Best Swamini Brahmaprajnananda Podcasts (2025)

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#313 Sharada Bhujanga Stotram - its meaning and blessing (Adi Shankaracharya) 26:53

3M ago26:53

26:53

Devi Saraswati also known as Devi Sharada is revered as the goddess of knowledge, education, learning, arts, speech, poetry, music, purification, language and culture. In this heartfelt beautiful composition of eight verses by Adi Shankaracharya, the refrain means ' I worship Mother Sharada who is my Eternal Mother'. We revel in the meaning and rec…

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#312 Desire - to fulfill or give up? 34:55

4M ago34:55

34:55

When our desires are fulfilled we find ourselves to be happy and when they are not fulfilled, we are unhappy and restless. The Vedas recognise 'Kama' as a Purushartha, a valid pursuit with different prayers to help us fulfill them. Then, when does desire become a problem? What can we do about it? Should we fulfill the desire or should we give it up…

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#311 Four Hindu ways to enrich the New Year 21:45

4M ago21:45

21:45

The Hindu way of life is neither new nor old. It is Sanatana, eternal and so it is both, new and old. Yes, at the threshold of the new year we may finetune our life priorities, set goals and make plans. How might these include our relationship with devatas and people around us? How can we have a lasting framework that guides our actions contributin…

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#310 Annapurna Stotram (by Adi Shankaracharya) - its meaning and blessing 45:07

5M ago45:07

45:07

Devi Annapurna is the goddess of food and nourishment. She is called the mother of the three worlds and givesto everyone what only a mother gives, naturally and freely – food. She bears no weapons in her hands, but rathercarries a cooking pot and a spoon. As giver of food she is the giver of life. Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya composed the Annapurna…

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#309 The Life and Teachings of Swami Tapovan Maharaj 39:00

5M ago39:00

39:00

Wise beings who have been the gurus of our gurus, shine the light of Vedanta for us as they pave the path for our learning. Swami Tapovan Maharaj (1889-1957), also known as Swami Chinmayananda ji 's guru wrote an autobiographical work titled 'Iswara Darshan'. We hear inspiring glimpses from his life interwoven with teachings of Vedanta. The podcast…

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#308 Bhakti - The transformative love of the Gopis for Sri Krishna 36:07

5M ago36:07

36:07

How could Sri Krishna, a Sampurna Avataara respond in the way he did to the Gopis? What is the right way of looking at their relationship? Through some sections of the Bhagavatam (one of the 18 Puranas) we understand and revel even, in the love of the Gopis for Sri Krishna. The podcast transcript - https://arshavidyananda.in/308-bhakti-the-transfor…

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#307 The Dharma Bull and its decline in the 4 Yugas (Bhagavatam) 31:09

5M ago31:09

31:09

Dharma is likened to a bull in Bhagavatam, who is now only standing on one leg in Kali Yuga's current age. We hear the story of the Dharma bull and how he lost his other legs because of decline in Dharma across the ages. While on the one hand, it is a relief to know that the decline in Dharma that we are experiencing has been predicted, it also anc…

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#306 Why study Vedanta if one seeks enlightenment? 24:49

6M ago24:49

24:49

What is the connection between a book and what you want i.e. self-realisation or enlightenment? This and more is covered in an important topic – Anubandha chatushtayam, which also means the four fold connection in Vedanta. Knowing this guides your moksha pursuit and frees you from confusion. The transcript - https://arshavidyananda.in/why-study-ved…

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#305 Vamana Avataara and Bali's journey from Ego to Devotion (Bhagavatam) 46:30

6M ago46:30

46:30

King Bali had created havoc in the three worlds. As the devas approached Sri Vishnu, he incarnated as a mere dwarf, Vamana. The dialogue between King Bali and Vamana Avataara from Srimad Bhagavatam is an illuminating one of his journey from ego to devotion. The transcript - https://arshavidyananda.in/305-vamana-avatara-and-balis-journey-from-ego-to…

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#304 How to come to terms with our past 33:31

6M ago33:31

33:31

Everyone experiences events in childhood that leave an impression and shape us into who we become. Vedanta teaches us to see things as IS. This means being objective to one’s past as well. How can we be objective, perhaps have a pleasant neutrality to the past especially when there are some painful memories sitting there to this day that have notbe…

