Non-Hindus are not allowed in Puri Jagannath Temple . Every year a couple of times a foreigner who is not aware of the rule enters the Puri temple and then there is a big commotion. When such an incident happens as per the temple rules (set by Pandas or priests) cleansing of the sanctum sanctorum and the traditional grand bathing of the deities take place. In the process, the temple rituals are delayed by hours and the poor soul who unknowingly broke the rule faces lot of harassment.  A foreigner can be easily identified by the temple authorities and all sort of cleansing can take place. But what about Indians who are non-Hindus? How do the temple authorities recognize non-Hindus of Asian origin? What is this silly cleansing of sanctum sanctorum and grand bathing of the deities? What are these priests cleaning? They need to clean their mind and read the Bhagavad Gita at least once. This stupidity is not Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism). These are not the teachings of Hinduism. All living

A young swami – Sri Ramakrishna made you great. Swami Premananda – No Sri Ramakrishna did not make us great; he made us ‘no body.’ You also have to become no body. Wipe out all vanity and all sense of ego. Not I, not I, but thou, O Lord. Can one become a great devotee of God simply by dancing and jumping or by quoting plentifully from the scriptures? What is wanted is freedom from selfishness – freedom from egotism. Mere talk will not do in this age of action. To follow the master means to practice what he taught; otherwise, nobody can advance by just offering a few flowers or through some momentary sentimental out bursts. Not mere theory; actualize it. There has been enough talk and writing. Put the books aside and let your actions speak. The poor, the weak, the fallen and the ignorant – all these you have to make your own. And yet I warn you, that in loving one section of society you must not become hateful of the other, the rich. Swami Premananda

Jeffrey Armstrong is an award-winning author of several books on Vedic knowledge. In an interview to the Daily Bell , Jeffrey Armstrong talks about the greatness of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and Vedic knowledge and boldly states that Hindu knowledge has been and is still being repressed by people with vested interests who do not want to see the teachings of Hinduism being a viable alternative to aggressive political and religious views of the world. You can read the interview titled ‘Jeffrey Armstrong on the Mysteries of Indian Culture, the Relevance of Hindu Vedas’ here at the Daily Bell Here are some excerpts from the interview …The philosophy of India is very clear. We human beings are here with the ability to utilize our free will and the spectrum is anywhere from enlightened to 'endarkened.' … India 's teachings have always stood for a renewable and cooperative relationship with the resources of the universe and the freedom of individuals. …Religion is the wrong word

Poush Masa, also known as Pushya Masam, is the tenth month in a traditional Hindu Telugu calendar followed in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Poush Masa 2024 is from January 12 to February 9, 2024. Bhogi, Sankranti and Banashankari Jayanti are observed in the Pausha month. Sankranti is on January 15. Sankatahara Chavithi dedicated to Vinayaka in Poush Masa in 2024 is on January 29 – Moonrise or Chandrodaya is at 8:57 PM – Indian Standard Time. Telugu Paush Masa Shukla Paksha and  Krishna  Paksha Paush Masa 2024 Shukla Paksha (Waxing phase of moon) is from January 12, 2024 to January 25, 2024. Telugu Poush Masam 2024 Krishna Paksha (Waning phase of moon) is from January 26 to February 9, 2024. Ekadasi Fasting Dates in Telugu Poush Masa are: Putrada Ekadasi – January 21 Shattila Ekadasi – February 6 Pradosham Fasting Dates in Telugu Poush Masa are: Pradosh – January 23 Pradosh – February 7 Purnima in Telugu Pausha Masa Paush

Disappearance of Sri Ram from earth happened when he entered voluntarily into the Sarayu River . This divine event is described as the death of Lord Rama. The story of the disappearance of Sri Ram is mentioned in many Hindu scriptures. This story of His death is from the Padma Purana. Note - Many people wanted to know how Sri Ram died? Death is not a term used with Avatars of Vishnu. All Avatars appear to restore Dharma and then they return to Vaikunta. Bhagavan Sri Ram ruled for several years and performed numerous yajnas for the benefit of his people. His sons and the sons of his brothers were made kings in many part of the large empire that he ruled. During this period Sita Devi also disappeared from earth when she was taken back by Bhudevi (Mother Earth). One day an old Saint came to Sri Ram and asked him for a private audience. The Saint said that no one should enter the room in which they were having the conversation. Sri Ram directed Lakshman to guard the door of the

