Uchchhishta Ganapati, which is the tantric form of Lord Ganesh, is typically worshipped by those following vamachara, which is the left-handed tantric traditions. 
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Uchchhishta Ganapati is usually shown darker in complexion. Sometimes he is shown with a reddish hue or having a blue color. One of the key features that is observed in his form- is that Uchchhishta Ganapati is mostly shown with his consort sitting on his lap.

This is where there are some contradictory symbolisms!! There is certain school of thought which indicates that this tantric form of Lord Ganesh, i.e. Uchchhishta Ganapati is one of those rare instances where Shakti is depicted as his consort. 

Note: For those of you who may not be very familiar, Lord Ganesh is considered as the second child of Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti.

Irrespective of this viewpoint, Uchchhishta Ganapati is always shown with a naked consort, who is seated on his left lap. The god is generally depicted with four arms and holds a pasha, an ankusha and a laddoo or a modak (a sweet confection), while the fourth arm hugs the nude goddess around her hip. His consort typically holds a lotus or another flower with her left hand while touching the lingam (phallus of Lord Ganapati) with her right hand.  Similarly, the tip of Ganapati’s trunk touches the yoni (vagina) of the goddess.

It needs to be mentioned that as with many of the left-handed tantric rituals, there are not many authoritative scriptural references. And there are also many contradictions in the accepted imagery and iconic symbolism of Uchchhishta Ganapati.
 
You can read about the symbolism that is involved in this erotic imagery:
How Ascension is depicted in the Tantric traditions- The Divine Union (yoga) of the Male & Female Energy Principles

​#Ganesh #Hindu #God #Ganesha #Hindu #Vedic #VedicWisdom #GaneshSymbolism #Vighnaharta #Vinayaka #SiddhiVinayak #tantricformofGanesh #TantricGanesha #TantricGanesh #Uchchhishta #lefthandedtantra #vamachara #tantra #Ganapati #ascension #consciousness

Lord Ganesh is probably the most known and widely loved of all the Hindu deities… and rightly so, as he is the form, who removes any and all obstacles from our path and blesses us with wisdom and success, among other amazing blessings.
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But like all other deities, there is a tantric form of Lord Ganesh. He is called as the Uchchhishta Ganapati. Uchchhishta Ganapati is the primary deity of the Uchchhishta Ganapatya sect, one of six major schools of the Ganapatyas.

This tantric form of Lord Ganesh, i.e. Uchchhishta Ganapati is typically worshipped by those following vamachara, which is the left-handed tantric traditions. Uchchhishta Ganapati is one of the thirty-two forms of Lord Ganesh.

The word- Uchchhishta, refers to the food left over at the end of a ritual. In the tantric connotation, Uchchhishta is the food kept in the mouth and so is now mixed and ‘contaminated' with saliva. Typically, in the traditional viewpoint, such food would be considered impure and so would not be allowed. 

But this is accepted in the left-handed tantric rituals, which utilizes forbidden ways to seek The Divine.
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Uchchhishta Ganapati is usually shown to be of a darker complexion- sometimes with a reddish hue. True to typical tantric color symbolism, Uchchhishta Ganapati is also depicted in blue color.  

You read in detail about the tantric form of Uchchhishta Ganapati:

​Form and representation of Uchchhishta Ganapati- the Tantric form of Lord Ganesh

​#Ganesh #Hindu #God #Ganesha #Hindu #Vedic #VedicWisdom #GaneshSymbolism #Vighnaharta #Vinayaka #SiddhiVinayak #tantricformofGanesh #TantricGanesha #TantricGanesh #Uchchhishta #lefthandedtantra #vamachara #tantra #Ganapati #ascension #consciousness

​Here is shloka from The Bhagavad Gita for this week. This message is from Chapter 3, Verse 21 which says:

“Because whatever noble persons do, others follow. Whatever standard they set up, the world follows.  ”

- The Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 21

​This week reflect on the above shloka and see what specific meanings come up for you. What are some interpretations that resonate with you. Reflect on how you can extrapolate the meaning and utilize its guidance for your current life situation.

