SPLASHES FROM HINDU MAHASAGAR 6 - Fascinating Hindu History by Chand K Sharma *** Jai Maharaj posts
and/or www.mantra.com/jai
Splashes from Hindu Mahasagar -- 6 - Fascinating Hindu History
Splashes from Hindu Mahasagar -- 6
Facinating Hindu History
Pagan religions all over the world have used icons or symbols to
represent abstract and intangible objects. The fanciful gallery of
mythological deities in Biblical stories, Arabian Nights, and The
Canterbury Tales are collections of human imagination. Blowing of
strong wind would normally be indicated through waving trees, flying
of lighter objects and rising of dust. Similarly super human power of
gods and goddesses has been suggested through four arms, heads, and
other such embellishments. In this connection Hindu history has much
more to offer to the world as a piece of art and literature.
One of the most remarkable features of Hindu history is that unlike
other faiths, it is not confined to any area and time, but historical
characters have imprints left over the entire universe. There are
several descriptions related to inter-planetary movements of not only
of gods and goddesses, but also of sages and mortal beings. The gods,
goddesses and many of the sages are timeless and ever lasting. They
appear and disappear, are clad in glittering costumes, are powerful
and resourceful to grant boons and can inflict destruction through
curse as well. Every God possesses weapons to destroy the evil, as
well as flowers to shower blessings.
Hindus laid greater importance on the preservation of environment
also. Animals and useful plants such as Peepal, Beil, Tulsi, and
Banyan were associated with various gods and goddesses; to be loved,
nurtured, and even worshiped. Sources of water, mountains and other
elements of nature are also respected as gods and goddesses. Animals
were also included in history thereby recognizing their right to co-
exist with others. Even Pig and snakes, hated in other faiths find a
respectable place in Hindu history, since no one is under rated. Many
animals are associated with Gods as carriers. Some animals were given
the status of Gods and goddesses to impress that Omnipresence of the
Almighty.
Every religion has drawn its own concept of heaven and hell that are
comparable to the prevailing of the religion originated. Islamic
Heaven is cool, shady and has plenty of water sources fruit grow and
nymphs are on duty to serve the believers. There Hell is always
burning hot with lot many apparatus of torture in motion to punish
the non believers and worshipers of idols. On the contrary Biblical
Heaven has Sun shine, and their hell is full of Ice. All the
religions have placed heaven above and Hell below. The administration
of heavenly sites is in the hands of Devas, Angles, Nymphs, Hoors and
Apasras who are well versed in the art of dressing up, dancing and
music. Like wise in Hinduism pious people reside in Swarga and
sinners in Narka irresective of their being believers or non-
believers. The only difference is that Narka residents have chances
of relocating themselves in Swarga with good deeds done when they are
reborn. Propagators of religion not believing in re-birth have no
option of relocating even if they atoned later and desired to do some
good.
Though Hindus believe in one God, but view the same God in three
different modes while in action and that is known as the Trinity of
Supreme God:
Brahm is the Creator God. He is traditionally depicted with four
heads, faces and arms. Each head recites one of the four Vedas. The
hands hold a water-pot used in creating life, a string of rosary
beads used to keep track of the Universe's time, the text of the
Vedas, and a lotus flower. He is the husband of goddess Saraswati.
His mount is Hamsa (Swan). Brahm only occasionally interferes in the
affairs of the gods, and even more rarely in mortal affairs. He is
generally painted old, probably to signify that creativity, wisdom,
and experience without resources and power is like an old and
helpless person.
Vishnu is known as preserver. He is usually depicted as a four-armed
humanoid with blue skin, often sitting or resting on a lotus flower
or relaxing on Sheshnag bed with Lakshami (goddess of wealth) in
attendance, indicating a person possessing everything of ultimate
luxury. His mount is Garuda. He is identified with his Avatars
(Incarnations) to re-establish orderliness in the World.
Shiv is the destroyer. Shiv is represented as immersed in deep
meditation, on Mount Kailash. However, even though he represents
destruction, he is viewed as a positive force, the Destroyer of Evil.
His vahan (mount) is 'Nandi', the Bull. He is usually represented by
the symbol of Shiv ling. His consort is 'Parvati', a goddess who
comes in many different forms, one of whom is Kaali, the goddess of
death. As Nataraj Shiv is the Lord of the Dance, and also symbolizes
the dance of the Universe, with all its delicately balanced heavenly
bodies and natural laws which complement and balance each other. He
is also symbolized as doing his great dance of destruction, called
Taandava signifying praleya -- the doom's day, implying total
dissolution of the universe.
All the three reflections are in fact one God performing three
different functions of creation, preservation and finally destruction
same way as a human can be son to the parents, husband to the wife,
and parent of his children. All the three separate functions are
performed by the same person but the person is viewed differently by
his parents, wife and children. The concept of Trinity wraps in
itself the 'Theory of division of power' that was propounded by
Montesquieu of France, much later. Supreme God is personified into
the Trinity of Brahm Vishnu and Shiv. While Brahm, Vishnu and Shiv
function within their respective areas of creativity, preservation,
and destruction respectively and do not trespass or interfere in to
the field of each other's. They consult each other whenever there is
any crisis in the universe. Thus 'Government of the Universe'
reflects 'division of power' as well as 'interdependence' that
Montesquieu preached to the political thinkers of the west in
ninteenth century.
Hindu supreme Gods are not confined to any geopgraphical place and
period. They neither have any beginning or any ending. They are
universal.
Chand K Sharma
End of forwarded message from Chand K Sharma
Jai Maharaj, Jyotishi
Om Shanti
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