The Jai Jais Blog

Symbolism of the Lotus Flower and A Story of Creation

Symbolism of the Lotus Flower and A Story of Creation

The symbolic Lotus flower, in shades of white, pink and purple.  An aquatic plant, beauty growing from the depth of muddy waters.  An iconic symbol in Hinduism, used as the throne of many deities. Definitely one of my favourite flowers, there is something so majestic about the beauty and symbolism of the lotus.

The lotus also has an exciting part to play in the story of creation.

Why does Lord Krishna have a peacock feather?

Why does Lord Krishna have a peacock feather?

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.

Behind the Books

Behind the Books

Yeahhh! Its birthday month.  Not only on the 16th December its my birthday, after hitting 40 who is counting!  The Jai Jais celebrates it’s 5th 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”.

Why do we Light a Diya?

Why do we Light a Diya?

We have all lit up our home with the scared light of the diya over Diwali.  Not a day goes by in our home that the diya is not lit and the incense not burnt. Since ancient times, in every Indian house there is a tradition of lighting the lamp daily in the temple, near the family deities. In some houses it is lit twice a day – at dawn and at dusk. Electricity was not available in the ancient times. It would become difficult to see the deity after sunset. Therefore, the lamps would illuminate the entire temple. So why do we light a diya? Let's find out The Jai Jais way,
Why Do we Worship Tulsi?

Why Do we Worship Tulsi?

Tulsi symbolises purity.  The humble Tulsi also has its own festival.  This is called Tulsi Vivah, (Tulsi is the plant and Vivah means marriage) and this year is celebrated on the 26th November 2020. It has been interesting writing this blog, as I have never grown up celebrating Tulsi Vivah.  A few years ago when I lived in London, I had gone to the temple and its was super busy.  Ladies were dressed in their finest sarees the temple was full of music and laughter. It seemed a wedding was happening…I thought I had gate crashed a wedding!, when I asked someone what was happening they said “Today is Tulsi Vivah”. So why is Tulsi Vivah celebrated?
Going to school with The Jai Jais

Going to school with The Jai Jais

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.

The Remover of Obstacles

The Remover of Obstacles

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?

Days of Diwali with The Jai Jais

Days of Diwali with The Jai Jais

Light is one of the oldest and most meaningful symbols, found in cultures and religions worldwide. Deepawali, Deepavali, or Diwali is the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu festivals. It is the festival of lights: deep means "light" and avali "a row" to become "a row of lights." The Festival of Lights, is the most popular Hindu festival of good overcoming evil. The triumph of light over darkness is celebrated with Divas, lamps and fireworks. Diwali is composed of five days, each with its own story. 

Kali Ma A Goddess Misunderstood

Kali Ma A Goddess Misunderstood

Kali Ma… Visually a scary looking goddess with her tongue protruding, large shimmering eyes, skulls around her neck, a skirt of arms, holding a severed head! Kali Ma the goddesses of time and change.  Kali Ma has been misrepresented into a scary tantric goddess, but what are the truths behind the goddess? Kali comes from the Sanskrit root word ‘Kal’ which means time. Her symbols are flowers, dance, iron, swords, peacock feathers and honey.  Even in destruction, she reminds us that good really can come of bad situations. If you find your hopes and dreams have been crushed, Kali can change the cycle and produce life out of nothingness. Where there is sorrow, She dances to bring joy. Where there is fear, She dances in courage.
A Brothers Bond

A Brothers Bond

The classic bond of the Rama-Lakshman ‘Jodi’.  The unconditional bond between two brothers.  Step but step together supporting and protecting each other.  The original scriptures were written in Sanskrit by the Sage Valmiki in the epic Ramayana. Its tells the story of the majestic bond between two brothers. I have an older brother, my mum would laugh and say you are like two boys… wow did we fight? Gosh which siblings don’t? but unconditional love remains.
The Demons of the Ramayana

The Demons of the Ramayana

Villains, ghosts, witches and demons, every good story has a bad guy…. The conflict of “good” versus “evil”.  Somehow good always prevails, but who doesn’t like a “Happy Ending?”.

The Ramayana, the story of the mighty warrior Lord Rama through his trials and tribulations, has inspired millions over the centuries. Originally written in the ancient language of Sanskrit by Sage Valmiki, the Ramayana teaches us about Dharma (duty and righteousness), devotion, hope, bravery, respect, confidence, among many more qualities.

Exiled for fourteen years, by his dearest father King Dasharatha, Lord Rama began an adventure to save his beautiful wife Princess Sita from the evil demon Ravana; with his faithful brother Lakshamana, and companion Hanuman.  The finale is his mighty battle with Ravana but along the way with his trusted  bow….there are a number of demons they slay…. But who are they?, many blogs talk about the gods and goddesses, but it’s time to find out more about the bad guys. All these demons do not feature in the Jai Jais Ramayana as the version is shortened for children to enjoy.

TAKE NOTE: There will be some gore which may not be suitable for some children.

What is Karva Chauth?

What is Karva Chauth?

In a religion, where festivals form the essence of life. The colour and the vibrancy. The deep
and meaningful symbolism behind the festivals we celebrate, Karva Chauth is no exception. The word Karva Chauth has a specific meaning. Karva means earthen pot while chauth means fourth. Karwa Chauth is about making offerings to the moon using Karva. Karva Chauth the festival of happiness and togetherness celebrated by married as well as unmarried women, for the long life of their husbands and partners. As per the Hindu traditions in any
festival that celebrates the bond of marriage or love, worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Paravti is an essential part of the rituals. Unlike other festivals, this festival is more about following rituals, observing fasts and the best part is dressing up like a newly-wed bride and worshipping the moon. All these together make this festival a celebration of the bond of love
and marriage.