Nag Hill Caves at Pushkar in Rajasthan is a favorite spot for sadhus (Saints) during the Pushkar Fair. There are caves in Nag Hill in which Sage Agastya and Sage Bhartrhari is believed to have mediated for long period. These caves are occupied by saints from different parts of India and Nepal during the Pushkar fair. The Sadhus arrive here to take part in the Kartik Purnima Snan or holy dip in the Pushkar Lake on the full moon day of Kartik month (October – November). The caves are located inside the forests of Nag Hill. It is believed that Sage Bhartrhari got the boon of immortality at one of the caves in Nag Hill and he is still meditating in one of them. The cave Sage Agastya is a large one and is deep inside the forests. Another cave here is the Jalmahadhi cave in which Lord Parashuram is believed to have stayed for several years. Another unique sport at Nag Hill is the Adhar Shila passing under this stone will attain peace. The hills are located a kilo

Saubhagya Sundari Vrat is observed on the third day during the Krishna Paksha of Margasheersh month in North India and also during the third day of the Shukla Paksha in Chaitra month . The corresponding period in Gujarat and Maharashtra is the Kartik month. The vrat is observed by married women for the long life of their husbands. Saubhagya Sundari Vrat is dedicated to Mother Goddess. In some regions the Goddess to whom the Vrat is dedicated is named as Saubhgyasundari. This is not a hugely popular vrat and is only observed in certain parts of North India .

Prabodini Ekadashi, or Dev Uthani Ekadasi, is observed on the eleventh day during the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Kartik Month as per traditional Hindu Lunar Calendar. Lord Vishnu who was in a deep slumber during the Chaturmas period wakes up on the day. An interesting story associated with Prabodini Ekadashi is listened to on the day. There are several versions of Dev Uthani Ekadasi Vrat Katha this is one of them. Legend has it that Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, was unhappy with manner in which Lord Vishnu slept. Sometimes Lord Vishnu used to remain awake for days together and sometimes would sleep continuously for several days. Goddess Lakshmi then complained to Lord Vishnu about his undisciplined way of sleeping. She said that Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma, Devas and Saints visiting him are forced to wait for long period as He is sleeping for several days together. They are forced to return disappointed without having the Darshan of Lord Vishnu.

Lladro is a world famous Spanish Company noted for high quality porcelain figurines. Lladro during the past couple of years had released four idols (murtis) of Lord Ganesha in various forms – Veena Ganesha, Dancing Ganesha, Bansuri Ganesha and Mridangam Ganesha. Now as part of the Lladro Fall 2009 collections, all the four figurines of Lord Ganesh have been remodeled and freshly released. It is a limited edition collection and only 3000 of each Ganesh figurines are available for sale around the world. Each figurine is priced at $1900 (approximately 90,000 Indian rupees).

Brill’s Encyclopedia of Hinduism is a five volume thematic encyclopedia, presenting the latest research on all the main aspects of the Hindu traditions in original essays written by the world’s foremost scholars on Hinduism. The first volume was released in September 2009 and the next four volumes will be released in the next four years. This encyclopedia is more scholarly in nature. Founded in 1683 in Leiden, the Netherlands, Brill is a leading international academic publisher in the Humanities and Social Sciences. About Brill’s Encyclopedia of Hinduism from flyer The Encyclopedia explicitly adopts an interdisciplinary and pluralistic approach, and in it, the term “Hinduism” is used critically in the knowledge that most of the traditions that today make up Hinduism are much older than the term itself. The Encyclopedia aims at a balanced and even-handed view of Hinduism, recognizing the tensions inherent in the academic examination of Hinduism. It emphasizes that

Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple has launched a fast darshan facility at the temple known as Seegra Darshan for those who have money and do not have the patience to stand in the long queue. The cost of the new quick darshan ticket is 300 rupees and this will provide speedy access to offer worship of Lord Venkateswara. The centuries old free darshan facility still continues but the wait is long. The popular Rs 50 'darshan' facility ticket would also continue. But issuance of Archana Ananthara Darshan (AAD) tickets and Cellar Darshan tickets has been stopped from October 21, 2009. Under the new system, devotees buying Rs 300 ticket will be allowed to enter the shrine through a separate queue. It is said that the quick 'darshan' system has been introduced to put a stop to cases of recommendations from influential quarters, to provide speedy access for viewing the deity and also check the middlemen menace. I personally feel all such tickets should be sto

