Pleasing Bharat Mata / Mother India For Blessing
In the Indian tradition, Bharat Mata (Mother India) is a symbolic personification of the nation. Pleasing Bharat Mata is generally understood not through rituals alone, but through sincere service to the country and its people.
Here are meaningful ways to honor Bharat Mata:
- Serve the nation selflessly through honest work, public service, or volunteering.
- Follow dharma—be truthful, just, compassionate, and responsible in daily life.
- Respect the Constitution and laws, while contributing positively to society.
- Protect nature by planting trees, conserving water, and keeping your surroundings clean.
- Support education by helping children learn or sharing knowledge with others.
- Help those in need, regardless of caste, religion, language, or region.
- Respect India’s diversity, appreciating its many cultures, languages, and traditions.
- Preserve Indian heritage, including its temples, monuments, arts, literature, and classical knowledge.
- Work with excellence in your profession, helping India grow through innovation and integrity.
- Pray for the welfare of the nation and cultivate gratitude for the land that sustains you.
Many people also express devotion through patriotic songs and prayers such as:
• “Vande Mataram”
• “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” (used by many as a patriotic slogan)
• Daily prayers for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of India and all its people.
From a spiritual perspective, if you worship deities such as Lord Krishna, Lord Jagannath, or other forms of the Divine, dedicating your prayers, good deeds, and acts of compassion to the welfare of India can also be viewed as a way of honoring Bharat Mata. Ultimately, the greatest offering to Mother India is to become a person of good character who contributes to the country’s well-being through compassion, honesty, and service.
- Published in Pleasing The Gods
Rakhi
Here are the combined guidelines from different traditions for both brothers and sisters:
1. Vastu Shastra – Direction and Place
For the actual tying ceremony:
Face East or North-East: The sister should face East and the brother should face West, or both should face North-East. North-East (Ishaan Kon) is the most auspicious and spiritual zone.
Seating:Never do Rakhi standing at the doorway. Sit on a mat or asana. Brother should sit on a slightly elevated place if possible. Avoid the South-facing direction for both.
Puja Thali Placement: Keep the thali in North-East of the room. Use a brass, silver or copper thali, not steel.
Where to keep gifted money / gifts Brother’s gift to sister should not be kept in South-West immediately. Sister should keep the gift in North or East for a few hours to invite Lakshmi energy.
Broken or used Rakhi: Don’t throw old Rakhis in dustbin. Vastu says to immerse in water or bury under a tree after removing it after 8 days.
2. Feng Shui – Energy Balance
Feng Shui sees Rakhi as an exchange of Chi between Yin (sister) and Yang (brother).
Clean Clutter Before: Clean the North-West corner of your home – it governs helpful people and brotherly support. A clutter-free NW strengthens sibling bond.
Colors: Avoid all black or all dark blue clothes on Rakhi day – they absorb too much energy. Add a touch of red, pink or yellow to uplift Chi.
The Tie: Sister should tie with right hand, 3 knots. 3 represents Mind-Body-Spirit trinity in Feng Shui numerology. Tie it snug, not too tight – energy should flow.
Gifts:Feng Shui recommends gifts that are paired or useful, not sharp or cutting. Avoid knives, scissors, watches that stop, black wallets empty. Give wallets with a coin, plants like Jade, crystals like Rose Quartz for sisters.
After Rakhi: Keep the Rakhi on for at least 24 hours. Removing immediately breaks the energy circuit.
3. Astrology – Muhurat, Mantra and Graha Shanti This is the most followed part.
Bhadra Kaal: Never tie Rakhi in Bhadra : The ideal time is during Aparahna Kaal (afternoon). If Bhadra is there, wait till it ends.
For Sister while tying – Mantra: `Yena baddho Bali Raja, Danavendro mahabalah, tena tvam abhi badhnami, rakshe ma chala ma chala` This is the protection mantra of Raksha Bandhan.
Tilak: Apply tilak in this order for best astrological result – Kumkum, then Kesar chandan, then Akshat (whole rice). Akshat should not be broken. This activates Surya (success) and Guru (wisdom).
4 . Brother’s Birth Moon Sign:
Mesha, Simha, Dhanu (Fire):** Red / Saffron Rakhi best
Vrishabh, Kanya, Makar (Earth):** Green / Yellow Rakhi
Mithun, Tula, Kumbh (Air):** Blue / White / Light colours
Karka, Vrishchik, Meen (Water):** White / Silver / Light Yellow
For Brother: After Rakhi is tied, he should place his hand on sister’s head and take responsibility verbally – “Mama Raksha” – this completes the karmic circle.