The Handicrafts and Handlooms Exports Corporation of India Ltd (HHEC), a public sector undertaking (Ministry of Textiles) Government of India, is now selling handicrafts, handloom and garments online. One of the items on sale is the Kondapalli Dashavatar Set – idols of the ten incarnations or Avatar of Hindu God Vishnu. The Kondapalli Toys are not just decorative items to the people of Andhra Pradesh. They are objects of pride to the Telugu people all across the world. It reflects their cultural heritage and is the essence of their crafting skills. There are several processes involved in the making of Kondapalli Toys. In fact it is very interesting to watch these beautiful toys being made. The craftsmen first carve the Puniki wood to give it the shape of a toy. One is amazed to learn that this white colored wood is specially grown in and around the village of Kondapalli for producing the Kondapalli Toys. The wood is stuffed with sawdust and tamarind seed paste. You can find more detail

Bhagavan Sri Ram had revealed universal truth at many junctures in the Ramayana and also in the Yoga Vasistha. Here are few quotes of Sri Rama A frog caught by a serpent, while sitting in the latter’s mouth with half its body already swallowed, puts out its tongue and tries to catch hold of the small flies that happen to come near it. Similarly man, even when he is already caught by the serpent of Time, searches for sense enjoyments which are transitory. He works hard day and night undergoing much trouble to get them. If you have patience, then you will never have any enemy. The mind is never satisfied even when it has an object of desire in its grasp, just as a pot that leaks is never filled with any quantity of water. There is nothing to be found on earth, big or small, of which Time does not make an end. 

Bhagavad Gita with Shankaracharya commentary, or Gita with Shankara Bhashya, is one of the most quoted commentaries of the Bhagavad Gita. Now you can download the Gita Shankara Bhashya in pdf format for free or listen to audio reading online. This is a 1901 AD translation of Bhagavad Gita Shankaracharya Commentary into English by Alladi Mahadeva Shastri. The book is part of the archive project and you can read it online or listen to it online or download it in pdf format. Link - Bhagavad Gita Shankaracharya Commentary Online Link - Gita Shankara Bhashya download in pdf format Link – You can also listen to the audio of the text here in English.

This Shirdi Sai Baba Painting was provided by Vikas Nandlal from Andheri (w) in Mumbai India . The words of Vikas Nandlal about the painting I sketched on paper and then retouched significantly in Adobe Photoshop software. While trying to observe carefully physical features of Saibaba, I have attempted to include little imagination element with colors to try replicate a model kind of effect, as divinity is formless and with conviction that one day Baba would give darshan to devotee in the form they adore the most .Though I wish I could give it a dark background frame or something instead of white but not so much conversant with Photoshop. click on the image for a larger view If you wish to contact Vikas Nandlal, you can do it by e-mail - saiism@yahoo.com or nandlalvikas@yahoo.com Image copyrighted to Vikas Nandlal.

A collection of quotes and thoughts of Guru Dattatreya. Lack of enquiry is sure means to destruction. On the other hand, one who is given to deliberation, triumphs and attains what he wants. The enquiring spirit is the sprouting seed of the tree of happiness. The person of enquiring disposition outshines others. Persons incapable of reflection are like the frogs in the well. The frogs in the well know nothing good or bad and perish in the well itself. Similarly, in the well of universe, there are persons, who are totally ignorant who go through birth and death repeatedly and who do not know that is good to oneself. Because of lack of discrimination, they see pain as pleasure and pleasure as pain and undergo torment of transmigration. Worldly bonds cause distress again and again but people do not discard them. Man undergoing repeated birth and death is akin to the ass, which despite being kicked again and again by her seeks the company of she-ass. You may also li

The Bhagavad Gita for Kids in Hindi is provided by Swami Adgadanandji of the Yatharth Geeta Series. This particular Gita is for children studying in class 1 to 5. You can download the Bhagawad Geeta for Kids in Pdf format. This Bal Geeta is not a literal translation of Bhagavad Gita but it contains stories, Gita’s influence on people, important quotes, importance of Gita, the story of Mahabharat etc. The philosophical teachings are kept to minimum. The book aims to generate interest of the child in Gita and it also imparts valuable lessons that are part of Hindu tradition. The Bhagavad Gita for kids from Yatharth Geeta has got a very god introduction section with prayers and its meanings and also the importance of Gita in the words of famous people. You can read online or download Bhagavad Gita for Kids in Hindi for free here at the Yatharth Geeta Website .

