Which God has more devotees in Tamil Nadu?

 

Tamil kadavul (God) Murugan. Lord Muruga is synonymous with Tamil people. As per Tamil Kanda Puranam, in his life story Murugan marries the tribal princess Valli. This union is known as the Valli Thirumanam. The marriage symbolizes Bhakti (unwavering devotion), demonstrating that God can be reached through pure love and devotion.

The annual festival Thaipusam at the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple in Palani, Tamil Nadu is attended by millions of devotees. Murugan is almost always depicted with a warm, smiling, child-like face and this makes him exceptionally popular with children. Many people (including me) grow up liking Murugan and remain devoted to Him throughout their life.

Saint Avvaiyar sang His praises. Murugan appeared as a shepherd boy sitting on a branch of a Jamun tree. He asked Avvaiyar, “Do you want fruit that is hot (Sutta Pazham) or not hot (Sudaatha Pazham)?” Avvaiyar asked for “not hot fruit”, how can fruits be hot. The boy shook the tree and fruits fell into the sand. Avvaiyar picked up the fruits and started blowing on them to remove the sand. Smiling, the boy asked Avvaiyar “Are the fruits so hot that you need to blow on them to cool them down?". Humbled by this, Avvaiyar realized the boy was the divine Murugan.

Arunagirinathar enshrined Murugan with his devotional Thiruppugazh songs.They are mainly temple specific hymns. Below is my favourite Thiruppugazh in Tamil with the English translation below the Tamil verses. I learnt to sing this song when I was 5 years old. The song describes the beauty and purpose of the six faces of Lord Murugan.

What is the significance of the rat to the Hindu god Ganesha?

 The narration of Rat as the vehicle of Ganapati in Puranas, is an allegorical way of presenting a deep spiritual message. This symbolism had been derived from the Rig Veda.

Here, Ganapati is the BRAHMAN or all powerful god and rat indicates our weaknesses, which eat away our spiritual inclination/strength.

——-

Rig Veda 9.67.30

अलाय्यस्य परशुर्ननाश तमा पवस्व देव सोम । आखुं चिदेव देव सोम ॥
alāyyasya paraśur nanāśa tam ā pavasva deva soma | ākhuṃ cid eva deva soma ||

English translation:

SOMA destroyed the destructive power (axe) of the alāyya. Soma! so also (make) the rat (to disappear). By purifying yourself flow here, o DIVINE Soma.

——

alāyya indicates a destructive creature/thief that destroys/steals wealth.

A rat is a creature that operates in the dark, chewing away at foundations quietly and surreptitiously without the owner immediately noticing. This is an exact parallel to human vices—like ego, doubt, desire, and laziness, following the path of UNTRUTH—which secretly consume a person's spiritual strength/inclination.

—-

The rishi is requesting esoterically the BLISS/DIVINE SOMA to destroy the destructive power (axe) of alāyya. And, also requesting the SOMA to destroy the rat, so that the BLISS/DIVINE SOMA flows to him.

If understood properly, this Rik is advising the spiritual practitioner to get rid of vices or weaknesses, viz., ego, doubt, desire, and laziness, following the path of UNTRUTH, that stills progress in spiritual path of the individual, so that one can experience the DIVINE BLISS/SOMA.

Which Hindu god represents Thursday?

 The Indian tradition designates certain days as special because their energy and purpose differ from normal days. Thursday exists as a day that brings forth discipline, learning and future planning to people who observe it.

Hindus observe Thursday as Guruvar because they connect it to Jupiter, together with Lord Brihaspati, who serves as the divine teacher of the gods. He serves as the master of all wisdom, knowledge and directional teaching. This connection explains why Thursday serves as a day dedicated to learning with religious activities and major life choices.

People will discover an intriguing fact by observing their surroundings. Families select Thursday as their day to begin educational programs, visit temples and request blessings before making significant life choices. The practice exists as a standard, but this practice shows that people believe wisdom should guide their actions.

The original concept still exists today because people use it to interpret their present-day experiences. Indian families and businesses maintain their custom of observing Thursdays as a sacred day for making plans, signing contracts and obtaining counsel. People still use the old cultural pattern which exists in their present decision-making process.

Thursday functions as a special weekday because it brings forth knowledge together with mental clarity and purposeful guidance. Thursday teaches people to understand things before they act and to gather wisdom before they make choices.

