What are Angel Numbers

The Garuda Purana is one of several Ashtaadasa Maha-Puranas. It is known as the Garuda Purana because it is in the form of a discourse between Garuda, the Divine King of the Birds, and Lord Vishnu. Garuda later quoted the same to Sage Kashyapa, and it passed down the line. It has approximately 19000 slokas and is classed as Saattvika Purana. It is impossible to date the Garuda Purana because it has undergone multiple changes, the most recent of which occurred during Sri Krishnaavathara, when Sage Vedavyaasa edited all Puranas.

The Garuda Purana describes Lord Vishnu's incarnations, the geographical description and genesis of the Universe, Creation, Procreation, Gods' Genealogy, and so on, but most importantly, it describes the journey of the soul after death. The epic takes the shape of an amazing conversation between Garuda and Lord Vishnu about the significance of human life. The Garuda Purana also discusses Garuda's origin and dissemination. It describes many forms of austerity, worship practices, sin atonement, and divine and sacred Manthras.

The Garuda Purana is unique in that it is the only sacred literature that discusses life after death, the soul's journey, death and its aftermath, rebirth, and reincarnation. Even modern science has been unable to unravel the riddle of death and the afterlife; yet, the Garuda Purana has done so for centuries. Among the 16 Samskaaras specified in Hindu Dharma, the last one, Anthyeshti Samskara, is concerned with death rites and associated ceremonies. This samskara is uniquely and comprehensively covered in the Garuda Purana.

The Garuda Purana also includes descriptions of the Nether Worlds, Yama-Loka, and numerous types of Naraka Lokas (Hell). It describes the Soul's experiences after leaving the body, as well as the endless cycle of births that the Soul goes through. It discusses the Law of Karma, the Fruits of Karma (action), Moksha (salvation), and numerous forms of punishments for crimes committed during a lifetime. It provides an in-depth description of funeral rites, rituals, and ceremonies beginning with death and ending with the completion of one year.

The recitation of the Garuda Purana is traditionally observed in traditional Hindu households following a death in the family until the 13th-day ceremony is finished. During that period, reading or listening to Sri Garuda Purana confers great benefits (punya). Within ten days, or even after a person has passed away, those who recount and those who listen to this holy Purana will be freed from sins and guaranteed fulfillment both here on Earth and in the hereafter.

When someone passes away in the family, one should listen to the Garuda Purana. This will help them achieve Mukthi and ensure blessings for coming generations. One will be blessed with serenity and wealth and be freed from sadness and suffering. It is thought that a Brahmin who listens to the Garuda Purana will receive Vidya, a Kshatriya land, and a Vysya wealth. During Pitra Paksha, reading or listening to the Garuda Purana is a meritorious and sacred practice that pleases the person who died. The Garuda Purana contains nineteen thousand shlokas separated into two parts: the purva khanda (first part) and the uttara khanda.

Mentioned below are different punishments mentioned in the Garuda Purana for souls of the people who have sinned.

Tamisram (heavy flogging) 

Yama's Servants tie those who steal others' wealth with ropes and cast them into the Naraka known as Tamisram. There, they are thrashed until they bleed and collapse. When they regain consciousness, the beating is resumed. This is done till the time they were given is up.

Andhatamtrsam (flogging)

This Hell is destined for the husband or wife who don’t treat their partners well and only do so when it benefits or pleases them. Those who leave their wives and husbands for unknown reasons are also brought here. The punishment is nearly identical to Tamisram, but the agonizing pain of being tied fast causes the victims to collapse.

Rauravam (snake torture)

For sinners who take and use another man's resources or property, this is hell where he is brought. Those whom these people have deceived take on the form of ‘Ruru’, a terrifying serpent, as they are cast into this torment. They will endure excruciating torture from the serpents till their time is up.

Mahararuravam (death by snake)

Ruru serpents are present here as well, but they are more vicious. The horrible serpents coiling around those who refuse to give the rightful heirs their inheritance and who own and enjoy other people's property will never stop biting and squeezing them. They will also be sent here if they steal the wife or lover of another man.

Kumbhipakam (cooked by oil)

This is hell for individuals who enjoy killing animals. Here, oil is boiled in massive containers, and sinners are immersed in them.

Kalasutram (hot as hell)

This hell is incredibly hot. Those who do not respect their elders, even when they have performed their duty, are sent here. They are ordered to run around in this excruciating heat and occasionally collapse exhausted.