Mokshada system is an eco-friendly way of performing the last rite keeping intact all the beliefs of Hinduism. This funeral method involves minimal use of wood while keeping the age-old Hindu tradition of burning wooden pyres intact. Vinod Agrawal, an engineer from Uttarakhand, is behind the Mokshada system which is functional in Mumbai and Dehradun. Times of India reports "We have tried to create a balance with simple technique that allows full combustion of dead body with minimal loss of heat and thus save up to 75 per cent of wood that is usually lost in the process when performed in traditional style," said Vinod Agrawal, an engineer from Uttarakhand region and mastermind who conceptualized the idea (nearly two decades ago) while talking to TOI on Sunday. Saying that the technique did not involve electricity as it could hurt the sentiment and devotion of Hindu family, he emphasized that it also used wood in small quantity (around 25 per cent of what is required for burni

Mahakali Jayanti is observed by Kashmiri Pandits and other Hindu communities in Jammu and Kashmir on the Ashtami day or the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of moon) of Poush or Pausha month (December – January). Mahakali Jayanti 2024 date is January 4. Special rituals are observed on the day at Goddess Shakti temples. The day is dedicated to Mahakali or Kali or Bhadrakali form of Goddess Shakti. Some communities perform Shradh using vegetables on the day. Various manifestations of Goddess Shakti including Mahakali are worshipped as Kuldevi or family deities by Hindu communities in this region.

Varaha (Boar) is the third incarnation or Avatar of Hindu God Vishnu. Temples exclusively dedicated to Varaha are very rare. Lakshmi Varaha Temple located at Demal Village in Aul in Kendrapara District in Odisha is one such rare temple. The Varaha murti worshipped at the temple is made from a single piece of black stone. The temple also has the footprints of Lakshmi Varaha. Varaha is worshipped in the temple along with Bhudevi and Goddess Lakshmi. Other murtis that are worshipped in the temple include Shiva, Sri Jagannath, Hanuman, Sri Chaitanya Dev and Radhakrishna. The chief festive occasions observed are Bakula Amabasya, Baraha Dwadasi, Kanchi Abhijan (Saraswati Puja), Kartik Purnima, Ratha Yatra, besides the other seasonal offerings that are done by devotees. Lakshmi Varaha Temple is on the banks of River Kharasrota and is located around 130 km from Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, and is around 36 km from Kendrapara town. Another famous Varah

The Tamil Margazhi month (Mid December to Mid January) is famous for the numerous Indian traditional classical music concerts and dance programs especially in Chennai. The entire month is kept apart for music and spiritual activities by many people. The Hindu Newspaper has created a Micro Website dedicated to the Chennai Margazhi Season. The special page has schedules of music concert in Chennai city, also features and interviews with musicians, dancers and other artists. There will also be reviews of concerts. Apart from this the site also promises slideshows and photographs of programs during the Margazhi Festival. More than 3,500 concerts take place during the period in Chennai making it one of the biggest music and dance festival in the world. You visit the micro-website on Chennai Margazhi Season here.

To help Ayyappa devotees to have a hassle free darshan of Ayyappa at Sabarimala Temple , the Kerala Police has launched a website that carries all the current information and status at Pampa and Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple . The website which is available in English, Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu provides information about the Queue status for the darshan of Ayyappa, Parking Space remaining at Pampa , weather at Sabarimala and also all important telephone numbers. Another highlight is the detail information regarding how to receive SMS on your mobile regarding important information. You can view the Sabarimala website of Kerala Police here – Sabarimala Kerala Police. You may also like to read Official Website of Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

Margashirsha Purnima is the full moon day in the Margasira or Margashirsha month (December – January) in a traditional Hindu lunar calendar. Margashirsha Purnima in December 2023 is on December 26. It is the last day of the Margashirsha month in the calendar followed in  North India . Fasting from sunrise to sunset is observed by some Hindus on the day. Sri Datta Jayanti is observed on December 26. Annapurna Jayanti is observed on December 26. 

I have danced enough, O Lord! Wearing the garb of lust and anger, With the necklace of sense-objects dangling on my neck. With the anklets of illusion tied on my feet, Criticism as the lyric Keeping my deluded mind as the accompanying drum (pakhvaj), I am dancing to the tune of evil company. My inner cravings give the beats (tal) to the music, Greed as the mark (tilak) on my forehead With the snares of Maya tied around my waist, Oblivious of time and place, O son of Nanda (Krishna)! Surdas pleads to you to remove all this avidya! Surdas

The number of wicks (battis or thiri) that are lit in a traditional Hindu lamp is a confusion for many Hindus. There are numerous theories regarding the number of wicks. But the traditional and widely accepted number of wick is 1 or 2 or 5 or 7. One wick indicates good health, two wicks indicate prosperity, five wicks indicate auspiciousness and peace and seven wicks indicate success. It is also believed by some communities that daily lighting two wicks in a traditional lamp in the evening is good for children in the home. It is also believed to bring in prosperity. Some people are of the view that lighting three wicks will bring diseases and troubles. Lighting four wicks is believed to create poverty. It is also said that before lighting the lamp one should keep the surroundings and the home clean. Otherwise the lamp lit will be an invitation to Alakshmi – who destroy peace, causes bad luck and creates economic downfall.

