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Showing posts from June, 2010


Hindu Vrats, Prayers and Mantras for Early Marriage and to Overcome Delay in Marriage

One of the popular Vrat that is observed as a solution for delay in marriage is the Somvar Vrat or Monday Fasting dedicated to Lord Shiva. Many Hindu communities perform prayers and chant mantras dedicated to Shiva, Parvati and Lord Krishna for early marriage. Men and women perform these vrats and prayers. Some communities suggest the Pradosh Vrat dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Women and men fast on the day and offer prayers during the twilight period (Pradosham period) – between 4 and 6 PM. Prayers and chanting mantras dedicated to Lord Krishna is also performed for early marriage. Some people observe the Ekadasi Vrat dedicated to Lord Krishna. Prayer to any form of Goddess Shakti is considered apt for early marriage. This is because Goddess Parvati is believed to have performed intense austerities to get Shiva as her husband. There are also numerous vrats in various regions associated with Goddess Parvati which are meant for early marriage. This in

How to do Mangal Puja? – Worship of Hindu God Mangal Graha

Mangal is the Navgraha worshipped on Tuesday. The popular belief is that by praying to Mangal one can get rid of poverty. Mangal Graha is worshipped for curing illness related to skin and eyes. Some devotees observe a fast for 21 consecutive Tuesdays. Devotees wear red color clothes on the day. Red flowers and Masoor dal are offered to Mangal Grah at Navgraha Temples. Those undertaking a fast on Tuesday offer wheat, red clothes or jaggery to poor and needy. The mantra that is chanted on the day is – Om Ang Angarkaya Namaha Those praying to Mangal also offer prayers to Shiva and Hanuman. You may also like to read About Mangal Grah

Visiting Hinglaj Mata Temple in Pakistan

Goddess Hinglaj Ma is an incarnation of Goddess Shakti. The popular belief is that when Lord Vishnu cut the body of Goddess Sati to stop Shiva’s lament after Sati’s death which was unsettling the universe; part of her head fell at Hinglaj or Hingula. Thus this is one among the 51 Shaktipeeths. The deity takes her name from the mountain cave Hinglaj on the Makran coast in the Lyari District of Balochistan in Pakistan . Visiting Hinglaj Mata Temple is a must for Hindus from Kutch in Gujarat . But with strain in relationship between Pakistan and India , Kutchhi Hindus have stopped visiting the temple. Now a group of Kutchhis have again started the pilgrimage to Hinglaj Mata Temple , which is located 280 km from Karachi . Hinglaj Mata Yatra Address Veersi Mal K. Dewani Chief Organizer Shri Hinglaj Sewa Mandli House No : 100, Swami Narain Temple Estate, M. A Jinnah Road, Karachi , Pakistan, Tel : 0092-21-262 44 85. Suneel Parwani, Ass

Roop Bhawani Jayanti

Roop Bhawani Jayanti is the birthday of Saint and Poetess Mata Roop Bhawani. It is observed on the Purnima day in Jyeshta month. Roop Bhawani Jayanti 2024 date is June 22. Many people believe that she was an incarnation of Goddess Sharika (Durga). Her teachings were in the form of poems. More than 100 poems of her have been translated into various languages. It is said that she had to undergo numerous sufferings in life especially during the short period when she was married. She is believed to have performed numerous miracles during her lifetime. It is said that she used to move from one place to another to avoid public attention.

Book – Rama With An Axe; Myth and Cult of Parasurama Avatara

The new book titled ‘Rama With An Axe; Myth and Cult of Parasurama Avatara’ critically explores the role played by the Parashuram Avatar of Hindu God Vishnu in the development of various cults, rituals, festivals and temples in India . Another highlight of the book written by Pradeep Kant Choudhary, is the in depth study of the Parashuram’s relation with his mother Renuka and the Yellamma worship. The book is scholarly in nature and helps in understanding the origin of various cults, rituals and festivals. There is also a detail analysis of the story of Parashuram Avatar. Rama With An Axe; Myth and Cult of Parasurama Avatara Written by Pradeep Kant Choudhary Published by Aakar Books Price – Rupees 750/- You may also like to read Parashuram Avatar – the Sixth incarnation of Vishnu Goddess Renuka Worship in South India – the Yellamma Cult