Asitapatram (sharp flogging)

This is the place where sinners go from their own responsibility. Yama's Servants beat them with whips fashioned of asipatra, which are leaves with sharp edges that resemble swords. They will stumble over the thorns and stones and fall on their faces if they rush around while being whipped. When they come to, the same procedure is carried out again until their time in this Naraka is up. After that, they are stabbed with knives until they pass out.

Sukaramukham (crushed and tormented)

Rulers who fail to address their responsibilities and abuse their subjects through misrule are punished in this hell. They are smashed to a pulp by a thorough beating. When they recover, the process continues until their time limit has been met.

Andhakupam (attack of the animals)

For those who abuse the good people and refuse to assist them when asked, even when they have the means, this is hell. They'll be forced down a well that is home to lions, tigers, eagles, and poisonous snakes and scorpions. Till the time of their punishment, sinners must put up with these monster's relentless attacks.

Taptamurti (burnt alive)

Those who steal or loot gold and gems are thrown into the Naraka's furnaces, which are continuously flaming hot.

Krimibhojanam (food for worms)

This Naraka is thrown onto those who do not honor their guests and who utilize men and women just for their own benefit. Insects, worms, and snakes consume them alive. The sinners are given new bodies, which are likewise consumed in the same way, once their original bodies have been entirely consumed. This keeps happening till the term is over.

Salmali (embracing hot images)

This Naraka is meant for adulterous men and women. There is an iron figure, red-hot from the heat. When the sufferer is being flayed behind by Yama's servants, the offender is compelled to accept it.

Vajrakantakasali - (embracing sharp images)

For sinners who engage in inappropriate animal sex, this Naraka is their retribution. Their bodies are pierced by sharp diamond needles found in the iron pictures they are made to embrace.

Vaitarani (river of filth)

Adulterers and power-hungry rulers are thrown out here. It is the worst possible place of punishment. It is a river full of filthy materials, including hair, nails, meat, bones, and human excrement. Horrible creatures of many kinds also exist. These creatures assault and maul those who are tossed into it from all directions. During the duration of their penalty, the transgressors must consume the contents of this river.

Puyodakam (Well of hell)

This well is full of phlegm, urine, blood, and waste. Men are considered as animals when they engage in sexual relations with women and then betray them without planning to marry them. People, who behave carelessly, like animals, are dumped into this well and allowed to become contaminated by its contents. They must stay here till the end of the time scheduled for them.

Pranarodham (piece by piece)

This Naraka is dedicated to persons who hunt and kill animals for food. Here, Yama's attendants assemble around the criminals, mutilating them and continuously insulting them.

Visasanam (bashing from clubs)

This Naraka is meant to torment the wealthy individuals who hate those in poverty and engage in extravagant expenditures merely to show off their riches and grandeur. They must stay here for the duration of their punishment, where they will endure constant beatings with powerful clubs from Yama's servants.

Lalabhaksam - (river of semen)

This is a lustful man's Naraka. This hell is reserved for the immoral man who compels his wife to swallow his sperm. A sea of semen is Lalabhaksam. Until his day of punishment, the offender lays in it and feeds only on semen.

Sarameyasanam (torment from dogs)

This hell is reserved for those who commit immoral crimes including food poisoning, mass murder, and national destruction. All that is available for eating is dog flesh. In this Naraka, there are thousands of hounds, and when they attack sinners, their teeth tear the flesh from their bodies.

Avici (turned into dust)

This Naraka is for individuals who have sworn falsely and proved unjustly. They are thrown from a considerable height, and when they hit the earth, they are completely crushed into dust. They are given life once more, and the punishment is carried out till the end of their days.

Ayahpanam (drinking of burning substances)

People who drink alcohol and other toxic beverages are sent here. The men will be made to drink hot, liquid molten lava each time they take an alcoholic beverage during their earthly existence, while the women are forced to drink melted iron in liquid form.

Raksobjaksam (revenge attacks)

This hell awaits those who offer human and animal sacrifices and then consume the flesh. There would be all the creatures they had previously slain, and they would band together to attack, bite, and maul the criminals. Their groans and protests would be in vain in this place.

Sulaprotam (trident torture)

This Sulaportam hell is meant for individuals who murder others who have done them no harm and for those who betray others. Here, they are made to endure being impaled on a trident for the duration of their sentence, which includes extreme hunger and thirst in addition to all the other tortures administered to them.

