Articles related to "Shiva"
Amarnath Cave
The Amarnath Cave is one of the twelve holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. These shrines are collectively known as ‘Jyotirlingas’. Amarnath cave was the spot chosen by Lord Shiva for narrating the secret of immortality to his consort Parvati. Ultimately Parvati could nothear this secret, but someone else did.
• amarnath • shiva • jyotirlinga • kashmir • himalayas
The Amarnath Cave is one of the twelve holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. These shrines are collectively known as ‘Jyotirlingas’. Amarnath cave was the spot chosen by Lord Shiva for narrating the secret of immortality to his consort Parvati. Ultimately Parvati could nothear this secret, but someone else did.
• amarnath • shiva • jyotirlinga • kashmir • himalayas
Mahashivratri
Mahashivratri is a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are several interesting legends that describe the origin of this festival. The most interesting is a fight between Vishnu and Brahma.
• mahashivratri • shiva • shivratri • phalgun • parvati
Mahashivratri is a festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are several interesting legends that describe the origin of this festival. The most interesting is a fight between Vishnu and Brahma.
• mahashivratri • shiva • shivratri • phalgun • parvati
Dakshayini of the Fire
Here is another legend of India that serves to highlight the marital traditions and attitudes prevalent in the country.
• dakshayini • shakti • shiva • fire • nepal
Here is another legend of India that serves to highlight the marital traditions and attitudes prevalent in the country.
• dakshayini • shakti • shiva • fire • nepal
Do You See What I See?
Which spiritual symbols do you identify with? Read on, and discover places you might never have looked to find them...
• buddhist • buddhism • tarot • spiritual • symbols
Which spiritual symbols do you identify with? Read on, and discover places you might never have looked to find them...
• buddhist • buddhism • tarot • spiritual • symbols
GANESH - The Elephant God
Ganesha - The Elephant God is the most worshipped god in Hinduism. He is a pet,friend,refuge in almost every household.
• ganesh • shiva • parvati • elephant
Ganesha - The Elephant God is the most worshipped god in Hinduism. He is a pet,friend,refuge in almost every household.
• ganesh • shiva • parvati • elephant
Ganesha
Find out why the Hindu god Ganesha has an elephant's head...
• hindu • hindu mythology • mythology • ganesha • shiva
Find out why the Hindu god Ganesha has an elephant's head...
• hindu • hindu mythology • mythology • ganesha • shiva
JOHINI - In the Service of the Lord.
Dedicated at a tender age to serve Lord Shiva, these young girls grow up in a world of deprivation and know only men with perverted minds and scared women. Learn more about the Johinis of India who sacrifice childhood dreams to enter an exploited adulthood
• johini • ap • andhra pradesh • shiva • siva
Dedicated at a tender age to serve Lord Shiva, these young girls grow up in a world of deprivation and know only men with perverted minds and scared women. Learn more about the Johinis of India who sacrifice childhood dreams to enter an exploited adulthood
• johini • ap • andhra pradesh • shiva • siva
Kali
Kali is an incarnation of Parvati.She took this form to kill the demon Raktabija. The Kalighat temple in Calcutta is the most popular shrine dedicated to Kali. In the past the worship of Kali has been associated with the cult of thuggees.
• kali • parvati • shiva • raktabija • brahma
Kali is an incarnation of Parvati.She took this form to kill the demon Raktabija. The Kalighat temple in Calcutta is the most popular shrine dedicated to Kali. In the past the worship of Kali has been associated with the cult of thuggees.
• kali • parvati • shiva • raktabija • brahma
Kankhal
According to mythology, Sati the incarnation of Shakti and Shiva's wife immolated her self at Kankhal because her father Daksha insulted Shiva by not inviting him to an imprtant ceremony. At Kankhal one can see the temple built at the site where the ceremony was held.
• kankhal • haridwar • kumbh • daksha • brahma
According to mythology, Sati the incarnation of Shakti and Shiva's wife immolated her self at Kankhal because her father Daksha insulted Shiva by not inviting him to an imprtant ceremony. At Kankhal one can see the temple built at the site where the ceremony was held.
