10 Avatars of Lord Vishnu

10 Avatars of Lord Vishnu

There are 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu that we have called Dashavatara; these are very important in Hinduism, indicating how this deity took on various shapes to re-establish the cosmic equilibrium. Every avatar appeared during some age (Yugas) to fight against evil and preserve the good ones.

Lord Vishnu

https://bharatpractice.blogspot.com/2024/08/summer-wedding-dress-for-men.html

Matsya (The Fish)

• Age: Satya Yuga
• Purpose: Matsya, the fish incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is regarded for his fundamental role in preserving sacred Vedas and humanity during a massive flood. A detailed view can be found here:
• The Great Deluge: According to Hindu mythology, there was an enormous flood or deluge that was meant to cover the earth and eliminate all forms of life. This had been predicted by the sage Manu who had received a warning from Vishnu in his Matsya form.
• Saving the Vedas: When the great flood was about to come, Matsya saved the sacred Vedas which is the basic text used in Hinduism so that they would remain with us for posterity. They were at risk of being lost through drowning, however, Matsya managed to deliver them to one mountain top.
• Rescuing Manu and Humanity: Matsya also rescued Manu, the father of mankind as well as his family. To this effect, he asked Manu to build a huge boat and take on board samples of all plants and animals existing then. As soon as the waters covered the earth, Matsya guided the ship towards safety thus enabling both Manu and preserved beings to re-inhabit it when they receded away.

Kurma (The Tortoise) 

• Age: Satya Yuga
• Reason for Being: In Hindu mythology, lord Vishnu incarnated as Kurma (the tortoise) and helped to churn the ocean (Samudra Manthan). Below are the chief aspects:
• Supportive Mount Mandara: To keep it from going down under the sea during the churning of the ocean; Vishnu took on a tortoise form (Kurma) to support this mountain. For this reason, the churning was able to continue.
• Gaining the Nectar of Immortality: The gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) churn to get Amrita - the nectar that gives immortality. This process greatly depended on Kurma’s support which managed to keep both the mountain and successful for churning to proceed.
• As a result, Kurma emphasizes Vishnu’s roles, which include being a guardian and supporter of cosmic order while ensuring balance and successful divine activities. The themes of support and stability amidst cosmic upheavals are thus brought out by this incarnation

Varaha

• During the Satya Yuga, Lord Vishnu’s boar resulted in Varaha, his third avatar. It was during this avatar that he rescued Goddess Bhudevi from a demon called Hiranyaksha who had submerged her in the cosmic ocean.
• In return for saving the earth, Varaha dived into the ocean, fought with Hiranyaksha, defeated him, and held the Earth on his tusks to restore it to its rightful place.

This avatar stands for bringing order out of chaos and signifies Vishnu’s role as a preserver of the universe.

Parashurama

• In the Treta Yuga, Parashurama (The Warrior with an Axe). He carried an axe that Lord Shiva bestowed upon him to rid the Kshatriya (warrior) class of their evils and unjust acts. These kings had turned into tyrants and were ignoring their subjects’ well-being and morality.
• Parashurama is often depicted as a warrior-monk who, in his rage, wiped out the Kshatriya race 21 times. Despite being such a warrior, he is also viewed as a learned sage whose strict life showed him to be both a guardian of dharma (truth) and an enemy of unrighteousness.

His deeds show that there is always a need to bring back balance to society or dharma through repatriation.

Rama

• Born in Treta Yuga, Rama was the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu who had come to restore dharma by defeating demon king Ravana. In the epic Ramayana, he is depicted as the epitome prince, son, and king. Rama’s life is marked by righteousness, compassion, and honor but faced many challenges such as exile imposed on him by his father and the abduction of Sita his wife.
• Rama’s victory over Ravana who also represented pridefulness and dharma (unjustness) serves not only as a personal achievement but also an act of cosmic restitution that reminds us how good triumphs over evil.

Krishna

•  The eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu was born during the Dvapara Yuga and played a significant role in Mahabharata. Krishna, known as a divine statesman, was an excellent diplomat and strategist. He rushed to help Pandavas, especially Arjuna by providing guidance through the Bhagavad Gita the eternal spiritual discourse based on duty, righteousness (dharma), and self-realization.
• Moreover, he defeated several demons including his tyrant uncle Kamsa who had oppressed the people and tried to kill Krishna as a boy because of the prophecy. Nonetheless, besides showing heroics through wars Krishna is esteemed for being wise and playful as well as determining the future of not only Mahabharata but also spirituality among mankind.

