Petals!

(Image: Sri Sathya Sai Baba Facebook page) Maha Shivaratri: Significance Most people ask why Maha Shivaratri is celebrated. To understand what is the significance of Maha Shivaratri , we need to understand the essence of why we worship Shiva and why He is shown to reside in the mighty Kailasa. A thorough study of the Shiva Purana is a good place to start. Without equipping ourselves with knowledge through the Vedas and the Puranas, none of us can fully comprehend the glory and splendour of Maha Shivaratri. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba says, " Purity, Sacredness and Steadiness is the crux of Himachalam ' - and He further observes that through our sadhana on Maha Shivaratri, 'Deham becomes Devalayam', the abode of true Kailasa." [READ: Where is Kailasham?] Maha Shivaratri: What To Eat on Maha Shivaratri Fasting on Maha Shivaratri is believed to bring manifold blessings and divine protection of Mahadev. For those who cannot fast, keep meals vegetarian, light and sat...

Is Nadanna Sambhavam a family movie? Directed by Vishnu Narayan, this Biju Menon-Suraj Venjaramoodu starrer is a good family entertainer centered on an affluent, unconventional couple who stay in an elitist conservative colony where insecure husbands and unhappy wives project their biases onto the new couple. [READ: Best Parenting Movie in Hindi] Nadanna Sambhavam movie: Story Wondering if Nadanna Sambhavam is a comedy? Scene by scene, through comedy, one realises only the clothes and houses look "modern"; people's mindsets date back to centuries-old, patriarchal biases. As a loving husband and a caring neighbour, Biju Menon's natural acting skills are in full throttle. The tonality of his voice when he speaks to women is a noteworthy template for men who lack the same empathy and finesse in their social skills while interacting with women in public spaces. In sharp contrast, Suraj Venjaramoodu strikes a slightly menacing persona. He portrays an arrogant man who is ...

  Mentalhood Hindi movie:  Looking to watch the best parenting Hindi movie? Then, don't miss Karisma Kapoor's 'Mentalhood', which is a ALTBalaji-ZEE5 web series. Now, you can watch it on YouTube, which is what I did. Better still, read the comments of hundreds of moms who loved the film though it was trashed in online media reviews (secret: Yes, that's why I hugely distrust online media film reviews!) Mentalhood Hindi Movie: Story of 'We are Not Middle Class' Parents This highly engaging web series features 'super cool' moms including Karisma Kapoor as 'Meira Sharma' who shifted to Mumbai from Kanpur, Sandhya Mridhul as 'AJO' or 'Anuja Joshi', the PTA head and dynamo, and the supremely talented Tilotama Shome. An icing on the cake is t he handsome Dino Morea as 'Aakash'. The series takes you through the different parenting styles that are prevalent in metro cities, particularly among elite families who tend to look dow...

Curious to know which type of diya is good for home? In most Hindu homes, the diya is lit twice a day - once in the morning and thereafter in the evening. For both times, brass is considered to be auspicious for lighting deepam or lamp at home. However, clay diyas are also considered auspicious for lighting at home. Below, I've shared the traditional brass nilavilakku we use at home. For special occasions such as engagement or festivals and on Fridays in particular, silver is considered as a symbol of prosperity, peace and abundance. Lighting a silver lamp is believed to invite Goddess Mahalakshmi's presence into one's home. Other metals such as copper are not usually used for lamps though copper is considered to be ideal for purposes of healing. [ READ: Significance of Om ] Benefits of Lighting Deepam Every Day Light eradicates darkness. We cannot begin to imagine how lighting a deepam brings in more serenity and positivity, not just in our homes, but even in our minds, th...

Significance of Ganesha worship: With obeisance to Lord Ganesha, wishing you more success and joy in 2025 as the year progresses! We begin every New Year with renewed hope and confidence for a better tomorrow. In Hinduism, new beginnings are synonymous with Ganesha worship; so are auspicious occasions. Subscribe To Svara's Newsletter on Books, Travel & Culture Why Do People Worship Ganesha or Ganapati? No undertaking can begin without first invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha. In the most famous and earliest Rig Vedic mantras, Ganesha is invoked thus: "Ganaanam Tva Ganapatim Havamahe (2.23.1)" As a Rig Vedic deity, Ganesha is also called as 'Brihaspati' and 'Vacaspati' - one who manifests himself through a mass of Light. His battle-axe is described as his most important weapon and he is always in the company of 'ganas' which represents a group of his following. What is the Power of Ganesha? Ganesha is revered as 'Prathama Vandana Gauri ...

Amazing how 2024 sped by! In the blink of an eye, it feels like New Year 2025 is around the corner - and yes, it is! A year that made me cry, laugh, sparkle with joy and experience the deepest lows of despair - oh 2024 - what a rollercoaster year!  1. Time is precious - don't waste it. Spend time with your loved ones. Learn new things. Or more importantly, intensify your sadhana through meditation. 2. There are no permanent friends in any relationship - the earlier we focus on our inner serenity and detach from toxic relationships, the better. 3. There will always be people who choose to misunderstand how you communicate - that's not your problem.  4. Whether it is among family members or friends, a relationship built on accusations and grudges will never work - walk out. 5.  Relationships are about how you make others feel and vice-versa. If someone is continuously targeting you and disrespectful, remove yourself from there.  6. Life is short. You don't know what ha...

Good health is our greatest treasure. We realised the importance of good health in the last few years, especially when the pandemic paralysed the world. What is the greatest healing prayer? Ever wondered what to pray for good health and how to make the mind stronger when it comes to battling illnesses? Post-pandemic, almost everyone has suffered in terms of their health. For many people, there were prolonged bouts of illness as their immunity seemed compromised.  [Subscribe to Svara's Newsletter for Books, Travel and Creative Living]                               [Source: Pexels Photograph by Phillipe Donn ] If you love reading books,  follow Svara's Bookshelf on Instagram! How do I pray for my Health? Sri Paramahansa Yogananda says, " Catering to sensations is the cause of all suffering and misery. St. Francis called the body 'Brother Donkey'. If one loves one's pet dog with a deep attachment, he will ...