The Jai Jais Blog

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.

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”.

Akha Teej, also known as “Akshaya Tritiya” is an auspicious day for Hindus and Jains.  It is considered a special day for new beginnings. It is one of the brightest and luckiest days of Hindu religions.

Surya is also known as Aditya, and is the Hindu god of the sun, and the sun itself. He is the supreme being that brings light to the world. Surya first appears in the Rigveda. The bringer of the Sun, Surya was thought to ride his chariot across the sky and defeat the demons of darkness. The Gayatri Mantra dedicated to Surya recited at the dawn of the day. Surya is the supreme source of energy and light and the origin of the universe. It is believed that the order and choice of words is arranged specifically to create an energetic power that impacts the person who chants in their body, their mind and spiritual self. The mantra is the very essence of the Vedas. It begins with the sound of Om, the very first sound that ever existed.

The ancient Shri Yantra has become a trendy design, but most don’t realise the complexity, meaning, and symbolism of the nine interlocking triangles and double ring of lotus petals. In Sanskrit, the word “yantra” comes from the word “yam,” which means “instrument” or “support,” and “tra,” derived from “trana,” meaning “release from bondage”. Shri Yantra is one of the most auspicious, important and powerful Yantras.

An image of Lord Shiva is incomplete without a snake coiled around his neck. The snake represents the Ahamkara (ego).  When we poke a snake, it recoils instantly and spreads its hood to attack us. Similarly, when someone says something that we don't wish to hear, our ego spontaneously reacts. This ego lies inside the human body whereas, in the Gods and the Goddesses, the ego becomes powerless. It doesn't affect them because they govern it. Hence, Shiva uses this Ahamkara as an ornament because it doesn't find space within his body. The Lord monitors the Ahamkara or the ego that otherwise makes us hollow from within.

Agni in Sanskrit means “Fire”.  Agni is the fire god of Hinduism. He is regarded as the friend and protector of humanity, and is know to safe guard our homes. Agni knows the thoughts of all people, and is a witness to all important actions, hence the ceremonial fire during Hindu weddings. He has been referred to in the Mahabharata as the “purifier”.

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.

Have you heard of a Naagmani?, it is also know as a snake stone.  One of the things I am finding researching and writing these posts is the wonders of all these things and their symbolism, and origins. Its is also known as snake pearl…. But what are they?

Many Hindu stories from the scriptures are brimming with demons and Asuras, who are strong, powerful and evil, full of darkness and despair to gain power and destroy the world.  They seem to always want the boon of immortality, but the gods being one step ahead they never win. They are not the best to look at, some of the descriptions from the scriptures of how the demons, looked and behaved are horrific, and quite violent. I would love to hear your views on what we should expose our children too, here are my thoughts

One of the first statues I remember as a child is the iconic bronze statue or Shiva standing on an asura with a circle of flames. So what does Nataraj mean? Nataraja or Nataraja, the dancing form of Lord Shiva. 'Nataraja' means 'King of Dancers' (Sanskrit nata = dance; raja = king). Shiva is shown as dancing on an halo of flames, lifting His left leg and balancing himself of the demon Apasmara who is a symbol of ignorance. The upper right hand holds a 'dumroo' that stands for the male-female vital principle, the lower shows the gesture of assertion to be without fear. As a symbol, Shiva Nataraja is a glorious art form. It combines in a single image Shiva’s roles as creator, preserver, and destroyer of the universe and conveys the Indian conception of the never-ending cycle of time.

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.