Hinduism

Durga, a beautiful warrior seated upon a tiger, was the first appearance of the great goddess. The circumstance of her miraculous arrival was the tyranny of the monster-demon Mahishasur, who through terrific austerities had acquired invincible strength. The gods were afraid of this water-buffalo bull because neither Vishnu nor Shiva could prevail against him.

Durga, in Sanskrit means "She who is incomprehensible or difficult to reach." Goddess Durga is a form of Sakti worshiped for her gracious as well as terrifying aspect. Mother of the Universe, she represents the infinite power of the universe and is a symbol of a female dynamism. The manifestation of Goddess Durga is said to emerge from Her formless essence and the two are inseparable.

This write up is a post-script understanding of the Pravachan delivered by Swami Dr.Vishwa Mitterji Maharaj, on 29th July, 2007 on the occasion of Guru Purnima. On the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, Maharajji, at the outset declared for Ram Naami Sadhaks, Guru as a ‘being’ is not to be worshipped but the ‘persona’ beyond the "being" with deeds and eternal wisdom must be revered.

Hinduism is not based on one single text book. Though it could be said that Vedas are the base, in essence veda is nothing but knowledge. It is the science of the self and Supreme. The science can not be limited to one book so is Hinduism. If you are looking for a source where all the principles are given, then there are three texts. They are called "Prasthana Traya" — the principal three. They all present the same truth.

Sanatana Dharma is by its very essence a term that is devoid of sectarian leanings or ideological divisions. This is evident by the very term itself. The two words, "Sanatana Dharma", come from the ancient Sanskrit language. "Sanatana" is a Sanskrit word that denotes that which does not cease to be, that which is eternal. The word "Dharma" is a term that is only properly rendered into the English language with difficulty.