Who is the Varuna God?

 Rig Veda is a spiritual treatise. Rishis of Rig Veda composed Hymns to communicate to the World their spiritual experiences in esoteric sense.

The basic premise of Spirituality is that every Human has within oneself a DIVINITY, concealed by layers of ignorance or evil thinking/habits.

These layers of ignorance or evil thinking/habits, which are deep rooted, will keep on creating obstacles or divert the attention of the spiritual practitioner from realising the concealed DIVINITY within oneself, unless the DIVINE help/assistance is assured.

According to Rig Veda, Varuņa, the son of Aditi (mother of Gods), is the divinity which provides the required assistance to humans in overcoming those layers of ignorance or evil thinking/habits.

——-

Rishis of Rig Veda termed, in esoteric sense, those layers of ignorance or evil thinking/habits as Pāśa (पाश) indicating a "noose," "rope," "snare," or "fetter" and the obstacles created as Vṛtrá/Paṇi/Vala/Śambara/Bṛsaya.

—-

The seer śunaḥśepa explicitly requests Varuņa to release or loosen the three knots or bonds.

Rig Veda 1.24.13

शुनःशेपो ह्यह्वद्गृभीतस्त्रिष्वादित्यं द्रुपदेषु बद्धः । अवैनं राजा वरुणः ससृज्याद्विद्वाँ अदब्धो वि मुमोक्तु पाशान् ॥
śunaḥśepo hy ahvad gṛbhītas triṣv ādityaṃ drupadeṣu baddhaḥ | avainaṃ rājā varuṇaḥ sasṛjyād vidvām̐ adabdho vi mumoktu pāśān ||

English translation:

Since Śunaḥśepa, seized and bound in three stocks, called upon the Āditya, King Varuṇa should set him loose. Let him—the knowing one, never cheated—release the fetters ( mumoktu pāśān).

—-

The three bonds/fetters, by which King Varuṇa binds an individual from not progressing in spiritual path are:

1. anṛta (अनृत) - not abiding by the path of TRUTH, with
2. steya (स्तेय ) - committing of any theft or misdeed
3. parigraha (परिग्रह) - possessiveness, greed, and attachment to wealth, status, or items beyond one's needs

—-

Thus, an individual is expected to overcome the above 3 vices, and habituate oneself to the following 3 positive traits. King Varuṇa will assist in progress.

1. Follow the path of ऋतम् - ṛtam or the DIVINE Law/TRUTH , with trikāraṇaśuddhi - त्रिकारणशुद्धि (purity in thoughts, words and action).
2. अस्तेय -asteya - non-committing of any theft or misdeed with trikāraṇaśuddhi
3. Aparigraha (अपरिग्रह) - non-possessiveness (not accumulating/keeping more than required) with trikāraṇaśuddhi

—-

Rig Veda says, when an individual obeys the commandments of King Varuṇa, one will be bestowed with blessings what one cannot think of. That means one will reach spiritual heights.

Rig Veda 7.60.6

इमे मित्रो वरुणो दूळभासोऽचेतसं चिच्चितयन्ति दक्षैः । अपि क्रतुं सुचेतसं वतन्तस्तिरश्चिदंहः सुपथा नयन्ति ॥
ime mitro varuṇo dūḻabhāso 'cetasaṃ cic citayanti dakṣaiḥ | api kratuṃ sucetasaṃ vatantas tiraś cid aṃhaḥ supathā nayanti ||

English translation:

These hard to deceive—Mitra, Varuṇa, (and Aryaman)—cause even the unperceptive man to perceive through their skills. Fully knowing the resolve based on good perception, they lead by a good path even across narrow straits.

How many actors in Bollywood are good human beings and patriots in real life?

Sonu Sood : Rajpal Yadav , a known Indian comedian is in jail for non payment of a loan (9 crores)

Rajpal Yadav weepily made a public appeal to all to help him.

Well, Sonu Sood was the first to financially help him during his crisis.

This Indian actor had earned immense praise for showing humanity during COVID pandemic.

No wonder , he was widely praised by many manual workers for behaving like a real human being.

He arranged free buses ; boarding and lodging for migrant workers and poor citizens.

He has also launched a Non Profit Organization for poor students.

This foundation sponsors meritorious students to higher education.

His NPO also serves free food to many hungry souls.

