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The light represents moving from darkness into the light. But do you know there is a scientific reason too behind this tradition.

The light of diya produces magnetic changes in the atmosphere of the surroundings. The electromagnetic force produced henceforth lingers on the skin for at least three hours and activate blood cells.

Secondly, diyas are burnt during the festival of Diwali, which comes in the month of October-November. This is a time when geographically, the western disturbances bring rain in northern India. Due to rains, the atmosphere becomes humid- a condition which supports the spread of bacteria and insects. In such a situation, the fire of diya and the chemicals it releases in air kill the germs.

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As in many religions, fasting is also practiced in Hinduism. In the Hindu religion, fasting is not an obligation, but a moral and spiritual act where the aim is to purify the body and mind and acquire divine grace. ... In some cases, fasting involves abstaining from one meal in the day. 

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Who is Shree?

Shree is Sanskrit word. Often use to address goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh.

What is Shree?

Shree is Yantra. Yantra is gematric diagram of mother goddess. Mother of all Yantra. Shree is also sri and Shri. Shree is combination of two letters “SHI” and “Hri.” Shi is first sound of lord Shiva pure and auspicious and Hri is part of Hrim. Hrim is seed mantra of the Goddess herself. It represents a heart mother goddess. Both combine forms Shree which is not female or male therefore Shree can be use for any GOD or Goddess. Word Shree can conject with many titles as well for example Shrimat and shrimati which refers as husband and wife respectively. It is also can be use to respect prominent people. The word Shree is containing God and the Goddess therefore it is complete by itself.

Where is Shree?

Shree is before the time because it contains God and Goddess.

Why Shree?

Shree because without Shree there is no wealth, prosperity, abundance, grace, love and beauty. Union of Shiv and Shree complete the universe.

How Shree?

Shree is Mother Goddess and without her there will be no prosperity love and beauty. Use the word Shree in front of countless mantra and harness the power of Divine mother goddess. Shree Krishna, Shree Ram, Shree Ganesh, Shree Lakshmi.

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The Significance of Ekadashi

Ekadashi is the 11th day of the lunar calendar. On this day we practice self-control by fasting and devoting the day to God. Fasting on Ekadashi helps us strengthen our command over our mind and body. This means we give up the food we desire by refraining from eating grains, or anything made of grains, and typically only eat one meal for the day. The purpose of fasting on Ekadashi reminds us to keep God at the center of our lives while teaching ourselves to control our senses. 

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What is Murti Puja?

Murti puja is the key Hindu practice of worshipping sacred images of God and divine personalities. It helps Hindus to establish, express and enhance their relationship with these divinities.

A murti becomes venerable for Hindus only after it is enlivened with the spiritual energy and essence of the Deity. Because it contains the living presence of the Deity, a murti is more than a physical representation or a meditational tool. And so devout Hindus can see beyond the stone, metal or paint, while endeavoring to relate and serve the divine spirit within. Idols remind us of God. We don't worship the stone that the idol is made of; it is the ideal and qualities that the form reminds that we worship.

Hindus believe that God pervades everything and so he already has a presence in all beings and objects. However, when an image prepared according to scriptural prescriptions is ritually infused by a spiritual authority, such a murti becomes especially worthy of and conducive to worship.

Who is Murti Puja?

Murti in Sanskrit: मूर्ति is a general term for an image, statue, idol of a deity or mortal in Indian culture. In Hindu temples it is a symbolic icon. A murti is itself not a god in Hinduism, but a shape, embodiment or manifestation of a deity. A murti is typically made by carving stone, wood working, metal casting or through pottery.

Murti Puja is made celebrate the omnificent GOD who was not binded by any form and present in all things in form of Murti to feel his presence near us.

When do you do Murti Puja?

The practice of murti puja can be traced back to Vedic times. When ancient rishis created symbols and images of the divinities they revered and wanted to thank them. With mantras and elaborate rituals, the rishis then invoked each deity into the images so that the stone, wooden, clay or metallic statue would become a murti – a focus of veneration.

Murti Puja is done any time of day. Most people do Murti Puja twice a day but temples and many devotees do the puja in Morning, afternoon before meal time (lunch), and again at high afternoon before dinner time and last at night before sleeping. This routine is matched with the way we leave our life. For example, breakfast, lunch, snack time or tea time and dinner and prayer before sleeping.

