nirvana
The Divine Journey: Spiritual significance of Himalayas
The creation enthrals the being with its innate beauty and serenity, and our sacred Himalayas are the epitome of mother’s nature biggest miracle. Himalayas are not just an abode of snow or mighty range, but holds revering significance for people of varied cultures. Literally defining the word ‘Hima’ in Sanskrit is ‘snow’ and the word, ‘alaya’ means ‘abode’; also known as ‘Giriraj’ or ‘King of Mountains’. Thus Himalayas are the soul of God and a deity in itself.
- The spiritual centre of the world is the abode of supreme Lord Shiva, who lives atop Mount Kailash.
- The sacred holy dhams of Hindus i.e. Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri resides in the Himalayas.
- It is home to India’s most significant spiritual spaces like the Kailash Manasarovar, Amarnath, Vaishno Devi Temple, and many beautiful monasteries and Buddhist gompas.
- Three influential Sikh pilgrimages are also located in the sacred Uttarakhand Himalayas.
- The Himalayas is the source of the Indus Basin, the Yangtze Basin and the Ganga-Brahmaptura, which are three of the world’s primary river systems.
- Mount Kailash in Himalayas holds sacred values for Jains, Buddhists, Tibetans and Hindus; and consider the Kailash Parikrama as the source of Nirvana.
- The majestic, serene and tranquil ambience makes the existence of Himalayas as eternal and timeless.
- The aura of peace and calmness has attracted numerous saints and sages like Adi Sankaracharya, Guru Gobind Singh, Swami Vivekananada, and many others.
- Himalayan Sacred Walks provides the opportunity to soak in the sacred energies of the enchanting and majestic mountains and come back deeply transformed.
Different shades of Lights: Interesting facts of Diwali
The auspicious festival of light, Diwali means the ‘row of lighted lamps’ which symbolise the journey from darkness to light. The festival is a message to illuminate our inner true selves and cherish our illuminated soul in the eternal Universe (Brahman). Let us explore few of the interesting facts about this bright festival.
- The main festive day of Diwali in the five day celebration marks the beginning of Hindu New Year according to the Vikrama calendar.
- The craze for this festival is not only evident among Indians but also foreigners around the globe. Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore and Fiji have an official day off on Diwali.
- The Lord of Death, Yama is revered on this day by lighting a diya, to welcome the dead spirits back to their family.
- In Southern India, especially Goa and Konkan, people burn the effigies of Narakasura on the next day of Diwali. Naraksura, the demon was killed by Lord Krishna and 16,000 women were rescued from his captivity.
- The 12 years of banishment of the Pandavas ended on this day and they appeared on the Kartik Amavasya.
- Great Hindu King Vikramaditya was coroneted on this day, hence Diwali became a historical event.
- Lord Mahavira attained nirvana on Diwali day at Pavapuri thus highly celebrated by Jain community.
- Maharshi Dayananda, the founder of Arya Samaj attained his nirvana on this day and Shardiya Nav-Shasyeshti is celebrated every year from then.
- Bandi Chhorh Divas is celebrated by Sikhs on this day as the foundation stone for Golden Temple was laid in 1577. In 1619, Sixth Guru Shri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji was freed from imprisonment of Emperor Jahangir from Gwalior fort, on the same day of Diwali.
- On this day Lord Vishnu rescued Goddess Lakshmi (and married her) from the prison of Demon king Bali and therefore Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on Diwali.
- The day is celebrated with Gambling as a way of ensuring good luck for the coming year and also to remember the games of dice between Lord Shiva and Parvati Ji.
- To welcome the Goddess of wealth, the entire house is purified and cleaned, and lighted with earthen lamps to brighten her way to our homes.
- This day marks the commencement of new Fiscal Year for Hindu Shop owners and Businessman so they usually begin their new records from then.
- Burning of crackers are the symbol of celebration after achieving enlightenment and the fumes released are beneficial for removing the insects and flies.
- ‘Shubh Deepavali’ is the ethnic and traditional greeting for Deepawali, meaning ‘Have an auspiscious Deepavali’.
To cherish the celebration of attaining good over evil and revering this special day, organize the Diwali puja at your home and book your puja package now: http://shubhpuja.com/Diwali-puja-organise-id-348501.html
Shubhpuja.com 