Hindu's Sacred Text

Hindu sacred texts fall into one of two categories: sruti ("heard") or smruti ("remembered").

Sruti
Its a scriptures that considered divinely inspired and fully authoritative for belief and practice, while smruti are recognized as the products of the minds of the great sages.

However, smruti texts often carry almost as much authority as sruti, and the religion of the older sruti texts bears little resemblence to modern Hinduism and is largely unknown to the average Hindu. Nevertheless, the sruti are still held in very high regard and portions are still memorized for religious merit. The only texts regarded as sruti are the Vedas, which include both ancient sacrificial formulas and the more philosophical Upanishads.

Smruti
Help explain sruti scriptures and make them meaningful to the general population. Despite their lesser authority, they are generally the most recent, the most beloved by the Hindu population, and the most representative of actual Hindu beliefs and practices.

Smruti texts include the Itihasas (History or Epics), Puranas (Mythology), Dharma Shastras (Law Codes), Agamas and Tantras (Sectarian Scriptures), and Darshanas (Manuals of Philosophy).

Gods

The gods of modern Hinduism are many, and include the chief gods Shiva, Vishnu,Brahma and the Goddess Shakti as

well as a myriad of local community gods.
Devotion to these various deities is based primarily on one's region and needs, and even when devotion is given to only one, the existence of others is acknowledged. Hindu worship virtually always involves sculptures and images, to which offerings are made and rituals are performed.

Skanda Sashti - Lord Muruga

Legend behind Skanda Sashti Kanda Shashti is associated with the birth of Lord Muruga who defeated the evil powers. According to legends, Soorapadma, a powerful demon, was harassing Devas and mankind. The helpless Devas pleased Lord Shiva to relieve them from the demon. As a result, Lord Shiva produced six powerful sparks of fire from His third eye called Netrikkan.

This was carried by Lord Vayu (god of air) and Lord Agni (god of fire) to river Ganges who in turn took to Saravana Poygai, a holy pond. These sparks became six divine small male babies who were nursed by six Karthigai pengal. Goddess Parvati hugged the kids and made them into a single child with six faces and twelve hands, called Shanmughan. Nine shaktis appeared from Goddess Parvati’s anklets from where Veerabahu and numerous soldiers emerged.

They became the warriors of Lord Murugan. Lord Shiva granted Lord Murugan, a vel (spear) called Vetrivel and also gifted him with eleven Rudras which were changed into eleven arms.Lord Murugan came to Thiruchendur with group and pursued war against Soorapadman which lasted for six days.

He defeated the demon on the sixth day and this day is called as Skanda Sashti. The Lord converted Soorapadma into a peacock and a cock. The peacock or Mayil became the vehicle of Lord Murugan and therefore He is also called Mayilvahanan (or Mayil Vahanan – which means the one who uses Peacock as his vehicle).

Seval or cock adorned his flag. Lord Muruga then married Deivayanai or Devasena who is the daughter of Indra (the Lord of Devas).Skanda Sashti CelebrationsDevotees usually fast during the six days of Kanda Sashti. It is considered auspicious to recite the Kanda Sashti Kavacham during the period.

If it is not possible to observe fast during the six days, one can eat one time meal during the period. Some devotees consume only one meal which consists of fruit and milk in the evening. Few stay in the temples during these six days. It is believed that whoever fasts on these six days of Skanda Sashti and worship Lord Muruga would get the blessings of the Lord.Skanda Sashti Festival at Murugan TemplesSkanda Sashti is celebrated in a grand scale at the Arupadai Veedu (six holy abodes of Lord Muruga).

These 6 Murugan Temples are Palani Murugan Temple, Arulmigu Swaminatha Swami Temple (Swamimalai), Tiruchendur Subrahmanya Swami Devasthanam, Thiruthani Subramanya Swamy Temple, Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple, and Tirupparamkunram Murugan Temple.Notable one is the celebration held in Tiruchendur Temple of Muruga which draws the largest number of devotees.

Kandan's Tiruvilaiyaadal (divine sport) and Soora Samharam (defeating the demon Soorapadman) are enacted during the sixth day of the festival. The Lord's marriage with Deivanai, commonly called as Tirukalyanam, is also performed during the Skanda Sashti Festival.

Perasaan Marah

Variety of symbols in Hinduism

A variety of Hindu symbols are used in art, sacred objects and ritual. They usually signify Hindu concepts, the attributes of deities, or the gods or goddesses themselves. This section explains the history, meaning and use of some common Hindu symbols. For things that may have a symbolic meaning but are mainly important as a concrete object.

PRANAVA MANTRA or OM /LINGGAM /OM

THIRISOOLAM /RANGGOLI KOLAM /POTTHU (for girls)/ LOTUS FLOWER

Sri Chakra

Devi's Symbolism

In one mythological tradition, Devi's emergence has been linked with Mahishasura. Mahishasura is not the beast in man but rather the human face taking to the face of a beast, and that too, to none else but to that of a buffalo, the most insensitive, self-contained epitome of evil.

