answersLogoWhite

0

🕯

Hinduism

This category is for questions and answers about Hinduism. Hinduism is the third most followed religion worldwide. Some of the principles of Hinduism include traditionalism, reincarnation, personal duty, and karma.

500 Questions

What does samskara?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

It is a semi religious term relating to a purificatory ceremony or rite (of passage) marking a major event in one's life

Are prajapatis is kshtriya?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

no is a no rajput but prajapati bramhano se bhi bada cat he dharm main agar aap kishi brrmahan se pucho to pata chale ga ki kyo

Is Ganesha a man or a woman?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

Hinduism believes that their god can take on many different forms, like avatars, so they are not male or female. Look up Hinduism avatars for further detail

Who is the universal spirit believed by Hindus?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

Bráhman is the one supreme, universal Spirit that is the origin and support of the phenomenal universe.

Not to be confused with Brahma - the creator, who is one among the Holy Trinity - Brahma-Vishnu-Maheshwara. or Brahmin (also Brahman; Brāhmaṇa) - a name used to designate a member of one of the four varnas in the traditional Hindu society.




Wrong




Bráhman is the one supreme, universal Spirit that is the origin and support of the phenomenal universe. This is it get it right next time bub.



''Hanuman'' is a hero in which a famous Indian legend?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

He is famous for his appearance in Ramayana. He also makes a small appearance in Mahabharata to remind Bheem that he isn't the only one with special strength and instills some humility into him

What are the 1008 names of lord vishnu?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

