The Jai Jais Blog

The Demons of the Ramayana

The Demons of the Ramayana

by Sunita Shah

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.

Battle Demon Gods Good over evil Legends New Generation Rama Ravan Sita The Ramayana
What is Karva Chauth?

What is Karva Chauth?

by Sunita Shah
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.
Fasting Gifts Goddess Gods Hindu Hinduism Husband Karva Chauth Legends Love Moon New Generation Wishes
Who was Mahavir? What does he have to do with Diwali?

Who was Mahavir? What does he have to do with Diwali?

by Sunita Shah
Mahavir is the most important personality in the Jain religion, for he was the last in the line of 24 Tirthankars in the current time cycle.* Tirthankar means “Ford Maker” – so a Tirthankar is one who who has succeeded in crossing over life's stream of rebirths and has made a path for others to follow. Being the last of the 24 Tirthankars, Mahavir’s teachings are those that are followed by Jains today. However, the teachings are no different to those preached by all of the other Tirthankars that preceded Mahavir. Why do Jains celebrate Diwali?
Diwali Gods Jainism Legends Mahavir New Generation Religion Tirthankars
When Rama met Sita.

When Rama met Sita.

by Sunita Shah

With Diwali round the corner I couldn’t help turning to the epic love story of ancient Hindu Legend, “The Ramayana”.  Again a beautiful love story of the fight of good over evil. The stories of Rama and Sita are famous throughout the world and their tales are told in the Ramayana. Rama and Sita are husband and wife. Sita is kidnapped by the demon king Ravan and Rama goes to rescue her. They have many adventures and troubles along the way. In the end, Rama and Sita are reunited.

So how did Rama meet Sita?... Here is an extract from the Jai Jais Legends Series “ The Ramayana”, Page 9-10.  Find out more in our blog.

Gods Hindu Legends Love Story New Generation Rama Ravan Sita The Ramayana
Maha Navami & Durga Ashtami

Maha Navami & Durga Ashtami

by Sunita Shah

On 24th October 2020, Hindus will be celebrating its most popular festivals- Durga Ashtmi and Maha Navmi pooja. Usually, Maha Navami pooja is celebrated on the next day of Durga Ashtami. However, this year, the two festivals are occurring on the same day. “Ashtami” and “Navmi” mean the eighth and the ninth day of Navratri that is dedicated to Goddess Durga.

How Is It Celebrated?

‘Maha Navmi’ pooja is considered to hold so much value that the worship on this day is equivalent to all the nine days of  ‘Navratri’. Traditionally every state in India has different and unique ways to celebrate the festival but what remains common is the worship of the mighty Goddess Durga.

Diya Durga Goddess Good Over Evil Hindu Hinduism Mahisasura Navratri New Generation Religion Roots Shakti
Interview with a Hindu Priest Sagarbhai Shukla

Interview with a Hindu Priest Sagarbhai Shukla

by Sunita Shah

We have been so lucky with ‘The Jai Jais’ that our paths have crossed with the wonderful Sagarbhai Shukla, Hindu priest, Wembley.

His understanding of Hinduism and scriptures make it so relatable to the modern generation. We have been so blessed to spend time with him, and understand how our generation, and our children can continue to maintain and grow our cultural and religious roots.

He explains so well the reason behind certain poojas, vrats and festivals and you will see his wisdom in our joint blogs. 🙏🏼

Culture Hindu Hinduism Interview New Generation Priest Religion Roots