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Showing posts from July 8, 2014


Simple Prayer for Surya – the sun god – in Hindi

Prayers are offered to Surya – the sun god in Hinduism – in the morning and evening. Here is a simple prayer dedicated to Surya in Hindi text. You can chant it daily. Prayer to Surya is done for removing bad luck and also for curing skin ailments.

Story of Koothandavar

Koothandavar is the deity worshipped in the famous Koothandavar Temple at Koovagam village in Villupuram in Tamil Nadu District. The story of Koothandavar is from the Mahabharata and is associated with the Pandava victory in the 18-day battle. Koothandavar is the deity worshipped by transgenders or eunuchs. Koothandavar is known as Aravan in the Mahabharata. In the Mahabharata, Koothandavar, son of Pandava prince Arjuna, agreed to become the human sacrifice so that the Pandavas can win the Kurukshetra battle against the Kauravas. However, Koothandavar wished to get married before being offered as a sacrifice. But no woman was ready to marry the prince who was to die the next day. All women dreaded the widowhood which awaited them soon after the marriage. As no woman was ready, Bhagvan Sri Krishna took the Mohini avatar (female incarnation) and married Koothandavar. The next day, Sri Krishna as Mohini grieved the loss of Koothandavar by removing her thal

Dashaphal Vrat in Shravan Month

Dasha Phal Vrat is observed in the Shravan month mainly in North India . Dasha Phal Vrat 2024 date is July 28. Sri Krishna is worshipped on the day, especially Gopalkrishna form. People observing the vrat ties ten threads on the hand. Puja is performed with ten Tulsi leaves. The vrat is observed by some devotees for ten years on the same day in Sawan month. There is no fasting on the day. Vegetarian food is eaten. It is highly meritorious to perform food donation or annadanam on the day. Dashaphal Vrat is observed during the Shravan Krishna Paksha Ashtami – the eighth day during the Shravan month. Ashtami Tithi should be present during sunrise to observe the vrat. 

Har Kali Puja

Har Kali Puja is annually held in Shravan month. It is dedicated to Mother Goddess Shakti. Har Kali Puja 2024 date is July 28. The rituals of Har Kali are annually held in eastern parts of India . It is closely associated with Tantric and adivasi or tribal worship. On the day same day Kher Puja is organized in Tripura and northeastern parts of India . Har Kali Puja is held on the eighth day during the waning phase of moon in Shravan month – this is the Shravan Krishna Paksha Ashtami.

Bhauma Amavasya - Importance of No Moon Day on Tuesday in Hinduism -

Amavasya  or no moon day falling on Tuesday is considered highly auspicious in Hinduism. It is known as Bhauma Amavasya , Bhoumi or Bhoumavati Amavasya The popular belief is that taking bath on the day in sacred waters is equal to taking holy bath during millions of Surya Grahan or Solar Eclipse. The day is also beneficial for those having trouble in the horoscope related to Mangal Grah. It is also an ideal day for propitiating Shiva. Bhauma is one of the names of Mangal or Mars one of the Navagrahas.

Durgakund Mela at Varanasi – Durgakund Temple Fair and Festival

Durgakund Mela is annually held in the Shravan month. The fair and festival organized near the Durga Temple in Varanasi attracts thousands of devotees. Durgakund Mela 2024 date in Varanasi is on July 22. Swayambhu murti (divinely formed) of Goddess Durga is worshipped in the temple. The temple is noted for its red color. Durgakund is a big rectangular pond in front of the temple. The mela is annually held on the first day during the Shravan month in North India calendar – Shravan Krishna Paksha Pratipada.

Declining Water in Panchaganga River in Kolhapur in Maharashtra Reveal Ancient Murtis and Temples

Panchaganga River in Kolhapur in Maharashtra is currently under the impact of drought in western part of India . The water levels have receded revealing ancient temples, ghats and murtis (idols). The temples and murtis revealed are more than 1000 years old. An important Ghat on the banks named Mayur Ban is now visible. People who are living in the region are now cleaning and sprucing up the ancient temples and murtis. The residing water has also revealed some sati stones. Times of India reports Some sati stones have also been found in the water. Sati, the ancient Indian tradition of forceful immolation of a widow on her husband's funeral pyre, was banned in 1829. Though veergals are known to this part of south Maharashtra , sighting Sati stones, carvings in the memory of the widow who was burned alive, has surprised experts. Malekar, along with senior researcher Umakant Raninga and A N Damle, secretary of Itihas Sankalan Samiti, Kolhapur visited the ghats and tr