The Hanuman Chalisa – Part 1

There are many fantastic stories that we hear of the power of singing the Hanuman Chalisa with faith and devotion. All the ‘Beeja Mantras’ are included within the Chalisa. This further enhances the potency of this most renowned devotional poem. Every time we chant the Hanuman Chalisa, we have the opportunity of remembering the amazing…

Life Lessons from Goddess Durga

Goddess Durga is a fierce warrior and a compassionate woman at the same time. Ever victorious, the nine manifestations of the Goddess have a story of their own. In this blog, let’s learn life lessons from this invincible Goddess: Durga is derived from the word Durgam, which means fearlessness. Goddess Durga teaches us to remain…

Understanding the True Power of Namaste or Namaskar

Since childhood we all have seen and learnt to greet one another with a Namaste. Do you know why we join our palms, bow the head and say “namaste”? Namaste can be a formal or informal greeting, a cultural habit, or an act of worship. However, there is much more to it than what meets…

Why do we Worship Tulsi (Holy Basil)?

In Hindu tradition, Tulsi or the Holy Basil is considered as a mother. It is one of the most sacred plants and is known to be self-purifying. Many stories and legends in the Indian Mythology beckon the reasons why Tulsi is worshipped: Story – Tulsi cursed Lord Vishnu One such story states that, once Tulsi…

This is the Reason You Should Have Pooja Room at Home

Beautiful life just doesn’t happen; It is built by prayer, humility, sacrifice, and hard work –  Swami Chinmayananda A prayer room is an integral part of every house be it big or small. We should have a prayer room because, it serves as a gateway between us and the supreme power. This spiritual arena in…

Why do we celebrate Maha Shivratri?

Shivaratri means “The Great Night of Lord Shiva.” As per Hindu calendar, it is celebrated in Varanasi in the dark fortnight or Krishna Paksha at the 13th night or 14th day of Maagha or Phalguna, i.e., February or March in reverence of Lord Shiva. This year Maha Shivratri will be celebrated on 4th March. It…

Do you know why is Vibhuti or Holy Ash applied?

Vibhuti, Bhasma, Thiruneer, or Holy Ash when applied to the forehead and the body is believed to destroy the sins and revere the Lord. It is obtained from a sacrificial fire by burning together herbs, cow dung, milk, ghee, and honey. It is a sacred act performed while worshipping Lord Shiva. Why is Lord Shiva…

Life and Leadership Lessons from Hanuman

Hanuman – the superhero, has the largest fan following all across the world, larger than any other superhero. Long before Superman and Batman came to save the world, Hanuman had already done his part and left a mark. The monkey god was born to King Kesari and Anjana. Since childhood, he was strong, fearless, patient,…

10 Surprising Benefits of Chanting OM

OM is the most important sound in the universe. With continuous practice, it is believed to lead one into profound enlightenment. This mystic syllable is the most powerful and sacred mantra in Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism. It is said both at the beginning and end of various Sanskrit recitations, texts and prayers. Here are Ten…

OM : AUM – A Sound, A Symbol or More…

The Om symbol is present almost everywhere. It is in our prayers, in our workplaces, in our homes, on our t-shirts and in our yoga classes. But what does it mean? Where does it come from? These are important questions that we need to keep asking if we are to understand its real significance. Sometimes,…