The Jai Jais Blog

Lord Shiva’s Third Eye

Lord Shiva’s Third Eye

Lord Shiva the god or destruction and regeneration.  He is also known as Triambake, which in Sanskrit means “Third Eye”. His right eye is supposed to symbolise the sun, his left eye the moon. Let’s find out more The Jai Jais way. This attribute of Shiva’s is definitely fascinating.
What is the Symbolism of the Coconut in Hinduism?

What is the Symbolism of the Coconut in Hinduism?

The humble coconut, one of the hardest fruits growing in sandy soil, requiring little water or maintenance. In Hindi it is known as “Nariyal” which translate literally as, “fruit containing water”. In Sanskrit it is known as “Sirphal” which means “God’s fruit”.
Why Do We Ring A Bell?

Why Do We Ring A Bell?

When I say to the boys, “It’s Jai Jais time”, the little one runs to the temple rings the bell and shouts “I’m here Jai Jai wake up!” I told him what my mother told me!  I remember our visits to my father’s village in Vadoli, Gujarat in India. We would go to the village temple walking through the dusty street and take of our shoes. I loved the comfort of the cold marble floor on my feet. When I was little my father picked me up to ring the bell which echoed around the temple such a comforting sound.

What Does “Shanti” Mean?

What Does “Shanti” Mean?

Shanti is a Sanskrit term meaning "peace." In Hindu practices, also in Buddhist and Jain practices. Shanti is often chanted three times to represent threefold peace in body, mind and spirit.  It’s a beautiful meaning and also a very beautiful sound. 
Why Do We Say Namaste?

Why Do We Say Namaste?

The first part of namaste comes from "namaha," a Sanskrit verb that originally meant "to bend." Bending or bowing is a sign of showing respect. Over time, "namaha" went from meaning "to bend" to meaning "salutations" or "greetings. "The "te" in namaste means "to you,". Therefore namaste literally means "greetings to you." In the Vedas, namaste mostly occurs as a salutation to a divinity.
What is a Rudraksha?

What is a Rudraksha?

Rudraksha’ has its origin in the Sanskrit words, ‘Rudra’ and ‘Aksha’. ‘Rudra’ is another name for Lord Shiva, and ‘aksha’ means teardrop. The relation to Lord Shiva is from the Shiva Purana. He was once in deep meditation, with an aim to bring happiness to all living creatures. When he had finished his meditation tears fell on the earth, which became the Rudraksha seed.
Who is Goddess Sita?

Who is Goddess Sita?

Sita is a Hindu goddess and one of the central figures in the Hindu epic, Ramayana and its other versions. Sita was the abandoned natural child of Bhūmi, Mother Earth, and was discovered in a field. She was adopted by King Jananka of Mithila (now Nepal) and his wife Queen Sunaina. She has a younger sister, Urmila, and the female cousins Mandavi and Shrutakirti. Sita is known for her dedication, self-sacrifice, courage and purity. Let's find out more The Jai Jais Way about this beautiful goiddess.
Holy Cow!

Holy Cow!

It was said that the first cow appeared during the Samudra Manthan, churning of the sea in the Bhagavata Purana in the Mahabharata and in the Vishnu Purana. Lord Krishna grew up herding cows, and playing his flute to the Gopis (milkmaids). His names “Govinda” and “Gopala” means, friend and protector of cows. Even Lord Shiva’s Bull Nandi is the sacred bull. Nandi is worshipped in his own right as the bearer of truth and righteousness.
The Symbolism of the Conch Shell

The Symbolism of the Conch Shell

Conch shell is a significant instrument in Hinduism. The conch shell is known as the 'Shankha' in Sanskrit. It is a symbol of purity, brilliance and auspiciousness. In Hinduism, the sound from the conch is associated with the sacred syllable 'Om' which is believed to be the first sound of creation. The Shankha or conch marks the beginning of any good work. The sound of the conch is believed to the purest form of sound which ushers in freshness and new hope.

The word 'Shankha' literally means pacifying the inauspicious and impure. Therefore the conch shell is blown at the beginning of any religious ritual in Hinduism.

Who is Dhanvantari and what is his role in Ayurveda?

Who is Dhanvantari and what is his role in Ayurveda?

According to modern Ayurvedic sources, the origins of Ayurveda have been traced to around 6,000 BCE. Many herbs some now unknown and some still used in Ayurveda to this day, were originally described in the Vedas. Ayurveda was recorded in Sanskrit, in the Vedas: the Rig Veda (3000-2500 BCE), Yajur Veda, Sam Veda, and Atharva Veda (1200-1000 BCE). In Sanskrit, Ayurveda means “The Science of Life.”