Two noble women of Hindu Puranas

There were two noble women who were the wives of two wicked characters in Ramayana and Mahabharat. Mandodari, wife of Ravan and Bhanumathi wife of Duryodhan in Mahabharath. There is very little mention of these characters, who were remarkably noble in nature and spoke against the injustice done by their husbands.

Mandodari's role is short in the Ramayana. She is described as a pious and righteous royal lady, wife of the demon king Ravana. The Ramayana describes Mandodari as beautiful, pious, and righteous.

Despite her husband's faults, Mandodari loves him and advises him to follow the path of righteousness. Mandodari repeatedly advises Ravana to return Sita to Rama, but her advice falls on deaf ears. Her love and loyalty to Ravana are praised in the Ramayana.

Ravana threatening to kill Sita unless she marries him. Ravana raises his sword to behead Sita when she refuses. Mandodari saves Sita by holding Ravana's hand. Mandodari says that the murder of a woman is a heinous sin and thus Ravana should not kill Sita.

When all attempts for a peaceful return of Sita fail, Rama declares war on Ravana's Lanka. Before the final battle against Rama, Mandodari makes a last attempt to dissuade Ravana, but to no avail. Finally, Mandodari stands by her husband in the final battle like an obedient and faithful wife. But Hanuman finds a weapon hidden in Mandodari’s bed chamber and Rama kills Ravana with that weapon.

Duryodhana’s wife Bhanumathi ‘s role is very insignificant in Mahabharatha. She wasn’t strong enough to fight against Duryodhana’s “adharmic deeds”. Still she reminds Duryodhana to give respects to Krishna and listen to his words when he approached the Kauravas with a peace treaty. It was Krishna’s last attempt to stop the Kukshetra war.

Bhanumathi is described as "satiratna" in mahabharatha.

She is pictured as a model of wife who is ready to sacrifice anything for the happiness of her Husband, who tried to keep her husband away from the path of Adharma.

Mandodari and Bhanumathi are two women characters of Hindu Puranas who were against Adharma done by their Adharmic husbands.

Any blog post ideas?

Hey everyone! I know we have been asking a lot of feedback lately but we were wondering do you have any ideas for blog posts? We have been doing lots of photoshoots lately is there any other ideas you have or what you would like to see on our blog? Thanks so much!

random pic of josefina!

Do you like guess that doll game?

I just want some feeback do you  like the guess that doll post that we had? All of you guessed rebecca and you are right!

Guess that doll....

So today I saw on american girl's website they have this thing called guess that doll they give you clues and you guess. I though it would be really fun to try it!
So can you guess this doll?
-loves to act
-is outgoing and cares about others
-family knows Russian and so does she
-had a small part in a movie on her birthday

So which doll do you think this is?

Narasimha Avatar

The story of Narasimha avatar is well known to all Hindus. Lord Vishnu took the Varaha Avatar to kill Hiranyaksha. To take revenge on Vishnu and in a wish to rule the 3 worlds, Heaven, Earth and Pathala, his brother Hiranyakashipu did penance to please Brahma. Brahma appeared but he refused to give him the boon of immortality. Instead Hiranyakashipu was granted a death wish which was, “not getting killed by humans or animals, not by any weapons, nor in the day or night, not touching earth or sky.”

After securing his death wishes Hiranyakashipu conquered the worlds and became a demon tyrant. He banned all pujas to Lord Vishnu and declared himself a God. He was cruel to his people.

He declared, anyone who prayed to Vishnu would be beheaded, and all should pray to him only. His own son Little Prahlad was an ardent devotee of Maha Vishnu and refused to obey him.

Hiranyakashipu gave the order to kill Prahlada, but at every attempt Vishnu appeared and saved him. This increased the fury of Hiranyakashipu.

One day in the court, Prahlada was brought, and Hiranyakashipu threatened to kill him, if he doesn’t stop reciting “Narayanaya Nama”.

Where is your Narayan? Asked Hiranyakashipu.

“he is everywhere, in the pillars and even in the rust” Prahlad answered. Hiranyakashipu in his rage struck a pillar with his mace, shouting, “Where is your Narayan, let him come out of this pillar.”

The pillar split open with a thundering sound and Vishnu’s Narasimha Avatar took place. He was half human and half lion. He grabbed Hiranyakashipu and kept him on his lap, sitting on a wooden step above the ground. With his lion nails, Narasimha split open the demon king and brought an end to his cruel reign.

It is believed by followers that Narasimha protects his sincere devotees when they are in extreme danger. He is known primarily as the 'Great Protector' who specifically defends and protects his devotees in times of need.

The following Narasimha Stothra recited with devotion helps in speedy recovery from all debts. The repeated lines “Runa Mukthaye “ depicts freedom from debts. It is proven beyond doubt that one will prosper in financial matters….

