A comparison between Annamacharya and Tyagaraja considering their contributions, musical styles, philosophical outlooks, and historical contexts. Annamacharya (1408-1503) Historical Context Era and Region : Annamacharya, also known as Annamayya, lived in the 15th century and was born in Tallapaka, a village in the present-day Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, India. Patronage : He was associated with the Vijayanagara Empire and particularly dedicated to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. Contributions Compositions : Annamacharya is known for composing around 32,000 sankeertanas (devotional songs) in praise of Lord Venkateswara, though only about 12,000 have been found and documented. Literary Style : His compositions, written in Telugu, are known for their simplicity, lyrical beauty, and deep devotion. They often describe the various attributes of Lord Venkateswara and the divine experiences of the devotee. Themes : The themes of Annamacharya’s compositions range from devotion (bhakti)...

Annamacharya (1408-1503) and Purandara Dasa (1484-1564) are two towering figures in the history of Indian classical music and devotional literature. Their contributions have had a profound impact on the cultural and spiritual landscape of South India. This comparison highlights their lives, works, and the legacy they left behind. Background and Historical Context Annamacharya: Full Name: Tallapaka Annamacharya Birthplace: Tallapaka, a village in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh Period: 15th century Religion: Hinduism, devoted to Lord Venkateswara (an incarnation of Vishnu) Purandara Dasa: Full Name: Srinivasa Nayaka (later became known as Purandara Dasa) Birthplace: Kshemapura, near Tirthahalli, Karnataka Period: Late 15th to mid-16th century Religion: Hinduism, devoted to Lord Vishnu, especially in the form of Vitthala of Pandharpur Contribution to Music and Literature Annamacharya: Musical Style: Carnatic music Compositions: Over 32,000 kritis (devotional songs) in Tel...

Goddess Kaumari, or Goddess Kowmari, is on of the seven mother goddesses in Hinduism. The seven mother goddesses are known as Sapta Matrikas or Sapta Matris. Goddess Kaumari is the female energy of Lord Kumar (Muruga or Kartik). She is also referred as Goddess Kumari. She symbolically represents valor and courage. Goddess Kaumari takes her name and attributes from Lord Skanda or Subrahmanya or Murga. She uses the same weapon and vehicle of Lord Kartik. Goddess Kaumari has four hands and she carries a small vel (lance) and flag in two hands. Two hands are in Abhaya and Varatha posture. Her vehicle or Vahana is a peacock and she is believed to reside under a fig tree. She is usually depicted as having Kumkum body color – red color. In some texts she is described as having six faces and twelve arms. Lord Kartik is also depicted as having six faces as he was born as six different babies and was later joined by Goddess Parvati.

Lord Ayyappa is believed to have taken lessons in Kalaripayattu – a traditional martial art of Kerala – as young boy from Kalari Gurukkal of Cheerappanchira family at Swami Pura or Kalari Pura at Muhamma in Alappuzha District in Kerala. The Pura, or the small hut, where the Kalari lessons where taught is still being preserved in its original form by the present generation of the family. Devotees who arrive at the Swami Pura also visit the Mukkalvattam Swamy Ayyappa Temple nearby. Express Buzz writes about this unique place associated with Lord Ayyappa With another Sabarimala season under way, the Cherappanchira family, which owns the Pura, have decided to renovate it so as to provide better facilities for pilgrims who visit it on their way to Sabarimala. "The renovation plans include landscaping, boundary protection, an Ayurvedic garden, a prayer-cum-spiritual seminar hall-cum-auditorium, an 'annadaana centre', Navagraha Pooja facility, bath, cloakroom...

Shrimad Bhagavad Gita Audio in English in Audio format for free is provided by Swami Shri Adgadanad Ji’s of Yatharth Geeta. This downloadable English Language Bhagawad Geeta is strictly for personal use. You can only download the eighteen chapters separately and not as a single MP3 file. Sometimes a single chapter has three or four mp3 files. You will have to download several files to get the complete Bhagavad Gita with commentary in English. The best option will be to download a single file and listen to it and if you like you can opt to download the rest of them. You can download the Bhagavad Gita Audio in English in MP3 format from this link – Download Bhagavad Gita in English in MP3 .

