It is believed that the Ketaki flower, which is also known as Kewra in Hindi, is cursed by Lord Shiva. The reason is linked to the famous tale of the ‘Fiery Pillar’. 

The legend goes that once, there was a heated argument between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu as to how is more superior. To help them settle it, Lord Shiva appeared before them as an infinite pillar of fiery light. He asked them to find the top or the bottom and whoever would accomplish that task would be the winner. 

So, Lord Vishnu took the form of a boar and delved into the earth to find the base, while Lord Brahma transformed into a swan and flew upwards to find the top.

Unable to reach the top, Lord Brahma saw the Ketaki flower floating down and asked it to bear false witness. He asked it to claim that he had seen the top of the fiery light pillar, where the Ketaki flower resided. When they returned, Lord Brahma falsely claimed to have found the pinnacle. Ketaki flower took part in this deceit by being a the false witness.

Lord Shiva got angry at Lord Brahma’s dishonesty. He also got angry at the Ketaki flower for agreeing to lie and partake in the deceitful conduct. Lord Shiva cursed Lord Brahma that he would not be worshipped in temples on earth, and he also cursed the Ketaki flower that it would be used in his, i.e. Lord Shiva’s worship.

This story shows the importance of truth and integrity in Vedic Sanatan Hindu spiritual practice. It also highlights the consequences of indulging in deceit.

As a result of this curse, Ketaki flower is not used in the worship of Lord Shiva.

believed to grant the ultimate liberation or Moksha, and helps to absolve one's sins.

The festival derives its name from Mohini, a divine female form assumed by Lord Vishnu to save the gods from the demons during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) in Hindu mythology.

​The story behind Mohini Ekadashi is found in the ancient Hindu scriptures, the Puranas, which narrate the tale of a noble king named Rukmangada. The king was a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu, and his devotion was so profound that even Lord Indra, the king of the gods, was impressed.

However, Rukmangada's devotion was put to the test when a beautiful celestial nymph named Mohini appeared before him. She tried to seduce the king into breaking his vow of celibacy, but Rukmangada remained steadfast in his devotion to Lord Vishnu.

As a reward for his unwavering faith, Lord Vishnu appeared before Rukmangada and granted him a boon. The king requested that everyone who observes a fast on Mohini Ekadashi should be absolved of their sins and attain Moksha.

Devotees celebrate Mohini Ekadashi to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu and to purify their souls. Observing a fast on this day is considered highly auspicious and spiritually rewarding.

​The rituals associated with Mohini Ekadashi include waking up early in the morning, taking a holy bath, and offering prayers to Lord Vishnu. Devotees decorate the idol or image of Lord Vishnu with flowers, sandalwood paste, and sacred Tulsi leaves. They also recite the Vishnu Sahasranama, a sacred text containing a thousand names of Lord Vishnu, and listen to the story of Mohini Ekadashi as described in the Puranas.

Fasting on Mohini Ekadashi involves abstaining from food and water from sunrise to sunset. Devotees break their fast on the following day, known as Dwadashi, after offering prayers and performing charitable acts. The practice of fasting on this day is believed to help cleanse one's mind, body, and soul, as well as pave the way to Moksha.

Mohini Ekadashi is a revered festival that celebrates the divine intervention of Lord Vishnu in the form of Mohini. By observing a fast and engaging in prayers on this day, devotees honor Lord Vishnu's role as the preserver and seek spiritual liberation.

​The festival serves as a reminder of the power of faith and devotion, and the importance of adhering to one's spiritual principles.

overcome them and attain spiritual enlightenment and obtain ultimate liberation, i.e. moksha. Aghoris follow the left-handed tantric pathway called Vamachara, where they embrace the dark habits to rise and transcend beyond them.

Regular Shiva devotees believe in the worship of Shiva as the supreme deity and follow traditional religious practices to obtain his blessings and attain moksha (liberation). They believe that true and deep devotion will help them tarry over the mystery of life and attain ultimate liberation, i.e. moksha through the grace and blessings of their Lord Shiva. Regular Shiva devotees follow the right-handed tantric pathway called Dakshinachara, where they conduct their spiritual actions and practice in conventionally accepted forms such as mantra-chantings, abhishekams and so on.

They are many differences between an Aghori and a regular Shiva devotee...

Here are some of the key differences that you will observe between an Aghori and a regular, conventional Shiva devotee, i.e. a regular Shaivite:

1. Unconventional Spiritual Practices: As mentioned above, Aghoris are known for their unconventional ways of spiritual sadhana, i.e. spiritual practices. Their spiritual practices often involve the use of human ashes, animal sacrifices, and consumption of taboo substances such as human flesh. 

Aghoris believe that the divine energy is everywhere and in all things. It is easy to embrace that which is appealing, but by embracing the dark and impure aspects of life, one can overcome them and attain spiritual enlightenment. 

