The origin of Shiva Ratri, the night of Lord Shiva, is related in a fable. In ancient times near the City of Light, Varanasi, there lived a violent and cruel hunter. Whilst hunting in the woods one day, he killed so many birds that he had trouble carrying them all home. He grew tired from the weight of his catch and was frequently forced to stop and rest. Continue Reading...

Although Shiva is worshipped as the ruler of the three worlds and the strongest of the gods, His power, or Shakti, is represented by his wife or consort. Together they fulfill a parental role, ministering to the needs of mankind. Continue Reading...

Thousands of years ago, as history dawned in the distant Himalayas, there lived a few renun- ciants seeking to understand the mysteries of life. Aware of the transitory nature of existence, they sought lasting fulfillment by emulating their God, Rudra, Lord of the Wind,whose abode upon the summit of Mount Kailash, now in Tibet, has been sacred to Hindus throughout the ages. Continue Reading...

The king of the Yakshas was called Kubera. Alakapuri was the capital of his kingdom. It was situated in the Himalays. This incident took place long, long ago. One of the Yakshas was entrusted with the duty of bringing flowers to the king every morning. He was easy-going and fond of his wife. One day he chatted with his wife late into the night. Next morning he got up late. As a result, he was late in taking flowers to Kubera. Continue Reading...

The Himalayan mountain range in the north of India is known as Nagadhiraj or Devatatma. Here we find the pine and birch forests in their full majesty. The lakes at high altitudes are full of lotus flowers. It is the storehouse of many kinds of medicinal herbs. Continue Reading...

Once Urvasi and her friend Chitralekha two fairies in the court of Indra, the god of rain were returning home from Kuberas abode. Keshi the demon saw them and promptly kidnapped the two. While Urvasi fainted Chitralekha shouted aloud Come oh friend of the gods come and help us. Continue Reading...