The Jai Jais Blog

What is Aarti?

What is Aarti?

Aarti is one of the most important and popular rituals of the Hindu faith. Aarti has been performed since the Vedic period.  It is a ceremony performed in  greeting and thanksgiving of the deities, where devotees are reminded of God’s presence. In Sanskrit, the word ‘arti’ is composed of ‘aa’, meaning complete, and ‘rati’, meaning love. The Aarti is an expression of one’s complete love towards God. It is sung and performed with a deep sense of adoration, and meditative awareness.
Why does Hinduism have so many gods and goddesses?

Why does Hinduism have so many gods and goddesses?

Hinduism, the world’s third largest religion, is often considered a polytheistic faith, as the religion does not advocate the worship of one particular deity. However, the Hindu belief system includes a complex structure of deities that is not easily categorised.

Hinduism includes an abundance of deities, each one representing a certain aspect of the Supreme Absolute, which is known as Brahma, because they are all manifestations of the same divine spirit. There are deities represented in the family, the community, and the region of the country. There are deities recognised in the plants, the stars, the rivers, the mountains and the planets. We worship the divine in the form that each individual belief system supports, which are suitable and inspiring to the individual. Hindu Dharma recognises the divine is infinite. That embraces all creation, all of the worlds and something beyond. We honour the divine which is intimate to ourselves. Let's find out more in our blog.

What is the Symbolism of the Coconuts in Hinduism?

What is the Symbolism of the Coconuts in Hinduism?

What is the Symbolism of the Coconuts 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”.

One of the most common offerings in a temple is a coconut. It is also offered on occasions like weddings, festivals, the use of a new vehicle or home. The coconut is a symbol of good luck and prosperity.  Every auspicious occasion begins with the breaking of the coconut. It is regarded as a symbol of Lord Ganesh who removes obstacles and helps us to succeed in any tasks we embark on.

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