Feed Your Head Scrumptious Words and Bandha Mudra sauce

Welcome travelers, come one come all! Meditation at the end

I had been wanting to do a few vocabulary posts throughout the rest of the year, to help with some of the reading. Terms, names etc. All make a lot more sense when we know what they mean, represent or symbolize. In the spirit of Feeding our Heads🥳🍴✨️

Bon Appétit!

The Letter A seems like a good place to start

Ajna: Unlimited power. Forehead chakra located between the eyebrows. This chakra is associated with insight, perception, and intuition and is seeded and activated during Reiki One and Two attunements, respectively.

2. (Sanskrit) “Command Center.” Primarily known the “Brow Chakra”.

Akasha: 1. Pronounced "ah-kash." Sanskrit word that has been adopted in the West as the name for the fifth magical element. It means aether or spirit.

2. (Sanskrit) See Spirit. The fifth element of Spirit or Ether, one of the five tattvas or elemental forces—the others beingAir, Fire, Water, and Earth, which are derived from Spirit. It is symbolized by an indigo egg shape, and is associated with Vishudda, the throat chakra. It manifests as sound, but is not sound. It is all-pervading Space without dimension. Compare to the alchemical “Quintessence.”

Suggested Reading: A Chakra & Kundalini Workbook, by Dr. Jonn Mumford.

Amrita: 1. In alchemy and sex magick, it is the magically transmuted First Matter.

2. Literally, that which is against death; the nectar of immortality. In classical Tantric sex rituals, commingled sexual fluids that are consumed by the practitioners. Some Neo-Tantric teachers refer to female ejaculate as "amrita."

Anahata: 1. The pure sound made without any two things striking. Heart chakra or center located at the center of the chest associated with love and compassion and is seeded and activated during Reiki One and Two attunements, respectively.

2. Sanskrit. "Unstruct Sound." Primarily known the Heart Chakra.

Ananda: 1. A Sanskrit term that means “divine bliss.” Frequently included in Indian names, it implies oneness with higher realms of holy peace.

2. Commonly translated as bliss, but it can also mean happiness, joy, or sensual pleasure.

Anjali: Pronounced ahn-yuh-lee, the famous mudra, or hand position, often given among Tantrics, Buddhists, and Hindus, indicating an honorable greeting. It is made by pressing the palms of both hands together, with the fingers pointing up. It can be positioned at chest level (with the thumbs touching the sternum), at the forehead level (with the thumbs at the location of the third eye chakra between the brows), or above and slightly in front of the head. In some traditions you greet equals or subordinates with the hands at the chest, superiors (especially spiritual leaders) with the hands at the forehead, and divinities (during worship) with the hands above the head.

The gesture first appeared on seals associated with the pre-Hindu culture in the Indus valley around 2,000 b.c.e.

AUTHOR: Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson (

SOURCE: Great Sex Made Simple, Mark A. Michaels and Patricia Johnson (Llewellyn Publications)

How to Do Anjali Mudra

Sanskrit Meaning: Anjali means reverence or offering.

Also Known As: Atmanjali Mudra, Namaskar Mudra

1. Taking your two hands in front of your chest, press the palms together.

2. Extend the pressure up through each finger and the thumbs to the very tips.

3. Keep the sides of your fingers touching.

4. There will naturally be a little hollow of space between the centres of the two palms.

5. Relax your shoulders away from your ears.

Anjali Mudra Variations Since many can't do prayer hands behind their backs, it's ok.

Bringing the joined hands to your sternum (heart chakra) with the forearms parallel to the floor stretches the wrists and directs your awareness to your heart centre.

Bringing the mudra in your third eye (Ajna chakra) focuses your attention on your intuition.

In a reverse Anjali mudra, the palms are joined behind your back, ideally between the shoulder blades. To do this, roll the shoulders down and back, opening the front of the chest. When you bring the hands together behind your back, try to seal the hands together at the base of your palms.

Benefits of Anjali Mudra

During asana practice, taking the mudra helps us focus our attention, feel centered, and bring poses into balance. Physically, pressing the palms opens the space between the shoulder blades and stretches the wrists. The joining of the hands expresses the union of any type of duality: light and dark, left and right, male and female, yin and yang. It reminds us that these opposing forces exist in all of us and that yoga is a tool for bringing our lives into better balance.

