The Jai Jais Blog

Lord Shiva is the focus of the festival, who is part of the Hindu Trinity which also includes Brahma, who created the universe and Vishnu, who preserved it. Shiva is also known as the destroyer, and he is seen as someone who protects and transforms the universe.

Mahashivratri is celebrated on the day when Lord Shiva saved the world by drinking poison that emerged from the ocean during Samudra Manthan. This poison got stored in his throat thus making it blue which is the reason that Lord Shiva is also known as Neelkanth (blue throat). Read more fascinating stories on Lord Shiva in our Jai Jai blogs.

Picture of Lord Shiva would not be the same without a snake around his neck, the crescent moon, his drum, his magnificent Trishul and course his faithful bull Nandi.  Like everything in Hinduism all of these have symbols have a meaning.  Let’s find out The Jai Jais way.

In Vedic Sanskrit, Yoga means “to add,” and it can also mean connection and union. There are many stories surrounding the beginnings of Yoga, and the oldest known stories surround the Hindu Gods, including Lord Shiva. Four specific periods pertain to the origins of Yoga, and these are:

1. Vedic Period
2. Pre-Classical Period
3. Classical Period
4. Post-Classical Period

Understanding each period is essential, but it’s particularly important to get to grips on the Vedic Period and what happened before that time. Let’s explore this.

A baby is more likely to try to put a book in their mouth than to turn its pages, this is why our Baby Jai Jais board books are so robust! For little hands and mouths. This doesn't mean it's too soon to make reading a part of your little one's routine. Experts say exposing babies to books in the first year is crucial to their intellectual and emotional growth. In fact, research shows that reading to infants can help jump-start brain development and can even make them more receptive to learning and developing language.

“Reading a book to your new-born is a one-on-one activity that you can really turn into a special time with your baby,” says Mary Ann Abrams, Medical Director. “It exposes the baby to the sound of your voice, which is soothing for them.” Research has shown that reading to babies can help parents develop the bond with your child and feelings of intimacy.

Let's find out more why we should read to out babies and also some fun tips to engage babies with books.  

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.

Fine out more The Jai Jais Way

I remember as a child in the 80’s my parents setting the good old VHS on record, and not missing a single episode of the Epic Mahabharata being recorded.  I am sure they are still in the loft labelled!

Pandavas were the five powerful and skilled sons of Pandu, the King of Hastinapur and his two wives Kunti and Madri. Hastinapur is now the modern Indian state of Haryana, south of New Delhi. The Pandavas are - Yudhistira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva. They are the central characters in the most acclaimed epic in Hinduism, the Mahabharata. The brothers were famously involved in the Kurukshetra War with their cousins the Kauravas over who would control the throne of Hastinapur, and were victorious. Find out how they were born.

Our beloved Lord Krishna, the butter thief, the cow herder of Gokul.  A very popular Hindu god worshipped by millions across the world. Lord Krishna has been charmer since he was young.  Winning the hearts of everyone he crossed paths with. Lord Krishna is said to have been born over 5200 years ago and he is the most popular and also the most powerful incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is said he was born to free the Earth from all evil. 

Dressed in a yellow loin-cloth, with a flute to his lips, Lord Krishna is compassionate, all-knowing and the embodiment of dharma or righteousness. One of the most defining symbols of Lord Krishna is the peacock feather on his head. There have been many tales surrounding the reason Lord Krishna wears a peacock feather, let’s explore why the Jai Jais way.

Yeahhh! Its birthday month.  Not only on the 16^th December its my birthday, after hitting 40 who is counting!  The Jai Jais celebrates it’s 5^th Birthday.  We released our first book ‘Ganesh’ in 2015, and 5 years on we have 20 titles, yoga cards and some wonderful products. I thought I would come out from behind the books and tell you a little more about…simply “me”.

Children’s life in school has changed so much during this Covid climate.  During lock down parents all over the world, had to take on a new role as teachers.  I know from my personal experience with my boys it definitely had its ups and downs!... but we all came through it, and it just brought us closer together.

So children.. why not take The Jai Jais with you to nursery and school, for fun and adventures in your day.

Elephants are the largest land animals on Earth, and they're one of the most unique looking mystical animals. Elephants have always been my favourite animal their size and strength and the symbolism behind the mighty animal.

As a child before we did anything special we would always do Ganesh Pooja, before I sat exams, when I took my driving test, anything new I embark on I always take his name… why? Because mummy always told me to!! She use to say “He removes all the obstacles in your path”.  As we see in the Hindu New Year of 2077, may Hindus around the world pray to Ganesh… but why is he known as the remover of obstacles?