Buddha 

• It emerged in the Kali Yuga period, considered by some Hindu sects as the ninth avatar of Vishnu. He was popularly known as the ‘Enlightened One’, whose teachings were dominated by compassion, non-violence, and awakening. The purpose of this incarnation was to help people move away from common rituals such as sacrifices and violence that had become rampant.
• Siddhartha Gautama later called Buddha preached peace calling upon everyone to follow morality, meditation, and wisdom as a way of life. The core foundation of his doctrine is based on Buddhism which suggests that suffering can be stopped through four noble truths; eightfold path actions help in reaching Nirvana. Buddha wanted to put a stop to unnecessary rites so that man could concentrate more on self-transformation, love, and comprehension.

Kalki

• The last incarnation of Lord Vishnu is expected to arrive during the Kali Yuga, in which we’re living presently. He is frequently portrayed as a warrior on a white horse holding the sword of light. Kalki’s mission aims to put an end to dharma (evil) and wrongdoing that will have escalated significantly by this time.
• In addition to wiping out evil, one thing for which Kalki has come was to cleanse the world of all impurities before restoring dharma (virtue). As soon as he comes, it signifies that there will be no more Kali Yugas whilst moving ahead into another period referred to as Satya Yuga where peace reigns supreme once more; this implies that everything starts again afresh henceforth characterized by goodness throughout. It follows that this avatar serves as an emblem of hope associated with revival and victory of righteousness over everything else.

https://bharatritualsandfestival.blogspot.com/2024/09/when-is-onam-2024.html

Frequently Ask Questions

In what way does Lord Vishnu take different avatars?

Lord Vishnu takes different avatars every time a cosmic order and/or dharma (righteousness) is threatened. Each avatar emerges according to particular needs and challenges that are presented to it; for instance, concerns of divine equilibrium, allegiance to devotees, or the destruction of evil forces.

What is the significance of the Dashavatara in Hinduism?

The Dashavatara portrays the ten most vital incarnations of Vishnu; hence portraying him as an upholder as well as a preservative agent for the universe. Different dimensions of cosmic balance and human values are addressed by each avatar indicating Vishnu’s complete arrangement for fighting against dharma rakshases and keeping up with dharma.

How is the Dashavatara depicted in art and literature?

The Dashavatara is illustrated in all sorts of arts such as sculptures, paintings, or literature texts. Every avatar has its own characteristic pictures which include:

• Matsya: Typically represented just like a fish or sometimes only its lower half resembles one.
• Kurma: Often shown wearing tortoise shells or even being one.
• Varaha: Usually looked upon as being a pig while at times just holding its head.
• Narasimha: Depicted as having a lion face somehow combined manly figure.
• Vamana: Usually appears dwarf like carrying a water bowl
• Parashurama: His dress looks brahminical while he holds an axe.
• Rama: A prince bearing bow arrows
• Krishna: Everyone sees him in different forms including that of; child/friend/warrior
• Buddha: He is represented with traditional Buddhist iconography.
• Kalki: He is supposed to be depicted as a warrior sitting on a white horse.

Do all Hindu texts mention the Dashavatara of Vishnu?

The concept of Dashavatara is mainly found in Puranas such as Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana. These texts explain the ten principal avatars and what they are all about. Although, Dashavatara is an accepted concept, its interpretations and the inclusion of avatars like Buddha may differ from one Hindu tradition or text to another.

When Is Vishwakarma Puja

When Is Vishwakarma Puja

The festival of Vishwakarma Puja will be commemorated on Monday, September 16th, 2024. Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect and craftsman in Hindu mythology, is worshipped on this day. It is celebrated by workers and professionals in every industry, particularly engineering, architecture, and manufacturing.

                  Vishwakarma Puja

https://bharatritualsandfestival.blogspot.com/2024/03/who-is-father-of-ashtanga-yoga.html

Importance of Vishwakarma Puja

Puja is a festival that is observed by people from different parts of the world. However, it is of special significance to artisans, craftsmen, engineers, and workers across the globe. This day sees rituals and prayers seeking blessings for success, safety, and efficiency at the workplace as the divine creator who happens to be Lord Vishwakarma celebrates his existence.