Sources:

Le Page, Joseph and Lilian. Mudras for Healing and Transformation. Integrative Yoga Therapy, 2014.

Swami Saradananda. Mudras for Modern Life. Watkins, 2015.

Anuswara: "Little heaven." The bindu or dot that sometimes appears above Sanskrit letters. It indicates prolonging and nasalizing the "m" or "n" sound. It is what gives simple mantras like Om their power to alter consciousness.

Apas: The Tattwa of elemental Water. It is symbolized by a silver crescent with the horns pointing upward as if a container.

(Tattwa: According to various Indian schools of philosophy, tattvas (Sanskrit: तत्त्व) are the elements or aspects of reality that constitute human experience.)

Ardhanarishvara A form of the Tantric deity that combines the male Shiva with the female Shakti in one iconic form. Visually, the deity is divided vertically, with one half showing physical male characteristics and the other half showing female characteristics. The name is Sanskrit for "The Lord who is Half Woman."

Asana: 1. Pose or posture held comfortably. Poses for meditation and bodily control.

2. Sanskrit. "Seat" or "Postures. Generally referring to any the postures or exercises taught in Hatha Yoga that provide a stable base for the body so that sensations do not disturb concentration.

Ashram: A Sanskrit term literally meaning "to strongly strive" or "to make strident efforts." Most people know it as a term as a noun, describing a type of school, often associated with a spiritual organization, and often set up as a live-in place of study, worship, and work. However, it can also be used as an adjective, describing a period when a person dedicates himself or herself to a spiritual life.

Astanga Yoga : "Eight-limbed." The eight stages of Patanjali's Yoga:

Yama: control

Niyama: observance

Asana: posture

Pranayama: breath control

Pratyahara: sense withdrawal

Dharana: concentration

Dhyana: sustained concentration, and

Samadhi: universal consciousness with total psychological and physical integration.

Ashwini Mudra: Literally, "the gesture of the horse." Ashwini Mudra is the intentional pulsing of the anus. This practice is very important in many Tantric routines, since it is a powerful way to raise energy within the body. It is also reputed to have a wide variety of health benefits.

The anal sphincter often referred to as the "horse gesture" in sanskrit, is contracted and relaxed during the yoga practice known as ashwini mudra. this method is an age-old practice that has been utilised for millennia to improve digestion, increase general health and well-being, and improve sexual performance.

ashwini mudra is made of two terms, ashwini meaning horse and mudra meaning "gesture" in sanskrit. ashwini name meaning in hindi is ‘ghoda’. with this exercise, the muscles around the anus are rhythmically contracted and relaxed in a manner akin to how a horse moves its tail, hence ashwini name meaning. if you look for this mudra images online, you will understand it better and will surely incorporate it in your daily yoga regime.

**note

• Ashwini mudra is often safe to practise by healthy people who are free of any medical issues. yet it's crucial to begin cautiously and build up practice time and intensity over time.

• those who endure pelvic floor issues, such as urine incontinence, faecal incontinence, or pelvic organ prolapse, may find that ashwini mudra is particularly helpful. to be sure the practice is suitable for your unique condition, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting.

• ashwini mudra is a power mudra safe for men to practice, and it may assist to enhance their sexual performance and overall pelvic health.

Approaching the practice requires mindfulness, patience, and a desire to pay attention to your body. when starting any new yoga practice, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have a history of pelvic floor problems or other medical conditions.

The benefits of ashwini mudra

the ashwini mudra technique is known to have numerous physical, mental, and emotional health advantages. some of the ashwini mudra benefits are:

improved digestion: by massaging the internal organs and increasing blood circulation in the abdominal region, ashwini mudra stimulates the digestive system.

stronger pelvic muscles: regular practice of ashwini mudra can help to strengthen the pelvic muscles, which can benefit both women during pregnancy and childbirth and men with prostate problems.

improved sexual health: ashwini mudra is also known to improve sexual health by increasing blood flow to the pelvic region and toning the sexual function muscles.

