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Showing posts from July, 2010


Goddess Lakshmi Puja in Shravan Month – Mahalakshmi Pooja in Sawan Month

The Shravan month in a Hindu lunar calendar is one of the most auspicious months and numerous pujas and rituals are held in this month. One of the most important puja in the month is the Varamahalakshmi Puja which held on the last Friday of the Shukla Paksha of Shravan month. Apart from this another puja and ritual dedicated to Mahalakshmi is held on the first Friday of the Shukla Paksha of Sawan month. In some regions a murti of Goddess Lakshmi is installed on the first Friday of Shravan Shukla Paksha for puja. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi only visits those houses that are clean. The houses are cleaned and offerings are made to Goddess Lakshmi. In some regions this is a community puja in which women of neighborhood gather in a house and perform the puja. But the most important puja is the Varamahalakshmi puja. You can find details of Varalakshmi Puja here in this article.

Shiva Purana in Hindi – Read Shiv Puran Online in Hindi

Shiva Purana is one among the most important Puranas and narrates the stories associated with Hindu God Shiva. Reading Shiv Puran on Mondays and other auspicious days associated with Shiva is considered highly rewarding. The Puran is also read during the Shravan Mahina (July – August), as it is dedicated to Shiva. Shiva Puran in Hindi is provided by Ved Puran website. You can read it online in Hindi but there is no download option. You can read Shiva Purana in Hindi here at Ved Puran.

A Series of Articles on the Future of Hinduism – As Hindu Religion Goes Global

Patheos.com is a web portal that engages in the global dialogue about religion and spirituality and to explore and experience the world's beliefs. The website has created a series of articles on topic of Future of Hinduism. The articles concentrate on the challenges and the gains that Hindu Religion will face and make in future as the religion is going global with Hindus spreading around the world and establishing temples and more and more people showing genuine interest in Hinduism, which is one of the oldest religions in the world. The articles in Patheos.com are written by scholars and university professors. The contributors to the series include: Loriliai Biernacki, Christopher Chapple, Gavin Flood, Thomas Forsthoefel, David Frawley, Pankaj Jain, Khyati Joshi, Vamsee Juluri, Padma Kuppa, Ramdas Lamb, Brian Pennington, Anantanand Rambachan, Arvind Sharma and Suhag Shukla. Majority of the articles in the series tries to understand Hinduism as a religion like Christianity or Islam

Panch Kedar Yatra – Traveling To Pancha Kedar Temples

Panch Kedar Yatra is a pilgrimage to the Kedarnath, Madhyamaheshwar, Tungnath, Kalpeshwar and Rudranath Temples in Uttarakhand in India . All these shrines are dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. The ideal months to travel and undertake the trek to the shrines are May, June, July, August, September, October and November. The temples are located in the Garhwal Himalaya, at altitude ranging from 6,500 to 12,000 ft, between the valleys of the Mandakini and Alaknanda rivers. Kedarnath remains closed during the winter period. The temple closes after Diwali (November) and opens only on the Akshaya Tritiya Day (May). Madhyamaheshwar, Tungnath and Rudranath temples are also closed during the harsh winter period (November to April). Only Kalpeshwar shrine remains open throughout the year. The toughest trek among the Panch Kedar is the one to the Rudranath Temple .

Sanskrit Vartaman Patram – a Sanskrit Daily Newspaper from Vadodara in Gujarat

Sanskrit Vartaman Patram is a new Sanskrit daily newspaper published from Gujarat. The newspaper was launched on Sunday, June 25, 2010 at Vadodara. The newspaper is available in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Goa and Union Territory of Diu, Daman and Dadra Nagar Haveli. The four-page daily is priced at Rupees 1.50 per issue. Yearly subscription is Rupees 500/-. Indian Express reports Sanskrit Vartaman Patram will be published from Vadodara and cover local, national and international news and the annual subscription is Rs 500, Editor Praful Purohit said. M L Wadekar, Director, Oriental Institute of M S University and one of the members on the Editorial Board said that after receiving a good response to the pilot copy of this newspaper, they decided to launch it. For enabling its readers to understand the language, the paper will include glossary of Sanskrit words translated in Gujarati, Hindi, English and other languages, he said. You may also like to read