4. Numerology
Number of Rakhis:** If sister is elder, tie one Rakhi. If younger, she can tie up to 3 Rakhis but always in odd numbers (1,3,5).
Gift Amount:** Numerologists suggest adding 1 rupee to gift – like 501, 1001, 2101. Never give exact even 500, 1000 as it closes the cycle.
Name Number:** If your brother’s Mulank (birth date total) is 4 or 8 (Saturn), avoid black thread Rakhi. Use Rudraksha or bright thread.
5. Spiritual / Dharmic Rules – For Both
Do’s for Sister:
1. Fast or eat satvik before ceremony. Wash hair, wear new or clean clothes.
2. Keep diya lit with ghee while tying.
3. Don’t tie Rakhi with empty hands – keep coconut or mithai in hand.
4. If brother is far, don’t courier Rakhi alone – send with akshat and a small kumkum packet. You can do video call and tie on a proxy like a Krishna idol or peepal tree first.
Do’s for Brother:
1. Don’t keep hands empty when sister ties – keep a coconut or small idol in left hand.
2. Don’t have a haircut, shave or nail cut immediately before ceremony.
3. Gift should be given with right hand, from heart. Avoid saying “what do you want?” – give with sankalp of protection.
4. If you have multiple sisters, elder sister should tie first.
Common Don’ts:
1 . Don’t use plastic Rakhi, black thread, or broken / used thread.
2. Don’t tie Rakhi after sunset if possible. Best is before evening.
3. Don’t take Rakhi off and throw in trash. After Janmashtami or after 8 days, remove and immerse in water.
4. Avoid argument, harsh words, and non-veg / alcohol on that day in the house where puja is done.
5. Sisters should not take back Rakhi or compare gifts – it creates Mangal dosh in relationship as per tradition.
6. Spiritual essence: Rakhi is not just thread. In Shastras it is called Raksha-Sutra. Sister puts a part of her Prana into brother through the knot, and brother in return gives a part of his Karma as protection. So intent (Bhav) is more important than cost.
- Published in Know More
Nagpanchami Pleasing The Snake God
On Nag Panchami – Shravan Shukla Panchami, we worship Nag Devtas as guardians of water, fertility, and family protection, and as dear to Lord Shiva. How to please Nag Devta – Puja Vidhi This is what is traditionally done at hme:
Preparation : Wake up early, take bath, wear clean clothes. Clean your puja room / altar with water or Gangajal. Keep a fast if you can – many eat only once in the evening. Place a red cloth on a wooden chowki and keep an idol or picture of Nag Devta. Idol can be of silver, stone, wood, or clay.
Puja : First bathe the idol with water and raw milk, then with water again.
Offerings: milk mixed with honey, ghee and sugar, turmeric, kumkum / roli, akshat (raw rice), flowers (especially white), incense and ghee diya. Offer sweets and seasonal fruits.
Do Sankalpa – vow that you are performing puja with sincere devotion.
Prayers and Katha : Light diya and agarbatti, fold hands and pray for family welfare. Recite Nag Panchami katha and mantra, then do aarti.
Mantras to recite
The most common mantras:
Sarpa Mantra:
Anantam Vasukim Shesham Padmanabham cha Kambalam
Shankhapalam Dhritarashtram cha Takshakam Kaliyam tatha
Etani nava namani Naganaam cha Mahatmanam
Sayam kale pathennityam pratah kale visheshatah
Tasya vishabhayam nasti sarvatra vijayi bhavet
Meaning – remembering the nine great Nagas removes fear of poison and brings victory.
Sarve Nagaah Mantra:
Sarve Nagaah preeyantam me ye kechit prithvi-tale
Ye cha helimarchi-stha ye cha divi-stha ye antariksha-stha
Ye nadeeshu mahanaga ye saraswati-gaminah
Ye cha vapi-tadageshu teshu sarveshu vai namah
“May the snakes who are in this world, sky, heaven, sun-rays, lakes, wells, ponds etc. bless us and we all salute them.”
Chant at least 108 times or 11 times with devotion.
What pleases them most
Ahimsa: Do not kill or hurt snakes on this day. Respect live snakes, anthills (Nag Bhanda / Varul) where they are believed to live. Don’t dig the earth – tradition says avoid ploughing, digging or cutting trees on Nag Panchami. Feed symbolically: Offer milk to stone/clay idols. If you visit a live Nag temple, don’t force-feed milk – it harms them. Offer flowers and pray from distance.Worship Shiva: Abhishek of Shivling with milk and water, as Nagas are his ornaments. Charity: Offer food, clothes to poor, and avoid iron tawa / fried food if your family tradition says so. After puja, sprinkle some puja milk and flowers near a Tulsi plant or sacred tree, and break your fast after listening to the Katha.