Narasimha Mantra.

Draupadi

With her hair untied,

Draupati stood firm, with an unbending will…

Nothing would suffice her,

But the end of Kauravas,

A virtuous woman she was

When dishonored in presence of her elders,

She wanted Duryodhana killed,

Vowed she would tie her hair washed in Dushassana’s blood

For the unpardonable offence he did.

The daughter of King Draupada and sister to Dhristadyumna

The crowned queen of the Pandavas,

Sri Krishna called her “Sakhi”,

A woman who had no equal in beauty and grandeur,

Draupadi is the symbol of woman’s strength and power,

She was the force behind the Kurushetra war,

She went through trouble and insult

She had spent long years in agony,

Her strength was her devotion for Krishna….

Who stood by her in all trials of life

Draupati got justice in the end,

Dharma won in the Kurukshetra battle,

She tied her hair smeared in Dushasana’s blood….

Julie's American Girl Place in Boston Trip Wishlist!

Whoop! I am so excited! We officially know when we are going to Boston (in about a week and half) I can't wait!! So today I thought I would show you some things I want to get there. This list is not official so I won't get everything on this. I am so excited I can't wait to do a huge Boston post!!

Josefina's Feast Outfit-$28
I love this outfit I think it's so cute!

Josefina's Pajamas-$24
I love these! The ribbon on top looks so cute!

Josefina's School Outfit-$24
This is probably my favorite Josefina outfit!

Sombrita-$18
She is adorable I really want to get her she is probably the thing
 I want to get the most at the agp

Julie's Summer Skirt Set-$28 this outfit is adorable I love the skirt!

I know this looks like a lot of stuff but I won't be able to buy everything. I also want to buy some store
exclusives. Thanks for viewing our blog!

Ahalya Moksham

Ram and Lakshman were on their way to the kingdom of Janak accompanied by Viswamitra Maharshi. On the way they passed through the most aesthetic and divine place on the banks of the river Ganga…..It was the holy place where Gowtama muni’s ashram stood….Ram was amazed by the divinity of the ashram and its surroundings covered by plants full of beautiful flowers and fruits, all untouched by living beings.

Ram looked at Viswamitra and asked, “Maharshe, Taponidhe, Who owns this divine place which makes anyone so pleasant? What is the concealed secret of this place which makes anyone feel a divinity?”

Viswamitra replied, “Listen to me, Ram, I’ll tell you the story….Here lived the celestial and powerful Gowtama muni in his Ashram. Brahma the creator, married his daughter Ahalya, the heavenly beautiful girl to Gowtama muni. Gowtama muni was most pleased with Ahalya’s worship, chastity and duties to her husband. They were leading a perfect life of peace and happiness.

It was then that Indra tried to seduce Ahalya. Indra is the king of gods and the ruler of Heaven. Indra is a great warrior and the symbol of courage and strength. The Devas lead by Indra wages war against the Asuras.

The Rig-Veda states,

He under whose supreme control are horses, all chariots, the villages, and cattle;

He who gave being to the Sun and Morning, who leads the waters, He, O men, is Indra.

With all that power and Ahankar (pride), Indra wanted Ahalya. He couldn’t forget the Vishwamohini roopam of Ahalya, and finally decided to trick her. He was so blind with lust. Indra attained the form of Gowthama, in his absence, and persuaded Ahalya and seduced her.

Gowthama happened to witness this union of his wife and Indra in disguise. His rage was uncontrollable. In his fury, Gowthama cursed Indra to attain a form which he should be ashamed of…..He pleaded mercy to the Muni, saying it was his ignorance, but the Muni had already cast his curse and Indra had to go back to his kingdom in shame.

To the horrified Ahalya, Gowthama said,”Shame on you, you cruel woman, your act was most despicable….Your contemptable act is unforgivable..You disgraceful woman, your ignominious act has to be chastised….You have to undergo severe penance….You do the repentance by remaining a stone, remain here without food and water praying to Rama. No animal will come to this sacred place and when your penance is over after hundreds of years, Lord Ram will come this way. When Ram’s foot touches you, you will be free from your penance. With blessings from Ram, you can come back to me. “

The story was narrated by Viswamitra, and Ram along with Lakshman stepped into the Aashram. Ram bowed the Muni patni in respect, saying “Ramoham”. Ahalya opened her eyes and had the blissful sight of Lord himself. She had no words, and tears rolled out of her eyes. Ahalya bowed her head on the feet of Ram in ecstasy of salvation.

There is no sin or guilt which cannot be pardoned by repentance and pure faith in God. God himself will appear and devoid us from all sins.

That seems to be the moral of this story.