Are There Really 33 Crore Gods in Hinduism?

Often Westerners across the globe ask Hindus whether they really have 330 million or 33 Crore Gods? While, they are curious to know the truth behind it, 

So, what does the Vedas tell about the Hindu Gods 
To start with, the Rig Veda mentions 3 Gods –  Agni, on earth; Vayu in the air and Surya in the sky. However, further in the Rig-Veda itself this number is increased to thirty-three, of which 11 are said to be on earth, 11 in  heaven, and 11 in mid-air. 
 Yes ’33 Crore Gods’ is a highly misinterpreted fact. The term ‘trayastrimsati koti’ mentioned in Atharva Veda, Yajur Veda, and Satapatha-brahmana, was misunderstood as 33 Crores. The term koti in Sanskrit has two meaning, one is ‘supreme’ and the other is Crore. So, somewhere in translation, we missed the basic fact that Hinduism has 33 Supreme Gods and not 33 Crore Gods. 

But, who are these 33 Gods in Hinduism – What are Their Names?
According to Vedas there are 33 Devas. These Gods are seperated in the following pattern : 12 + 11 + 8 + 2. 12 is the number of Adityas, 11 are the number of Rudras, 8 is the number of Vasus and out of the two left, one is Prajapati, the Master of Gods, and other is a Supereme Ruler who is very powerful. This is not a made up theory but is well documented in Chapter 3, Part 9 of Brihadaranyaka Upanishad where Sage Yajnavalkya is questioned by Sage Sakalya,  

Chapter IX—Yajnavalkya and Vidaghdha
Then Vidaghdha, the son of Sakala, asked him: “How many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?” “How many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?”
“Thirty—three.”
“Very good,” said Sakalya and asked again:”How many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?
 Six.”
“Very good,” said Sakalya and asked again:”How many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?”
“Three.”
“Very good,” said Sakalya and asked again:”How many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?”
“Two.”
“Very good,” said Sakalya and asked again:”How many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?”
“One and a half.“
“Very good,” said Sakalya and asked again:”How many gods are there, Yajnavalkya?”
“One.” “Very good,” said Sakalya and asked:”Which are those thirty three gods?”
“The eight Vasus, the eleven Rudras and the twelve Adityas—these are thirty—one. And Indra and Prajapati make up the thirty—three.”
“Which are the Vasus?” asked Sakalya.
“Fire, the earth, the air, the sky, the sun, heaven, the moon and the stars—these are the Vasus; for inthem all this universe is placed (vasavah). Therefore they are called Vasus.”
“Which are the Rudras?” asked Sakalya.
“The ten organs in the human body, with the mind as the eleventh. When they depart from this mortal body, they make one’s relatives weep. Because they make them weep (rud),therefore they are called Rudras.”
“Which are the Adityas?” asked Sakalya.
“There are twelve months in the year. These are the Adityas, because they move along carrying (adadanah) all this with them; therefore they are called Adityas.”
“Which is Indra and which is Prajapati?” asked Sakalya.
“ The thunderclap is Indra and the sacrifice is Prajapati.”
“Which is the thunderclap?”
“The thunderbolt.”
“Which is the sacrifice?”
“The animals.”

Time For Natural Health Care

HOW TO REDUCE BODY WEIGHT NATURALLY
 

Home » Healthy food » » It Is Prepared Within 5 Minutes, Drink It For 5 Days, And You Will Lose 5 Kilograms

» It Is Prepared Within 5 Minutes, Drink It For 5 Days, And You Will Lose 5 Kilograms

» It Is Prepared Within 5 Minutes, Drink It For 5 Days, And You Will Lose 5 Kilogram

» The excessive weight is due to the excess of fat storage in the body. Fats can seriously damage certain organs in the body such as kidneys, heart, liver, or the joints hips and knees can suffer as well. Fat are a real threat to your overall health condition.

 

Ingredients needed:
-3dl of water
-1 lemon
60 grams of parsley
» Preparation:
» Firstly, squeeze the lemon to get its juice, then cut the parsley into tiny little pieces. Put both ingredients in a bowl and pour the water on top of them.
 Way of consuming:
»  You must consume this drink on an empty stomach for 5 days. After that you should make a pause of 10 days. If you think that is necessary you can repeat the same procedure.
» This drink provides your whole organism with minerals and vitamins and boosts the fat burning process.
» Parsley is useful in the process of ejecting the excess fluids from your body and also improves the digestion process, thus eliminating flatulence.

Excess weight can be described as excessive fat storage in the body. Fat deposits can seriously threaten your overall health and certain organs in the body: the heart, liver, kidneys. Joints, knees and hips are suffering as well.
Persons suffering from obesity usually have higher risks of getting diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, disorders of bile function, gout etc.
If you have problems with excess weight, and you want to reduce it, read this article below because we are about to present a simple drink that will help you achieve that.
Ingredients needed:
– 1 lemon
– 60 grams of parsley
– 3 dl of water
Method of preparation:
First, squeeze the lemon in order to gain its juice and then chop the parsley into small pieces. Put both ingredients in a bowl and pour the water over them.
Way of consuming:
Consume this beverage on an empty stomach for 5 days straight. After that, make a 10-day break. If needed, repeat the whole procedure.
This beverage accelerates the fat burning process and it provides vitamins and minerals to the entire organism.
Parsley improves the digestion process and stimulates the organism to eject excess fluids, thus eliminates flatulence.
- See more at: http://www.timefornaturalhealthcare.com/it-is-prepared-within-5-minutes-it-is-drunk-for-5-days-and-you-will-lose-5-kilograms/#sthash.jROl9ZOD.dpuf

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It Is Prepared Within 5 Minutes, Drink it For 5 Days, And You Will Lose 5 Kilograms! - See more at: http://www.timefornaturalhealthcare.com/it-is-prepared-within-5-minutes-it-is-drunk-for-5-days-and-you-will-lose-5-kilograms/#sthash.jROl9ZOD.dpuf

It Is Prepared Within 5 Minutes, Drink it For 5 Days, And You Will Lose 5 Kilograms! - See more at: http://www.timefornaturalhealthcare.com/it-is-prepared-within-5-minutes-it-is-drunk-for-5-days-and-you-will-lose-5-kilograms/#sthash.jROl9ZOD.dpuf

What is Shiva Linga?( All About the Symbol of Shiva)

What is behind Lord Shiva being represented as a 'Linga?' The popular belief is that the Shiva Linga or Lingam represents the phallus, the emblem of the generative power in nature. According to Swami Sivananda, this is not only a serious mistake, but also a grave blunder.