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#303 The Sacred Bond of Siblings - Lessons from the Ramayana and Mahabharata 18:58

6M ago18:58

18:58

Among young people these days, it is common to refer to each other as ‘Bro’ meaning a friend, a buddy, someone close like a brother. While parent-child relationships often take centre stage in discussions about families, the sibling relationship ishighly underrated and yet serves as a foundation for one’s maturity and personal growth. How did sibli…

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#302 Narakasura and the 16000+ wives of Bhagavan Sri Krishna 20:48

6M ago20:48

20:48

Naraka Chaturdashi is celebrated on the 2nd day ofthe 5 day Deepavali festival. One of the associated legends is that Sri Krishna defeated Narakasura. Who was he? What were the circumstances that prompted Sri Krishna to marry 16000 women? Let’s listen to this excerpt from Bhagavatam, one of the 18 MahaPuranas. The transcript - https://arshavidyanan…

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#301 Devi Lakshmi speaks to the one who says 'I don't have enough' 23:29

7M ago23:29

23:29

Asantosha is like most of us. He feels that he 'does not have enough money'. Devi Lakshmi opens his eyes to all her manifestations and prompts Asantosha to reflect on his life, restoring and celebrating the balance of wealth in his life. The podcast transcript - https://arshavidyananda.in/301-devi-lakshmi-speaks-to-the-one-who-says-i-dont-have-enou…

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#300 You are the Whole 30:16

7M ago30:16

30:16

Is your vision of yourself similar to the vision of Vedanta, which sees you as limitless? Let us listen to an extract from Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati ji's article as he helps us see that all along, one was always the whole. This being our 300th episode, a special heartfelt thank you for continuing to listen and sitting on the banks of wisdom o…

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#299 Chant these 32 names of Ma Durga to overcome difficulties 20:54

7M ago20:54

20:54

The word 'Durga' itself means an invincible fortress as well as a difficulty. By chanting these 32 powerful names, each of which starts with Durga, we dwell on the meaning and transform our relationship with Durga/difficulty, for good. Bhakti - The Heart of Wisdom - 1, Starting on 13th October, 2024 - https://www.hua.edu/courses/bhakti-the-heart-of…

1
#298 Seeing Devi in ALL Beings 34:46

7M ago34:46

34:46

With a heavy heart and feeling purposeless, a devotee is cleaning her mandir, wiping the murti of Durga. She prays for guidance. Lo behold! Devi Durga appears and teaches her the most important thing. Listen on, in this profound teaching of Devi to her devotee. Soundarya Lahari - 3rd-11th October - Worship Devi by enrolling here - https://arshavidy…

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#297 Paying the price for our wrong actions (28 narakas of suffering) 25:13

8M ago25:13

25:13

Any one who commits wrong actions or even crime may escape the law of land but cannot escape the law of Karma presided over by Bhagavan. Such a person will suffer the consequences while living or may actually go tonaraka. The Puranas speak of 28 kinds of narakas of suffering which relate to different kinds of wrong actions committed here on earth. …

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#296 How do (negative) emotions help us? 32:16

8M ago32:16

32:16

What if emotions like anger, sadness, fear, jealousy etc have a purpose - to help rather than harm us? What if emotions whisper wisdom that we are not payingattention to? What if emotions had a voice, what would they say to us? Speaking today are Binding Desire, Anger, Sadness, Fear, Jealousy, Confusion, Arrogance and Guilt .... The podcast transcr…

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#295 How does Ganapati bless and guide us? 26:09

8M ago26:09

26:09

When Bhagavan Ganapati appears, the dejected devotee asks many questions - Why are there so many obstacles in my path? How are you both a placer as well as a remover of obstacles? When life is challenging, how can I still have shraddha and persevere? In response Bhagavan Ganapati blesses and guides the devotee and all of us. The transcript - https:…

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#294 Ganesha and his Powerful 8 Avataras 25:59

8M ago25:59

25:59

Did you know that in different cosmic ages, Bhagavan Ganesha appeared as 8 Avataras to vanquish asuras and re-establish Dharma. We listen to the stories from the Ganesha Purana and Mudgala Purana about how these asuras like Krodhasura (embodiment of anger), Matsarasura (embodiment of jealousy) were defeated thereby revelling in and abiding in our d…