Where is Murti Puja?

Murti Puja is in every Hindu homes and temples where ever there is devotee of Hindu religion there will be Murti Puja. Murti Puja can be performed anywhere.

Why do you do Murti Puja?

Benefits of Murti Puja is where senses are purified because the body is involved in worship and the mind is purified because the worshipper. While worshipping the Murti does not take it to be a piece of stone but mentally attributes to it the qualities of God. The more one thinks of it the purer one becomes. Purification corresponds to concentration. It is easy to concentrate when the Murti is in a human form and dressed exquisitely.

So before one can answer why Murti puja? One must answer "How can an infinite God reside in a Murti?" This question will not arise at all, were they to believe that God is omnipresent, for if God is present everywhere, he cannot be absent from a Murti. Now that we answer the question we can move to "How is it that the presence of God is more pronounced in a Murti than other things?"

Lord Shree Krishna told in Gita, from his one Ansh entire world is created and covered, I am everywhere and cause of everything. But I am not visible because human does not have that vision, if we want to see supreme Lord there is process called devotion and love towards God. Lord Shree Krishna told that, I am in the heart of everyone but individuals cannot see without the qualification. We cannot see Lord without divine eyes so we try to please God and ask him to come in the form of a Murti so we can see and feel. It is not just a murti but blessing of the lord. An Idol is visible and lives in the form of the Lord. Slowly we can get qualified to see the lord everywhere. This why Murti Puja is so important to us.

How to do Murti Puja?

Murti Puja can be performed in many ways. Simplest of all is the way you pray at your home by doing a diva and insane lighting, offering a fresh flower, tilak chandlo, Panchamrit, Prasad with ringing a bell. Which purify the room with light, sound, smell, touch and taste with chanting of the mantras and gods name. With the most love, respect, and full heart of gratitude you perform aarti. This action invokes the god in Murti and within us. Note that the temple does its Murti Puja same way but with more steps that have to be another subject itself. Please visit the nearest temple and experience the puja yourself today.

How to apply Murti Puja in my life TODAY?

You can take advantage of Murti Puja by keeping a murti of your favorite GOD or your family god at home and doing Murti Puja everyday in morning and evening and try to invoke a sense of feeling god in you as well as seeing god in everything around you. I have personally benefited from the puja so give it a try. I promise in behalf a GOD that you will find GOD waiting for you. 

GOD LOVES YOU very much and I love you.

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Who is Panchamrita?

Panchamrita is a mixture of five intrigants used in Hindu worship, puja and abhiseks. Usually consist of honey, liquid jaggery or sugar, cow milk, curd and ghee. After pachamrita is used in puja and abhisheka it is distributed as prasad.

What is Panchamrita?

Definition - What does Panchamrit mean?

Panchamrit is a sweet concoction used in Hindu worship in the prayer rituals known as pujas. The name comes from Sanskrit, “pancha” meaning “five,” and Amrit, meaning “immortal” or “nectar of the gods.” Traditional recipes for panchamrit consist of five ingredients: raw milk, curd (yogurt), honey, liquid jaggery or sugar and ghee. Some people use sugar instead of jaggery, which is not accepted by all, as sugar is not a natural element like jaggery. Each of the traditional ingredients has symbolic significance:

• Milk – piousness and purity
• Curd – prosperity and progeny
• Honey – unity and sweet speech
• Sugar or Jaggery – bliss 
• Ghee – victory and knowledge

Typically, panchamrit is offered to the deity or deities and is consumed at the end of worship or after puja.

Panchamrit may also be known as charnamrit (nectar from the feet of the gods), although the latter term also refers to the water used to bathe deities that is collected in basins at their feet.

When is Panchamrita?

Panchamrita is used as an offering during poojas and abhisheka.

Where is Panchamrita?

Panchamrita is not Panchamrita until it is offered to god otherwise it is just a mixture of five ingredients.

Why Panchamrita?

According to Ayurveda, the 5 ingredients used in Panchamrit have lots of health benefits and when these ingredients are combined in the right quantity, we get an extremely nourishing Panchamrit. Panchamrit has the ability to nourish the seven bodily tissues, which are mainly responsible for our immunity and vitality. Traditional Ayurvedic Panchamrit Recipe: Sugar 1 tsp (preferably Jaggery), Curd 1 tsp, Honey 1 tsp, Milk 4 to 5 tsp (Preferably cow milk), Ghee 2 tsp (cow milk ghee).