He often personally supports street food vendors.

Facts : Sonu Sood , an engineering graduate, may not be super star.

But, this good human being has earned many admirers.

Note : Nana Patekar ; Rahul Bose ; Prakash Raj ; Palak Muchhal have equally earned goodwill with their kindness.

Pic Credits : Google Images/ Web

Why Lord Shiva is the Most Mysterious God in Hinduism?

 When people think of power, they imagine kings.

When people think of wealth, they imagine prosperity.

But, when they think of Ultimate Truth, they think of Almighty Lord Shiva.

Shiva is not just a God. He is a paradox.

7 Powerful Facts about Lord Shiva

He drank poison to save the universe

During the Samudra Manthan, when deadly Halajala poison emerged, Shiva consumed it to protect creation, earning the name “Neelkanth”.

He is the Lord of Time (Mahakaal)

Even time fears Shiva. He represents the force beyond Birth and death.

His Third Eye Symbolizes Ultimate Awareness

When opened it destroyed ignorance, not just the world.

He is Ardhanarishvara

Half male, half female, symbolizing perfect balance between Shiva and Parvati.

His Son is Ganesha

Yes, the beloved remover of obstacles. Ganesha is Shiva’s Son.

He is the Adi Yogi

The first yogi, source of meditation and spiritual science.

His Mantra Has Scientific Significance

“Om Namah Shivaya” is believed to align the five elements within the human body.

HAR HAR MAHADEV 🕉️

Happy Maha Shivratri To All of You. ❤️

The Birth that Terrified the Gods: How Garuda was Born?

 Once there was a powerful sage. His name was Rishi Kashyapa. His 2 wives are Kadru & Vinata. One day, he was pleased by his wives' hostages, and he offered them boons. Kadru wants that she should have 1000 sons. Kashyapa agreed. But, Vinata said I don’t need 1000 sons. I just only need 2 sons. But, those 2 sons will be more powerful than Kadru’s 1000 sons combined. Kashyapa agreed. Then, he left his hermitage.

Over time, Kadru received 1000 eggs. From that, 1000 children of snakes emerged. So, that’s why Kadru is considered the ‘Mother of All Snakes’. But Vinata’s 2 eggs remain intact. Over time, she became irritated. And, one day, accidentally, she broke one of the eggs to see what was inside. She saw a half-developed child. That child cursed Vinata, saying that she didn’t give him proper time to grow. She will have to wait for a long time to see her other child emerging from the other egg. After saying this, the child lifted off to the sky. That child was Arun Dev.

Over the period of time, one day, Kadru and Vinata both saw a divine Horse, Ucchaishrava. The seven-headed horse. They made a bet about its tail. Kadru said the horse’s tail was Black. Vinata said it was White. They also came to the conclusion that whoever loses the bet will become a slave to another. That night, Kadru told his 1000 snakes to wrap around the horse’s tail so it would appear black, so that she could win the bet. Some of the snakes refused to do that. Kadru cursed them, saying that they will get destroyed. That’s why they want Amrita, the Nectar, to become immortal. Likewise, the next morning, the snakes wrapped around Ucchaishrava’s tail so it appeared Black. That’s how Vinata lost the bet and became a slave to Kadru. In that time, the other egg broke. And, from that egg a child emerged. He was so powerful that the Devatas shivered. His name was Garuda, who later became the Mount of Lord Vishnu himself. He tried to free his mother, Vinata, from slavery, which is why told by the snakes he went in search of Amrita. But that’s a story for another day.

This is how the mighty Garuda was born. If you learn something new from this post, please UPVOTE it, and don’t forget to follow my space MINDVERSE.

What weapons did God Shiva give to Ram, Lakshman, Hanuman and Parshuram? How do they work while used in battles?

 1.Lord Ram had the Pashupatastra weapon of Lord Shiva. It is a celestial weapon which can be discharged by the mind, the eyes, words, or a bow. Pashupatastra is capable of destroying creation and vanquishing all beings. The power of the Pashupatastra was such that it was forbidden to be used against lesser enemies or lesser warriors. It is one of the six Mantramukta weapons that cannot be resisted. It was given to him by Sage Vishwamitra who received it directly from Lord Shiva.

As per the scriptures Lord Ram used Pashupatastra which carried the blessing of Lord Shiva against Lord Shiva after the Ashwamedha Yagna (that one who will use this weapon will never be defeated) as he was ordered by Lord Shiva himself.