• kankhal • haridwar • kumbh • daksha • brahma
Mahasati Anasuya
Mhasati Anasuya was renowned for her fidelity and devotion to her husband. The consorts of the Supreme Gods were jealous of her reputation and sent their husbands to defame Anasuya. But Anasuya came through with flying colours.
• atri • brahma • anasuya • kardam • devahuti
Mhasati Anasuya was renowned for her fidelity and devotion to her husband. The consorts of the Supreme Gods were jealous of her reputation and sent their husbands to defame Anasuya. But Anasuya came through with flying colours.
• atri • brahma • anasuya • kardam • devahuti
Mritsanjivni - I
In order to help the demons, Shukracharya undertakes a penance and acquires the power to bring the dead back to life.
• shukracharya • shiva • bhrigu • usha • indra
In order to help the demons, Shukracharya undertakes a penance and acquires the power to bring the dead back to life.
• shukracharya • shiva • bhrigu • usha • indra
Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
A devotee of Shiva named Supriya was tormented by an asura Daruka. When the demon was about to kill Supriya, Shiva emerged from the Jyotirlinga and killed Daruka.
• nageshwar • dwadasa jyotirlingas • dwarka • gujarat • krishna
A devotee of Shiva named Supriya was tormented by an asura Daruka. When the demon was about to kill Supriya, Shiva emerged from the Jyotirlinga and killed Daruka.
• nageshwar • dwadasa jyotirlingas • dwarka • gujarat • krishna
Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga
The Vindhya Mountains sought a boon from Shiva so that it might challenge Mount Meru. Shiva appeared as Omkareshwar to bless Vindhya.
• omkareshwar • dwadasa jyotirlingas • narmada • vindhya • satpura
The Vindhya Mountains sought a boon from Shiva so that it might challenge Mount Meru. Shiva appeared as Omkareshwar to bless Vindhya.
• omkareshwar • dwadasa jyotirlingas • narmada • vindhya • satpura
Radha - I The Meeting
This article, the first in a series, describes Radha's first meeting with Krishna. Radha was twelve at that time and Krishna was seven.
• radha • vrishbhanu • barsana • braj • gokul
This article, the first in a series, describes Radha's first meeting with Krishna. Radha was twelve at that time and Krishna was seven.
• radha • vrishbhanu • barsana • braj • gokul
Ram Gopal Varma: On His Own
Ram Gopal Varma is one of the leading directors in the Indian film industry. His landmark films such as Satya, Shiva, and Company have set standards for other filmmakers.
• ram gopal varma • bollywood • indian cinema • shiva • telegu
Ram Gopal Varma is one of the leading directors in the Indian film industry. His landmark films such as Satya, Shiva, and Company have set standards for other filmmakers.
• ram gopal varma • bollywood • indian cinema • shiva • telegu
The Dwadasa Jyotirlingas
Twelve temples dedicated to Shiva, the Jyotirlingas, are specially revered because it is believed that the spiritually enlightened can see the lingas as columns of fire.
• dwadasa • jyotirlingas • shiva • shiva purana • shatarudra samhita
Twelve temples dedicated to Shiva, the Jyotirlingas, are specially revered because it is believed that the spiritually enlightened can see the lingas as columns of fire.
• dwadasa • jyotirlingas • shiva • shiva purana • shatarudra samhita
The Humbling of Indra
Indra in his arrogance wants to build the greatest city ever. He is humbled when he learns that he is just one in a long line of Indras.
• indra • vritta • viswakarma • brahma • vishnu
Indra in his arrogance wants to build the greatest city ever. He is humbled when he learns that he is just one in a long line of Indras.
• indra • vritta • viswakarma • brahma • vishnu
Tulasi - II
Tulasi and Sankhachuda got married. Soon Sankhachuda became the undisputed king of te Demons. He defeated the demi-Gods and secure in the chastity of his wife he took on the might of Shiva.
• tulasi • sankhachuda • gandharva • brahma • shiva
Tulasi and Sankhachuda got married. Soon Sankhachuda became the undisputed king of te Demons. He defeated the demi-Gods and secure in the chastity of his wife he took on the might of Shiva.