​The Bhagavad Gita shlokas are time immemorial!! So make sure that you and utilize its guidance- not just for this coming week, but for all the times ahead… 

#bhaktiyoga #divineessence #TheBhagavadGita #GitaQuotes #GitaMessage #LordKrishna #KrishnaSpeaks #2020Messages​   #BhagavadGitaShloka   #ShlokaforTheWeek   #GitaShlokaforTheWeek   #GitaShloka   #BhagavadGitaQuote

Guru- is the Vedic Divine Archetype of the Divine Teacher- giver of knowledge and wisdom. 

Even though we typically think of Gurus as our spiritual teachers and other ‘official’ teachers in our life- like from school and colleges; the truth is that Guru is anyone who ‘teaches’ us- allows the experience and the understanding of deeper insights!

When we consider the deeper meaning of this role- Guru, then we know that Guru can be any person, any situation that has allowed us to learn and grow in life. And ultimately it can be life itself!!

And ofcourse the ultimate Guru is the Divine presence itself!!

Ashadha full moon, i.e. the full moon- which happens in the lunar month of Ashadha (as per the Vedic Hindu calendar) is called as the Guru Purnima. This is the day to pay special reverence to our Guru. 

Remember: Guru is someone who guides us and gives us knowledge and information. But more importantly, he/she gives us the deeper wisdom and insights that help us to walk our life-path. They help and support us when we feel confused or weak on our spiritual path to ascension and higher energy states.

When we feel dejected or depressed, they help us to revive our enthusiasm so we can tackle our challenges and ultimately continue onward our journey!!

A Guru guides us, supports us, helps us, and ultimately nurtures us- at our deeper soul level, so we can fearlessly walk our spiritual path and reach higher dimensions.

This does not have to be the same person- as we progress on our journey, our Gurus can vary- but one thing is for sure that ultimately, it is the guru who shows us the path and provides us the confidence to walk it!!

And ofcourse there is the ultimate Guru of all- Lord Dakshinamurthy. 

On this auspicious day of Guru Purnima, remember to revere, honor, and cherish not just all your teachers and gurus, but also your parents (your first Gurus), life and the Divine Guru.

This July 4-5, 2020 happens to be the day of Guru Purnima.

Happy Guru Purnima everyone and if you have not already checked out the special energy message for this Guru Purnima then be sure to check it out below…

​#gurupurnima #divineguru #spiritualguru #jupiter #vedicdivineteacherarchetype #vedicarchetype #teacher #guidance #spiritualguide #guide #guru #dakshinamurthy #lordshiva #shiva #adiyogi #firstteacher #firstguru 

​How can you bring the wisdom and blessings of the Mother Goddess Archetype- Ma Kali into your life? 

​Can the wisdom and energy of Ma Kali (mother Goddess of divine love, courage and protection) help you to address and solve a nagging chronic problem or something unexpected that crops up in your life?

​Mother Goddess- Ma Kali can help you to muster courage to do what is right in any situation. She can help you to conduct your prayers and sadhana with a renewed depth and intensity! 

​Goddess Kali is a primal divine feminine energy usually addressed as Ma Kali. She represents time as well as the electrical energy in nature. She governs our Prana, i.e. life-force and various subtle energy centers within our body. She specifically exhibits motherly love and protection, where she looks out for her children's well-being and protects them from problems even before they have a chance to manifest!

• Receive divine love and protection from all kinds of danger- physical, karmic or psychic.
• Ability to control and channel one's prana (life-force).
• Gain special healing energy siddhis (abilities).
• Dispel sorrows caused by ego and ignorance.

• ​Kali Energy (who is Kali?)
  
• ​Mantras of Kali: How and Why to pray to Ma Kali
• Significance of Ma Kali's Arms
  
• ​Why is Kali Dancing?
• Kali Bija Mantra

#VedicArchetype #divinearchetype #VedicWisdom   #Hinduism #Hindu #Archetype   #Kali  #Shakti  #HinduGoddess #MotherEnergy   #Archetype   #VedicWays

Across human civilization, the arts of the time provide an insight into that life because after all, art imitates life. The purpose of arts in Vedic times was not merely pleasure and entertainment, nor only a showcase for the artist’s creativity. Rather the Vedic Arts were a form of expression intended to move both the artist and the spectator to a higher spiritual plane. Art was an expression of devotion and a means to transcend to a state of oneness with the divinity within and without.