World’s Tallest Hanuman statue is located at Parital in Krishna District near  Vijayawada  in Andhra Pradesh in  India . The Paritala Hanuman is known as Veera Abhaya Anjaneya Hanuman Swami and is 135 feet high (41 meter). The murti is located on Vijayawada – Hyderabad National Highway 9. The location is around 25 km from Vijayawada . The second tallest Hanuman Murti is 108 feet and is located at Shimla in Himachal Pradesh in India and was inaugurated in November 2010. 

The book titled ‘Ramakrishna, His Life and sayings’, is a collection of the teachings and sayings of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. The original book is in Bengali and it has been translated into various languages. The English translation of the book by Max Muller in 1898 is currently available in Google books and you can read the entire book online in English at Google books for free. The book is made available at Google Books by Forgotten Books and is part of the Easy Reading series. You can read the book – Ramakrishna, His Life and Sayings – here at Google Books. Below is the embedded format of the book.

Comic book based on the origin of story of Ganesh is presented by Liquid comics and is the first book in the series titled India Authentic. The Ganesha Comics is produced by Deepak Chopra. Now you read the entire comic online for free at issuu. Ganesha is written by Saurav Mohapatra, Art is by Satish Tayade and Cover Design is by Abhishek Singh. What’s new in Ganesha Comics? Instead of comic they call it Graphic novel. And no one can change the basic story. So, in this comic there are wonderful illustrations and a narrative style that we often associate with Western comics like X-Men etc. You can read the comic here at issuu. Note – those of our readers who are using Internet Explorer 6 or earlier versions might not be able to view the comic book. Below is the embedded version of the comic book Ganesha. Open publication - Free publishing - More author

On Sunday, December 5, 2010, more than 200 disabled children from Bal Kalyan Sanstha, Pune, performed Ramayan on Wheels. The dance and theater performance proved that given an opportunity the disabled children are just capable as anyone. Ramayana on Wheels was possible through the efforts of Bal Kalyan Sanstha, Delhi-based Ability Unlimited Foundation and the children were trained by Guruji Sallauddin Pasha, who is the foremost name in Indian Therapeutic Theatre for persons with disabilities. Siddharta Laik of Punesite writes With five diverse stages and specialized training, the children enacted the play coupled with dance and music, a first for the Sanstha as well as for the kids. “This was for the very first time that the children put up such a mammoth performance. They were trained meticulously for the special event and each and every child was very excited to perform,” said Minetta Patil, Sanstha principal. “We wish to change the indifferent attitude of the society towards the dis

Pranahita Pushkaralu is an important ritual that takes place at the Kaleshwaram Temple  in Telangana. The Pushkaram begins April 13, 2022 and concludes on April 24, 2022. The Pranahita Pushkaralu is held once in twelve years and attracts thousands of devotees. The popular belief is that Kaleshwaram is the Triveni Sangamam or the meeting point of Pranahita River , Godavari River and the Saraswati River . Devotees will be taking bath at the confluence of Godavari River and Pranahita River during the Pushkaram. Pranahita River merges with the Godavari River at Kaleshwaram, which is around 130 km from Karimnagar in Telangana. A Pushkaram takes place once in 12 years when Jupitar (Brihaspati) enters a particular zodiac. There are total of 12 rivers where Pushkaram  takes place.