1ViswamHe who is the Universe itself2VishnuHe who is spread everywhere3VashatkaraHe who is personification of Vedic sacrifice(Yagna)4Bhootha Bhavya Bhavat PrabhuHe who is the master of past, present and future5BhootakritHe who has created the beings in the universe6BhootabritHe who takes care of all the beings in the universe7BhavaHe who is everything that happens8BhootaatmaHe who is the soul of every being in the Universe9BhootabhavanaHe who nurtures every being in the universe10PootatmaHe who is detached of every thing or He who has a clean character11ParamatmaHe who is in every being but beyond every being or the greatest soul .12Mukthanam Parama GathiHe who is the ultimate salvation of every freed being13AvyayaHe who does not have different forms or He who is always same.14PurushaHe who is inside every body15SakshiHe who is the witness of every thing that happens16KshetragnaHe who knows the body17AksharaHe who does not have death18YogaHe who can be attained by yoga (meditation?)19Yoga Vitham NethaHe who is the leader of all those who know yoga20Pradhana -PurusheswaraHe who is the lord of nature and beings21Narasimha VapushaHe who is part human and part lion22SrimanHe in whom Sri (Lakshmi or Goddess) resides23KesavaHe who is served by Vishnu, Siva and BrahmaOr He who has beautiful hairOr He Who killed Kesi the Asura(Ogre)24PurushottamaHe who is the greatest among Purushas(beings) orHe who is greater than those who are bound, those who are free and those who are static.25SarwaHe who is everything26SsarvaHe who destroys everything when the deluge comes27ShivaHe who is pure28SthanuHe who is stable29BhootaathaHe from whom all the beings evolved30NidhiravyayaHe who is never destroyed (even at deluge)31SambhavaHe who is all that happens32BhavanaHe who is the giver of every thing33BharthaHe who is the basis supports all beings34PrabhavaHe in whom all things were born35PrabhuHe who is extremely clever36EaswaraHe who controls and rules all beings or He who is a natural ruler.37SwayambhuHe who is born from himself38ShambhuHe who gives all pleasures39AdityaHe who throws light on everything or He who is one but appears different.40PushkarakshaHe who has lotus like eyes41MahaswanaHe who has a great voice42AnadhinidhanaHe who has neither birth nor death43DhathaHe who carries the world44VidhathaHe who creates all actions and their results45Dhatur-UttamaHe who is greater than the creator (Brahma)46AprameyaHe who is beyond rules, regulations and definitions.47HrishikesaHe who controls his five senses48PadmanabhaHe who has a lotus (from which the world evolved) growing on his belly49Amara -PrabhuHe who is the chief of deathless beings50Viswa-KarmaHe who has made this universe51ManuHe who thinks (worries) of every thing52DwashtaHe who destroys every thing53SthavishtaHe who is extremely fat54Sthaviro-DhruvaHe who is ancient and permanent55AgrahyaHe who is not reachable by senses56SaswathaHe who existed in the past, exists at present and will exist in future.57KrishnaHe who is blackOr He who is personification of truth, happiness and that which is beyond us58LohitakshaHe who has red eyes59PrathardhanaHe who destroys every thing in the end (deluge)60PrabhoothaHe who is full of wealth and knowledge61Thrika-KubhdhamaHe in whom resides the three worlds viz. Earth, Heaven and Hell62PavithraHe who is pure or He who makes others pure.63Mangalam-ParamHe who does good to others64EasanaHe who rules over (appoints) everything65PranadhaHe who makes beings move66PranaHe who is the soul67JyeshtaHe who is elder to all others68SreshtaHe who is better than all others69PrajapathiHe who is the chief of all human beings70HiranyagarbhaHe who resides as the soul (Brahmam) of this golden universe71BhoogarbhaHe who carries the earth within himself72MaadhavaHe who is the consort of LakshmiOr He who can be realized only by silence , meditation and yoga73MadusudhanaHe who killed Madhu the Asura74EaswaraHe who is supremely strong75VikramiHe who has the ability to destroy all his enemies or He who has valour.76DhanviHe who is the supreme archer77MedhaviHe who is the supreme intelligence78VikramaHe who has measured the worlds Or He who rides on a bird (Garuda)79KramaHe who has spread every where80AnuthamaHe who does not have anybody better than him81DuradharshaHe who can not be cowed down by his enemies82KridhagnaHe who knows good and bad of all beings or He who gives salvation even by giving leaves and flowers.83KrithiHe who is busy in his work or He who is personification of work.84AthmavanHe who has only his strength as his basis85SureshaHe who is the lord of all Gods (Devas)86ssaranaHe who removes sadness from the unhappy87ssharmaHe who is personification of total happiness88VishwarethaHe who is the seed to this universe89PrajhaBhavaHe who is the reason for existence of human beings90AahaHe who is as bright as the day91SamvatsaraHe who is personification of the year92VyalaHe who cannot be caught like the great serpent93PrathyayaHe who is personification of knowledge94SarvadarshanaHe who sees (knows) everything95AjhaHe who does not have birth96SarveshwaraHe who is God for everything97SiddhaHe who is always everywhere98SiddhiHe who is the desirable effect of everything99SarvadhiHe who is the primary reason for everything100AchyuthaHe who does not slipOr He who does not allow his devotees to slip101VrashakapiHe who is the personification of Dharma and Varaha102AmeyatmaHe whose stature can not be measured103Sarva Yoga VinisruthaHe who is devoid of all attachmentsOr He who is known by all yogas104VasuHe who lives in every being105VasuManaHe who has a good heart106SatyaHe who is truth personified107SamathmaHe who looks everybody as equal108AsammithaHe who can not be measured109SamaHe who is without change at all times110AmoghaHe who gives all to his devotees111PundarikakshaHe who is lotus eyedOr He who is like eyes for those living in the heaven called Pundarika112VrishakarmaHe whose actions are dictated by Dharma113VrishakrithaHe who is born to uphold Dharma114RudhraHe who drives away sadness and the reasons for it115BahusirasHe who has many heads116BhabruHe who carries the worlds117ViswayoniHe from whom all beings are born118SuchisravaHe who hears holy (clean) words of his devotees119AmrithaHe who does not die120SaswathaSthanuHe who is perennially stableOr He who is permanent and unmovable121VaroraohaHe who does not send back those who attain him122MahathapaHe who is extremely knowledgeable123SarvagaHe who goes (reaches) every where124Sarvavid-bhanuHe who shines in the knowledge of every thing125VishvaksenaHe who attacks the armies of Rakshasas from all directions. Or He who attacks bad things from everywhere126JanardhanaHe who troubles bad peopleOr He whom people pray for benefits127VedaHe who is the Vedas128VedavidhaHe who knows the meaning of Vedas129AvyangaHe who is beyond the reach of five senses130VedangaHe who has Vedas as parts of his body131VedaVithHe who examines (interprets) Vedas132KaviHe who sees (knows) everything133LokadhyakshaHe who presides over the Universe134SuradyakshaHe who directs the devas135DharmadyakshaHe who presides over Dharma136KrithaKrithaHe who is the means and result of every thing137ChathurathmaHe who is Brahma during creation, Vishnu during the upkeep, Rudra during destruction and Janardhana during Pralaya(deluge) of the world138Chathur VyuhaHe who is Aniruddha when we are awake, Pradhyumna when we are dreaming, Sangarshana when we are in Sushupthi and Vasudeva when we are in Thuriya139Chathur DamshtraHe who has four protruding incisors( as in Narasimha Avatara)Or He who has four horns140Chathur BhujaHe who has four hands141BrajishnuHe who is in the form of lightOr He who is the light142BhojanaHe who is in the form which can be enjoyed like foodOr He who consumes food offered to him by devotees143BhokthaHe who is the consumer of nature144SahishnuHe who can pardonOr He who wins and converts145JagataDhijaHe who was born before the world146AnaghaHe whom no sin gets attached or He who is sinless147VijayaHe who is wins148JethaHe who is always the victor149ViswayoniHe who is the universe and its creator150PunarvasuHe who is in every being as its controller151UpendraHe who is Indra to Indra himself152VamanaHe who was born as VamanaOr He whom devotees can worship153PramsuHe who grew big when measuring the world as Vamana154AmoghaHe whose actions are never wasted155SuchiHe who cleans the mind of those who pray Him156OOrjithaHe who is very powerful157AthindraHe who is above Indra158SangrihaHe who destroys during the deluge159SargaHe who is the personification of creation160DhritatmaHe who is birth less and stable161NiyamaHe who appoints others162YamaHe who controls others163VedyaHe who can be known164VaidyaHe who knows all knowledge165Sada YogiHe who is lustrous always166VeerahaHe who kills Asura Heroes167MadhavaHe who is the lord of knowledge (Vidya)168MadhuHe who is like honey169AthindriyaHe who is beyond human senses170Maha mayaHe who is an illusion to those great illusionists171MahotsahaHe who has great enthusiasm172MahabalaHe who is very strong173Maha BuddhiHe who has tremendous knowledge174Maha VeeryaHe who even if there is reason to worry never gets worried175Maha ShakthiHe who is very strong176Maha DyuthiHe who has great luster177Anirdesya VapuHe of whom nobody can tell that he is thus178ShreemanHe in whom godly wealth resides179AmeyatmaHe who has immeasurable knowledge180Mahadri DrikHe who lifted large mountains181MaheshvasaHe who is a great archer182Mahee BharthaHe who lifted the earth when he was born as Varaha183SreenivasaHe in whose chest resides Shree Devi184Sadam GathiHe who is the ultimate goal of good people185AniruddhaHe who can not be stopped by any body186SuranandaHe who makes Devas happy187GovindaHe who lifted the earth(Go)Or He who is the chief of cowsOr He who makes the word \'Go\' attain him188Govidam PathiHe who is the leader of those who know Vedas189MareechiHe who is in the form of light190DhamanaHe who punishes191HamsaHe who removes fear of those who consider Him as themselves192SuparnaHe who has beautiful wings193BhujagottamaHe who is the shape of a good serpent194Hiranya NabhaHe who has a belly like gold195SuthapaHe who has done great penance196PadmanabhaHe who shines in the belly of the lotus of our heart197PrajapathiHe who is the chief of people198AmruthyuHe who does not have death199SarvadrikhHe who sees everything200SimhaHe who troubles sinners201SamdathaHe who adds devotees to himself202SandhimanHe who adds all those who experience Him to himself203SthiraHe who is permanent204AjhaHe who is inside everything205DhurmarshanaHe whom enemies cannot defeat or bear206ShaarathaHe who orders and makes others obey207VishrutathmaHe who is the soul of all the good one is told208SurarihaHe who destroys the enemies of devas209GuruHe who is a teacher of all knowledge210Guru-ThamaHe who is the teacher of teachers211DhamaHe who is light212SatyaHe who is truth213SatyaparakramaHe who is truly a hero214NimishaHe who closes his eyes (during Yoganidhra)215AnimishaHe who sees everything without batting his eyelids216SsraghviHe who wears a garland217Vachaspathi UdharathiHe who is the supreme personification of knowledge218AgraniHe who takes one to a higher life219GrammaniHe who appoints (controls) Pancha Bhutas220ShrimanHe who shines221NyayaHe who is justice222NethaHe who drives the world machine as its leader223SameeranaHe who in the form of wind makes beings move224Sahasra MoordhaHe who has countless heads (all heads of beings are his)225ViswathmaHe who is the soul of every thing226SahasrakshaHe who has thousand eyes (All eyes are his)227SahasrapathHe who has thousand feet228AvarthanaHe who rotates (the wheel of life)229NivrithathmaHe who is not attached to life230SamvrithaHe who is not visible due to net of illusion (Maya)231SampramardhanaHe who destroys the world (in the form of Yama and Rudhra)232Aha SamvarthakayaHe who makes day in the form of sun233VahnniHe who is in the form of fire234AnilaHe who is in the form of air235DharanidharaHe who supports the earth (in the form of Adi sesha)236SuprasadhaHe who is mercy personified237PrasannathmaHe who is forever clear headed238Viswa DrikHe who takes care of the world239Viswa BhujaHe who eats up the world during deluge240VibhuHe who has many forms241SatkarthaHe who worships those who do good deeds242SatkrithaHe who is worshipped by good people243SadhuHe who walks in the righteous path244JahnnuHe who prevents people without Bhakthi from attaining him245NarayanaHe who resides in all things that he createsOr He in whom all souls reside246NaraHe who shows the path247AsangyeyaHe who is beyond counting or He who is infinite248AprameyatmanHe who is beyond knowledge249VisishtaHe who is the greatest250SishtaKrithHe who orders or he who protects good people251SuchiHe who is blemish less252SiddharthaHe who has all he wants253Siddha SankalpaHe who realizes all that he wants254SiddhithaHe who gives devotees the ability to attain their wants255Siddhi SadhanaHe who is 'wants' and the reason for 'wants'256VrishahiHe who shines like day257VrishabhaHe who showers all wishes on his devotees258VishnuHe who measured the worlds in Vamana Avatara259VrishaparvanaHe who can be attained through the stair case of Dharma (right action)260VrishodharaHe who keeps all beings in his belly during deluge261VardhanaHe who rears beings262VardhamanaHe who grows like the beings whom He grows263VivikthaHe who stands alone264ShruthisagaraHe who is the ocean in which all Shrutis( Vedas) lead265SubhujaHe who has good arms266DhurdharaHe who carries everything but not carried by anybody or He who is impossible to carry267VagmiHe who is a great orator268MahendraHe who is God to the Gods269VasudhaHe who gives good pleasures and wealth270VasuHe who is wealth271NaikaroopaHe who does not have one appearance272BrihadroopaHe who has a big appearance273ShipivishtaHe who is inside a ray of lightOr He who is sacrifice in a sacrificial animal274PrakasanaHe who makes everything shine275OjastejodyuthidharaHe who has strength, valor and luster276PrakasathmaHe who is the soul of luster Or He who makes others shine277PrathapanaHe who emits heat278KriddhaHe who is full (of knowledge, Dharma and renunciation)279SpashtaksharaHe who is denoted by the sound of OM280ManthraHe who is the shape of Vedic manthras281ChandramsaHe who is as pleasant as the ray of moon282BhaskaradyuthiHe who has light like the sun283AmruthamsurbhavaHe who made moon appear from the Ocean of milk284BhanuHe who shines himself285ShasabinduHe who is like moon286SureswraHe who is the chief of those who do good287AushadhaHe who is medicine288Jagatha-SethuHe who is the bridge for the worlds289Sathya Dharma ParakramaHe who is truth, Dharma and valorous290Bhootha Bhava BhannathaHe who is the lord of past, present and future291PavanaHe who cleans in the form of wind292PaavanaHe who makes the wind blow293AnalaHe whom we never get satisfied294KamahaHe who removes bondage of life295Kama KritHe who satisfies wishes296KanthaHe who is attractive because of his beauty297KamaHe who is desired by everybody298KamapradhaHe who gives all wishes for those who wish299PrabhuHe who stands tall300Yugadhi KritHe who created the divisions of time301Yuga VarthaHe who makes time periods come again and again302Naika MayaHe who creates many illusions303MahasanaHe who is a big eater during deluge304AdhrisyaHe who is not visible305Vyaktha roopaHe who is clearly visible (to yogis)306Sahasra JitHe who defeats thousands (of Rakshsas-bad people)307Anantha JitHe who is for ever victorious308IshtaHe who is liked by every one309AvisishtaHe who does not have any one above him310SishteshtaHe who is dear to the learned311ShikandiHe who wears the feathers of pea cock312NahushaHe who ties souls by illusion313VrishaHe who rains (wishes of devotees)314KrodhaHe who removes anger from devotees315Krodha Krit KarthaHe who destroys those becoming angry (like Rakshasas)316Viswa BhahuHe who has hands all over the universe (He who supports us every where)317Mahee DharaHe who supports the earth318AchyuthaHe who never changes319PradhithaHe who is famous320PranaHe who is the soul321PranaadhaHe who gives strength322VasavanujaHe who is the brother of Indra323Apam NidhiHe who is the ocean324AdhishtanaHe in whom the world stays325ApramaththaHe who is always watchful326PrathishtithaHe who has become stable327SkandhaHe who is the ambrosia (nectar)328Skandha DharaHe who supports the path of the righteous329DhuryaHe who carries the weight of the world330VaradhaHe who gives boons331Vayu VahanaHe who makes even the wind move332Vasu DevaHe who is in everything and plays there333Brihat BhanuHe who has wide rays which go every where334Adhi DevaHe who is the first reason of the world335PurandharaHe who destroyed cities of Asuras336AshokaHe who is never sad337StharanaHe who helps one to cross the sea of life338StharaHe who gives strength to face the fears of life339ShuraHe who has valor340ShouriHe who is a hero (He who is shura, the son of Vasudeva)341JaneswaraHe who is God for all those who are born342AnukoolaHe who is positively interested I every one343Satha VarthaHe who was born several times (to protect Dharma)344PadhmiHe who has lotus in his hand345Padhma NibhekshanaHe who has two lotus like eyes346Padhma NabhaHe who has the lotus on his belly347AravindakshaHe who has beautiful lotus like eyes348Padhma GarbhaHe who is being meditated in the lotus of our mind349Sarrera BritHe who takes many forms by his illusion350MahardhiHe who has great wealth351HriddhaHe grows in the form of universe352VridhatmaHe