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Showing posts from January, 2010


E-book on Scientific Dating of the Mahabharata War by Dr P V Vartak

The book titled Scientific Dating of the Mahabharata War 16 th October 5561 BC by Dr Padmakar Vishnu Vartak is for all those who are interested in pinpointing a particular date in history for the incidents mentioned in the Mahabharata and then starting a never ending debate. The book is a compilation of research papers written by Dr P V Vartak and they have been highly appreciated by scholars. The book contains following chapters – Introduction, the period of the Mahabharata, the exact date of the Mahabharata war, dates of prewar and postwar incidents, Important dates from forest life. The English book is published by Veda Vidnyana Mandala, Pune. Note - The pdf was created by Hindutva ebooks.

Chaitra Shukla Pratipada

Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, also known as Chaitra Sukhladi, is the first day during the waxing phase of moon in the Chaitra Month. Chaitra Shukla Pratipada 2024 date is April 9. The day is observed as Hindu New Year in North India . The day is also observed as Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra and Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The Sindhi Community observes Cheti Chand on the day, which is the Sindhi New Year. Chaitra Shukla Pratipada marks the beginning of the Vikram Samvat Year. Nav Varsh Samvat 2081 will begin on April 9 .

Sant Narhari Sonar Punyatithi 2025 Date

Sant Narhari Sonar was an ardent devotee of Lord Vithoba and Lord Shiva and is believed to have had the darshan of Lord Vithoba (Sri Hari Vishnu). Sant Narhari Sonar Punyatithi 2025 date is February 15. A goldsmith by profession, Sant Narhari Sonar got the darshan of Vithoba when he tried to measure the waist size of the murti of Vithoba at Pandharpur Vitthal Temple t hrough imagination. Legend has it that once a merchant asked Sant Narhari to prepare a gold waist band for Vithoba. But being an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, Sant Narhari did not want to go to Pandharpur temple. So he tried to close his eyes and imagine the waist size of Lord Vithoba. But as he tried to imagine the waist size he felt as if he was touching the Shivling and this happened several times. Finally, when Sant Narhari opened his eyes he found Lord Vithoba before him. Sant Narhari Sonar realized that Shiva and Vishnu are the same. After realization, the pious soul became an ardent devotee of both

Book: Sacred Animals of India – Nanditha Krishna

The veneration of animals is an important aspect of Hindu culture and the book titled ‘Sacred Animals of India’ by Nanditha Krishna explores this unique characteristic of Hinduism. Apart from the religious aspects, the book also examines the various traditions, tribes and communities that protect certain unique animals in India and also gives a reminder about the role of animal species in the earth’s biodiversity. Apart from the Hindu tradition, the book also mentions about the animals worshipped in Buddhism and Jainism. From the Flyer of the Book Belief in the sanctity of animals originated from ideas of karma and the transmigration of souls — thus an ant or a tiger could be one’s past or future identity. Sacred Animals of India draws on the ancient religious traditions of India —Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism—to explore the customs and practices that engendered the veneration of animals in India . Animals are worshipped in India as deities, as, for instance, the elep

Holika Ropan On Magh Purnima - Beginning Of Holi Festival

Holika Ropan is a unique ritual observed in North India on the Purnima or full moon day in the Magh month. Holika Ropan 2025 date is February 12. This particular ritual observed on Maghi Poornima day is of significance to certain Hindu communities in North India . It is a ritual associated with Holi festival. The day kick starts the preparation for the Holi festival for certain communities. The Ropan ritual is thus of great importance to those people who observe Holi festival traditionally. The ritual is ignored in western parts of India. Holika Dahan takes place on the next Purnima day of full moon day, which is the Phalgun Purnima.

Shri Ram Charan Maharaj Jayanti – Ramsnehi Sampradaya

Sri Ram Charan Maharaj is an 18th century saint who found the religious tradition Ramsnehi Sampradaya. Shri Ram Charan Maharaj Jayanti 2025 date is February 11. He inspired his devotees to follow the transcendent Bhakti way and asked them to shun all sorts of hypocrisy and showy rituals. Shri Ram Charan Maharaj Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of this pious soul. Shri Ram Charan Maharaj was born on the Chaturdashi day during the Shukla Paksha in Magh month in Rajasthan. Shri Ram Charan Maharaj was inclined towards spiritualism from childhood. But he followed the wishes of his parents and started a family life. But the death of his father and numerous dreams that he saw thereafter kindled the spirit of inquiry in him. He took permission from his family and went in search of a Guru. He found his Guru in Kripa Ram Maharaj. After getting initiated by his Guru, Shri Ram Charan Maharaj is believed to have performed numerous miracles to prove that rituals are veil tha