Choti Teej 2024 Date - Importance

Chhoti Teej is observed on the third day of the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Shravan month. Choti Teej 2024 date is August 7. The ritual is also popularly known as Hariyali Teej and is the first of the three important Teej festivals in North India . Choti Teej is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. On the day, women pray for the welfare of their husbands and for a happy married life. In some regions in North India , Choti Teej is dedicated to the eternal love of Lord Krishna and Radha. Some Hindu communities worship Chand or Chandra – the moon god - on the day. The day is also of great importance in Vrindavan. Numerous fairs and festivals are also observed on the day in many parts of North India , especially in Rajasthan where color processions of the idols of Goddess Parvati are taken out.

Gem Stone or Navratna for Bharani, Purvaphalguni and Purvashadha Birth Stars – Heera or Vajram or Diamond

There are so many people who are interested in Navratna or Gem Stones as they consider it can change there fortune. Astrology states that to gain happiness and wealth and to have a peaceful and healthy life one should wear the gem stone associated with one’s Nakshatra. Each birth star or Nakshatra has a particular Navaratna associated with it. Heera or Vajram or Diamond is associated with Bharani, Purvaphalguni and Purvashadha Nakshatrams. These birth stars are also known as Barani, Puram and Pooradam in regional languages. Heera or Vajram is associated with Navgraha Shukra. This gem stone is also known by the name of White Saphire. It is believed that if the people born in Nakshatra Bharani, Purvaphalguni and Purvashadha wear the gem stone Heera they will be blessed with luck, prosperity and good health.

Hindu Marriage Act in Indian Law – Does it apply to Hindu Marriages Performed Outside India?

Can a family court in India settle a marriage dispute – decide on divorce petition – between two Hindus under the Hindu Marriage Act in Indian Law, even if the marriage had taken place outside India? The Supreme Court of India will be soon taking a decision on this tricky issue – as such divorce cases are on increase. The Hindu writes about this issue The Supreme Court has been moved to decide an important question of law: whether a family court in India has jurisdiction to try a matrimonial litigation involving two Hindus governed by the Hindu Marriage Act even in cases where the opposite party is a foreign national having his domicile outside the country. Actor Sukanya, who married R. Sridharan, has applied for divorce in India. The marriage took place as per traditional Hindu customs at the Balaji temple in New Jersey, U.S. in April 2002. However, Ms. Sukanya returned to India in January 2003 and thereafter never went back to the U.S. On a writ petition filed by Mr. Sridhara

Yajnavalkya Smriti Quotes

A collection of quotes and teachings from Yajnavalkya Smriti. Success of actions rests equally on destiny and one’s efforts. Of these two, destiny is the expression of the efforts made in a previous life. A Dharma detested by the world must not be practiced. By resorting to what is condemned or prohibited and by not controlling the senses man incurs crime. Human beings are, by nature addicted to sinful deeds or crimes. Decisions should be made according to law, uninfluenced by agreed or anger. Of all works, like sacrifices, rituals, control of senses, harmlessness, charity or study of the Vedas, this one thing is the highest duty: that one should seek the Self through Yoga. Yajnavalkya Smriti

Avvaiyar Amman Temple at Nagercoil – Special Significance during Tuesdays in Aadi Month

Aadi Masam is an important month in Tamil Calendar and numerous rituals are observed in the month. The Tuesdays in the month are considered highly auspicious and special prayers are offered to Goddesses in Hindu pantheon on the day. Thousands of devotees visit the 300 year-old Avvaiyar Amman temple near Nagercoil in Kanyakumari district on Tuesdays in the Aadi month. Unmarried women observe special pujas here for early marriage. Couples who have no children offer prayers and pujas for begetting children. A special dish made from rice flour and coconut is offered on the day here during the auspicious days.