• Worshiping Craftsmen – Vishwakarma is revered as the divine craftsman who constructed the palaces, and made the weapons and vehicles of Gods in Hindu myth. This puja therefore becomes a tribute to him representing how all kinds of jobs need precision, craftsmanship, and creativity.
• Worshipping Tools & Machines – Workers clean up their tools on Vishwakarma Puja unlike any other day; they even adorn them with flowers sometimes. After these preparations have been done they are worshipped indicating respect for instruments that provide sustenance in one’s life.
• Safety & Efficiency Promotion – Workers’ safety is being prayed for during the ritualistic practices associated with Vishwakarma Puja points out its focus mainly on planning and administering employees to enhance safe operations and machine efficiency.
• Solidarity & Decency Emphasis – The puja unites individuals from different trades emphasizing teamwork, decency, and job pride celebrations. Also, it shows the essence of hard work.
• Social Importance: Vishwakarma Puja is a multicultural event celebrated in many countries all over the world: Vegetation and architecture have been practiced in India for centuries.

This day is an invitation to remember that work is what keeps society going and how it is important for human beings, machines as well as nature to exist in peace together.

Rituals Vishwakarma Puja

Vishwakarma Puja is celebrated in various ways, particularly by people engaged in craftsmanship, engineering, and industrial work. Major rituals associated with Vishwakarma Puja are:

• Cleaning and Decorating the Workspace: Before puja, workers thoroughly clean their workstations, gears, and machines. They often decorate them with flowers, garlands as well as rangoli (traditional patterns made on the ground with colored powders), as they prepare for worship.
• Setting up the Vishwakarma Idol or Image: An idol or image of Lord Vishwakarma—the God who designed everything—is placed on an altar within the workplace. Flowers adorn it while offerings are made to request blessings from this deity.
• Worship of Tools and Machinery: Tools, machines, and instruments used daily during work are set out before the Vishwakarma idol and worshipped. It is a way of expressing gratitude towards what provides one’s living and reminding them to take care of it.
• Puja Rituals: This puja typically consists of chanting mantras while offering flowers, fruits, or sweets alongside lighting incense sticks. Alternatively, workers might conduct it themselves or a priest may be called upon to do so Offerings are made unto Lord Vishwakarma while prayers request smooth machine operation safety in addition to prosperity at every job site.
• The Havan (Fire Ritual): A havan (which is a ritualistic fire ceremony) is carried out in several areas during puja. Offerings are placed into the holy fire while chanting certain Vedic mantras to make the god happy.
• A Feast and Community Gathering: Following the puja, there is usually a community meal that encompasses all laborers including their families. It brings about togetherness and communal harmony.
• Vishwakarma Day Being Observed as a Public Holiday: In numerous industrial regions, Vishwakarma Puja serves as a public holiday when work comes to a stop for the day. This enables laborers to perform their rituals and participate in celebrations without being bothered by work-related pressures.

Such rites reaffirm the regard for instruments or machines, the essentiality of artistry, and the wish for security and prosperity in employment. Apart from being a religious activity, the puja is an honor for working people and an ode to inventiveness

History

The introduction of Vishwakarma Day in honor of Lord Vishwakarma is what it is also referred to as Vishwakarma Jayanti. The divine architect and craftsman is admired in Hindu mythology as the Lord Vishwakarma. The universe was created by him together with the weapons that were for gods and he constructed sacred cities.

Among artisans, craftsmen, engineers, and industrial workers, a celebration of Vishwakarma Day is more conspicuous. Most especially, it is celebrated in industrial settings and factories throughout India more so in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and Karnataka. On this day, people worship their tools as well as machinery praying that they be successful in their jobs while at the same time remaining safe.

According to history books, Vishwakarma Puja has been a tradition for many years showing how much craftsmanship is valued in culture and considering tools to be holy. The day includes rituals, and food shared with everyone in gratitude towards those that work for their families or creativity which keeps them alive.

It points out how important manual work and professionalism are to Indian society as well as showing the spiritual relationship between the worker and their instruments.

https://bharatpractice.blogspot.com/2024/09/wedding-dresses-for-women.html

Frequently Ask Questions

What is Vishwakarma Puja?

