Holi: The Eternal Festival of Colors, Legends, and Sanatana Dharma
The Adiveda Weekly #140
Hari Aum Sadhakas,
Holi, the vibrant festival of colors, is one of the most ancient and joyous celebrations in Bharat, deeply rooted in Sanatana Dharma. Beyond its playful hues, Holi carries profound spiritual, historical, and astronomical significance, marking the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring. From the burning of Holika to the playful love of Radha and Krishna, its legends reflect the essence of devotion, renewal, and harmony. Celebrated across regions with unique traditions, Holi unites people in laughter, forgiveness, and faith. This blog explores the rich history, significance, and cultural diversity of this timeless festival.
Wishing everyone a Shubh Holi
-Adiveda Team
Newsletter Contents - This newsletter contains the following sections in given order:
1 - Weekly Blog , 2 - Question of the week, 3 - The Hindu way of Life,
4 - Reflection of the week, 5 - Mantra of the week, 6 - Important Dates of the week,
7 - Books by Vanamali Mataji, 8 - Satsang by Vanamali Mataji, 9 - Understanding with Mataji, 10 - Learning with Mataji,
11 - Astrology Tips, 12 - Ayurvedic Tips, 13 - Yogic Living, 14 - Prenatal Yoga and
15 - Contacts
Weekly Blog
Question Of The Week
Q - What is the spiritual significance of donating a portion of oneโs earnings?
A - Donating a portion of oneโs earnings, eg. Annadanam (food donation) or Gau Seva (service to cows), is deeply rooted in the concept of Dharma and selfless service (Seva) in Sanatana Dharma. It helps dissolve past karmic debts, attracts divine blessings, and ensures the flow of prosperity. Acts of charity, such as feeding the needy or supporting spiritual causes, cultivates detachment, selflessness, and inner growth leading to Moksha.
Do send us your questions via the comment section or through live interaction with Vanamali Mataji on Instagram.
The Hindu Way of Life
Respect for animals is deeply ingrained in the Santana Dharma, as all living beings are considered manifestations of the Divine (Brahman). Ahimsa (non-violence) teaches compassion towards all creatures, while sacred animals like cows, elephants, and serpents hold spiritual significance. Many Santana rituals, festivals, and traditions emphasize coexistence with nature, reinforcing the belief that protecting animals brings good karma and spiritual progress.
Reflection of the Week
Success is often defined by external achievements and societal validation, while contentment comes from inner peace and personal fulfillment. A successful life may still feel empty if it lacks satisfaction, whereas a contented life brings joy regardless of external measures. True happiness lies in embracing what we have rather than constantly chasing what we donโt. Balancing both can lead to a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Mantra of the Week
เคเค เคชเฅเคฐเคนเคฒเคพเคฆเคพเคฏ เคจเคฎเค
Om Prahladay Namah
I bow to Prahlada, and offer him the five different types of perfumes and flowers a thousand times.
Important dates this week
โ Holika Dahan - Thursday Mar 13, 2025
โ Holi - Meena Sankranti - Chandra Grahan - Falgun Purnima - Friday Mar 14, 2025
Books by Vanamali Mataji:
The Rishis
This book explores the lives and teachings of the revered sages or Rishis who have given us the incredible โDharmaโ known as โSanatana Dharmaโ. It further celebrates their diverse philosophies, offering readers a rich tapestry of wisdom that continues to inspire seekers today. Also available as audio book.
This book is available for purchase and can be delivered worldwide. If you are interested in purchasing copies of any of Vanamaliโs books, please contact vanamali2@gmail.com.
Also available as audio book are Sri Rama Lila and Sri Hanuman Lila. Narrated by Vanamali Mataji, listen to them on Spotify or JioSaavn.
Vanamali Mataji in Satsang
In Her Bhagavad Gita Discourse, Vanamali Mataji shares beautiful insights from every chapter. She allows our minds to understand this ever relevant guidebook and thus helps us to navigate our own daily battles. The introduction video is available in full on YouTube and gives the background information of Shri Bhagwad Gita.
The entire Discourse, shared chapter by chapter, was professionally recorded and is made available on a donation basis. For those interested in receiving the recordings on a weekly basis, please contact vanamalibhagavadgita@gmail.com.
To follow along the Discourse, Vanamali Mataji recommends reading Vanamaliโs โSrimad Bhagavad Gitaโ, as well as the commentary โNitya Yogaโ. If you would like to purchase a copy, please contact vanamali2@gmail.com. Books ship internationally.
Understanding with Vanamali Mataji
Vanamali Mataji has a series of talks on the Uddhava Gita . Lets uncover the secrets of Uddhava Gita which emphasizes the importance of detachment, devotion, and self-realization, guiding individuals on their spiritual journey towards enlightenment and ultimate union with the divine. These talks are available both on Instagram and Youtube.
Learning with Vanamali Mataji
Vanamali talks on Sanatan Dharma in this video
Astrology Tip of the Week
To receive your personal reading you can contact Amit on WhatsApp - (+91) 954-841-1670 .
Ayurvedic health tip of the week - Anti-inflammatory habits to help minimize the irritation to the esophagus:
โ Practice Stress reduction
o Stress can interrupt the digestive process and increase stomach acid
o Stress can increase the inflammatory response and may increase pain
o Some stress reduction techniques include mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, yoga, and
other joyful movement
โ Minimize Alcohol Intake
o Excess alcohol can increase inflammation and irritate the digestive tract
Our trusted Naturopath is: Dr. Poorna Menon, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
Disclaimer: Please note this is not medical advice - please follow the advice of your practitioner before you make any changes that could impact your health.
Yogic Living - Sacred Breath Challenge!
Regular practice of Asana & Pranayama is a must for any sadhaka on the path of yoga. Even at the age of 85 Vanamali Mataji practices Surya Namaskar, Yoga Asanas & Pranayama everyday without fail. The "Surya Namaskar Challenge" is a 12 day introductory course offered by Hub of Yoga in which you will learn the sequence step by step, practice with correct breathing and invocation of mantras, and gradually build up to 12 full rounds by the final day. The Program started from Monday, 27th January 2025! and available to all yoga Sadhakas on donation basis, sign up here "Surya Namaskar Challenge"
Joining prenatal yoga classes is a wonderful way to enhance physical well-being, reduce stress, and prepare the body for childbirth. These classes offer emotional support, improve flexibility, and promote relaxation, fostering a stronger mind-body connection during pregnancy. Contact for more details - (+91) 832-796-6554
How to connect with Mataji & Trusted Contacts
Instagram: VANAMALIKRISHNA
EVERY Sunday at 11am IST Mataji will host a live Q&A on Her Instagram page!
YouTube: Vanamali Matajiโs Youtube
To purchase Vanamaliโs Books: vanamali2@gmail.com
For Adiveda Retreats & Classes: Adiveda Website | (+91) 816-991-5870
Learn Sanskrit from expert - Please contact Athul Shrirag - (+91) 906-165-3308 - athulshriragkr@gmail.com
For an authentic astrology reading with our Adiveda Vedic Astrologer Amit, please contact: (+91) 954-841-1670
At your service,
The Adiveda Team