Hanuman is often associated with the Jasmine flower, also known as Chameli. Lord Hanuman is said to have a special fondness for Jasmine flowers and it is a common practice in rituals to offer him five Jasmine flowers as a sign of devotion. The Jasmine flower holds great significance in Hindu mythology and is often … Read more
The Hyperion, which is a coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), holds the title for being the tallest tree in the world. Located in the heart of Redwood National Park in California, the Hyperion stands as a remarkable example of the incredible height that the species can reach. The height of the Hyperion has been extensively measured, … Read more
Shiva’s animal is Nandi, the sacred bull. Nandi holds a significant place in Hindu mythology and is strongly associated with Lord Shiva. Nandi is often depicted as a white bull with a muscular body and a gentle demeanor. Nandi is considered as the chief of Shiva’s divine vehicles or vahanas, and is believed to be … Read more
The third oldest tree in the world is the Llangernyw Yew, which is located in a rural village in north Wales. It is a non-clonal tree that has stood in the graveyard of St. Digain’s parish church for nearly 4,000 years. The village itself is Welsh-speaking and has historical significance, making the presence of this … Read more
Yes, according to Hindu mythology, Shiva does have a pet. Shiva is often depicted with numerous animals and birds as his companions or vehicles, known as vahanas. One of his vahanas is a dog. In his aspect as Bhairava, an intense and fierce form of Shiva, he is often portrayed riding a dog. This is … Read more
According to Hindu mythology and beliefs, Lord Shiva is said to have a fondness for certain foods. One of his favorite foods is said to be malpua, a traditional Indian sweet dish. Malpua is made using a combination of ingredients such as maida (refined flour), semolina, ghee (clarified butter), milk, and sugar. It is a … Read more
Yes, Shiva is considered a vegetarian god in the high tradition defined by Brahmins. This is based on the beliefs and teachings found in the Skanda Purana, an important Hindu scripture. According to the Skanda Purana, sects that offered meat to Shiva as a prayer ritual, such as the Kaula Kapalikas and the Kalamukhas, were … Read more
Parvati, the Hindu goddess and wife of Lord Shiva, is often associated with a variety of favorite foods. While it is commonly believed that her favorite food is payasam, a traditional Indian sweet dish made with milk, jaggery, and rice or vermicelli, it should be noted that Hindu mythology and traditions are subjective and varied. … Read more
The favorite color of Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadev, is not specifically mentioned in Hindu scriptures. However, it is often depicted that he wears a tiger or leopard skin which is generally orange or yellow in color. This depiction is commonly seen in sculptures and paintings of Lord Shiva. Colors hold significant symbolism in … Read more
Yes, Shiva is commonly depicted as having three eyes. This symbolizes his wisdom and insight. The third eye is believed to grant him the power of perception and the ability to see beyond the physical realm. It is often portrayed as a vertical eye located in the center of his forehead, just above his other … Read more
Shiva is traditionally depicted as a male deity in Hinduism. In both Vaishnavism and Shaivism, which are two major sects within Hinduism, Shiva is personified as male. However, it is important to note that gender in Hinduism is not strictly tied to biological sex. In the Vaishnavism and Shaivism traditions, the male form of God, … Read more
Shiva is believed to be alive and present in both his benevolent aspects as an ascetic Yogi and as a householder on Mount Kailash. Mount Kailash is a sacred mountain located in the Himalayas in Tibet. It is considered to be the abode of Shiva and is highly revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon … Read more
According to Hindu mythology and popular belief, Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadev, has a special fondness for the Datura flower. The story behind this belief can be traced back to one of the famous mythological incidents involving Shiva. During the churning of the cosmic ocean, known as Samudra Manthan, several divine objects and beings … Read more
Lord Shiva’s favorite flower is the hibiscus. In Hindu mythology, the hibiscus flower holds great significance and is considered a symbol of divine love and beauty. It is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who offer it to Lord Shiva. The hibiscus flower is known for its attractive appearance and vibrant colors, … Read more
The god Shiva’s favorite flower is the Crown Flower. This beautiful flower has a white and purple shade and is known for its five petals arranged in a crown-like ring, hence the name Crown Flower. It is also referred to as Akanda. One of the reasons this flower is considered Lord Shiva’s favorite is because … Read more
The tree that is commonly referred to as the “tree of heaven” in India is the Ailanthus excelsa. This tree is a large deciduous tree that can be found in various parts of India, as well as in Sri Lanka. In the Tamil language, it is also known as Pi-Nari Maram, which refers to its … Read more
Yes, the original Bodhi tree is no longer alive. It is important to note that the term “bodhi tree” is used to refer to both the original tree under which Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment and also to existing sacred fig trees. The most significant and revered example of an existing bodhi tree is the Mahabodhi … Read more
According to historical records, it was King Pushyamitra Sunga who destroyed the Bodhi tree. King Pushyamitra Sunga was the first ruler of the Shunga Empire, which was a dynasty that ruled over Northern India from 185 to 73 BC. During his reign in the 2nd century BC, King Pushyamitra Sunga was known for his hostility … Read more
Buddha’s son, Rāhula, died before the Buddha and his teacher Śariputra. Available sources state that Rāhula’s death is not extensively described in the earliest texts. It is mentioned that he died while traveling psychically through the second Buddhist heaven, known as Trāyastriṃśa, according to Pāli and Chinese sources. Despite the limited information, it is understood … Read more
According to Buddhist tradition, Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha, undertook a deep meditation practice under a fig tree, known as the bodhi tree. This particular tree was of the species Ficus religiosa and is significant because it is believed that the Buddha achieved enlightenment after meditating under it for 49 days. The exact … Read more
According to historical accounts and Buddhist texts, the Buddha supposedly slept for only one hour each day during the 45 years he spent teaching. This information is widely accepted and mentioned in various Buddhist scriptures and teachings. The Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, lived in ancient India around the 5th century BCE. He was … Read more
When you meditate for 21 days, you can experience a variety of positive effects on your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Meditation is a practice that involves focusing your attention and eliminating the stream of thoughts that may be causing stress, anxiety, or distraction. By consistently practicing meditation over a period of time, such as … Read more
Buddha, also known as Shakyamuni, is said to have meditated and fasted for forty-nine days after attaining enlightenment at Bodhgaya. This period of intense meditation and abstaining from food is often seen as a significant milestone in his journey towards understanding the nature of existence and liberation from suffering. During these forty-nine days, it is … Read more
According to tradition, Rukmini is considered to be the favorite and primary wife of Krishna. She is revered as the ideal wife and her devotion to Krishna is celebrated in Hindu mythology. Rukmini, also known as Rukmani, was a princess of Vidarbha and the daughter of King Bhishmaka. She was known for her beauty, intelligence, … Read more
Radha’s favorite flower is the jasmine flower. The jasmine flower is not only known for its lovely fragrance but is also considered dear to Radha. It is often used in worship and offerings dedicated to her. This flower holds a special significance in the devotion and spiritual practices associated with Radha. Its delicate petals and … Read more