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Showing posts from July 25, 2015


Ashta Dikpalas – the eight Hindu deities that protect the eight quarters of the world

In Hinduism, Ashtadikpalas, or Ashta Dik Palas, are the eight deities that guard the eight quarters of the world. They are popularly known as Dikpalas – the protectors of the quarters – or Lokpalas – the protectors the world. They are also mentioned as the guardian deities of the sky. The Ashta Dikpalas are mentioned in the following order: East – Indira on Airavata – the white elephant. Sometimes Indira is depicted as sitting on a horse named Ucchaisravas. South East – Agni on Mesha (the male goat). South – Yama on Mahisha (the male buffalo). South West – Nirurti on Ashwa (horse). West – Varuna on Makara (the crocodile). North West – Vayu on Mruga (the spotted deer). North – Kubera on Nara (Man) North East – Isana on Vrishbha (bull)

Dharmapuri Temple – Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Dharmapuri in Karimnagar District in Telangana

Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Dharmapuri is unique with the presence of two murtis (idols) of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy. Dharmapuri Temple located near the banks of Godavari River was a spiritual center from ancient days. The temple is a center associated with Vedic Brahmins. There are two sets of murtis worshipped in the Dharmapuri Temple. Pata Narasimha Swamy – the old murti Kotha Narasimha Swamy – the new murti Both the murtis are worshipped in the shrine along with Goddess Lakshmi. The shrine has got gopurams with sculptures. The pond located in the temple complex is very famous. Panchasahasra Deepalankarana, the lighting of 5000 lamps on the steps of the holy pond, is annually held on Kartik Purnima. Dharmapuri Temple Timings Morning Darshan Hours 5 AM to 7 AM Suprabatha Seva 7 AM to 9 AM Abhishekam 9 AM to 10 AM Darshan 10 AM to 10:30 AM Nitya Homam 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM Nitya K

Deva Sayani Ekadasi Vrat Katha – Dev Sayani Ekadashi Story

Devasayani Ekadashi Vrat Katha, or the story associated with Deva Sayni, was first narrated by Lord Brahma to Narada. The story was later told to Yudhishtira by Lord Krishna and is found in the Bhavisyottara Purana. Legend has it that once there lived a pious King named Mandata and he ruled over a highly prosperous kingdom. But the prosperity of the kingdom was once affected by lack of rain for three years. There was widespread famine the kingdom. No farming activity was taking place in the kingdom. There is a popular belief that a kingdom suffers due to the sinful activity of the King. But King Mandata was not able to find what fault he had committed to invite the wrath of Narayana, who is believed to produce the rains. The king decided to go on a journey and he met several holy men and discussed the problem but none of them offered any solutions. Finally, King Mandata met Sage Angira who suggested that the King should not worry about the reason for no r

Mahakal ki Shahi Sawari in Bhadrapad Month at Ujjain Mahakal Temple

Mahakal ki Shahi Sawari is a special procession that is taken out in Bhadrapad month in the Ujjain Mahakal Temple dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. These special rituals are held on first two Mondays or Somwar in Bhadrapad. Mahakal ki Shahi Sawari 2024 dates in Bhadrapad month are August 26 and September 2. Special processions of the murti of Lord Shiva are held on the first two Mondays of Bhadrapad in the surrounding of the Ujjain Mahakal Temple. Thousands of people arrive to witness this unique ritual. Please note that Mahakal ki Shahi Sawari is also held on all Mondays in Shravan month.