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Showing posts from January 22, 2016


Kashipuradishwari form of Goddess Parvati

In Kashipuradishwari form, Goddess Parvati rules the city of Kashi or Varanasi or Benaras along with her husband Shiva. Kashipuradishwari means the Queen of Kashi. Goddess Parvati is worshipped in Kashi as Goddess Annapurna. She is the giver of food. She nourishes all living beings. Even Shiva stands before her with a bowl asking for food. The name Kashipuradishwari is mentioned in the Sri Sri Annapurna Stotram.

Death Anniversary of Mannam – Mannathu Padmanabhan

Mannathu Padmanabhan (January 2, 1878 - February 25, 1970) was a freedom fighter, social reformer and founder of NSS (Nair Services Society). Death Anniversary of Mannam is annually observed on February 25. In 2024, it is the 54th death anniversary of Mannathu Padmanabha Pillai. To uplift the status of the Nair community in Kerala, he established Nair Service Society in 1914. He revived the Karayogams, village societies, which led to more unity among the Nair community. He fought for social equality by opening his family temple to irrespective of caste. He fought against untouchability by participating in the famous Vaikom Satyagraha and Guruvayur Temple entry. He was one of the architects of the famous Vimochana Samaram, which led to the ouster of the first communist ministry in Kerala in 1959. He helped in founding numerous colleges and schools across the state.

Parippally Kodimoottil Sri Bhadrakali Temple Annual Festival and Pongala

Kodimoottil Sri Bhadrakali Temple is located at Parippally in Kollam District in Kerala. The 10-day annual festival or Utsavam in the temple is observed in Malayalam Kumbham month and begins with Pongala ritual. The temple festival attracts hundreds of devotees. The festival is famous for Paripally Gajamela (parading of nearly 50 elephants). It is held on the Ashwathy nakshatra in Kumbha Masam. The Upa Devatas worshipped in the temple are Shiva, Ganapathy, Navagrahas and Nagas (sarpam).  Various unique offerings are made at the shrine during the period. Pongala ritual comprises of preparing ‘prasad’ for the deity outside the shrine. Women cook rice and jaggery in earthen pots and they offer it to the Goddess. They also cook different type of sweet dishes with rice powder and jaggery. Coconut tree fronds are used to cook the ‘prasad.’ The temple is traditionally decorated with plantain, coconut leaves, flowers, leaves, traditional lamps and lights for the occasion. Traditional

Veer Savarkar Punyadin – Death Anniversary of Veer Savarkar

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (1883-1966) is an inspirational force for millions of Indians. He was luminous visionary, a supreme patriot and a great social reformer. His punyadin or death anniversary is observed on February 26. In 2025, it is the 59th death anniversary of Veer Savarkar. Veer Savarkar was born on May 28, 1883, in the village of Bhagpur near Nasik. At a very early age he lost both his parents. Ganesh (Babarao), his elder brother, was a strong source of influence in his life. He formed a couple of organizations to fight against the British. He was arrested for fighting against the British Government India and also for his books especially “The Indian War of Independence 1857.” Veer Savarkar was sentenced to jail in the Andamans. He was later transferred to Ratnagiri jail. The book ‘Hindutva’ was written in Ratnagiri jail. In 1937 Savarkar was made the president of the Hindu Mahasabha. He wrote 19 books on various topics mostly related to Indian Independence a

Srivari Seva – A Volunteer Program at Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple

Srivari Seva is a highly successful volunteer program at Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple. In the volunteer program, pilgrims visiting Tirupati Temple get an opportunity to do service in the various departments of the temple to help in the smooth flow of pilgrims and their needs. Nearly 500,000 devotees have participated in the Srivari Seva so far. Participants can do the work of their choice. They can help in manning the queue lines both inside and outside the temple. Help the staff in the kitchen and at the Nithya Annadanam complex. Assist staff at the free tonsuring area. Assist in stringing flowers required for the temple. They can also assist in the laddu selling counters. Devotees are also allowed to help in departments like vigilance, health, medical, bookstalls and garden. Some devotees also get opportunity to work at the Parakamani center where the hundi offerings are sorted. In return for their service, all Srivari volunteers get darshan of Venkateswara on