This hymn is composed by Sage Patanjali, (the author of योगसूत्रम्). It is remarkable in completely avoiding long vowels(ā, ī, ū, ē, ō, ai, au). Where ever a heavy syllable is needed, Patanjali employs an
anusvara (ṅ, ñ, ṇ, n, m) in stead, and occasionally other consonant endings. So visually the hymn does not contain feet like का, की, कू, को, कौ do; or horns like के, कै, को, कौ do. This is an astounding feat given that every fourth syllable needs to be a heavy syllable (guru).
As a result, you will hear the nasal sound anusvara every fourth syllable! Also not very coincidentally, Patañjali's name itself does not contain legs or horns!
‘Having examined the worlds that can be obtained through ‘karma’, a brahmin has to attain complete dispassion & should recognise the fact that the ‘Uncreated Whole’ cannot be attained through action. Therefore to know the Truth, the seeker should, in the traditional manner, take
a bundle of ‘Samit’ (sacrificial banyan twigs) & with all humility approach a Guru who has deeply imbibed the essence of Upanishads & is established in Brahman.’
(Muṇḍaka Upaniṣad - 1-2-12)
In the Gita Bhashyam Acharya explains the meaning of ‘Pandita’ as
worlds (ie,the whole Universe), what is his gesture ? What is his body ? What is his plan? What is his basis (support)? What are his means (instruments,resources) ? These are the useless questions raised by some stupid critics, in order to mislead people, against one (i.e., you)
The Shiva Mahimna Stotra composed by Pushhpadanta, is considered one of the best among all Stotras (or Stutis) offered to Lord Shiva.
It has 43 beautiful verses.
From today onwards each day will share 4 verses !
Đ word 'Sankranti' literally means 'movement'.
Almost all Hindu festivals are dependent on the position of d moon; however,Mākāra Sankrāntī is based on the position of the Sun.
There are twelve Sankrantis in a year. These are twelve days in a year when the Sun moves from one constellation to another. From Makar Sankranti, Sun starts moving towards the North direction which is also known as Uttarayana.
The sun on this day ends it's southward journey,
that is dakshinayan, and starts moving northwards ie uttarayan, Hence, the festival precisely denotes the movement of the Sun into Makar zodiac. Uttarayana is regarded as the period of Divinity.
On the day of Makar Sankranti festival, the duration of the day and that of the night
Bhogi- The Festival of Bonfire
The Pedda Pandaga - పెద్ద పండగ
Another Hindu festival whose rituals showcases that we are not only Culturally Unmatchable but also Scientifically Ingenious ;
‘Parama Pujaniya’ are our ancestors & elders who laid these for us.
Let's look at 3 important rituals associated with Bhogi Panduga :-
~ Bhogi Mantalu
~ Bhogi Pallu
~ Muggulu
Bhogi Mantalu :
Mantalu is the telugu word for Fire, On Bhogi day, early morning before sunrise, a bonfire is set in front of the house. This bonfire is called
'Bhogi Mantalu' in Telugu. this is set either ndividually by each household or set at the community level. Dry Cow dung cakes, Cow ghee, Banyan, Peepal & Neem tree wood were used in Bonfire, This holy smoke will purify the environment by their medicinal properties.
As Śaṅkarā walked on enquiring the whereabouts of Govinda Bhagavatpāda, the sadhus of Ōṃkārēśvar praised the glory of the Brahmanishtha in superlative terms, reminiscent of the Upanishadic mantra, which says ‘people view with wonder the ‘Brahmajnani’. They showed Śaṅkarā the
cave where he lived. It was in the middle of a hill in a village near Ōṃkārēśvar. Here & there ‘sanyasis’ were found engaged in ‘Sadhana’ & ‘Sastravichara’. Śaṅkarā felt the peace of Brahmanirvana filling the entire area. A Brahmavid is not simply a knower of Brahman, but