who is oldest353Maha AkshaHe who has big eyes (all seeing)354Garuda DwajaHe who has Garuda(eagle) in his flag355AthulaHe who has no equals356SharabhaHe who lives as soul in beings357BheemaHe who makes everyone afraid of Him358Sama YagnaHe who knows the time for action or He who treats all as equals359HavirhariHe who takes share of Gods in a Yaga (fire sacrifice)360Sarva Lakshana LakshanyaHe who has all known good characteristicsOr He who is known to all known rules361Lakshmi VaanHe from whom Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) never leaves362SamithinjayaHe who wins in all wars363ViksharaHe who is never destroyed364RohithaHe who took the form of red fish called RohitaOr He who is red like the inside of lotus365MaargaHe who is the way for eternal bliss366HethaHe who is the cause367DamodharaHe who is known by knowledge got by self restraintOr He who was tied by Yasodha in the stomachOr He who keeps in his belly the world called Dhama368SahaHe who tolerates everything369MahidharaHe who carries the world370Maha BhagaHe who is great in the Avataras (holy births) he takesOr He who receives the best share offered by devotees371Vega VanHe who is very fast372AmithasanaHe who takes immeasurable food ( during deluge)373UdbhavaHe who is the reason for the birth of the worlds374KsobhanaHe who during creation churns Purusha and Prakrithi375DevaHe who plays in activities like creationOr He who wins over Asuras376SrigarbhaHe who keeps his wealth (of worlds) in his belly377ParameshwaraHe who is the most efficient ruler378KaranaHe who is the instrument for creation of the world379KaaranaHe who is the cause for creation of the world380KarthaHe who is independent master381VikarthaHe who created peculiar worlds382GahanaHe whose shape, strength and actions are difficult to know383GuhaHe who hides everything by illusion (Maya)384VyavasayaHe who is personification of knowledge385VyavasthanaHe who is not bound by any limitations386SamsthanaHe who has the best position387SthanadaHe who gives positions388DhruvaHe who is permanent389ParardhiHe who has great wealth390Parama SpashtaHe who is the limit of beauty and self evidenceOr He who is extremely clear391ThushtaHe who is the form of immortal bliss392PushtaHe who is always complete393ShubekshanaHe who has a blissful sightOr He whose sight gives all persons their wants394RaamaHe who makes others to be happy with him395ViramaHe who is the ultimate end of everything396VirathaHe who is not interested in worldly pleasures397MaarghaHe who is the path (for Moksha or immortal bliss)398NeyaHe who obeys orders of sages devoted to him399NayaHe who makes everything work (lead)400AnayaHe who cannot be lead by any body401VeeraHe who is personification of valor402Shakthi Matham ShreshtaHe who is strongest among the strong403DharmaHe who is the basis of every thingOr He who is worshipped by all faiths404Dharma VidhuttamaHe who is greatest among those who know Dharma405VaikuntaHe who keeps the five Bhutas ( air, water, sky. Fire and earth) bound together at the beginning of creation orHe who removes all obstacles in the way of devotees to attain Him.406PurushaHe who is in front of every thing or He who washes off all sins or He who is the soul in all beings407PranaHe who is the soul of souls408PranadhaHe who gives life (movement)409PranavaHe who is the holy sound (Om)410PruddhuHe who is spread in the form of the worlds411Hiranya GarbhaHe who keeps the golden source for all creations412ShatrugnaHe who kills Asuras or He who controls sensual weakness by knowledge413VyapthaHe who pervades in all beings as the cause414VayuHe who makes perfumes spread or He who spreads to the places where he is worshipped415AdokshajaHe who is never gets exhausted by use by his devotees or He who never dries up416HrithuHe who is the seasons417SudarshanaHe who has eyes like lotus petals or He who can be easily seen by his devotees418KaalaHe who always keeps thinking of everything419ParameshtiHe who by his power stays in the lotus of heart420ParigrahaHe who is known in all possible manner by his devotees421UgraHe who gives strict orders422SamvatsaraHe who makes all things reside in Him423DakshaHe who completes all jobs quickly424VishramaHe who provides rest for those who are tired (of life)425ViswaDakshinaHe who is an expert in all things or He who is more powerful than all others426VistharaHe who makes all the world broaden in Him427StavaraStanuHe who is stable and he who makes the world stable within Him428PramanaHe who is the law to support every thing or He who is personification of Knowledge429BhijamavyayaHe who is the deathless reason430ArthaHe who is loved by others (because He is Sweet)431AnarthaHe who does not wish any thing432MahakosaHe who is immersed in the five continents433MahabhogaHe who is pleasures in life personified434MahadhanaHe who has great wealth435AnirvinnaHe who does not hate others436StavishtaHe who is spread every where in his majestic form437AbhuHe who does not have birth438DharmayupaHe who is like a pillar in which right action (dharma) is tied439Maha makhaHe by whom yagas become great (by giving to Him)440Nakshatra NemiHe who is like the zodiac441NakshatriHe who is like the moon who is the chief of stars442KshamaHe who is perennially patient443KshaamaHe who remains alone after the deluge444SameehanaHe who likes his jobs like creation445YagnaHe who is personification of Sacrifice (Yagna)446IjhyaHe who is being worshipped by Yagas447MahejyaHe who is the greatest among those worshipped by Yagas448KrathuHe who is personification of performance of Yaga449SathramHe who is the form of Sathra Yaga or He who protects good people (Sadhu)450Satham GathiHe who is the ultimate goal of those who seek for salvation (Moksha)451Sarva DarshiHe who knows every thing naturally or He who sees everything452VimukthathmaHe who is the soul which has left all its bondages453SarvagnaHe who knows all that is to be known454GnanamuuttamamHe who is not born, ever existing, giver of all that is needed and personification of right knowledge455SuvrithaHe who has great penance456SumukhaHe who has a handsome face457SuukshmaHe who is the smallest known thing from which every thing came458SugoshaHe who sings (shouts?) good sounds like Vedas459SukhadhaHe who gives pleasures to devotees460SuhrithHe who has a great heart (mind)461ManoharaHe who steals our mind (by his beauty)462JitakrodhaHe who is in control of anger463Vira BahuHe who has heroic arms (to kill asuras)464VidharanaHe who tears off, those who do sins465SwaapanaHe who makes all beings sleep by illusion466Swa WasaHe who is not in the control of others or He who lives within Himself467VyapiHe who has spread every where468NykathmaHe who takes various forms depending on need469Nykha Karma KritHe who does various jobs (like creation, upkeep and destruction)470VatsaraHe who is the abode of everything471VatsalaHe who loves his devotees472VathsiHe who protects calves (all are calves /children to Him)473Rathna GarbhaHe who is the ocean which keeps pearls within itself474DhaneswaraHe who is the God of wealth475Dharma GupaHe who protects Dharma476Dharma KrithHe who practices Dharma (in spite of His being much above it)477DharmiHe who supports Dharma478SadhaHe who is the ultimate permanent truth (Para Brahman)479AsadhaHe who is the ultimate truth which is hidden (by illusion)480KsharaHe who is all who deceives themselves as the mind, body and senses481AksharaHe who is beyond mind, body and senses or He who lives in ones heart as a permanent witness482AvignathaHe who is not one who does not know483SahsramsuHe who has thousand rays484VidhathaHe who carries the world and also those who carry it like Adisesha, Diggaja etc485Kritha LakshanaHe who made the science of properties of all aspects or He who is the grammar of appearance of every known being486Gabasthi NemiHe who is in the form of the zodiac487Sath vasthaHe who permeates in Sathva guna (kind hearted disciplined life?) or He who lives among souls488SimhaHe who was born as a lion or He who is as royal as a lion489Bhootha MaheswaraHe who is the first and ultimate God of all beings or He who is God of everything490Adhi DevaHe who was God before the Devas or He who was the first God491Maha DevaHe who lived in renunciation and by Yoga became the greatest truth (God?)492DeveshaHe who is the Lord of Devas493Deva Brit GuruHe who is the teacher (guru) for Indra the chief of devas494UttharaHe who saves all beings from the miserable ocean of mortal life or He who awoke to help the Devas495GopathiHe who rears the cattle (Pasu or Go can also be taken to denote all mortals)496GopthaHe who is the saviour497Gnana GamyaHe who can only be attained by right knowledge (Gnana)498PurathanaHe who is very ancient499Sareera Bhootha BritHe who is the soul of Pancha Bhoothas which is the basis of all beings500BhokthaHe who enjoys the truth in himself or He who takes care of all beings501KapindraHe who is Rama who is dear to all monkeys or He who has taken the avathara of Varaha502Bhoori DakshinaHe who conducts Yagas and gives cash benefits (Dakshina) to many503SomapaHe who drinks Soma504AmruthapaHe who drinks the nectar of the bliss of the soul (Athmananda)505SomaHe who in the form of moon helps plants to grow506Puru JitHe who has won over several507Puru sattamaHe who is the best in several forms508VinayaHe who punishes bad people509JayaHe who wins every other being510Sathya SandhaHe who never breaks his word (oath)511DasarhaHe who gives all to his devotes or He who was born among the yadavas512Sathvatham PathiHe who is takes care of the authors of the sastra of Saathvatha513JivaHe who in the form of soul makes all beings514Vinayitha SakshiHe who is a witness to obedience by others to Him515MukundaHe who gives immortal bliss (Moksha)516Amitha VikramaHe who is immeasurable steps or He who has greatest Valor517Ambho NidhiHe who is the ultimate sojourn to devas, Manushyas, asuras and pithrs or He Who has kept himself in the ocean to carry the worlds518Anantha AtmaHe who is immeasurable or He who is the soul of adi sesha519Maho Dadhi SayaHe who sleeps on the ocean520AnthakaHe who brings about end of everything521AjhaHe who is the beginning and in the form of Manmadha(God of love)522MaharhaHe who is fit to be worshipped523SwaabhavyaHe who by nature is not different or He who is usual524JithamitraHe who has won the enemies inside and outside525PramodhanaHe who is always happy or He who makes those devotees who meditate on Him happy526AnandaHe who is the personification of happiness527NandanaHe who makes his devotees happy528NandaHe who is full of everything that is needed or He who has crossed the ordinary pleasures529SatyadharmaHe who is the truthful dharma530TrivikramaHe who measured the worlds in three steps531Maharshi KapilacharyaHe who is the sage Kapila532KrithagnaHe who is the world and the soul which knows the world533Medhini pathiHe who is the lord of the worlds534TripadhaHe who has three steps or He who is formed by three letters AA UU and Ma (that is OM)535TridasadyakshaHe who directs (sees from above) the states of wakefulness, sleep and dream536MahasringaHe who has the great horn (in which he tied the earth traveling in a boat during deluge)537Krithantha KritHe who destroys the world created by Himself538MahavarahaHe who took the shape of Varaha (boar)539GovindaHe who is attained by Vedic words540SushenaHe who has a great army (the Stanzas in Upa Nishads are his army)541Kankam GathiHe who has Golden Shoulders (Golden has been translated as refined by some)542GuhyaHe who is known only by the secret Upanishads or He who is in the cave of the mind543GabhiraHe who appears majestic because of knowledge, wealth, strength and valor544GahanaHe whose depth can not be measured545GupthaHe who is hidden from mind and the words546Chakra GathadharaHe who keeps the holy Wheel (representing mind) and Holy Mace (Representing Philosophy) to save the world547VedhasaHe who creates or He who gives immeasurable happiness and wealth to his devotees548SwangaHe who is the instrument reason and cause for existence549AjithaHe who cannot be won550KrishnaHe who is the colour of the black cloud or He who is Krishna Dwaipayana the sage551DhridaHe who has no change in character and ability552Samkarshano AchyuthaHe who draws beings within Himself during the deluge553VarunaHe who is purple sun who is about to set or He who hides everything554VaarunaHe who is Vasishta who is the son of Varuna555VrikshaHe who is firm and stable like the tree556PushkarakshaHe who has spread completely or He who rained kindness from his eyes557Maha ManaaHe who performs creation, upkeep and destruction by a thought in his great mind558BhagawanHe who is the storehouse of wealth, Dharma, fame. .riches., renunciation and Moksha559BhagagnaHe who destroys wealth during deluge560AnandiHe who is the personification of pleasure561VanamaliHe who wears nature as a garland562HalayudhaHe who has plough as his weapon563AdhityaHe who was born as Vamana to Adhithi564Jyotir AdithyaHe who shines in the zodiac565SahishnuHe who tolerates everything566GathisathamaHe who is the truth and He whom every one attains567SudhanvaHe who has the holy bow called Saranga which is personification of our senses568Kkhanda ParasuHe who has axe as a weapon to kill enemies569DharunaHe who is cruel to those who prevent the right path570Dhravina PradhaHe who gives the wealth asked by devotees571Dhiva SprikhHe who touches the sky or He who shows his secret form by touch572Sarva Drik VyasaHe who writes about all knowledge573VachaspathirayonijaHe who was not born and is the Lord of knowledge574ThrisamaHe who is worshipped by the three samas (Briht, Rathandara and Vamadeva branches of Sama Veda)575SamagaHe who sings sama veda576SamaHe who is the sama veda577NirvanaHe who is beyond all sadness578BeshajaHe who is the medicine579BhisahkhHe who is the Doctor580Sanyasa KritHe who introduced Sanyasa (renunciation) as the method for salvation581ChamaHe who controls every thing582ShanthaHe who is not attracted by bodily pleasures583NishtaHe who is the place where everything ends584ShanthiHe who is the cause of removing ignorance585PaarayanaHe who is in the high pedestal and never returns to bodily pleasures586ShubhangaHe who has beautiful limbs or He who carries out the Ashtangas, the path to salvation587ShanthidaHe who gives peace588SrishtaHe who creates everything589KumudaHe who is happy to be in the world590KuvalesayaHe who sleeps on the ocean surrounding the world591GohithaHe who does good to earthly beings or He who puts limits to nature592GopathiHe who is the lord of all beings in the world593GopthaHe who takes care of the world594VrishabhakshaHe whose merciful eyes showers whatever is prayed for595Vrisha PriyaHe who loves Dharma596AnivartheeHe who never returns from a war without victory597NivrthathmaHe whose mind never attaches itself to pleasures598SamkshepthaHe who shrinks the wide world during deluge599KshemakrithaHe who keeps those recognized by Him comfortable600ShivaHe who removes sins as soon as His name is thought of601Shrivatsa VakshasHe who has Shrivatsa on his chest602ShrivasaHe in whom Goddess Lakshmi lives603ShripathiHe who is the Lord of Goddess Lakshmi604Shrimatam VaraHe who is greatest among Gods605ShridhaHe who gives wealth to his devotees606ShrisaHe who is the God of Goddess Lakshmi607ShrinivasaHe who lives in Gentlemen (Shriman) or He in whom Goddess Lakshmi lives608Shri NidhiHe who is the treasure of all strengths609ShrivibhavanaHe who gives to all beings wealth according to merits earned by them610ShridharaHe who carries the Goddess Lakshmi on his chest611ShrikaraHe who gives all wealth to his devotees612ShreyaHe who is the personification of perennial happiness613ShrimanHe who is a gentle man614Loka TrayasrayaHe on whom the three worlds depend615SwakshaHe who has lotus like eyes616SwangaHe who has beautiful limbs617SsathanandaHe who has several types (hundred) happiness618NandaHe who is personification of supreme happiness619Jyothir ganeswaraHe who is the chief of lustrous bodies620VijhitatmaHe who has conquered the mind621AvidheyatmaHe who is not under the control of anybody622SathkeerthiHe who has good fame623Chinna samsayaHe who does not suspect or He who sees everything clearly624UudheernaHe who is greater than all beings625Sarwata ChakshuHe who sees everything everywhere626AaneesaHe who does not have any God above him627Saswatha sthiraHe who is permanently stable628BhoosaHe who slept on the ground (as Rama waiting for sea God to respond) or He Who lives in idols on the Ground629BhooshanaHe who decorated the world (by several births)630BhoothaHe who has existence631VishokaHe who is never sad632Shoka nasanaHe who destroys sadness of his devotees633ArchishmaHe who gives light to astral bodies634ArchithaHe who is worshipped in all the three worlds635KhumbaHe who is the basis of everything or He who is being worshipped in temples in earth636VishudhatmaHe who has supremely clean habits637VishodhanaHe who removes sins of those who think of Him638AniruddhaHe who can never be stopped by His enemies639AprathiradhaHe who has no enemies640PradhyumnaHe who has great wealth or He who makes others sparkle641Amitha vikramaHe who has immeasurable fame642Kala neminihaHe who killed Kala Nemi643VeeraHe who is valorous644SowraHe who was born in the Sura dynasty (Sri Krishna)645Shoora janeswaraHe who is God for heroes like Indra646ThrilokathmaHe who is not different from the three worlds647ThrilokesaHe who is the Lord of three worlds648KesavaHe who gave rays to lustrous bodies or He