Encyclopedia - Agastya: Encyclopedia - Agastya
In Hinduism, Agastya (अगस्त्य in devanagari, pronounced as /ə gəs tyə/; also transliterated as Agathiar, Agasthiar, Agas...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Agastya: Encyclopedia Ii - Agastya - Legends About Agastya
One story about Agastya goes that once the demons had taken refuge in the ocean and it was difficult for the gods to vanquish them, so th...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Agastya: Encyclopedia Ii - Agastya - Legends About Agastya
One story about Agastya goes that once the demons had taken refuge in the ocean and it was difficult for the gods to vanquish them, so th...   » Read the article

Article - Yogis: Tirumula Nayanar
Tirumula Nayanar Tirumula Nayanar was a great Yogi in Kailas. He had all the 8 major Siddhis through the grace of Nandi, the Vahana of L...   » Read the article

Article - Mahashivratri: Celestial Marriage Of Shiva And Shakti  
There is an interesting legend connected with Mahashivratri, the day Shiva got married a second time to Shakti, his divine consort. &...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Agastya: Encyclopedia Ii - Agastya - Humbling The Vindhya Mountains
Legend says that the Vindhya mountains that separate north and south India from each other once showed a tendency to grow so high as to o...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Agastya: Encyclopedia Ii - Agastya - Humbling The Vindhya Mountains
Legend says that the Vindhya mountains that separate north and south India from each other once showed a tendency to grow so high as to o...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Mount Meru Mythology: Encyclopedia - Mount Meru Mythology
For the mountain in Tanzania, see Mount Meru, Tanzania. Mount Meru or Mount Sumeru is a sacred mountain in Hindu and Buddhist mythology c...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Taraka: Encyclopedia - Taraka
Taraka (sometimes spelled Tataka) is the name of two characters from Hindu mythology. Taraka (1) is a male daitya, whose powers were so g...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Aditya Hridayam: Encyclopedia - Aditya Hridayam
The Aditya Hridayam, is a hymn associated with the Sun or Surya and was recited by the great sage Agastya to Rama on the battlefield befo...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Vidarbha: Encyclopedia - Vidarbha
Vidarbha is the north-eastern region of Maharashtra state, now forming two divisions (Nagpur and Amravati). It is comparatively backward,...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Agastyamalai: Encyclopedia - Agastyamalai
Agastya Malai (Agastyakoodam), a peak of 1868 m in the Western Ghats. This mountain falles in the Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Surya: Encyclopedia - Surya
In Hinduism, Surya is the chief solar deity, son of Dyaus Pita or Indra. He has hair and arms of gold. His chariot is pulled by seven hor...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Vedavati: Encyclopedia - Vedavati
In Hindu mythology, Vedavati is speculated to have been the spirit of Sita Devi, the wife of Rama in the epic Ramayana. Vedavati - Early ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Gotra: Encyclopedia - Gotra
A gotra (lit. "cow-pen" or "cow-shed" in archaic rigvedic Sanskrit) is a named family lineage or clan in India. Gotra - Origins of Gotra....   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Brahmarshi: Encyclopedia - Brahmarshi
In Hinduism, Brahmarishi (from the Sanskrit words Brahma and Rishi) is the highest of the Rishis, the Hindu sages - one who has understoo...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Rishi: Encyclopedia - Rishi
In Hinduism, a Rishi (ṛṣi) is a sage and/or seer who "heard" (cf. shruti) the hymns of the Vedas from the Supreme Being Brahman while...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Shaivism: Encyclopedia - Shaivism
Please remove this notice after the article has been expanded. Details are on this talk page or at Wikipedia:Requests for expansion. Sha...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Awasthi: Encyclopedia - Awasthi
Awasthi is a surname / family name of a particular sub-caste of Brahmins of India. The Awasthi Brahmins belong to the kanya-kubja brahmin...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Lalita Sahasranama: Encyclopedia - Lalita Sahasranama
Lalita sahasranama is a hymn that describes the 1000 names of Devi or Lalita and praises God as the Divine Mother or God's Shakti or Powe...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Agastya: Sanskrit Hinduism Dictionary Iii On Agastya (agasthya)
Agastya: Agastya (Agasthya). Sage and author of several Vedic hymns; also the star Canopus.   (See also: Agastya , Hinduism...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Agastya: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Agastya