• tulasi • sankhachuda • gandharva • brahma • shiva
Tulasi - III
The boons given to Sankhachuda are protecting him. Vishnu appears as a mendicant and asks for the amulet. Having neutralised one boon he appraches Tulasi.
• shiva • sankhachuda • brahma • vishnu • tulasi
The boons given to Sankhachuda are protecting him. Vishnu appears as a mendicant and asks for the amulet. Having neutralised one boon he appraches Tulasi.
• shiva • sankhachuda • brahma • vishnu • tulasi
Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
Parvati was preparing sindur to ornament her hair. From the vermilion paste emerged a Jyotirlinga.
• grishneshwar • dwadasa jyotirlingas • verul • daulatabad • aurangabad
Parvati was preparing sindur to ornament her hair. From the vermilion paste emerged a Jyotirlinga.
• grishneshwar • dwadasa jyotirlingas • verul • daulatabad • aurangabad
Somnath Jyotirlinga
Soma appeases Shiva in order to have a curse put on him removed and then builds a temple to his benefactor in gratitude.
• somnath • dwadasa jyotirlingas • india • antarctica • sanskrit
Soma appeases Shiva in order to have a curse put on him removed and then builds a temple to his benefactor in gratitude.
• somnath • dwadasa jyotirlingas • india • antarctica • sanskrit
The Hindu Pantheon
In Hindu mythology Gods are classified according to their importance and divine powers. At the top of the heirarchy are the trinity of Supreme Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Then come the demi-Gods who represent the forces of nature. The demi-Gods are always battling with their half-brothers, the Demons over control of Heaven.
• gods • demi-gods • demons • brahma • vishnu
In Hindu mythology Gods are classified according to their importance and divine powers. At the top of the heirarchy are the trinity of Supreme Gods, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Then come the demi-Gods who represent the forces of nature. The demi-Gods are always battling with their half-brothers, the Demons over control of Heaven.
• gods • demi-gods • demons • brahma • vishnu
The Puranas
The main scriptures in Hinduism are the Vedas and Puranas. The Vedas contain the phlosophy, whereas the Puranas contain the mythology. In paricular the Puranas have a wealth of information on creation, cosmology, time cycles, incarnations of Gods and the genealogy of legendary kings. The Puranas complement the Vedas by describing the concepts in a simple manner with the help of tales and parables. The two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, are also popular sources of mythological information.
• bhagavad gita • mahabharata • vedas • upanishads • vid
The main scriptures in Hinduism are the Vedas and Puranas. The Vedas contain the phlosophy, whereas the Puranas contain the mythology. In paricular the Puranas have a wealth of information on creation, cosmology, time cycles, incarnations of Gods and the genealogy of legendary kings. The Puranas complement the Vedas by describing the concepts in a simple manner with the help of tales and parables. The two epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, are also popular sources of mythological information.
• bhagavad gita • mahabharata • vedas • upanishads • vid
Agni Nakshatram
Perhaps the only Hindu festival to be celebrated in May is Agni Nakshatram. This is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is celebrated with pomp at the sacred town of Palani.
• agni nakshatram • lord murugan • shiva • parvati • subramaniam
Perhaps the only Hindu festival to be celebrated in May is Agni Nakshatram. This is dedicated to Lord Murugan and is celebrated with pomp at the sacred town of Palani.
• agni nakshatram • lord murugan • shiva • parvati • subramaniam
Amba
Amba was abducted by Bhishma for his step-brother, but she was in love with Shalva. She ended up marrying neither and spent a lifetime trying to avenge herself by having Bhishma killed.
• amba • kashiraj • kashi • ambika • ambalika
Amba was abducted by Bhishma for his step-brother, but she was in love with Shalva. She ended up marrying neither and spent a lifetime trying to avenge herself by having Bhishma killed.
• amba • kashiraj • kashi • ambika • ambalika
Apsaras - II
Ghritachi was responsible for the birth of several personalities, many of them in unusual ways. She along with other apsaras entertained special guests on spesial occasions. Tilottama was created as the most beautiful female in order to bring about the end of the Demon brothers Sunda and Upasunda, who were endowed with a peculiar boon.
