there is no unanimity in the list. May be they are the same set known by various names. Names of Ashta Vasus as per couple of versions are as follows; Dhara; Dhruva; Soma; Ahas; Anila; Anala; Pratyuusha; and Prbhaasa; Apa (jala-varuna-water); Dhara (bhoomi-earth); Anala (paavaka-agni-fire); Anila (praana-vaayu-air); Dhruva (Nakshathra-star); Soma (divine nectar-nourisher); Pratyuusha (dawn); Prabhaasa (light-brilliance-radiance); Drona; Dhruva; Dosha; Arka; Agni; Dyau; Praana; and Vibhavasu; Anala is one of the names of Ashta Vasus. Anala is another name of Fire god Agni which is insa...

Fasting is not uncommon to the world’s religious fraternity. All religions observe fasting according to their religious sequence and more prominently in Hinduism it is in vogue since time immemorial. In general we find fasting being observed by a devout Hindu on various occasions most commonly on Ekaadasi days.  Among the Hindu religious austerities fasting on Ekaadasi day stands in the forefront which is also known as Hari-Dina (Hari Vaasara) the most favourite day of Lord Vishnu. Concept remaining same, modalities of fasting may differ as per sampradaya and religious order. Religious doctrines have testified the incredible wisdom of spirituality, should one fast earnestly associated with prayer that immensely pleases the Supreme God Vishnu. Fasting is a type of penance that acts as a medium for achieving path to spiritual development and ultimate salvation. Fasting becomes futile if it is not accompanied by sincere prayer and meditation. It compliments and supplements prayer...

Bhogi and Makara Sankramana (Makara Sankranthi) are Sun-centric festivals associated with the exit of Sun from Dhanus Raasi (Sagittarius) and entry (transit) into Makara Raasi (Capricorn) in the zodiac. In general every year the calendar dates for Bhogi & Makara Sankranthi (Makara Sankramana) festival falls on 13 th  & 14 th  January and the day of Makara Sankramana marks the beginning of Uttaraayana (as per South Indian Calendar). A day before Makara Sankramana marks the last day of the solar month Dhanurmasam that is celebrated as Bhogi festival that generally falls on 13th January.  Generally, Parvakaala (meritorious time) of Uttaraayana is observed on the day of Makara Sankramana ie. 14 th  January provided, the transit (Sankramana) of Sun takes place before Sunset on that day. How to reckon Parvakaala for Makara Sankramana… Sacred scripts like Dharma Saastras define Parva Punya kaala to be observed for each transit of Sun. Even Hindu Panchangas’...

During Ganesha Chaturthi festival we come across a unique custom especially in South India where, the devotees perform squats (sit-ups) holding their left ear with the right hand and right ear with the left hand.  Religiously this is done as a mark of respect and obeisance to the elderly God Sri Ganesha (Ganapathi).  This convention we come across not only during Ganesha Chaturthi festival but also whenever a devotee visits Sri Ganesha temple or worships Lord Ganesha. This action is referred to as Thorpikarnam or Thoppukarnam. In Telugu language it is called Gunjillu. In fact this is an ancient Indian culture that we come across in Gurukula system of education where Gurus (teachers) asks their pupils to practice this technique. Even most us would have come across in schools even today, teachers asking students to perform this action as a token of penalty for not performing homework or for not answering a question or for making noise in the class room. Let us see what i...