- Published in Pleasing The Gods
Indian Flag / Tiranga – Astro Analysis
1. Astrological Analysis – Graha and Tattva
The flag is divided into 3 colors + 1 Chakra in the center. Each represents a planetary energy and an element.
a) Saffron – Top Band
- Planet: Surya (Sun) and Mangal (Mars) and Brihaspati (Jupiter)
- Tattva: Agni Tattva – Fire
- Meaning: Saffron is the color of renunciation, courage, sacrifice and tapasya. In astrology, Sun gives leadership, self-respect and soul power. Mars gives courage and protection of Dharma. Jupiter gives wisdom and Dharma. This is why saffron is on top – it shows Dharma should lead the nation. It keeps the country fearless.
b) White – Middle Band
- Planet: Chandra (Moon) and Shukra (Venus)
- Tattva: Jal Tattva – Water
- Meaning: White is peace, truth, purity and balance. Moon is mind, emotions and peace. Venus is harmony and unity. White in the center acts as a mediator between courage (saffron) and prosperity (green). It shows that if the nation’s mind is peaceful and truthful, it can balance everything.
c) Green – Bottom Band
- Planet: Budh (Mercury)
- Tattva: Prithvi Tattva – Earth
- Meaning: Green is life, growth, harvest, wealth and stability. Mercury is the planet of agriculture, trade, intellect and prosperity. It connects the nation to its soil, farmers and economic growth.
d) Ashoka Chakra – The 24 Spoke Navy Blue Wheel
This is the most powerful astrological part.
- Planet: Shani (Saturn) – because Navy Blue is Saturn’s color. Saturn is the planet of Karma, Law, Discipline and Time.
- Other connection: The Chakra itself is Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra and also the Dharma Chakra. So it is the wheel of Dharma and Karma.
- 24 Spokes Meaning:
In astrology, 24 is highly significant. It represents 24 hours of the day – Kaal Chakra. It means the nation should be in motion all 24 hours. No stopping of Karma.
It also represents 12 Rashi + 7 planets + Rahu, Ketu, Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh and Sun’s 12 Adityas – totality of time.
The Chakra moving from saffron to green shows that life should move under the law of Dharma.
2. Numerology Analysis
Number 3 – The Three Colors
The flag has 3 colors. In numerology, 3 is the number of Jupiter (Guru). It is the number of creation, knowledge, optimism and expansion. It is considered extremely lucky for India. India’s destiny also vibrates on 3 in many calculations. It shows wisdom, spirituality and growth.
Number 24 – Spokes of Chakra
- 24 = 2 + 4 = 6
- 6 is the number of Venus (Shukra). Venus is luxury, harmony, beauty, love and global attraction. This is why the world is attracted to India.
- 24 itself is considered one of the luckiest numbers in Chaldean numerology. It is called the number of success, help from powerful people and assured victory over obstacles.
- 24 principles of Dharma are also linked to Gayatri Mantra which has 24 letters.
Number 1 – One Flag
One flag represents Number 1 – Sun. Leadership, unity, sovereignty and a single identity. It shows India will always stand as one and lead.
Ratio 2:3 – Dimension of Flag
As per Flag Code, the flag ratio is 2:3. Total is 5. Number 5 is Mercury – again intelligence, trade, communication and youth power. Very good for a business and knowledge-driven nation.
3. Combined Reading
If you see the whole Tiranga from an energy perspective:
Saffron (Fire – Sun/Mars) + White (Water – Moon) + Green (Earth – Mercury) + Chakra in Blue (Air + Ether – Saturn) = Complete Pancha Mahabhuta balance. A flag that has all 5 elements balanced is considered extremely auspicious. It means self-sustaining energy. It never loses power. That is why, astrologically, the Indian flag is considered a living Yantra. It creates a protective Kavach over the country. Best direction to place a small flag as per Vastu: East or North-East of your home or office desk. The saffron should always be on top. Never let it touch the ground.
- Published in Know More
Pleasing Lord Jagannath During Rath Yatra
The Jagannath Temple Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of most sacred festivals. From a traditional Vedic astrological perspective (rather than a scientifically established one), it is considered a highly auspicious period for spiritual merit, removal of karmic obstacles, and seeking divine grace. Pulling the chariot (Rath) during the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra is regarded as a deeply sacred act of devotion. While beliefs vary by tradition, the festival symbolizes Lord Jagannath coming out of the temple to bless everyone, regardless of caste, status, or background. The spiritual importance of pulling the Rath includes:
- An act of seva (selfless service): Pulling the chariot is considered an offering of one’s strength and devotion to Lord Jagannath.
