Navratri | Navadurga Pujan Navratri is a nine-night celebration of Durga, the Hindu mother goddess. Navratri comes from the Sanskrit Nava, meaning “nine” and ratri, meaning “nights.” The festival is also called Sharada Navratri or Maha Navratri, meaning “great Navratri.” There are four Navratri celebrations throughout the year. …
Read More »The Meaning and Significance of Swastik
The Meaning and Significance of Swastik The Swastik is a geometrical figure and an ancient religious icon. Swastik has been Sanatan Dharma’s symbol of auspiciousness – mangalya since time immemorial. The name swastika comes from Sanskrit (Devanagari: स्वस्तिक, pronounced: swastik) and denotes “conducive to wellbeing or auspicious”. Origin The word …
Read More »Significance of Shraddh in Hindu Religion
Significance of Shraddh in Hindu Religion Shraddh (Offerings to ancestors) Shraddh is a ritual of offering food to please the pitrus (manes) and for their spiritual beneficence. Vasus, Rudras, and Adityas are devatas and pitrus of shraddh (Yajnavalkya smruti I/269). They are gratified by the offerings, which they …
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