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Showing posts from September 6, 2017


Chintpurni Temple Timings in Una – Opening and Closing Time at Mata Chintpurni in Himachal Pradesh

Chintpurni Temple is dedicated to Goddess Chinnamastika Devi and is located at Chintpurni in Una District, Himachal Pradesh. Below is the opening darshan time and closing time at Mata Chintpurni Temple. Please not that there will change in timings during Navratri and other important temple festivals. The temple will remain closed during eclipse or grahan. Chintpurni Temple Darshan Time The temple is open from 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM during summer season The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 9:10 PM during winter season. 

Jala Sakshya – Method to Prove Innocence as per Dharmasutras

Jala Sakshya is a method mentioned in the Dharmasutras, laws in ancient Hindu world, to prove one’s innocence. The accused person takes a dip with all parts of the body in water. An archer then shoots an arrow to a distance. The person stays under water until a runner fetches an arrow shot by an archer. If all parts of the accused is under water when the runner returns with the arrow, then he would be pronounced as innocent. The accused person enters the water and offers worship to Varuna, the Lord of seas and water, before taking the dip necessary for Jala Sakshya. As per Vishnu Dharmasutra, the accused person should hold on to the legs of another person while taking dip. Yajnavalkya Smriti states that he should hold on to a sacrificial post. This was a rigorous ordeal. As per Sage Narada, Jala Sakshya should not be forced on women and weak men. It should not be done during winter. As per Pitamaha, another name associated with Dharmasutras, those accused having res

Onam Pookalam – Latest Photos of Floral Designs - Collection of Pictures of Flower Designs

Onam Pookalam – Latest Photos of Floral Designs. (We will update Onam Pookkalam 2018 photos as we receive them). Talk about Onam in Kerala and one of the first images that come to mind is that of the flower bed or floral (designs) arrangements known as Pookkalam or Athapookalam. The traditional Ona-pookalam usually consists of ten rings indicating the ten day ritual during the ten day celebrations of Onam which begins on Atham and ends on Thiru Onam in the month of Chingam (August – September). In 2018, Onam is on August 25.   Nowadays many pookkalams concentrate more on the design part and in the process the ten rings are avoided. The pookkalams mainly concentrate on the various cultural aspects of Kerala and on the Onam myth. Here are pictures of some of the Pookkalams that won first prize in competitions held in Onam 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006 and 2005. The aim is to give an idea of the various modern designs used in pookalam

Vishnu Temple at Gaya in Bihar – Gaya Vishnupad Temple Famous for After Death Rituals

Vishnupad Temple in Gaya in Bihar is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it is famous for the after death rituals in Hindu religion. This Vishnu temple is unique as the footprint of Srihari is worshiped in the temple – Vishnupad or Vishnu Path – pad or path means feet. This ancient temple is located on the banks of Falgu River. It is believed the first shrine here was built during the Treta Yuga. Bhagavan Sri Ram and Mata Sita had visited the place. The present structure was built in the 18th century AD by Ahilya Bai Holkar. In the sanctum sanctorum or garbha griha, of the shrine, a 40 cm long footprint of Lord Vishnu is imprinted on a rock. This is the main form of Vishnu to which worship is offered here. The main sanctum is octagonal in shape and faces east. The tower rises up to 100 feet. Akshayabat, a banyan tree, in the temple complex is sacred. Shradh rituals are held here. Story of Vishnu Temple at Gaya There are numerous legends associated with the temple. All of which h

Advice For Spiritual Aspirants

A collection of advice for spiritual aspirants The ochre robe of a Sadhu protects him as the collar of a dog protects it from danger. No one molests a dog with a collar, as it belongs to someone or other. (Holy Mother Sarada Devi) There is one thing which is the world and another which is God; and this distinction is very true. What they mean by world is selfishness. Unselfishness is God. One may live on a throne, in a golden palace, and be perfectly unselfish; and then he is in God. Another may live in a hut and wear rags, and have nothing in the world; yet, if he is selfish, he is intensely merged in the world. (Swami Vivekananda) It is very necessary to have a fixed time for japa, contemplation and prayers. For it cannot be said when the auspicious moment [spiritual experience] will come. It arrives so suddenly. . . .Even in the midst of the most intense activity, one should at least remember God and salute Him. (Holy Mother Sarada Devi) The sun causes the lotus to bloom.