Mysore Kumbh Mela – Tirumakudal Narsipur Kumbh Mela

The Kumba Mela at Tirumakudal Narsipur in Mysore in Karnataka is held once in three years and it attracts by thousands of people. Tirumakudal Narsipur Kumbh Mela. T. Narsipura is located at the confluence of the Kaveri River , Kabini River and Spatika Sarovara (a hidden mythical lake, also known as Gupta Gamini). The Kumbh Mela is held here as it strikes close resemblance to Prayag or Sangam where Ganga , Yamuna and Saraswati rivers meet. Thousands of saints and Hindu devotees take holy dip at the confluence of Kaveri, Kabini and Spatika Sarovar during the auspicious period. People organizing the Kumbh Mela claims that the Mela in 2010 is Poorna Kumbha Mela and the Mahodaya Punya Snan will be held in Meena Lagna. The confluence of the three rivers and the name of the area are mentioned in the Skanda Purana. Some scholars are of the view that Sage Agastya had visualized the spot as Dakshina Kashi. The region is also home to numerous Shiva Temples and a Lord Narasi

First Chinese Sanskrit Pop Singer

Sa Dingding, who won the BBC Radio 3 Award for World Music in the Asia Pacific category in 2008, is being promoted as the first Chinese Sanskrit Pop Singer by China 's official media. She is being promoted by the provincial government of Tibet and if she garners enough attention she might sing at the inauguration of the May 2010 Shanghai World Expo, which is expected to draw the top business firms. Sa Dingding’s profile in China Tibet Online She is the first pop singer who sings in Sanskrit. She is also famous for her ethnic clothes and Tibetan Buddhist style of music. Although she is famous for her ethnic characteristics clothing and Tibetan Buddhist music, she is not a Tibetan girl. Her parents' ancestral home is Shandong province and her grandmother's ancestral home is Inner Mongolia . Only people who can endure loneliness can be successful. As a musician, she dropped fame and learned Sanskrit by herself. She visited all the Chinese cultural sites to fin

What is Tithi in Hindu Calendar? – How is Thithi Calculated in Panchangam?

A tithi in a Hindu calendar is a lunar day. Amavasya (No moon or new moon) happens when the longitudes of the sun and the moon are equal. A Thithi is calculated when the moon moves 12 degrees eastwards from the sun. This is the first Tithi and is known as Pratipada Thithi during Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon. When the moon moves 180 degrees it is Purnima or full moon and when the moon moves 360 degrees it is again Amavasya. There are 15 Tithis in a fortnight. The Length of a Tithi Since the motions of the sun and the moon are always varying in speed, the length of a Tithi constantly alters. Some times a tithi can be as long as 26 hours and as less as 21 hours 34 minutes and 24 seconds. This means the time a tithi begins varies with the general time followed in a country. Same Tithi on two days and Two Tithis on one day Sometimes a tithi might begin and end on the same day. Thus there will be two tithis on a day. For example – you might see a Tritiya and

Theppam Festival at Madurai Meenakshi Temple

Theppam Festival held at the Mariamman Teppakulam in Madurai marks the culmination of the 12-day Theppam and Thaipusam festival held at the Madurai Meenakshi Temple . On the day, the deities Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva) are taken out to attend the Theppam Festival at Marriamman Theppakulam (pond). The deities move through the pond on specially designed floats for the ritual. On the Theppam Festival day, no pujas and rituals are held at the Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple .

Why do we Hindus walk around the deity in a temple?