- Receiving divine blessings: Many devotees believe that sincerely participating in the Rath Yatra brings the Lord’s grace, inner peace, and spiritual merit.
- Symbol of surrender: Holding the rope represents allowing God to guide one’s life rather than being led solely by ego and worldly desires.
- Equality among devotees: During the Rath Yatra, people from all walks of life pull the same chariot together, symbolizing unity and equality before God.
- Spiritual purification: Traditional beliefs describe participation in the Yatra—especially with faith, prayer, and good conduct—as helping purify the mind and encouraging righteous living.
- Rare opportunity for darshan: Since Lord Jagannath comes outside the temple, many who cannot normally enter or visit the sanctum can have His darshan.
According to the Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana, and long-standing Jagannath traditions, seeing the Lord on the chariot and participating in the procession are considered highly auspicious, though these are matters of religious belief rather than empirically verifiable facts. If you have the opportunity to pull the Rath:
- Offer a sincere prayer before touching the rope.
- Chant “Jai Jagannath” or the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
- Pull with humility and patience rather than force.
- Pray not only for yourself but also for the welfare of all beings.
In the Jagannath tradition, it is often said that the greatest blessing is not merely touching the rope, but cultivating devotion, compassion, humility, and righteous conduct in daily life.
Astrological Significance :
- Powerful Sun energy: Rath Yatra is celebrated during the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the lunar month of Ashadha, a time traditionally associated with increasing spiritual vitality and divine blessings.
- Movement of destiny: The Lord’s journey from the temple to the Gundicha Temple symbolizes movement, progress, and the removal of stagnation in one’s life. Astrologically, it is believed to support positive changes when one has been facing delays.
- Reduction of karmic burdens: Traditional belief holds that sincere devotion to Lord Jagannath during this period can help lessen the effects of difficult planetary influences (graha doshas), although this is a matter of faith rather than something astrology can verify.
- Support for Jupiter (Guru) and Moon: Worship during Rath Yatra is believed to strengthen qualities associated with wisdom, devotion, compassion, and emotional stability.
- Good time for new spiritual beginnings: Many devotees begin mantra japa, charity, pilgrimage, or religious study during Rath Yatra because it is considered spiritually auspicious.
Spiritual benefits traditionally associated with participating pulling the chariot with devotion is believed to bring great spiritual merit (punya). Seeing (darshan) of Lord Jagannath on the chariot is believed to purify past karma. Offering food, water, or service to pilgrims is considered especially meritorious. Chanting the names of Lord Jagannath, Krishna, or Vishnu during the festival is believed to multiply the spiritual benefits of one’s practice. If you cannot attend puri tradition holds that you can still participate by praying before an image of Lord Jagannath at home. Chanting the Jagannath Ashtakam or the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. Reading stories of Lord Jagannath. Donating food or helping those in need. Watching the Rath Yatra with devotion and offering prayers.From the perspective of devotion, many traditions teach that the most important factor is sincere faith and selfless service, rather than one’s birth chart or planetary positions. Astrological interpretations of Rath Yatra are part of tradition and should be understood as matters of religious belief rather than established scientific fact.
Know More About The Rath ( Chariot ) Used In Rath Yatra :
The Rath Yatra in Puri uses 3 massive wooden chariots, built afresh every year just before the festival. They are made by hereditary carpenters of the Maharana / Vishwakarma community in the Rath Khala workshop opposite the temple.No metal nails are used – only wooden joints. Iron is used only for wheels reinforcement. Construction starts on Akshaya Tritiya and takes about 58 days.Wood: Around 865 logs of Phasi, Dhausa, Asana, Dhaura, Simili wood floated down Mahanadi from Dasapalla forests. Total 2,188 wooden pieces are used.Wheels: 42 wheels total, each wheel 7 feet diameter.After Yatra, chariots are dismantled. Wood is used as fuel in Jagannath Temple kitchen for Mahaprasad and parts are sold to devotees as sacred relic.