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#293 Happiness is centred on oneself 34:30

9M ago34:30

34:30

Does happiness lie in a person, situation or a thing? If so, the person, situation or thing should always make me happy! But this is not our experience. Here is an excerpt from Pujya Swami Dayananda ji 's unfolding of this important topic. Not too late to join the course on the Complete Bhagavad Gita which just began on 17th August 2024. Do check o…

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#292 Bala Mukunda Ashtakam (The Beautiful Child form of Sri Krishna) 22:44

9M ago22:44

22:44

In an interesting turn of events in the midst of a deluge, Rishi Markandeya was blessed with the vision of Sri Krishna in the child form resting on a banyan leaf. What did he see and what did he understand? Through the eight verses of the Bala Mukunda Ashtakam, we discover and revel in the joy of Sri Krishna's beautiful child form. The podcast tran…

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#291 Freedom from Sadness (by Pujya Swami Dayananda ) 19:15

9M ago19:15

19:15

We can be free from sadness only when we understand what we are bound by. Through this exquisite unfolding of words by Pujya Swami Dayananda ji we see the truth clearly! What better way to celebrate India's independence and Pujya Swamiji 's birthday of 15th August than to revel in the brilliance of his teaching on freedom! Our upcoming course on th…

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#290 Tulsidas (Great Saints of India - Bhakta vijaya) 1:11:03

9M ago1:11:03

1:11:03

As soon as people across the world chant the Hanuman Chalisa they find themselves rejuvenated with bhakti and shakti. Such is its power and greatness. And yet few know that it was composed by Sant Tulsidas who also composed the Sri Ramcharitmanas. As we approach his birth anniversary on 11th August this year, we hear of some key events of Sant Tuls…

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#289 Great Devotees of Shiva (Punitavati and Kannapa - 63 Nayannars) 22:23

9M ago22:23

22:23

According to the Hindu calendar, the month of Shravan, which falls between July and August, is considered highly auspicious for the worship of Bhagavan Shiva. How did the great Shiva devotees relate to Bhagavan Shiva? What changed in their lives, as a result? We hear of two stories - Punitavati and Kannapa from a long time ago who are considered am…

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#288 The Bhagavad Gita - 9 Objections and Reasons to Learn it. 22:54

10M ago22:54

22:54

Simple and straightforward answers to commonly raised objections to learning the Bhagavad Gita, a profound dialogue that will transform your life. Some of the objections answered are - Objection 1 : The Gita is too ancient and irrelevant to modern life.Objection 2 : I don't have time to study an entire scripture.Objection 3: If I learn the Gita, I …

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#287 Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati ji and his Gurus 26:48

10M ago26:48

26:48

In the book 'Swami Dayananda Saraswati - Contributions and Writings' by Sheela Balaji, there are very deeply moving extracts of Pujya Swami Dayananda ji speaking of Swami Sivananda ji, Swami Chinmayananda ji, Swami Pranavananda ji and Swami Taranananda ji. We reflect on the words of the Guru of Gurus and bow our heads at the feet of the entire Guru…

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#286 I am NOT the body-mind (the right way to do the enquiry) 25:03

10M ago25:03

25:03

I am not the body-mind. If this statement is understood incorrectly, then it can lead to dissociation and wanting to abandon responsibilities. We understand the right way to do the enquiry into reality through the dialogue between the student and teacher. The podcast transcript - https://arshavidyananda.in/286-i-am-not-the-body-mind-the-right-way-t…

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#285 Namdev (Great Saints of India - Bhaktavijaya) 56:55

10M ago56:55

56:55

Like Arjuna (in the Gita), we too wonder - How do wise people, talk, walk and live? More than 200 years ago, Sri Mahipati wrote about the 'Stories of Great Saints of India' in his book, 'Bhakta vijaya' (the Victory of the devotee). Within each story of more than 21 saints are some details of their lives, rich poetic imagery that thrills the heart, …

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#284 Meditation - 6 Key Myths and Truths (as per Vedanta) 17:59

11M ago17:59

17:59

Meditation or Dhyaanam is an integral part of sadhana of aVedanta student-disciple. Since meditation has entered the mainstream, many wrong ideas abound and hence sincere seekers are denied its many benefits. Is the goal of meditation to empty the mind? Is it meditation if the mind wanders? Will meditation solve all my problems? We explore the answ…