After offering initial prayers to the deity in a temple, Hindus walk around the deity. This is to receive the positive vibrations that are present in the deity. In most temples the deity is installed in the temple in such a spot and using such metals that it emits magnetic waves. This positive vibrations influence the devotee. Hindus move around the deity in clockwise direction. In this form, the devotee is moving along the magnetic field and thus benefits from positive vibrations are received. One never completes the complete circle of walk in a Lord Shiva. The devotee starts to walk in clockwise direction and stops at the line where the offering of milk and water flows from the sanctum sanctorum. Thus only 3 quarter is completed. A devotee returns and completes the rest of the quarter in anticlockwise direction. The popular belief is that in Shiva temples the vibrations are present in clockwise and anticlockwise. You can read more on the same subject in this artic

Unofficial United States Postage Stamps on Hindu Gods – Stirs Debate

An Atlanta-based company has issued seven postage stamps carrying images of Sri Krishna, Shiva-Parvati, Sai Baba, Muruga, Lord Venkateswara, Ganesha and Lakshmi. The company claims that they can be used as valid US postage stamps and are priced at 44 cents each, can also be bought on a commemorative sheet priced at $18.99. But the stamps do not find any mention in the official US Postal Service (USPS) catalog. Customized US Postage Stamps There is nothing new in the whole project. USPS allows people to customize stamps – print stamps with photos and images that you like as long as it is not copyrighted but after making the relevant payment to USPS. (You can find more details of customized postage service of USPS here at the official website of United States Postal Service .) The US-based company is just making use of this feature of (USPS) for business purpose. They have also the option for you to print your own picture on US stamps. You pay for the printing cost to the com

Maghi Wari at Pandharpur Vitthal Temple Yatra In January - February

Maghi Wari is observed at Pandharpur Vitthal Temple on the Shukla Paksha Ekadasi day in Magh month (January - February) at Pandharpur Vitthal Temple . Maghi Wari 2025 date at Pandharpur Vitthal Temple is February 8. Hundreds of people visit the Pandharpur Vitthal Temple on the day and the festival is a very minor version of the famous Ashadi Wari Pandharpur Yatra. Ekadasi (11 th day) falling during the Magh Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) is considered auspicious at the Pandharpur temple. No major palkhi processions are held on the day. But hundreds of Lord Vitthal devotees converge at the temple to worship Vitthal and Rukmini.

Bhakt Pundalik Utsav Pandarpur

Bhakt Pundalik Utsav is observed on a day before Maghi Shukla Paksha Ekadasi at the Pandharpur Vitthal Temple at Pandharpur in Maharashtra . Bhakt Pundalik Utsav 2025 date is February 7. The day is dedicated to Bhakt Pundalik, whose devotion for his parents brought Lord Vishnu to his door steps. There are numerous stories that narrate miracles that have happened in the life of Bhakt Pundalik. And all the miracles were with the blessings of Lord Vitthal. Bhakt Pundalik Utsav is observed on the Dasami (tenth day) during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Magh month (January – February). The day is observed with great enthusiasm and thousands of people pay their respect to Bhakt Pundalik by listening and narrating his stories. The Maghi Wari at Pandharpur is observed on the next day.

Official Website of Indian Home Remedies and Gardens Promoted by FRLHT

Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT), an organization that is committed to reviving the local health traditions, has got an excellent website to promote healthy living, the natural way through advice on safe health practices related to primary health care. The information on the website is reliable as it is referenced from authentic medical texts and the living traditions of Ayurveda, Siddha, Gso-rig-pa, and Unani. But the information is not a substitute for a physician. The website contains sections on common ailments, home garden and yoga. Another interesting facility on the site is the opportunity to consult a Vaidya (doctor) online. The website is available in English, Hindi, Marathi, Malayalam, Bangala and Kannada. You can visit the website here – Amruth Home Remedies and Garden.

Mahananda Navami

Mahananda Navami is an auspicious day observed in Northern parts of India by certain Hindu communities. Navami is the ninth day in a fortnight in a traditional Hindu lunar calendar. This particular Mahananda navami is observed in a couple of other months too. The main ritual involves purifying oneself in holy rivers like Ganga . Mahananda Navami is observed mainly on the ninth day (navami) during shukla paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Magha mahina or Magh month. (January – February), Bhadrapad month and Margashirsh month.

Makara Bharani 2025

Makara Bharani is highly auspicious day observed on the day when the Bharani Nakshatra falls in the Malayalam month Makaram. Makara Bharani 2025 date is February 5. The day is of great significance in the Goddess Bhagavathi Temples (Shakti) in Kerala. The day also marks the end of the Padayani ritual in some regions in Kerala. Numerous temples in Kerala, especially those dedicated to Goddess Shakti, observe numerous different types of rituals which includes special processions.

Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha Meet Considers Revision of Current Hindu Festival Dates

A recently concluded meeting of Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha at Hyderabad , India , touched upon the need for the establishment of an Institute of Hindu Heritage Studies and Research to produce research work and publications of high academic standard, to stand rigorous scrutiny. But the most important idea that emerged during the meeting is the setting up of a Rashtriya Jyotish Goshti to rework panchangams or Hindu Almanacs with the help of the best available experts in astronomy, mathematics and astrology. Prakash Belawadi writes on this topic sarcastically in DNA Swami Gangadharendra Saraswathi of Suvarnavalli Mutt in Sirsi is actually working on precisely such a project to reorient the Hindu calendars with astronomy and mathematics. The research and rewriting is being coordinated by S Balachandra Rao, author of several books on astronomy and a retired professor of mathematics and former principal of National College , Basavanagudi. What the professor wants is aston

Datta Navratri – Datta Navratra

Datta Navratri or Datta Navratra is the nine days of rituals and prayers observed by certain Hindu communities especially in western parts of India . There is very little information available on this particular Navratra except that it is observed a couple of times in a year. The Datta Navratri coincides with the Magh Mahina Navratri observed in North India . Apart from the two popular Navratris that is observed in Chaitra (March – April) and Ashwin (September – December) month, there are numerous other Navratris that is dedicated to other deities the popular among it is the Banashankari Navratri and Shakabmabari Devi Navratri. Datta Navratri is one such observance which is limited to a particular Hindu community and region.

Swami Vijnanananda Thoughts on the Mind

Swami Vijnanananda , a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, gives insight on the human mind. The mind is man’s greatest and only treasure. God has fashioned this mind in such a way that it will always be subservient to you. If the mind were disobedient by nature, we would not have been responsible for any of our actions. In that case, man would neither be a free agent nor would be counted as the acme of creation. You are the complete master of your mind and you can shape it as you like. When the mind is completely within our control, it will have nothing to exist on except noble thoughts. For the nourishment of the body we are to give it only wholesome food avoiding unwholesome things: similarly we are to nourish the mind with noble thoughts, high ideals, and good discourses refusing to provide it with unwholesome food like evil thoughts and bad associations.

Interview with Jayasree Saranathan – a Sanatana Dharma Blogger

I’m pleased to post the following interview with one of the Hindu bloggers that I’ve admired for some time – Jayasree Saranathan writes the blog Non-random thoughts . She introduces herself as Sanathanist. This is a new section that we are starting in Hindu Blog. We plan to interview our readers, people who comment regularly, writers and editors associated with Hinduism, Hindu bloggers and editors, Saints, skeptics and other religious people. There is a particular reason for starting the interview with Jayasree Saranathan – it is women who have always kept the flame of Santana Dharma steady. It is they how have always protected the flame of core teachings and tradition from numerous attacks from within and outside. And it is they who always passed the flame from one generation to another. It is through our mothers that we come into contact with this great tradition. Hindu Blog – When you say I am a Hindu, what does it mean to you? Srimati Jayasree Saranathan - Whe

Vidhan Saptami

Vidhan Saptami is observed on the seventh day (Saptami) of Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in the month of Magh (January – February). Vidhan Saptami 2025 date is February 4. Saptami or Seventh day during the waxing phase of moon in Magha month is highly auspicious and is dedicated to Lord Surya. The popular belief is that the rays of the sun have curative properties on the day as earth’s inclination towards the sun is the steepest on the day. Vidhan Saptami is mainly observed in North India . There information that is available about the ritual is very sketchy. The day is also observed in this region as Arogya Saptami and Radha Saptami. The day is popularly observed as Ratha Saptami and is dedicated to Lord Surya riding on seven horses.

Vrindavan Kumbh Mela 2010 – Mahakumbha Mela at Brindavan

Vrindavan Kumbha Mela is held once in twelve years on the bank of Yamuna at Brindavan (holy place associated with Lord Krishna) in Uttar Pradesh. Vrindavan Kumbh Mela 2010 begins on January 20 (on Basant Panchami day). The Maha Kumbha Mela is expected to attract more than 500,000 devotees. This Mahakumbh mela held during the year when Haridwar Kumbha Mela is held . Legend has it that after the Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan), the nectar pitcher or Amrut pot was carried by Garuda (Vahana of Lord Vishnu) around the world and the Garuda is believed to have sat on Kadamba Tree at Kali Dah in Vrindavan. The main ritual during the Vrindaban Kumbh Mela includes taking bath in the Yamuna to attain Moksha. A few groups of Hindu saints like the Bairagis attend Vrindavan Kumbh before setting out for Shahi Snan during Haridwar Kumbha Mela.