Ksharakardamam (hanged upside down)

This hell is reserved for arrogant people and those who criticize decent people. The sinners are repeatedly tortured by Yama's servants, who also keep them upside down.

Dandasukam (eaten alive)

Here is where sinners who treat other people like animals will end up. This place is full of monsters. These monsters will eat them alive.

Vatarodham (weapon torture)

Those who harm animals that reside in forests, mountaintops, and trees deserve this punishment. Sinners are tormented with fire, poison, and other weapons during their period in this Naraka after being cast into this hell.

Paryavartanakam (torture from birds)

This place is meant for those who abuse and refuse food to the poor. When a sinner comes here, beaks from birds like eagles and crows puncture his eyes. These birds will continue to pierce them until their sentence is completed.

Sucimukham (torture by needles)

Those who are conceited and stingy, refusing to spend money on even the most basic needs (such as better meals or food for friends or family), will end up in this hell. This torture will also be imposed upon those who fail to return the money they have borrowed. Here, needles will be poking and piercing their bodies nonstop.

Sacred geometry and symbols play a major role in Sanatan Dharma. Sanatan Dharma encompasses a bouquet of beliefs but it is broadly believed that there is only one God which expresses itself in different forms and ways. This is signified by teachings of Upanishad like ‘Ekam Sad Viprah Bahuta Vadanti’ which means that the God is one and formless and is beyond the boundaries of understanding. Thus, God manifests in many forms and also affiliated to these many forms are sacred and auspicious symbols and geometries. These symbols play a great philosophical role in the Hindu religion and are given much significance. Many of these sacred symbols are associated with various Gods and Goddesses; other times they are auspicious geometries with profound spiritual meanings. The sacred symbols play the role of abstract representation of Divinity. These symbols work as bridge between the formless god and the limited human mind. Devotees find it much convenient if the God can be correlated to symbol, which can be interacted in daily lives. 

One amazing thing about these auspicious symbols in Hinduism is that they are not only used in worship and holy rituals. They also have great scientific and spiritual importance. There is a broad scope of symbolism that involves physical gestures like offering prayers with folded hands (Pranam). Such gestures usually induce the right mood and awareness for the individual. There are numerous auspicious symbols in Hinduism which symbolizes the notion of inner purity. These sacred symbols are displayed at temples and homes to bring good fortune, invite positivity and keep away all sought if negativities. Here, we have listed some of the most sacred and auspicious symbols used in Hinduism, their meaning and also the significance they hold.

Om / Aum

Om is the primary, most sacred spiritual symbol in Hinduism. Om is the root mantra and the primal sound from which all creations originated. It consists of the three Sanskrit letters aa, au, and maa which together form the sound Om or Aum. The most significant symbol in Hinduism, it appears in all prayers and is the first part of most Deities' invocations. Om is the Hindu symbol for devotion, can be found at the top of letters, pendants, Hindu and family temples. There are very few rituals of worship without this mystic sound. Om is a part of the Archanas performed at Hindu temples after every mantra uttered. Om is also where the Holy Vedas begin. In Sanatan Dharma, Om is the ‘cosmic sound’, or the ‘mystical syllable’, or the ‘affirmation to Divine’. Om is also one of the popular mantras for meditation. The English terms ‘omniscience’, ‘omnipotent’ and ‘omnipresent’ which are associated with the Supreme God are examples of words that contain the syllable Om. It is therefore also used to denote authority and Divinity. 

Swastika 

Swastika is considered one of the most auspicious symbols in Hinduism. The word Swastika comes from Sanskrit which means ‘lucky or auspicious thing’. Use of Swastika symbol dates back 2nd Century BC. Swastika appears like an equilateral cross and its four legs bent at 90 degrees. This symbol is sacred not only in Hinduism but also in Buddhism and Jainism. As a symbol of luck and auspiciousness, the Swastika signifies "It is well." This ancient sun's sign's right-angled arms represent the indirect method of intuition rather than intellect by which divinity is understood.

Ghanti (Bell)

Ghanti or Ghanta is a ceremonial bell used in ritual puja that involves all senses, particularly hearing. Its ringing invokes the Gods, excites the inner ear, and reminds us that the universe, like sound, can be seen but not possessed. The bell is often made from brass and has a clapper. When the bell is rung, it emits a high-pitched sound. The ringing of a bell calls the gods while simultaneously stimulating the inner ear. Hindu temples typically have a single metal bell hanging at the entryway, which visitors ring when entering the temple. During the Puja, both priests and worshipers clang bells.

