In Tirumala Tirupati Venkateswara Temple, the second among the 108 Divya Desams, Lord Balaji is stationed in the sanctum sanctorum called Ananda Nilaya Vimana. The word Vimanam means to house the murti of the Supreme Being. It must be noted here that Vimanam is different from Gopuram. In the word “Vimanam”, the alphabet ‘ma’ means an object, which is measured or made in various ways. The prefix ‘vi’ denotes “vishesha” which signifies the image. So, the word itself, from its etymological aspects carries a noble and elevating significance. Several Puranas have umpteen references to Vimana with different meanings. Reference of Tirupati Venkateswara Temple in Puranas Padma Purana, chapter 10, it is described that, the appearance of a new and unblemished Vimana which gladdens the hearts of the viewers, on the western side of the sacred tank.
Vamana Purana Chapter 40/21, there is an account of Brahma and other gods having obtained a view of the deity in the divine Vimana of this temple. On…

Upakarma is a highly auspicious ceremony for the Hindu Brahmin community. The Upkarma dates in 2018 are August 25 (Rig) and August 26 (Yajur). In 2018, Sama Vedi Upakarma is on September 11. It is the day the sacred thread worn by Brahmins known as ‘Yagnopavitam’ is changed. There are Brahmins who are the followers of Rig Veda, Yajur Veda and Sama Veda and they have separate dates for Upakarma. The ritual is also known as Avani Avittam in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Gayatri Japam is another important ritual part of the ritual.

Yajur Vedi Upakarma is observed on Shravan Poornima day (Full moon day in Sawan month) this year. Brahmins who are the followers of Yajur Veda change the sacred thread on the day. In 2018, the date is August 26.
Rig Vedi Upakarma is observed a day before Shravan Poornima this year. Brahmins who are the followers of Rig Veda change the sacred thread on the day. In 2018, the date is August 25.

Gayatri Japam is on August 27

Sama Vedi Upakarma is observed on the day after S…

Fridays in Shravan month, Shravani Shukravar, is an auspicious day for many Hindu communities in Gujarat and Maharashtra. In 2018, the dates of Shravani Shukravar puja are August 17, August 24, August 31 and September 7. Special prayers are performed by mothers for the welfare of their children on the day. The puja is also known as Jiviti Pooja, or Jara Jivantika Puja, in some regions and is dedicated to Goddess Jivantika.

Pujas and prayers are held at homes on Shravani Shukrawar. Neighbors, friends and relatives join in the prayers on the day. In some regions, community pujas are performed on all Fridays in Shravan Mahina. Women apply kumkum on each other’s forehead and pray for peaceful and happy married life and for the welfare and health of their children..


In some places, Puran lamps are prepared for placing on puja thali. Special Puran dishes are also prepared on the day. Traditional red kumkum tika is applied on the forehead of the children.
Some Hindu communities observe a f…

Libra Zodiac is known as Tula Rashi in Hindu Astrology and this September 2018 Rashifal is based on Moon astrology. In September 2018, Tula Rashi born people will see bad luck and negative phase. Some respite will be seen during the middle of the month. Professionals will have to face numerous problems and mud-slinging. Those looking for new jobs might not be happy with the salary offered. Some of you might get an unexpected monetary gain. Tula Rashi September 2018 Good Dates Good, lucky and auspicious dates in September 2018 for Tula Rashi, or Libra Zodiac, are September 1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 27 and September 28.


Tula Rashi September 2018 predictions Avoid plans of changing job. Colleagues might create problems at the workplace. Those in educational field will get positive results. Professionals in marketing field will face stiff competition. There will be additional work burden for some. Business people will have a good period till the third week of the month…

Aavani Moolam is a unique festival observed in Tamil culture on the Moolam Nakshatram day in Aavani month (August – September). Aavani Moolam 2018 date is August 21. Aavani Moolam festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The most important Aavani Moolam festival and rituals are held at the MaduraiMeenakshiTemple.

Special processions are held on the day in MaduraiMeenakshiTemple. The festival is basically dedicated to the reenactment of a famous incident involving Lord Shiva. Also known as Puttu festival, Aavani Moolam is based on a local legend and is referred as the sport of carrying soil for the wages of rice pudding.

An important legend in which Lord Shiva sends his Ganas as horses to keep the promise of Saint Manikkavasagar is believed to have happened on Avani Moolam day.

