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Showing posts from January 16, 2017


Ardra – Thiruvathira Nakshatra And Shiva

Ardra, also known as Arudhara and Thiruvathira, is one among the 27 nakshatras or birth stars and numerous incidents associated with Shiva happened on this Nakshatra day. The most important Thiruvathira Nakshatra is in the month of Margazhi (December – January) in Tamil Calendar or Dhanu Masam in Malayalam Calendar. The Arudra Darshan takes place on the day. It is believed that Shiva performed the Nataraja dance on this day. Another belief is that Shiva and Shakti merges on this day. Women of certain communities observe a fast on the Thiruvathira day in Dhanu month for the peace and prosperity of the family. Another belief is that Devas and Goddess Rati performed vrat and other austerities on Thiruvathira day to bring back Kamdev to life, who was burned down by Shiva. Two festival associated with Ardra is Arudra Darshan and Thiruvathira in Dhanu month

Story of Matanga Rishi and King Bali in Ramayana

Story of Matanga Rishi is mentioned in the Aranya Kandha of Ramayana. Sabari, who attained moksha through her devotion for Sri Ram, resided in this Ashram. Bhagavan Sri Ram and Lakshman stayed in the ashram of Sage Matanga during the exile period. It was due to a curse by Matanga Rishi that King Bali was unable to fight his brother Sugreeva in the Rishyamukha Mountain . When Bali was the ruler of Kishkindha he killed a demon named Dundubhi. He then kicked the body of demon towards Rishyamukha Mountain . The blood clotting body of the demon fell in the ashram of Sage Matanga Rishi in the Rishyamukha Mountain . Ashram became polluted due to this unholy act and Matanga Rishi cursed King Bali that his head will blast into pieces if he entered the Rishyamukha Mountain . Sugreeva who was chased by King Bali took refuge in the Rishyamukha Mountain . Thus King Bali was unable to kill Sugreeva.

Ravi Dasami Parv 2024

Ravi Dasami Parv is observed when there is Dasami Tithi falls on Sunday. The day is dedicated to Surya or sun god. It is considered highly meritorious to offer prayers to Lord Surya on the day.  Ravi Dasami Parv 2024 dates are June 16 and October 13. Early morning prayers to rising sun and chanting of Gayatri mantra are performed on the day. Some devotees also take holy morning dip on the day in sacred rivers, ponds,  lakes and sea.

Swargdwareshwar Mahadev in Ujjain – Story of Swargadwareshwar Form of Shiva – 9th Shiva Temple in Ujjain

Swargdwareshwar Mahadev is worshiped in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 84 forms of Shiva worshiped in Ujjain. Those offering prayers to Swargdwareshwar Mahadev will attain heaven. The temple dedicated to Swargadwareshwar Mahadev is located at Nalia Bakhal in Ujjain. This form of Shiva is associated with Devas retaining heaven. Swargdwareshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 9th temple visited during the parikrama of Shivalayas here. Story of Swargdwareshwar Mahadev form of Shiva in Ujjain When Sati died at Daksha Yajna, there was confusion all around. Shiva let loose his Ganas who created terror in the universe. The Ganas occupied heaven and Devas were without a place to live. Devas then approached Brahma. He advised them to go to Mahakaal Vana and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. Here they offered prayers to a Shivling. Shiva appeared before Devas and agreed to call back Ganas from heaven. Devas thus got back their