constipation relief: the contraction and relaxation of the anal sphincter muscles during ashwini mudra can aid in the stimulation of bowel movements and the relief of constipation.

reduced stress and anxiety: by calming the mind and promoting a sense of peace and relaxation, the deep breathing and relaxation techniques used during ashwini mudra can help to reduce stress and anxiety.

improved focus and concentration: ashwini mudra practice necessitates mental focus and concentration, which can help to improve cognitive function and mental clarity.

deep breathing and relaxation techniques used during ashwini mudra can help to increase self-awareness and promote a deeper sense of inner peace and tranquilly.

reduced anxiety and depression: one of the most wonderful yoga mudra benefits is that it soothes the soul. by calming the mind and promoting feelings of well-being and positivity, regular practice of ashwini mudra can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

apart from all these benefits, ashwini yoga is also a recommended mudra for thyroid issues. there are many amazing ashwini mudra benefits that will change your life for the better.

Ashwini mudra step by step procedure

now, we will go over the step-by-step process of performing ashwini mudra:

step 1: find a seated position that is comfortable

begin by settling into a seated position on a yoga mat or cushion. you are free to sit in any cross-legged position that feels natural to you.

step 2: unwind your body

to relax your body and mind, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. allow any tension or stress in your body to dissipate.

step 3: pay attention to your breathing

bring your attention to your breathing and allow it to slow and steady. deeply inhale and completely exhale.

step 4: tighten the anal sphincter muscles.

squeeze the muscles around the anus inward and upward to contract the anal sphincter muscles. hold the contraction for a few seconds before releasing it.

step 5: muscle relaxation

relax the muscles completely after releasing the contraction.

step 6: repetition of the cycle

for a few minutes, repeat this cycle of contraction and relaxation. begin with a few cycles and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable with the practise.

step 7: put an end to the practice

to finish, slowly release the contraction and relax your body. open your eyes and take a few deep breaths.

How To Do This Mudra Simplified

• Sit in any comfortable meditation asana, like you can sit padmasana.

• Close your eyes and relax your whole body.

• After that, Feel your natural breathing process.

• Take awareness of the anus.

• Contract the anal sphincter muscles quickly for a few seconds without straining, then relax.

Who should avoid this mudra?

Women who are expecting, anyone with hemorrhoids or anal tears, spinal cord injury patients, people with IBS ( irritable bowel syndrome) or high blood pressure.

Asvattha: A Sanskrit term for a mystical tree of knowledge. Curiously, it is shown inverted, with the branches extending down while the roots grow up. The branches represent the physical plane and the roots represent the spiritual plane, indicating the importance and value of the spiritual world.

Atma: 1. The individual soul, the Self, the eternal principle.

2. (Sanskrit) The Upper Superessential level of reality and consciousness. Also the vehicle of the Second Self.

Atman: 1. (Sanskrit) The true self. The Soul.

2. The Higher Self or Soul that is eternal.

Audgita: Sanskrit. The mental (silent) chanting of a mantra in which attention becomes so fixed that any lapse or disturbance is nearly impossible.

Also

When the mantra is whispered or hummed quietly enough to not be heard by others, this is known as Upamsu Japa. This method requires a deeper level of awareness, and is many times more powerful than Vaikhari. Now you may further experience the effects of the sound vibrations in your body, your breathing, and the feeling of the mantra in your mouth, lips, and tongue.

When you “chant” the mantra silently, in a purely mental way, it is called Manasika Japa. This form of repetition requires a great level of attention to keep the mind pointed on the mantra. It is many times more effective than Upamsu Japa.

Note

The key issue is that the mouth (open or closed) plus lips & tongue should be totally relaxed and motionless during fully silent mantra chanting. If you are following the teaching of a lineage that emphasizes that silent mantra chanting must be accompanied by carefully defined posture and controlled breathing, then usually the recommendation would be to keep the mouth closed.

However, if the primary technique you are focused on is the mantra repetition, while breathing through the nose is most commonly recommended, it is not a problem if the mouth falls open during deep physical relaxation of silent mantra chanting. Bill Berry

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Avadhut: A Sanskrit term for a mystic who is beyond daily physical concerns. Such a person is believed to no longer be attached to either their body or mind. They are believed to be incarnated pure consciousness.

