Rudraksha is commonly used to mean the seeds of the rudraksha tree, Elaeocarpus ganitrus. In Sanskrit rudraksha literally means "the eye of Rudra" or "red-eyed", from rud, "to cry," and aksha, meaning "eye". In one story by Śaivites, God himself (Śiva) shed a tear, on viewing the misfortunes of humanity. This single tear became the first Rudraksha tree, and a sign of his compassion. In another story, while destroying the asura fortress of Tripura, the seeds from Lord Siva's eyes emerged to form rudraksha. The ...

Read more here: » Rudraksha: Encyclopedia - Rudraksha

rudraksha: a seed from a tree found in the Himalayas that is used for the beads of malas. In addition to its medicinal properties including regulating blood pressure, it is believed to emit a peaceful vibration conducive for meditation. The Gauri-Shankara rudraksha is a rare double seed that is used as the turning bead on a mala. In addition to its rarity, the double rudraksha is valued as a symbol of creation, the wedding of matter and spirit.

(See also: rudraksha, Hinduism, Yoga, Body Mind and Soul)

rudraksha: (Sanskrit) "Eye of Rudra;" or "red-eyed." From rud, "to cry," and aksha, meaning "eye."

Marblesized, multi-faced, reddish-brown seeds from the Eleocarpus ganitrus, or blue marble tree, which are sacred to Siva and a symbol of His compassion for humanity. Garlands, rudraksha mala, of larger seeds are worn around the neck by monks; and nonmonastics, both men and women, often wear a single bead on a cord at the throat. Smaller beads (usually numbering 108) are strung together for japa (recitation). Indian legend records that God shed a tear when looking down upon the sorrowful plight of humanity. That tear fell to Earth and from it grew the first rudraksha tree. Thus its seeds are worn by Hindus as a symbol of Siva's love and compassion.

See: japa, mantra.

(See also: Rudraksha, Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

January every year, devotees throng the Sabarimala temple situated in the Sahayadri ranges in Kerala, to participate in the renowned Mandala Puja conducted during Makara Sankaranti.

The deity worshipped here, Lord Ayyappa, is believed to be an incarnation of Vishnu and is also known as Sastha and Harihara Sutha. The basic concept of incarnation is that God descends in order to let man ascend.

(See also: Makara Sankaranti, Indian Festivals, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

The Kavadi Festival

Perhaps the most potent propitiatory rite that a devotee of Shanmukha undertakes to perform is what is known as the Kavadi. The benefits that the devotee gains from offering a Kavadi to the Lord are a millionfold greater than the little pain that he inflicts upon himself.

From Hindu Fasts & Festivals by Sri Swami Sivananda.

Read more here: » Kavadi Festival: Festivals in Hinduism - The Kavadi Festival

Hinduism Lexicon on A

From aadheenam to axis.

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A japa mala or mala is an Indian rosary with 108 beads. It is often used for saying a mantra or other forms of sadhana (spiritual exercise). Mala itself is a Sanskrit term meaning 'garland' or 'necklace'. Japa mala - Use of a Mala. Mantras are often repeated hundreds or even thousands of times. The mala is used so that one can think about the meaning of the mantra as it is chanted rather than thinking about counting the repetitions. Each time the mantra is repeated, the fingers move to ...

Including:

• Japa mala - Use of a Mala
• Japa mala - History of the Mala
• Japa mala - Materials

Read more here: » Japa mala: Encyclopedia - Japa mala

In Hinduism, Rudra ("howler") is a storm, the hunt, death, wild nature and a wind god. He has arrows which cause disease in whomever they hit, god, human or animal. With Diti, he is the father of the Maruts. Rudra is also another name of Lord Shiva, the lord of destruction, according to Hinduism. The famous hymn, Shri Rudram is a Vedic chant that is still chanted today. According to Adi Sankara's commentary on the Vishnu sahasranama, Rudra means "One who makes all beings cry at the time of cosmic dissolution." Alternatively, Rudra means "One who gives speech." Finally ...

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A general view of Ayyavazhi may seem make it similar to, or serves as an offshoot of, Hinduism. But in regards to religious practices, belief, and sociology, Ayyavazhi differs from traditional Hinduism. Hindu's view Vedas, rather than the Akilam, as Books of Perfection. Ayyavazhi also believe they were, (but not rather than Akilam) at one point, but feel they were corrupted by later, and that Kaliyan bought the Vedas as a Boon and so all the Previous religious books including Agamas and Puranas lost their Substances, and so Akilattira ...

Including:

• Ayyavazhi and Hinduism - Differences between Ayyavazhi and Hinduism
• Ayyavazhi and Hinduism - Religious Practices
• Ayyavazhi and Hinduism - Beliefs
• Ayyavazhi and Hinduism - Sociology
• Ayyavazhi and Hinduism - Similarities between Ayyavazhi and Hinduism
• Ayyavazhi and Hinduism - Religious Practices
• Ayyavazhi and Hinduism - Theology

Read more here: » Ayyavazhi and Hinduism: Encyclopedia - Ayyavazhi and Hinduism

Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham is one of the important Hindu Advaita maṭhas. The heads of the maṭha are known as Shankaracharyas. It is believed to be one of the original maṭhas started by Sri Adi Shankaracharya. Sringeri Sharada Peetham - Location. The maţha is located in the temple town of Sringeri (also spelled as Shringeri), on the banks of river Tunga located in the Chikmagalur district of the Karnataka state, India. It is located 190 km from Mangalore. From Sringeri, the river Tunga flows ...

