The Jai Jais Blog

We make so many offering to the gods, rice, flowers, food and adorn them with Kunku and Chandan. Chandan is the yellow powder we use in Puja… but why do we offer Chandan to our deities?

Throughout my journey with The Jai Jais, I seem to see the number 108 come up quite frequently, such as the mala beans having 108 beads, gods having 108 names, reciting mantras 108 times.  I wanted to find out more about the significance of this number…. The Jai Jais Way. The number 108 has always been a highly revered number for thousands of years, coveted by many spiritual traditions and given a special significance in meditation and prayer. Considered to be the most auspicious number of all…but why?

I remember planning my wedding, and going through with the priest the ceremony so I could translate the meaning of the rituals into English, so friends and family could understand the rich symbolism of our wedding.  We had our  wedding 18 years ago at a suite in Manchester Airport.  During the planning we told them we have a ceremonial fire.  The manager looked at me as if I was bonkers!! He said can you walk around a T-light??? My hear jumped was he crazy!!! Ever since being a little girl walking around the firs was what I dreamed of when marrying my prince! The manager proceeded to tell me it’s an airport… we have quite strict fire regulations!!!...On the big day we had two fire engines outside lol!! To get past the health and safety when they disabled the alarm so I could have my dream wedding!!!

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. 

15^th February we celebrate Ganesh Jayanti. Our beloved elephant god one of the most popular gods of Hinduism.  The mighty remover of obstacles. On Ganesh Jayanti we celebrate the arrival of Ganesh to Earth. Did you know how Ganesh came to be? Find out The Jai Jais way on our blog page.

All Hindu deities are extremely representational, with their various markings, colours, faces and objects surrounding them holding deep significance and sometimes abstract meaning. As Ganesh is all about protection and power, much of his symbolism is related to safeguarding us from life’s physical and subtle obstacles. Here are the symbols of Ganesh and their meaning.

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.