Dhoop or incense is an essential part of all Hindu pujas. It is common that we rarely bother to find out how the dhoop is made or from which tree is the resin extracted. Dhoop or Incense Sticks are made from the resin extracted from Black Dammar (canarium strictum) trees. But sadly due to human greed and over exploitation this tree is on the verge of extinction in Maharashtra . Times of India writes At present, there are just five Black Dammar (canarium strictum) trees in the state," Ankur Patwardhan, head of the bio-diversity department, Garware College , told TOI. Asked the reason for this catastrophic decline in number, Patwardhan said, "The main reason is inhuman practices like cutting or burning of these trees, as these trees have good market value. Another reason is unsustainable harvesting." Patwardhan is working on a project for the re-introduction of these trees in their natural habitat. According to him, the trees grow well only in crest line areas

Thirunageswaram Raghu Temple, or Sri Naganathaswamy Temple (Sri Raaghu Sthalam), at Thirunageswaram near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu is one of the rare temples in India dedicated exclusively to Lord Rahu one of the Navgrahas. Rahu Peyarchi is the transition of Rahu and Ketu as per astrology. Such transitions, or Peyarachi, are viewed in detail by those people who believe in astrology. Lord Raaghu (The Serpant Deity) is enshrined in the Thirunageswaram Raghu Temple . It is said that the milk that is poured on the Murti (idol) of Lord Rahu here turns light blue color. Lord Raaghu's transit from Mahara Rasi to Thanusu Rasi in anti clockwise direction and His stay in Dhanusu for 18 Months is a major astrological temple. Offering of prayers and participation in the above mentioned rituals at the lotus feet of Lord Raaghu will confer relief from sickness and evil spirits and bestow benefits. The temple informs that the transition will have bad effect on those

Yama Dwitiya is the final day of Diwali celebrations in Karnataka. It is dedicated to Lord Yama, the Hindu God of Death. On the day brothers visit sisters and give them gifts and sisters apply a Tilak on the forehead of the brothers. Here is the Argya Mantra to Yama Dharmaraja in Kannada: Argyamantra EhyEhi maartaanDaja paashahasta yamaantakaalEKakadharaamarEsha | bhraatRudvitIyaakRutadEvapOjaam gRuhaaNa chaarGyam bhagavan namastE | Namaskara Mantra After pooja, this is the namaskara mantra to Yama and Yamune. dharmaraaja namastubhyam namastE yamunaagraja | paahi maam kinkarai: saardham sUryaputra namOstutE | yamasvasarnamastEstu yamunE lOkapUjitE | varadaa bhava mE nityam sUryaputrim namOstutu tE | This article is an excerpt from an article contributed by Narahari Sumdhawa on Yama Dwitiya You may also like to read Yama Dwitiya Legend

The Book of Lakshmi takes the reader through the mythical and historical development of the Goddess Lakshmi. Apart from telling the stories, facts and rituals associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the book also delves into the gender bias in the worship of the Hindu Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. Written by R. Mahalakshmi, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University , Delhi , introduces Goddess Lakshmi through a series of illustrations and short stories. The book is published by Penguin Books India. The book is divided into seven chapters: Lakshmi as the embodiment of wealth and beauty Lakshmi as the daughter of the ocean Sri Lakshmi and other deities Symbols of Lakshmi The Iconography of Lakshmi Lakshmi Festival and Worship Ashta Lakshmi Stotram Kanakdhara Stotram Sacred Mantra About the book from the Penguin Flyer Lakshmi is the goddess of all that is good—wealth (dhana), beauty (saundarya) and happiness

Anla Navami is observed on the ninth day of the waxing phase of moon (Kartik Shukla Nabami) during the Kartik month (October – November). This Nabami ritual is mainly followed in Orissa. Anla Navami 2024 date is November 10. On this day pujas and rituals are offered to Anla Plant. Anla Navami ritual is mainly performed by women in Orissa. The day is of great significance at the Sakhigopal Temple near Puri. On this day devotees get the darshan of the feet of the idol of Radha in the temple. Anla Nabami Mela is also organized during the period in Puri.