Avatar: (From the Sanskrit avatara, meaning “descent”) In Tantra and other forms of Hinduism, an avatar is a physical incarnation of a higher being (a deva) or even a theophany, the physical incarnation of a god. The term implies that the entity consciously chooses to descend into a body on the physical plane. There are numerous avatars, and other spiritual traditions have adopted the word as a term to describe a deity incarnate.

In Hinduism, the God Vishnu, the preserver, is said to have ten avatars. The most famous of these is the eighth one, Krishna. The ninth avatar of Vishnu was Buddha. The tenth and final avatar of Vishnu, Kalki, will not incarnate for many thousands of years.

AUTHOR: Donald Michael Kraig

Bandha: A Sanskrit term that means “lock.” In the practice of different forms of yoga, it refers to different muscular locks that can be used to direct and intensify the body’s energy.

Reminder, Review, Quickie intro

Three Bandhas

Mula Bandha:

Mula bandha – the root

If we consider the bandhas in four steps, Mula bandha is the first. Men can find it by contracting the area between the anus and the testes. For women – contract the muscles at the bottom of the pelvic floor behind the cervix. At first, the anal sphincter will also ‘lock up’, but over time and with practice you will learn to differentiate and hone in on the exact location of the root. And an easier way to find it? Here are three different suggestions:

First: look at the tip of your nose – you will automatically feel the sensation of the Mula bandha taking hold.

Second: for women; if you’ve ever worried that you’ve leaked through during your period – the lifting sense you make is locking Mula in. The muscles you contract to hold in what is wanting to flow out is the Mula region.

Third (though this may take a bit of imagination!): sit cross-legged and imagine you’re levitating! Instant Mula activation!

Mula bandha also naturally comes into play during many day-to-day activities; climbing stairs, riding a bike, carrying shopping bags home. Engaging your root lock during your yoga practice allows your energy to flow up, not down and out, making it grow manifold and leaving you with that ‘floaty’ feeling. You will be lighter on your limbs, lighter on your mat and lighter in yourself.

Physical qualities of Mula Bandha

Mula Bandha is your “Root Lock”. Physiologically, this Bandha is a diamond shape hammock of muscles that spans the space between the bones of the pubis in the front, the two ischium (sitting bones) on the sides and the coccyx in the back. These are your coccygeus, iliococcygeus, and the pubococcygeus muscles – known together as your Levator Ani muscle and form part of the pelvic floor.

Activating and engaging these pelvic floor muscles supports the internal organs of the lower abdominal cavity and brings much needed awareness to the space between the pubis and the coccyx. This connection between front body and back body is usually saved for the overworked psoas muscle, which due to habitual patterns of hip flexion in what we do for work and play is one of the major causes of lower back pain.

Continuous awareness of the space between the pubis and coccyx (and if you can between the sitting bones themselves) in yoga poses and transitions can help alleviate already existing tightness, tension and/or lower back pain and can counteract any future possibility of lower back injury – both on and off the mat.

Mula Bandha, Shakti Kundalini and the Chakras

Energetically, bringing our awareness to Mula Bandha brings awareness to the dormant energy of Shakti Kundalini at the base of the Sushumna Nadi. By continuously working with and activating Mula Bandha we can begin the slow process of awakening Shakti Kundalini, allowing this feminine creative force to rise up through the lower chakras, healing specific areas of our psycho-spiritual development.

The three chakras most affected are:

Muladhara (root chakra), keywords: survival, safety, trust

Svadisthana (sacral chakra), keywords: sensuality, sexuality, creativity

Manipura (solar plexus chakra), keywords: self-worth, power, will

Jalandhara bandha – the throat

‘Jal’ means throat, ‘Jalan’ means net and ‘dharan’ means flow or stream. Therefore, Jalandhara can be interpreted as the locking of the energy flow through the nerves and vessels of the neck area. When engaged with Khecari mudra (curling the tip of your tongue back to the roof of your mouth), its effect magnificently heightens.

To find Jalandhara, sit tall and cross-legged. With your palms pressing into your knees, inhale through your nose and bring your chin towards your neck. Straighten your elbows, pull your chin back and engage the muscles there so you feel them tighten, then retain. It’s the double chin you do want!