Agastya: (Sanskrit) One of 18 celebrated Saiva siddhas (adepts), and accepted as the first grammarian of Tamil language. He is said to...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Agastya: Hindu - Hinduism Dictionary On Agastya
Agastya: (Sanskrit) One of 18 celebrated Saiva siddhas (adepts), and accepted as the first grammarian of Tamil language. He is said to h...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Agastya: Sai Baba Dictionary On Agastya
Agastya: Agastya: Sage visited by Rama, Sita and Lakshmana while in the Dandaka forest (RRV2-1)   (See also: Agastya , Hind...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Agastya: Spiritual Theosophical Dictionary On Agastya
Agastya (Sanskrit). The name of a great Rishi, much revered in Southern India; the reputed author of hymns in the Rig Veda, and a grea...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Mount Meru Mythology: Encyclopedia Ii - Mount Meru Mythology - Legends
Mount Meru finds mention innumerable times in Hindu mythology. Some of the better-known legends are recounted here. Mount Meru Mythology...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Mount Meru Mythology: Encyclopedia Ii - Mount Meru Mythology - Beliefs
The legends, puranas and Hindu epics frequently state that Surya, the sun-God, circumnambulates Mount Meru every day. This, coupled with ...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Agasti, Agastya: Theosophy Dictionary On Agasti, Agastya
Agasti, Agastya (Sanskrit) (from aga mountain + the verbal root as to throw, cast off)   Mountain-thrower; a celebrated muni and ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Shaivism: Encyclopedia Ii - Shaivism - History
Originated in India, Śaivism has appeal all over India and is particularly strong among the Tamils of Southern India and Sri Lanka and K...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Sutheekshna: Sai Baba Dictionary On Sutheekshna
Sutheekshna: Sutheekshna: A pupil of the renowned sage Agastya (RRV2-1)   (See also: Sutheekshna , Hinduism, Hinduism Dicti...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Sutheekshna: Sanskrit Hinduism Dictionary Iii On Sutheekshna
Sutheekshna: Sutheekshna. A hermit whom Rama and Sita visited in the forest; brother of Agastya.   (See also: Sutheekshna ,...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Gotra: Encyclopedia Ii - Gotra - Origins Of Gotra
The term 'gotra' is applied generally to all the lineages found in various Indian castes. In South India, gotras are also known as 'bari'...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Bharatanatyam: Encyclopedia Ii - Bharatanatyam - Traditional Roots
Bharatanatyam is thought to have been created by Bharata Muni, a Hindu sage, who wrote the Natya Shastra, the most important ancient trea...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Varuna: Mysticism Magick Dictionary On Varuna
VARUNA One of the Vedic deities, the God of Water -- symbolizes "the Waters of Space." In the Agastya Samhita are instructio...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Valmiki: Sai Baba Dictionary On Valmiki
Valmiki: Valmiki: (son of Prachetas) the great poet who composed the epic Ramayana, to each canto, Kaanda. Kaanda means water, an e...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Brahmarshi: Encyclopedia Ii - Brahmarshi - Order
The title of Brahmarishi was a status defined and recognized in the sacred Vedas of Vedic religion and Hinduism. A Brahmarishi is the pen...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Vyasa: Encyclopedia Ii - Vyasa - In The Arthashastra
The only non-religios book in which Vyasa has an interesting entry is the Arthashastra of Chanakya. In chapter 6, it says: Whosoever is o...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Hindu Mythology: Encyclopedia Ii - Hindu Mythology - The Peoples Of The Epics
Hindu mythology is not only about Gods and men, but classifies a host of different kinds of celestial, ethereal and earthly beings. Hind...   » Read the article

Dictionary - Dattoli: Spiritual - Theosophy Dictionary On Dattoli
Dattoli (Sanskrit) One name of Agastya, a sage of the first manvantara, in his former birth as the son of the progenitor of the raksha...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Iyer: Encyclopedia Ii - Iyer - Origins
The Iyers claim a top position in the caste hierarchy of the Tamil-speaking region in India. They are Smartha brahmins, and are distinct ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Kalarippayattu: Encyclopedia Ii - Kalarippayattu - Main Divisions Of Kalarippayattu
Vadakkan style involves more elaborate graceful body movements and southern style involves very rapid economical and yet powerful movemen...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Rama: Encyclopedia Ii - Rama - Modern Portrayal In India
Dussera, the day of Rama's victory over Ravana, and Diwali, his return to Ayodhya are the biggest festivals of the year in India. The Ram...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Vishnu Sahasranama: Encyclopedia Ii - Vishnu Sahasranama - Prayer