Shiva Linga: The Symbol for Shiva

In Sanskrit, Linga means a 'mark' or a symbol, which points to an inference. Thus the Shiva Linga is a symbol of Lord Shiva - a mark that reminds of the Omnipotent Lord, which is formless.

Shiva Linga speaks to the devotee in the unmistakable language of silence, and it is only the outward symbol of the formless being, Lord Shiva, who is the undying soul seated in the chambers of your heart, who is your in-dweller, your innermost self or 'Atman,' and who is identical with the supreme 'Brahman.'

The Linga as a Symbol of Creation

The ancient scripture Linga Purana says that the foremost Linga is devoid of smell, colour, taste, etc., and is spoken of as 'Prakriti' or Nature itself. In the post-Vedic period, the Linga became symbolical of the generative power of Lord Shiva.
The Linga is like an egg, and represents the 'Brahmanda' or the cosmic egg.

Linga signifies that the creation is effected by the union of 'Prakriti' and 'Purusha,' the male and the female powers of Nature. Linga also signifies 'Satya,' 'Jnana' and 'Ananta' - Truth, knowledge and Infinity.

The 3 Parts of a Shiva Linga

A Shiva Linga consists of three parts, the lowest of which is called the 'Brahma-Pitha,' the middle one, the 'Vishnu-Pitha' and the uppermost one, the 'Shiva-Pitha.'

The Holiest Shiva Lingas of India

There are 12 'Jyotir-lingas' and 5 'Pancha-bhuta Lingas' in India. The dozen Jyotir-lingas are: Kedarnath, Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath, Baijnath, Rameswar, Ghrusneswar, Bhimshankar, Mahakal, Mallikarjun, Amaleshwar, Nageshwar and Tryambakeshwar. The 5 Pancha-bhuta Lingas are: Kalahastishwar, Jambukeshwar, Arunachaleshwar, Ekambareshwar of Kanjivaram and Nataraja of Chidambaram. The temple of Lord Mahalinga at Tiruvidaimarudur known also as Madhyarjuna is regarded as the great Shiva temple of South India.

The Quartz Shiva Linga

The 'Sphatika-linga' is made up of quartz.

It is prescribed for the deepest kind of worship of Lord Shiva. It has no color of its own, but takes on the color of the substance which comes in contact with it. It represents the 'Nirguna Brahman' or the attribute-less Supreme Self or the formless Shiva.

What the Linga Means to Devotees

There is a mysterious or indescribable power or 'Shakti' in the Linga, to induce concentration of the mind, and helps focus one's attention. That is why the ancient sages and seers of India prescribed Linga to be installed in the temples of Lord Shiva.
For a sincere devotee, the Linga is not merely a block of stone. It is all-radiant - talks to him, raises him above body-consciousness, and helps to communicate with the Lord. Lord Rama worshiped the Shiva Linga at Rameshwaram. Ravana, the learned scholar, worshiped the golden Linga for its mystical powers.

Uma Shakti Peeth Vrindavan – 51 Shakti Peethas(divine place)

Uma Shakti Peetha located in Vrindavan is one of the 51 Shaktipeethas where the ‘Ringlets of Hair’ of Devi Sati have fallen. Here the worship idols are – Devi as Uma (also known as another name of Goddess Parvati) and Lord Shiva as Bhootesh.
 The location of temple is very clear in Vrindavan, near new bus stand on Bhuteshwar road within Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple. Vrindavan also known as Vraj, is a town in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India, is one such sacred town situated on the banks of the holy river Yamuna. It is 150 Kms from Delhi and is approachable by rail and road. The town was named after a tulsi grove which existed here during the ancient times. Vrinda is the other name for the sacred Tulsi (Basil) plant. Vrindavan is a famous pilgrimage site where Lord Krishna is worshiped day and night.

CONCEPT OF DEATH ACCORDING TO VALMIKI RAMAYANA (VEDIC CONCEPT)

                                             Valmiki Ramayana on Death


All ripe fruits must drop down from the tree. Even so a man has to wait the inevitable hour of death. - 105-17
Even as a mansion with firm and massive pillars dilapidates, so do mortal men, decayed and withered by efflux of time, fall a prey to ruthless death withered by old age and eventually die. 105-18
A night that flies returns no more even as the waters of the Yamuna river flowing into the sea do not roll back from the same. - 105-19
Death closely follows a man wherever he goes and wherever he sits, and returns with him until his journey ends, however long may be the distance travelled. 105-23
Wrinkles begin to appear all over the body and the hairs turn grey. Man's mortal frame is crumbled by old age. What can mortal power avail? -105-28
There is not one who can live as he intends to. What power then has he over the death of those for which he grieves? -105-28
As a bystander on a road coming across a batch of travellers says he will also follow them, even so do we follow the footsteps of our grandfathers. How can a person grieve when he is in that track from which he cannot swerve? - 105-29/30.
Like a torrent that cannot flow back, past life cannot be retraced. Life should therefore be directed towards happiness, as bliss is the heritage of man. -105-31
Just as a tidal wave brings together two logs in a boundless ocean and another wave separates them, even so wives and children, relatives and wealth hold us and separate themselves to meet no more. Not one can avoid the common lot of all. The separation of these is certain. -105-27.
At the dawn men are delighted with their acquisitions and at sunset they revel in nocturnal pleasures. But they never reflect to see that their life is shortened by each sunrise and sunset. 105-24.
Men rejoice at the advent of every new season that comes afresh. But few realise their lives' decay as the seasons smile. 105-26.
Just as the sun's rays evaporate quickly all water during summer, even so the rolling days and nights steal our moments as they fly. 105-20.
Why do you lament for others? Grieve for yourself as every moment of yours is gradually taking away your life whether you remain stationary or move about. 105-21.
All accumulated treasures perish. Every climax has an anti-climax. All unions end in separation and all life must come to an end. 105-16.
It is an old saying that all beings lose their sense when they are near their end of life. 106-13.
A courageous and intelligent man shall avoid in all moods and states, these various forms of grief, lamentations and cries.

10 Immortals of Hindu Mythology

India's mysterious secret past

ROLE OF NAKSHATRAS/CONSTELLATION ON AN INDIVIDUAL IN HIS/HER HOROSCOPE ACCORDING TO VEDIC ASTROLOGY

How to co-relate the Nakshatras to the planets in an individual?s Horoscope

The sky is considered as a stage and the planets are said to be the players on the stage. The screen behind the players represents the backdrop of the sky, which keeps on changing with every new act in the play. The Nakshatras form the designs on this screen. The situation is similar to a singer singing on the stage while projections on the screen behind him can be changed with different colours or scenes, which the director of the program decides. When we talk of the Moon in an individual?s birth chart, the rising asterism nearest to the degrees of Moon at the time of one?s birth in the backdrop of the sky, will be considered as ‘Janma Nakshatra’, or the Asterism in which ones Moon is placed.