Jalandhara isn’t often performed by itself; rather, it is performed in combination with the other locks in breathing practices. It compresses the sinuses and main arteries of the neck, putting pressure on the throat to balance the thyroid and regulate metabolism. Plus, it relaxes you and alleviates stress.

Uddiyana bandha – the ‘false inhale’

‘Uddiyana’ means to fly or rise up, and is all about doing just that with your diaphragm. To learn to do so, it’s helpful to stand with your feet shoulder- distance apart, bend forward – with a straight back – and place your hands on your knees (or shins, if your hamstrings allow).

With a “false” inhale (that is, the action of taking a breath without actually taking air in), make an upward movement and feel your abdominal wall and organs push up and towards your back, kind of like a suction back and up of all your insides as if you’re trying to make your waist smaller.

Your ribs should be protruding over and in front of your abs. You hold this for as long as you can, exiting by releasing your hold, inhaling (always through your nose) and straightening up.

Uddiyana moves energy upwards with much more force than a pure Mula bandha alone. It creates a soft massage for the deeper internal muscles of the lower back and is a fantastic remedy for abdominal and tummy troubles, as well as a stimulant for digestive juices.

Maha bandha – the ‘ultimate’ bandha

To do the ultimate of the bandhas? First engage Mula bandha, then fully exhale and activate Jalandhara. Next, bend forward and ‘suck up’ to hold Uddiyana. This is Maha bandha. To release, do so in the reverse order you engaged (Uddiyana first, Jalandhara second and finally, Mula bandha).

Continued Reading

https://yogainternational.com/article/view/a-beginners-guide-to-bandhas/

Extra extra

In the world of Mudras

Bhumisparsha Mudra, known as the "Earth Witness Gesture," is one of Buddhist iconography's most profound and recognizable hand gestures. This mudra captures the pivotal moment in the Buddha's journey to enlightenment when he called upon the Earth to witness his triumph over the temptations and distractions of Mara, the demon of illusion. The gesture is symbolized by the right hand touching the ground, with the left hand resting in the lap, palm facing upwards.

The Significance of Bhumisparsha Mudra

Bhumisparsha Mudra holds deep symbolic meaning within Buddhism. It represents:

• The Moment of Enlightenment: This mudra symbolized when Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The Buddha invoked the Earth Goddess to witness his victory over Mara by touching the Earth.

• Unshakable Resolve: The gesture signifies the Buddha's unwavering determination and focus when facing distractions and challenges.

• Connection to the Earth: It emphasizes the grounding and stabilizing power of the Earth, reflecting the Buddha's deep connection to the natural world.

History of this mudra

https://youtu.be/sPY1OndgAvg

In Buddhist art, Bhumisparsha Mudra is depicted with the following characteristics:

• Right Hand: The right-hand reaches down towards the Earth, extending fingers and touching the ground.

• Left Hand: The left-hand rests on the lap, palm facing upwards meditatively.

• Seated Position: The Buddha is often shown sitting in the lotus position, symbolizing stability and inner peace.

This gesture is commonly found in statues and paintings of the Buddha across various cultures and traditions, including Thai, Burmese, and Tibetan art, where it serves as a visual testament to the Buddha's enlightenment and spiritual victory.

Spiritual and Cultural Significance

Bhumisparsha Mudra is not just an artistic symbol; it carries profound spiritual significance:

• Affirmation of Enlightenment: For practitioners, this mudra is a powerful reminder of the Buddha's enlightenment and the possibility of achieving a similar spiritual awakening.

• Symbol of Truth: It underscores the importance of truth and integrity, as the Earth bears witness to the Buddha's truthfulness and moral purity.

• Source of Inspiration: The gesture inspires followers to remain steadfast in their spiritual practice, regardless of obstacles.

Lastly we have the Dharmachakra mudra

The Dharmachakra mudra is a timeless symbol of Buddha's teachings, embodying the essence of wisdom, compassion, and enlightenment. Its depiction in Buddha statues across diverse cultures and epochs reflects Buddhist philosophy's universal appeal and enduring legacy. By understanding the profound symbolism behind the Dharmachakra mudra, we deepen our appreciation for the rich heritage of Buddhist art and philosophy, fostering spiritual contemplation and cultural understanding in today's globalized world.