in whom Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva reside649KesihaHe who killed the Asura called Kesi650HariHe who removes births and deaths with their cause or He who is green651Kama devaHe who is passionately loved by his devotees652Kama palaHe who takes care of desires653KaamiHe who fulfills desires654KaanthaHe who has attraction655KrithagamaHe who created holy rule books (agamas)656Anirdesya vapuHe whose looks cannot be defined657VishnuHe who has spread all over658VeeraHe who goes, spreads, creates, throws and eats659AnanthaHe who is endless660DhananjayaHe who is Arjuna or He who wins the attraction over money661BrahmanyaHe who favours penance,(Tapas) knowledge, brahmanas and Vedas662Brahma KritHe who made penance (tapas)663BrahmaHe who is Brahma the creator664BrahmanaHe who is Brahmam665Brahma vivardhanaHe who encourages the ways to Brhamam like Tapas666Brahma vidHe who knows Vedas properly667BrahmanaHe who in the Form of Brahmins teaches Vedas668BrahmiHe who controls all that is denoted by Brahma669BrahmangnaHe who knows Vedas as Himself670Brahmana priyaHe who is liked by Brahmins671Maha kramaHe who takes big steps672Maha karmaHe who does the great works like creation, upkeep and destruction673Maha tejaHe who gives light to stars or He who is the great star674MahoragaHe who has the form of the great serpent675Maha krithuHe who is the great doer676Mahar yajwaHe who shows the way by performing great sacrifices (yagna)677Maha yagnaHe who is the greatest Yagna (sacrifice)678Maha haviHe who is the greatest sacrificial offering in the yagna679StavyaHe who is being praised by everybody680Sthava priyaHe who likes being praised681StotraHe who is the song about Himself682SthuthaHe who is the act of being sung about God683SthothraHe who is the devotee who sings about him684Rana priyaHe who likes war685PoornaHe who is complete686PoorayithaHe who completes the wishes of his devotees687PushyaHe who removes sins as one thinks about Him688Punya keerthiHe who is famous for removing sins689AnamayaHe who never becomes ill690ManojavaHe who is as fast as the mind691Theertha karaHe who created methods for salvation of all beings in the world692Vasu rethasHe who is the golden essence of Himself693Vasu pradhaHe who gives wealth to his devotees694VasupradhaHe who leads His devotees to salvation695Vasu devaHe who was born as son of Vasudeva696VasuHe in whom all others live697Vasu manasHe who has a mind which lives in all others698HaviHe who is the sacrificial offering in the yagas699Sad GadhiHe who is attained by good people700Sad krithiHe who does good action701SaththaHe who is personification of non differential knowledge702Sad brithiHe who is Sat and Chit (Truth and Ultimate truth)703Sad parayanaHe who is attained by those who know him704Sura senaHe who lead an army of heroes705Yadu sreshtaHe who is the greatest among Yadus (Krishna belonged to this family)706SannivasaHe who is the ultimate place where scholars go.707SuyamunaHe who is surrounded by residents of Yamuna708BhootavasaHe who keeps all beings in his caring sight709VasudevaHe who hides the world by illusion710SarvasunilayaHe who is the form of Jivatma (the form of God within every being)711AnalaHe who has unending strength712DarpahaHe who destroys the pride of those who are against Dharma713DarpadhaHe who gives self satisfaction to those who walk in the path of Dharma714DrpthaHe who is supremely happy or He who never gets proud of his strength715DurdharaHe who can be brought to the mind with difficulty716AparajithaHe who can not be won717Viswa MurthiHe who has the universe as his body718Maha MurthiHe who has a big body719DeepthamurthyHe who has a body which shines due to knowledge720MurthymanHe whose body when he is born is not a result of Karma721Aneka MurthyHe who is born several times722AvyakthaHe who is not clear or He who cannot be determined to be a certain thing by any body723Satha MurthyHe who has several forms724SathananaHe who has several faces725EkaHe who is one726NaikaHe who appears as in different forms by illusion727SavaHe who is the personification of soma yaga728KavaHe who shines even among those who are sinners or He who is worshipped as 'ka' indicating pleasures729KasmaiHe who can be investigated and known730YasmaiHe who tries to help is devotees always or He who is indicated by 'yat'731ThasmaiHe who is indicated by the word 'THAT'732PadamanuttamamHe who is in such a high position that the most knowledgeable want to attain him733Loka BhanduHe who is a relation of all beings734Loka NathaHe who rules over the world735MadhavaHe who was born in the family of Madhu736Bhaktha VatsalaHe who loves his devotees737Suvarna varnaHe who is of a golden colour738HemangaHe who has a golden body739VarangaHe who has beautiful body740Chandanam gathiHe who wears Golden armlets to give happiness741VeerahaHe who is a hero destroying sins742VishamaHe who cannot be compared to any one else743SunyaHe who appears as if he is not there744GrithasiHe who does not have desires745AchalaHe who is supremely stable746ChalaHe who moves in the form of wind for example747AmaniHe who does not have pride and willing to be any thing748ManadaHe who by his illusion makes people love their body749ManyaHe who is fit to be worshipped750Loka swamiHe who is the lord of the universe751Thriloka drikHe who carries the three worlds752SumedhaHe who is having good causing knowledge753MedhajaHe who is created in Yagas754DhanyaHe who has all facilities755Sathya medhaHe who has a knowledge which is unalloyed truth756Dhara DharaHe who carried the mountain757ThejovrishaHe who rains light758Dhythi dharaHe who has shining limbs759Sarva Sastra Bhritham VaraHe who is the greatest among those who are armed760PragrahaHe who receives (the flowers .leaves etc offered by his devotees)761NigrahaHe who keeps every thing within himself762VyangaHe who does not have end763Naika SringaHe who has several horns ( Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha are the horns)764GadhagrajaHe who appears before by Manthras or He who appeared before Gatha765Chatur murthyHe who has four forms766Chathur BahuHe who has four arms767Chatur VyoohaHe who has four Vyoohas ( Four gates)768Chatur GathiHe who is the destination for four varnas (brahmana, Kshatriya, Vysya and shudra)769Chatur AtmaHe who has four aspects of mind. Brain., thought and pride770Chatur BhavaHe who is the reason for Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha (right action, wealth, pleasure and salvation)771Chatur Veda VidhaHe who knows properly the meaning of four Vedas772Eka PathaHe who keeps all the worlds under one of his feet773Sama VarthaHe who rotates the wheel of birth and death774NivrittatmaHe who is always available everywhere.775Dur JayaHe who can not be won776DurathikramaHe whose orders can never be disobeyed777Dur LabhaHe who can not be attained except by devotion778Dur GamaHe who is easily not known779DurgaHe who is difficult to attain due to way side road blocks780Dura VasaHe who can be kept in the mind with great difficulty781DurarihaHe who kills those adopting the wrong path782ShubhangaHe who has a beautiful body783Loka SarangaHe who understands the essence of the world784SuthanthuHe who keeps with him the wide world785Thanthu VardhanaHe who broadens the world786Indra KarmaHe who has the work like Indra787Maha KarmaHe who created all great beings788Kritha KarmaHe who does not have a need to do any thing789Kritha AgamaHe who created the Vedas790UdbhavaHe who attains great births791SundaraHe who is the epitome of beauty792SundaHe who is wet (has mercy)793Rathna NabhaHe who has a beautiful belly794SulochanaHe who has beautiful eyes795ArkaHe who is suitable to be worshipped by all great Gods796Vaja sanaHe who gives Anna (food)797ShringaHe who was born as a fish with horn798JayanthaHe who is the cause of victory799Sarva VijjayiHe who knows all and wins over all800Suvarna BinduHe who has limbs of the body like Gold or He who is the God of Pranava (OM)801AkshobyaHe who should not be disturbed802Sarva Vagesware swaraHe who is the chief among Gods who speak803Maha HridaHe whose heart is full of the eternal water of happiness804Maha GarthaHe who is the lord of illusion which is like a big hole or He who is a great charioteer805Maha BhoothaHe who is spread in all places always806Maha NidhiHe in Whom all wealth is saved807KumudhaHe who makes the earth happy808KundaraHe who recognizes results of good deeds809KundaHe who gave earth as Dana to Kasyapa ( as Parasurama)810ParjanyaHe who is a cloud (which showers comfort to the sad people)811PavanaHe who makes one pure by mere thought812AnilaHe who does not have any one to order him Or He who never sleeps813AmruthasaHe who eats nectar which is the greatest happiness814Amritha VapuHe who has a body which cannot be destroyed815SarvagnaHe who knows every thing816Sarvatho MugaHe who has faces everywhere or He who can be approached from any where817SulabhaHe who can be easily attained818SuvrithaHe who does great penance819SiddhaHe for no reason is always Himself820Sathuru JitaHe who wins over his enemies821Sathru ThapanaHe who makes his enemies suffer822NyagrodhaHe who is above all beings in the worlds below823UdhumbaraHe who is above skies or He who gives food to all the world824AswathaHe who is like a banyan tree825Chanurandra NishudhanaHe who killed Chanoora who belonged to Andhra826SahasrarchiHe who has thousand rays827Satha JihwaHe who is the fire God with seven tongues828SapthaidaHe who has seven flames829Saptha VahanaHe who is the Sun God with seven horses830AmoorthiHe who does not have shape831AnaghaHe who is not touched by sins832AchintyaHe who cannot be known by thought process833Bhaya KritHe who creates fear in bad people834Bhaya NasanaHe who destroys fear in good people835AnuHe who is small like an atom836BrihatHe who is extremely big837KrisaHe who is thin838SthoolaHe who is stout839Guna BrithaHe who has the nature to create, upkeep and destroy840NirgunaHe who does not have any properties841MahaanHe who is great842AdhrithaHe who is not carried by any thing843SwadhrithaHe who carries Himself844SwasyaHe who has a beautiful face or He from whose face Vedas came out845PragvamsaHe who belongs to the first dynasty846Vamsa VardhanaHe who makes dynasties grow847Bhara BritHe who carries heavy worlds848KhadhithaHe who is called as ultimate truth by the Vedas849YogiHe who can be attained by yoga or He who sees his essence always850YogisaHe who is the greatest among Yogis851Sarva KamadaHe who fulfills all desires852AsramaHe who is the place where beings can relax853SravanaHe who gives sorrow to sinners854KshamaHe who destroys during deluge855SuparnaHe who is a tree of whose leaves are the Vedas856Vayu VahanaHe who makes winds move857Dhanur dharaHe who is a great archer ( in the form of Rama)858Dhanur vedaHe who knows the science of Archery859DhandaHe who is the weapon to those who punish and also is the punishment860DhamayithaHe who controls and rules people861DhamaHe who is also the patience when being ruled862AparajithaHe who can never be won by His enemies863Sarva sahaHe who is an expert in every thing864NiyanthaHe who makes people obey rules865AniyamaHe who is not subject to any rules866AyamaHe who does not have fear of death (caused by Yama)867Sathva vanHe who is brave and valorous868SaathvikaHe who is soft natured ( Of Sathva Guna)869SatyaHe who is good to the good people or He who is available to good people870Satya dharma parayanaHe who holds truth and charity (dharma) as important871AbhiprayaHe who is approached by seekers of salvation872PriyarhaHe who is suitable for giving away of our most cherished things873ArhaHe who is most appropriate for prayers874Priya kritHe who fulfills desires (Of devotees)875Preethi vardhanaHe who increases devotion of his devotees876Vihaya sagathaHe who lives in the sky877JyothiHe who glitters himself878SuruchiHe who shines beautifully879Hartha bujhaHe who eats what has been offered to him through fire880VibhaHe who is every where881RaviHe who is the sun882VirochanaHe who shines in several ways883SuryaHe who makes everything884SavithaHe who creates worlds885Ravi lochanaHe who has the sun for his eyes886AnanthaHe who is limitless887Hutha bhujaHe who eats what is offered in fire sacrifice (homa)888BhokthaHe who consumes nature889SukhadaHe who gives his devotees the pleasure of salvation890NaikajaHe who took several forms891AgrajaHe who is in front of everything892AnirvinnaHe who does not have any worries893SadhamarshiHe who pardons mistakes (committed by his devotees)894Loka adhishtanaHe who is the basis of the world895AdbhutaHe who is the wonder896SanaathHe who is from the very beginning897Sanathana thamaHe who is older than the oldest898KapilaHe who is of purple colour or He who was sage Kapila899KapiHe who is the sun900AvyayaHe in whom all disappear during the deluge901SwasthidaHe who gives all good things to his devotees902Swasthi krithHe who does good903SwasthiHe who is good Himself904Swasthi bukhHe who enjoys goodness905Swasthi dakshinaHe who has the nature of giving good906AroudhraHe who is never cruel907KundaliHe who is Adi Sesha or He who wears shining ear globes908ChakreeHe who wears Chakra (the holy wheel )909VikrameeHe walks beautifully910Urjitha SasanaHe who gives firm orders911SabdhathigaHe who can not be reached by words912SabdhasahaHe who can tolerate all sounds913ShisiraHe who is cool like winter914SsarvarikaraHe who creates darkness like night915AkrooraHe who is not cruel916PesalaHe who is extremely handsome917DhakshaHe who is clever918DhakshinaHe who goes everywhere or He who kills his enemies919Kshaminam varaHe who is the greatest among those who have patience920VidhuthamaHe who is greatest among those who know921Veetha bhayaHe who is not afraid922Punya sravana keerthanaHe who increases boons to those who sing about him923UthaaranaHe who makes you climb the shore from ocean of misery924DushkrathihaHe who removes sins925PunyaHe who gives rewards to good deeds926Dhuswapna nasanaHe who destroys bad dreams927VeerahaHe who gives the suffering people of the world salvation928RakshanaHe who protects929SanthaHe who is personification of good people930JivanaHe who makes all beings live by being their soul931ParyavasthithaHe who is spread every where932Anantha roopaHe who has countless forms or He who is Adisesha933Anantha shreeHe whose strength cannot be estimated934Jithar manyuHe who has won over anger935BhayapahaHe who removes fear936ChathurasraHe who is just937GabeerathmaHe whose depth can never be found938VidhisaHe who gives special favors939VyaadhisaHe who gives different works to different gods940DhisaHe who as Veda, points out the results of different actions941AnadhiHe who does not have a cause942Bhor bhuvaHe who is the basis of the earth and its goal943LakshmiHe who is the luster of the earth or He who is himself the wealth944SuveeraHe who has been praised in several ways945RuchirangadhaHe who has beautiful shoulders946JananaHe who creates people947Jana janmadiHe who is the existence of all people948BheemaHe of whom all beings are afraid949Bheema parakramaHe who creates fear in his adversaries950Adhara NilayaHe who is the basis of the basis (five elements)951AdhathaHe who drinks all beings at the time of deluge or He who is the only one basis952Pushpa hasaHe who opens like a flower at the time of primal creation953Praja garaHe who is always awake954UrdhwagaHe who is above everything955SatpadacharaHe who adopts good deeds prescribed by him956PranadaHe who gives life957PranavaHe who is OM958PanaHe who accepts all offerings to him and gives rewards959PramanaHe who is the lustrous personification of knowledge960Prana nilayaHe in whom all souls live961Prana britHe who nurtures beings962Prana jivanaHe who makes beings live963ThathvamHe who is the real meaning964Thathva vidheHe who knows his essence965Eka athmaHe who is the one and only one soul966Janma mrutyu jarathigaHe who is above birth, death and ageing967Bhurbhuva Swastharu stharaHe who is spread as a tree to Bhuu Loka, Bhuvar Loka, and Suvar Loka968TharaHe who makes us cross the sea of births and deaths969SavithaHe who has created everything970PrapithamahaHe who is the great grand father (All human beings are grand children of Brahma, the son of Vishnu)971YagnaHe who shows results to those who conduct Yagna(Fire sacrifice)972Yagna pathiHe who protects Yagna973YajwaHe who conducts Yagnas974Yagna angaHe whose limbs are Yagna975Yagna vahanaHe who carries forward Yagna976Yagna britHe who accepts yagna977Yagna kritHe who created Yagna978YagniHe who is the head of Yagna979Yagna bhujaHe who uses Yagna980Yagna sadhanaHe who indicates Yagna as a method of attaining Him981Yagna antha kritHe who increases the effect of Yagna982Yagna guhyaHe who is the secret of Yagna983AnnaHe who is food984AnnadaHe who eats food985Athma yoniHe who is the cause of all beingss986Swayam jathaHe who is the cause of His own birth987VaikhkhanaHe who dug earth as a boar (varaha)988Sama gayanaHe who sings Sama Veda989Deavaki nandanaHe who is the son of Devaki990SrishtaHe who created the world991KsitheesaHe who is the God to all worlds992Papa nasanaHe who destroys sin993Sankha britHe who has a Conch (Called Pancha Janya)994NandakiHe who has the sword called Nandaka995ChakriHe who has the wheel called Sudharsana996Sarnga dhanwaHe who has the bow called Saranga997Gadha dharaHe who has a mace called Gowmodaki998Radanga paniHe who keeps the wheel in his hand ready to use999AkshobyaHe who cannot be broken down by his enemies1000Sarva praharanayudhaHe who uses everything as a weapon