There is a tradition of performing Dhana Dharma and giving gifts on Bali Pratipada day in Karnataka. Giving of gifts is of great significance and importance on Bali Padyami day and is based on the legend of King Bali offering all he had to Lord Vamana. Lord Vishnu was immensely pleased with devotion and Dhaana Dharma of King Bali. Lord Vishnu as Vamana blessed Him that any gift or Daana given on the day will have more power than that of other days. He also said that those who perform Dhana Dharma on the day will be blessed with more prosperity and wealth. King Bali also asked that after his departure his citizens should not suffer and therefore whoever performs the deepa daana on the Bali Padyami day shall have Sri Mahalakshmi stay in their house – they will be blessed with wealth and prosperity. It is also said that those who does not wear new Vastra, and does not have abhyanjana on Bali Pratipada day will have sorrow for the full year. Such was the devot

Eco-friendly Firecrackers might sound an oxymoron. But the firecracker industry is forced to create green firecrackers as more and more people are avoiding firecrackers after realizing that it creates noise and environmental pollution. But there are also complaints that the so called eco-friendly crackers are only for namesake and the only difference is in the green and colorful packaging. Times of India reports …the makers have now come up with eco-friendly crackers. Also a range of 'mild' crackers is available in market, the kind which can be lighted up without posing any risk to kids. "These crackers have been especially designed for the kids who are fascinated by the sound of explosion followed by light," said Gulsher Azad, owner Azad Crackers. However, the regular crackers — those that explode with a loud noise — include 'terminator', 'break dance', 'dance dance', 'fantastic 36', 'symphony' and others a

Some Ayyappa devotees from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka intending to make the pilgrimage to the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala wear the Ayyappa Mala or Mudra on the first day of the Kartik month. The first day of the Kartik month in 2024 as per Telugu and Kannada calendars is November 2. Nowadays, wearing of the Mudra Mala on this day is only followed by few devotees. The Kartik month in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka falls a month earlier than in Tamil Nadu. Ayyappa devotees usually wear the Mudra Mala on the first day of the Karthigai Masam in Tamil Nadu or the first day of Vrischika Masam in Kerala – this usually falls in mid November usually on November 16 or November 17. There are also many devotees in South India , especially in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh that wear the Ayyappa Mudra Mala on the Dasara day. Such people observe vratham for more than three-months. Nowadays, most people opt for shorter Vratham days and most start the Vratham

The priests and the temple administration of the Puri Jagannath Temple have expressed their reservations many times regarding the diverse practices followed in Jagannath Temples in India and around the world. They want all Jagannath temples to follow the rules and rituals followed at Puri Jagannath Temple . To bring uniformity in rituals and practices, Puri Jagannath Temple administration is planning to set guidelines. PTI reports Concerned over diverse practices being followed by scores of Jagannath temples in the country and abroad, the administration at the main temple at Puri has initiated efforts to ensure uniformity in performance of rituals in all these shrines. "A large number of Jagannath temples have sprung up across the country and abroad for the worship of the Lord. But many of them are not aware of the rituals followed at the most ancient Jagannath shrine at Puri," according to Gajapati Maharaja of Puri, Shri Dibyasingha Deb. It may not

Rama Ekadasi is observed during the waning phase of moon in the month of September/October. The importance of the fast and the story associated it with was narrated to Yudhishtira by Lord Krishna. People observing the fast read or listen to the Rama Ekadasi Vrat Katha. It is said that this Ekadasi is a wish fulfilling one. Legend has it that there lived a powerful and famous king named Muchukunda. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu and his kingdom was famous through out the world. King Muchukunda had a daughter named Chandrabhaga, she was married to Prince Shobhana. Once, the newly married prince and princess visited Muchukunda. It was during the Ekadasi period and Princess Chandrabhaga was worried as Prince Shobhana was weak and could not bear hunger so he will not be able to observe Ekadasi fasting. King Muchukunda was strict about observing Ekadasi fasting. So Princess Chandrabhaga asked the prince to return back to his kingdom. But Prince Shobhana wanted to obse

Nag Nathaiya is observed at the Tulsi Ghat in Varanasi in Kartik Month as per traditional North Indian calendar. It is observed on the 4 th day during the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Kartik mahina. Nag Nathaiya 2024 date is November 5. It must be noted that numerous rituals and festivals associated with Lord Krishna are observed in Kartik Month in North India and Nag Nathaiya is one among them. Also known as Nag Nathan, Nag Nathaiya is dedicated to the famous divine action of Lord Krishna taming Serpent Kaliya who was poisoning the Yamuna River in Vrindavan. This wonderful leela of Lord Krishna is enacted in the afternoon of the Kartik Shukla Paksha Chaturthi on the Ghats of Varanasi. Thousands of people arrive to witness the event. A major highlight of the performance on Tulsi Ghat is the boy enacting the role of Sri Krishna jumping into the Ganga and then resurfacing on the top of a seven-hooded black serpent Kaliya propelled by humans.