Britain’s Hindu Open-Air Cremation Debate

Davender Ghai, a practicing Hindu, had asked for an open-air cremation when he dies but it was denied by Newcastle city council in Britain . Davender Ghai had argued then that denying him an open-air ritual ‘will enslave his soul in endless earthly entrapment.’ This debate had taken place in March 2009. It seems an appeal on the matter in the High Court will be taken up in this week. Jay Lakhani has started another debate by suggesting in his article in the Guardian UK that Hindus don't need open-air cremation . And there is no religious reason to demand open-air cremations. To pursue this 'right' in court goes against the spirit of Hinduism. To a Hindu like me, what was particularly worrying in the earlier hearing, at the high court, was the insistence that unless cremation takes place in the open air, the soul remains trapped in the body. Ghai complained that, without such a cremation, his soul would be enslaved in "in endless earthly entrapment". Such ins

A Temple in Banda in Uttar Pradesh Dedicated to Lovers

There is a temple on the banks of the Majha River at Banda in Uttar Pradesh which attracts lovers from region on Makar Sankranti day (January 14). The temple is dedicated to a Nat youth and a princess. During the fair, lovers in the region take bath in Majha River and pledge before the deity that they will never separate. Sanjay Pandey writes in Deccan Herald about this unique temple ‘The temple is the symbol of the tragic love story of a youth and a princess. The princess, while visiting the river once, had fallen in love with a Nath youth and wanted to marry him,’ temple priest Ghanshyam Pandit said. When the girl’s father came to know about the affair, he tried to dissuade his daughter from the love tangle. When she did not relent, he put a tough condition before the youth, asking him to walk on a rope tied from the nearby by hills to the fort. Nath community members are experts in walking on ropes tied to two ends of poles. The rope was too weak and gave in, just

Tree Saplings as Prasad after Lord Ram Worship to Protect Environment

NGO Raunak Evam Jagruk Samaj Sanstha (REJSS) in Sonbhadra District conducts Ramayan reading and worship of Lord Ram and as Prasad they distribute tree saplings to devotees to protect the environment and fight against global warming and climate change. Prasad is received by Hindus after the prayers and rituals and is considered holy as it has been blessed by the God. The usual Prasad comprises of fruits, sweets, panchaamrit (made from curd, milk and dry fruits.) Times of India reports about this unique effort to protect environment by Hindus "You can say it's our religious formula to protect the environment and fight against global warming. Planting trees is something simple everyone can do to reduce carbon dioxide, a principal greenhouse gas that causes global warming," REJSS director Arvind Singh Chattan told IANS on phone from Sonbhadra. "You know the importance of prasad amongst Hindus, who traditionally accept it after prayers as they believe the prasa

Google joins in Makar Sankranti and Uttarayan Festival

The Google search logo today sports the kite festival observed during Makar Sankranti and Uttarayan in Gujarat and western parts of India . You may also like read Kite Flying during Uttarayan

The Importance of Taking Bath in Holy Rivers during Kumbh Mela

The importance of Kumbh Mela is that it offers the chance to attain Moksha (liberation) from the endless cycle of birth and suffering of existence and to merge with Brahman – the supreme soul. The legend of Kumbh Mela begins with the search of Amrut or elixir of life in Puranas. The Kumbh Mela bathing ritual is believed to help in redemption of sins of several births and the history of ritual is traced back to the Rg Veda. Haridwar Kumbh Mela is being held from January 14, 2010. Liberation or merging with the Brahman is the main significance of Kumbh Mela. The two main elements worshipped during a Kumbh Mela are the Sun or Surya and the Holy River (water). Surya is worshipped in Hinduism as the Pratyaksha Brhaman or the visible God. The combined force of sun and river is essential for the existence of human life. Some scholars are of the view that this unique occasion used be a gathering of Holy men and Sadhus from around the world to discuss about Sanatana Dhar

Surya Grahan Ashuba or Dosha Bhala Parihara Mantra

When there is a Surya Grahan, or Solar Eclipse, as per Hindu astrology certain Rasi (zodiac) and Nakshatra (birth stars) will be having Dosha Bhalam. As per astrology the Surya Grahan on January 15, 2010 will be badly influencing the horoscope of certain persons and the only solution suggested is to chant the Ashuba or Dosha Bhala Parihara Mantra. This can be chanted during the Grahan period and also while doing usual prayers for a couple of days. The Surya Grahana January 15 is Ashuba or Dosha for Uttarashada Nakshatra and for the following Raasis, Mithuna Rashi (Gemini Zodiac), Tula Rasi (Libra Zodiac), Makara Rashi (Capricorn Zodiac), Kumbha Raasi (Aquarius Zodiac). Here is the mantra to be chanted by those Ashuba Bhala.