How to consume Panchamrita:

Always drink freshly made Panchamrita as its shelf life is only for few hours. According to Ayurveda, Ghee and Honey should not be consumed in ‘equal’ quantity. Refer the measurements mentioned above. Always use a stainless steel, ceramic or glass bowl to prepare Panchamruta. This helps avoids any chemical reaction with other reactive and harmful metals. Traditionally silver bowls were used to mix the Panchamrita for added benefits of silver metal.

How to apply Panchamrita in my life TODAY?

When you pray in morning today use the recipe above and offer panchamrita to god and consume the panchamrita at the end of your prayer and you will also rip the benefit as well. 

God loves you very much.

To Make Half Cup of Panchamrita approximately 4 oz

• Sugar 2 tsp (preferably Jaggery), 
• Curd Yogurt 2 tsp,
• Honey 2 tsp, 
• Milk 12 tsp (Preferably cow milk), 
• Ghee 4 tsp (cow milk ghee).

To Make Full Cup of Panchamrita approximately 8 oz

• Sugar 5 tsp (preferably Jaggery), 
• Curd Yogurt 5 tsp, 
• Honey 5 tsp, 
• Milk 24 tsp (Preferably cow milk) which is equal to half cup, 
• Ghee 10 tsp (cow milk ghee).

To Make large quantity Measure the Milk and take 20% sugar, 20% Curd Yogurt, 20% Honey and 40% Ghee.

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Who is Umropujan?

Umropujan is where one draws the swastika symbol or OM with Kumkum (red powder) and offers rice and flower on top of it This puja is mainly carried out in Hindu religion.

What is Umropujan?

The home is the place where most Hindus conduct their worship and religious rituals. For many households, the day begins where the women in the house draws the auspicious swastika symbol or OM in red Kumkum or rice flour on the front door doorstep with offering of rice and flowers. You also find Umropujan at all temples and many businesses as well. Very traditional Hindus recite from the Rig Veda or the Gayatri Mantra and offer prayers to the SUN while doing this puja. During the special occasions one would also hang mala (toran) made from mango leaves or asopalav leaves at front door. Banana tree leaves are also placed around the front door.

When can you do Umropujan?

The most important times of day for performance of household rituals are dawn and dusk. Although devout families may engage in devotion more often. 

Where can you do Umropujan?

Umropujan is at every Hindu home and temple front door doorsteps.

Why do Umropujan?

Umropujan is done for many reasons. One reason is to do prayer for SUN in morning and dusk and to invite SUN god in there home and life to enrich the life of all living things. Another reason is to remind every person leaving the house to put god in center of there life and do the work they set out to do and god will be there to help you and when you return home. The doorstep will remind you and ask did you let god lead you in life today.

How did Umropujan start?

Umropujan started when people asked rishi muni if you cannot do Surya namaskar what are other ways one can pray to the SUN. Rishi came up with Umro Puja as one of the ways. There are other reasons as well that you may search for if you like. 

How to apply Umropujan in my life TODAY?

One can benefit greatly by starting the day with Umro Pujan in the morning and dusk. This helps in recognizing the benefit of the SUN which gives life to all leaving things regardless if you do Umro puja or not. By doing the puja you are being grateful. 

Being grateful promotes better life.

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• Who is Tulsi?

Tulsi or Tulasi known as Holy basil or sometimes known as Vrinda. It is a sacred plant in Hindu belief. Hindus recognize it as an earthly manifestation of the goddess Tulsi/Vrinda; she is knowns as the avatar of Lakshmi and thus the consort of the god Vishnu. The offering of its leaves is mandatory in ritualistic worship of Vishnu and his avatars like Krishna and Vithoba.

Many Hindus have tulsi plants growing in front of or near their homes, often in special pots or a special masonry structure known as Tulsi Vrindavan as this is related to their culture. Traditionally, Tulsi is planted in the center of the central courtyard of Hindu houses. The plant is cultivated for religious purposes.

What is Tulsi?

The Tulsi with green leaves is called Shri-Tulsi ("fortunate Tulsi"); 

• Shri is also a synonym for Lakshmi, Vishnu's principal consort. 
• This variety is also known as Rama-Tulsi the “bright Tulsi". 