Brahma Bindu Upanishad is one of the minor Upanishads and is similar to Amrita Bindu Upanishad.  (Mind) moved by lust is impure; free of lust it is pure. Cows are many-colored; the milk (of all) has but one color. Like ghee remaining hidden within milk (which is brought out by churning it with a churn), the knowledge (of the self) is remaining hidden within every being. That should be attained only through the process of churning with the mind as the churn. The wise one, keen in the knowledge and experience rather than the book reading, should, after such reading get rid of such books and reading like the one who, interested only in the grains thrashing the crop and getting rid of the crop to retain only the grain. Brahma Bindu Upanishad

The Chennai-based Geographical Indication Registry under Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks had recently had conferred the tag of Geographical Indication on September 15th, 2009. In simple terms it is a Patent for Tirupati Laddu and the Laddu can be produced only by the Tirupati Tirumala Temple Administration – TTDs. The tag of Geographical Indication would ban others from making and marketing the ‘laddus’ under the same name. The Tirupati Laddu Patent has been challenged through a 'suo motu' action in Supreme Court by R. S. Praveen Raj, a scientist and resident of Trivandrum , Kerala. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTDs), the administrative body of Tirupati Balaji Temple , had applied for the GI Tag to effectively tackle the production and marketing of ‘spurious and fake laddus’ in and around Tirupati. R. S. Praveen Raj is of the view that Tirupati Laddu is a Prasadam, or sacred food offered at temple, and it is not a ‘Good’ – articl

Rahu Ketu Peyrachi is related to astrology and horoscope and is the transition of Rahu and Ketu – two of the Navgrahas whose planetary movements are important in astrological calculations. Rahu Ketu Peyarachi in 2025 will take place on May 20, 2025 at 3:31 PM as per Krishnamurti Panchangam As per Vakya Panchangam it is on April 26, 2025. Rahu and Ketu when placed in appropriate houses in a person’s horoscope is said to be highly beneficial. Some astrologers are also of the opinion that when they enter the wrong house in a horoscope they can create problems. Those people who believe in astrology perform special pujas and rituals in Navgraha temples on the day to attain benefits and to stay away from troubles. You may also like to read Raaghu Peyarchi Festival at Thirunageswaram Raghu Temple

Tamil poet and Saint Appar belong to the seventh century AD and was a great Shiva devotee. This is a collection of teachings of Saint Appar Why bath in the stream of Ganga or Kaveri? Why go to Comorin in Kongu’s Island ? Why seek the waters of the sounding sea? Moksha (salvation) is theirs, and theirs alone, who call In every place upon the Lord of all. Why chant the Vedas, hear the Shastras’lore? Why daily teach the books of righteousness? Why the Vedangas six say over and over? Moksha is theirs, and theirs alone, whose heart From thinking of its Lord shall never depart. Why roam the jungle, wander cities through? Why plague life with unstinting penance hard? Why eat no flesh and gaze into the blue? Moksha is theirs, and theirs alone, who cry Unceasing to the Lord of wisdom high. Why fast and starve, why suffer pains austere? Why climb the mountains, doing penance harsh? Why go to bathe in waters far and near? Moksha is theirs, and theirs alone,

Kartik Vrat is observed in Odisha in the Kartik month and the main observance in the month includes praying early morning at the Bhagwan Jagannath Temple during the morning Mangal Arati. Kartik Brata 2024 is from October 18 to November 15. Other important rituals in the month-long Kartik Brata include partial fasting, reading the Kartik Mahatmya from Padma Purana. Most the devotees undertaking Kartik Brata stay in Puri and make it a point to visit Lord Jagannath Temple daily. Most devotees only consume the Mahaprasad from the Jagannath temple kitchen. Another important ritual in the month is the worship the holy Tulsi or Basil tree as the image of Bhagwan Jagannath. The last five days of Kartik month is considered highly auspicious and the Jagannath Temple performs Panchuka. During the period, Lord Jagannath is depicted in five different new Veshas (attires) on each day.