Sarayu Jayanti – Saryu Jayanthi

Sarayu Jayanti is believed to be the day when River Saryu descended on to earth. Sarayu Jayanti 2024 date is June 22. The day is of great significance in Ayodhya, which is located on the banks of Sarayu. The river is mentioned in the Ramayana and the Vedas. It is also associated with Hindu God Ram and this makes it holy. The popular belief is that Lord Ram entered into the river Sarayu to end his life on earth and merge with Hindu God Vishnu. Sarayu Jayanti is observed on the Purnima or full moon day in the month of Jyeshta.

Official website of Tulja Bhavani Temple – Tuljapur Bhavani Mandir

Shri Tulja Bhavani Temple located at Tuljapur in Osmanabad District in Maharashtra is one of the most important Goddess Shakti Temples in the state and is also one of the Shaktipeetahs. Now the Tuljabhavani Temple Samiti has created an official website of the mandir in both English and Marathi. Currently the website provides some basic information like how to reach the temple, distance from important towns and cities in Maharashtra . Tulja Bhavani was the family deity of Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj and also of thousands of families in Maharashtra and other states. The website will be soon providing online puja facility. You can visit the website here - Official website of Tulja Bhavani Temple (click the link to visit the website) You may also like to read Official website of Pandarpur Vithal Temple

Manorath Dwitiya Vrat – Manorath Dvitiya Vrata Dedicated To Krishna

Manorath Dwitiya Vrat is observed on the second day during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in the month of Ashada. Manorath Dwitiya Vrat 2024 date is July 7. The world famous Jagannath Rath Yatra is held on the day. This Vrat is observed mainly in western parts of India is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.  The main deity worshipped on the day is Krishna Avatar of Lord Krishna. Please note that there is also a Manorath Dwadasi Vrat which is observed on the 12 th day Shukla Paksha of Phalgun month.This Manorath Tritiya Vrat is dedicated Goddess Shakti.

Bhagavan – The Meaning of the Term Bhagawan

Bhagavan is the common term used to mean God in Hinduism. In Hindu Religion, the word Bhagwan has symbolic meaning too. The word encompasses Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space – the five elements. Thus the term Bhagavan translates as the manifestation of the physical form of universe. In the word Bhagavan – ‘Bh’ stands for Bhoomi or Earth G stands for Gagan or Space ‘V’ stands for Vayu or Air ‘A’ stands for Agni or Fire ‘N’ stands for Neer or Water ....................... He is the one who is endowed with bhaga - wealth, fame and luster.  Bhagavan is the most common term used for the Absolute that creates, sustains and dissolves the universe.  Brahman, the absolute, is impersonal, inactive, devoid of limiting adjuncts, and is of the nature of pristine purity of the self. Such a concept does not suggest intimate communion between Bhagavan (object of devotion) and his bhakta (devotee). A devotee craves for something concrete and substantial in the form of an

Book – Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata by Devdutt Pattanaik

‘Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata’ by Devdutt Pattanaik attempts to retell the rural stories in India that were inspired the Mahabharata. The highlight of the book is the over 200 illustrations and the regional variations to the subplots in Mahabharata. Apart from the numerous stories, there is also a chapter dedicated to the dating of the eighteen-day war based on astronomical data. From the flyer of the book High above the sky stands Swarga, paradise, abode of the gods. Still above is Vaikuntha, heaven, abode of God. The doorkeepers of Vaikuntha are the twins, Jaya and Vijaya, both whose names mean ‘victory’. One keeps you in Swarga; the other raises you into Vaikuntha. In Vaikuntha there is bliss forever, in Swarga there is pleasure for only as long as you deserve. What is the difference between Jaya and Vijaya? Solve this puzzle and you will solve the mystery of the Mahabharata. Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata Published by Penguin