Vedas and the Arts

Practically, all forms of art as we know them today have originated from the Vedas. Indian classical music has its origins in Samaveda, known for its rich chanting tradition. Drama has evolved from the Yajurveda, which talks about acting or abhinaya and the Atharvaveda that lays down the aesthetic sentiments, which add a deeper meaning to any art form, be it dance or drama.
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Note: it needs to be noted that in modern India, there are several medieval Indian art forms which have Persian and Mughal  influences. Some of these have  retained their original flavor, while other forms have merged with existing Indian art to morph into new styles, forms and techniques.

Others forms of Art

Other forms of art in the Vedic period, whether painting, sculpture or architectural design, all had the common purpose of conveying a higher reality. Each stroke of the brush, every color and every posture had an inner meaning that transformed it from a mere art piece to an instrument of deep contemplation and mediation.

Today a school of art called the ‘Vedic School’ has emerged that is based on Vedic principles. Not surprisingly, there is no formal training imparted in this style of art. It is all about the individual connecting with his inner self and unlocking their deepest potential. 

What the person puts on the canvas is merely an expression that facilitates this. 

​#vedicdance #vedicmusic #bharatnatyam #kuchipudi #carnatakmusic #Hindustanimusic #sitar #rudraveena #gurukul #samaveda #yajurveda #atharvaveda #vedicart 

This is a just a short introduction to the ancient, vast and expansive Vedic Tradition. In the true sense, Vedic Culture was never a religious group of people! For the people of these times, it was simply an advanced and authentic way to live life. In-sync within (microcosm- our soul) and in-sync above (macrocosm- the Universal Consciousness).

For the sake of convenience, Vedas are referred to as religious texts (but a text is something that has a beginning and an end). The Vedas are believed to be the embodiment of spiritual knowledge that came from the Gods through the ancient Indian Rishis or seers. And knowledge cannot be confined in a text. Vedas are believed to be eternal and timeless and therefore as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago when first revealed.

More than a religious text, the ancient Vedas are a set of guidelines by which to lead life. These guidelines that cover every aspect of life from the basis of what is today called ancient Vedic wisdom from India.

Veda Means Knowledge

Veda means ‘wisdom’ or ‘knowledge’. Ancient Vedic wisdom from India incorporates several scientific concepts that are being proven by Western science today. It would be no exaggeration to state that every element in the ancient Indian Vedas has a strong scientific basis.  Perhaps, this was divine intervention or plain common sense or maybe something more. We shall never know. But the fact is that ancient Vedic wisdom from India has produced concepts that are of immense value today.


Vedic Concepts

Some of the beneficial concepts derived from the ancient Vedic wisdom of India include the following:

1. Yoga:

Yoga is one of the tools put forth by the Vedas to lead a more fulfilling life. Yoga, which literally means union, refers to the union of the individual consciousness with the supreme consciousness. This can be achieved only with complete awareness of one’s self which is the purpose of Yoga.  Another aim that the ancient Vedas intended people to achieve through the regular practice of yoga is to be able to control and calm the mind. Once your mind is under your control, you are able to think clearly and rationally, to make the best decisions. 

​2. Ayurveda-

Ayurveda refers to the science of healing that stems from the ancient Vedic wisdom. The term is derived from two words – ayu meaning ‘life’ and veda meaning ‘science’. Ayurveda therefore refers to the ‘science of life’. Ayurevda believes in the connection between body and mind and the impact of nature on the health or illness of the individual.



3. Vedic Astrology (Jyotish)-

Vedic astrology refers to the science predicting the future of an individual based on date, time and place of birth.  Based on this information, the person’s birth chart is created. This is achieved through complex mathematical and astronomical calculations that determine the planetary positions on that date, at that time at that particular location (latitude and longitude). 


4. Vedic Mathematics-

The concept of Vedic mathematics offers an alternative approach to various math aspects such as algebra, geometry, calculus and trigonometry. The basis of Vedic mathematics lies in its 16 easy to memorize ‘sutras’ or threads of knowledge that help solve complex mathematical problems like reciprocals,  squares and cubes with their roots and multiple simultaneous equations quickly and mentally (without the use of calculators).  This of course is good exercise for your brain and keeps you mentally fit and agile. 


In addition, there are several other Vedic sciences- such as Sound Therapy, Quantum & Energetic Studies among others.