The Dharmachakra mudra, translated as the Gesture of Teaching of the Wheel of Dharma, encapsulates fundamental Buddhist principles. It signifies the commencement of the wheel of Dharma, representing the continuous cycle of teachings that guide practitioners on the path to enlightenment. This mudra is not merely a physical gesture but a metaphysical symbol imbued with profound significance in Buddhist philosophy.

Gestural Depiction

When performing the Dharmachakra mudra, Buddha's hands assume a specific posture: each hand's thumb and index finger touch to form a circle, symbolizing the Wheel of Dharma. This circle represents the eternal and unending nature of Buddha's teachings. The right-hand faces outward, while the left-hand covers it with the palm facing inward, symbolizing the transmission of wisdom and compassion.

Each finger in this mudra carries a symbolic meaning:

• The middle finger of the right hand symbolizes those who hear and understand Buddha's teachings, known as the 'hearers.'

• The index finger represents those who realize the truth of his teachings, known as the 'realizers.'

• The little finger signifies the Mahayana, or 'the great vehicle,' emphasizing Buddhist teachings' inclusive and expansive nature.

Similarly, the three extended fingers of the left hand symbolize the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha (the teacher), the Dharma (the teachings), and the Sangha (the community of practitioners).

Learn how to, history and more here

https://youtu.be/VY-_OYwx_BY?si=JFk9ezpLLMNjWfSl

Hindi Dieties

Some definitely not all

Each of the Hindu Gods represent one aspect of Brahman. Each Hindu God of the trimurti of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are each part of the godhead and each are responsible for one aspect of him. Brahma is the creator and creates all things in the cosmos. Shiva takes on the destructive aspect of Brahman. Vishnu preserves the Dharma, the working order of the universe. Each Hindu God is one aspect of the Supreme Being.

Ganesha: The Wise and Compassionate Elephant-Headed Deity

Ganesha, born to Lord Shiva and Parvati, is celebrated as Ganapati, Vinayaka, and Vighneshvara. His distinctive elephant head symbolizes wisdom, understanding, and discriminating intellect. With four arms representing earth, water, fire, and air, Ganesha removers physical and spiritual obstacles. Statues of Ganesha, often found in homes and temples, serve as guardians against adversity and bring blessings of wisdom, success, and harmony in all endeavors. His image resonates deeply with devotees as a symbol of divine guidance through life's challenges.

Brahma: The Creator of the Universe

Lord Brahma, also known as Prajapati, plays the role of the divine architect of the cosmos. Born from the sun god Isha, Brahma disseminates knowledge about spirituality through the sacred Vedas. Statues of Brahma typically feature four heads and four hands, symbolizing his creative potency and the four directions of the universe. As the progenitor of all beings and the keeper of cosmic order, Brahma's presence inspires reverence for the divine blueprint of existence.

""The One Truth, sages call it by many names.""

- ~ Rigveda

This profound verse from the Rigveda encapsulates the essence of Brahma's role as the Creator—the One Truth that takes on myriad forms and names in the diverse tapestry of existence.

Vishnu

Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, manifests in various avatars (incarnations) such as Rama and Krishna. His statues portray a well-dressed figure with a blue or blue-gray complexion, reflecting his role as the protector and sustainer of the world. Vishnu's devotees revere him as the embodiment of righteousness and compassion, seeking his blessings for harmony, preservation, and spiritual upliftment. The concept of Vishnu's cosmic dream, where the universe is created, preserved, and dissolved, underscores the eternal cycle of existence.

""Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, O Arjuna, at that time I manifest myself on earth.""

- ~ Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 4, Verse 7)

In this verse, Lord Krishna (an incarnation of Vishnu) explains the purpose of His divine incarnations—to restore balance and righteousness in the world, just as Vishnu's statues symbolize the preservation of cosmic order.