Divasi Gowri Pooja – Divasi Gowri Haadu Pooja

Divasi Gowri Puja is observed on the Amavasya or no moon day in the month of Ashada in Karnataka and parts of Andhra Pradesh. Divasi Gowri Haadu Pooja 2024 date is August 4. This Gouri Pooja is performed by Sumangalis or married women. This ritual is popularly known as Bheemana Amavasya . On the Diawasi Gauri Pooja day women pray for the well being of their husbands and brothers. The rituals on the day are dedicated to Goddess Gouri (Parvati) and Lord Shiva. You may also like to read Story of Bheemana Amavasya Vrata How to observe Bheemana Amavasya

Kagbeni in Nepal – Hansa Tirtha for performing Shradh and Tarpan to the Dead

Kagbeni is located on the way to the famous Muktinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Nepal . Jhong Khola River flowing down from Muktinath joins the Kali Gandaki River at Kagbeni.  Performing Shradh, Tarpan and other rituals dedicated dead ancestors, parents and relatives here is considered highly meritorious. The place is also known as Hansa Tirtha. Legend has it that once people were making offerings to Lord Shiva during a Shivratri here. Suddenly a crow swooped down to pick up in its beak some of the offerings. Another crow chased the first to get a share and both tumbled into the confluence of the Jhong Khola River and Kali Gandaki River and emerged as swans (Hansa). Thus the Tirtha got the name Hansa Tirtha. There is a popular belief in Hindu culture that the dead arrive to take the share of the offerings made to them in the form of crows. This is a widespread belief in among many Hindu communities. The pitru paksha fortnight (September

Ganesh Baba Quotes

A collection of quotes of Ganesh Baba (Shri Mahant Swami Ganeshanand)  (1895 – 1987) Keep your back straight, breathe deeply, and all else will follow. Wise men don't love wise men, wise men love fools. Highly consummated human beings do not pray for results. They surrender the results to the will of Cosmic Consciousness. We are like water when we are on earth, like steam or vapor when we pass over into death. God is the supreme shopkeeper, his market is infinite. In Tantra, if one is a meat eater, we give him so much meat he will ask for dal and chapati. Polar switchback: when you reach the highest point of positivity you'll swing back immediately into negativity. Don't count time if you want to evolve; if you count time you will revolve. After death, the soul drifts through dimensions the materialist mind cannot comprehend. Everything in this world is linked to an octave on a musical scale. On the other side of death,

Unique Murti (idol) of Hindu God Jagannath at Gud Village in Balasore in Orissa

The murti or idol of Hindu God Jagannath that is worshipped in temples is usually made of wood - Daru Brahma. But there is a unique murti of Jagannath at Gud Village in Balasore in Orissa which is made from stone – Shila Brahma. The specialty of the murti does not end there – the same murti has features of Balabhadra and Subhadra. The temple is originally dedicated to Balabhadra, the elder brother of Lord Krishna. It must be noted that in all Jagannath temples, Balabhadra and Subhadra are also worshipped along with Lord Jagannath. Each is worshipped as a separate murti. But at the in Gud Village – the single main murti has the eyes of Jagannath, face of Balabhadra and body of Subhadra. The murti is nearly three-feet tall and weighs over 100 kilograms. There is also an interesting story about the murti that is vogue in the village – The stone murti in the form of Balabhadra bearing marks of seven cobra hoods on its head was found floating in a village pond

Hindu Woman Performs Her Father’s Funeral Rituals – We need more daughters to come forward and perform the last rites of their parents