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#283 Forgiving oneself - an open letter 12:01

11M ago12:01

12:01

Our journey of accepting people is incomplete if it leaves the most important person out – oneself. What do you long to hear? What can you say to yourself? An open letter. The podcast transcript - https://arshavidyananda.in/283-forgiving-oneself-an-open-letter/ Our monthly newsletter - Aarsha Vidya Bharati - Jun 2024| Dharmam Śaraṇam Gacchāmi| Tīrt…

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#282 Simple everyday prayers and practices to divinise your life 27:05

11M ago27:05

27:05

We wrongly think that the big ‘aha’ moments of epiphanies while meditating or during a retreat make us see that life is sacred. Actually, the simple prayers and practices that, we do every day help us appreciate that all of life is sacred. Spread throughout the day, all of these 10-12 shlokas and practices will take less than ten minutes and on top…

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#281 Are rituals necessary for our spiritual growth? 28:21

11M ago28:21

28:21

First, we become aware of how we depend on everyday non-religious rituals to provide structure, comfort, and meaning to our lives. Second, we understand why we developed a distaste for religious rituals and Third, we appreciate some of the rituals in Hinduism that help us to discover the inherent sacredness of our lives. The podcast transcript - ht…

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#280 Why YOU are greater than all your achievements. 20:22

12M ago20:22

20:22

In the endless striving to attain wealth, power and scale the height of pleasure, is there anything that, we tend to overlook? How does the Bhagavad Gita and the Vedic tradition look upon a truly accomplished being? We find out. The podcast transcript - https://arshavidyananda.in/why-you-are-greater-than-all-your-achievements/ Our latest newsletter…

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#279 Powerful blessings and protection of Lakshmi Narasimha (Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Karavalambam Stotram) 44:49

12M ago44:49

44:49

Is there a stotram (devotional set of verses) composed by Adi Shankaracharya that laments one's helpless condition, seeks divine protection, surrenders to Bhagavan, lays out the stumbling blocks in one's spiritual journey and invokes the urgency of enquiry into samsaara - all at once! It is Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Karavalamba Stotram! Just as Prahlad…

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#278 Narasimha 's justice and Prahlada's devotion (a legend of divine protection) 31:41

12M ago31:41

31:41

When there seems no way out of suffering, Bhagavan always appears in the most mysterious of forms to bless his devotees. We see this in the events leading to Hiranyakashipu who determined to kill his son Prahlada, challenges the very existence of God and the 4th manifestation of Vishnu appears as Bhagavan Narasimha. And how! To read the podcast tra…

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#277 Ten key contributions of Adi Shankaracharya to Sanatana Dharma/Hinduism 25:16

1y ago25:16

25:16

That moment when we saw all that is here is one, The harmony that we have built in our relationships with Karma Yoga, The care and connection we feel, because of Vedanta. All of the above is thanks to someone you have n't met in person but who has helped you know and enjoy yourself and the world - Jagadguru Adi Shankacaracharya. What are his 10 key…

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#276 Who shapes your Life journey? You or others? 20:04

1y ago20:04

20:04

Jeeva, a 45-year-old, believes that many key people are to be blamed for his life turning out the way it did. He goes tocourt, hurling accusations at his parents, friends, partner, CEO of his company, and social media. The judge listens to all the witnesses and contributorsto Jeeva's life and pronounces the verdict while giving many life lessons. T…

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#275 Hanumat Pancharatnam - its powerful blessings and meaning 26:44

1y ago26:44

26:44

Composed by Jagadguru Adi Shankararachya, Hanumat Pancharatnam is a stotram of five gems in praise of Hanuman, the greatest bhakta/devotee of Bhagavan Rama. Hanuman has become the beloved of all due to his unparalleled courage, power and devotion. When one prays to him, he is very quick to respond, especially as he still roams the earth as one of t…

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#274 Sri Rama Bhujanga Prayata Stotram - its powerful blessing and meaning 34:57

1y ago34:57

34:57

Composed by Sri Adi Shankaracharya which makes it all the more special and powerful, Sri Rama Bhujanga PrayataStotram is a set of 26 devotional verses dedicated to Bhagavan Sri Rama. The Stotram beautifully unfolds the unchanging nature of Sri Rama that is Brahman, the limitless being, Sri Rama as Bhagavan and Sri Rama as a relational, deeply loved…