It is customary to commence the Vishnu sahasranama with a devotional prayer to Vishnu. See also: full text of the Vishnu sahasranama. ....   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Kalarippayattu: Encyclopedia Ii - Kalarippayattu - Ankakalari And Ankathattu
Ankathattu is a four to six feet high platform constructed temporarily for the purpose of fighting duels. Ankam means war in Malayalam la...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Kalarippayattu: Encyclopedia Ii - Kalarippayattu - Etymology
The term "Kalarippayattu" is a tatpurusha compound formed from the words kalari (Malayalam: കളരി) meaning "school, gymnasium " an...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Rama: Encyclopedia Ii - Rama - Uttara Kanda
The Uttara Kanda, the last book of the Ramayana is the most controversial, and appears to have been a later addition to the original epic...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Sangam: Encyclopedia Ii - Sangam - The Second Sangam
After a deluge the Sangam was shifted to Kapaadapuram aka Kavadapuram (Kavatapuram) in a now-lost continent know as Kumari Kandam on the ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Vishnu Sahasranama: Encyclopedia Ii - Vishnu Sahasranama - Interpretation
Although all Hindus respect the Sahasranāma, this is a major part of prayer for devout Vaishnavites, or followers of Vishnu. This does n...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Shiva: Encyclopedia Ii - Shiva - Shivalingas
As this web site, [1], states, Lord Shiva is the God of all and is worshipped by all, from devas such as Brahma, Indra, by asuras like Ba...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Rama: Encyclopedia Ii - Rama - Origins
The name was originally an epitheton of the night, from a root ram "to stop, stay, rest, abide"; hence a meaning of "black, dark-coloured...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Rama: Encyclopedia Ii - Rama - Prince Of Ayodhya
Rama is born in the city of Ayodhya, which is the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala. The city and the area are located in the cent...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Rama: Encyclopedia Ii - Rama - The Avatara
Upon his birth, only a few highly learned and experienced sages know of his true identity as the Avatara of the Supreme Lord Vishnu. Amon...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Rama: Encyclopedia Ii - Rama - With Vishwamitra
When Rama is around 14-15 years old, he and his brother Lakshmana are taken by Vishwamitra to the forests, with the purpose of killing ra...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Rama: Encyclopedia Ii - Rama - Marriage To Sita
Sita Devi is the Avatara of the Goddess Lakshmi, who is the eternal consort and female form of Vishnu. Just as Rama is the manifestation ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Rama: Encyclopedia Ii - Rama - The Destruction Of Khara
Rama is asked to help and protect the rishis of the forest who were being terrorized by Khara, a powerful half-brother of Ravana, who had...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Rama: Encyclopedia Ii - Rama - Rama Rajya
Invested as King of Ayodhya and Kosala, Rama begins a 10,000 year reign that is known as Rama Rajya, which is considered to be the time w...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Saiva Siddhanta: Encyclopedia Ii - Saiva Siddhanta - Gurus
The first known guru of the Suddha, or “pure,” Saiva Siddhanta tradition was Maharishi Nandinatha of Kashmir (ca 250 BCE), recorded i...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Saiva Siddhanta: Encyclopedia Ii - Saiva Siddhanta - Saiva Siddhanta Teachings
Rishi Tirumular, like his satguru, Maharishi Nandinatha, propounded a monistic theism in which Shiva is both material and efficient cause...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Saiva Siddhanta: Encyclopedia Ii - Saiva Siddhanta - A New Siddhanta
It was in the twelfth century that Aghorasiva took up the task of amalgamating the Sanskrit Siddhanta tradition of the North with the Sou...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Shaivism: Encyclopedia Ii - Shaivism - Philosophy And Worship
Śaivism is a form of nondual spiritual practice and philosophy originating in India. Śaivites believe that the entire creation is both ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Ravana: Encyclopedia Ii - Ravana - Violations Of Women
Ravana's sexual prowess is important to note as it plays a critical part in his legacy and downfall. Even as a young man he shamelessly v...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Kalarippayattu: Encyclopedia Ii - Kalarippayattu - History Of Kalaripayattu
