Common questions about IAS, our mission, and how you can be part of this spiritual movement.
According to Hindu mythology, many Asuras (demons) are the children of Prajapati Kashyapa and Diti or Danu.
- Father: Prajapati Kashyapa
- Mothers: Diti and Danu
- Examples: Hiranyakashipu, Hiranyaksha, and other Asuras.
According to Hindu mythology, demons (Asuras and Rakshasas) live in different places:
1. Patala Loka — the netherworld, associated with many Asuras.
2. Lanka — the kingdom of Ravana and the Rakshasas in the Ramayana.
3. Swarga Loka (Heaven) — some Asuras conquered and ruled heaven during conflicts with the Devas.
Important festivals related to Surya Dev (Sun God) are:
1. Chhath Puja — Worship of the setting and rising Sun.
2. Makar Sankranti — Celebrates the Sun's transition into Capricorn.
3. Ratha Saptami — Celebrates Surya Dev's divine chariot.
4. Pongal — A harvest festival associated with gratitude to the Sun.
5. Samba Dashami — Dedicated to Surya Dev, especially in Odisha.
6. Magh Bihu — An Assamese harvest festival associated with seasonal change.
7. Surya Jayanti — Celebrates the birth of Surya Dev, often observed as Ratha Saptami.
The importance of sugarcane in Chhath Puja is:
1. Purity and prosperity: Sugarcane symbolizes abundance and good fortune.
2. Offering to Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev: It is offered as a sacred fruit during the पूजा.
3. Harvest and gratitude: It represents agricultural prosperity and gratitude for nature's gifts.
4. Puja decoration: Sugarcane stalks are often used to decorate the पूजा area and ghat.
The importance of sugarcane in Chhath Puja is:
1. Purity and prosperity: Sugarcane symbolizes abundance and good fortune.
2. Offering to Chhathi Maiya and Surya Dev: It is offered as a sacred fruit during the पूजा.
3. Harvest and gratitude: It represents agricultural prosperity and gratitude for nature's gifts.
4. Puja decoration: Sugarcane stalks are often used to decorate the पूजा area and ghat.
Importance of Surya in Three Fields
1. Ayurveda: Sunlight is associated with warmth, digestion, and the body's natural rhythms. Safe sunlight exposure helps the body produce vitamin D.
2. Astrology: Surya represents the soul, confidence, authority, leadership, and vitality in Vedic astrology.
3. Palmistry: The Sun line (Apollo line) is traditionally associated with creativity, fame, success, and recognition.