• ghritachi • drona • pandava • kaurava • mahabharata
Ghritachi was responsible for the birth of several personalities, many of them in unusual ways. She along with other apsaras entertained special guests on spesial occasions. Tilottama was created as the most beautiful female in order to bring about the end of the Demon brothers Sunda and Upasunda, who were endowed with a peculiar boon.
• ghritachi • drona • pandava • kaurava • mahabharata
Barbareek's Education
Barbareek wanted to become unconquerable. He became a student of Vijay Sindusen and achieved his ambitions. But his teacher put an unusual condition. Barbareek could fight only with a weaker side against a stronger side in battle.
• hidimba • barbareek • dwarka • krishna • vijay sindhsen
Barbareek wanted to become unconquerable. He became a student of Vijay Sindusen and achieved his ambitions. But his teacher put an unusual condition. Barbareek could fight only with a weaker side against a stronger side in battle.
• hidimba • barbareek • dwarka • krishna • vijay sindhsen
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
The Asura Tripura was terrorizing the earth. Shiva appeared as Bhimashankar and killed the demon. The Jyotirlinga stands at the site of their battle.
• bhimashankar • dwadasa • jyotirlingas • sahyadri • maharashtra
The Asura Tripura was terrorizing the earth. Shiva appeared as Bhimashankar and killed the demon. The Jyotirlinga stands at the site of their battle.
• bhimashankar • dwadasa • jyotirlingas • sahyadri • maharashtra
Crafting with Oil Paint Sticks
Oil paint sticks are the perfect art supplies for adding color in new ways. From papercraft to mixed media to stenciling, this versatile medium creates dazzling effect.
• oil paint sticks • crafts • color • mixed media • papercraft
Oil paint sticks are the perfect art supplies for adding color in new ways. From papercraft to mixed media to stenciling, this versatile medium creates dazzling effect.
• oil paint sticks • crafts • color • mixed media • papercraft
Creation in the Puranas
Two stories of creation of the universe from the Puranas are narrated. The Brahm manifests itself as Brahma, who then proceeds with the work of creation.
• creation • universe • puranas • riga veda • upanishads
Two stories of creation of the universe from the Puranas are narrated. The Brahm manifests itself as Brahma, who then proceeds with the work of creation.
• creation • universe • puranas • riga veda • upanishads
Draupadi IV - Polyandry
The article describes how Draupadi became the common wife of the five Pandava brothers and discusses issues related to polyandry and polygamy.
• pandavas • draupadi • ekachakra • kunti • panchal
The article describes how Draupadi became the common wife of the five Pandava brothers and discusses issues related to polyandry and polygamy.
• pandavas • draupadi • ekachakra • kunti • panchal
Durga and Mahishasura
Mahishasura was a demon who was given a boon that no man, mortal or immortal, could kill him. Hence the Gods created Durga the warrior Goddess to slay Mahishasura.
• ramba • karamba • dhanu • indra • mahishasura
Mahishasura was a demon who was given a boon that no man, mortal or immortal, could kill him. Hence the Gods created Durga the warrior Goddess to slay Mahishasura.
• ramba • karamba • dhanu • indra • mahishasura
Earth Democracy
Earth Democracy is a book and a global movement. Shiva outlines the fundamental concepts: chiefly that all markets must respect the environment that sustains them.
• earth democracy • vandana shiva • water issues • democracy • property rights
Earth Democracy is a book and a global movement. Shiva outlines the fundamental concepts: chiefly that all markets must respect the environment that sustains them.
• earth democracy • vandana shiva • water issues • democracy • property rights
FAQs: many gods and idol worship
God manifests Himself in many forms and the images of these many forms are worshipped, with the belief that these different forms are essentially the same.
• hindus • hinduism • anthropomorphic • trinity • brahma
God manifests Himself in many forms and the images of these many forms are worshipped, with the belief that these different forms are essentially the same.