The Tulsi with dark green or purple leaves and purple stem is called Shyama-Tulsi the "dark

Tulsi" or Krishna-Tulsi. 

• This variety is considered especially sacred to Krishna, as its purple color is similar to
• Krishna's dark complexion.

When can you find Tulsi?

Tulsi is an aromatic shrub in the basil family Lamiaceae (tribe ocimeae) that is thought to have originated in north central India and now grows native throughout the eastern world tropics. Within Ayurveda, tulsi is known as “The Incomparable One,” “Mother Medicine of Nature” and “The Queen of Herbs,” and is revered as an “elixir of life” that is without equal for both its medicinal and spiritual properties.

Where is Tulsi?

Tulsi is everywhere there is puja for Vishnu and in every house hold of Hindu homes. 

Why Tulsi?

'Tulsi' is an oxygen-generator which can give competition to the best air purifiers in the world. “It gives out oxygen for 20 of the 24 hours in a day as well as ozone for 4 hours a day." 'Tulsi' also absorbs harmful gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide. Tulsi is also use for medicine which makes it a 24 hours day 7 days week great all-round plant.

How was Tulsi formed?

Tulsi came about from story of Vishnu and mata Lakshmi and tulsi was born out of curse and blessing to bring Vishnu and Lakshmi together.

How to apply Tulsi in my life TODAY ?

Offering water, lighting a diva in front of the Tulsimata every morning/evening and eating the leaves will give you blessings from the heavens. Please have tulsi around your house it will only enrich your life.  

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Who is Surya Namaskar?

Surya Namaskar is from the Sanskrit सूर्य Sūrya, "Sun" and नमस्कार Namaskār, "Greeting" or "Salute". Surya is the Hindu god of the sun. This identifies the Sun as the soul and source of all life. In everything that you eat, drink and breathe there is an element of the sun. Only if you learn how to better "digest" the sun, internalize it, and make it a part of your system, do you truly benefit from this process.

What is Surya Namaskar?

Surya Namaskar, which is known as "Sun Salutation" in English, is essentially about building a dimension within you where your physical cycles are in sync with the sun’s cycles, which runs at about twelve-and-a-quarter years. It is not by accident but by the intent that it has been structured with twelve postures or twelve ‘asanas’ in it. If your system is in a certain level of vibrancy and readiness and in a good state of receptivity, then naturally your cycle will be in sync with the solar cycle.

When to practice Surya Namaskar?

Surya Namaskar is conducted by bowing down to the sun in the morning. 

Where can you practice Surya Namaskar?

Surya Namaskar should be done in the morning where you are facing the sun to harness the power of sun.

Why practice Surya Namaskar?

Yoga was developed over 5,000 years ago by the ancient sages or Rishis in India who believed that each part of the body was in some way linked to a certain aspect of the natural world. In particular, the solar plexus (located behind the navel at the center of the body) is said to be intimately connected to the sun. The state of one’s solar plexus is said to be linked to emotions and intuition, which is where the term “gut feeling” originated. The Rishis prescribed the practice of Sun Salutations in order to expand the solar plexus and achieve increased mental clarity, heightened intuition, and a tranquil emotional state.

How to apply Surya Namaskar in my life TODAY?

Do Surya Namaskar every morning like the image shows above and chant the mantras with each pose. Start with 3 sets every day and gradually increase up to 12 sets per day. By doing Surya Namaskar you will learn to harness the power of the sun where all life begins and ends. 

LOVE.

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What is BHUMI PUJAN?

The Bhumi Pujan is a customary ritual that is performed before initiating construction or land tilling activities for agricultural purposes. Mother Earth and Nature are considered very auspicious in Hinduism. Therefore, the Bhumi is worshipped before any kind of land development. The commencement of a monument, residential, commercial and/or industrial project seeks the blessings of the Mother Earth (Bhuma Devi).

Bhoomi Pujan is conducted in strict conformance to Vaastu Shastra. The ancient Indian science of structures and architecture. According to Hindu beliefs, by performing this ‘puja’ the right energy and natural parts encompassing the site can be propitiated. Usually the time is chosen in accordance to the ‘Vaastu Muhurtam,’ which is the time once the ‘Vaastu Purusha’ (energy encompassing the site) is believed to be fully strength. We all know the 5 necessary components as per our Shastras – Agni, Jal, Aakash, Vaayu and Prithvi. Prithvi – the earth; is also mentioned as Bhoomi. Bhumi is like the base, without that, it is difficult to sustain. She is our mother and no life can exist without the her. Bhoomi is very Pujneeya to all Hindus. Praying to her for our well-being and prosperity is known as Bhoomi Puja. It is a really important ritual that strictly dedicates to worshipping this mother. 