How they help us

The Nakshatras form a major ‘anga’ or a major element of the Hindu Panchanga. They are used while choosing a Muhurtha in Electional Astrology.
They guide us to the first letter of an infant?s name at the time of ‘Naamkaran’ or naming ceremony of an infant. The Nakshatras also guide us during matchmaking. They are help us find how each planet in the horoscope will function. This forms the study of another domain of astrology known as ‘Nakshatra Paddhaty’.

Janma Nakshatra

The Moon placed in a particular Nakshatra decides the mental bearings of the Native they would be, and if they are not in required levels, then the remedial measures of the Moons Nakshatra Lord Owner have to be undertaken for pacifying and strengthening the Moon so as to decrease the malefic effects and bring an increase in the benefic one.

In Astrology, there are umpteen uses of the Nakshatras for gauging celestial influences on human lives. This can produce many hard paperback volumes if one decides to write a thesis on it.

108 Beads of the Japa Mala

Those who are aware of the Hindu rosary or the ‘Japa Mala’ for counting of Mantras must be aware that there are 108 beads in the mala, and it has a staunch reason behind it.
A circular pizza may be compared to the sky. Cutting a pizza into 27 equal parts would cover a span of 360 degrees correspondingly in the sky which we address as the zodiac. Each Nakshatra too would thus measure an arc of 13.20 degrees in the Zodiac.

The ancient Indian astrologers have always preferred precision in their studies. They have further subdivided this arc of 13.20 degrees into four parts of 3.20 degrees each known as ‘Padas’. So we now have 27 x 4 = 108 Padas. This is the reason for 108 beads in the ‘Japa Mala’. It is a belief that when a person recites one full mala of 108 mantras, he asks for forgiveness and also requests for blessings from each part of the zodiac which influence every small and big affair of human existence. In short, asking for grace from the Omnipresent, Omniscient and the Omnipotent Lord under whose domain the whole zodiac is contained. In same way, in the scriptures, the Nakshatras too are considered to be divine beings, worthy of being worshipped through the Lords of these Nakshatras who are the Navgrahas or the nine planets in Hindu Astrology.

In other words, we have 27 Nakshatras with four charans each. Multiply 27 x 4 and you get 108. So when you take 108 names of the Lord, you are practising remedial measures for every planet in your chart, because all the Lords of these charans are nothing but manifestations of the Supreme itself. 108 Padas mean all the degrees of the Zodiac covered. By taking 108 names of the Lord, you have paid obeisance to all the portions of this Universe.

The Zodiac in Astrology consists of the following:

1. The Zodiac of 360 degrees divided into 12 parts each of 30 degrees are named as the Zodiac signs in the order- Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces owned by the 7 + 2 = 9 planets, where the seven planets comprise of the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn while the other two are shadowy planets (Invisible) called as Rahu, Ketu or the Dragon’s Head and the Dragon’s Tail respectively in western astrology. They are the Northern and Southern nodes of the Moon.

2. Further, the divisions are followed by the 27 Nakshatras each measuring 13.20 degrees arc of the Zodiac. This is then followed by 108 Charans or Padas as explained above.

Below given are the names of the 27 Nakshatras and a list of their other attributes. Kindly note that the list is not exhaustive.

Nakshatra	Lord	Yoni	Guna	Presiding Diety
1. Ashwini.	Ketu	Horse	Deva	Ashwini Kumar
2. Bhairini	Venus	Elephant	Manushya	Yama
3. Krittika.	Sun	Goat	Rakshasa	Agni
4. Rohini.	Moon	Serpent	Manushya	Brahma
5. Mrigasira.	Mars	Serpent	Deva	Soma
6. Ardra	Rahu	Dog	Manushya	Rudra
7. P.Vasu.	Jupiter	Cat	Deva	Aditi
8. Pushya	Saturn	Goat	Deva	Brihaspati
9. Aslesha.	Mercury	Cat	Rakshasa	Ahi
10. Magha.	Ketu	Rat	Rakshasa	Pitragana
11. P.Phalguni.	Venus	Rat	Manushya	Bhagya
12. U. halguni.	Sun	Cow	Manushya	Surya
13. Hasta.	Moon	Buffalo	Deva	Savita
14. Chitra.	Mars	Tiger	Rakshasa	Vishwakarma
15. Swati.	Rahu	Buffalo	Deva	Pawan
16. Visakha.	Jupiter	Tiger	Rakshasa	Satragni
17. Anuradha.	Saturn	Deer	Deva	Mitra
18. Jyestha.	Mercury	Deer	Rakshasa	Indra
19. Moola.	Ketu	Dog	Rakshasa	Nirriti
20. P.asadha.	Venus	Monkey	Manushya	Toya
21. U.asadha.	Sun	Mongoose	Manushya	Vishwadeva
22. Shravana.	Moon	Monkey	Deva	Hari
23. Dhanista.	Mars	Lion	Rakshasa	Vasu
24. Satabisa.	Rahu	Horse	Rakshasa	Varuna
25. P.Bhadra.	Jupiter	Lion	Manushya	Ajapada
26. U.Bhadra.	Saturn	Cow	Manushya	Abhibadhnu
27. Revati	Mercury	Elephant	Deva	Pushan

Note that the above list has to be applied with caution while delineating results and not clinging strictly to the literal dictionary meanings of the words mentioned above. For instance, a person who is born in a Nakshatra whose symbolic representation is a tiger, it has got certain denotations which only an expert astrologer would be able to guide on and one must not stick to the literal translated meaning of these. For example, in matchmaking the Yonis representation will guide the astrologer as to how well the partners are compatible. Same goes with the Gana ‘Rakshasa’. For instance, in matchmaking again the astrologer would see whether the Ganas match or not between the partners and whether the prospective bride and bridegroom have each ‘Rakshasa’ and ‘Dev Gana’ then the matchmaker may deny the match because a God and a Demon cannot marry or live happily. Of course, this would be subject to other conditions too.

POVERTY IN LIFE DUE TO KEMDRUM AND SHAKAT YOGA IN HOROSCOPE( VEDIC ASTROLOGY )

There are twelve houses in our horoscope. Each house signifies as aspect of life, such as romance, career, family etc. According to Vedic Astrology, there are only nine planets, so each horoscope chart has few empty houses. Empty houses represent aspects of life for any reason. The position of the Sun and Moon along with other planets influence us a lot according to their placement in our horoscope and our life. The positions of the planets are studied in relation to their influence on the sun sign. Finally, the Moon sign and position is studied in relation to the rest of the astrological chart. So, astrology is measured the best way to know one’s past, present and future exactly. To understand astrological predictions, an expert Vedic Astrologer should have complete knowledge about planets, their positions, their nature, and their relations to each other, so that he can predict accurately about one’s life.