Ritual and practice Hinduism sacred elements their meaning?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

You may find some info about rituals and practices in Hinduism on the following site:

http://www.awgp.org/?weoffer/Sacramental_rites/

Punswan Sanskar

Namkaran Sanskar

Annaprashan Sanskar

Mundan Sanskar

Vidyarambha Sanskar

Yagyopaveet Sanskar

Deeksha Sanskar

Vivah Sanskar

Vanparshtya Sanskar

Antyeshthee Sanskar

Shradhhya Tarpan Sanskar

Janma Divas Sanskar

Vivah Divas Sanskar

Search

Main Links Blissful Life

Corporate Excellence

Downloads

Gayatri

Gurudev

Indian Culture

Literature

Mission & vision

Multimedia Center

Science & Philosopy of Yagya

Scintific Sprituality

Self Realization

Thought Power

All World Gayatri Pariwar We Offer » Sacramental Rites

Sacramental Rites Print this Article Mail this page

The ancient Indian rishis were scientists of spirituality, consciousness and Nature. Their acumen into the deepest depth of human mind had enabled them to develop a perfect science of systematic refinement and escalation of intrinsic faith and inherent tendencies of human self. They had developed the system of shodash sanskaras - sixteen sacraments - in this regard for the benefit of the masses. These sixteen sacraments are methods of conditioning and training or experiments of purification of accumulated instincts and inculcation of virtuous tendencies, performed during specific transitional phases of life. The combination of powerful mantras and procedures of yagya associated with each of these rituals had resulted from long-term dedicated research conducted by the rishis. This system of shodash sanskaras was devised to affect the subtle levels of human consciousness and hence had an impact on the psychology, endocrine system and genetic machinery too. The shodash sanskaras are integral part of the Indian culture and philosophy of life.

The modern age saw a deformed 'short-cut' version of the shodash sanskaras propagated and performed by the so-called Hindu 'priests' professionally in the name of religious rituals. Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya a sagacious spiritual scholar, devoted saint and social reformer had pioneered revival of the original tradition of shodash sanskaras along with elucidation of different facets of Indian philosophy in scientific light.

Considering the mode of living, attitude towards life and spiritual level of an average person in today's society, Acharya Sharma had found that six out of the sixteen (shodash) samkaras cannot be performed in present circumstances. As would be expected from a foresighted inventor, he, rather than sticking to rigid traditions, modified the list of shodash sanskaras to serve the basic purpose effectively in modern conditions. He added four new methods and disciplines to this system which are most relevant in the modern age and which are to be performed regularly throughout the span of one's life. These new sanskaras are - janma-diwasa, vivaha-diwasa, diksha and shikha. The ten sanskaras of the ancient system which were retained by him with their original teachings are - punsavana, namakaran, annaprashana, mundana, vidyarambha, yagyopavita, vivaha, vanaprastha, antyeshti and shraddha-tarpana. He had analyzed the scientific foundation and effects of each of them in detail and had explained them in simple language for educating the masses.

More here

http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/Hindu_Rituals/id/23073

Hindu Rituals: An overview of Hindu Rituals

By Sri Swami Sivananda

Sandhyopasana

Sandhyopasana literally means - worship at the junctions of time. - It is a prayer and worship offered to the Lord at the junction (Sandhi) of night and morning, forenoon and afternoon and at the junction of evening and night. The Arghyapradana to the sun and the meditation on and recitation of Gayatri, form the heart of the worship. Properly understood, the whole Sandhya is an earnest prayer addressed to the Lord to forgive all ones sins committed during ones routine, daily activities and to bestow illumination and grace.

Sandhyopasana must be performed at the proper Sandhyas. Then only the performer can derive much merit. There is a special manifestation of force at Sandhyas. This force disappears when the Sandhya is past.

An Obligatory Duty

Sandhyopasana is the daily religious practice of the Hindus whose investiture with the holy thread has been performed. Sandhya is a Nitya Karma or an action that is to be done daily. Sandhya is an obligatory duty to be performed daily for self-purification and self-improvement.

Sandhya should be performed by all followers of the Sanatana Dharma. Every Brahmachari and every householder must perform it every day. If he fails to perform it, there is Pratyavaya Dosha or the sin of omission. He loses his Brahma-Tejas.

According to the Hindu Sastras, a Brahmana, a Kshatriya and a Vaisya will get hell, if they do not perform three times Sandhyopasana (Traikalika Sandhya) daily. It is for the purpose of Sandhya only, the law of Yajnopavita-Samskara is laid down in the Yajnavalkya Smriti which says: - The Brahmana in his eighth year, the Kshatriya in his eleventh year and the Vaisya in his twelfth year are fit to be given Yajnopavita. - Because, only after this particular Samskara, they are supposed to be worthy to worship Sandhya and take to Vedic rites. They should keep themselves pure internally and externally. They can nicely understand the sacred glory of this divine science.

Benefits Of Sandhyopasana

Sandhya is a combination of Japa, Upasana, Svadhyaya,meditation, concentration, Asana, Pranayama, etc. He who does Sandhya daily has Brahma-Tejas or spiritual lustre, in his face. A man who performs his daily Sandhya, according to the prescribed rules, at the appointed time as laid down in the scriptures, attains purity and success in his every effort. He becomes powerful as well as calm. Regular Sandhya cuts the chain of old Samskaras and changes everybodys old situation entirely. It brings purity, Atma-Bhava, devotion and sincerity.

The Ceremony

The important features of this ceremony are: (i) Achamanaor sipping of water with recitation of Mantras (viz., Achyutaya Namah, Anantaya Namah, Govindaya Namah, etc.), Marjana or sprinkling of water on the body which purifies the mind and the body, Aghamarshana or expiation for the sins of many births, and Surya Arghya or oblations of water to the Sun-god, (ii) Pranayama or control of breath which steadies the wandering mind, and silent recitation of Gayatri, (iii) Upasthana or religious obeisance.

Arghya

The first part up to Arghya consists of hymns addressed to water and its benefits. The sprinkling of water on the face and the head and the touching of the different organs (the mouth, nose, eyes, ears, chest, shoulders, head, etc.) with wetted fingers, are meant to purify those parts of the body and invoke the respective presiding deities on them. They also stimulate the nerve-centres and wake up the dormant powers of the body.

The Arghya drives the demons who obstruct the path of the rising sun. Esoterically, lust, anger and greed are the demons who obstruct the intellect from rising up. The intellect is the sun.

Pranayama and Japa

The second part of Sandhya consists of Pranayama and Japa of Gayatri.

Suryopasthana

The third part of Sandhya is the Suryopasthana. It is a prayer for forgiveness, mercy and grace. The prayer is: - Let me not go down to the earthly house. Have mercy, O Lord! My strength was very weak, O Lord! I did wrong actions. Have mercy, O Lord! - These are Vedic hymns addressed to the sun in the morning, noon and evening. The sun is the intellect in man. Ignorance is the night. Knowledge is the light. When you rise up from the darkness of ignorance, when the eye of intuition is opened through the grace of Gayatri, the Blessed Mother of the Vedas, you attain eternal bliss, supreme peace and immortality. It is that divine light which dispels delusion and the darkness of ignorance. It is that adorable splendour with which the world is glowing. It is that holy lustre which graciously fills the heart of a devotee with eternal bliss. It is this supreme Light which the aspirant craves from God through the Gayatri Mantra. He begs of God this Knowledge for his Realisation.