Aghoris challenge all that one typically finds unappealing and fearful, such as death and decay. They embrace these aspects of life, by facing them in the eye. They tend to live in cremation grounds and conduct their spiritual practice in the presence of dead human bodies. 

Where as, regular Shiva devotees follow traditional religious practices, such as worshiping Shiva Linga in temples and performing puja, i.e., various worship rituals such as Shiva Linga abhishek, chanting Shiva mantras such as Om Namah Shivaya and so on.

2. Rejecting Commonly-held Societal Norms: Aghoris reject societal norms and conventions and choose to live a life of asceticism. They often live in cremation grounds or remote areas and wear ash-smeared clothes, symbolizing their rejection of commonly accepted ways of living. 

Regular Shiva devotees, on the other hand, follow societal norms and do not reject them. They live their life and conduct their spiritual practice in a manner which is not only accepted but also extolled by the society.

4. Praying to different forms of Lord Shiva: Aghoris typically worship the more fierce forms of Lord Shiva such as Lord Bhairav and Lord Mahakaal. They also tend to chant the more fiery mantras of Lord Shiva such as the beeja mantras of Haum and Hum.

Regular Shiva devotees typically worship the calm form of Shiva in this meditative state. They also chant simple and extremely beneficent mantras such as Om Namah Shivay.
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In summary, Aghoris differ from regular Shiva devotees in their approach to spirituality, rejection of societal norms, and unconventional practices. However, both groups share a devotion to Shiva and seek spiritual enlightenment.
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The word "Aghori" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Aghor," which means "non-terrifying," "not difficult to approach," or "beyond darkness."

The word "Aghor" denotes the transcendence of darkness and impurity to reach a state of enlightenment and divine consciousness. The Aghoris believe that everything in the world is interconnected, and that the divine can be found in everything, including the impure and the taboo. Aghoris believe that it is easy to embrace that which is appealing. But the divine essence is in everywhere and in everything- even the dark and the taboo. By embracing the dark and impure aspects of life, one can overcome them and attain spiritual enlightenment. 

The term "Aghori" is used to describe such ascetics who reject common societal norms and conventional religious practices to seek the divine in everything, including the dark and impure aspects of life.

For e.g. most people common people fear the cremation grounds. They fear death and do not want to address their own impending reality. After all, there is one truth that we all know and that is- one day, we will all die. And yet, people are scared of death and refrain from facing this glaring reality. But Aghoris don’t fear death. Infact, many of them live on cremation grounds and amongst the dead and burning bodies. They constantly remind themselves that all that we hold dear… our material world one day, is going to come to end and the ‘real truth’ of our material existence is death- which cannot be denied.
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Aghori ascetics often live in cremation grounds or in remote areas, where they meditate and perform rituals. These Aghoris face reality of life and the very nature of our existence (which is transitory) and their deepest fears, addressing them one by one, so they can peel off the layers of incorrect thinking and deepest mental darkness.

Despite their shockingly controversial, and often unconventional practices, Aghoris are well-respected and revered by the masses. They believe that their extreme practices allow them a surer way to transcend the limitations of our physical world and attain a higher level of consciousness. 

Also, people believe that their dedication to their spiritual practice and maintaining of distance from our materialistic world, offers them a clearer path of their own devotion and their liberation. There is a common belief, that Aghoris have supernatural powers and the ability to perform miracles. 
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In reality, when people perform deep spiritual practices, they tend to have access to many more latent energetic powers within our human system and also the ability to connect with and access the cosmic powerhouse. When such a spiritual ascetic exhibits what would be ‘normal’ actions for them, they would be perceived by the common people as often magical or even miraculous.

To recap, Aghoris are a small group of Hindu ascetics who belong to the Shaivite sect and are known for their extreme and unconventional practices. While their practices may seem shocking and controversial to commoners, they are revered by many who see them as someone who is dedicated to the Divine principle and is leading a spiritual pious and austere life to transcend the limitations of our spiritual world and attain nirvana- enlightenment. 
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Categories:
Myths And Beliefs,   Tantra Mantra Yantra   and   Vedic Tradition​

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It is a common practice among Hindus to offer coconut during prayers. Many people, including Hindus wonder- why this is the case.

Since many of the Hindu practices come from the original Vedic culture, which was very logical and scientific in it's approach, this practice of offering coconut has a very beautiful and logical explanation.

​Watch on to know more...

Categories:
Myths And Beliefs,   Prayers And Sadhanas,   Vedic Symbolism   and   Vedic Tradition

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Tantric practices are considered more esoteric and very few people truly understand the full connotation of their extensive possibilities.

One needs to remember that any of action, any kind of system, right-handed tantric path (Dakshinachara), left-handed tantric path (Vamachara), Shabar tantra or simply doing meditation and/ mantra chanting (Bhakti yoga)- it is ALL ultimately a “tantric” path!
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As the word tantra suggests (tantra, literally means a tool), all these paths are a way of manipulating the energies and when we consider the simple scientific fact that all matter and energy is interconvertible- then we know that by manipulating the subtle energies, we can also manipulate and modify a situation at the grosser level! 

