Vrata is a part of Naimittika, or voluntary karma. It is that which is the cause of virtue (punya), and is done to achieve its fruit. Vratas are of various kinds. Some of the chief are Janmastami on Krsna’s birthday; S’ivaratri in honour of S’iva; and the satpancami, Durvastami, Talanavami, and Anantacaturdasi performed at specified […]
This term is generally translated as meaning penance or austerities. It includes these, such as the four monthly fasts (catur-masya), the sitting between five fires (pancagnitapah), and the like. It has, however, also a wider meaning, and in this wider sense is of three kinds, namely, sarira, or bodily; vacika, by speech; manasa, in mind. […]
The elements in their literal sense are not available in sadhana for all. The nature of the Pasu requires strict adherence to Vaidik rule in the matter of these physical functions even in worship. This rule prohibits the drinking of wine, a substance subject to the three curses of Brahma, Kaca, and Krsna, in the […]