This suggests total human failure, which none of the gods, equipped only with this or that attribute or representing just this or that virtue, could repair. Only Devi, the supreme virtue equipped with all weapons and means of war, the Divine Totality, could change such state of affairs.

The other myth suggests that Devi preceded Gods Trio. She not only annihilated evil and paved the way for virtue and good to prevail but also revealed cosmic mystery. Her multi-arms suggest Her multi-fold protective umbrella and role.

When Mahishasura, the male, contains energy, it leads to evil, the self-centered unguided might breeding ego, greed to acquire and possess more, an ambition to conquer and rule, but when contained in a female frame, it is only the guided power eradicating evil, perpetuating good and virtue and despite that She held arms and resorted to killing, She has attending upon Her only virtues and celestial attributes. She is multi-armed but has a single head, that is, whatever the number of operative organs, the guiding faculty that breeds determination, is just one and single.

Sahasrara (Seventh Chakra)

Sahasrara
Chakra 7

The crown Chakra encompasses our muscular system, skeletal system and skin. The goal of this Chakra is expanded consciousness and the element is knowing.

When Chakra seven is not in balance we can experience a mistrust of life, selfishness inability to see the big picture, confusion, apathy and a lack of faith and inspiration A person may be overly intellectual to compensate for the spiritual void. Physically we might see depression, extreme sensitivities to light or sound, unexplained exhaustion.

When we have balance we have a deep understanding not necessarily in a proven way. We have a belief system and a connection to a higher power. This Chakra is less about the physical and more about how you feel, how you regard yourself as a thinking being.

The best yogic exercise for Sahasrara is meditation to quiet the mind and separating the ego (voice) from the true self.

Sahasrara translates to means “thousandfold”. It is a symbol for the petals of the lotus flower opening as our true self opens and experience the Divine.

Ajna (Sixth Chakra)

Ajna
Chakra 6

Ajna is located just above and between the eyes. Often called the “third eye” this Chakra deals with visualization, intuition, imagination, telepathy and clairvoyance, which comes from the French meaning clear seeing.
It is associated with light and involves the pituitary gland, nervous system, eyes, head, lower brain and nose.

Physical dysfunctions that may arise with an imbalance are brain tumors or stroke, blindness, learning disabilities, headaches. Emotionally we may find hallucinations, lack of discipline, attachment to material possessions and people and fear of success.
This Chakra draws into our lives lessons that will lead us to wisdom but only if we are open.
When Anja is flowing it can communicate with easily with the other Chakras. We possess the capacity to visualize and increase our sense of confidence and power.

Anja translates to mean “beyond wisdom” or “the perception center”. We command the power to turn visualization into manifestation. Perhaps, this is the place where we can ask not how life can serve us but how can we serve life?

Vishuddha (Fifth Chakra)

Vishuddha
Chakra five

Visuddha is the first of the three Chakras which reside on a spiritual plane. The elements is sound and it is located in the throat.
Chakra five is associated with the throat, jaw, thyroid, ears and mouth. It is about all that we put out into the world. The vibrational level by which we express ourselves. Visuddha resonates with our true self and conveys our creativity through singing, writing, speaking, dancing, art or any form of expression we may seek.

The challenge to all of us in life is to learn to fearlessly express who we are. The souls desire is to be heard and understood and to speak and hear the Truth. Lies are toxic to the Fifth Chakra. We must learn to speak the truth without harming the self or others.

When unbalanced you may experience stiff neck, shoulder tension, teeth grinding, jaw disorders, throat ailments and thyroid problems. On an emotional level you might notice excessive talking, inability to listen, hearing difficulties, stuttering and a fear of speaking or expressing yourself.
You might notice the way you feel after you have said or done something unkind. Your vibration and energy are heavy and thick. Visuddha translates to mean purification.

We need to purify our body through diet, yoga and meditation to experience the subtle energies of the upper Chakras.

When in harmony this Chakra will help us resonate with our self and with others, we find creative self expression and are in touch with playfulness, joy and innocence in our lives. We are able give and receive the truth and can hear our soul’s desire.

Anahata (Forth Chakra)

Anahata
Chakra four

Our heart Chakra is the balancing point for the other Chakras. Energy from the three lower Chakras combine with the energy from the three above and find balance.
Anahata governs intuition, hope, love and forgiveness. The element is air and this Chakra encompasses our heart, lungs, shoulders and arms, ribs, breasts diaphragm and thymus gland.
When unbalanced we struggle with resentment, loneliness, grief, anger, mistrust, lack of hope and the tendency to label and judge. Physical manifestations of an imbalance are heart failure or attack, asthma, lung problems, upper back and shoulder issues and problems related to the breasts.

The heart speaks to us on behalf of the soul. You might notice when we need to figure something out or need space we say “we need air” or when we are hurt we take a deep breath.

When we carry grief in our hearts it turns into a grievance against another. It is important to search ourselves for these feelings. When we forgive we set ourselves free. Forgiveness is the foundation for ALL healing.

When Anahata is balanced we have self love, compassion, empathy, peace, unity equilibrium and a strong immune system.