Including:

• Sringeri Sharada Peetham - Location
• Sringeri Sharada Peetham - History
• Sringeri Sharada Peetham - Head of the maṭha
• Sringeri Sharada Peetham - Philosophy and Traditions of the maṭha
• Sringeri Sharada Peetham - Followers of the maṭha
• Sringeri Sharada Peetham - Activities of the maṭha
• Sringeri Sharada Peetham - Relationship with other maṭhas and Institutions
• Sringeri Sharada Peetham - Guru Parampara

Read more here: » Sringeri Sharada Peetham: Encyclopedia - Sringeri Sharada Peetham

Prayer beads are traditionally used to keep count of the repetitions of prayers, chants or devotions. They are used by followers of four major world religions, Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity and Islam. There seem to be basically three uses for prayer beads: Repetition of the same devotion a set (usually large) number of times. This is the earliest form of prayer beads (the Japa Mala) and the earliest Christian form (the prayer rope). Repetition of several different prayers in some pattern (the usual Western Chr ...

Including:

• Prayer beads - Buddhism
• Prayer beads - Christianity
• Prayer beads - Hinduism
• Prayer beads - Islam
• Prayer beads - Sikhism
• Prayer beads - Other

Read more here: » Prayer beads: Encyclopedia - Prayer beads

Lingam (also, Linga; Sanskrit liṅgaṃ, meaning "gender" in general, and also "phallus" in particular by some entymologists) is used as a symbol for the worship of the Hindu God Shiva. Others state that the lingam means "mark." The use of this symbol as an object of worship is a timeless tradition in India; mainstream scholars connect the origin of the lingam to the early Indus Valley civ ...

Including:

• Lingam - Etymology
• Lingam - Interpretations
• Lingam - Lingam as a phallic symbol
• Lingam - Lingam as an abstract symbol of God
• Lingam - A naturally occurring lingam
• Lingam - In popular culture

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Haridwar (also known as Hardwar) is a holy city in the Haridwar District in the state of Uttaranchal in northern India. Literally meaning Gateway to God, Haridwar is considered one of the seven holiest places according to Hindus, as the devas are said to have left their footprints there. Here pilgrims float diyas on the Ganges, to commemorate their deceased ancestors. The city also stands as a gateway to three other important pilgrimage destinations: Rishikesh, Badrinath, and Kedarnath. In Haridwar you will see a ...

Including:

• Haridwar - Haridwar : In scriptures and today
• Haridwar - Geography
• Haridwar - Places of interest
• Haridwar - Other places of interest

Read more here: » Haridwar: Encyclopedia - Haridwar

rudraksha:

rudraksha (rudhraaksha). A tree; its berries are used for making rosary beads.

(See also: rudraksha, Hinduism, Hinduism Dictionary, Sanskrit Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul)

Rudraksha: "The Eye of Shiva;" a tree seed considered sacred to Shiva and worn by worshippers of Shiva, Shakti, and Ganeha, and by yogis, usually in a strand of 108 seeds. Also used as a rosary to count the number of mantras repeated in japa.

(See also: Rudraksha, Hinduism, Hinduism Dictionary, Sanskrit Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul)

Rudraksha:

Seeds from a tree sacred to Shiva, often strung as beads for malas. Legend has it that the rudraksha seed was created from the tears of Lord Rudra, thus endowing it with great spiritual power.

(See also: Rudraksha, Yoga, Yoga Dictionary, Siddha Yoga, Siddha Yoga Dictionary)

Mantras are often repeated hundreds or even thousands of times. The mala is used so that one can think about the meaning of the mantra as it is chanted rather than thinking about counting the repetitions. Each time the mantra is repeated, the fingers move to the next bead. If more than 108 repetitions are to be done, then grains of rice are counted out before the chanting begins and one grain is placed in a bowl for each 108 repetitions. Each time a full mala of repetitions has been completed, ...

See also:

Japa mala, Japa mala - Use of a Mala, Japa mala - History of the Mala, Japa mala - Materials

Read more here: » Japa mala: Encyclopedia II - Japa mala - Use of a Mala

mala: (Sanskrit) "Garland."

A strand of beads for holy recitation, japa, usually made of rudraksha, tulasi, sandalwood or crystal. Also a flower garland.

(See also: Mala, Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

ashtavaranam: (Sanskrit) "Eight shields." Vira Saivism's eight aids to faith: guru, Linga, jangama (monk), vibhuti, rudraksha, paduka, prasada (bathing water from Sivalinga or guru's feet), and Panchakshara Mantra (Namah Sivaya). See: Vira Saivism.

(See also: Ashtavaranam, Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

ashtavaranam: (Sanskrit) "Eight shields." Vira Saivism's eight aids to faith: guru, Linga, jangama (monk), vibhuti, rudraksha, paduka, prasada (bathing water from Sivalinga or guru's feet), and Panchakshara Mantra (Namah Sivaya). See: Vira Saivism.

(See also: Ashtavaranam, Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)