1. Nandighosha – Chariot of Lord Jagannath . Other names: Garudadhwaja, KapidhwajaDeity on it: Lord Jagannath + Madanmohan (representative)Height: 44 ft 2 inches to 45 ft – tallest in terms of canopy but slightly shorter than Taladhwaja in some years. Most texts say 45 ft c51dc0bcBase: 34’6″ x 34’6″ 8fd8Wheels: 16 wheels – symbolises 16 kalas of Lord Krishna aac6Wooden pieces: 832 8fd8Canopy Colour: Red and Yellow – Yellow is associated with Vishnu 8fd8Horse Colour: White 8fd8c51dHorses Names (4): Shankha, Balahaka, Suweta, HaridashwaCharioteer (Sarathi): Daruka aac6Guardian (Dwarapala): Garuda, Jaya-Vijaya at gate 8fd8Flag Name: Trailokyamohini – emblem Garuda 8fd8c51dRope Name: Shankhachuda Nagini 42efWeapons / Symbols: Sankha and ChakraParshva Devatas (9 side deities): Panchamukhi Hanuman, Harihara, Madhusudana, Giridhari, Pandu Narasingha, Chintamani Krishna, Narayana, Chatra Bhanga Ravana, Rama on Hanuman
2. Taladhwaja – Chariot of Lord Balabhadra . Other names: Langaladhwaja, Haladhwaja – flag has Palm Tree symbolDeity on it: Lord Balabhadra + RamakrishnaHeight: 43 ft 3 inches to 44 ft – technically tallest chariot, standard 44 ft aac6c0bcBase: 33′ x 33′ 8fd8Wheels: 14 wheels – symbolises 14 lokas aac6Wooden pieces: 763 8fd8Canopy Colour: Red and Bluish-Green / Blue- symbol of power and protection 8fd8Horse Colour: Black 8fd8c51dHorses Names (4): Tibra, Ghora, Dirghasharma, SwornanavaCharioteer: Matali – charioteer of Indra aac6Guardian: Vasudeva, Gatekeepers Nanda-SunandaFlag Name: Unnani 8fd8c51dRope Name: Basuki Naga / VasukiWeapons / Symbols: Hala and Musala (plough and mace)
3. Darpadalana / Devadalana – Chariot of Devi Subhadra . Other names: Padmadhwaja, DevadalanaDeity on it: Devi Subhadra + SudarshanaHeight: 42 ft 3 inches to 43 ft – smallest aac6Base: 31’6″ x 31’6″ 8fd8Wheels: 12 wheels – symbolises 12 months aac6Wooden pieces: 593 8fd8Canopy Colour: Red and Black – Black associated with Shakti c0bcHorse Colour: Red / BrownHorses Names (4): Rochika, Mochika, Jita, AparajitaCharioteer: Arjuna aac69329Guardian: Jayadurga, Gatekeepers Ganga-JamunaFlag Name: NadambikaRope Name: Swarnachuda NaginiWeapons / Symbols: Padma and Kalhara (Lotus) Common Features Direction:
All three are pulled from Singhadwara (Lion Gate) of Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple (3 km) on Bada Danda.Ropes: Each chariot rope is huge and considered very sacred. Devotees believe touching/pulling the rope = attaining moksha – Rathe tu Vamanam drustva punarjanma na vidyateChhera Pahanra: Before pulling, Puri Gajapati King sweeps the chariots with golden broom.No steering: No modern steering; turned by wooden wedges and manpower.
- Published in Pleasing The Gods
Pleasing Lord Jagannath
In the Jagannath Temple tradition, Lord Jagannath is believed to be especially pleased by sincere devotion, humility, and service rather than elaborate rituals. Here are some widely cherished ways to worship Him:
- Chant His names with devotion, such as:
- “Jai Jagannath”
- “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
- Hare Krishna Hare Rama Mahamantra
- Offer simple food (bhog) like fruits, cooked rice, khichdi, or sweets prepared with a clean mind and loving intention. Offer it first to the Lord before eating.
- Read or listen to stories of Lord Jagannath, Lord Krishna, or the Bhagavad Gita regularly.
- Serve others, especially by feeding the hungry or helping those in need. Selfless service is considered dear to Him.
- Live truthfully by practicing compassion, honesty, forgiveness, and humility.
- Visit a Jagannath temple when possible, or keep a picture or idol at home and offer a lamp, flowers, or tulsi leaves daily.
- Observe sacred festivals, especially the annual Rath Yatra, with devotion. Even remembering or chanting His name during the festival is considered spiritually beneficial.
A beautiful prayer is: “Jagannath Swami Nayana Patha Gami Bhavatu Me.”
“O Lord Jagannath, may You always remain on the path of my vision and in my heart.”
