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Showing posts from August 12, 2015


Story of Demon Mali

Demon Mali is known in Hindu scriptures of his valor. He was the son of Sukesa and his wife Devavati. Story of demon Mali is found in the Uttara Ramayana. Mali along with his two brothers, Sumali and Malyavan, performed intense austerities and pleased Brahma. When Brahma appeared before them, they asked the following boons – They must be invincible, They must be destroyers of their enemies, They must have long life They must become rich and powerful  and They must ever remain friendly to each other After becoming powerful, they ordered Vishwakarma to build a magnificent palace in Lanka. The brothers married and lived happily here. Once the three demons attacked Devaloka. Vishnu came to the aid of the Devas and Demon Mali was killed by Vishnu using his discus – Sudarshana Chakra.

Mahalaxmi Utsav at Peth Vadgaon near Kolhapur

Mahalaxmi Utsav at Peth Vadgaon is annually observed in Shravan month. It is the fair and festival at the Goddess Lakshmi temple located at Peth Vadgaon near Kolhapur. Mahalaxmi Utsav 2024 date is August 31. The Goddess is popularly referred as Amba Bai. Mahalaxmi Talab and Mandir is one of the important religious spot in Peth Vadgaon. The annual fair and festival attracts scores of devotees. The murti of Goddess Lakshmi is specially decorated for the occasion. Numerous spiritual activities are held during the period. Mahalaxmi Utsav at Peth Vadgaon is observed on Shravan Krishna Paksha Trayodashi Tithi or the 13th day during the waning phase of moon as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Goddess Saranyu – About Hindu Goddess Saranyu

Goddess Saranyu is the wife of Surya, the sun god in Hinduism. She was also the Hindu goddess of animals. The popular belief is that Saranyu is the mother of all animals, including mythic creatures. She is worshipped as the clouds and the dawn. From the union of Surya and Saranyu came the horse-headed Ashwins, as well as the god of death Yama and his sister Yami. However, Goddess Saranyu was unhappy with her married life due to the unbearable heat of Surya.  She hid in the wilderness disguised as a mare to avoid Surya’s intense brilliance. When she left, she disguised her handmaiden Chhaya in her place. She was able to remain away for years, until Yama annoyed Chhaya who kicked him so hard that the child was wounded. This alerted Surya to the deception of her wife and he found his true wife. Goddess Saranyu is often depicted with the attributes of a mare.

Sant Mahipati Maharaj Punyatithi at Taharabad near Rahuri in Ahmednagar District

Sant Mahipati Maharaj Punyatithi is annually observed in Shravan month. It is the death anniversary of Mahipati Maharaj, who wrote biographies of prominent Hindu saints in Maharashtra. Sant Mahipati Maharaj Punyatithi 2024 date is August 30. The day is of great importance at Taharabad near Rahuri in Ahmednagar District. A memorial and temple dedicated to the saint is located here. One can have glimpse of the padukas of the saint here. Sant Mahipati Maharaj (1715 - 1790) literary works on the lives of Varkari saints are considered most authoritative. The punyatithi is annually observed on Shravan Krishna Paksha Dwadasi Tithi or the 12th day during the waning phase of moon as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra. 

How to Observe Kavadi Vratam? – Fasting and Rituals Associated With Taking Kavadi to Muruga Temple

Kavadi vratam is the fasting and rituals observed before carrying or taking kavadi to Muruga temples. Here is a brief account regarding the rules and on how to observe Kavadi vratam. The Muruga devotees who carry the kavadi observe strict austerities for 3, 7, 9, 13 or 15 days before the pilgrimage. The austerities include eating only vegetarian food - abstaining from sex, alcohol, smoking and other intoxicating materials. Taking early morning bath. Offering prayers daily to Muruga. Chanting mantras or prayers associated with Muruga. The devotee wear kavi, or saffron cloth, while carrying kavadi. Some people wear Kavadi during the entire period. Some devotees only wear it while taking Kavadi. In some regions, those taking kavadi go to a certain number of houses and take alms – mostly of friends, neighbors and relatives. The austerities end on the day the devotee returns home after pilgrimage. 

To fight pollution image of Goddess Kali projected on New York's Empire State Building

Artist Andrew Jones designed the portrait of Goddess Kali, which was projected on New York's Empire State Building to fight pollution and extinction of various species. The artist was sending the message that Mother Nature now more than ever needs the fierce avatar of Goddess Kali to fight the dangers of pollution and extinction. As per Hinduism, Earth is our mother. Goddess Kali is that fierce form of Mother Goddess that is beyond imagination and description. She takes this form when Adharma (evil) has completely overtaken Mother Earth. Related Goddess Kali Story Symbolism of Darkness associated with Goddess Kali Sri Ramakrishna on Goddess Kali Red Shoe Flower and Goddess Kali