Indra: King of the Gods

Indra, the sovereign of the heavens and king of the gods, governs rain, fertility, and cosmic order. He wields a thunderbolt weapon known as Vajra and rides a white elephant named Airavata. Indra's multifaceted nature encompasses warrior and protector roles, reflecting the dynamic interplay of power and wisdom. Devotees turn to Indra for courage, strength, and the restoration of cosmic harmony, recognizing his pivotal role in upholding the celestial and earthly realms.

""Indra, you have scattered the darkness that veiled the Sun. You have driven the black Serpent from the sky.""

- ~ Rigveda

This hymn from the Rigveda underscores Indra's role as the vanquisher of obstacles and darkness, much like the symbolism of his thunderbolt.

Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism worship the Hindu deities Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi as the Supreme God respectively, or consider all Hindu deities as aspects of the same, Supreme Reality or the eternal and formless metaphysical Absolute, called Brahman in Hinduism, or, translated from Sanskrit terminology, Svayaṁ-

Shiva

Shiva Hindu God of Destruction often wears a snake coiled around his upper arms and neck symbolizing the power he has over the most deadly of creatures. Snakes are also used to symbolize the Hindu dogma of reincarnation. Their natural process of molting or shedding their skin is symbolic of the human souls transmigration of bodies from one life to another.

The Hindu God Shiva often wears a snake coiled around his upper arms and neck symbolizing the power he has over the most deadly of creatures. Snakes are also used to symbolize the Hindu dogma of reincarnation. Their natural process of molting or shedding their skin is symbolic of the human souls transmigration of bodies from one life to another.

Thiruvalangadu, north of Madras, is associated with the dance contest between Shiva and his consort in the form of Kali. According to legend, Shiva danced vigorously, and to subdue Kali, threw up his leg in the rhythm of the dance. Being a lady, Kali could not repeat this feat and stood dismayed. This dance and the subjugation of Kali, are described in the hymns of the female saint-poet Karaikkal Ammai. Lotus Sculpture

Shiva's female consort and wife is Parvati; because of his generosity and reverence towards Parvati, Shiva is considered an ideal role model for a husband. The divine couple together with their sons - the six-headed Skanda and the elephant headed Ganesh- reside on Mount Kailasa in the Himalayas.

Parvarti

The Hindu Goddess Parvati is the benevolent aspect of the ultimate female form of mother Devi.

Being the daughter of the mountain King, Himawan and queen Mena, she is known as "daughter of the mountain".

She is the wife of Lord Shiva and mother of both the Hindu God Ganesha and Murugan.

The Hindu Goddess Parvati is also known as Uma and Guari. She is the Hindu Goddess of love, marriage, children, devotion, fertility and beauty.

She is the mother goddess in Hinduism carrying the divine energy between a man and woman.

Like her husband, Shiva, the Hindu Goddess Parvati is a consummate meditator. Statues of Shiva are almost always shown with Parvati as a constant companion by his side.

Hanuman

The Hindu God Hanuman is the monkey deity renowned for his courage, power, and faithful selfless service.

Some say Hanuman was born as the son of the King and Queen of the Monkeys. To others, he is the son of Anjana, a female Apsara who had been transformed into a monkey by a curse, and Vayu, the wind god. It is also said that from his father Vayu, Hanuman received the ability to fly.

Hanuman was born with a deep hunger that his mother could not satisfy. Believing that the Sun was a megnificent fruit, Hanuman lept after it to endulge. The Sun however, took flight as Hanuman chased him as far as Indra's heaven. Indra then intervened and injured Hanuman's jaw with his thunderbolt.

Hanuman's father was quick to avenge his son and so he entered the bodies of all gods and gave them colic. Indra apologized to Vayu and agreed that Hanuman should become immortal. All of the gods then came together to bless young Hanuman in a cave.

As a young monkey god, Hanuman was quite naughty and abused his powers to pester the saints living in the nearby forest.

The gods prayed to Brahma to find a solution to Hanuman's behavior. The great Brahma cursed young Hanuman, removing his knowledge of his power and protecting the world from his mischeivous ways.

Lakshmi

"Beautiful goddess seated on a chariot, delighted by songs on lustful elephants, bedecked with lotuses, pearls and gems, lustrous as fire, radiant as gold, resplendent as the sun, calm as the moon, mistress of cows and horses - take away poverty and misfortune, bring joy, riches, harvest and children."

