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Showing posts from August 12, 2013


Story of Gopeshwar Mahadev – Shiva Taking Gopi Form In Krishna Raas Leela

Gopeshwar Mahadev is a form of Shiva worshiped in the famous Gopeshwar Temple at Vrindavan. The story of Gopeshwar Mahadev is associated with Sri Krishna’s Raas Lila in the Vrindavan. Legend has it that Shiva and Parvati wanted to take part in the Raas Lila in Vrindavan. But Shiva could not enter the Raas Lila arena as He was a male. Gopi Vrinda explained to Shiva that only females could participate in the Raas Lila. But Shiva was not ready to budge. So Gopi Vrinda asked Shiva to take bath in Yamuna River and come back. (Some scriptures suggest that she asked Shiva to take the dip in the Mansarovar River .) After taking dip in the Yamuna River , Shiva attained a female form. Sri Krishna who saw the new gopi addressed her as Gopishwara. Gopeshwar from that day onward stands guarding the Raas Lila arena. He only allows only those who are qualified to enter the arena. The famous Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple located in Vrindavan is dedicated to this divine event. The te

Mathura Kaliamman Temple - Madurakalimman at Siruvachur near Maduari in Tamil Nadu

Mathura Kaliamman Temple at Siruvachur near Madurai in Tamil Nadu is associated with the famous Kannagi legend. This is a highly powerful Shakti Shrine. People who have offered prayers here and led a dharmic life enjoy the blessing of Kaliamman. She protects her devotees and blesses them with peace and prosperity. Story of Mathura Kaliamman Temple Legend has it that Kanngai’s husband Kovalan was falsely accused of stealing and he was beheaded by the Mathura King. Kannagi in anger is believed to have burnt the Madurai city and arrived at the village where the present Mathura Kaliamman Temple is located. Here there was a temple dedicated to Selliamman but she was under the control of an evil magician. Kannagi invokes Mathurai Kali Amman her family deity. She helps her in killing the magician. Selliamman then asked Kannagi to stay in the temple as Mathura Kali Amman. Selliamman went to nearby Periasamy Hills. Kannagi agreed to stay in temple but she said she w

Pandavanpara – Rocks Associated with Pandavas near Chengannur Town in Kerala

Pandavanpara is a group of rocks believed to have been used by Pandavas during their exile period in the Mahabharata. The rocks are located around 2 km from Chengannur town in Alappuzha District in Kerala. At Pandavanpara there is a temple dedicated to Sri Krishna. Three rocks behind the temple show lotus in various stages of its bloom – first bud, second in half-bloom and third in full bloom. Other rocks in the area include one shaped like a frog with its mouth open, a rock that produces musical vibration, a chair and a carry case of betel leaves and arceneut. A rock in the shape of a giant body is unique – Bhima is believed to have reclined on the rock. There are also giant footprints of Bhima. There are also five rocks in the shape of chair believed to have been used by the Pandavas.  The Hindu reports  Though the rocks are in need of conservation, the local temple authorities prefer anonymity to increased footfalls. The temple's renovation was completed last