In Hinduism, the concept of Anrita (अनृत) holds significant ethical and philosophical implications. Anrita literally translates to "not straight" or "false." This term is juxtaposed against rita (ऋत), which means "cosmic order," and satya (सत्य), which means "truth." These three concepts are frequently encountered in Vedic literature and are essential for understanding the moral and cosmological frameworks within Hindu philosophy. Rita and Satya Rita is a fundamental principle in the Vedic tradition, symbolizing the cosmic order, truth, and righteousness that govern the universe. It represents the natural law that maintains the harmony and balance of the cosmos. In the Rigveda, rita is often associated with the sun, the seasons, and the cycles of nature, reflecting its intrinsic link to the natural order and the divine. Satya , on the other hand, is the manifestation of rita in the form of truthfulness and integrity in human actions and words. I...

Neuberger Museum of Art at Purchase in New York is currently exhibiting paintings under the title “British Subjects: Identity and Self-Fashioning 1967 – 2009.” A painting by Sutapa Biswas titled ‘Housewives with Steak-Knives’ is being identified with Goddess Kali and a controversy has started over the painting. Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism, and Bhavna Shinde, of Forum for Hindu Awakening, have started a campaign to remove it from the exhibition and states that the painting amounts to irreverence and trivialization of the sacred deity, Goddess Kali. I feel this is an unnecessary controversy. On the Goddess Kali Rajan Zed, president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said she was “highly revered in Hinduism and she was meant to be worshipped in temples and not to be used indecorously.” Kali is looked at as being the Goddess of time and change, as well as personifying divine energy. Zed’s claims are that disrespecting Hinduism by misinterpreting and deformi...

Ekadashi fasting, observed every fortnight in the Hindu calendar, holds significant cultural and religious importance for millions of Hindus. While its roots lie in Hindu tradition and spirituality, there's also scientific rationale behind its practice, particularly in relation to the avoidance of rice and carbohydrates. Impact on Blood Sugar Levels: Carbohydrates, especially refined ones like white rice, can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels when consumed in large quantities. These spikes are associated with an increased risk of developing conditions like insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. By avoiding rice and other high-carb foods during Ekadashi fasting, individuals may help regulate their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of these diseases. Weight Management: Excessive carbohydrate consumption is often linked to weight gain and obesity. This is because carbs are quickly broken down into glucose, which, if not used for energy immediatel...

In Hinduism, "Amrita" or "Amrit" refers to the concept of immortality or the nectar of immortality. The term comes from the Sanskrit roots "a-" meaning "not" and "mrita" meaning "dead" or "mortal," thus signifying "not mortal" or "immortal." It is often associated with the elixir of life, which grants immortality to those who consume it. Key Aspects of Amrita in Hinduism: Mythological Significance : Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean) : One of the most famous stories involving Amrita is the myth of the churning of the ocean, or "Samudra Manthan." In this legend, both the Devas (gods) and the Asuras (demons) churn the ocean to obtain Amrita, the nectar of immortality. Vishnu, in the form of Mohini, eventually distributes the Amrita to the Devas, ensuring their immortality. Vedic References : In the Vedas, Amrita is often men...

Goddess Maheshwari is one among the seven mother goddesses or Sapta Matrikas. Goddess Maheshwari takes Her name from Lord Shiva (Maheshwara) and She is believed to have born from the body of Lord Shiva. She is armed with similar weapons to Shiva and has numerous other symbols and characteristics of Shiva. Goddess Maheswari is usually depicted as having four arms two arms are in Varada Mudra (granting wishes) and one is in Abhaya Mudra (protection). Two arms are depicted as holding the Sula (lance) and Akshamala or Damaru. The vehicle or Vahana of Goddess Maheswari is a bull. In some very rare images, Goddess Maheshwari is depicted as having five faces. Sometimes she is shown as having three eyes and wears a crescent moon. She is also sometimes depicted as having six hands and carries Sutra, Damaru, Sula, Ghanta and two hands are in the Varada Mudra and the Abhaya Mudra.