Vishwakarma Puja is a festival for Hindus that is celebrated in praise of Lord Vishwakarma, the god who is viewed as the master builder and craftsman. He has been considered as the creator of this universe by others, being seen as the architect for all gods’ palaces and the designer of their weapons. In fact, it is during this festival that engineers, architects, artisans, and industrial workers worship their tools and machinery

When do we have Vishwakarma Puja?

Vishwakarma Puja has always been celebrated on September 17 every year. Nevertheless, slight variations can be observed from one geographical region to another. This particular occasion falls on the last day in Bengalis’ month Bhadra also known as Kanya Sankranti

What are the main rituals of Vishwakarma Puja?

The major rituals carried out on Vishwakarma Puja involve praying to Lord Vishwakarma as well as worshipping with flowers, milk, or anything else for workers’ tools or machines they use. Devotees engage in offerings such as aarti prayers seeking blessings for seamless operation of the machines and affluence in the workplaces among others. Many industries usually give their employees a day off so that they may take part in this Puja Celebration besides partaking it amidst other activities like food and culture program

When is Onam 2024

When is Onam 2024

• Onam/Date (2024)
• Fri, 6 Sept, 2024 – Sun, 15 Sept, 2024
• Thiruvonam Onam ( 15 September 2024)

When is Onam

https://bharatpractice.blogspot.com/2024/08/who-formed-azad-hind-fauj.html

This is the day King Mahabali visits every domestic and blesses each circle of relatives in Kerala.

Onam, which will be celebrated in the year 2024 on September 15, when Thiruvonam falls, is a well-known festival among Kerala’s customs. The festivities last for ten days, from Fig on September 6 to Thiruvonam on September 15. This holiday is noteworthy for its extensive festivities, such as the traditional meal known as Onasadya made during these days, complicated floral arrangements called Pookalam, and several folk dances and boat races taking place.

Rituals of Onam

Onam, celebrated in Kerala with great zeal, incorporates several complex rituals that take place over ten days, each with very different meanings and traditions. The following are some main rites associated with Onam:

Atham Day (Day 1)

• Pookalam: The festival commences on Atham which is the first day of Onam. On this day you are required to spread out Pookalam (a flower carpet) in front of your house. The Pookalam is small in size when it begins on Atham. However, it becomes larger and more intricate until the end of the gala.

Vamana Jayanti (Days 2 – 9)

• Vishukkani: In the days preceding Onam, people clean their houses and decorate them with more intricate Pookalams in anticipation of Mahabali’s coming.
• Cultural Performances: Several cultural events take place during these days among which are traditional dances such as Kaikottikali, Thiruvathirakali, and Pulikali (tiger dance). Besides this music and dance competitions are held too.
• Onakalikal: Onakalikal are various traditional games and sports played during this period including Talappanthukali (a ball game), Ambeyyal (archery), and Kutukutu (a traditional game played mainly in Kerala).

Thiruvonam (Day 10)

• Onasadya: The tenth day of Onam is Thiruvonam which is considered by many as its most significant day characterized by a sumptuous feast called Onasadya. This meal has nine courses that cover a wide array of dishes all serving traditional foods like rice, sambar,avial,thoran, and payasam which are served on plantain leaves.
• Vallamkali (Boat Race): The Vallamkali is a prominent event during Onam and can be found especially in some parts of Alappuzha. Long snake-like boats are used by various teams who row them in competition against each other while maintaining an atmosphere of friendship.
• Temples Visiting: A good number of people visit temples with prayers and well wishes in mind. The Thrikkakara Temple is considered to be the home of Mahabali hence it remains an important place where prayers are offered during Onam.

Avittom (Day 11)

• Onathappan: The day after Thiruvonam symbolizes King Mahabali by Onathappan, who is dipped in water for the last time. It is a sign that he should go to the underworld.
• Post-Onam Celebrations: Small gatherings, more feasting, and cultural performances take place even after the Thiruvonam celebrations.

Other Rituals

• Pulikali: A folk art where dancers paint themselves tiger and hunters’ images. Mainly, it is famous in the Thrissur region filled with colors of happiness and delight.