- Published in Pleasing The Gods
Lord Jagannath Temple At Puri Odisha State India Vastushastra View
The Jagannath Temple is often discussed in both traditional Indian architectural thought and modern Feng Shui circles. However, it’s important to distinguish between historical facts and later interpretations. As per vastu shastra the temple is widely regarded as incorporating many Vastu principles:
- East-facing entrance: The main entrance (Singhadwara or Lion Gate) faces east, welcoming the morning sun, which Vastu considers highly auspicious.
- High southwest zone: The towering main sanctum (Vimana/Shikhara) occupies the dominant part of the complex, consistent with the Vastu principle that the southwest should be heavier and higher.
- Water in the northeast: Sacred water bodies in and around the temple complex are often cited as aligning with the Vastu preference for water elements toward the northeast.
- Central sacred energy: The sanctum (garbhagriha) serves as the spiritual heart of the complex, with surrounding structures arranged in a hierarchical manner.
- Protective boundary walls: The temple is enclosed by massive walls, which Vastu associates with protection and containment of positive energy.
As per Feng Shui
Feng Shui was not used in designing the temple, as it is a Chinese system. Still, enthusiasts often note similarities:
- A tall central structure symbolizes strong, stable energy.
- The open eastern approach allows the flow of beneficial qi (energy).
- Balanced placement of open spaces and built forms is seen as promoting harmony.
- The presence of water features is interpreted as supporting prosperity and positive energy.
Important perspective
There is no historical evidence that the Jagannath Temple was designed according to Feng Shui. It was built according to the traditions of Indian temple architecture, particularly the Kalinga style, guided by principles found in Vastu Shastra and texts such as the Shilpa Shastras. Comparisons with Feng Shui are modern interpretations based on similarities in the two traditions rather than evidence of shared design. Many visitors and scholars consider the temple an outstanding example of how sacred architecture, orientation, geometry, and symbolism are integrated in the Indian architectural tradition.
- Published in Vastu / Fengshui Religious
Vastu & Fengshui View Lakshadweep
AGATTI : The coral islands of Lakshadweep seem be places which man and nature have conspired to keep more or less pristine. Each island boasts a magnificent lagoon and coral reef with striking marine life. You can swim, snorkel or dive. Agatti is one of the most beautiful isles in Lakshadweep: milky white sands on the beach and turquoise waters with multicoloured fish. The coconut and palm groves and a reef complete the picture. Agatti also has Lakshadweep’s only airport, which must be among the tiniest in the world. Walk along the eastern beach for brilliant white coral of all shapes and sizes. In the shimmering waters there are schools of colourful fish, live coral, sea anemone, starfish and sea cucumbers. The easiest way to access this amazing world is to snorkel around the reefs or take a glass- bottomed boat ride. Golden Jubilee Museum : This simple museum houses a model of a traditional Minicoy sailboat, and a room full of jars and wooden chests recovered from islands and a few shipwrecks. On the ground floor are two busts of the Buddha (dated between 9th and 12th centuries CE), found on Androth Island, which point to the island’s pre-Islamic past.. Mohiyudean Mosque : Visit the old mosque on the island, built in the 16th century in the style of a Malabar temple, with red Mangalore tiles. A stone panel with Arabic lettering decorates its front cornice . Location In the Lakshadweep Sea, off the Kerala coastline Air Agatti is served by flights from Kochi Sea Connected to Kochi by ship .
BANGARAM : Bangaram and its satellite islands of Thinakkara lie 5 to 6 nautical miles north- east of Agatti. The beautiful lagoon offers calm waters in all seasons and the extraordinary variety of underwater life along the coral reefs attracts divers from around the world . On the sandbars, crabs swarm out of tiny pinholes or larger hideouts with an alarming mand of sand heaped close by. Striped orends crabs hunch their bodies high. A walk in the shallows at low tide gives a more prickly experience of the lagoon. For divers and snorkellers, there is live coral: branch coral tipped with fluorescent blue or lumps stained in patches of red, bread-like growths, brain coral and table coral.
KAVARATTI : Kavaratti the administrative centre of the lakshadweep union territory is a busy place. People are everywhere. In the sea , on the land, in boats, working on the off- shore water pipeline, on the jetty and on the trees. Unlike other islands, Kavaratti’s shore is an apology for a beach. Narrow, busy and littered with waste, it almost spoils the beauty of the magnificent lagoon, which is home to starfish, anemones and sea cucumbers. Take off to the north towards the government-run lakshadweep diving academy is the largest eisure-diving organisation in the world and has certified range of programmes from beginners’ to advanced. Diving bookings must be done through the sports office in Kochi . The museum-cum-aquarium has different varieties of shells, including the cowries once used as money across the Indian Ocean, amazing corals and many, many species of fish.