No idea who created this rule that only male members can perform the last rites in Hinduism. Daughters are forbidden from performing the funeral rituals even when there is no male member in the family to do it. But some daughters are showing the courage to change the social norm – it is not easy they have to battle relatives, neighbors, friends, onlookers and all those that have an opinion on this highly personal matter. Times of India writes about B G Indiramma from Mysore who had the courage to perform the last rites of her father and also got herself tonsured (the practice of shaving the head during funeral ritual.) Indiramma, an accounts officer with the Mysore Urban Development Authority, has four sisters. When her father Govindegowda died a fortnight ago, unmindful of all criticism, she lit the pyre after completing all rituals. Many were stunned when she asked the barber to tonsure her head just before the rituals. Indiramma told TOI she had no qualms about losing he

Navratna or Gem Stone Vaiduryam for Birth Stars Aswini, Magha and Moola

Navratna or Gem Stones are worn by people who believe in astrology to gain happiness and wealth and to have a peaceful and healthy life. Each birth star or Nakshatra has a particular Navaratna associated with it. Vaiduryam or Cat’s Eye is associated with Aswini, Magha and Moola Nakshatrams. These birth stars are also known as Ashwati, Magam and Moolam in regional languages. Vaidurya is associated with Navgraha Ketu. This gem stone is also known by the name of Sutramani. It is believed that if the people born in Nakshatra Aswini, Magha and Moola wear the gem stone Vaiduryam they will be blessed with wealth, health and peace. You may also like to read Navadanya for Navgrahas Importance of Rudraksha

Girija Puja in Ashada Month

Girija Puja is a unique ritual dedicated to Goddess Parvati, who is also known as Girija. Girija Puja 2024 date is July 15. The ritual is observed on the 10 th day of the Shukla Paksha of Ashada month as per traditional calendar followed in North India . Special pujas and rituals are held on the day in Shiva Parvati Temples.  The Ashada Dasami is considered auspicious worship Goddess Parvati by some communities in North India . The day is also observed as Ashada Dasami in some regions.

Raksha Panchami 2024 date in Odisha

Raksha Panchami is dedicated to Batuk Bhairav, incarnation of Lord Shiva and also Ganesha. Raksha Panchami 2024 date is August 24. The festival is mainly dedicated to the protection of wildlife and plants and is observed on the fifth day during the Krishna paksha or waning phase of moon in Bhadrapad month. The ritual is mainly followed in some regions in Orissa. The festival is observed on the fifth day after Raksha Bandhan ritual. What do do on Raksha Panchami? On the Raksha Panchami day, paintings of Batuk Bhairav or Bhairab, Ganesh and Mahadev (Shiva) are drawn on doors of houses. Some people draw the picture of Nandi the vehicle of Lord Shiva on the back door. A prayer (invocation) to Lord Shiva is written on palm leaf and is hung on the top of the door. Along with the palm leaf, kusha grass and a small packet of rice also hung on the door. At night there is a ritual of making small offerings to wild animals and snakes.

Vittal Navratri – Shri Vithal Navratra

Vittal Navratri is observed in the Ashada month by some Hindu communities in Maharashtra . The Navratri coincides with the Pandarpur Yatra and Ashadi Ekadasi. Vittal Navratri 2024 begins on July 16. The annual Pandharpur Yatra and Ashadi Ekadashi are on July 17. Hindu God Vitthal is an incarnation of Lord Krishna and is worshipped mainly in Maharashtra and parts of Karnataka. The most famous temple dedicated to Lord Vithala is located at Pandharpur. The Bhakti cult associated with Vithal which was pioneered by Sant Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram Maharaj is responsible for numerous social changes in Maharashtra . The Navratri coincides with the Pandarpur Yatra which begins from Dehu and Alandi in Pune District, fifteen days before the Ashadi Ekadasi. Prayers and satsangs are held during the period. A major highlight during the period is the singing of bhajans. You may also like to read Story of Hindu God Vitthal