• hindus • hinduism • anthropomorphic • trinity • brahma
Hindu Temple Architecture
From ancient time the construction of Hindu temples has followed a set pattern. What differs is the complexity and the detailing.
• hindu • temple • garbhagriha • sanctum sanctorum • deity
From ancient time the construction of Hindu temples has followed a set pattern. What differs is the complexity and the detailing.
• hindu • temple • garbhagriha • sanctum sanctorum • deity
Jarasandh
Jarasandh was born from two mothers. Each queen gave birth to half a child and the two pieces were put together by a demoness. Jarasandh became a powerful and cruel king and ultimately it was Krishna who exploited the weakness of his birth and had him killed.
• jarasandh • magadha • brihadratha • kasi • chandakaushika
Jarasandh was born from two mothers. Each queen gave birth to half a child and the two pieces were put together by a demoness. Jarasandh became a powerful and cruel king and ultimately it was Krishna who exploited the weakness of his birth and had him killed.
• jarasandh • magadha • brihadratha • kasi • chandakaushika
Kamakhya
The places where the parts of Sati's body fell came to be revered as places of worship of Shakti. One of the most popular of such pilgrimage centres is the temple of Kamakhya, where Sati's genital organs fell. There are numerous legends and rituals associated with this goddess.
• sati • daksha • shiva • rudra tandava • vishnu
The places where the parts of Sati's body fell came to be revered as places of worship of Shakti. One of the most popular of such pilgrimage centres is the temple of Kamakhya, where Sati's genital organs fell. There are numerous legends and rituals associated with this goddess.
• sati • daksha • shiva • rudra tandava • vishnu
Lord Ayyappa
The union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, incarnated as Mohini the enchantress, resulted in the birth of Lord Ayyappa or Hariharputhra. The purpose of his birth was to kill the demoness Mahishi who was given a boon that no person born from a man-woman relation would be able to slay her.
• shiva • vishnu • mohini • ayyappa • hariharputhra
The union of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, incarnated as Mohini the enchantress, resulted in the birth of Lord Ayyappa or Hariharputhra. The purpose of his birth was to kill the demoness Mahishi who was given a boon that no person born from a man-woman relation would be able to slay her.
• shiva • vishnu • mohini • ayyappa • hariharputhra
Meenakshi Temple
The Meenakshi temple in Madurai is dedicated to Meenakshi and Sundereshwara who are incarnations of Parvati and Shiva. The legend begins with the birth of Meenakshi as a three-breasted girl to the Pandyan king Malaydhwaj. The Meenakshi temple is renowned for its statues of Shiva in various dance postures..
• malaydhwaj • pandya • madurai • kanchanmala • parvati
The Meenakshi temple in Madurai is dedicated to Meenakshi and Sundereshwara who are incarnations of Parvati and Shiva. The legend begins with the birth of Meenakshi as a three-breasted girl to the Pandyan king Malaydhwaj. The Meenakshi temple is renowned for its statues of Shiva in various dance postures..
• malaydhwaj • pandya • madurai • kanchanmala • parvati
Mohini Avatar
Apart from the ten main incarnations of Vishnu, known as dash avatar, there have been other times when he has appeared on earth in some form to solve a specific problem. One of the better-known occasions is when he transformed himself into the female enchantress, Mohini. She gave the nectar of immortality to the demi-gods, destroyed the demon Bhasmasur, and gave birth to a child who is worshipped as a God in his own right.
• avatars • incarnations • vishnu • dash avatar • mohini
Apart from the ten main incarnations of Vishnu, known as dash avatar, there have been other times when he has appeared on earth in some form to solve a specific problem. One of the better-known occasions is when he transformed himself into the female enchantress, Mohini. She gave the nectar of immortality to the demi-gods, destroyed the demon Bhasmasur, and gave birth to a child who is worshipped as a God in his own right.
• avatars • incarnations • vishnu • dash avatar • mohini
Rameshwaram
Rameshwaram is one of the four holiest places of pilgrimage and is the scene of some crucial events in the Ramayana. It was from here that Rama launched his attack against the evil Ravana who had abducted his wife, Sita. This article looks at some of the interesting folklore associated with Rameshwaram.