Shivalinga 

Shivlinga is regarded as a particularly sacred emblem, representing Lord Shiva himself, according to tradition. Nearly all of the temples devoted to Lord Shiva have the Shivlinga. Hindu legend states that Lord Shiva himself took on the shape of a Linga so that his followers may worship Him. This is due to the fact that, while being formless and imperceptible to the unaided eye, Lord Shiva is present both on earth and in heaven. Shivling is conical at the top and broad in the middle. This is how flame takes shape. The God of Shaivite philosophy is formless. God took the appearance of a flame because of the souls' grace, which allowed them to understand God easily and experience liberation. This flame is worshipped as a stone lingam and in other forms that facilitate devotion. Shaivites regard this as more sacred than form worship. Shivlinga is a physical image of Lord Shiva and is meant to be touched, seen, and worshipped. It is guaranteed to devotees that by worshiping the Linga, they can establish a connection with Lord Shiva. Frequently depicted with the Yoni (which means womb or Prakriti) is the Shivlinga. This stands for the unity of Purush and Prakriti, or male and female, which precedes the creation of the universe.

Kalash 

The Sanskrit word ‘Kalash’ means pot or pitcher. The Kalash is made from a metal that usually features a broad base and a small mouth, such as brass, copper, silver, or gold. During Hindu ceremonies, a coconut and a coronet of mango leaves are placed on a pot of water. The coconut is wrapped in red thread or linen, and the coronet of mango leaves is arranged so that the tips of the leaves come into contact with the water in the Kalasha. In all Hindu celebrations and events of marriage and childbirth, Kalasha is revered. The coconut is a symbol of affluence and a cash crop. The pot's water symbolizes nature's capacity to sustain life. The state of Andhra Pradesh has adopted the Kalash as its official state emblem.

Cow or Gau Mata 

The cow or Gau mata is highly revered and honored and regarded as a sacred animal in Hinduism. Even though cows are not worshipped by Hindus, they are revered in practically all of India. While practically every animal is considered sacred in Hinduism, cows are held in higher regard than other animals. The cow produces butter, ghee, yogurt, and cheese in addition to milk and cream. It is said that cow milk refines a person. Cow manure is utilized in homes as a cleanser, fuel, and fertilizer. The cow is comparable to Mother Earth, the nourisher, the selfless giver, because of the abovementioned characteristics.   

The Sri Symbol

The Sanskrit word ‘Sri’ is commonly used to address people in a respectful manner. In Hinduism, the title Sri is often used to symbolize Maa Laxmi and also to honor deities. Sri can also be written as Shree or Shri. When Sri is used without any other words, it alludes to the highest consciousness. For numerous Gods and Goddesses, like Sri Ganesh, Sri Lakshmi, and Sri Vishnu, Hindus apply the prefix Sri. The term Sri appears at the start of most Hindu mantras or in between mantra lines. Spiritual leaders in Hinduism use Sri followed by 108 or 1008.

Shankha or Conch

The Shankha is a revered Hindu symbol related to Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu scripture, the Shankha bestows fame, longevity, and fortune. The Shankha was used in ancient times to begin and end gatherings such as war, trips, and meetings. Shankha generated a sound known as Shankanad. Shankha is now blown during religious ceremonies in Hindu temples and homes. It is also used during Aarti to offer light to the deities. Shankha is often used to bathe deities, particularly Lord Vishnu.

Trishul

Trishul is Lord Shiva's trident, which is also borne by other Hindu gods, sages, and saints. Trishula's three prongs depict the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh) and The Three Modes of Nature: Creation, Maintenance, and Destruction. It also symbolized the three Kalas (past, present, and future) The Three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas), Three Powers (will, action, and wisdom), and Three Miseries (physical, mental, and spiritual). As the trident is wielded by the Goddess Shakti, her followers hold it in high regard and consider it as an important symbol of their devotion towards her.

