HOME / SEARCH /

Search

Search results

    Lamp Offerings: Hindu Worship

    Lamp OfferingsThe offerings in puja reflect five elements of the universe: earth (represented by fragrant sandalwood paste), water, space (represented by mantras and chants), wind (represented by the wafting of wind or air), and fire (represented by an arati or oil lamp offering). After prayers and consecration by the priest, these elements are shared with the worshippers.... Read more about Lamp Offerings: Hindu Worship

    Ganesha: the Lord of Beginnings

    Ganesha the Lord of BeginningsGanesha is a prominent Hindu Deity worshipped as the “Lord of Beginnings” and the “Remover of Obstacles.” Ganesha’s image is represented by a human body with the head of an elephant, usually pictured carrying a book with a broken tusk as the pen. Ganesha’s shrine can be found near the entrance or in the center of a shrine.... Read more about Ganesha: the Lord of Beginnings

    Rama, Sita, Hanuman

    Rama Sita HanumanRama, Sita, and Hanuman are central, divine characters in the Ramayana. Rama is both worshipped and admired as a righteous king and a fully human incarnation of Lord Vishnu. During a Rama Navami Celebration, Rama's birth is celebrated and his wedding to Sita is reenacted. Families with daughters of marriageable age serve as sponsors for the divine wedding, which is also a chance to pray for the good marriage of their daughters in the future.
    ... Read more about Rama, Sita, Hanuman

    The Great Night of Shiva

    The Great Night of ShivaShiva or Mahadeva, the Supreme Lord, is a God of creation and destruction. Depicted as both male and female, Shiva is most commonly worshipped in the form of a simple stone shaft (Shiva linga), a male/female symbol of cosmic wholeness. Shiva may also be depicted in cross-legged yogi forms. Hindu communities hold Maha Shivaratri (The Great Night of Shiva), an annual celebration of Shiva.... Read more about The Great Night of Shiva

    Krishna’s Chariot Festival

    Krishna's Chariot FestivalThe festival of Lord Krishna (also called Ratha Yatra or the “Chariot Journey” of Lord Krishna) is celebrated during the summer months with a parade of big and colorful handmade chariots bearing images of Lord Krishna, his sister Subhadra, and his brother Balaram. The festival provides an opportunity for darshan, or “seeing” the image of Lord Krishna on the city’s streets.... Read more about Krishna’s Chariot Festival

    Many Ma’s: Goddess in America

    Many Ma's Goddess in AmericanThe Goddess in the Hindu faith is known by many names: Parvati (the wife of Shiva), Lakshmi or Bhu Devi (the wife of Vishnu), Durga or Kali, Shakti (meaning power). Her most common name most often used in prayer is Ma, or Mother. The main celebration of the Goddess is Durga Puja, also called Navaratri since it takes place over “Nine Nights.” Ma, or Mother, is also used to refer to women whose lives embody the power of the Divine within the Hindu community. ... Read more about Many Ma’s: Goddess in America

    Upanayana: The Sacred Thread

    Upanayana the Sacred ThreadUpanayana is a Hindu rite of passage ritual primarily for boys, marking their rebirth into the world of the Vedas and their readiness to learn the tradition. In the middle of the ceremony, boys are given special tradition garments,  often in the form of a new white silk dhoti. They are also given the “sacred thread” in the form of a cord tied over the left shoulder and under the right arm. These materials signify the boy’s readiness for learning, studying the Veda, and performing rituals.... Read more about Upanayana: The Sacred Thread

Pages