MINICOY : Minicoy was annexed by the British in 1908 and became a part of the Indian Union in 1956, but the people here speak a different language (Mahl), write in religious sonnets (Thana script), look and dress like the Maldivians (in long toga- like capes), and chew betel like true Malayalis. This beautiful crescent-shaped KA island is the southernmost island in the Lakshadweep Sea. The magnificent Unk lagoon includes a secluded beach comence with a lake surrounded by the on slump of mangroves on the Lakshodweep Islands. A walk through the villages is rewarding, particularly nearer the shore, where one can admire the colourfully painted houses. Look for an old sundial near Aloodi village (which the locals still follow their time being roughly 45 minutes behind IST). Built in 1885, the lighthouse offers unparalleled views. Minicoy’s pride, the Tuna Canning Factory, is where foot-long tuna are processed, canned and pickled. Roughly 50,000kg of tuna is processed from September right until late May.
KADMAT : Unknown and unexplored till the 18th century, Kadmat served as a fishing outpost for the villagers of neighbouring Amini Island, who’d explore its waters during the monsoons, when fishing in the sea became dangerous. To its west lies a large bewitching lagoon and to its east, a rich coral outcrop. The island is ideal for swimming and spending lazy, uninhibited hours of pleasure. Elsewhere on the island, life goes on as usual. There are coconuts to be picked and dried, fish to be caught and coir to be soaked, dried and turned into rope.
- Published in Vastu / Fengshui Case Study
Vastu & Fengshui View Dwarka / Dwarkadheesh Temple
DWARKA : MOKSHADAYIKA BESTOWER OF LIBERATION
State Gujarat Important temples and sites Dwarden Temple, Rukshmanee Temple, Gomti Ghat, Beyt Dwarka, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple Location Almost at the cusp of the startling mouth that shapes the map in this part of India’s extreme west, Dwarka nestles by the shores of the Gulf of Kutch Distances 457 km SW of Ahmedabad, 230 km NW of Somnath, 232 km W of Rajkot, 144 km SW of Jamnagar, 75 km NW of Porbandar Route from Ahmedabad NH8A to Rajkot via Bagodra, Limdi, Sayla, Chotila and Bamanbore; state highway to Dwarka via Dhrol, Jamnagar, Khambhaliya, Bhatiya and Baradiya Route from Somnath NH8D to Veraval; state highway to Dwarka via Chorvad, Madhavpur, Porbandar, Harsiddh Mata Mandir, Lamba and Baradiya . Dwarka is counted amongst the seven most sacred Hindu teerths and is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna moved after leaving Braj, where he lived and ruled. His temple here, the famous Dwarkadheesh Temple right on the shore, is central to this town’s topography. Dwarka’s story is told in the Puranas: Krishna acquired 12 yojanas (16 miles) of earth from the sea for constructing his divine, fortified capital here. Dwarka remained Krishna’s home when he eloped with Rukmini, married Satyabhama, vanquished Narakasura, protected Drau- padi’s honour, and led the war of Kurukshetra (part of the Mahabharata). Eventually, the Yadavas, Krishna’s clan, allowed Dwarka’s glory to wane. The god ended his earthly journey and the sea reclaimed the land, sparing only Krishna’s home. Years later, Vajranabha, Krishna’s grandson and successor, built the grand Dwarkadheesh Temple in his honour, according to the Puranas. Adi Shankaracharya travelled here and set up the Dwarka Sharadapeeth. It is also believed that six older cities . Dwar (door)-ka (Brahma) is considered the gat way to moksha. The holy city is counted among the seven most sacred Hindu tirthes this famous shloka in Sanskrit says: Ayya, Mathura, Maya (Haridwar), Ks, Kanchi, Avantika (Ujjain), Ar the city of Dwarka, Tise seven are mokshadayika (bestowers o Iberation).So auspicious is the location of Dwarka that Krishna is believed to have moved here for the well-being of all the Yadavas, leaving Magadha far behind after he killed his uncle, the tyrant Kamsa, son-in-law of Jarasandha, the king of Magadha. The Vishnu Purana ecords that for constructing his divine, fortified capital at Dwarka, Krishna had to acquire 12 yojanas (16 miles) of earth from the sea. Dwarka remained Krishna’s home as he eloped with Rukmini, married Satya- bama, vanquished Narakasura, protected Draupadi’s honour, and led the war of Kuru- kshetra. Eventually, the Yadavas became arrogant and allowed Dwarka’s glory to wane, Krishna ended his earthly journey and Samudra, the sea, reclaimed the land he had given, sparing only Krishna’s home. Many years later, it is believed that Vajra- nabha, Krishna’s grandson and successor, built the grand Dwarkadheesh Temple in the lord’s honour. A 1963 excavation led by the noted archae- ologist Dr DH Sankalia pointed to the existence of a city around the 1st century BCE. A series of 12 surveys led by Prof