Goddess Kamala – About Hindu Goddess Kamala

Goddess Kamala is worshipped as a manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi , the Hindu goddess of goddess of wealth, wellbeing, and prosperity. Kamala literally means ‘lotus’ in Sanskrit, and symbolically it denotes purity and auspiciousness. She is also one among the Mahavidyas. Goddess Kamala is depicted similar to Goddess Lakshmi except for that she is always depicted with two elephants showering water. The water showered by the elephants symbolically represents the rains, without which life is not possible. The Goddess is worshipped for wealth, prosperity and auspiciousness. She is also believed to bless couples in getting children. Today, it is very hard to distinguish between Goddess Lakshmi and Kamala. Goddess Lakshmi form of Mother Goddess is more popularly worshipped. The difference is only noticed and practiced by Tantric practitioners and priests. For a devotee Goddess Lakshmi and Kamala are the same. Tantric worshippers believe that is the Shakti of Vishnu and i

Halharini Amavasya – Hal Harini

Halharini Amavasya is observed during the Amavasya or no moon day in the month of Ashada. Halharini Amavasya 2024 date is July 5. Hal Harini is primarily observed in North India by certain Hindu communities. The Amavasya is chosen for performing Tarpan, Shradh and Pitru Tarpan dedicated to dead ancestors. The method and way of performing the rituals vary from region and get regional names. Halharini is one such Amavasya.

Marble Carving Institute at Ambaji in Gujarat – Learn to Carve Murtis (Idols) of Hindu Gods and Goddesses

Ambaji Stone Artisan Park Training Institute (ASAPT) will help aspiring sculptors to learn the art of marble carving. Majority of Hindu temples that are now constructed in India and abroad use marble Murtis (Idols) of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Initially, a candidate will be trained for a fortnight. Thereafter he will get a stipend of Rs 100 a day. Besides operation of lath, drilling, stone cutters compressors and carving, the trainee will learn to carve sculptures including idols, flowers, flower pots, miniature of temples among others. Times of India Reports Constructed by the state geology and mining (G&M) commissionerate, the institute is spread over 1,200 square metres and is located in the vicinity of Gujarat Mining Development Corporation (GMDC). "It is the only training centre of its kind in the country. It will foster a dynamic process of skill formation and knowledge building and contribute to enterprise development and employment generation, particularly

Shri Sharadamba Temple at Etobicoke, Toronto, Canada – Hindu Temple of Sringeri Vidya Bharati

Mahakumbhabhishekam of the Toronto Shri Sharadamba Temple and the inauguration of the Adi Shankara Museum will be held from June 18, 2010 to June 27, 2010. Mahakumbhabhishekam is on June 20, 2010. The Address of the new temple is 80 Brydon Drive , Etobicoke, Toronto , Ontario , Canada , M9W 4N6. The $11-million marble-and-granite temple is a replica of the 9th century Sharada Peetam at Sringeri in South India . Apart from the temple, the complex will also house a museum dedicated to the life and works of Adi Shankaracharya The consecration ceremonies of the temple complex will be held with water brought from 250 rivers around the world including that of Ganga , Yamuna and Kaveri on June 20, 2010. The Temple is dedicated to Goddess Sri Sharadamba, Goddess of Wisdom, - a manifestation of Goddess Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of learning and knowledge. The temple will have murtis of Shiva, Sharadamba, Adi Shankara, Ganapati, Durga, Hanuman, Rama, Krishna and th

Shashthi Devi – Hindu Goddess Sashti

Goddess Shashthi is a female deity propitiated for the wellbeing of the new born baby and the mother. This Hindu goddess is worshipped on the sixth day and therefore she is known as Sashti Devi or Goddess Shasti. The popular belief is that this Goddess injures new born infants and mothers on sixth day after their mother. Sasti is the Hindu name for the sixth day of a lunar fortnight. Goddess Sashti is propitiated on the sixth day by devotees especially by mothers of new born babies and her friends, neighbors and relatives. The offerings made in each region vary. In some regions, she is worshipped only on the sixth day of the Shukla Paksha of Jyeshta month. Science has discovered that infants and their mothers catch certain types of diseases on the sixth day after birth. Some scholars are of the view that this is the reason for the origin of the dreaded Goddess Sashti. Please note that in South India , Sashti fasting is dedicated to Lord Muruga or Kartikeya , t

