--> Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from November 21, 2014


Chennakeshava – Manifestation of Vishnu

Chennakeshava is a manifestation of Bhagvan Vishnu and in this form the deity is widely worshipped in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Chenna Keshava literally means the ‘handsome Keshava’. Keshava is one among the numerous names of Vishnu. The most famous temple dedicated to Chennakeshava is located in Belur in Karnataka. The other temples dedicated to the deity are found in K Bitragunta, Karimnagar, Kadapa, Anekal, Bagur, Sullia, Udupi, Hullekere, and Tumkur. In Murti form Chennakeshava is in the Chaturbhuja form – four armed. The deity is usually made of black stone. The upper right hand holds conch; the upper left hand holds discus, lower right hand holds lotus, and lower left hand holds mace. Chennakeshava is flanked by his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. The deity is lavishly dressed with fine clothes and jewelry. The concept of Chennakeshava is based on the Supreme Being taking the most handsome form to give darshan to his devotees. A devotee wants

Mandapam of Pandalam King on The way From Pamba to Sannidanam – Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

There are numerous holy spots on the trek to Sannidanam ( Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple ) from Pamba. One such spot is the Mandapam of Pandalam King. Pandalam king had the rare fortune of becoming the father figure of Lord Ayyappa on earth. It was this king who built the temple at Sabarimala. At the mandapam (a small open resting spot), a representative from the family of Pandalam King blesses Ayyappa devotees who are on their way to the shrine from Pampa . Neelimala comes after the Mandapam. The Mandapam is the next important spot after Pampa Ganapathi Temple on the way to Sannidanam .

Snake Bite Cure At Achankovil Ayyappa Temple

Achankovil Ayyappa Temple is one among the five important temples dedicated to Ayyappa in Kerala. The temple is also famous for snake bite cure. It is widely believed that any kind of poisoning — especially snake bites — will be cured if the sandalwood paste of the deity is consumed. Times of India reports  The Achankovil Ayyappa temple, under the Travancore Devaswom, is one of the five temples where Lord Ayyappa is worshiped in various stages of life from balya (child) to sanyasa (hermit stage).  The temple is an exception in yet another way. Anyone, irrespective of religious beliefs, who seeks a cure for snakebite is allowed to enter the temple premises. He/she will have to stay in the 'padippura' for a couple of days after consuming the sandalwood paste and applying it on the forehead to be cured. The Ayyappa idol at this temple is in such a posture that his right hand is held like a cup where the sandalwood paste is poured. Along with a pinch of the paste