SR Rao between 1983 and 1990 found evi- dence of the existence of six submerged, well-organised island-towns and revealed a 9th century BCE temple to Vishnu, below which the remains of two more temples also came to light. Heavy anchors, a seal (the Harivansh Puran speaks of seals of identity carried by all residents of Dwarka), temple pillars and copper utensils inscribed with Vedic Sanskrit were among the evi- dences found. Prof Rao’s book, The Lost City of Dwarka, generated considerable interest and is based on his findings. Periplus of the Erythrean Sea, the widely acknowledged account of an unknown Greek traveller dated to the 1st century BCE, speaks of Dwarka as Baraka, an important overseas trading post. The saint-philosopher Adi Shankaracharya travelled here and set up the Dwarka Sharadapeeth, an event that has been placed by some scholars between 509- 477 BCE. Ideally, give yourself two days in Dwarka. It is also possible to do it all in a hectic day, spending the morning at the Dwarkadhe- esh Temple and other sites around Dwarka and leaving early in the evening for Beyt Dwarka, factoring in a trip to Nageshwar on the way back as it falls en route. Dwarkadheesh Temple Also known as the Trilokasundara Temple, the name pointing to its great significance and beauty (sundara) across the three worlds (triloka), the Chalukya-style temple has been constructed with locally procured stone that looks somewhat roughly hewn due to effect of the saline air but is none the less ractive for it. Devotees generally enter via main Moksha Dwar entrance but, aditionally, they are required to have a Kath in the Gomti, which flows behind the temple, and enter via the Swarg Dwar entrance on this side, reached by climbing the sacred chhappan sidi (56 steps, indicative of the 52 Yadava administrative divisions and the four gods among them – Krishna, Balram, Pradyumna and Anirudh). Even to those of us who have never been to Dwarka before, the black idol of Krishna looks instantly familiar. The temple has 16 smaller altars to other deities including Krishna’s eight patranis (queens). Also within the premises is a large hall done up almost entirely in richly carved wood, the official presence of the Dwarka Sharada- peeth at the temple. The math manages the Dwarkadheesh Temple, runs a famous Veda paathshala and oversees several other reli- gious and educational institutions. Tradi- tionally, the descendants of the family are priests at the temple. The 52-yard- temple flag is hoisted thrice daily . The dhwaja is usually made in silk though there have been flags cast in are especially gold as well. Flags stitched at one of the many shops near the temple and placed at the lord’s feet before the raising. At the time of writing, this unique seva had been booked for all days in the succeeding four months. Gomti Ghat : Come by to the ghat (right behind the Dwarkadheesh Temple) either early in the day or late in the evening. A broad canal of merrily flowing water channelises the river into the sea. The water is saline but very clean and it is impossible to leave without wishing one had come prepared for a dip.
- Published in Vastu / Fengshui Religious
Deja vu
When we experience déjà vu, we feel as though history is repeating itself. We get the most uncanny sensation of intense familiarity, as though we have lived through a particular moment before and are now experiencing it again, even though in reality we’re doing it for the first time. Very often this sense of déjà vu occurs over trivial incidents. For example, you might be chatting to a friend in a café about the film recently, and you suddenly feel as though you have done exactly the same thing before, in every detail you saw . Déjà vu is a French phrase which, translated literally, means ‘already seen’. It happens entirely spontaneously and can’t be consciously triggered. Years may go by between episodes.
WHAT IS IT?
There are several theories about déjà vu. Some people regard it as nothing more mysterious than a brain malfunction, in which the brain is briefly unable to detect the difference between the present and the past. Indeed, déjà s a recognized symptom of tempora epilepsy: someone has a strong sene of déjà vu either shortly before or during an epileptic seizure. Another theory states that it is wish fulfilment on the part of the person having the experience, although this doesn’t explain why some very mundane situations can trigger a sense of déjà vu. In psychology, the experience is known as paramnesia. Another theory is that déjà vu is related to a past-life experience, and we feel that we’ve been somewhere before because we have.
I’VE BEEN HERE BEFORE
Although not every experience of déjà vu is likely to be connected to a past life, some are so striking that the theory is definitely worth considering.
- Published in Know More