Onam thus emerges among the main festivities in Kerala which evokes enormous joy and importance through its practices and traditions.

The History of Onam

Onam is one of the most celebrated festivals in Kerala, a state located in India whose culture and politics have deep-rooted historical significance. It is the festival that signifies the return of King Mahabali, an ideal king who lived thousands of years ago. Hence, every year during this time he comes to see his subjects lead prosperous lives.

Mythological Background:

Lying closely behind Onam were the legendary tales about the Demon King Mahabali who was famed for his righteousness and magnanimity. As per Hindu mythology, King Mahabali ruled over a very prosperous realm that even led the gods to be scared of him. In response, Lord Vishnu approached this great ruler requesting just three paces of land in his Vamana avatar (miniature Brahmin). Mahabali graciously agreed to this request, however as Vishnu grew into immense proportions, on two steps he covered all dry land and all-sky too. The third step however ranged from everything but starting right from Mosul through Aleppo up until Baku which was offered by Mother Earth herself; rather she allowed him to step on his own head after which he would be sent underground; but in return for his goodness, he was allowed by lord Vishnu to go back once every year into his domain which has become known as Onam.

Historical Significance:

Onam is also marked as one of those harvest festivals that come about after monsoons in Kerala thus marking its peak harvest season signifying prosperity, fertility, and cultural vibrancy for the state.

Cultural Celebrations:

The Festival is noted for its intricate ceremonies, ancient contests, folkloristic shows, and sumptuous repasts. The Onasadya which is served on a banana leaf is the most well-known celebration of Onam characterized by multiple courses of vegetarian dishes. Additionally, there are several other significant festivities like Pookalam (flower arrangements), Pulikali (a dance performed by impersonators of tigers), and Vallamkali (boat racing).

The history of Onam illustrates how agriculture thrived in Kerala while simultaneously depicting its cultural absorption through a blend of mythology with distinguishable accolades that remain as aspects of identity for inhabitants in this region.

https://bharatpractice.blogspot.com/2024/08/where-is-aryavarta-located.html

Frequently Ask Questions

What is Onam?

Onam, the festivity of the major Hindus, is celebrated predominantly in Kerala. It signifies the coming back of King Mahabali, a fictional king, and therefore is nothing but a series of elaborate feasts, folk dance festivals, and other pre-existing patterns of cultural activities that last for ten days.

When is Onam celebrated in 2024?

Onam in 2024 will be celebrated from Friday 6th September to Sunday 15th September, with the main day, Thiruvonam, which will be on the 15th of September.

What are the key rituals of Onam?

Among them are Pookalam (flower carpets), Onasadya (grand feast), Vallamkali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), and Kaikottikali (a traditional dance) among others.

Why is Onam celebrated?

Onam is an annual celebration in honor of King Mahabali’s visit. This is a king who was loved by many and his period in power is remembered as the golden age of equality and wealth. The festival represents his return to show mercy on his subjects.

Radha Ashtami: Significance, Date, Rituals, and Spiritual Importance

Radha Ashtami: Significance, Date, Rituals, and Spiritual Importance

Radha Ashtami is a major festival celebrated by Hindu’s all over the world, and particularly in the Vaishnavism sect of Hinduism. It commemorates the birthday of Shri Radha, the eternal companion of Lord Krishna, who is regarded as an incarnation of God. It is a joyous occasion for those who believe and are devoted to Radha, and it may involve much decoration and festivities for many adherents. Radha Ashtami takes place on the 8th day (the Ashtami) of the bright fortnight (the Shukla Paksha) in the month of Bhadrapada (the August to September time frame), according to the lunar calendar. 

Although Janmashtami is celebrated as the birth date of Lord Krishna in the Vaishnavism sect of Hinduism, the Radha festival is viewed as a completion of that divine celebration, as devotees of Lord Krishna cannot be fully devoted without acknowledging Radha. 

Through the remainder of this article, we will provide you with the many historical aspects, religious significance, and various cultural components surrounding Radha Ashtami.

Radha Ashtami

Read Also - What date does Indian Army Day fall on 

Significance of Radha Ashtami

The Radha Ashtami festival is celebrated every year on the Ashtami tithi of Shukla paksha in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, 15 days after Krishna Janmashtami.