Draped in a red saree, bedecked with gold ornaments, seated on a lotus, pot in hand, flanked by white elephants, the image of Lakshmi adorns most Hindu homes and business establishments.

Lakshmi, also called Laxmi, is the goddess of wealth, fortune, power, luxury, beauty, fertility, and auspiciousness. She holds the promise of material fulfillment and contentment. She is described as restless, whimsical yet maternal, with her arms raised to bless and to grant her blessings.

Shri is the sacred name of Lakshmi. Shri is written atop most documents and spoken before addressing a god, teacher holy man or any revered individual. The word evokes grace, affluence abundance, auspiciousness and authority. When the word is spoken or written an aura of holiness is established. Whatever follows is imbued with divine blessing. Just as the word "Om" is associated with the mystical side of life, Shri is associated with the material side of existence.

Lakshmi represents the beautiful and bountiful aspect of nature. As Bhoodevi, the earth-goddess, she nurtures life; as Shreedevi, the goddess of fortune, she bestows power, pleasure and prosperity on those who deserve her grace. To realize her, one must respect the laws of life and appreciate the wonders of existence.

Durga

"I am Durga, the inaccessible one," replied the goddess. "I am Prakriti, the substance that gives form and identity to all things. I am Shakti, the power that enables all creatures to exist, to feel, think, act and react. I am Maya, the delusion that makes life alluring yet elusive."

The Hindu Goddess Durga is the most splendid manifestation of Devi.

Virginal and sublime, containing within her the power of all the Hindu gods combined, she is the invincible power of Nature who triumphs over those who seek to subjugate her.

Kali

To aid her son in his endeavor to rid the three worlds of the multiplying demon, Raktabija, Parvati entered the cosmic battlefield as the dreaded goddess Kali - dark as death, gaunt with sunken eyes, gaping mouth, with long disheveled hair covering her naked body.

Kali spread her tongue over the battlefield and licked the demon's falling blood, catching it on her long, outstretched tongue before any drop could find it's way to the ground springing a demonic life anew. Raktabija, without his multiplying numbers was left powerless. Skanda was able to dispatch Raktabija and all his remaining duplicates with ease.

Skanda, guardian of the heavens, went on to destroy many demons who opposed the reign of the gods. But he could not defeat the demon Raktabija. Whenever this demon's blood touched the ground, a thousand new demons sprang to life. He seemed unconquerable.

Skanda thanked his mother for her timely help. To celebrate her victory, Kali danced wildly on the battlefield, bedecking herself with a garland of served heads and a girdle of severed hands.

Intoxicated with Raktabija's blood, Kali ran amuck across the three worlds, destroying everything and everyone in her sight.

To restrain her, Shiva took the form of a corpse and blocked her path. As the goddess, blinded by bloodlust, she tripped on his lifeless body and was jolted out of her frenzy . She wondered if she had killed her own husband. She placed a foot on Shiva's chest and brought him back to life.

Shiva then took the form of a little child and began to cry, stirring maternal love in the heart of Kali. This forced her to shed her fierce form; Kali became Gauri, the radiant mother, bestower of life. By Kyle Tortora

Krishna

One of the most beloved Hindu gods, blue-skinned Krishna is the deity of love and compassion. He is frequently depicted with a flute, which he uses for its seductive powers. Krishna is the central character in the Hindu scripture "Bhagavad Gita" as well as an avatar of Vishnu, the sustainer of the Hindu Trinity. Krishna is widely revered among Hindus, and his followers are known as Vaishnavas.

Rama

Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge, art, and music. She represents the free flow of consciousness. The daughter of Shiva and Durga, Saraswati is the mother of the Vedas. Chants to her, called Saraswati Vandana, often begin and end with lessons in how Saraswati endows human beings with the powers of speech and wisdom.

Das, Subhamoy. "10 of the Most Important Hindu Gods and Goddesses." Learn Religions, May. 17, 2024, learnreligions.com/top-hindu-deities-1770309.

There are more in the Pantheon, so to speak and in studying the world's beliefs it is always a blessing to see the similarities. Naming energies or the characteristics of the energy, aspects, etc. Super cool to look into the Greek, the Yoruba, Norse etc.

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