Annapurna Vrat is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna, the Hindu Goddess of food and nourishment. This vrat is observed during the waning phase of moon in Margashirsh month (November – December) as per traditional North Indian calendar. It begins on the fifth day of the Krishna paksha of Margashirsh month (November 9, 2025) and is observed for 17 days. Annapurna Vrat includes fasting, not eating non-vegetarian food and offering prayers and performing puja for Goddess Annapoorna. It is not a strict fasting and usually devotees eat a single meal while observing the fast. Those observing the Vrata read the Annapurna Vrat Katha. Some people observe the fast only the Annapurna Jayanti during the Margashirsha Purnima. Annapurna Vrat is also observed for several weeks and months by devotees. It is performed for peace and prosperity. Annapurna puja is also observed in eastern parts of India especially in Bengal in the Chaitra month (March – April).

Shrimad Bhagavad Gita in Malayalam in PDF format for free is in verse form and there is no commentary or translation to pure Malayalam used today. Please note that this is not in the paragraph format with explanations and meanings. It is Bhagavad Geeta in verse format as found in the Mahabharata. You can download Bhagavad Gita in Malayalam in PDF format here. How Bhagavad Gita Has Influenced Malayali Hindus? The Bhagavad Gita holds profound significance for Malayali Hindus, as it does for Hindus across India and around the world. Kerala, with its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, has deeply integrated the teachings of the Gita into its religious, philosophical, and social fabric. Philosophical Influence: The Bhagavad Gita presents the essence of Hindu philosophy, exploring concepts such as dharma (duty/righteousness), karma (action), yoga (spiritual practice), and moksha (liberation). These philosophical underpinnings have influenced the worldview and moral compass of Malay...

The concept of Antarayas (which means "those which come in between") is integral to understanding the challenges faced in the practice of yoga. The term specifically refers to obstacles that hinder the union (yoga) of the individual self with the Supreme Self. This union is achieved through perfect concentration, leading to samadhi or the superconscious state. However, the journey is fraught with challenges as the mind's constant fluctuations—referred to as vrittis or wave-like modifications—are disrupted by antarayas, which act as intruders on the path to yoga. Patanjali’s Nine Antarayas (Yoga Sutras 1.30) Patanjali, in his Yoga Sutras, enumerates nine primary obstacles that disrupt the practice of yoga: Vyadhi (Illness) : Physical health issues can prevent one from practicing yoga consistently. Styana (Languor of the Mind) : Mental stagnation or lack of enthusiasm impedes progress. Samshaya (Doubt) : Doubts about the path, the teacher, or one's own capabilities cre...

Gadhimai Fair in Nepal is dedicated to Goddess Gadhimai, a local deity, an incarnation of Goddess Shakti. The fair, notorious for the sacrifice of large number of animals, is held once in five years in the Bara District of Nepal and is mainly attended by people from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in India. This year the Gadhimai festival has garnered lot of international media attention - the number of animal sacrificed is estimated to be more than 100,000. Animal sacrifice is cruel and it has no place in the teachings of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism). But Hinduism is not based on strict written codes or rules. Therefore each individual is given the freedom to express his/her faith. Some individuals try to appease deities through animal sacrifice which is part of tantric worship. Quite often an individual performs animal sacrifice out of ignorance thinking that the deity will be pleased with the sacrifice. This is the result of the lack of proper understanding of the teac...

Hatha Yoga is a comprehensive system of physical and mental practices aimed at achieving balance, purification, and strength in preparation for higher spiritual practices such as Rajayoga. Among its various techniques, 'dhauti' or cleansing methods hold a significant place. Dhauti involves various processes designed to purify the body, making it healthy and resilient. There are four primary types of dhauti: Antardhauti (internal cleansing) Dantadhauti (cleansing of the teeth) Hriddhauti (cleansing of the chest) Mulashodhana (cleansing of the rectum) Focusing on Antardhauti , it is further divided into four distinct techniques: Vatasara Dhauti : Method : This technique involves inhaling air (vāta) by shaping the lips like the beak of a crow. The air is then swallowed, filling the stomach, and finally expelled through eructation (belching). Benefits : It helps in purifying the stomach and digestive tract by expelling impurities and toxins. Varisara Dhauti : Method : This invo...