Rudraksha 

Rudra, which means "Lord Shiva," and Ak?a, which means "Teardrops," combine to form the Sanskrit term for "rudraksha." Rudraksha is a representation of Lord Siva's tears poured in response to human suffering. Hindus wear the Rudraksha seeds strung together as a garland. It's thought that using 108 plus one beads is the proper amount. "The Guru Bead" is the name of the additional bead. Rudraksha is best worn without the use of metal since it is never polished or cut like a gemstone. 

Nandi 

Lord Shiva rides the Nandi bull, who serves as both the deity Parvati's gatekeeper and his mount. Nandi is a Sanskrit term meaning ‘one who brings joy’. Nandi Bull is portrayed as a seated statue in temples devoted to Lord Shiva. In Hinduism, it's important to first obtain Nandi's blessings before worshiping Lord Shiva. In India, there are numerous temples devoted just to Nandi Bull.

Peacock feather 

Lord Kartikeya, also known as Murugan in South India, rides a peacock. Lord Shiva is the father of Lord Kartikeya. The dancing peacock's display represents religion in all its splendor. According to Hindu mythology, Garuda is another mythological bird that carries Lord Vishnu, and it is thought that one of its feathers was used to create the peacock. India's national bird is the peacock. Being an agriculturally dependent nation, India depends heavily on rain, which the peacock predicts by dancing and opening all of its feathers. In Hinduism, Peacock Feathers, also known as Moonkh, are considered fortunate symbols. It is believed that having peacock feathers around the house can bring prosperity and good luck. The eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna also wore a peacock feather on his crown. Students also keeps a peacock feathers in their books, believing that the Goddess of Knowledge, Maa Saraswati, will assist them in achieving academic success.

Nataraja

Lord Shiva is being represented as the cosmic dancer in the Nataraja, which means "King of Dance." It is believed that Lord Shiva begins the process of creating a new cosmos by destroying the old one with his heavenly dance, known as the Tandava. There are two different types of tandavas which is the joyful one, also known as the Ananda tandava. The dance form Rudra Tandava is performed in a furious manner. Natraj is the main god worshipped in the popular Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram. 

Lotus Flower 

Padma is another auspicious symbol in Hinduism which often also called the Lotus Flower. In Hinduism, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Goddess Saraswati, and Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped by Padma. The Padma symbolizes beauty and purity regardless of the favorable or unfavorable conditions in which it flourishes. It basically remains as a reminder that goodness and wealth can flourish without being affected by evil in one's surrounding. Many people refer to Lord Vishnu as the "Lotus-Eyed One."

Shatkona

Shatkona which also means "six" is a sacred Hindu symbol made up of interlocked triangles. These two triangles symbolize Lord Shiva (masculine) and Goddess Parvati (feminine). The highest three edges represent Lord Siva, Purusha, and fire. The three lower edges symbolize Shakti, Prakriti, and Water. The upward-pointing triangle represents Purusha, the Supreme Being, while the downward-pointing triangle represents Prak?ti, or Mother Nature.

Kamandal 

The Kamandal is a water pot with a handle that is made from metal, clay, or coconut shells. The Hindu Sages used to carry the Kamandal, which stands for a straightforward, independent existence. The water of the kamandal is a representation of riches, life, and fertility. The Kamandal is commonly seen in the hands of ascetic Hindu gods.

Sudarshana Chakra

Lord Vishnu holds a disk-shaped weapon that is known as the Sudarshana Chakra, which has 108 razor-sharp edges. The meaning of the terms Sudarshana and Chakra are respectively "vision which is auspicious" and "the one which is mobile." Legends states that the Sudarshana Chakra is both the most powerful and the only weapon that can move. The ultimate goal of the Sudarshana Chakra is to destroy the opponent. During Homas, or Hawans, Hindus typically worship Sudarshana to fend off evil spirits or vibrations. In India, Sudarshana Chakra is revered as the primary deity in numerous temples.

Dhwaja / Saffron Flag

In Hinduism, the Saffron Flag stands for the Hindu culture, or "Sanatana Dharma." Wealth, Dharma, Advancement, Glory, wisdom, and detachment are all represented by the flag. Hinduism's flag is orange because its fundamental belief is that fire is the ultimate cleanser. The Dhwaja flag has a triangular shape as opposed to the typical rectangular flags. Hindu sages traveled from one ashram to another in the past, and they always brought fire with them. The saffron flag sign may have originated from the hardship of carrying a burning thing. Along with being seen during religious processions and festivals, the Saffron Flag can also be seen waving on the majority of Hindu temples.