Visa Hanuman Temple in Ahmedabad

Hanuman Temples at Khadia and Neb Sarai in Ahmedabad in Gujarat is believed to help in getting Visas. So how does Hindu Temples get the Visa tag? A few devotees pray for a particular wish at a temple and when those wishes are fulfilled; word spreads and devotees throng these temples. Annually, thousands of Indians apply for migration Visas and then proceed to temples which they believe will help in an early Visa approval. 400-year-old Visa Hanuman Temple in Ahmedabad is one such temple and another new temple that is receiving lot of Visa devotees is the seven-month old Chamatakarik Shree Hanuman Ji Ka Mandir in Neb Sarai. The famous 400-year-old Visa Hanuman Temple in Ahmedabad is located at Desai Ni Pol in Khadia Hindustan Times reports about the New Visa Hanuman Temple in Ahmedabad In the serpentine, narrow lanes of Neb Sarai, the god resides especially to aid the visa applicants: or so the devotees believe. Supposedly modelled on the 400-year-old ‘Visa Hanuma

Book – Eternal Wisdom of India by Swami Lokeswarananda

Eternal Wisdom of India by Swami Lokeswarananda critically looks into the teachings of the religions that originated in India . The book is a collection of writings and talks by Swami Lokeshwarananda who is associated with the Ramakrishna order The book explores the role of religion in daily lives of people and how during certain period the power of the religion was abused. The book analyses religion and social tensions and also tells us how harmony should be maintained. The book depicts the way religion has been seen through the ages and how it affects the psyche of people. It also analyses the religious beliefs of people and shows ways to maintain harmony. Echoes of the teachings of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda can be seen throughout the book. Eternal Wisdom of India By Swami Lokeswarananda Published by Rupa Books Price Rs 500/-

Hindu Marriage Act Amended By Government of India for Easy Divorce

Hindu Marriage Act 1955 and Special Marriage Act 1954 were amended by the Government of India on June 10, 2010, Thursday to avoid unwanted complications and delay in divorce in case of irretrievable differences. The amendment would make parting of ways less bitter as there won’t be much washing of linen in public. Before the amendment breakdown of marriage was not a ground for divorce. The amendment will now enable couples to get divorce if one of them refuses to live with the other and will not work towards reconciliation, and the court is convinced that there is no hope of the two leading a normal matrimonial life. Some experts are of the view that the amendment will only benefit men and financially independent women. Those women living in rural areas might suffer a great deal through the amendment. Kirti Singh says in Times of India Kirti Singh, former Law Commission member described the amendment as "disastrous" if it came without adequate safeguards.

Vanagauri Shashti – Vana Gowri Vratam

Vanagauri Shashti, also known as Vana Gowri Vratam, is observed on the sixth day of the waxing phase of moon (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Jyeshtha (May – June) as per traditional Hindu calendar. In 2024, the date of Vanagauri Shashti is June 12. The popular belief is that those who observe the Vana Gowri Vratam will be blessed with children. The ritual is also observed for the welfare of children by mothers. Vanagauri Shashti is limited to certain Hindu communities especially in South India . The day is observed as Aranya Sashti in many regions of India .

Kannada Jyeshta Masam 2024 – Jyeshta Month in 2024 in Hindu Kannada Calendar

Jyeshta Masam is the third month in a traditional Hindu Kannada calendar followed in Karnataka. Kannada Jyeshta Masa 2024 is from June 7 to July 5. Ganga Dashara, Rambha Vrata, Nirjala Ekadasi and Vata Savitri Puja are some of the auspicious days in the month. Pradosh Fasting Dates in Jyeshta Masam are : June 19 July 3 Ekadasi Fasting dates in Jyeshta Masam are: Nirjala Ekadasi – June 17/18 Yogini Ekadasi – July 2 Ganesh  Sankashti Chaturthi  monthly fasting dedicated to Lord Ganesha in Jyeshta Masam is on June 25 – Moonrise is at 9:58 PM – Indian standard time. Jyeshta Masam Shukla Paksha and  Krishna  Paksha Jyeshta Masam Kannada calendar 2024 Shukla Paksha (Waxing phase of moon) is from June 7 to June 22. Jyeshta Masa 2024 Kannada calendar Krishna Paksha (Waning phase of moon) is from June 23 to July 5, 2024. Purnima in Kannada Jyeshta Month Jyeshta Purnima or Full moon day is on June 22, 2024.  The Purnima begins at 6:38 AM on June 21 and