Goddess Vaishnavi is one of the seven mother goddesses or Sapta Matrikas. Goddess Vaishnavi takes Her name from Lord Vishnu and she believed to have born from the body of Vishnu. She is armed with the same weapons like Lord Vishnu and wears the same ornaments and rides the same Vahana or vehicle and also carries the same banner. Please note that Goddess Vaishnavi is different from Goddess Vaishno Devi. Goddess Vaishnavi is mentioned in the Varaha Purana, Matsya Purana and Markandeya Purana. There is also a legend which suggests Vaishnavi came out from Goddess Kaumari’s hand, seated on Garuda and holding a conch, discus, club, sword, bow and arrow. Goddess Kaumari is believed to have had Her origin from Lord Skanda or Muruga or Kartik. Goddess Vaishnavi is usually depicted as having four hands. She carries in one of her right hands the Chakra (discus) and in the left hand the Sankha (Conch), her two other hands are held in the Abhaya and the Varada Mudra. She we...

Hindus once took holy bath in Saraswati River but later it disappeared from earth. Hindus always worshipped Saraswathi River along with Ganga and Yamuna River and the river is mentioned in various Hindu Holy scriptures and is part of rituals. But for many historians it was a myth. Now Holy Saraswati River is being revived in Haryana and the project is almost complete. Times of India reports Come 2010 and Haryana will join the league of states wowing pilgrims from across the country. The state is progressing towards completing the last leg of 3.5km stretch of river Saraswati between Jyotisar and Bibipur. The state has completed digging work in the 68km stretch under the first phase of revival plan for the Saraswati River . Speaking to TOI, the irrigation authorities ruled out the use of river water for purposes other than religious. “The basic idea is to retain its sanctity so that more and more devotees come to visit the holy places along its course. We wou...

In Hinduism, the concept of yugas represents the cyclical nature of time, divided into four main epochs: Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga. Each yuga is characterized by a progressive decline in virtue, knowledge, and dharma (righteousness). Here's a detailed comparison between Satya Yuga and Treta Yuga, the first two yugas in this cycle: Satya Yuga (Krita Yuga) Duration : Approximately 1,728,000 years. Characteristics : Known as the "Golden Age," Satya Yuga is a period of truth and perfection. It is characterized by: Virtue and Dharma : Dharma stands on all four legs, symbolizing complete righteousness. There is no crime, deceit, or sin, and everyone adheres to the highest moral standards. Human Lifespan : Humans live for up to 100,000 years and have great physical and mental capabilities. Spirituality : People are naturally inclined towards spirituality, meditation, and seeking truth. There is a direct connection with the divine, and knowledge is unive...

Lord Rama and Lord Krishna are two of the most revered deities in Hinduism. They are both considered incarnations (avatars) of the god Vishnu, who is responsible for maintaining the universe. Despite their divine origins, their lives and the lessons they impart are quite distinct. Lineage and Birth Lord Rama: Born in the Treta Yuga, the second of the four Yugas. Son of King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya of Ayodhya. His birth is celebrated as Rama Navami. Lord Krishna: Born in the Dvapara Yuga, the third of the four Yugas. Son of Vasudeva and Devaki, raised by Yashoda and Nanda in Gokul. His birth is celebrated as Janmashtami. Mission and Purpose Lord Rama: Known for his adherence to dharma (righteousness). His primary mission was to defeat the demon king Ravana and uphold dharma. Embodied the ideal son, husband, and king. Lord Krishna: Known for his role in the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita. His mission was to guide the Pandavas and restore dharma by leading them to victory in the...

The Mahabharata, one of the greatest epics of ancient India, is replete with powerful characters, each contributing to the complex narrative with their unique traits and actions. Among these characters, Satyavati and Kunti stand out as two pivotal female figures whose lives and decisions significantly influence the course of the epic. While both are queens and matriarchs of their respective lineages, their backgrounds, characteristics, and roles offer a fascinating comparison. 1. Background and Origins Satyavati : Satyavati, also known as Matsyagandha due to her fish-like smell, is the daughter of a fisherman. Her origin story is marked by a miraculous birth, and she possesses a divine aura bestowed by sage Parashara, who transforms her into a beautiful woman with a fragrant scent. She marries King Shantanu of Hastinapura and becomes the queen, solidifying her rise from humble beginnings to royalty. Kunti : Kunti, originally named Pritha, is the daughter of King Shurasena and is adopte...