The earliest reference to kalarippayattu occurs in A Description of the Coasts of East Africa and Malabar in the Beginning of the Sixteen...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Kalarippayattu: Encyclopedia Ii - Kalarippayattu - Cultural Influence
Vadakkan Kalaripayattu also shows a strong influence of Ayurveda and major classical dance forms of Kerala, namely Kathakali. Kalarippayy...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Kalarippayattu: Encyclopedia Ii - Kalarippayattu - Vativu Postures And Chuvatu Foot Movements
Atavu which is a combination of Vativu and Chuvatu. Vativu: There are nine Vativus or postures in Kalarippayattu they are: Gaja Vativu o...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Sangam: Encyclopedia Ii - Sangam - The Tamil Sangams
Though the idea that early Tamil literature was fostered in ancient academies on a submerged landmass has been widely discredited, litera...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Rama: Encyclopedia Ii - Rama - Rama's Arrow
After Rama weds Sita and the entire royal family and the Ayodhya army begin their journey back, the great rishi Parashurama Bhargava appe...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Rama: Encyclopedia Ii - Rama - The Destruction Of Khara
Rama is asked to help and protect the rishis of the forest who were being terrorized by Khara, a powerful half-brother of Ravana, who had...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Saiva Siddhanta: Encyclopedia Ii - Saiva Siddhanta - The Spread Of Saiva Siddhanta
In Central India, Saiva Siddhanta of the Sanskrit tradition was first institutionalized by Guhavasi Siddha (ca 675). The third successor ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Shaivism: Encyclopedia Ii - Shaivism - Shaiva Upanishads
Of the 108 Upanishads of the Muktika canon, 14 are associated with Shaivaism[citation needed]. They are listed with their associated Veda...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Advaita Vedanta: Encyclopedia Ii - Advaita Vedanta - Important Books And Figures Of Advaita Vedanta
Advaita Vedanta - Mahavakya. Mahavakya, or "the great sentences," state the unity of Brahman and Atman. They are 4 in number and their ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Rama: Encyclopedia Ii - Rama - The Kidnapping Of Sita
Surpanaka goes to Lanka, and tells the whole story to Ravana. She suggests that he kidnap Sita and marry her, so that Rama would be insul...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Dravidian People: Encyclopedia Ii - Dravidian People - Dravidian And Vedic Culture
The Dravidians and South Indians have been in some respects the best preservers of ancient Vedic culture and traditions, especially when ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Vishnu Sahasranama: Encyclopedia Ii - Vishnu Sahasranama - Shlokas
Vishnu sahasranama - Recitation and aggregation. An alternative approach is to say the starting prayer, and then say the names collecte...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Sangam: Encyclopedia Ii - Sangam - The Final Sangam
After yet another deluge, the Pandiyan king Thirumaaran moved the Sangam this time to current Madurai. This lasted for 1,850 years and re...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Shiva: Encyclopedia Ii - Shiva - Consorts, And The Burning Of Kamadeva
Śiva's consort is Devi, God's energy or God as the Divine Mother who comes in many different forms, one of whom is Kali, the goddess of ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Shiva: Encyclopedia Ii - Shiva - Other Forms And Legends
According to the foundation of Kaalism, Kali (pronounced Kaahli) came into existence when Śiva looked into himself. She is considered hi...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Shiva: Encyclopedia Ii - Shiva - Schools And Views Of Śivaism
Nayanars (or Nayanmars), saints from Southern India, were mostly responsible for development of Śaivism in the Middle Ages. Of the schoo...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Shiva: Encyclopedia Ii - Shiva - Consorts And The Burning Of Kamadeva
Śiva's consort is Devi, God's energy or God as the Divine Mother who comes in many different forms, one of whom is Kali, the goddess of ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Shiva: Encyclopedia Ii - Shiva - The Sons Of Shiva
Śiva and Parvati are the parents of Karttikeya and Ganesha. Ganesha, the elephant-headed God of wisdom, acquired his head by offending �...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Advaita Vedanta: Encyclopedia Ii - Advaita Vedanta - Advaita And Science
According to some followers of Advaita, it may very well be a place where the scientific world intersects with the spiritual world. They ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Shaivism: Encyclopedia Ii - Shaivism - Features Of Shaivism
The salient features of Saivism as it is today are:- 1 Siva is the supreme God among the Hindu God-trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Siva. 2 H...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Vishnu Sahasranama: Encyclopedia Ii - Vishnu Sahasranama - Pronunciation And Merits Of Recitation