Who started the Bhumi Pujan?

Bhūmi, is a Hindu goddess of the earth.  Earth is also one of the five elements that the universe is made of. Pujan is the puja (Pooja) a ritual to host, honor, devotional worship, or one to celebrate an event. Bhumi Pujan is the worship of mother earth with respect and love.

When can you perform BHUMI PUJAN?

Bhoomi Puja is revered to the piece of land before any sort of construction or development starts. Bhoomi Pujan is only performed at the times according to Vaastu Muhurtam and Hindu Panchang book of astrology and movement of the planets.

Where do you do BHUMI PUJAN?

Bhumi Pujan is performed on the land that is going to be use for development preferably where the foundation is going to be for any kind of structure. Bhumi Pujan must be in present of SUN during the day while cloudiness is expectable.

Why perform BHUMI PUJAN?

The Bhumi Pujan is done to seek the blessings of the Goddess before initiating a new project or a task. Those in the field of architecture or industries perform the Bhumi Puja on the site chosen for carrying out the work. Therefore, it is a gesture of seeking the Mother's blessings and approval. It is also a gesture of showing respect to Mother Nature, who provides us with all that we need for our survival.

Moreover, the earth is home to a variety of animals and germs. Therefore, by doing to Bhumi Pujan, one can seek forgiveness from those living beings that may become homeless due to construction activities.

The Bhumi Pujan is also done to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha and the other Gods to ensure that work takes place uninterrupted and smoothly after it begins. By offering prayers to the Bhumi, one can also eliminate Vastu dosha and also the negative energies that may pose hindrance during construction. A small portion of the land is dug, and the rituals are performed before laying the foundation stone.

Thus, by performing the Bhumi Pujan, one seeks the blessings of the Almighty for carrying out the project without facing hurdles.

HOW TO DO BHUMI PUJAN?

Bhoomi Puja Procedure:

• At the time of performing the pooja the very first step is to keep the site cleared.
• Also, one should clean the dirt, trash holes etc.
• The worshiper should be east facing at the time of performing this pooja.
• The beginning of this pooja starts with the Ganesh pooja.
• In a cleaned platform one should place those deities that one worships.
• Then one covers the coconut with red cloth and places it in the ground.
• This pooja is incomplete without the havan look up Yagna the act of sacrifice.
• The different main rituals include Devi pooja, taking a Sankalpa, shatkarma, pran pratishtha and manglik dravya sthapana.
• One can also use Brahmin or pandits help for performing such pooja.

How to apply Bhumi Pujan in my life TODAY?

Do your Bhumi Pujan every time you develop a land or any kind of change to land and receive the blessing of mother earth and elements. By doing this pooja you are also asking for forgiveness form all living being who use to habitat before you. Just remember no one can own the land you only have privilege to use the land while in your possession so respect the land. You are made of these five elements of the universe so live in harmony and love the elements love you very much. 

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What is a YAGNA?

Yagna is also known as Yajna and in Sanskrit as Yagya (यज्ञ) the literary meaning "sacrifice, devotion, worship, offering", and refers in Hinduism to any ritual done in front of a sacred fire, often with mantras. Yagna has been a Vedic tradition, described in a layer of Vedic literature called Brahmanas, as well as Yajurveda. The tradition has evolved from offering oblations and libations into sacred fire to symbolic offerings in the presence of sacred fire (Agni).

Yagna is performed to invoke the gods for their blessings and to also obtain favors from them. They are performed by four types of priests, named adhvaryu, hotra, udgatra and brahman. The adhvaryu's role is to take care of the physical aspects of yagna; hotra recites invocations; udgatra chants the yagna verses while focusing on the vital breath; and brahman, who is considered the chief priest, contemplates upon the moon god.

Yagnas are performed at a yaga sala. The four entrances of a yaga sala represent the four Vedas. The Agni, meaning "fire," is created in the designated sacrificial location. Ahuti, meaning, "oblation," is offered into the sacred fire. This why Yagna Kund or sala was the fire lighted as a square.

