Pearls Of Wisdom

I have added another Page titled "Pearls Of Wisdom" where I will be sharing with you some great sayings and quotes. Please do visit and let me know. Thank you. Keep a watch on my blog.

I am working on this blog. Since this blog is basically about Indian culture, philosophy, Hinduism and our way of life, I have to work hard on it to properly bring out the content. So It is taking some time for me.  Do bear with me. I will be posting much more soon.

Greetings On Dasara

Wishing all my friends a very Happy Dasara

Slokas -Stotras-Mantras-2

Laksmana, Anjaneya sametha Lord Sri Rama and Sita Devi

STOTRA:

The word Stotra (pronounced as Sthotra) is a Sanskrit word derived from the word Sthuti- meaning praise. It is an ode or hymn of praise, praising the God or Goddess or the deity. Unlike other forms of devotional hymns and verses, these do not have any strict grammatical rules or meter for composing or for chanting or singing. 

These are rhythmically composed or written and have to be chanted aloud. These have been written by great sages for the benefit of mankind. The energy created by chanting these stotras loudly, does away any misfortunes or any problems in life, brings, peace, happiness, prosperity etc. These help us in developing our concentration and lead us towards the spiritual path.

These are meant for common folk for using in daily life. Hence there are no strict do and donts or rules and regulations for chanting of these hymns. So they are very popular form of devotional literature as they are easily accessible to one and all.

These include Ashtotrams (108) or Sahasranamama (1000 names of the God or Goddess). They can be in the form of verse or in the form of just names read one after the other. While doing so the God or Goddess is worshipped with vermilion, turmeric, sandal wood powder, flowers etc.

The most popular ones are the Vichnu Sahasranamam, Lalitha Sahasranamam, various Ashtotrams and Sahara namams

Slokas -Stotras-Mantras-1

Lord Venkateshwara With Padmavathy

Hinduism is very rich in traditions customs and we are free to choose any path from one of the numerous ones to reach God. We worship God in many forms. Each form signifies some thing much deeper and spiritual.

Idol worshipping is most common and popular. Following rituals, worshipping idols in many forms, different methods of performing the worship show the diversity of Hinduism. Yet the aim common to all these is reaching GOD.

Slokas, Sthotras (or Stotras), Mantras etc do form part of our prayers and every day lives. By chanting them or saying them or singing them, it is believed we get peace, health and all forms of happiness. So these are included in every day prayers. All these have been written or said by our great sages, Rushis or Munis and are considered very powerful.

SLOKA:

Sloka is a Sankrit word. It means, verse, praise, glory, sound, hymn etc. Slokas are Verses usually in Sanskrit praying to various Gods, Goddesses, praising them and their omnipresence or omnipotence, describing them and their powers and greatness. Sloka can be defined as a hymn in praise of The God Or Goddess.

These are written strictly according to the Grammatical principles/rules in Sanskrit and composed to a specific meter. Slokas or verses consist of 2 lines with 16 syllables each or 4 half lines with 8 syllables each. This is the most used form of verses in Sanskrit texts especially epics etc.

I am going to post various slokas, stotras and mantras.....keep a watch on my blog.....
To be continued......

Blog under Construction

Friends, I have stated this blog quite recently. I need some time to start posting on this blog as the blog is still under construction. So please bear with me for some time. Once I have finished with  setting up of my blog I will be posting regularly.  Thanks a lot. Please do bear with me.....  

Keep watching my blog......

Om Ganeshaya Namaha

For all new ventures or starting of some good deeds or on all auspicious and festive occasions, we Hindus first pray to Lord Ganesha-The Elephant God.

So I am also praying to HIM on starting of my new blog....

Shuklaam bharadharam, Vishnum , Shashivaranam, Chaturbhujam

Prasannavadnam Dhyayeth  Sarva Vighnopashaantaye.

This is a Sloka or Shloka or Verse which is recited by everyone on all auspicious beginnings or starting of a new venture. This is the first sloka taught to a child. I will post its meaning and other slokas in my coming posts.....

Keep watching.....

My New blog

Friends I keep on getting requests to blog  about these topics from my friends not only from India but across the globe. Thank you all for motivating me to start this blog.

So I started this new blog to share what little knowledge I have about our traditions, culture, life style, festivals, rituals, Vedic sciences and literature, epics, philosophy etc-in short our Indian culture. The knowledge I acquired was thanks to my parents and grand parents, my Gurus, my friends and also the numerous books I keep reading.

What ever I know about this ocean of knowledge is so very little. I still have to learn a lot. So as I learn I want to share all that with you.

I address people from various walks of life on and off especially youngsters and children on our culture and knowledge. Many of them don't realise the scientific reasoning behind our rituals or customs and traditions. Many don't even know the basics about our epics. So they make fun of them or just think these are all superstitions. I feel sorry that they are missing out on such beautiful things-moral, ethical.... which help us in leading a life that is righteous, near to the nature and most important of all stress free. Not only that this also helps in inculcating good habits, simple lifestyle and tolerance towards others.

For me Hinduism is not a religion, its a way of life because we don't have any strict diktats to worship only this or that God or Goddess in a particular form or in a particular way. In fact we have so many diverse practises, rituals, traditions and customs.

Friends one last word. If in my posts what I convey is beautiful or helpful or good  it is the greatness of my Gurus. But if I commit any mistakes or goof ups its because of my ignorance or very little knowledge and not the fault of my Gurus. So please do correct me if I am wrong or interpret anything wrongly. I would be grateful to learn from you too as there are many a highly knowledgeable people who know much more about our philosophy and wisdom whether in India or from abroad.

I always welcome your comments, suggestions and knowledge as they help me to grow and learn something new. Please feel free to drop in your comments or suggestions.

Thanks a lot...Keep watching....