Doctor of Philosophy in Hinduism (Ph.D in Hinduism) is an online course offered by Almeda University . Established in 1997, Almeda University is an online institute and it provides Doctorate and Master Degree Programs in business and theology. Almeda claims that students earning this Doctoral degree will acquire and demonstrate a mastery of Hinduism on all levels. Almeda University Websites writes Hinduism is a religion of deep history and complex spirituality, with unique philosophical and metaphysical components that are typically explored only on a surface level in Western analysis of religion. Almeda University is proud to fill this disconcerting void by offering a Ph.D. in Hinduism that provides a deep analysis of its historical significance and evolution, core beliefs, cultural impact, worship rituals, and contemporary practice. Students earning this Doctoral degree will acquire and demonstrate a mastery of Hinduism on all levels. This includes an in-depth examination of it

Magshar Month, or Margashirsh Month, is the second month in a traditional Gujarati calendar followed in  Gujarat ,  India . Magshar Month 2023 in Gujarati Calendar begins on December 13, 2023 to January 11, 2024. As per Vikram Samvat calendar, the current year in Gujarati Calendar is the Vikram Year 2080. Some of the important festivals in the Magsar month include Mokshada Ekadasi and Gita Jayanti. Ekadasi Fasting Dates in Magsar Maas Mokshada Ekadasi - December 22/23 Saphala Ekadasi –  January 7 Pradosh Vrat Dates Pradosh - December 24 Pradosh – January 9 Sankashti Chaturthi  monthly fasting dedicated to Ganesha in December 30, 2023 – Moonrise or Chandrodaya is at 8:48 PM – Indian Standard Time. Magshar Maas Sud Padvo and Vad Padvo – Shukla Paksha and  Krishna  Paksha Magshar Month Sud Padavo in 2023 (Waxing phase of moon) is from December 13 to December 26. Magshar Month 2023 Vad Padvo Paksha (Waning phase of moon) is from December 27 to January 11, 2024. Po

Datta Jayanti Navratri is associated with Hindu God Dattatreya. It begins nine days before the Dattatreya Jayanti day. In 2023, Datta Jayanti Navratri begins on December 19 and ends on December 26, 2023 – the Dattatreya Jayanti day. It is observed from the saptami or seventh day of the Shukla Paksha of Margashirsha month to the full moon day in the month. Dattatreya is the Trimurti Avatar – the united and single incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. During the nine days special rituals are held in temples dedicated to Dattatreya. Dattatreya remained an Avadutha throughout his life – a sage who remains in pure nature. He was a supreme yogi. Dattatreya narrated the secrets of Vedanta to Lord Subrahmanya and this teaching later came to be known as Avadhuta Gita.

Bhagavad Gita text in Kannada in pdf is presented by Shri Swami Adgadanandji of Yatharthgeeta website. Each chapter of Bhagavad Gita is presented in a separate pdf file. You can download all the eighteen chapters of the Bhagavad Gita in Kannada but only separately not as a single book. You can download the Bhagavad Gita in Kannada in pdf format here at the Yatharth geeta website. 

Margasira Month is the ninth month in a traditional Hindu Kannada calendar and Panchang followed in Karnataka. Kannada Margashira Masam 2023 starts on December 13, 2023 to January 11, 2024. The Dhanur Masam begins on December 16 in Margasira month. Shiva Pradosham Fasting Dates in Kannada Margasira Month are: Pradosh - December 24 Pradosh – January 9 Sankashtahara Chaturthi Vrata  dedicated to Ganesh in Margasira Masa is on December 30, 2023 – Moonrise or Chandrodaya is at 9:03 PM  Kannada Margasira Masa Shukla Paksha and  Krishna  Paksha Margasira Masa Kannada calendar 2023 Shukla Paksha (Waxing phase of moon) is from December 13 to December 26. Kannada Margasira Month 2023 Krishna Paksha (Waning phase of moon) is from December 27 to January 11, 2024. Ekadasi Fasting Dates in Kannada Margasira Masa: Mokshada Ekadasi - December 22/23 Saphala Ekadasi –  January 7 Purnima in Kannada Margasira Month  Margasira Purnima or Full moon day is December 26, 2023.  The

The treatment meted out to widows by certain section of Hindu society is appalling. The life of a widow in some Hindu communities is nothing short of dreadfulness. In such communities, the widows are kept out of all social functions and they can’t remarry. A larger number of widows from various parts of North India today live in Braj near Vrindavan – a minority of them voluntarily arrive to live in the ashrams here but majority of them are forced to leave their villages and families and live in Braj without any economic support from the family. A study conducted by Guild of Service – Dimensions of Deprivation: Study on the Poverty Levels of Widows of Vrindavan – suggests that the Widows in Vrindavan are happier here than in their homes and in villages. Majority of them, even though miniscule, have found economic freedom and are moving away from traditional concepts of widowhood. The Hindu reports The study suggests that the Braj widows do not believe in tonsuring, and some of the youn