Gujarat Maha Month or Magh Maas in 2024 in Gujarati Calendar - Magh Masa 2024 in Gujarat

Maha Mahina or Magh Maas is the fourth month in a traditional Gujarati calendar followed in Gujarat . Magha Maas in 2024 in Gujarati calendar begins on February 10, 2024 and ends on March 10. Vasant Panchami (February 14), Ratha Saptami (February 16) and Shivratri on March 8, 2024 are observed in this month. Magh Maas  2024 Sud Padvo and Vad Padvo Magh Maas Gujarati calendar 2024 Sud Padvo (Waxing phase of moon) is from February 10 to Feb 24, 2024. Magh Mahina 2024 Gujarati calendar Vad Padvo (Waning phase of moon) is from February 25 to March 10, 2024. Poonam or Purnima or full moon day Gujarati Magh month 2024 Purnima or full moon day is on February 24, 2024.  The Purnima begins at 3 :34 PM on February 23 and ends at 6:11 PM on February 24 .  Purnima Vrat is on February 23. Amas or no moon day in Gujarati Posh month 2024 Magh Amas or No moon day is on March 10, 2024 The Amavasi begins at 6:18 PM on March 9 and ends at 2:30 PM on March 10. Ekadasi Fa

Why do we Hindus take bath during Surya Grahan or Solar Eclipse in Holy Rivers?

Sun or Surya has been part of worship in Hinduism from time immemorial. The legend of the Surya Grahan, or Solar Eclipse, is traced to the Puranas and the famous incident of the Samudra Madana or Churning of ocean. Scriptures suggest that taking holy dip in holy rivers like Ganga , Yamuna, Kaveri and in teerthas like Brahma Sarover in Kurukshetra in Haryana will help in removing the stains of the Adharmic activities performed by people in this birth and previous births. It is seen as the best form of worship and ritual to attain Moksha – escape from cycle of birth and rebirth. Another popular belief is that this rare and unique solar phenomenon – the alignment of sun, moon and earth – generates curative properties in holy waters of the rivers and ponds. So we Hindus take bath during Grahan To wash away the sins To attain moksha And due to the curative properties found in the water during the period The Time to Take Bath during Grahan Today, Hindus take

Hanuman’s Ramayana by Devdutt Pattanaik

Hanuman’ Ramayana is a new book written by Devdutt Pattanaik and is published by Tulika Publications. There is a popular belief that Hanuman had written a version of Ramayana even before Valmiki wrote his Ramayan. Legend has it that Valmiki was disappointed with his version of Lord Ram’s story when he met Hanuman and had read Hanuman’s Ramayana. This is the theme of Devdutt Pattanaik’s Hanuman’s Ramayana. The highlight of the book is the Mithila folk paintings by Nancy Raj. The book gives emphasis to illustrations. About the book from Hanuman’s Ramayana flyer Valmiki has barely put down his pen after completing his magnificent creation, the epic Ramayan, when he realizes he has competition. Then Sage Narada tells him that there is a better Ramayan, written by Hanuman. Valmiki is devastated! As the story of Hanuman's Ramayan unfolds, humorously and gently, so does the idea that there is no one version of the well-loved story about Ram, Sita, Hanuman and Ravan, but many. He

Pongal Kolam Pictures – Simple Kolam Designs and Ideas for Pongal Festival

Pongal Kolam symbolizes luck, peace, hope and prosperity. Here are few photos of simple and not so simple Pongal Kolams – you can use them as an inspiration to draw your kolam for Pongal 2010 or take ideas and create a fresh kolam. Majority of the kolams are from 2009 and some of them are a bit older. Kolams drawn during Pongal include important symbols of the festivals like pongal pot, sugarcane, cow, ox and Lord Surya. The pictures are from various sources and are copyrighted to the respective owners and are linked to the original source . You can explore each of the owners album to find more kolams. It must be noted that today most Pongal kolams concentrate on designs and some of the important symbols of Pongal festival are avoided. So you might not see the pongal symbols in all kolams. Pongal Kolams Click on the images for a larger view Personal Collection from web Ramya Aiyyappan Flickr collection