Swami Tejomayananda quotes and teachings are on various topics and are from numerous sources including books, newspaper, articles, videos and speeches. (Swami Tejomayananda, a disciple of Swami Chinmayananda, is the Chairman and spiritual head of Chinmaya Mission worldwide.)
Swami Tejomayananda quotes and teachings One can either be a master of circumstances or a victim of them. If one says that he has the inspiration but has no opportunities, then that person is not sufficiently inspired. A truly inspired person will create the opportunities and charge ahead. I heard a joke recently that illustrates what I am saying. It is said that one must learn from Noah. He floated his company when the world was in liquidation!
If you are truly inspired by your work or job, then you will be totally absorbed in it, and things or events around you will not distract you. So, most importantly, you have to find that work or job which truly inspires you. Also realize that someone else cannot live your…

Tithi in Hindu Calendar on Thursday, August 16, 2018 – Shukla Paksha Panchami and Sashti Tithi or the fifth and sixth day during the waxing or light phase of moon inHindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It isShukla Paksha Panchami Tithi or the fifth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 7:24 AM on August 16. Then onward it isShukla Paksha Sashti Tithi or the sixth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 5:17 AM on August 17. All time based on India Standard Time.
Good – Auspicious time on August 16, 2018, as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.
Nakshatra – Chitra or Chithirai or Chithira Nakshatra till 8:56 PM on August 16. Then onward it is Swathi or Chothi Nakshatra till 9:08 PM on August 17.
In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and south Rajasthan), Chitra or Chithirai or Chithira Nakshatra till 3:48 PM on August 16. Then onward it is Swathi or Chothi Nakshatra till 4:11 PM on August 17.
Rashi or Moon Sign – Kan…

Pavithrotsavam is the ritual to ward off any shortcomings in the daily poojas that is being done to Lord Balaji at the world famous Tirumala Venkateswara Tirupati Temple. In 2018, the rituals begin on August 21 and ends on August 23. Pavithrothsavam means purification festival. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams celebrates Pavithrothsavam ritual for 3 days in Shravan month from Sravana Shudha Dasami, Ekadasi and Dwadasi.
Pavithrotsavam in Tirumala 2018 Monday, August 20, 2018 - Ankurarpana Tuesday, August 21, 2018 - Pavithra Prathista Wednesday, August 22, 2018 - Pavithra Samarpana Thursday, August 23, 2018 - Poornahuti


Importance of Pavithrotsavam in Tirupati Temple The significance of this ritual is that on this day the priests symbolically seek pardon from the Lord for their acts of all omissions and commissions; committed knowingly or unknowingly while performing pujas and rituals in the temple during the course of the year. In this utsavam, Pavithra garlands are adorned on Sri …

Shitala Satam is dedicated to Goddess Shitala Mata and is observed for the welfare of young children. Shitala Satam 2018 date is September 2 in Gujarat (Shravan Vad 7). Some Gujarati observe it during Shravan Sud 7 and this is on August 17. You can als read the Shitala satam story below in detail. Mothers perform special pujas and offer prayers to Shitla Mata. The ritual is dedicated to Goddess Shitala, the goddess of pox and measles. It is observed for the welfare of children and others and to escape from measles and smallpox.

There is a popular belief that with the blessings of Goddess Shitala, children and other will be protected from numerous contagious diseases like chickenpox etc.
Two Different Dates of Satam Shitala Satam is observed during two different times in Gujarat. In some parts of Gujarat especially that is near to Maharashtra, Shravan Shukla Paksha (Shravan Sud 6 - bright/waxing phase of moon) is preferred. In Saurashtra, Shravan Krishna Paksha (Shravan Vad 6 - dark/w…

Onam is the most popular and important festival in Kerala in India and for Malayalis around the world. Onam 2018 date is August 25, Saturday. The Thiruonam festival of Malayalis in Chingam month rises above all man-made barriers of religion, caste, creed and financial status. It is believed that during the four days of Onam festival, the legendary Asura King Mahabali (Maveli) comes to visit his subjects. Malayalis prepare floral carpets, sumptuous foods and sweets to welcome Mahabali.  First Onam is on August 24.
Onam is celebrated over four days -
Onnam Onam or First Onam is on August 24. Second Onam or the most important day of Onam is the Thiruonam and it is on  August 25Third Onam or Munnam Onam is on August 26. Fourth Onam or Naalam Onam is on August 27.

The preparation for Onam begins on the Atham nakshatram day in the Malayalam Chingam month (August – September). Atham falls around 10 days before Thiruonam. The famous Atha Chamayam procession in Tripunithara is held on the day…