Lakshman Sarma a disciple of Sri Ramana Maharishi Worldly life is full of misery because of one’s subjection to desires and fears that never cease but only change their forms. Only one whose attachments have been weakened by the realization that true and lasting happiness is not to be had in this worldly life is ripe for discipleship. Ignorance and mind are inseparable; where there is mind, there alone is ignorance; where there is no mind, there is no ignorance, since in the mind-free state the real Self is not concealed. This explains why the real Self is not known to men in general. In ignorance there is the sense of ‘I am the body’ or of ‘This body is mine’, that is, the body is either ‘I’ or ‘mine’. When this attachment ceases, bondage is at an end. Lakshman Sarma (Source - Sri Ramana Paravidyopanishad)

Margi Purnima is the full moon day that falls during the Margashirsha month (November – December). Margi Purnima 2023 date is December 26. Special rituals, observances and prayers are held by certain Hindu communities on the day. Not much information is available regarding this full moon day. It is of importance to certain Vaishnava sects in eastern parts of India . 

Margashirsha Month is the ninth month in a traditional Marathi calendar followed in  Maharashtra . Margasira Mahina 2023 in Marathi calendar is from December 13, 2023 to January 11, 2024. Champa Shashti, Gita Jayanti, Mokshada Ekadasi and Datta Jayanti are observed in Margasira Mahina. Current year in Marathi calendar is 1945. Margashirsha Lakshmi Puja is observed on the Thursdays in the month. It begins on December 14, 2023. Sankashti Chaturthi  monthly fasting dedicated to Ganesha in Margashirsha Mahina is on December 30, 2023 – Moonrise or Chandrodaya is at 9:03 PM – Indian Standard Time. Margashirsha Mahina Shukla Paksha and  Krishna  Paksha Margashirsha Mahina 2023 Shukla Paksha (Waxing phase of moon) is from December 13 to December 26. Margashirsha Month 2023 Krishna Paksha (Waning phase of moon) is from December 27 to January 11, 2024. Purnima or full moon in Marathi Margashirsha Mahina in 2023 Margashirsha Purnima or Full moon day is on December 26, 2023.  Th

Let us speak together, Let our thoughts be one, Let us be of one mind. Let the place be common, Assembly be common, Mind and thought be common. Let the resolve be the same, And the mind be of one accord. May we live in harmony and agreement. Rig Veda (X, 191-3, 4) Earlier Rig Veda Teachings on Creation

A majestic 16th Century 80 feet high elephant statue is located at Thuravu Melazhagar – Azhagarkovil and Azhagapuri – temple at Azhagar Kovil Village which is around 6km from Brihadeshwara Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram. Like numerous such monuments and statues associated with Hindu religion, this one too needs urgent repair and attention. The story here too is the same there is total neglect from authorities and Hindu society. The sheer size and the intricate designs that are part of the Azhagarkovil elephant statue would have easily placed it in the category of National Monument in any country around the world other than India . In India , government authorities spend lavishly on creating statues of corrupt politicians and of all those Tom Dick and Harry whom the politicians think has the capacity to create vote banks. Suganthy Krishnamachari writes in the Hindu Gazing at the Azhagarkovil elephant, whose majesty even the scaffolding and the thatch are unable to obscure, one can

Bheema Jayanti is believed to be the day when the second of the Pandava brothers, Bhimasena, was born. Bheema Jayanti 2023 date is December 20. It is observed on the 8th day of the Shukla Paksha of Margashirsh month. Kunti is believed to have given birth to Bhima with the blessing of Vayu or the wind god. All the important victories of the Pandavas in the Mahabharata are built around the pillar Bhima. He is the brute force that crushes all that stands in the path of Dharma. In the 18-day Kurukshetra battle in the Mahabharata, all the 100 Kauravas including Duryodhana and Dushasana were killed by Bhima. Temples dedicated to Bhima in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra conduct special pujas and processions on the day.

In Margashirsh Month (November – December), a Nag Panchami and Naga Puja festival, pujas and rituals are held in many parts in western India . Nag Panchami in Margashirsh Month 2023 is on December 17. It is also known as Nag Pujan - Nag Dive. This particular Nag Puja or rituals, dedicated to Snakes, is observed on the fifth or Panchami day during the waxing phase of moon in Margashirsh month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in Maharashtra and Karnataka. Please note that the most popular Nag Panchami is observed in Shravan month (July – August). In some regions, Nag Devi – the female serpent, is worshipped on the Nag Panchami in Margashirsh Month.