• rameshwaram • rama • ayodhya • ramayana • ravana
Rameshwaram is one of the four holiest places of pilgrimage and is the scene of some crucial events in the Ramayana. It was from here that Rama launched his attack against the evil Ravana who had abducted his wife, Sita. This article looks at some of the interesting folklore associated with Rameshwaram.
• rameshwaram • rama • ayodhya • ramayana • ravana
Rameshwaram Jyotirlinga
Rameshwaram is the southern most Jyotirlinga established from where Rama's bridge to Lanka commences. It has two lingams.
• rameshwaram • dwadasa jyotirlingas • tamil nadu • rama’s bridge • lanka
Rameshwaram is the southern most Jyotirlinga established from where Rama's bridge to Lanka commences. It has two lingams.
• rameshwaram • dwadasa jyotirlingas • tamil nadu • rama’s bridge • lanka
Sacred Mountains - Mount Meru
Climb the mystical, mythical, Mount Meru, centre of the universe and sacred to the Hindus and Buddhists...
• mountains • meru • hindu • hindus • buddhist
Climb the mystical, mythical, Mount Meru, centre of the universe and sacred to the Hindus and Buddhists...
• mountains • meru • hindu • hindus • buddhist
Shikhandi
Amba was reborn as Drupad's daughter Shikhandini, who later became a male, Shikhandi, as per the prophecy of Lord Shiva. In the battle of Mahabharata Shikhandi became the cause of Bhishma's death, thus fulfilling Amba's mission.
• amba • drupad • shikhandini • bhishma • shikhandi
Amba was reborn as Drupad's daughter Shikhandini, who later became a male, Shikhandi, as per the prophecy of Lord Shiva. In the battle of Mahabharata Shikhandi became the cause of Bhishma's death, thus fulfilling Amba's mission.
• amba • drupad • shikhandini • bhishma • shikhandi
The Atharva Veda
The Atharva Veda is an amalgamation of the primitive religion that predated Vedic thought and the philosophy of the earlier Riga, Yajur and Sama Vedas.
• atharva • veda • riga • yajur • sama
The Atharva Veda is an amalgamation of the primitive religion that predated Vedic thought and the philosophy of the earlier Riga, Yajur and Sama Vedas.
• atharva • veda • riga • yajur • sama
The Descent of Ganga - II
Sagara’s sons turned out to be a wicked lot. Drinking, looting and raping were second nature to them. However once they took on a powerful sage and met a fiery end. Sagara was then forced to put the responsibility of salvaging their souls on his grandson.
• sagara • keshini • vidarbh • sumati • ourva
Sagara’s sons turned out to be a wicked lot. Drinking, looting and raping were second nature to them. However once they took on a powerful sage and met a fiery end. Sagara was then forced to put the responsibility of salvaging their souls on his grandson.
• sagara • keshini • vidarbh • sumati • ourva
The Descent of Ganga - III
Three kings of the Solar dynasty tried to get Ganga to come to earth, but to no avail. It was then Bhagirath's turn. After many problems he finally succeeded in attaining salvation for his ancestors.
• ganga • valmiki • ramayana • visvamitra • rama
Three kings of the Solar dynasty tried to get Ganga to come to earth, but to no avail. It was then Bhagirath's turn. After many problems he finally succeeded in attaining salvation for his ancestors.
• ganga • valmiki • ramayana • visvamitra • rama
The Prachetas
Seeking spiritual guidance at every step, the Prachetas marry Marisha, sire Daksha and finally attain salvation.
• prithu • prachetas • shiva • vishnu • garuda
Seeking spiritual guidance at every step, the Prachetas marry Marisha, sire Daksha and finally attain salvation.
• prithu • prachetas • shiva • vishnu • garuda
The Supreme Being in Hinduism
The perception of the Supreme Being in Hinduism has changed according to the nature of the enquiry and the needs of the society.
• supreme being • hinduism • vedas • upanishads • epic
The perception of the Supreme Being in Hinduism has changed according to the nature of the enquiry and the needs of the society.
• supreme being • hinduism • vedas • upanishads • epic