Gujarati Jeth Maas 2024 – Jyeshta Month in Traditional Gujarat Calendar in 2024

Jeth Maas or Jyeshta Mahina is the eighth month in a traditional Hindu Gujarati calendar followed in Gujarat . Jyeshta Maas 2024 is from June 7 to July 5. The month is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The most auspicious days in the month include Vat Savitri Vrat and Nirjala Ekadasi. Ekadasi Fasting Dates in Jeth Maas Nirjala Ekadasi – June 17/18 Yogini Ekadasi – July 2 Jeth Maas 2024 Sud Padvo and Vad Padvo – Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha Jeth Gujarati calendar 2024 Sud Padvo (Waxing phase of moon) is from June 7 to June 22. Jyeshta Maas 2024 Vad Padvo Paksha (Waning phase of moon) is from June 23 to July 5, 2024. Purnima in Gujarati Jyeshta month Jyestha Purnima or Full moon day is on June 22, 2024.  The Purnima begins at 6:38 AM on June 21 and ends at 6:19 AM on June 22.  Purnima Vrat is on June 21. Vat Purnima Vrat on June 21 Amas in Gujarati Jeth month Jyeshta Amas or No moon day is on  July 5 The Amavasi begins at 4:16 AM on July 5 and ends at 3:45

Tallest Shiva Idol in the World

World’s tallest statue of Hindu God Shiva will be inaugurated in Nepal on June 21, 2010. The 108-feet tall idol of Shiva is located at Sanga, which is on the way from Kathmandu to Banepa. Sanga is around 20 km from Kathmandu . The picture of the Shiva idol shows him holding a Trishul and one hand is in blessing posture. The murti (idol) is made of cement and can withstand minor earth quakes and strong wind. The project is sponsored by Kamal Jain and is dedicated to Shiva who resides at Kailash which is further north of Sanga. The center and the park were the idol is situated has facilities like spa, yoga, meditation center, and nature walks. Though the spot was not intended as a place of attraction, thousands of people are already thronging the place to have glimpse of the huge Shiva idol. You may also like to read World's Oldest Hindu Temple in the World World's Tallest Ganesha Idol in Kolhapur Is the Gopura of Murudeshwar Temple in Karnataka the t

Jyeshta Masam 2024 – Jyeshta Month in Telugu Calendar in 2024

Jyeshta Masa is the third month in a traditional Hindu Telugu calendar followed in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Telugu Jyeshta Masam 2024 is from June 7 to July 5. Some of the auspicious days of the month include Ganga Dashara, Nirjala Ekadasi and Vata Savitri Puja. Sankashti Chaturthi  monthly fasting dedicated to Lord Ganesh is in Jyeshta Masam is on June 25 – Moonrise is at 9:58 PM – Indian standard time. Jyeshta Masam Shukla Paksha and  Krishna  Paksha Jyeshta Masam Telugu calendar 2024 Shukla Paksha (Waxing phase of moon) is from June 7 to June 22. Jyeshta Masa 2024 Telugu calendar Krishna Paksha (Waning phase of moon) is from June 23 to July 5, 2024. Ekadasi in Telugu Jyeshta Month -  Jyeshta Ekadasi Nirjala Ekadasi – June 17/18 Yogini Ekadasi – July 2 Pradosh Vrat in Telugu Jyeshta Month -   Jyeshta Pradosh June 19 July 3 Purnima in Telugu Jyeshta Month Jyeshta Purnima or Full moon day is on June 22, 2024.  The Purnima begins at 6:38 AM on June 21 and e