Goddess Vakula Devi, or Vakulamata Devi, is the mother of Hindu God Venkateswara as per certain Hindu traditions. A temple dedicated to Goddess Vakulamata is located facing the Tirupati Balaji Temple at Perurbanda village. Goddess Vakula Devi is the incarnation of Mother Yashoda – foster mother of Sri Krishna. Legend has it that Mother Yashoda could not witness the marriage of Sri Krishna with Rukmini. To console Her, Sri Krishna promised that when he will appear as Venkateswara during the kali yuga and she will be his foster mother and will get the opportunity to witness His marriage. Mother Yashoda thus had the fortune of being the mother Venkateswara in Kali Yuga. As promised it was Goddess Vakula Devi who went to King Akasa Raja to ask Goddess Padmavati’s hand in marriage. It was she who conducted the marriage of Padmavati and Venkateswara.

DTDC Courier and Cargo Ltd is delivering Sabarimala Prasadam through Courier at your home. They are providing the service around the world. The Sabarimala package delivered at your home will contain a Can of Aravana Payasam, a pouch of Unniyappam, packets of Vibhooti, Kumkum and Manjal, and a picture of Lord Ayyappa. The cost of ordering a holy package is INR 275/- + Taxes to any address in India and INR 1700/- + Taxes to any address around the globe. We are publishing a letter sent to us by DTDC Courier and Cargo Ltd regarding this matter DTDC Courier and ltd has been authorized by the concerned authorities to carry the Holy Prasada of Lord Ayyappa through courier all over the world. Devotees can walk into any of the DTDC offices across the globe and place their orders for the Holy Prasada. Orders can also be placed at www.dtdc.in using your credit or debit card payment online. The DTDC delivery boy will be knocking your door within 10days from date of booking with the Holy Package

Margasira Masam is the ninth month in a traditional Hindu Telugu calendar followed in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Margasira Masam 2023 starts on December 13, 2023 to January 11, 2024. The holy Dhanur Masa begins on December 17 in this month. Dhanurmasam is the period between the entry of Sun in Dhanu Rashi and Makara Sankramana. Sankatahara Chavithi  dedicated to Vinayaka in Margasira Masa is on December 30, 2023 – Moonrise or Chandrodaya is at 9:04 PM  – Indian Standard Time. Telugu Margasira Masa Shukla Paksha and  Krishna  Paksha Margasira Masa Telugu calendar 2023 Shukla Paksha (Waxing phase of moon) is from December 13 to December 26. Telugu Margasira Masam 2023 Krishna Paksha (Waning phase of moon) is from December 27 to January 11, 2024. Ekadasi Fasting Dates in Telugu Margasira Masa are: Mokshada Ekadasi - December 22/23 Saphala Ekadasi –  January 7 Pradosh Fasting Dates in Telugu Margasira Masa are: Pradosh - December 24 Pradosh – January 9 Purnim

Margazhi month, or Margali Masam , is a highly auspicious Tamil month. It is the last month before the Uttarayana Punyakalam begins. Some Hindu communities do not hold auspicious ceremonies like marriages in the Margazhi month. This is not a general rule but is followed strictly by some Hindus. The main reason for not conducting marriages is that people want to use the holy month to concentrate on spiritual activities. The importance of Margali Masam was announced by Sri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita when He said Maasanam Margasheershoham – among the twelve months, I am Margazhi. Margazhi Month is also considered the dawn period of Devas. The belief is that the Devas who had gone to sleep during the Dakshinayana wake up in the month of Margazhi. A human year is considered to be a day of the Devas. The day time begins with Uttarayana Punayakalam  – mid January. The night time of Devas begins during  Dakshinayana Punyakalam – mid July. The reason for not conducting mar

Rail Tourism  India , the tourism arm of Indian Railways, is conducting spiritual tour from Chennai to Mookambika Temple and Sringeri. The five-day tour includes darshan at Mookambika Temple , Visit to Sringeri, Dharmasthala, and Udupi Sri Krishna Temple . The Spiritual Tour starts from Chennai . The price of per person occupancy is Rupees 8900/-, double occupancy is 4950/- and triple occupancy is 3750/-

Hanuman Ashtami is a unique ritual observed at the Bade Ganesh Temple located at Ujjain . Hanuman is worshipped in the form of Panchmukhi Hanuman – five-faced Hanuman. The temple is located on the Har Siddhi Road near the Mahakaleshwar Temple . Hanuman Ashtami 2024 date is  January 4. Bade Ganesh Temple at Ujjain is also a famous center for Hindu astrology. The temple also conducts classes on Sanskrit and Astrology. Hanuman Ashtami is observed on the krishna paksha ashtami day in Poush month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India. 