Because people doing black magic or wishing ill on people have taken the guise of doing “tantric” rituals, tantra started getting a bad reputation in the east (as in India). 

On the other hand, in the west, tantra has been portrayed as some kind of sexual technique that allow one to feel a higher sense of physical gratification- thus reducing it to mere physical debauchery!!

Then there is the practice of Shabar Tantra. In this, people can do simple activities which allows them to modify smaller energy patterns. Usually these activities are conducted not for spiritual awareness and raising of consciousness but for material gains or other ego-gratifying reasons such as stopping one’s enemies, taking revenge and so on.
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Shabar Tantra techniques are called as totka in Hindi. Many a times, these techniques seem illogical to the rational mind (unless one truly understands the working-mechanism of the cosmic energy at the level of quantum consciousness). 

The one extremely challenging aspect of Shabar Tantra is that, it also takes help from lower energy forms and spirits such as channeling spirits of dead people, working with elemental forms and other such activities which can easily ensnare and captivate both the practitioner and the one seeking their help!! 

For e.g. a Shabar Tantra practitioner (called as Tantric or Tantrik) may suggest something like feeding grains to birds or tossing a piece of bread down a flowing river to attract more abundance into one’s life. 

As mentioned above, many of the Shabar Tantra techniques seem illogical to the rational mind. But they work by manipulating the universal energy at a small level to bring about the required change. 
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Instead of building up one’s understanding of the cosmic phenomena, people seeking to learn and utilize these techniques are usually asked to work with “faith”- this in turn has led (still continues) to rise in superstition and further abuse of these practices.

Over the years, there has been much abuse of these many such Shabar Tantra practices. 

Also, there are not many clear guidelines for all kinds of tantra- but particularly for Vamachara (left-handed tantra) and Shabar Tantra. There are no clear texts on how these activities should be properly and safely conducted to ensure- what (and how) one is doing something is in-tune, is in-sync with the cosmic flow and so will not captivate one in the lower energy states!

Bottom-line: it is not that tantra or tantric practices are good or bad. It is a medium of energy manipulation. What one does with it, is our choice. It is our action, our karma.

Think of tantra like electrical wires that allow for the electrical energy from the reservoirs to be transmitted and brought to the various appliances. If used positively, it can light our homes and power up our life and if used in a negative way, it can be used to electrocute someone to kill or harm them!!

So, are the electrical wires- good or bad?? They are neither- they are merely a tool that give us the ability to harness electrical energy. 

How we choose to tap into this energy reservoir and how we ultimately utilize this energy will determine our karma and then as per the universal law of Karma- we will need to face the retribution!!

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Read further:

• Understanding the basics of the Tantric Spiritual Pathway
• The two main Tantric pathways of Transformation- Dakshinachara and Vamachara

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Back in the days before electricity, lighting oil lamps was the main way people were able to light their homes after sunset. But even with electricity, we still use oil lamps during our pooja and prayers. Is there a special significance to lighting oil lamps?

Yes, there is… but not just any oil lamp. We are meant to light an earthen oil lamp during our prayers or performing any spiritual austerities, i.e. sadhana.

The earthen lamp signifies our body. We have heard the phrase- “we arise from dust and to dust we return”. Clay, mud, dirt has always been used to indicate that we have been created as part of this nature and also to signify our mortality, i.e. how after our death, our body (which is a mere vessel for our soul) will disintegrate, perish and return to nature.

The cotton wick indicates our ego. It burns because of the oil in the lamp. This oil is the accumulated soul-actions and soul-tendencies (i.e. karmas and samskaras), which compel us to perform more action. If this oil is pure and of high quality, then the wick will glow brightly. If there is impurity in the oil, then the flame will be dull… in the same way, if we have challenging or negative karmas then our life here will not be able to exhibit the full glory of our true divine nature. 
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It is not surprising that in Jyotish (Vedic Astrology), Saturn is the karaka (indicator) for oil as he is also the one who maintains and administers our karmas!!

Sooo… the signification of lighting an earthen oil lamp (mitti ka diya) is that… when we light an oil lamp, we are hoping that as the oil helps to burn off the cotton wick, similarly as we conscious do the prayers, pooja, it will help to burn off our karmas.  Thru devotion, by doing our prayers, pooja and so on, our ego will burn off and it will generate light, which is our true essence (our soul).

So next time, you are lighting a diya (earthen oil lamp). Don’t do it mindlessly. Light the lamp with a conscious intension. Do your prayers with a conscious intension of burning off your karmas and by doing so, you are slowly becoming more and more light. I.e. you are slowly becoming ‘enlightened’.

​#diya #deepavali #earthenlamp #oillamp #lightingdiya #lightingoillamp #Hindutraditions #Hindurituals #Vedicrituals #whydoHindus #mittikadiya

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