Thai Masam in 2024 – Tamil Thai Month 2024 in Traditional Calendar in Tamil Nadu

Thai masam is the 10th month in a traditional calendar followed in Tamil Nadu. Thai Month 2024 begins on January 15 and ends on February 12. The most auspicious days and festivals in the month include – Thai Pongal , Mattu Pongal, Kaanum, Thai Amavasya and Thaipusam. Pournami and Amavasai Pournami or full moon in Thai month is on January 25 Thai Amavasai is February 9. Festival dates in Thai month 2024 Pongal – January 15 Mattu Pongal – January 16 Kaanum – January 17 Ratha Saptami - February 16 Thai Karthigai  – January 20 Thaipusam – January 25 Ekadasi January 21 and February 6. Muruga Sashti Fasting January 16 Pradosham January 23 and February 7 Pillayar Chaturthi Vrat - Ganesh Sankashti Chaturthi Vrat is on January 29, 2024.

Mundan Ceremony in Hindu Religion – Chudakarm Sanskar

Chudakarm Sanskar, or Mundan ceremony, is the auspicious ritual in which a child’s head is shaved for the first time. The ceremony is performed for the long life of the child. There ceremony is believed ensure success in life. Usually Mundan ceremony is performed before the end of the first birthday of the child. In some regions and by some communities the Chudakarm Sanskar is performed before the third birthday. The ceremony is usually performed in a temple which is famous for Mundan ceremony like Tirupati Balaji Temple . It must be noted that the ceremony is also performed before the fifth or seventh birthday of the child. The auspicious day for performing the ceremony is chosen after consulting an astrologer or after reading the regional Panchang. You may also like to read On The Human Hair Tonsured at Tirumala Tirupati Temple Karnavedh Sanskar Annaprashan Ceremony

Download Yoga Vasishta English Translation in PDF format for free

In the Yoga Vasishta, Sage Vasishta answers the queries of Lord Ram. The questions raised by Lord Ram pertain to problems like life and death, human suffering, desire, happiness etc. The original Yoga Vaishta consists of 32,000 shlokas. This particular version that is available for download is the translation of Laghu Yoga Vasishta - it contains 6000 verses and is an abridgement of the original. This pdf format of Yoga Vasishta is of a book on Laghu Yoga Vasishta written by K Narayana Swami Aiyer and was first published in 1896. You can find the book here at archive.org - Yoga Vasishta Translation in English Alternatively you can go for the pdf format directly here - Yoga Vasishta English in PDF format Please note that the PDF format is nearly 40 MB and you will need Adobe Acrobat.

Why do we Hindus perform Satnarayan Katha at home?

Satnarayan Katha is the religious discourse on Lord Satnarayan – Sat is Truth and Narayan is Lord Vishnu. Thus Sat is God or Truth is Vishnu. Satnarayan Katha is performed at homes occasionally or full moon days. It is believed that conducting Satnarayan Katha and observing fast on the day will protect a person from suffering and sorrow. The religious discourse consists of a series of stories which inspires those listening to lead a truthful life. The stories indicate that when Truth is ignored, the person suffers. While performing Satnarayan Katha at home, neighbors, friends and relatives are invited and are given food. By feeding the poor and needy on the day and observing fast one prepares oneself to attain liberation or Moksha.

Sadhguru Quotes

Technology is not only about gadgetry but about arranging our lives in a way that the survival process is handled effortlessly and there is time and space to explore other aspects and dimensions – which would not be possible if we were fully occupied with survival. If your perception is changing at different times of your life, clearly what you did yesterday or how you saw life yesterday was a mistake. What you are doing now seems to be the right thing to you, but this can change anytime. What you do today may seem like a mistake tomorrow, and what you do tomorrow will might seem to be the right thing. So, there is a mistake in the way we perceive life. When this gets corrected, people think you are a mystic because you are beginning to perceive life in a way that you cannot fit in logic; it is way beyond logic. Logic is just a small part of your life – you can never fit life into it. You can fit logic into your life but never life into logic. Sadhguru

Why do we Hindus clap when singing bhajans or devotional songs?

