Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
OTHER REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DIVINE IN HINDUISM (Holy Plans and Animals …
OTHER REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DIVINE IN HINDUISM
Holy Land
:desert_island:
Varanasi
Varanasi is a city in northern India which is said to be the home of Shiva. Millions of Hindus go thereto bathe in the river Ganges and cleanse themselves of their sins
Haridwar
Haridwar is a city which lies between the Ganges and the Himalayas, which is said to be a gateway to the gods
Ayodhya
Ayodhya is a city located in India which is said to be the birthplace of Rama and is the setting for the epic Ramayana. The city is said to be founded by the deity Manu
Holy Hills
:mountain:
Mount. Kailasha
It is the manifestation of Mount Meru, which is the spiritual centre of the universe. It is said to be the throne of Shiva. One trip around the mountain is supposed to wipe away all the sins in a pilgrim's lifetime
Govardhana Hill
It is said to be the natural form of Krishna. By residing on it, the atman receives divinity and is more incline to perform service to Krishna
Himalayas
In Hinduism, the himalayas are personified as the king of all mountains. They often portrayed as a god called Himavat
Holy Rivers
:ocean:
Ganges
The most sacred river in Hinduism, which has been personified as the goddess Ganga (goddess of forgiveness and purification). Bathing in the Ganges is said to wash away all of your sins and bring you closer to moksha
Yamuna
Drinking the water of this river is said to absolve you from sin. Has an association with Krishna. Is worshipped as a goddess called Yami/Yamuna, who is said to be the "Lady of Life"
Saraswati
The goddess Saraswati was originally a personification of this river, but later developed an independent identity. It is mentioned in the Rigveda. The river dried up a very long time ago, and nobody knows why
Holy Plans and Animals
:sunflower::cow:
Rudraksha (dried berries)
A seed used as prayer beads, which have an association with Shiva, who is often depicted wearing a garland made out of the berries
Banni Tree
This tree is worshipped during the Dasahra festival
Cows
In the Vedas, the cow is associated with wealth and prosperity. Krishna was a cow herder, so Hindus follow his example and do not harm cows. The slaughter of cows in banned in India
Snakes
Shiva wears the Indian Cobra around his neck. Nag Panchami, the festival of snakes, is a Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of snakes and serpent deities.
Avatars/Gurus
:man_with_turban:
Sathya Sai Baba
He was an Indian leader who claimed to be a reincarnation of Sai Baba Shirdi (who is said to be an avatar of Shiva). He is reported to have done many miracles
Why?
It may be due to a revelation from a deity, due to beliefs found in the sacred texts or because of an event connected to God. Sometimes these will be applicable to one form of God (eg Vishnu or Shiva) and may also be found only in a particular location of India.