Due to the incorrect placements of in auspicious planets and their effects in our horoscope, we have to suffer a lot in our daily life and face many hindrances. In the same way if we have Kemdrum and Shakat yoga in our kundali, it can deprive us from money and one cannot lead a peaceful life despite of doing a lot of hard work. These yogs stop the way of your success and happiness. They also weaken the good effects of other planets and increase the bad effects of malice planets. They also enhance the despair, hopelessness, anger, shouting nature, problems due to bad company and the main cause of our failure.

REASONS FOR THE OBSTACLES IN OUR LIFE

Our heart directs all our activities as moon leads our heart. And whatever we do in our daily life it is just because of the moon as all our activities are directed by moon. The strong ness and auspiciousness of Moon lead to good thoughts, strong will power and also our determination. In contrary of it weak Moon can change our qualities in to negativity. Thus it is very important to have a planet near Moon or with Moon in order to control the Moon effects. According to Vedic Astrology Kemdrum Yoga is the result of uncontrollable Moon.

HOW TO WARD OFF THE EFFECTS OF KEMDRUM YOGA

If you have the above yoga in your horoscope, you should do the following remedies.

•Do jaap of Vedic Mantras of Moon. If you are not able to do it you can take the help of an expert Astrologer so that you can get the maximum benefits. This yog can be weakened or finished if you do Dashansh Hawan of this jaap, dashansh tarpan of this hawan, dashansh marzan of this tarpan and dashansh bhog of this marjan a brahman.

•Do some charity related to Chandra grah on Monday or Purnamasi to diminish the effects of Kemdrum yog.

•Go to Shiv Mandir and worship Lord Shiva’s Shivling with milk.

•Do Rudrabhishek in Shravan month.

•You can easily lessen the effects of Kemdrum yoga by worshipping at least one Jyotirling out of twelve.

•You should get this puja done by an expert and learned Jyotishacharya to get the maximum results.

SHAKAT YOGA

If Gajkesari yoga is developing due to the combination of Chandra- Brahaspati in centre and if Moon or Brahaspati is placed in 8th place or sixth from lagna, it can create the inauspicious Shakat yoga. You can face a lot of problems due to this yoga like betray, loss of money and unsuccessful life despite of your hard work.

HOW TO GET RID OF THIS YOGA

You should get this puja done by an expert and learned jyotishacharya ji to get the maximum results.

•Do jaap of Vedic mantra of Brahaspati from the 11000 Vedic mantra of Moon. Do the dashansh hawan of jaap, dashansh tarpan of hawan, dashansh marjan of tarpan and dashansh food of marjan to a brahman.

•Do charity of things related of Brahaspati grah and Chandra grah.

•So you can easily ward off all the obstacles and hindrance from your life if you do the remedies according to Vedic astrology.

Astrology is the study of stars, Planets and their effects on human beings. Astrology is the communication of stars and planetary positions at the time of birth. Astrology is a perfect science as it has developed over the centuries on the basis of observations and numerical analysis, along with speculations and extra-sensory observations. Astrology studies the relationship between the changing sky and our fate, world events. There is a planetary dance on the grand scale and one the close scale, going on for each of us. Astrology is the study of this astrological chart, as well as the prediction for future based on how other astrological phenomena might influence the astrology readings. The understanding of horoscope chart is also a large part of the art of astrology, and is necessary for correct predictions. So it’s high time to seek the help of Vedic Astrologer through an expert Vedic astrologer.

THE MYSTERY OF( Shiva & Shakti)

"Utterly fearless and uninhibited it is this consciousness that brings
into manifestation and sustains the infinite
variety of beings, from the creator to the
blade of grass. It is ever dynamic and active,
yet it is more inactive than a rock and is more
unaffected by such activity than space."
(Yoga Vashishtha - 5:23)

