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Showing posts from July 24, 2014


Nanjundeshwara – Story of Shiva as Nanjundeshwara

Shiva as Nanjundeshwara is worshipped in the famous Srikanteshwara Swamy Temple at Nanjangud in Karnataka. The story of Nanjundeshwara is associated with the Samudra Manthan or the churning of the ocean. Nanjunda means one ‘who has consumed poison.’ Legend has it that Devas and Asuras started the Samudra Manthan or churning of ocean to get Amrit or elixir of life. But the first thing to appear was dark sticky foam. It was the dreaded poison Halahala, which had the power to destroy the universe. The poison started emitting fumes and soon started to spread in water and air. Lord Shiva soon realized that the poison had the power to destroy the cosmos and immediately gathered the poisonous foam in his hands and drank it to save the world. Thus Shiva became Nanjunda. He is also known as Visha kanta and Srikanta for having digested the poison. The deity is also known as Srikanteshwara, one cures diseases. The waters and the soil around the banks of Kapila or Kabini

Narasimha Gayatri Mantra text in Hindi and English – Narasimha Mantra

Narasimha Gayatri Mantra is dedicated to the Narasimha incarnation of Hindu God Vishnu. The mantra is chanted for alleviating fear and ushering in peace and prosperity. You can read the Narasimha Gayatri Mantra text in Hindi and English below. Om Narasimhaya Vidmahe Vajra Nakhaya Dheemahee Tanno Narasimha Prachodayat.

Kedar Vrat in Odisha

Kedar Vrat in Odisha is observed in Kartik Month and is dedicated to Shiva. Kedar Vrat 2024 date is November 15. It is an auspicious day and coincides with the Kartik Purnima. Special pujas and rituals are held on the day during the period in Shiva temples. Those participating in the rituals also undertake a fast. The fasting is from sunrise to sunset. Kedar Vrat in Orissa is observed on Kartik Purnima or the full moon day in Kartik month. 

Kerala Hindu Temple Mural Paintings Now on Saris and Dresses

Mural Paintings are unique aspects of Hindu Temples in Kerala. Murals in Kerala are note for the profusion of line drawings and their distinctive coloring. Now saris and dresses adorned with Mural paintings are in great demand. The Hindu reports  Not just saris, but flower pots, pen holders, kurtas, photo frames, file folders and jewellery, adorned with Kerala murals are in great demand globally.  The bright colours and intricate designs make them eye-catching, and they have woven their way to the fashion circuit quite effortlessly. “I had a hard time explaining to a woman in Bangalore that Kerala murals had a history of centuries and they used to decorate temple walls. She was not ready to believe that what she was wearing was a poor imitation of a great art form that requires years of dedicated effort and talent to master,” said Sasi Edavarad, a noted mural artist, known for his venture ‘Dhyanasankalpam,’ which is on a mission to reclaim public spaces for mural paintings

Trivati Nath Mandir – Shiva Temple at Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh – Baba Trivatinath Temple

Trivati Nath Mandir is dedicated to Shiva. The original Shivling worshipped in the temple was found near three Vat Vrikshas (banyan trees). Today the three trees have joined together and appear like a single tree. The temple gets its name from the Vata Vriksha. Legend has it that a cowherd was once sleeping under the canopy of the Vat Vrikshas and he had a dream of Shiva waking him up in his Virat Swaroop. The main murti worshipped in the temple is in Shivling form. Ten forms of Goddess Shakti are also worshipped in the temple. The temple complex has a separate section known as Ramalaya. This separate temple consists of murtis of Ganesha, Sita, Ram, Lakshman, Hanuman, Radha, Krishna and Lakshmi Narayan. Shaigram, symbol of Bhagvan Vishnu, is also worshipped in the temple. Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Shivratri are the most important festivals in the temple.