Goddess Tripura Bhairavi is the 8 th Goddess among the ten Mahavidyas. Tripur Bhairavi Mahavidya Jayanti date is  January 24. It is believed that this form of Goddess Shakti appeared on earth on this day. Tripur Bhairavi Mahavidya is worshipped for defeating sensual desires and for attaining peace and prosperity. In some Tantric scriptures she is also referred as Kala Bhairavi. It is said that she presides over the world that is undergoing transformation – from good to bad and from bad to good. Mahavidyas are ten in number and they are the forms of Goddess Shakti – she appears in these ten forms to provide knowledge about the Ten Supreme Forms of Energies. It is annually observed on Paush Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi Tithi.

Sudhanshuji Maharaj is a modern day Hindu Guru. Here are few quotes and teachings of Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj. Prayer, Endeavor, Inspiration, and Industry I consider them four fruits of life. We build our good luck through them. Inside every man Resides God and Inside every man there is a superman. What we require is that we recognize our significance and strive to uplift ourselves mentally and spiritually. Then the superman inside us will be awakened and the divinity inside us, will lift itself and excel. As the reflection of the moon can be seen in still waters, similarly one who is at peace can see God. Luck is stronger but endeavor is much stronger then luck. Do give importance to your luck but not more than your action. Search for special and good qualities in everyone; learn from them and gain wisdom and experience. Once we are able to discover this essential oneness of man and universe, the Creator and the created, then here is no looking back, the

Pandu Osha is observed in Orissa in the Margashirsh month. It is dedicated to Yudhishtira, the eldest of the Pandava brothers. Pandu Osha 2023 date is December 26. Some texts suggest that the Osha is dedicated to Pandu the father of the Pandavas. Annually Pandu Osha falls on the Purnima or full moon day in Oriya Margashirsh month. It is also known as Pandu Purnima. A popular story associated with Pandu Osha states that the King of Kalinga had no children and his luck changed after he and the queen observed the Pandu Osha.

Akhand Dwadashi Vrat is observed on the 12th day of the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Margashirsh month. Akhand Dwadashi Date in 2023 is December 23. The Vrat is dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu. Food made using milk of cow is eaten on the day. Curd is consumed by those offering the vrat. The vrat is also observed by some Hindu communities on any of the 12th day of the Shukla Paksha in Margashirsh, Paush, Phalgun, Chaitra, Vaishak, Jyeshta or Ashada month. It is believed that observing this vrat will help in attaining peace and prosperity in life. It is also performed for a good family life.

The Great Hindu Tradition by Sri Sarma Sastrigal attempts to clear the curiosity that arises in the mind of Hindus when they perform a particular ritual. The book gives insights into Vedic principles and Shastras and on why we perform certain rituals in our daily life.  Ancient customs and traditions are explained in simple English in the book. The Hindu reports about the book Swami Dayananda Saraswati described the book as different as it gives answers to common questions. “This is a handbook of Vedic dharma,” he said. Nirmala Lakshman, Joint Editor, The Hindu, said “the book, with smaller to larger examples, reminds us of our links to the community and the world at large.” She said a great deal of clarity about the traditions and cultures had been brought out in the book. Where to buy the book? I wanted to buy the book. So I searched for the publishers name in all the newspapers that published the news of the release of the book. There was no information on who the publisher was or f

Dashaditya Vrat is observed in the Margashirsha month in traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India . Dashaditiya Vrat 2023 date is December 22. It is observed on the 10 th day of the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Margashirsh month. Those undertaking the fast listen to the Dasaditya Vrat Katha. The vrat is mainly observed in North India especially in Uttar Pradesh.

The Newsweek cover of November 22, 2010 edition has US President Barack Obama in Nataraja pose – the cosmic dance Hindu God Shiva as Nataraja. The cosmic dance of Shiva as Nataraja represents – Creation, Protection, Destruction, Embodiment and Release. In essence, the cosmic dance symbolically represents the continuous cycle of creation and destruction. This cosmic dance takes place in every particle and is the source of all energy. It represents the Supreme Truth. The Newsweek cover page of November 22, 2010 is headlined as "God of All Things" – Why the modern presidency may be too much for one person to handle. The Newsweek cover suggests that Obama is not God Shiva to solve all issues. But it was unnecessary to bring the Nataraja symbol into American political squabbles as Nataraja Shiva Murti is worshipped by millions of people in Hindu Temples and homes.  It is the unparalleled insight of the ancient Saints of Hinduism that they were able to express the entire cycle of