Every year during Karwa Chauth Vrat, we get to hear critical voices on Hindu fasting (especially Karva Chauth) from both men and women who feel they are liberated and are better mortals than the poor souls that go hungry for the long life of their husbands. The usual points they make are - there is no logic that just by fasting on a particular day of the year like Karva Chauth to get the life of husbands increased. The new generation of women should stop observing Karva Chauth so that all wrong traditions gradually removed from Indian society. Most Indian newspapers which enthusiastically writes about Karwa Chauth Vrat and rituals and spiritual experiences of Hindu women who have undertaken the particular fasting make it a point to publish at least one article which criticizes the Vrat. The equation is 9 articles on Karva Chauth Vrat, spirituality, rituals, shopping, mehandi, vrat katha etc and finally one article opposing the ritual by a self proclaimed feminist whose sole aim

Kartik is the eighth month in a traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India and most of the month-long rituals are dedicated to Lord Krishna. Kartik month is considered highly auspicious by both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva devotees. The importance of Kartik month is mentioned in the Skanda and Padma Purana. The most important ritual in the month is taking bath before sunrise in River Ganga known as Kartik Snan . It must be noted that there is no major monthly fast but women observe certain food restrictions. In some regions after the ritual bath in the morning, women make idol of Lord Krishna and other gods in Hindu pantheon and worship them. Women consider themselves as Gopis in Vrindavan and worship Lord Krishna in the month. During the first fortnight of the month women consider Lord Krishna as a child and sing him lullabies and worship Him in His child form. During the second half of the fortnight Lord Krishna is worshipped as a young man and women perform th

There is a tradition of giving a present or sending gift hampers during Diwali. Gift Baskets are presented during Diwali to relatives, friends, colleagues and co-workers. Gift baskets usually contain delicious sweets, dry fruits and nuts, lamps or diyas and crackers. Some people opt for custom made Diwali gift baskets and assemble the gift items on their own. Others opt for branded Diwali gift hampers available in the market. The dry fruits and nuts that are usually found in the Diwali gift baskets include almonds (badam), raisins, dry black currant, cashews (kaju), fig (anjeer), pista, dried apricots (khubani) and dates (khajoor). Some people also gift small idols of Ganesh or Lakshmi. While planning about Diwali gift baskets the most important aspect to be kept in mind is the age of the person receiving the gift hamper. Diwali Gift Hampers for Older People: If the Diwali Gift Basket is for an elderly person then opt for dry fruits, diyas or lamps or even a small i

To Save River Ganga from pollution numerous Durga Puja pandals and organizers situated on the banks of the River Ganga opted for Bhu Visarjan or burying of the idol of Goddess Durga. In Fatehpur town in Uttar Pradesh, nearly 2000 Durga Murtis worshipped during Durga Puja and Navratri were buried by the organizers to save Ganga . This burying of the idol is termed as Bhu Visarjan. The normal practice is Jal Visarjan, or immersion of idol in water, but many Durga Puja organizers this year decided against Jal Visarjan to help in the Save Ganga mission launched by government, NGOs and Hindu spiritual organizations. PTI reports Almost 99 per cent idols of Goddess Durga installed in Fatehpur town, about 150 km from Lucknow , during the nine-day-long Durga festivities were given "bhu visarjan" (buried in earth) on the banks of the river instead of 'jal visarjan' (immersed in water) on Dusshera. The awareness drive was initiated by intellectuals, NGOs and of

Sharadotsav is an important festival associated with Lord Krishna and Radha in Vrindavan. In 2024, Sharadotsav at Vrindavan begins on October 15 and ends on October 16. Sharad Poornima is marked on October 16. It is the festival associated with the Raas-Lila of Sri Krishna, Radha and Gopis and is observed on the full moon day in the month of Ashwin (September – October). The day is popularly known as Sharad Purnima. The day is of great importance at Shri Banke Bihari Mandir, Radhavallabh Temple and numerous other temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna is dressed up to match the special occasion and the temples are decorated to look like a small forest.