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#273 Why role models are important for our spiritual growth 27:34

1y ago27:34

27:34

Much before we discover Bhagavan through the manystories, prayers and stotrams embedded in the way of life, or even our gurus, we find and look up to our role models. We are constantly influenced by those we admire, aspire to be like, or seek guidance from, whether we are consciously aware of it or not. And so, when our role models are chosen consc…

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#272 How to stop reacting and start responding? 26:37

1y ago26:37

26:37

Very often we tend to react mechanically and then lament - Why did I say or do the wrong thing? Why did I not do/say the right thing? Here are some points to consider based on the Bhagavad Gita so that we start responding thereby increasing our mastery in life. The podcast transcript - https://arshavidyananda.in/272-how-to-stop-reacting-and-start-r…

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#271 Wisdom teachings by Prahlada, a child-devotee of Narayana (Bhagavatam) 31:35

1y ago31:35

31:35

Prahlada was the son of an asura Hiranyakashipu and due to a set of unique circumstances found himself to be devoted deeply to Bhagavan Narayana. His bhakti, devotion was so steadfast that all attempts to dissuade him including attempts to kill him did not work. What wisdom did he share with his own father and his friends? We look into it, through …

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#270 Which is the best yajna or sadhana in the Gita (Part 2 of 2) 28:24

1y ago28:24

28:24

In part 1 we heard about some of the different sadhanas/religious disciplines mentioned in the Gita. Bhagavan helps us see what these can achieve and what they cannot and explains why jnana yajna is the best yajna or sadhana. This is part two of a two part series on sadhanas/yajnas. Podcast transcript - https://arshavidyananda.in/270-which-is-the-b…

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#269 Which is the best yajna or sadhana in the Gita? Part 1 of 2 21:23

1y ago21:23

21:23

Although many claims about the efficacy of different sadhanas/religious disciplines are made, the Bhagavad Gita surprises us by telling us the best yajna. In the fourth chapter, Bhagavan reveals other sadhanas/yajnas and helps us see what they can achieve and what they cannot. This is part one of a two part series on sadhanas. Podcast transcript - …

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#268 Shiva Panchakshara Stotram - its meaning and blessing 30:59

1y ago30:59

30:59

In composing this stotram of five verses Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya relates the five syllables - na-ma-shi-va-ya , to Bhagavan Shiva’s glories and his unchanging nature. He initiates us into chanting the mantra and also evokes a sweet surrender in us. The podcast transcript - https://arshavidyananda.in/268-shiva-panchakshara-stotram-its-meaning-a…

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#267 Shiva maanasa puja - a loving mental puja offering 28:45

1y ago28:45

28:45

Composed by Jagadguru Sri Adi Shankaracharya, this set of five verses highlights the power of offering puja with just your mind. This is not a substitute for a regular puja rather an addition to make one's bhakti and absorption deeper. First, we hear the story of the origins of the Hridyaleeshwarar temple in Chennai and its connection with a sadhu'…

1
#266 I am the witness-consciousness of the 3 states of experience 27:50

1y ago27:50

27:50

We love and thrive on our experiences and crave for more. Vedanta helps us question if experience is indeed our reality. Through an enquiry into the three states of experience - waking, dream and deep sleep, we discover the unchanging I that is present in all experiences but untouched by all experiences. Sounds like a contradiction? It is the un-ne…

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#265 Sharada (Saraswati) stotram - its meaning and powerful blessing 25:55

1y ago25:55

25:55

The vision of Vedanta is that you are Brahman, the limitless being. It is not possible to see this wisdom without the grace of Brahman himself or herself as Bhagavati. It is not possible to see this wisdom without seeing the world as a manifestation of Brahman. And so we worship the wisdom and intelligence permeating the world as Devi Sharada or Sa…

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#264 The What, Why and How of a Tirthayatra (Hindu pilgrimage)? 28:41

1+ y ago28:41

28:41

Every year, practising Hindus undertake a pilgrimage to sacred sites, temples, rivers, mountains, lakes and places considered energetically more potent with the presence ofdevatas and Rishis and hence their blessings. A tirthayatra (pilgrimage) is different from a vacation in which we expect and seek comfort and convenience. What are the reasons we…

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