Shiva represents the unmanifest and Shakti the manifest; Shiva the formless and Shakti the formed; Shiva consciousness and Shakti energy, not only in the cosmos as a whole but in each and every individual. The roots of Shakti are in Shiva. Though one is manifested and the other unmanifested, they are in the ultimate sense one and the same One is the principle of changelessness and the other, the principle of change- Shakti is change within changelessness while Shiva is changelessness as the root of change. The experience of perfect unity of the changeless and the changeable, the dissolution of duality, is the aim of Tantra, and thus of Yoga.
Everything you see around you, whether physical, psychic, mental or whatever, is Shakti, both individually and collectively. This includes everything from a pebble to the sun. All manifestations of Shakti come from the underlying substratum, Shiva. The aim of Tantra is to invert the process to retread the path of creation as it were, back to union with Shiva or the Paramatman (supreme).
Tantra says that Shakti or the power of creating separate centres of manifestation (i.e. objects, individuals, etc.) is in essence consciousness itself (Shiva). However, the power of the phenomenal world around us veils itself through the power of maya. Each and everything in the created universe is actually no more than manifested consciousness and even though everything comes from it, there is no change in the nature of consciousness. From Shiva comes the universe as a whole and everything individually through the power of Shakti, yet Shiva remains the same. The eternal wonder and mystery is that Shiva and Shakti are one and the same.
Tantra regards the material universe as the form, pattern, or expression of the totality. According to Tantra both the manifest and unmanifest are real; to tell someone that the things around him are unreal is nonsensical, because his experience on normal levels of awareness is otherwise. The world, says Tantra, must be regarded as real. One must utilise the body, mind and environment to know that which is beyond. Other systems, like Vedanta, regard the universe as unreal because it changes, but Tantra states that everything, whether changing or changeless, is 'real'; both are no more than two different aspects of the totality.
Shiva is father (pita) of all that moves and is motionless; he is said to be naked, clothed in open space, or digambara, (clothed in the universe). Now he is usually depicted as wearing a tiger skin and holding a trident which represents the three gunas of which he is the eternal master. He is said to ride a bull called Nandi and contains within himself the seeds of creation. He is symbolised by the shiva lingam and is totally unconditioned, in a continual state of nirvikalpa samadhi. Shiva is the king of all yogis - Yogeshwara - for he represents the supreme experience. He is also known as Kuleshana, lord of the kaulas, those who have reached the highest stage of Tantra (Kaulachara).
Shiva has many aspects. Sometimes he is called 'Rudra', the destroyer, who appears to be more like Shakti in nature (the dissolving aspect). This merely emphasises that the active and the inactive, manifest and unmanifest, are really one and the same. All the personifications or deities eventually represent exactly the same thing- the absolute. Only the symbol is different. If you wish you can create your own deity. The widespread worship of vast numbers of dieties indicates the incredible complexity (yet underlying simplicity) and tolerance of the all-embracing spiritual climate of India.
Shakti also has many names and aspects. She is known as 'prana' when associated with the organisation and growth of matter in all forms of life. She is 'kundalini' - the power that lies dormant in everything and which can be unleashed through yogic and tantric practices. She is called 'Kali', the dissolver of the world, who withdraws everything into her womb at the end of the allotted life-span or yuga. She is depicted as 'Parvati', the epitome of the loving and faithful consort of Shiva. She is the primordial power- 'Adya', the universal mother, 'Ishwari' - the consort of Ishwara Lord of the universe. Shakti is also referred to as 'Avidya rupini' (the form of ignorance), for it is she who produces ignorance and individuality. Conversely, she is known as 'Vidya, rupini', (the form of knowledge) for she is the means of removing bondage and achieving liberation or enlightenment.
The 'Kularnava Tantra' says, "By that which one falls, so one will raise oneself". Shakti is the mind of each one of us which can either enslave us or free us. She is 'Maya', (the creator of illusion), for it is through her power that one fails to see 'reality'. At the same time it is through the power of Shakti that the world is experienced; through her that Shiva can experience himself. Shakti is para brahman, the absolute, when she becomes a brahman at the time when Shiva and Shakti unite. Endless different forms of Shakti are worshipped in India - 'Uma', 'Gaud', 'Durga' - her forms are infinite, for there is no end to her power and manifestation. Her forms are as numerous as the reflections of the moon. Continually active, creating, sustaining and dissolving everything into Shiva, only to be re-created - this is the unending process of Shakti.
The concept of Shakti and Shiva is by no means confined to India. In Plato's 'Phaedrus', a book of the ancient Greeks, he states "What is on earth is merely the resemblance and shadow of something that is in a higher sphere, a resplendent thing which remains in an unchangeable condition." The ancient Gnostics were really a European tantric sect which interpreted Christianity in the light of higher experience. One of the Gnostic mystics, Simon the Magus, is reputed to have said, "The universal eons consist of two branches, without beginning or end, which spring from one root.........the invisible power and the unknowable silence. One of these branches is manifested from above and is the universal consciousness ordering all things and is designated male. The other branch is female and is the producer of all things."
The Gnostics divided man into three distinct groups in the same manner as does Tantra. The lowest group in terms of awareness, are those who worship the material world- 'pashu' in Tantra, The second group includes those who worship an underlying reality with blind faith devoid of experience- 'veer' in Tantra, The third group are those wild live in higher awareness - 'divya' in Tantra. So the ancient system of Gnosticism is fundamentally tantric in nature, and many other systems throughout the world are very similar. Energy, including matter and consciousness, are functioning together in the cosmos as well as in each and every human being. This combination gives rise to the world we see around us, to time and to place. Energy is controlled by consciousness and consciousness cannot express itself except through energy. As Sri Adi Shankaracharya writes in the first sloka of his 'Saundarya Lahari', the sixty-fifth Tantra: 'How can Shiva function without Shakti?' Therefore Tantra says that in order to merge with consciousness, one must take the help of Shakti.
There is a supreme experience where Shiva and Shakti no longer exist as separate entities. Some call it 'Brahman', others refer to it as being 'Not this, not this', meaning that it is inexpressible, while still others say that it is one without a second. This is the state of nirvana, samadhi, perfect oneness, moksha or enlightenment. It is the state where Shiva merges so closely with Shakti that they become one. They embrace each other so tightly that they cease to be separate. And this is the meaning of the many 'seemingly' erotic sculptures which personify these two principles - Shiva and Shakti. They symbolise that enraptured state where separateness is no more. This is 'The divine embrace of Tantra'.

Shiva Sthuthi By Prophet’s Uncle Umar-Bin-E-Hassham

I have posted articles on the existence of Hinduism, Sanatana Dharma in Mesopotamia,including the Arabian Peninsula.
These articles were about the Kaaba, Mecca being a Hindu place of worship and there is a Shiva Linga;King Vikramadhitya’s Inscription is found there.
I shall be posting a detailed article on the History of Kaaba.
In the meanwhile, I would like to share a Poem, Stuthi on Lord Shiva by Umar-Bin-E-Hassham, an Uncle of Prophet Muhammad.
Muhammad’s uncle was one of the resident priests of the Shiv temple known as “Kaaba”.

Poem on Lord Shiva By Prophet’s Uncle.

The Shiva Sloka
Kafavomal fikra min ulumin Tab asayru
Kaluwan amataul Hawa was Tajakhru
We Tajakhayroba udan Kalalwade-E Liboawa
Walukayanay jatally, hay Yauma Tab asayru
Wa Abalolha ajabu armeeman MAHADEVA
Manojail ilamuddin minhum wa sayattaru
Wa Sahabi Kay-yam feema-Kamil MINDAY Yauman
Wa Yakulum no latabahan foeennak Tawjjaru
Massayaray akhalakan hasanan Kullahum
Najumum aja- at Summa gabul HINDU

Translation.
The man who may spend his life in sin
and irreligion or waste it in lechery and wrath
If at least he relent and return to
righteousness can he be saved?
If but once he worship Mahadeva with a pure
heart, he will attain the ultimate in spirituality.
Oh Lord Shiva exchange my entire life for but
a day’s sojourn in India where one attains salvation.
But one pilgrimage there secures for one all
merit and company of the truly great.