We Hindus clap while singing bhajans or devotional songs in groups and this is to maintain the beat and rhythm. While clapping with bhajans one feels pure and refreshed and it also helps in concentration. Clapping while singing bhajans is popular in temples and during special gatherings at sacred places and homes. But while chanting mantras nobody claps. The quick movement of hands and palms hitting each other is believed to have physical benefits. While clapping the pressure points in the hands are pressed and this helps improving blood circulation. Clapping while temple prayers is not followed in South India.

An Article on Vedic Management – Vedas in Business Management

This particular article titled - Vedic Management - The Holistic Approach to Managerial Excellence is by Dr S Kannan, Consultant, Tata Consultancy Services. Dr S Kannan had delivered a lecture on the subject Vedas in Business Management in Chennai and the lecture is published in the latest edition of Business Mandate a Monthly Publication of The Madras Management Association. Here are some excerpts from the article The Vedas cover the four-fold values of great relevance to human beings in terms of physiological, material, intellectual and spiritual values. They deal with physiological values for maintaining bodily health, strength and vigor. They discuss material values through ways and means of attaining riches, wealth and enjoyments. The Vedas focus on intellectual values like unambiguous knowledge, skills and efficiency. They highlight spiritual values in the form of truthfulness, righteousness and Self-realization. This inspires the individual to realize the existence of

Bhishma Dwadashi 2025 date

Bhishma Dwadashi, is believed to be the day when Pandavas performed the last rites of Bhishma – the great grandfather in the Mahabharata. Bhishma Dwadashi 2025 date is February 9. The day is also known as Magha Shukla Dwadasi. Bhishma who had got the boon of Iccha Mrityu, or to die when he wishes, chose the 12th day in the month of Magha (January – February) during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon). The popular belief is that Bhishma who was mortally wounded and was lying on a bed of arrows chose to leave the earth 58 days after the beginning of the Great War in Mahabharata. Pandavas performed the last rites on the day on the banks of the River Ganga. In some regions people perform special rituals dedicated to the dead on the day. There is a popular belief that offering Tarpan and Shraddha on Bhishma Dwadashi day to ancestors is highly beneficial. Some people also perform Shradh in the name of Bhishma as he had no children.

Malayalam Calendar 2010 Online – Download Kerala Calendar in PDF format

This particular Malayalam Calendar 2010 followed in Kerala is provided by the Deepika Newspaper in Kerala. The second calendar is that of Kerala Kaumudi is in pdf format. Last year Mathurbhumi had also provided their calendar online. The 2010 Malayalam calendar contains important festivals in Kerala and uses Malayalam language to mention Nakshatram and festival details. This Kerala calendar of 2010 of Deepika is not in pdf format. But you can save the webpage and use it. You can visit the newspaper website and download it here at Deepika Malayalam Calendar The link contains the large version of the calendar you can also choose a smaller size. Kerala Kaumudi Calendar in PDF format - You download it here at Kerala Kaumudi

Surya Jayanti 2025 date

Surya Jayanti is a festival dedicated to Lord Surya, the Sun God in Hinduism. Surya Jayanthi 2025 date is February 4. The ritual and festival is popularly known as Ratha Saptami. It is observed on the seventh day or Saptami of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of the month of Magh (January – February) in a traditional Hindu calendar. The corresponding Tamil Month is Thai. Saptami, or seventh day, in a fortnight in a Hindu lunar calendar is usually dedicated to Lord Surya. Bhanu Saptami is another similar festival observed during different periods in a year. Surya Jayanti is believed to be the day when Lord Surya first appeared. The day is also observed as Magha Saptami. It is a major ritual in South India for certain Hindu communities in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Tirumala Tirupati Balaji temple conducts special pujas and rituals on the day. Prayers dedicated to Lord Surya like the Aditya Hridayam is chanted on the day.

O Lord Ganesha – Bless All with Peace and Prosperity in 2010

O Lord Ganesha, Bless us all with peace, happiness and prosperity in 2010 Vakratunda Mahakaya Suryakoti Samaprabha Nirvignam Kurume Deva Sarva kaala sarvada Oh Lord with twisted tusk and great body The one with the effulgence of a billion suns Please remove the obstacles in my path Always and in all times