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Showing posts from July 24, 2013


Nila – About Goddess Nila Devi Consort of Vishnu

Nila is the third consort of Vishnu. The first two are Shri (Goddess Lakshmi) and Bhudevi (Mother Earth). Information about Nila Devi is found in the Vedic hymn Nila Sukta. Nila pardons the mistakes and shortcomings of devotees. Nila symbolically represents Daya (compassion) and Kripa (Grace) aspects of Vishnu. Nila Sukta is chanted to propitiate Nila Devi. Those people who live in remorse and shame of sins committed get relief after chanting Nila Sukta. Andal who is worshipped in South India , especially in Tamil Nadu, is combined form of Bhudevi and Nila. Nila Devi is also addressed as Grithavati (intelligent and gentle), Mahadevi (chief goddess), Nappinnai (consort of Krishna ), Payasvathi (source of milk), Vishnu Patni (consort of Vishnu), Asha (All pervasive) and Manota (Worshipped in mind). Sage Bhrighu’s Prakeernadhikara suggests that on the left side of the main icon of Bhagavan Vishnu, an icon of Nila Devi must be consecrated.  Nila Devi is portrayed as s

Prathyangira Devi Temple near Kumbakonam – Ayyavadi Pratyangira Devi Temple

Prathyangira Devi Temple is located at Ayyavadi near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. GoddessPrathyangira is an Ugra Avatar or powerful incarnation of Mother Goddess Shakti. The most important ritual at Ayyavadi Pratyangira Devi Temple is Nikumbala Yajna performed on no moon days. It is said that Bhagvan Sri Ram performed this yajna to overcome Ravana and Indrajith . Lord Shiva is worshiped as Agastheeswarar and Mother Goddess is also worshipped as Dharma Samvardini. Prathyangira Devi murti is black in color wears crescent moon on the head and she holds trident, pasa, damaru and is accompanied by Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswathi. Shiva’s manifestation of Sharabha is also worshipped in the temple. The belief is that Sharabha appeared to control the Narasimha avatar of Vishnu. Prathyangira Devi is believed to have appeared from the forehead of Sharabha. Nikumbala Yajna  Nikumbala Yajna performed on no moon days attracts thousands of devotees

Centuries old ancient Bell weighing 800 kg repaired at Poovanur Sathuranganathar Temple in Tamil Nadu

Welding Research Institute (WRI) of the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) recently repaired a centuries old ancient temple bell belong to the Poovanur Sathuranganathar Temple in Tamil Nadu. The bell weighs around 800 kg and was not in use for 70 years due to cracks on it. Such initiatives need to be encouraged as it helps in restoring our tradition and culture. The bell weighs 800 kg Thickness 80 mm Height 750 mm The crack on the bell was 350 mm long and 25 mm wide from the bottom because of continuous usage. The Hindu reports  Briefing about the complex repair welding process, Mr. Easwaran said: “The alloy bell which weighs about 800 kg is essentially made of brass with a thickness of 80 mm and a height of 750 mm and had developed a crack of 350 mm long and 25 mm wide from the bottom because of continuous usage. A special fixture and heating burner were developed and the bell was welded at a controlled temperature using special consumables and flux.”  “T