Observing Hindu Vrat during Menstrual Period - Rules During Monthly Menstruation

There are so many women who have doubt regarding observing Vrat during monthly menstrual periods. Such doubts arise when Navratri, Ekadasi, Pradosh, Sankashti Chaturthi, Karva Chauth etc falls during the monthly period. It gets even more complicated when women observe Solah Somvar Vrat, Solah Shukravar Vrat etc. The general rule is not to count the vrat day. Do observe a fast, but don't worship God and perform puja on that particular day. This is applicable when observing solah somavar vrat etc or every month vrat or every week Vrata. That is if you have your periods during Solah Shukravar Vrat or other such vrats you have to do the vrat a day more. The vrat on the period day is not counted. (For example if it is a sixteen Monday vrat then it becomes a 17 Monday vrat as the one during the period is not counted.) In case of Ekadasi, Pradosh, Sankashti, Karva Chauth etc you can perform the vrat but without doing pujas. Someone in the house can do the puja inste

Book – Shree Ramayana Mahanveshanam by M. Veerappa Moily – English Translation

The book titled Shree Ramayana Mahanveshanam by M. Veerappa Moily attempts to explore the true principles in the Epic Ramayana - a quest for the principles governing a Ram Rajya – the welfare state. Dr M. Veerappa Moily is a distinguished political leader in India . He is a member of the Indian National Congress party and is currently Minister of Law and Justice in the Government of India. Originally written in Kannada, this current English version consists of two volumes and runs into volumes run into 1,700 pages. Retaining the original storyline of Ramayana, Dr Veerappa Moily introduces modern characters in the narrative. Thus we have the main characters in the Ramayana expressing anguish and trying to change some of major issues faced by the society and country. In the book, Shree Ramayana Mahanveshanam, it is Lakshman, the brother of Lord Ram who is the real hero. Dr Veerappa Moily says “Lakshmana was responsible for driving the Ramayana. He is the real her

Ashada Purnima 2024 date – Full moon day in Ashada Month in 2024

The full moon day or Purnima is Ashada month in a traditional Hindu lunar calendar is highly auspicious as it is observed as Guru Purnima and Vyasa Poornima. Ashada Purnima 2024 date is July 21. The Purnima Vrat is marked on July 20. Guru Purnima and Vyas Purnima are marked on July 21. The Chaturmas vrat for some communities begins on this day. An important festival takes place during the period at the Shirdi Sai Baba temple and is known as Ashadi Purnima festival.

Har Saptami – Haar Satum

Har Saptami is observed in the month of Ashada in Jammu and Kashmir . The day is dedicated to Goddess Shakti and is of great importance Hari Parvat Temple on the outskirts of Srinagar city. Har Saptami 2024 date is July 13. Goddess Shakti is here worshipped as Jagadamba Sharika Bhagwati. She is also known as Maha Tripura Sundari and Rajarajeshwari. Locally she is known as Har or Harie. On the Har Saptami, the pujas and rituals associated with the incarnation day of Goddess Sharika begins. It is believed that she appeared on the earth on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha of Ashada month. Har Navami falls two days after Har Saptami.  Today, the day is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Sharika.

Gujarati Ashad Maas 2024 – Ashada Month in Traditional Gujarat Calendar in 2024

Ashad Mahina is the ninth month in a traditional Hindu Gujarati calendar followed in Gujarat . Ashada Maas 2024 is from July 6 to August 4. The auspicious days in the month include Devshayani Ekadashi, Jaya Parvati Vrat, Gauri Vrat, Guru Purnima and Hariyali Amas. Ahmedabad Jagannath Rath Yatra is on July 7, 2024. Ekadasi Fasting Dates in Ashad Maas Devshayani Ekadashi – July 17 Kamika Ekadashi –  July 31 Ashad Maas Sud Padvo and Vad Padavo – Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha Ashad Gujarati calendar 2024 Sud Padvo (Waxing phase of moon) is from July 6 to July 21, 2024. Ashada Maas 2024 Vad Padvo Paksha (Waning phase of moon) is from July 22 to August 4, 2024. Purnima in Gujarati Ashada month Ashada Purnima or Full moon day is on July 21, 2024. The Purnima Vrat is marked on July 20. The Purnima begins at 5:09 PM on July 20 and ends at 3:56 PM on July 21.  Vyasa and Guru Purnima are observed on July 21.  Amas in Gujarati Ashada month Asha

