The Jai Jais Blog

Happy Onam

Happy Onam

by Sunita Shah
According to Vaishnava scriptures, King Bali defeated the Gods and began ruling over all three worlds. King Bali was a demon king who belonged to the Asura tribe. The Gods got insecure of King Bali’s popularity and asked Lord Vishnu to step in and help contain Bali. It is said that the great king was sent to the underworld by Vamana (5th Avatar of Lord Vishnu), but was given an allowance to visit his people once a year, hence Onam. The festival celebrates the return from the underworld of King Bali, who was considered a great ruler. Legend has it that when Bali ruled, there was no discrimination based on caste, and there was no corruption or crime.
Harvest Hindu Festivals King Bali Lord Vishnu Onam
What is the Sudarshan Chakra?

What is the Sudarshan Chakra?

by Sunita Shah
The Sudarshan Chakra a spinning, disk-like weapon. Sudarshan Chakra is derived from two words ‘su’ and ‘darshan’. It Sanskrit it means auspicious (su) vision (darshan). Sudarshan means ‘Divine Vision’. Chakra is derived from ‘chruhu’, which denotes ‘movement’. It is used by Vishnu and Krishna. Sudarshan Chakra is described as the most powerful weapon of the cosmos, rivalled only by Shiva's trident. It adorns Lord Vishnu's index finger like a ring, and has miraculous powers. Today we tell you the Jai Jais Way some interesting facts about Sudarshan Chakra that are described in Vishnu Purana.
Hindu Scriptures Lord Vishnu Puranas Sudarshanchakra Weapons of the Gods
The Symbolism of the Conch Shell

The Symbolism of the Conch Shell

by Sunita Shah

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.

Conch Shell Hindu Dharma Lord Vishnu Shankha Signs and Symbols Vedas