Sandhyopasana - An Exact Science

Man naturally wants to realise the Truth. He wants to know the secret of Creation. In this connection, scriptures emphatically declare: - Only at the moment when all doubts are cleared, ignorance is destroyed, hypocrisy and cruelty are rent asunder, and when a man sees Him in the abode of his heart, the real and ultimate Truth is revealed. -

Sandhya-Vijnana or the Science of Sandhya is an exact science to attain success in the realm of Truth. One need not have any kind of superstition to learn this divine science. One need not prove its greatness. Its greatness, its glory, is open truth. Even the materialistic society of today agrees with the truth of Sandhya-Vijnana. In the scriptures, it is laid: - Brahmanhood is the tree, Sandhya is its root, Vedas are its branches, religious acts are its leaves; therefore take care of its root, i.e., Sandhya. - Now the glory of Sandhya is very clear. Sandhya is absolutely necessary for a man who is treading the path of Truth. Aharahah Sandhyamupasita, i.e., a Brahmin should perform regularly his daily Sandhya at any cost - is the injunction of the scriptures.

Prerequisites For The Practice Of Sandhya

Diet

If you want to learn this science, you must be careful about your diet. Take regular and light Sattvic food. Man is much influenced by his diet. See the difference between a small lion and a big elephant. You will be able to improve yourself by adjusting your diet. Idleness is due to a variety of rich diet only. Therefore, be strict in your daily diet. You will be ever active and strong.

Sitting Pose

A man who performs Sandhya does not care about his sitting pose. He sits in any posture. This is not much beneficial. He should daily sit in a perfect posture, Padmasana or Sukhasana, facing the particular direction. As far as possible, he must finish his Sandhya in one sitting. He must have perfect mastery over Asana. Then he will have concentration in his Sandhya.

Faith and Devotion

You must do your Sandhya with faith and devotion. Mere repetition will not bring much good. Pray from the core of your heart to the Lord to forgive your sins.

A Word To The Younger Generation

Our young college students, who are under the influence of wrong Samskaras and wrong education and evil company, have forgotten all about the glory and high efficacy of Sandhya. They are not doing Sandhya. Sandhya has no meaning for them. They have become Godless men. They want laboratory tests and scientific proofs for the usefulness of Sandhya, before they begin to do Sandhya. It must be supported by the statements of western scientists. The words of ancient Rishis do not appeal to them. What a greatly degraded state!

O young students! Do not ruin yourself by neglecting Sandhya. Regular performance of Sandhya will give you success in life and material and spiritual prosperity, good health and long life, purity of heart, and help you to attain God-realisation. Do it from now at least. Yet there is hope for you. Wake up. Be sincere.

Now take strict resolve from this very moment to be regular in your daily Sandhya, even under many distractions and obstacles. Begin it from this very moment. Do not delay. Reduce your useless activities. Talk little. Do not mix much. You will get plenty of time for your Sandhya.

Be strict in your Sandhya. Let there be rain or wind. Even if the Pralaya comes, do not leave it half-done. Many people say that they have not got time to perform Sandhya. They have to attend several functions. This is due to their weakness and lack of good Samskaras. They do not know the glory of this divine science. If they see one of their friends sitting on the banks of the river and performing Sandhya, they will begin to shout or they will play some sort of mischief. But these poor creatures do not know what secret is hidden behind the Sandhya. The Secret of secrets is hidden in this sacred performance. This is why ancient Rishis say: - One who does not perform daily Sandhya is a real animal. -

May God give you the mind to perform daily Sandhya at any cost. May you follow the rules of Sandhya. May you realise the glory of Sandhya-Vijnana and be free from all tribulations and torments. May the divine science named Sandhya-Vijnana bestow purity, immense joy and immortality on you!

The Ten Scriptural Samskaras

The rites that pertain to the stages of life of man are called Samskaras. The Samskaras are purificatory rites which sanctify the life of the Hindu. They give a spiritual touch to the important events in the life of the individual from conception to cremation. They mark the important stages of a mans life. Just as the outline of a picture is lighted up slowly with the filling in of many colours, so also is Brahmanya with scriptural Samskaras. There are the Samskaras of childhood, of boyhood, of manhood and of old age and death.

There are fiftytwo Samskaras. Among these, ten are important. The ten principal and generally recognised Samskaras are: Garbhadana, Pumsavana, Simantonnayana, Jatakarma, Namakarana, Annaprasana, Chudakarma, Upanayana, Samavartana and Vivaha. Of these ten, only some are now performed. Some of the Samskaras pertain to infantile life and early childhood. Some are ceremonies which may be performed daily or on special occasions. The whole life of the Hindu is thus consecrated and protected from the cradle to the grave.

Garbhadana

The Garbhadana sanctifies the creative act. The husband prays fervently from the core of his heart that a child may be conceived. He repeats sacred Mantras during Ritu-Santi ceremony or nuptials. The new child is conceived amidst the vibration of Mantras. Good impressions are impressed in the brain-cells of the embryo. For a real Hindu who is endowed with pure intellect and right understanding, the sexual union is not for the sake of mere enjoyment. He utilises the divine, creative, vital energy for the formation of a human body. Husband and wife should be cheerful and pious when they have intercourse. When their minds are perturbed or agitated, or when there is anger or hatred, they should avoid copulation. They should study holy scriptures. If they have the image of Arjuna, they will have a chivalrous and wise son. If they have the image of Lord Buddha, they will bring forth a son with mercy and other good virtues. If they have the image Of Dhanvantari, they will get a son who will turn out to be a reputed Ayurvedic doctor. If they think of Surya or Sun-God, they will bring forth a lustrous son with splendour and effulgence.

Pumsavana

In the third month, the Pumsavana is performed with Mantras. The food-sheath and the vital-sheath of the child are formed.

Simantonnayana

The Simantonnayana is performed at the seventh month with recitation of Veda Mantras. This protects the mother from evil influences and bestows health on the child. The above three Samskaras protect the mother and the child. The body of the child develops nicely. The harmonious vibrations set up by the recitation of Mantras and the performance of the ceremonies help in shaping the body of the child beautifully.

Jatakarma

The next Samskara, the ceremony performed immediately after the birth of the child, is the Jatakarma. The father welcomes his new-born child. He prays for its long life, intelligence and well-being, and feeds it with honey and butter.

Namakarana

Then comes Namakarana or the naming ceremony. The new-born child is given a name on the tenth, eleventh or twelfth day with recitation of Mantras.

Annaprasana

The Annaprasana comes in the sixth month when the child is given solid food for the first time. Mantras are recited and oblations are offered to the various deities.

Chudakarma

The Chudakarma, the tonsure or shaving of the head, is performed in the first or third year. The Karnavedha or ear-boring ceremony is performed in the fifth or the seventh year or at the end of the first year with the Chudakarma. The body of the child is protected and harmonised by these ceremonies. Any hereditary defect that arises from defect of semen and embryo is removed. Vidyarambha also is another Samskara. Alphabet is taught to the child. This is also known by the name Aksharabhyasa. These Samskaras pertain to the child stage of life.

Upanayana

The most important ceremony which marks the beginning of the next stage of life - the stage of youth - is Upanayana. Upanayana is a very important Samskara. It is a landmark in the life of the child. It is his second or spiritual birth. The word Upanayana means bringing near.

The boy is brought near his Guru, spiritual teacher. The preceptor invests him with the sacred thread, Yajnopavita, and initiates him by giving him the Gayatri Mantra, and gives him a staff. This is the beginning of Brahmacharya Asrama, during which Brahmacharya - perfect or entire celibacy - is enjoined. He is to begin the life of study. The initiation makes him a Dvija, twice-born. The father and the mother gave birth to him from mutual desire. This is his physical birth. Initiation into Gayatri Mantra is his another, true birth. According to Yajnavalkya, the Upanayana ceremony is performed at the eighth year for a Brahmana, eleventh for a Kshatriya and twelfth for a Vaisya. Manu gives the age at the fifth year for a Brahmana, the sixth for a Kshatriya and the eighth for a Vaisya.

Significance of the Sacred Thread and Other Symbols

The sacred thread or Yajnopavita consists of three threads knotted together. He who wears the thread should have a triple control, over his mind, speech and body - thought, word and deed. The holy thread signifies the various triads which exist in the world, viz., Sat, Chit and Ananda; creation, preservation and destruction; the three states of waking, dreaming and deep sleep; the three qualities of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas; the Trimurtis Brahma, Vishnu and Siva; etc.

The staff signifies that the student should have control over his thoughts, words and actions. He who practises control over his thoughts, words and actions, and he who practises Brahmacharya in thought, word and deed, attains perfection.

The boy wears a Kaupina, a small yellow cloth and a girdle of Munja grass. The Acharya puts on him a deerskin. The new yellow cloth represents the new body. Yellow colour is a symbol of spirituality. Wearing of Kaupina indicates that the boy should lead a pure life of perfect celibacy. The girdle is wound round thrice. This indicates that the boy has to study the Samhitas, the Brahmanas and the Upanishads. The deer-skin represents the ascetic life he should lead.

Samavartana

Then comes the end of the student stage, the Samavartana. The student, having completed the Vedic studies and the Vratas, presents his preceptor with a gift and obtains permission to take the formal bath which marks the close of his student-career. He returns home and performs the Samavartana, the returning ceremony. He is now ready to marry and enter the second stage or Grihastha Asrama, the life of a householder.

Vivaha

Vivaha is marriage or entry into the second Asrama. The life of the householder begins. Now he takes up his duties as man and pays his spiritual debts by sacrifice, by study and by procreating children. The bridegroom tells the bride: - I take your hand for good fortune. - They walk round the sacred fire hand-in-hand. The bride sacrifices grains in the fire and prays: - May my husband live long. May my relations increase. -

The Last Two Stages Of Life

There are two more stages, viz., Vanaprastha and Sannyasa, with their rites.

Man withdraws himself from all worldly activities, retires into the forest and prepares himself for taking Sannyasa. This is the life of a Vanaprastha.

A Sannyasin renounces the world and leads a life of study and meditation by living on alms.

Pretakarma is funeral rite. When a man dies, the funeral ceremonies are performed by his son and heir.

The Pancha Mahayajnas

There are five great daily sacrifices that are to be performed by every householder. They are: (i) Brahma Yajna, called also Veda Yajna, sacrifice to Brahman or the Vedas or the sages; (ii) Deva Yajna, sacrifice to the celestials; (iii) Pitri Yajna, sacrifice to the manes; (iv) Bhuta Yajna, sacrifice to all the creatures; and (v) Manushya Yajna, sacrifice to men.

The performance of these five Yajnas is conducive to the spiritual evolution or growth of a man. He gradually learns that he is not a separate entity or isolated creature or isolated unit, but is a part of a great whole. He obtains knowledge by studying the sacred scriptures written by great Rishis. He gets help from his friends, relatives and fellow-beings. He parents gave his physical body. His body is nourished by the milk of cows, grains, vegetables and fruits. The five elements help him. He cannot live without oxygen and water. The Devas and the Pitris bless him. Therefore, he owes a fivefold debt to Nature. He must pay back his debt by performing these five sacrifices daily. Further, numerous insects are killed by him unconsciously during walking, sweeping, grinding, cooking, etc. This sin is removed by performance of these sacrifices.

The Five Yajnas

The Rishis, the Devas, the Pitris, the Bhutas and the guests expect help from the householders. Hence, they should perform these five sacrifices daily. Teaching and study of scriptures is Brahma Yajna; Tarpana or offering of water to the ancestors, and Sraaddha, form Pitri Yajna: Homa or oblations into the fire is Deva Yajna; Bali or offering of food to all creatures is Bhuta Yajna; and hospitality to guests is Manushya Yajna or Atithi Yajna.