In the linked preface prayer (But not in the succeeding Sahasranama) non-formal pronunciation is used, since correct representation of pr...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Vishnu Sahasranama: Encyclopedia Ii - Vishnu Sahasranama - Quotes About Vishnu Sahasranama
Sri N. Krishnamachari, a Vaishnavite scholar, at Steven Knapp's web site, quoting Vaishnavite scholars, states that there are six reasons...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Vishnu Sahasranama: Encyclopedia Ii - Vishnu Sahasranama - Quotes About Vishnu Sahasranama And Its Greatness
Sri N. Krishnamachari, a vaishnavite scholar, at Steven Knapp's web site, quoting Vaishnavite scholars, states that there are six reasons...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Iyer: Encyclopedia Ii - Iyer - Iyer Women
Iyer women are noted for their culture and tradition. Proud of their culture, they are uncompromising in their stand. If the Iyers have b...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Shaivism: Encyclopedia Ii - Shaivism - Features Of Shaivism
The salient features of Saivism as it is today are:- 1 Siva is the supreme god among the Hindu god-trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Siva. 2 H...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Iyer: Encyclopedia Ii - Iyer - Traditional Iyer Ethics
Iyers were extremely orthodox a century ago. They followed Dharma shastra texts of Manusmriti Apastamba and Baudhayana. 1.A traditional I...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Iyer: Encyclopedia Ii - Iyer - Iyers Today
In addition to their earlier occupations, Iyers today have diversified into a variety of fields—their strengths particularly evident in...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Sangam: Encyclopedia Ii - Sangam - 1465 To 165 Bce: Over One Thousand Years Of Sangam
For over 1,300 years and 49 generations, the three ancient Tamil kingdoms ruled by three kings and twelve velars, had an agreement of und...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Shiva: Encyclopedia Ii - Shiva - Consorts And The Burning Of Kamadeva
Śiva's consort is Devi, God's energy or God as the Divine Mother who comes in many different forms, one of whom is Kali, the goddess of ...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Shiva: Encyclopedia Ii - Shiva - The Sons Of Shiva
Śiva and Parvati are the parents of Karttikeya and Ganesha. Ganesha, the elephant-headed God of wisdom, acquired his head by offending �...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Shiva: Encyclopedia Ii - Shiva - Other Forms And Legends
According to the foundation of Kaalism, Kali (pronounced Kaahli) came into existence when Śiva looked into himself. She is considered hi...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Shiva: Encyclopedia Ii - Shiva - Schools And Views Of Śivaism
Nayanars (or Nayanmars), saints from Southern India, were mostly responsible for development of Śaivism in the Middle Ages. Of the schoo...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Vishnu Sahasranama: Encyclopedia Ii - Vishnu Sahasranama - Benefits Of Chanting Vishnu Sahasranama
The following lines are from the Mahabharata and are quoted portions from the text. Believers believe that regular chanting of the hymn c...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Shiva: Encyclopedia Ii - Shiva - Origin Theories
Śiva does not occur in the Vedic hymns as the name of a god, but as an adjective in the sense of "kind", or "auspicious". One of his syn...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Shiva: Encyclopedia Ii - Shiva - Attributes Of Lord Shiva
The Third Eye: The third eye of Shiva on his forehead is the eye of wisdom. It is the eye that looks beyond the obvious. The third eye of...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Advaita Vedanta: Encyclopedia Ii - Advaita Vedanta - Adi Sankara: The Pillar Of Advaita
The first person to consolidate the principles of Advaita was Adi Sankara (आदि शंकर, pronounced as /α:di shənkərə, 788-...   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Advaita Vedanta: Encyclopedia Ii - Advaita Vedanta - Adi Sankara's Thoughts In A Summary
Adi Sankara's treatises on the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita and the Brahma Sutras are his principal and almost undeniably his own works....   » Read the article

Encyclopedia - Pondicherry: Encyclopedia Ii - Pondicherry - History
The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, of the early 2nd century AD, mentions a marketplace named Poduke (ch. 60), which G.W.B. Huntingford i...   » Read the article

Article - Hindu Hinduism Sitemap I - A
This is a sitemap for topic pages related to Hinduism. Click on a link and you will find multiple articles related to the topic:  ...   » Read the article