​#ayurveda #Jyotish #VedicAstrology @VedicMathematics #VedicMaths #vedas #scienceoflife #Vedicsciences #ancientIndia #Vedicculture #Yoga #Meditation #Vimana #Vedicconcept ##Vedicknowledge #charaka #sushruta #samhita #aryabhatt

​Ayurveda is an ancient medical science which has originated from Indian subcontinent. The term ayurveda comprises of ‘ayur’ which means life and ‘veda’ which means science. Collectively it is comprehended as ‘science of life’. 

It is evident from the main description that ayurveda is far more vast than to limit it into the boundaries of medical science. The main principle of ayurveda is attaining and preserving the healthy status and curing the ailment of an individual.  Ayurveda is a health-centric science which considers maintaining health as important as treatment of the ailment. 

Health is a balanced combination of physique, mind and spirit. Healthy physique is attained through eating proper diet (aahar) and leading an active life in sync with the external environment (vihaar).   The description is carried ahead by citing various regimes to be inculcated in diurnal and seasonal variations.

​Healthy mind is keeping one’s thought process stress free and lively. This can be attained through various breathing techniques which have been defined in context of asanas. These two- the healthy body and mind are then merged into supreme legacy- the spirit. The final step is facilitated by meditation. 

Disease is a result of faulty equilibrium in metabolic processes of the body. Whenever, there is an imbalance between the three basic components of the body- the vatta (air/ ether), pitta (bile) and kapha (the phlegm); disease will occur. 

Treatment in ayurveda is based on individual’s body type and traits. Medicine is prescribed primarily focussing on patient and his body type. This explains the concept of prakriti. It defines the main traits of an individual and his vulnerability to various ailments.

​The main aim is to eradicate or cure the cause of the disease which supersedes the symptomatic relief. This requires patience and an active participation from the diseased individual. The treatment followed is classified as: shodhan (purification), shaman (eradication of the cause), rasayan (fortifying process) and satavajaya (harmony of mind).  

Ayurveda is categorised into eight different speciality domains: kaya chikitsa (medicine), shalya chikitsa (surgery), shalakya chikitsa (eye and ENT), kaumar bhritya (paediatrics and gynaecology), agad tantra (toxicology), graha chikitsa (psychiatric ailments), rasayan (fortification) and baajikaran (rejuvenation).

​This is an example of the detail orientation and the level of specialisation reached in those ancient times. Not only this, Sushruta, the father of surgery, who has compiled the shalya tantra made the most valuable contribution of plastic surgery in form of rhinoplasty, labioplasty and suturing deformed ear pinna. Minute and detailed explanations of the layers of skin and several other aspects were also explained by Sushruta.

The concepts and contexts of ayurveda are as relevant today, as they were in yester years. By following an ayurvedic regime an individual can attain and maintain health.

Ayurveda is not just a complementary and alternative system of medicine but it is a way of life. It is the oldest science of medicine which has a lineage as old as 5000 years. It was passed to the generations through vocal communication only, which eventually lead to gradual loss of valuable information and distortion in the original contents.

​But facing all adversaries, it has managed not only to survive through the rages of time but also maintained its accuracy and efficacy in providing healthy lives to individuals. 

​#ayurveda #ayurvedicsciences #vedas #scienceoflife #ancientmethodofhealing #naturalhealing #charaka #sushruta #vagbhat #ashtangahridayam #vedicsciences #ancientIndia #indianhealing #ayurved

Here is shloka from The Bhagavad Gita for this week. This message is from Chapter 3, Verse 42 which says:

“The senses are said to be superior to the body, the mind is superior to the senses, the intellect is superior to the mind, transcendental knowledge is superior to the intellect, and the Self is superior to transcendental knowledge. ”

- The Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 42

​This week reflect on the above shloka and see what specific meanings come up for you. What are some interpretations that resonate with you. Reflect on how you can extrapolate the meaning and utilize its guidance for your current life situation.

​The Bhagavad Gita shlokas are time immemorial!! So make sure that you and utilize its guidance- not just for this coming week, but for all the times ahead… 

​#bhaktiyoga #divineessence #TheBhagavadGita #GitaQuotes #GitaMessage #LordKrishna #KrishnaSpeaks #2020Messages​