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Showing posts from January 12, 2018


How to observe Bhogi Pongal?

Bhogi marks the preparation for Pongal festival and Uttarayana , the auspicious half of the year. Bhogi is specially marked for physical and spiritual cleaning and falls on the last day of Tamil month Margazhi. Cleaning and removing unwanted stuff and damaged things is the main activity on the day. In the evening, people burn all the unwanted things (Bhogi Bonfire). Bhogi falls on the day before Pongal day. It is also the first day of Sankranti in Andhra Pradesh . Here is a brief look at what to do on Bhogi Pongal? Traditional Bath An elaborate oil bath is done at early morning on the Bhogi day. Drawing of Kolams After morning bath and rituals, women make beautiful kolams (rangoli). There is sometimes a healthy competition among neighbors on design and size of the kolams. Large kolams are preferred during Pongal. Some communities place a pumpkin flower in the middle of the kolam. Cleaning and Burning debris on Bhogi Pongal The most important

Symbolism of Overlapping Triangles in Hinduism

Overlapping Triangles is part of various chakras and yantras in Hinduism. It is also widely used in Tantric rituals. Overlapping Triangles represents the male and female principles. It symbolizes the union of Shiva and Shakti – the male and female principle. It is the starting point of creation.

Sattila Ekadashi Vrat Katha – Story of Shattila Ekadasi Fasting in January

Sattila Ekadashi is observed during the waning phase of moon usually in the month of January – Magh in North India and Paush in other regions. Sesame seeds or Til is used by those observing this Vrat - smear Til paste on the body, bath in water mixed with Til or sesame seeds, offer prayers to ancestors in water mixed with sesame seeds, eat Til and share it with others. There is an interesting story that explains the importance of Sattila Ekadashi Vrat . The Katha is listened to by people observing the Ekadasi fasting. Once their lived a rich woman who was very pious and she used to observe Ekadasi fasting without fail. She used to feed the Brahmins and donated cows etc. But out of ignorance she used to not feed other hungry people. Once Lord Krishna came in the guise of a poor mendicant with torn clothes on Sattila Ekadashi day and asked for some food. The rich woman was not ready to give food until the mendicant mentioned his gothra and the place he came from. The men