Brahma Yajna or Rishi Yajna

Every man should study daily the sacred scriptures. He should share the knowledge with others. This is Brahma Yajna or Rishi Yajna. By so doing, he pays the debt to Rishis.

Deva Yajna

Lord Krishna says in the Bhagavad-Gita: - Having, in ancient times, emanated mankind together with sacrifice, the Lord of Creation said, - By this shall ye propagate; be this to you the fulfiller of desires. With this, nourish ye the shining ones; and may the shining ones nourish ye. Thus nourishing one another, ye shall reap the highest good. For, nourished by sacrifice, the shining ones shall bestow on you the enjoyments you desire. A thief verily is he who enjoyeth what is given by them without returning them anything. The righteous, who eat the remains of the sacrifice, are freed from all sins; but the unpious who cook for their own sake, they verily eat sin, - (Ch. III-10, 11, 12, 13). Manu says: - Let a man ever engage in the study of the Vedas and in the rites of the Devas; engaging in the rites of the Vedas, he supports the movable and the immovable kingdoms. - These sacrifices turn the wheel of life in accordance with the divine will and thus help the evolution of man and the worlds.

Pitri Yajna

Offering libations, etc., to the forefathers, regularly, is Pitri Yajna.

Bhuta-Yajna

Distribution of food to cows, dogs, birds, fish, etc., is Bhuta Yajna.

Manushya Yajna

Feeding the poor is Manushya Yajna. Feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, giving shelter to the homeless, comforting the distressed, etc., are all forms of Manushya Yajna. Any kind of service to the suffering humanity is Manushya Yajna. Feeding a guest is Manushya Yajna.

Benefits Of The Pancha Mahayajnas

By daily doing such acts of kindness and sympathy, man develops mercy. Hatred vanishes. His hard egoistic heart is gradually softened. He cultivates cosmic love. His heart expands. He has a wider outlook on life. He tries to feel his oneness with all beings. His old feeling of separateness on account of selfishness and egoism is gradually thinned and eventually eradicated. He learns that he can be happy only by making others happy, by serving others, by helping others, by removing the sufferings of others and by sharing what he has with others. The five great daily sacrifices teach man his relations with his superiors, his equals and his inferiors.

Man has no separate individual existence. He is connected with the world. He is like a bead in the rosary. His whole life must be a life of sacrifice and duties. Then only he will have rapid evolution. Then only he will realise the supreme bliss of the Eternal. Then only he will free himself from the round of births and deaths and attain immortality.

Sraaddha And Tarpana

Sraaddha is the name of the ceremonies performed by relatives to help the Jiva who has cast off his physical body in death. A Jiva who has cast off his physical sheath is called a Preta. The part of the Sraaddha performed to help him at this stage is called the Preta Kriya.

How Sraaddha And Tarpana Benefit The Departed Souls

Gifts to deserving Brahmanas for the benefit of the Pitris, in the proper time and place and with faith, are known as Sraaddha. Sraaddha gives satisfaction to the Pitris. By the offering of the sixteen Sraaddhas, the son helps his father to dwell in joy with the Pitris. The son should perform the Sapindikarana rites for his father. Performance of Sraaddha and Tarpana relieves the hunger and thirst of the departed soul during its journey to the Pitri Loka.

Those who go to hell are extremely oppressed by hunger and thirst. Performance of Sraaddha and offerings of rice and oblations to them, relieve their sufferings. Hence, performance of Sraaddha is indispensable. Those who dwell in heaven also get satisfaction, strength and nourishment.

The Advantages Of Cremation

Cremation is the best way of destroying a dead body. This is highly beneficial for the departed soul. If the body is not burnt; the Jiva is linked to the earth. The soul hovers round or hangs about the dead body on account of Moha or attachment to the physical body. Its journey to the celestial regions is interfered with. The vibrations set up by the recitation of Mantras and the offerings and oblations of water, bring solace and comfort to the departed soul. The Sapindikarana ceremony helps the Jiva to pass from the Preta Loka to the Pitri Loka. He is then enrolled among the Pitris or the ancestors. The son walks three times round the dead body of his father before fire is set to the pyre and sprinkles water once, reciting the Mantra: - Go away. Withdraw and depart from here. - The bones are collected on the next day and thrown into a river. Those who can afford take them to Benares or Haridwar and throw them into the Ganga. It is believed that the soul whose mortal remains are consigned to the sacred Ganga attains to the higher regions of spiritual light and splendour and, in the end, salvation.

The Two Classes Of Pitris

Immediately after death, the Jiva obtains the Ativahika body which is made up of fire, air and ether. Later on, it may have a Yatana Deha for suffering the tortures of hell if it had done great sins on the earth-plane, or a celestial body for enjoying the pleasures of heaven if it had done virtuous actions while living in the world. In the Yatana Deha, the air-element preponderates; while, in the celestial body, the element of fire is dominant. It takes one year for the Jiva to reach the Pitri Loka.

There are two classes of Pitris, viz., the celestial Pitris who are the lords of the Pitri Loka, and the human Pitris who go there after death. Brahma is the paternal grandfather of all. Kasyapa and the other Prajapatis are also Pitris, as they are the original progenitors. Pitri Loka or the Abode of the Pitris is also called by the name Bhuvar Loka.

The word Pitris primarily means the immediate ancestors, viz., father, mother, etc. Sraaddha proper is performed for three generations of Pitris, or to all Pitris. Three cakes are offered to the father, the grandfather and the great grandfather. Two Brahmins are fed first. Seven generations can mutually influence one another by the giving and receiving of food.

Pitripaksha And Mahalaya Amavasya

The dark fortnight of the month of Asvayuja is known as the Pitripaksha or the fortnight of the month specially sanctified for offering oblations to the departed ancestors. And the last day, the day of the new moon, is considered as the most important day in the year for performing obsequies and like rites.

Now, ordinarily, the orthodox Hindus offer oblation of water - Tarpana-Arghya - to the departed every new-moon day. The prescribed rites are also performed every year on the anniversary of the day of death. This is the Sraaddha ceremony. What, then, is the special import of these observances particularly during the Asvayuja Krishna Paksha? The reason is that such ceremonies done during this fortnight have a very special effect. The offerings reach the Pitris immediately and directly, due to a boon from Lord Yama. The occasion for the boon arose as follows:

Origin Of The Pitripaksha

A Story from the Mahabharata

The renowned hero of the Mahabharata, Danavira Karna, when he left the mortal coil, ascended to the higher worlds and reached the region of the heroes. There, the fruit of his extraordinary charity while upon earth came to him multiplied thousandfold, but it came to him in the form of immense piles of gold and silver. Karna had done limitless charity of wealth, but had neglected to do Anna-Dana. Thus he found himself in the midst of wealth and plenty, but with no food to appease him. He prayed to Lord Yama. The Great Ruler responded to Karnas prayer and granted him a respite for fourteen days to return to the earth-plane once again and make up for his former neglect. Karna came down from the Mrityu Loka, and for fourteen days, he fed the Brahmins and the poor, and made offerings of water, etc. He performed the prescribed rites also on the last day. On his return once again to the higher world, the effect of Karnas observances during this fortnight removed all his wants there. The time of this occurrence was the dark fortnight of Asvayuja.

Due to the grace of Lord Yama, it came to be so ordained that such rites done at this particular period acquired the following unique merits. Offerings made at this time reached all departed souls, whether they were kins directly in the line of the offerer or not. Even those who died without progeny received these oblations given on this Pitripaksha Amavasya day. All those who had failed to do deeds of charity and Anna-Dana and were thus denied these comforts in the Pitri Loka, benefited by these ceremonies. Those deceased whose date of death is not known and whose annual Sraaddha cannot be done, they also get these oblations of Pitripaksha. Souls whose life was cut off by violent, accidental or unnatural death and to whom, therefore, offerings cannot reach in the ordinary course, to them, too, the Pitripaksha offerings reach directly. All these the boon of Lord Yama made possible from the time the great Karna performed the Asvayuja-Paksha rites. The Hindus now observe this Paksha with great faith, with strict regulation, taking bath thrice, with partial fasting, etc. On the new moon day, Sarvapitri Amavasya, the full rites are done and plenty of charity given.

Propitiation Of Departed Spirits

The day of Mahalaya Amavasya is a day of great significance and importance to all Hindus. It is the annual festival for propitiating the spirits of our ancestors, with devout prayers for peace. The Hindu Itihasas say, that on the Mahalaya Amavasya, there is a conjunction of the sun and the moon and that the sun enters the sign Virgo (Kanya). On this day, the departed manes, i.e., our ancestors, leave their abode in the world of Yama and come down to the world of mortals and occupy the houses of their descendants.

The fortnight preceding the new moon is specially consecrated for the propitiation of such departed spirits. The ceremonies performed in honour of the manes or ancestors during each day of this fortnight are considered to be equal to those performed at Gaya. The principle in all such rites is the worship of the departed souls and the satisfaction of their wishes so that they might be in peace during the rest of the year.

Navaratri Or The Nine-Day Worship Of Devi

Religious observances, traditional worship and Vratas have, at times, more than one significance. Apart from being the adoration of the Divine, they are commemorative of stirring bygone events, allegoric when interpreted from the occult standpoint, and are significant pointers guiding the Jiva on his path to Realisation.

Outwardly, the nine days - worship of Devi or the Mother, known as Navaratri Puja, is in the nature of a Vijaya-Utsava. The nine days - triumphs are offered to the Mother for Her successful struggle with the formidable demons led by Sumbha and Nisumbha. But, to the spiritual aspirant in his life of Sadhana, the particular division of the Navaratri into sets of three days to adore different aspects of the Supreme Goddess has got a very sublime, yet thoroughly practical, truth to reveal. In its cosmic aspect, it epitomises the stages of the evolution of man into God, from Jivahood to Sivahood. In its individual import, it shows the course that his spiritual Sadhana should take.

Now, the central purpose of existence is to recognise your eternal identity with the Supreme Spirit. It is to grow into the image of the Divine. The Supreme One embodies the highest perfection. It is spotless purity, Niranjana. To recognise your identity with That, to attain union with That, is verily to grow into the very likeness of the Divine. The Sadhaka has, therefore, as the initial step, to get rid of the countless impurities and the undivine elements, that have come to cling to him in his embodied state. Then he has to acquire lofty virtues and auspicious divine qualities. Thus purified and rendered full of Sattva, Knowledge flashes upon him like the brilliant rays of the sun upon the crystal waters of a perfectly calm lake.

Worship Of Durga

The Eradication of Vices

This process of Sadhana implies resolute will, determined effort and arduous struggle. In other words, strength, infinite Sakti, is the prime necessity. It is the Divine Mother, Supreme Sakti of Brahman, that has to operate through the aspirant. On the first three days, Mother is adored as Power, Force - Durga, the Terrible. You pray to Mother Durga to destroy all your impurities, your vices, your defects. She is to fight with and annihilate the baser animal qualities in the Sadhaka, the lower Asura in his nature. Also, she is the power that protects your Sadhana from its many dangers and pitfalls. Thus, the first three days, marking the first stage of destruction of Mala (impurities) and determined effort and struggle to root out the evil Vasanas in your mind, are set apart for the worship of the Destructive Aspect of the Mother.

Worship Of Lakshmi

The Cultivation Of Virtues

Once you have accomplished your task on overcoming the negative side, that of breaking down the impure Vasanas, propensities and old habits, the next step is to build up a sublime spiritual personality, to acquire positive qualities in place of the eliminated Asuric qualities. The divine qualities - Daivi Sampat - that Lord Krishna enumerates in the Bhagavad-Gita have to be acquired. The Sadhaka must cultivate and develop all the auspicious qualities. He has to pile up immense spiritual wealth to enable him to pay the price for the rare gem of divine wisdom (Jnana Ratna). If this development of the opposite qualities (Pratipaksha Bhavana) is not undertaken in right earnest, the old Asuric nature will raise its head again and again. Hence, this stage is as important in an aspirants career as the previous one. The essential difference is that while the former is a ruthless, determined annihilation of the filthy, egoistic, lower self, the latter is an orderly, steady, calm and serene effort to develop purity. This pleasanter side of the aspirants Sadhana is depicted by the worship of Mother Lakshmi. She bestows on Her devotees the inexhaustible wealth or Daivi Sampat. Lakshmi is the Sampat-Dayini aspect of Brahman. She is Purity Itself. Thus, worship of Goddess Lakshmi is performed during the second set of three days.