The name Anahata translates to mean unstruck. Perhaps this is how we are meant to live our lives, as if our hearts have never been wounded.

Manipura (Third Chakra)

Manipura
Chakra three

The solar plexus Chakra is located between the navel and the base of the sternum. It is often called our second brain our “gut feeling”. The element here is fire. This is the place we derive our personal power, self esteem, personality and energy.

We pull up the tools from Chakra one and mix them with the desire of Chakra two and it is Chakra three where we find the WILL to make things happen. We may have talent and desire but without a healthy Manipura, we can make nothing happen.

It encompasses our abdomen, upper intestines liver, gallbladder kidneys and pancreas
When this Chakra is blocked we may have issues with trust, self acceptance, self image, playing the victim and a fear of rejection. We may have some anger issues which can lead to weight issues. Other physical problems may be chronic fatigue, digestive troubles, diabetes, anorexia, arthritis and digestive problems.

When balanced we find laughter, purposeful action and that power resides within and is not oppressive nor submissive. Power does not come from control but from self knowledge, passion and compassion.

It is important to learn to quiet the mind so that we can listen to the inner self.

Svadhisthana (Second Chakra)

Svadhisthana
Chakra two

The sacral Chakra governs our self worth, sexuality, ability to communicate, graceful movement, ability to adapt and experience pleasure. The element is water representing our ability to “go with the flow” in life and releasing control and guilt issues. For many people change is frightening and difficult so they may rather stay in an unhealthy place because it is familiar.

Svadhisthana encompasses sexual organs, lower vertebrae, pelvis, hips, bladder and appendix.
When Chakra two is unbalanced we may suffer from painful menstrual cycles, low back pain, sexual and urinary problems and knee or hip trouble. On occasion addictions can stem from this Chakra. One becomes controlled through addiction.

This Chakra begins to develop between ages two and four. The child begins to create their own individuality yet are under the guidance of the parents.

A healthy second Chakra promotes a healthy yin/yang existence, graceful movement, we can nurture and have the ability to experience pleasure and sensuality.

Often times, in yoga, you will hear that the hips are the seat of our emotions. We bury a lot of emotions in that area and when we begin to open the hips and groin in class we might experience some nausea, dizziness, anger, disconnect and even tears. But this is a good thing! The purpose is to feel it and set it free so that we make room to heal.

Muladhara (First Chakra)

MULADHARA
Chakra one

The root Chakra grounds us in physical existence. It element is earth and it relates to our bodies and the material world around us. Our right to BE.

The focus here is our concern with survival. A roof over head, food and money. The major development of this Chakra is our first year of life. If we were abandoned, undernourished, didn’t bond with our mother or had a traumatic birth the Chakra can develop a glitch that will need to be cleared. There can often be a karmic element to this.

When energy cannot flow freely in this area we can suffer from physical ailments such as stomach gas, constipation, poor blood health, weak bones and joints (the body support), sciatica, knee troubles, adrenal exhaustion and weight issues.

Emotionally, we might suffer from an inability to stand up for self, fear, not feeling a sense of belonging, inability to provide for your necessities in life, selfish, feeling victimized and attachment to material things. Sometimes eating disorders stem from this Chakra. One who suffers from obesity may feel very unsafe and feels the need to weigh themselves down in order to belong. Someone who may suffer from anorexia might struggle with feeling that they do not deserve to be, to take up space.

A eye opening exercise that you can do is to take a look at your home environment. Is it filled with clutter? Do you resent cleaning? Resist cleaning out closets and passing things on? Clutter in the home is a covering up of your true self. It is not possible to see your true potential if it is hidden away. Often it shows we have no faith in our future when we cannot let go of objects.
When Muladhara is functioning properly we have a strong sense of self, stability, grounding, prosperity and good health. We possess all the keys to manifest in life.

Chakra in our body

The Chakras

Chakra is the sanskrit word meaning wheel or vortex. They are mentioned in the ancient Hindu texts, the Vedas, dating back to 300BC.
There are seven major chakras in the body. They run along the spine and correlate to energy centers in the body. They can be associated with certain body parts, elements, emotions, senses, age, glands, colors, sounds and astrological signs just to name a few. These centers help regulate our emotional and physical self. Blockages in the Chakras can cause confusion, illness and emotional upset. A Chakra will react by either opening up too wide to get what it needs, thereby filling up and becoming blocked or the Chakra will close down to protect itself and not allow energy in. By learning how our energy centers affect us and how to clear them we can enhance our lives.

Muladhara

The root chakra

Earth, survival and grounding

Svadhisthana

The sacral chakra

Water, emotions, desire, and pleasure

Manipura

The solar plexus chakra

Fire, will, power, and assertiveness

Anahata

The heart chakra

Air, love, forgiveness, and compassion

Vishuddha

The throat chakra

Sound, creativity, and all that we put out into the world

Anja

The third eye chakra

Relates to light, seeing, knowing, and intuition

Sahasrara

The crown chakra

Relates to thought and the understanding of the highest self