Goddess Brahmani is one of the Sapta Matrikas – the seven divine mothers or Saptamatris in Hinduism. Goddess Brahmani takes Her name from Lord Brahma. Vamana Purana indicates that Goddess Brahmani came out from the mouth of Goddess Kali before she engaged Demon Rakta Beeja in the final encounter. Seeing the large troop of Rakta Beeja, Goddess Kali made a loud sound and from her mouth appeared Goddess Brahmani seated on a swan and wearing rosary and holding water pot (Kamandalu) in one hand. Goddess Brahmani is generally depicted as having four faces and four hands. The body is bright as gold. In the back right hand she carries the Sula (lance) and back left hand she carries the Akshamala. The front right hand is in the Abhaya Mudra Pose and the front left hand in the Varada Pose. She is usually depicted as seated upon a red lotus. The vehicle or Vahana of Goddess Brahmani is Hamsa or Swan. The emblem in her banner is Hamsa and is adorned with a Karana Mukuta. She is als...

Pampa is the base camp for majority of devotees that visit the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple . Transport buses, cars and motorcycles reach up to Pampa . From Pampa pilgrims have to walk (trek) 7 km to reach the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple Sannidhanam. The trek covers places like Neelimala, Appachimedu , Sabari Peedam , Saramkuthi , Marakkoottam to reach the Ayyappa Temple . One of most tough trek in the seven kilometer route is in climbing the Neelimala. Government and other NGOs are providing medical facilities at different points from Pampa to Ayyappa Temple .

Fasting on Sunday, or Ravivar Vrat, in Hindu religion is dedicated to Lord Surya, or the Sun god. Hindus have been worshipping Surya Narain from time immemorial and is also occasionally referred as Pratyaksha Brahman. There is a popular belief that observing fast on Sunday will help in skin and eye ailments. The fasting is from Sunday morning to next day morning. A single meal is taken on the day, generally after sunset. Some people only eat fruits on the day. Those who eat cooked food avoid salt and fried food items. Red is the color of the day. Devotees offer red colored flowers to Lord Surya. Red sandalwood paste tika or tilak is worn on the forehead. Observing Ravivar Vrat, or Sunday fasting, is a common practice in Hinduism, especially among devotees of Lord Surya (the Sun god). Here's a general guideline on how to observe this fast: Intention (Sankalp): Start by making a resolve or intention to observe the fast. This can be done early in the morning before ...

A small collection of quotes and teachings of  Sri Sri Mangeshda,  a Kriya Yogi. Unconditional love and forgiveness is not as easy to practice as it appears. It is not a mere mechanical process. One needs to feel the love and forgiveness from the bottom of one’s heart and for that one needs to change one’s own attitude. One needs to learn to accept everything and everybody including himself, as they are, without keeping any expectations from them. When one starts interacting with others with this base of love, automatically the attitude of the people around him changes. All religions, without exception, preach humanity, forgiveness and love towards other living beings. To enjoy and experience real love, remove all the conditions because conditional love gives disappointment whereas unconditional love definitely gives real joy of love. It is something unique which has to be experienced to understand. Explanation: One needs to learn to accept ... with others ...

Abanindranath Tagore (1871-1951) was the chief artist of the Bengal school of painting and the first major exponent of swadeshi values in Indian Painting. Also a note writer, Abanindranath Tagore had created a 272-page scrap book titled Khuddur Yatra (Journey of Khuddu) which is a post-modern interpretation of the epic Ramayana. The work originally done between 1934 and 1942 was never published and it was discovered recently by Priyabrata Deb, publisher of Pratikshan, who is bringing out the book. Satarupa Basu writes in Hindustan Times about the book and its discovery It is one of the versions of the Ramayana that Tagore wrote. It draws on a mode of storytelling that is splintered into multiple voices, tonalities and modes, to form a collage of doodles, diagrams, fashion drawings, natural history drawings, ornamental and abstract designs, emblems, insignia, labels, wrappers, advertisements, fragments of texts and captions cut from newspapers and periodicals. “I ch...