Worship Of Sarasvati

The Dawn Of Supreme Wisdom

Once the aspirant succeeds in routing out the evil propensities and in developing Sattvic, pure, divine qualities, he becomes an Adhikari. He is ready now to receive the Light of Supreme Wisdom. He is fit to obtain Divine Knowledge. At this stage comes the devout worship of Sri Sarasvati, who is Divine Knowledge personified, the embodiment of Brahma Jnana. The sound of Her celestial Vina awakens the notes of the sublime Mahavakyas and the Pranava. She bestows the knowledge of the Supreme Nada and then gives full Atma-Jnana as represented by Her pure dazzling snow-white apparel. To propitiate Sri Sarasvati, the giver of Jnana, is therefore, the third stage.

The tenth day - Vijaya Dasami - marks the triumphant ovation of the Jiva at having attained Jivanmukti through the descent of Knowledge by the grace of Goddess Sarasvati. The Jiva rests in its own supreme Self of Sat-Chit-Ananda (Existence-Knowledge-Bliss Absolute). This day celebrates the victory, the achievement of the Goal. The banner of victory flies aloft. Lo! I am He! I am He! Chidananda Rupah Sivoham, Sivoham; Chidananda Rupah Sivoham, Sivoham.

An Arrangement That Ensures Spiritual Success

This arrangement has also a special significance in the aspirants spiritual evolution. It marks the stages of evolution which are indispensable for every Sadhaka, through which every one should pass. One naturally leads to the other, and to short-circuit this would inevitably result in a miserable failure. Nowadays, many ignorant Sadhakas aim straight at the appropriation of Knowledge without the preliminaries of purification and acquisition of Daivi Sampat, and complain that they are not progressing in the path. How can they? Knowledge will not descend till the impurities are washed out and purity is developed. The Sattvic plant can grow on no impure soil.

Follow this arrangement and your efforts will be attended with sure success. This is your path. No other path is known for salvation. Destroy all evil qualities and develop their opposite virtues. By this process you would soon bring yourself up to that perfection which would culminate in the identity with Brahman, which is your Goal. Then all knowledge will be yours, you will be omniscient and omnipotent, and you will feel your omnipresence. You will see yourself in all. You will be a Jivanmukta. You shall achieve eternal victory over the wheel of birth and death, over the demon of Samsara. No more of pain, no more of misery, no more of birth, no more of death for you. Victory, victory be yours!

Glory unto the Divine Mother! Let Her take you, step by step, to the top of the spiritual ladder and unite you with the Lord!!

Do hindus believe in more than one god?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

In Hinduism, there is a mention about so many Gods. I believe it is a way to remember Him. The Vedas, the ancient most religious scriptures of the Universe, describe that these Names only describe the Qualities and Powers of the Almighty and that is one way to call HIM and remember HIM. When we say He is Brahma - it denotes He is the Creator & Destroyer of the Universe. By calling Him VISHNU we mean the All-Pervading and by SHIVA it is the One Who is Blissful and Benefactor of all.

He is Blissful, Almighty, Immortal, Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Formless, Just, Merciful, Infinite, Unchangeable, Incomparable, All Pervading, Omniscient, Imperishable, Fearless, Eternal and Creator of the Universe -- These are some of HIS Qualities. So to remember all His Powers and Qualities, we remember Him with different Names.

In a similar manner we call these Powers "Devta". A Devta ( a Sanskrit word) is one who gives and these Gods called Agni (Fire), Inder (Power), Vayu (Air) etc. etc., only give. Similarly we call some 'Devis' like Lakshmi (Wealth) Saraswati (Infinite Knowledge of the Universe) and so on......it gets confusing for a beginner.

( But the deeper we go the more we get convinced of His Supreme Powers and His Blessings. This is achieved through Dhyan(Meditation) and Samadhi (Communion).
Each Hindu god is in charge of a diff. thing...For Ex. Ganesha is the lord of all beings, Indra is the God of War....ect------ hope that doesnt help hehehehehehhe

Which day and date was rakshabandhan in 1996?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

What is the date of raksha bandhan in 1988

How do you induse vomiting?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

the reason you start to vomit is because your food gets stuck and pushes back out

Are people with surname Kumar scheduled castes in punjab?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

yes because kumar itself is a schedule caste under the surnames under schedule caste defined by the government of India on the official links. People using kumar singh together also are schedule caste or belong to a lowerbackword community. they do these names because they have live and bond between general people without telling anybody their background. So it is a mask on to safeguard themselves from being judged as schedule caste

Where would you find people bathing in the ganges River?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

People bathe in the Ganges River in India, obviously, as the majority of the river is located in India. People bathe there as followers of the Hindu religion believe it will purify them of any negative energy.

What causes the conflict between Sinhalese and Tamils?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

Answer 1

In 1983, the Sinhalese killed many Tamils just because the Tamils had better jobs then the Sinhalese. You see the Tamils are very intelligent in their studies and even today so, the Sinhalese are very greedy for money

Here are few important historical points on what Tamilians were deprived of in the course of time.

-> In 1948-50 the then Prime Minister of Ceylon D.S. Senanayake launched massive Sinhalese colonization schemes in the Eastern province, the traditional homeland of the Tamils. Gal Oya in the Batticalo District, Allai and Kanthalai in the Trincomalee District were the colonization schemes launched by him.

-> On June 14, 1956 Mr. S. W. R. D. Bandaranayake, leader of the Srilanka Freedom Party and Prime Minster, who won the Parliamentary Elections help in 1956 caused Parliament, dominated by the majority Sinhalese to enact "Sinhala Only" as the official language of Ceylon. This was a negation of the hitherto accepted language policy of treating both Sinhala and Tamils as the official languages in place of English. The imposition of Sinhala only represented the subjugation of Tamils by Sinhalese imperialism. In protest the Federal Party which opposed the Sinhala only act staged Satyagraha in Colombo.

-> In 1971 admission to the university based on merit was abandoned and "standardization" to university admissions through G.C.E A/L examination results was introduced. Lower qualifying marks were fixed for Sinhalese than for Tamil students, both regarding the language of instruction and the subjects themselves. The introduction of "standardization" adversely affected Tamil students' access to higher education.

-> In June 1981 under directions of two Sinhalese Ministers the army and the police set fire to important buildings in Jaffna town, specially the Jaffna Public Library considered one of the best in South Asia was torched. This resulted in the destruction of 44,000 valuable books. In addition printing presses and shops were also burnt down. Civilians were killed by the army . Another racial riot broke out.

Answer 2

The Sinhalese have retained power throughout most of Sri Lanka's history because of its size compared to the Tamil population, the second largest group in the country. With unquestioned economic and political power, the Sinhalese inhabitants face the anger and bitterness of the minority Tamils, who must struggle to have their voice heard. Conflict between the Tamil and Sinhalese rose to a new degree in 1956 as Solomon Bandaranaike was instated as Prime Minster and declared Sinhala the official language of what was then Ceylon. The Tamil minority was outraged by this act and opposition to the Sinhalese dominated government grew as the state backed Buddhism on an official level. Bandaranaike was later assassinated and proceeded by his wife who became Prime Minister in 1960. In 1983 civil unrest could no longer be contained and the country broke out into civil war.

What is Hinduism thoughts for euthanasia?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

According to BHAGAVAT GITA, God Krishna says that, u cannot kill anyone or create anyone. Because, when u die, the soul leaves this body and enters another body.

and when u take birth the same thing happens. the parts of the body will go in the soil and will support another lives for eg: the plants absorb nutrition from the dead body, or the worm gets its food from the dead bodies. and later some one may eat the plant or another animal eats the worm. so, its a cycle.

any thing which is born dies, and anything which dies will take birth.

Why can't Hindus go Mecca and Medina?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

Because it is two dangers county.

How did Hinduism spread in south east Asia?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

Hinduism traveled to East Asia through Buddhism. Later when East Asia was influenced with Buddhism, Hindu monks and preachers went there to use that base with teachings of Vedas, Upnishads and Ramayana. Ramayan was accepted easily because those islands and countries have historical connections with Lord Rama's exile period and wars

Are people with the surname Mitha scheduled caste?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

In Rajasthan, Mithas are followers of jain religion. They are traders and not scheduled castes.

What is Hinduism like in the UK?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

The life of a Hindu living is England is fantastic, couldn't be better than this.

Who is the last Hindu king of Delhi?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

Prithivi Raj Chauhan is second last Hindu king. Hemu is the last Hindu king of India.

How do you behave in a Hindu temple?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

Hindu temple worship is primarily of four kinds, each of which involves some form of recitation of the names of the Lord, of saints, or of the devas, or demigods, powerful servants of God. The recitations may be repetitions of a mantra or may be melodious and poetic songs, with accompanying instrumentation. The commonly used instruments are kartals (finger cymbals), mridanga (a two-headed drum that can be held or carried), and harmonium (a hand-organ). Types of temple worship: 1. Japa - Individual silent or soft repetition of mantras. 2. Bhajan - Singing of religious songs, individually or in a group, usually accompanied by instruments. 3. Kirtan - Congregational singing and chanting of holy mantras, especially those containing names of God, such as Rama or Krishna. Kirtan is accompanied by instruments and simple dance. 4. Arotik - This is an ancient ceremony wherein certain pleasing articles are offered to the Lord in his deity form, accompanied by kirtan. There are many other forms of worship, for special occasions and for particular personalities or forms of the Supreme Lord.

Who is Babaji?

User Avatar

Asked by Avatarsunite

Sathya Sai Baba is a man living in India right now. He is looked upon as someone like a God or close to God. He is a spiritual leader who teaches the right aspects to living life. He doesn't claim to be God like most people think. Infact, there are a lot of skeptics. But, like the story with Jesus, no one believed him when he was alive. Infact, until after his death, was the realization that he was such an important human being. Sai Baba currently resides in Putraparthi, India. He has many followers all over the world. Some people choose to believe he is God and others feel that he is a great teacher to all of mankind. He preaches what is good for the people. He is also famous for helping the civilians of India by building schools and facilities for the people to use. He built a well, in which the people could access clean water at one time. Some people claim that he is a miracle worker as well. Others feel that he is a deceitful liar. Sai Baba claims that he is part of everyone's religion. He's not only a Hindu, but Christian, Muslim, etc. There are lots of articles about him on the internet, feel free to look them up.

Why is the Ganges river a sacred place for hindus?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

Hindus consider the Ganges as a holy river because they believe that the Ganges had been sent by the god Shankar, because he was pleased by a sage who wanted the region to have water. The river had came from heaven, so if they worship the river it would not dry. They bathe in the river because it is considered to remove all the curses and sins of life.

Who can Hindus marry?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

Obviously, a Hindu can legally marry anyone in most parts of the world. However, traditional Hindu customs say that the parents of bride and groom arrange the marriage and choose the partner for their child, and this person must be someone else of Hindu background.

Which is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

It is the Gokoola shivalaye, found the village of Gokoola. This village is located in the north of Mauritius, more precisely in the Riviere Du Rempart district of Mauritius. The temple was first established in 1867.

Why do the Hindus believe the ganges river is holy?

User Avatar

Asked by Wiki User

As per Hindu mythology, Baghiratha prayed and wanted the Ganges (Ganga) to be brought to earth to free the souls of his ancestors. However, the force of the Ganges would have been too much for the earth to bear. Hence, it was brought down through the matted locks of Lord Shiva.

Thus, it is believed that bathing in the Ganges at least once in a lifetime frees you of sins.