शिव नटराज स्तुति - Shiva Natraj Stuti(PRAYER OF LORD SHIVA/NATRAJ FORM)

नटराज स्तुति

सत सृष्टि तांडव रचयिता
नटराज राज नमो नमः
हेआद्य गुरु शंकर पिता
नटराज राज नमो नमः

गंभीर नाद मृदंगना धबके उरे ब्रह्माडना
नित होत नाद प्रचंडना
नटराज राज नमो नमः

शिर ज्ञान गंगा चंद्रमा चिद्ब्रह्म ज्योति ललाट मां
विषनाग माला कंठ मां
नटराज राज नमो नमः

तवशक्ति वामांगे स्थिता हे चंद्रिका अपराजिता
चहु वेद गाए संहिता
नटराज राज नमोः

Vedasaara Shiva Stotram/PRAYER OF LORD SHIVA FROM VEDAS

श्री शंकराचार्य  (Adi Shankaracharya)

पशूनां पतिं पापनाशं परेशं
गजेन्द्रस्य कृत्तिं वसानं वरेण्यम्
जटाजूटमध्ये स्फुरद्गाङ्गवारिं
महादेवमेकं स्मरामि स्मरारिम्  ॥१॥

I remember the only Mahādeva, Who is the enemy of Smara (Kāmadeva), Who is the Lord of the animals for sacrifice, Who destroys the sins, Who is the Lord beyond everyone, Who has a cloth made from elephant-skin, Who is the best, and Who has a shaking stream of Gańgā in the midst of the matted-hair locks.||1||

महेशं सुरेशं सुरारातिनाशं
विभुं विश्वनाथं विभूत्यङ्गभूषम्
विरूपाक्षमिन्द्वर्कवह्नित्रिनेत्रं
सदानन्दमीडे प्रभुं पञ्चवक्त्रम् ॥२॥

I praise Lord Śiva, Who is Maheśa, Who is the Lord of demi-gods, Who destroys the grief of demi-gods, Who is resplendent, Who is the Lord of the world, Who has abundant ornaments, Who has variegated (colorful) eyes, Who has the Sun, the Moon and the Fire as three eyes, Who is always blissful, and Who has five-heads.||2||

गिरीशं गणेशं गले नीलवर्णं
गवेन्द्राधिरूढं गुणातीतरूपम्
भवं भास्वरं भस्मना भूषिताङ्गं
भवानीकलत्रं भजे पञ्चवक्त्रम् ॥३॥

I adore Lord Śiva, Who is the Lord of the Himālaya, Who is the Leader of Gaṇa, Who has a blue-colored throat, Who sits on the best among bulls, Whose true nature is beyond the qualities, Who is the universe, Who is resplendent, Who is adorned with ashes, Who is the consort of Bhavānī, and Who has five-heads.||3||

शिवाकान्त शंभो शशाङ्कार्धमौले
महेशान शूलिञ्जटाजूटधारिन्
त्वमेको जगद्व्यापको विश्वरूपः
प्रसीद प्रसीद प्रभो पूर्णरूप ॥४॥

O Śambhu, Who is the resplendence of Śivā, Who has the half-moon on the forehead, Who is the great Īśāna, Who holds a trident, and Who has matted-hair tress-locks! You are the only One pervading in this universe, manifesting as the world. O Lord, Who is complete! Please be happy. Be happy.||4||

परात्मानमेकं जगद्बीजमाद्यं
निरीहं निराकारमोंकारवेद्यम्
यतो जायते पाल्यते येन विश्वं
तमीशं भजे लीयते यत्र विश्वम् ॥५॥

That Lord — Who is beyond the Ātman, Who is the only One, Who is the fundamental element of the world, Who is the beginning, Who is without passion, Who is without form, and Who is propounded by the ॐ-kāra — Who gives birth, nourishes, and deludes this whole universe, I adore that One.||5||

न भूमिर्नं चापो न वह्निर्न वायु-
र्न चाकाशमास्ते न तन्द्रा न निद्रा
न गृष्मो न शीतं न देशो न वेषो
न यस्यास्ति मूर्तिस्त्रिमूर्तिं तमीडे ॥६॥

That Lord, Who is not the ground, Who is not the water, Who is not the fire, Who is not the wind, Who is not the skies, Who is not the sleep or deep-sleep, Who is not the heat, Who is not the cold, Who is not a country, Who is not a physical form, and Who does not possess a form — I praise that Lord in the trinity-form.||6||

अजं शाश्वतं कारणं कारणानां
शिवं केवलं भासकं भासकानाम्
तुरीयं तमःपारमाद्यन्तहीनं
प्रपद्ये परं पावनं द्वैतहीनम् ॥७॥

I take the refuge in Śiva, Who is without birth, Who is eternal, Who is the reason behind all the reasons, Who is the Only One, Who shines everything that shine others, Who is turīya (pure impersonal state of soul), Who is beyond darkness (tamas), Who is without a beginning and an end, Who is beyond everyone, Who is pure, and Who is without duality.||7||

नमस्ते नमस्ते विभो विश्वमूर्ते
नमस्ते नमस्ते चिदानन्दमूर्ते
नमस्ते नमस्ते तपोयोगगम्य
नमस्ते नमस्ते श्रुतिज्ञानगम्य ॥८॥

I bow to You, I bow to You, O Śiva, Who is resplendent in all the wordly-manifestions! I bow to You, I bow to You, O Śiva, Who is the idol of complete bliss! I bow to You, I bow to You, O Śiva, Who is reachable by penance and Yoga! I bow to You, I bow to you, O Śiva, Who is reachable by Veda and knowledge.||8||

प्रभो शूलपाणे विभो विश्वनाथ
महादेव शंभो महेश त्रिनेत्र
शिवाकान्त शान्त स्मरारे पुरारे
त्वदन्यो वरेण्यो न मान्यो न गण्यः ॥९॥

O Lord, Who holds a trident in hands, Who is the resplendent Lord of the world, Who is Mahādeva, Who is Śambhu, Who is the great Lord, Who has three eyes, Who is the resplendence of Śivā, Who is serene, Who slayed Smara (Kāma), and Who slayed Pura! There is nothing better or different from You which is countable or respectable.||9||

शंभो महेश करुणामय शूलपाणे
गौरीपते पशुपते पशुपाशनाशिन्
काशीपते करुणया जगदेतदेक-
स्त्वंहंसि पासि विदधासि महेश्वरोऽसि ॥१०॥

O Śambhu, Who is Maheśa, Who is full of compassion, Who holds a trident, Who is the Lord of Gaurī, Who is the Lord of sacrificed animals, Who destroys the shackles of animals, Who is the Lord of Kāśī! Only You are with compassion in this world. You are the great Lord, Who destroys, protects, and holds the world.||10||

त्वत्तो जगद्भवति देव भव स्मरारे
त्वय्येव तिष्ठति जगन्मृड विश्वनाथ
त्वय्येव गच्छति लयं जगदेतदीश
लिङ्गात्मके हर चराचरविश्वरूपिन् ॥११॥

O Deva, Who is the universe, Who slays Smara! This world emanates from You. O Mṛḍa, Who is the Lord of the world! The world sits inside You. O Īśa, O Hara, Who pervades the entire universe as moving and unmoving forms! This world finally contracts into Your egg-shaped form (lińga) during deluge.||11||

VIRAT SHAKTI PEETH(51 SHAKTI PEETH /DIVINE PLACE)

Virat Shakti Peeth is among the 51 Shakti Peeth of Maa Sati. It is said that, the left leg Maa Sati fell here, when lord Vishnu in order to relieve lord Shiva from grief of losing his wife Sati, used his ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ to incise maa Sati Body. Then, at the place of fall of left leg, this temple was constructed. Virat Shakti Peeth is situated in Bharatpur in Rajasthan, India. Here the idol of maa Sati is called as ‘Ambika’ and the lord Shiva is worshipped as ‘Amriteshwar’.