Radha Rani represents all that is divine in terms of the Hladini shakti (divine pleasure potency) present within the supreme lord. She embodies para bhakti: the ultimate in selfless, pure, and unconditional love for the supreme. This is an important aspect of god consciousness as well as a means by which people can obtain spiritual liberation and connect with the Supreme Lord Krishna through devotion to Radha on this day. 

The Legend of Radha Rani's Divine Birth

According to many religious texts, including the Padma Purana, Radha Rani was born divinely beyond the limits of normal human birth.  The details of Radha's miraculous birth are recorded in several texts.  In the Padma Purana, it is stated that King Vrishabhanu and his wife, Kirti Kumari, found Radha on a lotus flower in a pond in Rawal (near Gokul), as she was being fed by the goddess Durga (falsehood).

According to the many beautiful legends concerning this event. When King Vrishabhanu and Kirti Kumari found Radha, she did not open her eyes until she was in the presence of Krishna.  The first thing she beheld was Krishna's divine face, showing that her entire purpose or existence was to have a relationship with Krishna.  King Vrishabhanu later moved to Barsana, where he built a home for Radha, and to this day, Barsana is the final destination for Radha.

Major Rituals and Festivals

In the Braj area of India (Barsana, Vrindavan, Mathura, Rawal), there are huge festivities for the celebration of Radha Ashtami. On this day, devotees perform these traditional rituals:

• Fasting: Devotees begin the holy fast at sunrise and do not break it until after noon. Some devotees perform the fast without water (nirjal), while others consume fruits and milk.
• Abhishekam: Radha Rani's idol is bathed in panchamrit (a holy mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar) and holy water at dawn.
• Shringar: After the bath, Radha Rani is adorned with new clothing, jewelry, and garlands made of fresh flowers.
• Maha Aarti and Bhog: At noon (when she appeared), a large Aarti ceremony takes place. A large variety of sweets and traditional foods (chappan bhog) are given to Radha Rani.
• Devotional Song: The temples are filled with singing of "Radhe Radhe" and singing of holy devotional songs (bhajans) throughout the day. 

Barshana & Vrindavan – The Essence of Radha Ashtami

The best way to celebrate Radha Ashtami is at its source; there’s no better place than Braj Bhoomi.

The Ladli Ji Temple (Shri Radha Rani Temple) in Barsana is spectacularly decorated with flowers and lights to celebrate Radha Ashtami. In addition to thousands of pilgrims climbing Bhanugarh Hill to see the deity, special processions and traditional Lathmar celebrations (song and dance recreating the divine pastimes of Dwapar Yuga) are held.

Read Also: Learn more about the holy town and find out how many temples are in Vrindavan before you plan your visit.

Visualizing the Cultural Heritage of Braj Bhoom

An example of the cultural heritage of Braj Bhoomi can be seen in the temples of Vrindavan and Barsana. The temples of Vrindavan and Barsana are more than just religious shrines; they are works of art that represent centuries of architectural devotion, true geometrical proportions, and cooperative storytelling through their physical form.

The carved sandstone walls of these ancient temples tell stories of Radhe-Krishna’s unconditional love for each other throughout history.

If you would like to learn more about how architecture and ideas of storytelling create a deeper heritage connection, please visit our Video Studio and Digital Heritage programs to see how we document, analyze and preserve the visual beauty of Indian heritage sites so that future generations can continue to enjoy our diverse cultures and provide inspiration through technology.

Read Also - Indian Wedding Dresses for Women

Frequently Ask Questions

1. Why do we celebrate Radha Ashtami 15 days after Janmashtami?

Radha Ashtami is celebrated on the 8th day of the “Shukla Paksha” in Bhadrapada (the 2nd of the rainy season) and falls on the 15th day of the month after the Janamashtami celebration.

2. Are grains permitted during Radha Ashtami?

Traditionally, when observing the Radha Ashtami fast, devotees abstain from grains. When concluding their fast after the noon Arti, they break their fast by consuming healthy fruits, Roots & Specific Non-Grain items (Falahar).

3. What are the benefits of observing Radha Ashtami Vrat?

By observing the Radha Ashtami Vrat with love & devotion, the devotee will receive absolution from past sins, peace of mind, fulfillment of desires, and receive the gift of pure love from God, as well as spiritual growth.