Who started the YAGNA?

Yagna is also called “karma. It means the act of sacrifice and/or offering/worshiping to god. In the general sense it can be understood as any action done with the intent of sacrifice; for example, praying, remembering and meditating. In the detail sense it is the act of offering oblations to propitiate a Devata. GOD.

When can I conduct a YAGNA?

YAGNA is after Veda, the elements of universe. Yagna can only be performed during the day. A notable feature of the Yagna is that they are traditionally performed by men only.

Where can I conduct a YAGNA?

Yagna can only be performed in the presence of the sun, preferably outside.

Why should I conduct a YAGNA?

The primary purpose is to harness divine power to fulfill desires, overcome difficulties or achieve the four main goals namely Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. Yajnas may also be performed to discharge karmic debt or uphold Dharma as an obligatory duty. The mantras and hymns which are sung during the sacrifices are meant to appease the gods and help the worshippers to fulfill their desires and seek divine protection.

Although they were performed for the community, Yagna is also an activity of the soul, for a person who gains the fruits of his karmas (actions) through his or her sacrifices. Each soul has an inner fire, which reflects the cosmic fire. Tending to our inner fire requires consciousness, concentration, perseverance and a sense of purpose. When we neglect our inner fire, our passions and purpose go haywire because of fire’s destructive properties. But when tended carefully, fire provides focus for our purpose, destroys our inner impurities, and increases our intelligence.

HOW TO DO YAGNA?

1. Prepare

• Set your intention – this is very important for a Yagna to be successful. You may also use brahman and pundits help to follow thru.
• Spend time to recognize what you need to let go of. This will be your “sacrificial offering.” What self-limiting thoughts and beliefs are you clinging to that you need to release so you can gain clarity on your purpose?
• Choose an affirmation or mantra that relates to your intention to recite at your Yagna
• Pick out a clay pot (without a hole) to represent the earth and hold the fire / flame
• Set a cotton wick in the pot that’s long enough to touch the bottom, but also to peek out at the top or the side, to keep the flame lit collect fuel for the fire: ghee (the purest you can find), camphor, or match sticks

2. Perform

• Find a quiet time in your day – first thing after your morning shower is the best time, when your mind is clear and your body is clean
• Set your clay pot in your sacred space (make sure it’s wiped clean)
• Add ghee or your chosen fuel to the clay pot with the wick
• Close your eyes and re-affirm your intention
• Open your eyes when you’re ready, and light the flame
• Gazing into the fire, repeat your affirmation 11 times (or 21, or 108, or 1008 – these are considered sacred numbers)
• Each time you repeat your chant, add a matchstick or a tiny piece of camphor to the flame, offering away your thoughts and beliefs that are holding you back
• At the end, before you get up from the Yagna, re-affirm your intention and purpose

3. Pointers

• Yagnas are not meant to be extinguished – be sure to let the fire go out on its own
• If you don’t have enough time to wait for the flame to go out, start with only a small amount of oil in the pot
• If the flame looks like it’s going out before you’re done, you can carefully add more oil to the pot

How to apply Yagna in my life TODAY?

Do your Yagna according to the instruction above and sacrifice something near and dear to you and your wishes are sure to come true I have personally have experienced such a gain so love you and do yagna today. 

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What is a Chandlo?

A bindi written in Hindi looks like this: बिंदी. In Sanskrit it looks like बिन्दु. bBindú, which means "point, drop, dot or small particle" is a coloured dot worn on the center of the forehead, originally by Hindus and Jains from the Indian subcontinent. The word bindu dates back to the hymn of creation known as Nasadiya Sukta in the Rigveda. Bindu is considered the point at which creation begins and may become unity. It is also described as "the sacred symbol of the cosmos in its unmanifested state". 

A tilak-chandlo is a physical representation of our religion, like the cross is for Christians. The red chandlo is made out of kunkoo powder and the tilak is made out of sandalwood paste. The tilak’s U shape represents the lotus feet of God, while the chandlo represents the bhakta or devotee of God. Traditionally, the area between the eyebrows is where the bindi is worn and said to be the sixth chakra (Ajna).  The seat of "concealed wisdom" is what it is translated to. The bindi is said to retain energy and strengthen concentration. The bindi also represents the third eye. 

Who started the Chandlo?