History of Virat Peeth

History to this place dates back in the time when it is said that the left leg of Maa Sati fell to this place. Best information about the origin and the formation of this temple, people can be taken from with local people. Religious books, Purans etc are worth trying to find out the history about the Shakti Peeth.

Festivals in Virat temple

1. Makar Sankranti, Sharad Purnima, Deepawali, Somvati Amavasya, Ram Navami are some of the other important festivals being celebrated here.
2. Navratri that falls two times in a year- one in the month of March or April and other in the September or October month depending on the Hindu calendar, is among the major festival here. Navratri are celebrated for over 9 days, with some people not eating any type of food that is derived from the soil for these nine days. Special ceremonies and rituals are carried during these days
3. Another festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm is the ‘Shivaratri’ and during this day, people keep fast, pour milk on the Shiv Lingam and offers ‘Bail’ (A type of fruit) to the god idol.
4. People (Almost every day) offer their offering to the god in form of fruit, milk, homemade sweets etc

Bheemakali Temple or Vibhasha Shakti Peeth is among the 51 Shakti Peeth

Bheemakali Temple or Vibhasha Shakti Peeth is among the 51 Shakti Peeth of Maa Sati, located on the banks of the River Roopnarayana at Tamluk village, Purab Medinipur in West Bengal, India. It is the place where Devi Sati’s left ankle fell. Here Devi is worshipped as Kapalini or Bhimarupa and Lord Shiva as Sarvanand.
In the Sanctorum of the temple, there is a large ‘Shiv Ling’ and it is made of black stone. Priest and pilgrims worship here and Ygya are also carried from time to time. All around the ‘Shiv Ling’ is the White marble boundary. The temple is also known as Bheemakali Temple.

History and Significance
History to this Bheemakali Temple dates back in the time when it is said that the left ankle of Maa Sati fell to this place.
Tamluk village is also considered as an important Vaishnava Tirtha. According to Jaimini Mahabharat and Kashidas Mahabharat, Lord Krishna came to Tamluk and released the Divine Horse of Ashwameda Yagna. Tamluk is considered sacred as it is sanctified by the lotus feet of Lord Krishna.

13 things that prove Indian Mythological Literature is full of Scientific Innnovations.

Vedas and ancient Indian science theories are often considered as the most advanced works in the world from their era. There are scientists taking who are fascinated by the knowledge of the ancient Indian scholars and dedicated their life researching on the ancient Indian Science.
The list here presents 13 greatest ever inventions of ancient Indian science.

 1. They knew the existence of solar system long before.
 Rig Veda 1.35.9
“The sun moves in its own orbit but holding earth and other heavenly bodies in a manner that they do not collide with each other through force of attraction.

 2.  They Theorized gravity way before the western world.

The verse 10.22.14 of Rig Veda says
“This earth is devoid of hands and legs, yet it moves ahead. All the objects over the earth also move with it. It moves around the sun”.

 3. They knew the speed of light way before the rest of the world knew it.

A Vedic scholar by the name of Sayana discovered the speed of light back in the 14th century AD.
His quote  which translates to
“With deep respect, I bow to the sun, who travels 2,202 yojanas in half a nimesha.”
A yojana is approximately 9 miles; a nimesha is 16/75 of a second.
So,  2,202 yojanas x 9 miles x 75/8 nimeshas = 185,794 miles per second which is remarkably equal to the actual value of 186 282.397 miles per second.

Also read: World’s Oldest Active Aircraft Carrier INS Viraat all set to be a Museum in Andhra Pradesh.

 4. They knew the science behind eclipses when the rest of the world was scared thinking eclipses are caused by some sort of black magic.

Rig Veda 5.40.5 has a phrase which translates to
“O Sun! When you are blocked by the one whom you gifted your own light (moon), then earth will be surprised by the sudden darkness.”
This is a remarkably accurate description of a solar eclipse.
The Vedas’ detailed descriptions of the universe, planets, and other phenomena demonstrates the vast knowledge of the people of those times far before modern civilization even started to exist.

 5. They accurately predicted the distance between Sun and Earth.

“Yug sahasra yojana par bhanu,
leelyo taahi madhura phal jaanu” 
-Hanuman Chalisa
The above verse written by Tulasidas in Hanuman chalisa translates to how “The Surya, situated thousands of Yojanas(a unit of distance) away was swallowed by Hanuman thinking it to be a fruit”
Here
1 Yuga = 12000 years
1 Sahsra Yuga = 12000000 years.
Also, 1 Yojan = 8 miles
So, Yug Sahsra Yojan(the first three words) would mean 12000*12000000*8 = 96000000 miles.
Converting it to kilometers, 96000000 X 1.6 = 153,600,000 kms
Actual distance from earth to sun = 152,000,000 kms(error of around 1%)
How cool is that??

 6. They measured the circumference of the Earth.
 Brahmagupta in the 7th century CE proposed that the circumference of the Earth to be 36,000 km, which is close to the actual figure of 40,075 km, with an error margin of 1%.

 7. They estimated the Length of an Year.
 Surya Sidhhanta speaks of 4 ways to measure the length of an year namely “Nakshatra“, “Savana“, “Lunar” and “Saura“,  of these The Saura method accurately estimates the length of year to be 365 days, 6 hours 12 mins and 30 seconds. If you are still wondering how they could do it go and visit temples at Konark or Humpi where you will find the incredibly complex and technically correct architecture systems of the temples that use the sunlight to measure the length of the day and year.

 8. They deduced Pi value.

Aryabhata worked on the approximation of value of pi () and came to the conclusion that is irrational and is approximately 3.1416 in 499 CE when he was 23 years old.
He can be considered as one of the smartest brains of ancient India because  because the irrationality of pi was proved in Europe only in 1761 by Lambert.
Not to mention, he even derived the values of sine & cos and gave birth to the concept of trigonometry.