India to Patent 900 Yoga Asanas to Prevent Claims by Foreign Companies

Saint Patanjali developed Yoga Asanas for the welfare of humanity. Bhagavad Gita extols its importance. But monetary gains and never ending greed of modern multinational companies and certain individuals has landed Yoga postures in world of patents. There ever-slow government bureaucrats and administration in India has finally woken up to the yoga patent issue – this after nearly 250 yoga postures were patented around the world. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in India has prepared patent formats of nearly 900 yoga asanas (postures) and has included them in the digitalised Traditional Knowledge Library (TKDL), set up by the council to collect and record traditional treatment therapy knowledge. The Council claims that yoga asanas registered with it enjoy the status of being patented. Hindustan Times reports "Video recordings of the asanas are also being made and recorded to prevent them from being stolen," said TKDL director Dr V

Dashahara Vrata – Dasahara Vrat

Dashahara Vrata is dedicated to Goddess Ganga (River Ganges) and is observed by certain Hindu communities. In 2024, Dashahara Vrata begins on June 7 and ends on June 16 – the Ganga Dussehra day. The Vrat is observed from the first day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Jyeshta month (May – June). It is a 10-day Vrata. This Vrata is based on the legend that Goddess Ganga descended on the earth on Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami (10 th day of Jyeshtha month) pleased with the austerieis performed by King Bhageeratha. The important rituals during the period are daily morning bath in River Ganga for redemption of sins and worship of Ganga . Some people also perform Tila Tarpana.

Download Isha Upanishad PDF in English – Isavasya Upanishad Translation and Commentary

Isha Upanishad is one of the most popular Upanishads and contains the fundamental teaching of Sanatana Dharma which is found in the first stanza of the Isavasya Upanishad. This particular English commentary and translation of Isha Upanishad in PDF format for download is by Swami Paramananda. This is a very old translation and was first published in 1919 and is the English translation from the original Sanskrit. You can find the Isavasya Upanishad in PDF format here. You can save it if you have Adobe Acrobat or any other PDF reader installed in your browser.

Triloknath Ashtami

Triloknath Ashtami is a unique ritual observed in temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Triloknath Ashtami 2024 date is May 31. Hindu God Shiva is worshipped as Trilokhanth in many temples. In this form he is lord of the three worlds. Triloknath Ashtami is observed on the eighth day during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of moon) of Jyeshta month. Special pujas and rituals dedicated to Triloknath are observed on the day. This form of Shiva is worshipped in Himachal Pradesh.

Hindu Temple at Wembley in United Kingdom - Shree Sanatan Hindu Mandir at Ealing Road in North West London

Shree Sanatan Hindu Mandir, the new Hindu Temple at Wembley (at Ealing Road north-west London ) in United Kingdom , opened on May 31, 2010. The temple which took nearly 14 years to complete is believed to have cost more than £16m. The temple has been built using the ancient temple architecture methods mentioned in the temple building scriptures associated with Hinduism. Majority of the portion of temple are hand carved in limestone. The hand carving was done at Sola Town in Gujarat , India . The hand carved pieces were transported to England and was pieced together at Wembley. The temple houses 41 hand carved Hindu deities all made in pure marble. The temple has murtis of all the important deities in Hinduism including Shiva, Sita Ram, Srinathji, Radha Krishna, Ambaji, Ganesha, Hanuman, Mahadevi or Durga and Tirupati Balaji. You can find more details about the Hindu Temple at Wembley here at the official website.

Banashankari Kuladharma

Banashankari Kula Dharma is dedicated to Hindu Goddess Banashankari and is observed mainly by certain Hindu communities in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra . Banashankari Kuladharma 2024 date is June 5. Goddess Banashankari is also known as Banashankari or Shakambari or Banadevi and is mainly worshipped in regions of Karnataka, Andhra and Maharashtra . The word Banashankari is derived from ‘Ban or Van’ meaning ‘forest’ and ‘Shankari’ meaning ‘the consort of Lord Shiva.’ This particular observance dedicated to Goddess Banashankari is observed on the 14th day of the Krishna Paksha of Vaisakh month as per traditional Kannada calendar. Special pujas and rituals are observed by families that have Goddess Banashankari as their family deity on the day. According to Skanda Purana, Goddess Banashankari Devi killed a demon called Durgamasur at the present day Badami in Bagalkot in Karnataka. Banashankari Devi was also said to be worshiped by m