Kunjapuri is the temple of Goddess Durga as it is one of the thirteen Shakti Peethas (Power Centers) in the Shivalik range and one of the three Shakti Peethas in the Tehri district established by Jagadguru Shankaracharya, Other two Shakti Peethas in the district are Surkanda Devi and Chandrabadni. Kunjapuri, along with these two peethas form a holy triangle.     According to Skandpuran, Sati, the daughter of King Daksha, was married to Lord Shiva. After the Asuras were defeated in Treta Yuga, Daksha was chosen as the creator of all the gods. He performed a yagna at Kankhal to commemorate it. He, however, did not invite Lord Shiva as Lord Shiva objected to Daksha becoming Prajapati. Lord Shiva and Sati saw all the gods passing through Mount Kailash, the

Nadi sodhna is a breathing technique that meant for channel purification, clear blocked energy channel thus calm the mind. It also known as alternate nostril breathing. The main benefit for nadi sodhna is that it infuses the body with oxygen, reduces stress and anxiety, calm and rejuvenates the nervous system, balances both nadis and helps to balance hormone. It relaxes the mind to enter meditation. To perform naadi sodhna pranayama, we sit  comfortably and place the left hand on the knee with chin mudra. As for the right hand, we can use nasagra mudra or Vishnu mudra. Where the index and middle finger are lightly press in between eyebrows. And the ring and thumb on the left and right nostril respectively. The duration of the inhalation and exhalation is controlled.

The muscular system is an organ system consisting of 3 types of muscles tissues: skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscles. It permits movement of the body which is one important function. Muscles also function is assistance of  blood circulation throughout the body. When muscle is relaxed the valves that carry blood will be closed, and the valves open up for blood flow when muscle contract on it. Muscles also help digestion as it help to move the food in the digestive system. The muscle move in wave like contraction in the guts and this is called peristalsis. Another is also important to control our postures. The muscular systems in vertebrates are controlled through the nervous system although some muscles can be completely autonomous. The skeletal muscles is also known as striated

The 8 limbs of yoga is the path of self realization that includes moral, physical, spiritual, and practical aspects of yoga practice. We take control of our true self rather than give control to the outer self. This has to be step by step from step one of the beginning of the 8 limbs of yoga in order to  understand and experience the higher level. The first is Yama which is social ethics as the relationship towards the outer world. It consist of moral vows on things we shouldn’t do. We need to overcome our outward thought patterns which keep our awareness into the outer world as a first step to cultivate inward. Yama consist of 5 elements which is:   Ahimsa –non violence or non harming in physical, mental

What is Trigunas?     Trigunas are 3 qualities of nature. The universe is the union of purusha (consciousness) and prakriti (nature). Prakriti manifest itself in living and non living , gross and subtle matter in the universe. Purusha is the cause behind moment or life of that matter. The 3 biological elements / tridosha are constituents of the human body (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). This is the prakriti. While the innate qualities of human beings are classified into 3 different categories known as trigunas. This is the metaphysical aspect.   Types (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas) of Trigunas!   The trigunas are integral constituents of the mind. (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas). These 3 also known as Mansa dosha ot the psychic constitution. a.Tamas is underactive state which is the lowest. It

Yoga is believed as the “Immortal cultural outcome” of the ancient Indus Saraswati Valley Civilization thousands years ago before the first religion and believe were born. The first yogi or adiyogi and guru is Shiva. He shared his profound knowledge to the 7 sages (Saptarishis) in the banks of lake Kantisarovar. The sages then spread the knowledge to all around the world like Asia, South Ameriac, Middle East, and Northern Africa. However, the fullest record of the yogic system was found in India. Yoga is present in fold traditions, Indus valley civilization, Vedic, Upanishatic heritage, Buddhist and Jain tradition., Darshanas, epic of Mahabharat and Ramayana, theistic tradition of Shaivas, vaishnavas, and tantric tradition. Yoga is then later practiced with the guidance of guru and and the spiritual values are the

Yogic breathing involves all 3 sections which is the abdomen, chest and clavicular region of our body. It maximises the inhalation and exhalation. Before we do yogic breathing, we must understand the clavicular breathing, thoracic breathing and also the abdominal breathing. As we inhale shallowly into the upper chest, and as our shoulder and collar bone slightly raise up, this is the clavicular breathing. It is usually combines with thoracic breathing and this often take place in a stressful situation like physical exertion or obstruction of airway problems like asthma. The upper ribs and collar bones are pulled upward by the sternum and neck as it allows more air into the lungs. It is for awareness creation in yoga if it is practice alone and a part of yogic breathing

Pranayama involves the control of breathing through several techniques. It literally means “energy control”. It is a type of meditation method with various ways to control the breath. The main objective is to withdraw the other senses from the outside world with this concentration. This is the forth step of yoga sadhana after asana and before pratyhara (withdrawal of senses) in the yoga sutra. The control of mind through breath is an essential practice that internalize our focus and maximize the oxygen intake into our body and direct it accordingly within. It makes our body light and enable to regulate and control the subtle force within our body. From here, we can control our mind with concentration, which is the main benefit of pranayama.     The focus is on

Shatkarma is a set of yogic purifications of the body. It is a part of yoga sadhanas / practice. Their purpose is to remove impurities/ toxins accumulated in the body and are clinical in nature. It cure diseases and prepare the body for asanas and pranayama.   Types of Shatkarma Neti . This is nasal passage cleansing using neti pot with salt lukewarm water. Dhauti. This is cleansing of the digestive tract Basti. This is colon cleansing Trataka. This is gazing practice. We focus on a fixed single point or a candle light flame. Nauli. This is self administered abdominal massage. The core rotates internally by moving the abdominal muscle alternately in a close wise and counter clockwise direction. Kapalabhati. This is a pranayama which means skull shining. The inhalation

How to Improve Concentration? Concentration or Dharana, is the sixth limb of Yoga. Dharana is a stage before meditation. Concentration is the intention of meditation that requires to stay focus in one pointe without distractions from the senses and the outside. Concentration needs to be effortless, however, concentration requires effort. Every task requires a certain level of concentration. Without concentration nothing is possible. Concentration is only possible when the body is relaxed. One way to improve concentration is removing any physical tension. In order to achieve deep concentration, the muscles of the body need to be in a state of relaxation. For an effective concentration the body needs to be relaxed. A good way to relax the body is by taking a deep inhale, tense the whole body, and release