 9. They Theorized that earth is a sphere.

Although the discovery of Earth being round  is credited to  Greek astronomers . Interestingly, Indian astronomers had already claimed that Sun is a star and that earth is spherical long before the Greeks. It is documented that various attempts had been made to measure the circumference of earth during the Vedic periods.  Aryabhatta deduced a formulation which proves that the Earth is  rotating on an axis. By estimating the value of pi to be 3.1416 he deduced the circumference of earth to be 39736 Kilometers which is only 100 kilometers below its true value.
In fact, in his book Aryabhatiya, he also asserts that the movement of heavenly bodies like the sun, the stars are all relative, and only earth is moving.
“Just as a passenger in a boat moving downstream sees the stationary (trees on the river banks) as traversing upstream, so does an observer on earth see the fixed stars as moving towards the west at exactly the same speed (at which the earth moves from west to east.”
-translated from Aryabhatiya Gola 9

 10. They build the worlds first underground drainage system.
 Indus valley civilization designed the worlds first Underground sanitation system back in 3300–1300 BCE which was adopted by the rest of the world centuries later. They are also the first civilization to create modern sanitation.

 11. They theorized and actually implemented the concept of surgical procedures using surgical tools centuries before the rest of the world.

The Sushruta Samhita written by Sushruta is the earliest medical encyclopedia known to world being written during 1200BC containing 184 chapters contains descriptions of 1,120 illnesses, 700 medicinal plants, 64 preparations from mineral sources and 57 preparations based on animal sources. You name a disease and it has a chapter on it.
It was announced in a scientific journal that the oldest and the first  evidence for the drilling of human teeth of a living person was found in Mehrgarh. Eleven drilled molar crowns from nine adults were discovered in a graveyard in Mehrgarh that dates from 7,500–9,000 years ago. A few evidences of orthopedic surgeries were also found concluding that ancient India had the technology to implement surgical procedures.  Anesthesia was made using herbs in Ayurveda.

 12.  They theorized the concept of cloning , test tube babies and surrogate mothers.

The epic Mahabharata describes Gandhari as a mother of 100 sons who were called Kauravas, the eldest of them being Dhuryodhana. The Kauravas were created by splitting the single embryo into 100 parts and growing each part in a separate kund (container).
The  birth story of Karna & the Pandavas shockingly  resembles the modern test tube baby concept. Being born from the “characteristics adopted from men of her choice”  
In other words, they not only had the concept of cloning, test-tube babies and embryo spliting but also had the dream to grow human fetuses outside the body of a woman something that is not known to modern science very recently.

13.  Nikola tesla took inspiration from Swamy vivenakanda and Indian vedas for his world acclaimed work.

 

After his lab was burned down and his life’s work had vanished. Nikola Tesla studied the concept of  Prana and Akasha to work on FORCE and MATTER. He developed a new perspective on the world and started viewing world in terms of frequencies and energy which resulted in him establishing his concepts on energy.

Also read: Headline Makers and the Human Right activists Magically Disappear when our Soldiers get Killed?!

We intended to write this article not to take sides or argue against anyone’s beliefs but only to give a small idea on the intensity of the knowledge and imagination of our ancestors.
They even had the concept of sustainable energy, projectile science, and many others like Thrust, momentum, Thermodynamics , Astrophysics etc to name a few.
Time to feel proud of India and share this with friends.

The Mystery of Past Lives by vedic astrology

	Past Lives, or Rebirth as it is often referred to, is not a theory in Hindu culture; it is a fact. Generally we have amnesia about out past lives, but with the help of Vedic Astrology we can get some clues about where we came from, and how that past is influencing our present circumstances. One of the best techniques for examining the past life is through the analysis of the placement of Ketu in the natal astrology chart. Ketu is the South Node of the Moon, one of two eclipse points: crossover points of the path of the Moon with that of the Sun, as seen from the Earth. Ketu is known as the 'inlet point' for past life karmas. Here the word karma is referring to past life completed actions. The prior activity of the soul comes through in this lifetime as unconscious behavior patterns, naturally familiar due to the prior experiences. The past life actions have created a 'groove' in the soul's memory. Thus, in this life, we are prone to fall back into that groove. Opposite Ketu is Rahu, the North Node, which is considered to represent the karmas (actions) that have to be encountered in this lifetime for the soul's continued education. The relative strength of Ketu vs. Rahu has to be determined to tell whether the person tends to 'hang out' in the old, familiar, past life behaviors, or else embraces the new lessons shown by the Rahu position. Additionally, at different times in one's life one or the other of the Nodes will be emphasized, most notably during the Dashas (the planetary periods) connected with that node, but also through activation from other planets when they transit over the natal nodal positions. The activation of Ketu brings up unresolved issues from the past. The activation of Rahu makes us confront dilemmas related to what we are becoming in this life's incarnation. If we wish to take a more active part in our soul's evolution, and move forward in this life, it would be good to understand more about our past life. We can become aware of where we are repeating the past; where we fall back into the old groove. The Houses of the chart correspond to specific different areas of human activity. Thus, the house position of Ketu in your Vedic Astrology chart will tell you something of what activities in the former life were a dominant concern. For instance, if Ketu is placed in the 3rd house of everyday survival, then running around doing errands, keeping busy with the affairs of close relatives and neighbors, and promoting oneself to others with gossip, etc., are familiar activities that one tends to naturally fall into. In this case, Rahu's placement would indicate that the lessons of the opposite 9th house: the pursuit of higher knowledge, practice of religion, relationship with father and guru, are areas that need development. If the reverse is true, where Ketu is in the 9th house, then one has a tendency to study scripture, hang out in an 'ivory tower', and/ or stick to a religion or philosophy inherited from the past life. Rahu's corresponding position shows the 3rd house with its practical everyday requirements, cooperation with others, and development of mundane skills to be what one has to focus on this time. The sign that Ketu occupies gives us clues about the qualities of the person we were in the former birth that become natural inclinations in this lifetime. These qualities are particularly obvious while we are young: the past life is still fresh in the soul's memory. The opposite sign position of Rahu shows what qualities and attitudes the soul seeks to learn to express in this birth. If Ketu is in Sagittarius, then you come in with a strong belief that your own way is best, that your own freedom to act comes first, and so feel threatened by anything that comes from another's reality. What you need to learn is to become more 'Gemini-like': to be interested in gathering more data, cultivate an interest in other people's truths, and to enjoy the exchange of ideas. Another example: if you are born with Ketu in Virgo, the past life was given over to the examination of details, with a need for exactness, getting everything right, and an attachment to order and routine. This lifetime you need to become more Piscean: be aware of the universal consciousness, surrender to the Higher Power, and trust what can't be measured or controlled. A more detailed analysis of the relative strength of Ketu vs. Rahu is necessary to determine which house and sign position tends to predominate in one's life, and what potential issues will arise from the imbalance. But by simply knowing our own chart's nodal locations we can become more aware of unconscious behavior patterns inherited from the past birth and thus see more clearly what we have to overcome to continue on our path.