In Hindi, it’s called a bindi and in my mother tongue, Gujarati, we call it chandlo. In olden days, all Hindu men and women wore these marks. When worn by men it is usually called the tilak chandlo. When worn by women it is usually called chandlo or bindi only worn by unmarried or married women.

When do you wear a Chandlo?

You wear a chandlo  after the Vedas and Puranas. It is generally worn in morning kept on for the rest of the day. 

Where do you place a Chandlo?

Chandlo is placed on the center of the forehead between both eyes. It carries different meanings for men and women.

Why should you wear a Chandlo?

In Hinduism we believe in chakras or focal points of energy in our bodies. Although these fields are spiritual and intangible, they are integrated with our physical body. Of the chakras, the ajna chakra, known as ‘the third eye,’ rests between our two eyebrows, and is considered to exist at the intersection of our conscious and subconscious mind. That is, this chakra lies at the crossroads of what we physically see and what we spiritually feel. It is in reverence to this chakra for the reason we apply the chandlo here. The chandlo is a bridge symbolizing the convergence of our existence in this physical world and the realm of the Supreme Reality. We Hindus believe that everyone and everything is a creation of the Supreme Being and that He is omnipresent, residing within each of our souls. Hence, the chandlo is a reminder of the Divine Presence inside us, who silently sees all, hears all, and guides all. 

How to apply a Chandlo?

A traditional bindi or chandlo is red or maroon in colour. A pinch of vermilion powder is applied with a ring-finger to make a dot. A small annular disc aids application for beginners. First, they apply a sticky wax paste through the empty centre of the disc. This is then covered with kumkum or vermilion and then the disc is removed to get a round bindi. Various materials such as lac, sandal, 'aguru', mica, 'kasturi', kumkum (made of red turmeric) and sindoor colour the dot. Saffron grounded together with 'kusumba' a flower can also work. Traditionally they are green in colour with a red dot in the middle. The bindi is no longer restricted in colour or shape.

How to apply Chandlo in my life TODAY?

You can apply Chandlo in your life today if you are an unmarried woman to celebrate that God is a  presence in your life. If you are a married woman, it serves two purposes.  One, to celebrate god in your life. Second is the wellbeing of your husband’s life. For any man wearing the chandlo, it  is to feel the presence of god and help open your chakra. Enjoy!

God loves you very much.

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Who is Katha?

Katha (or Kathya) is an Indian style of religious storytelling. Performances of which are a ritual event in Hinduism. 

What is Katha?

Katha involves professional storytellers (kathavahchak or vyas) who recite Hindu religious texts, such as the Puranas, the Ramayana or Bhagavata Purana, followed by a commentary (Pravachan). Kathas sometimes take place in households which involve smaller stories related to the Vrat Katha genre. The didactic Shri Satyanarayan and Ramayana kathas instill moral values by revealing the consequences of human action.

There are three major katha traditions: 

• Purana-Pravachana
• Kathakalakshepa and 
• folk narratives. 

Purana-Prava Chana a lecture about scriptures in which the pandit (Baramin) is a spiritual interpreter of the scriptures. 

Kathakalakshepa where the storyteller is proficient in classical music, interweaving the main story with music, dance and digressions.

Folk narratives where oral story telling while playing an instrument in the form of prayers, solo drama, dance, songs, poems and jokes.

When is Katha?

Katha is after the Vedas and Puranas.

Where is Katha?

Katha is in temples, community gatherings or your own home or wherever there are teachings to be a good human being there is katha.

Why Katha?

Our Vedas and Puranas were written in Sanskrit which were only being taught to baramins and the cast system did not allow everyone to learn but our well-wisher Rasimuni thought of a way to pass down the knowledge of Vedas and Puranas in the form of storytelling to teach the way of Hindu life. Sole purpose of the Katha is to make you a better human being. Even today katha is the best way to pass knowledge of any kind.

How Katha?

There were times in history were written text were sinful and only a few were privileged with knowledge of text, therefore out of necessities Katha was invented to preserve ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences.

How to apply Katha in my life today?

You can apply Katha in your life today by keeping a Satyanarayana Katha were you will learn the 1000 names of God and how to pray to lord Ganesh and the 9 planets with the story of lord Vishnu where he showered the worshipers with love. Devotees were taught to never lose hope by taking the righteousness path where you will always prevail. 

God loves you very much.

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