Sharamkuthi is one the last holy spots on the way to the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple . ‘Sharam’ means arrow. Legend has it that Lord Ayyappa and his followers after defeating the Marva pada (an army of thugs) discarded their weapons at Sharam Kutti. Today, first time visitors to the Sabarimala Shrine leave Sharakol, or arrows, they carry at Saramkuthi. First time Ayyappa devotees to the temple who follow and participate in the Petta Thullal from Erumeli to the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple also leave their Sharakol at Saramkuthi. The Thiruvabharanam Procession carrying the ornaments to be worn on Lord Ayyappa is given ceremonial welcome at Saramkuthi.

Tripur Bhairav Jayanti is observed on the Margashirsha Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi – the fourteenth lunar day during waxing phase of moon in the month of Margashirsha (November – December). Tripur Bhairav Jayanti 2025 date is December 3. Tripura or Tripur Bhairva is one of the incarnations of Lord Shiva and this is a highly powerful and ferocious form of Lord Shiva. As Tripur Bhairav, Lord Shiva is the consort of Tripura Bhairavi. Tripura Bhairavi is believed to a ferocious form of Goddess Shakti.

Friday fasting in Hinduism is dedicated to Shukra, or Venus. Those people who believe in astrology and horoscope worship and pray to Shukra on the day for wealth and prosperity. Those observing Shukravar Vrat listen to a popular story associated with fasting. The story of Friday fast varies from region to region and this one of them. Once there was an old woman who used to observe Shukravar Vrat for the welfare of her family. She worshipped an idol of Shukra. On all Fridays, she used to wash the idol and perform a holy dip of it and used to offer the best food available in the house as ‘Prasad’ or Bhog. One day the old woman decided to go on a pilgrimage. She asked her daughter-in-law to continue the rituals and observe Friday fast. The daughter-in-law wanted to get rid of the mother-in-law and was not at all happy with her Friday rituals so she agreed to take care of the idol and perform the rituals. Soon the old lady left for pilgrimage. For few Fridays, the daughter-i...

Hinduism describes time as cyclical, divided into four Yugas (epochs or ages): Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga. Among these, Treta Yuga and Kali Yuga are particularly significant due to their contrasting characteristics and their impact on human civilization and spirituality. Here's a comprehensive comparison between Treta Yuga and Kali Yuga: Treta Yuga Time Period : Treta Yuga is the second age in the cycle of Yugas, following Satya Yuga. It is characterized by a span of 1,296,000 years. Moral and Spiritual Qualities : Treta Yuga is known for the presence of righteousness (Dharma) at 75% of its capacity. It is a time when virtues like truth, compassion, and morality are predominant. Key Events and Figures : Ramayana : The epic tale of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, who is a central figure in Treta Yuga. The Ramayana narrates the story of Rama's life, his exile, the abduction of his wife Sita by the demon king Ravana, and the subsequent battle...

Hinduism gives a devotee the freedom to perform prayers and pujas in the way the devotee wants – it can be simple or elaborate. Puja steps can be decided by the devotee. But there are several people who want to know about how to perform a simple puja at home as per Hindu religious traditions. Here is a guide to perform a small puja at home. This is only to give a general idea and you can always be flexible in Hindu pujas and prayers. First take a bath or perform self purification rituals. Choose a quiet and clean place to perform the puja. First pray to Lord Ganesha to help in the successful completion of the puja. Light a lamp and pray to the deity you are worshipping. Touch the feet of the idol or painting and take blessings. Offer flowers or light incense. Chant any shlokam or prayer you know. If you have a fruit offer it to the deity. Meditate for some time. Place some flowers or rice mixed with turmeric on the deity. If you have Bhasma ...

Vrihaspativar Vrat, or Thursday fasting, is dedicated to Brihaspati, the Guru of Devas. Therefore Thurdsay is also known as Gurubar or Guruvar. Those people who believe in astrology offer pujas and observe a fast dedicated to Birhaspati, or Jupiter, for horoscope related reasons. Lord Vishnu is also worshipped on the day in many regions. Below are the rules and procedure of Thursday fasting. Please note that Thursday, especially in Margashirsh month (November - December) , is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi in many regions and people observe Lakshmi Vrat and pujas on all Thursdays in the month. The fast begins on Thursday morning and ends on the next day morning. A single meal is eaten on the day – usually in the afternoon or after puja. People usually eat yellow colored food or food prepared using ghee. In some regions the food is made of Chana Dal. Yellow color clothes are worn on the day and yellow colored flowers are offered to Brihaspati. Yellow is the ...