(The aforesaid is not there in the Ramayan written by Sage Valmiki)

Arjun did years of rigorous penance and pleased by Arjun, Lord Shiva granted him an irresistible weapon Pashupatastra which he received directly from Lord Shiva as per Mahabharata Varna , Vana Parva, Chapter 3, but Arjun never used the said astra.

2. Lord Parshuram was a great devotee of Lord Shiva and after a long penance he received a Parshu (a weapon) from Lord Shiva as a boon thus the name Parshuram was given to him. Lord Shiva also taught him warfare.

Lord Parshuram killed all the male Kshatriyas on the earth 21 successive times with his Parshu. Lord Parshuram also clipped the thousand arms of Kartavirya Arjuna(Sahasrarjun), one by one, with his Parshu and killed him.

3. Lord Hanuman was blessed by Lord Shiva assuring him safety with a Kavaj (band) that would protect him for life. He also got the boon of longevity, scriptural wisdom from Lord Shiva.

4. Laxman used various weapons in his war with Meghnad( Ravan’s son). He used Varunaastra which Meghnaad failed. He used Sauryaastra to neutralize Meghnaad’s Aagneyastra . Then Lakshman had to use powerful weapon named Maheshwar astra to stop Meghnad’s asur weapon (Shoots a really fast fiery beam). Maheswar astra is the weapon of Lord Shiva.

Meghnad was eventually killed when Lakshman used Indrastra (An Astra of Lord Indra, It would bring about a 'shower' of arrows, like rain, from the sky).

Sadhana

Which god can control Rahu?

 

This is Rahu🙏. Planet Rahu’s duty (or any planet’s) is assigned by God, Rahu gives us what we deserve (according to our karma/doing), and so God is not going to control and overturn the result. Rahu could even give immense wealth and happiness (if that is what we deserve). We can't just wipe out our bad karma in a month by prayers. But God would give us strength/courage to confront our bad time and LEARN/SURVIVE.

This is Durga Devi🙏. One form of Nava Durga (Nava means 9) and one form of Dasa Mahavidya (Dasa means 10) are recommended to be worshipped during the hard Rahu period. These two specific forms are Devi’s scary forms that I am scared even to see their images. Worshipping them may need proper lesson and guidance from a Guru/Priest! I don't go for Tantra/Yantra. So, I would say worship Goddess Durga herself🙏.

Try to please Rahu as well. So, worship 🙏Rahu too. [I am not sure exactly which one is Rahu’s day! I worship Rahu on Tuesdays. In my chart, Rahu is with debilitated 7L/12L Mars and Tuesday is Mars day. #both are malefic. #that house is my Arudha Lagna so they create constant problems in my life. #I thank them as well because they gave me this foreign settlement, foreign spouse specifically by Rahu, and my success in foreign land, AND THEY ALWAYS GIVE ME PLENTY OF COURAGE.]

Today is Tuesday. Rahu's colour is smokey blue. These flowers are for Rahu. #Thanks to Google. #I got these three pretty images from Google.

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[The following is my yesterday's photography during my walk. Mars is red. This is for Mars🙏.

#Thanks to the person/s who has/have these beautiful flowers in their front yard. The next flowers are for 🙏Durga Maa and the other one is for Lord Skanda🙏.

My Rasi/Krittika Nakshatra Deity is Lord Skanda/Muruga. For anything “MURUGA SARANAM”; meaning I surrender to my Murugan.

Lord Skanda festival called Agni Nakshatra is currently going on. #Planet Sun is transiting through Taurus/Krittika Nakshatra this month. #May 2024. #The Deity of Krittika is Skanda.]

What are some amazing temples across India dedicated to Surya (Sun) God?

 10 amazing temples dedicated to Surya (Sun) Lord spread across India are:

1. Iconic Sun Temple, Modhera, Gujarat

2. Konark Sun Temple, Odisha

3. Sun Temple, Gwalior

4. Balaji Sun Temple, Unao

5. Sun temple at Khajuraho

6. Katarmal Sun temple ,Almora Uttarakhand

7. Suryanarayan temple Domlur, Bangalore

8. Dakshinaarka sun temple, Gaya, Bihar

9. Surya pahar Temple, Assam

10. Martand Surya Mandir, Kashmir