Shri Dwarakadish Patotsav – Kankroli Dwarkadish Temple Swaroop Inception Festival in Rajasthan

Kankroli Dwarkadhish Temple in Rajasthan is one of the most important temples dedicated to Hindu God Dwarkadhish – Krishna. Shri Dwarkadhish Patotsav 2024 date is July 11. Patotsav is a sort of re-consecration ceremony held in temples in western and northern parts of India. In the ritual, a strip of garment tied on the head of a murti. The ritual re-invokes the Deity and is annually held on the consecration day. Legend has it that the murti of Krishna worshipped in the Kankroli Dwarkadhish Temple in Rajasthan originally belonged to Gokul in Vrindavan. To save the murti from the attack of mughal ruler Aurangzeb, it was moved to a village near Udaipur in Rajasthan. Finally, it was moved to Kankroli near Nathdwara during the 18th century. Today, the magnificent temple of Dwarkadhish Ji is located on the banks of Rajsamand Lake (Raisagar) in Kankroli. The Patotsav is annually held on the fifth day during the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Ashada Month.

Thanks to Sanskrit Bharati These IT Professionals Find Joy in Conversing in Sanskrit

Nearly a dozen IT Professionals from the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Pune makes it a point to converse in Sanskrit before lunch time. These techies join to learn Sanskrit as part of the Sanskrit Sambhashan Shibir (Sanskrit conversation workshop), organized by Maitree — a TCS unit for cultural and social activities — and Sanskrit Bharati that works for promoting Sanskrit as a spoken language. Indian Express reports The seeds of the workshop were sown during Pride of India, an exhibition organised in April highlighting the contribution of Sanskrit to science. “During the exhibition, Aashish Majramkar (co-ordinator and instructor of the workshop) showed his willingness to conduct a conversation workshop for those interested in learning Sanskrit. Manjarmkar, an assistant systems engineer with TCS, is a fluent Sanskrit speaker and had been associated with Sanskrit Bharati in the past. “To learn any language, we must follow the steps of listening, speaking, reading and

Kardam Shasti

Kardam Shasti is observed in the month of Ashara. Kardam Sashti 2024 date is July 12. The ritual is mainly observed in eastern parts of India . It is observed on the seventh of the Shukla Paksha of Ashar Month. There is only very little information of this ritual as it is only observed by certain Hindu communities. Note – If any of you have any information about this ritual please comment about it or write to us. If the ritual also has a different spelling please inform us.

Where should Murtis (idols) of Hindu God placed in a Puja Room in the home?

The murtis (idols) or paintings of Hindu gods like Ganesha, Vishnu, Krishna , Lakshmi, Ayyappa, Saraswati, Shiva, Muruga should face west so that we face east while worshipping. The murtis should not be placed in bedrooms. The images of Gods also should not directly face the main door. Murtis of Hindu Gods should not be kept in the puja area facing each other. Broken idols should not be used for worship. The Puja area or prayer room should be in the northeast or east of the house.

Swami Vivekananda Thoughts on God

A collection of quotes, thoughts and teachings on God by Swami Vivekananda. This universal intelligence is what we call God. Call it by any other name, it is absolutely certain that in the beginning there is that Infinite cosmic intelligence. This cosmic intelligence gets involved, and it manifests, evolves itself, until it becomes the perfect man. Then it goes back to its own source. That is why all the scriptures say, 'In Him we live and move and have our being.' That is why all the scriptures preach that we come from God and go back to God. Do not be frightened by theological terms; if terms frighten you, you are not fit to be philosophers. This cosmic intelligence is what the theologians call God. God cannot be known to the external senses. The Infinite, the Absolute, cannot be grasped. Yet although it eludes us, we may not infer its non-existence. It exists. What is it that cannot be seen by the outward eye? The eye itself. It may behold all other t

Yuriko Ikenoya – a Woman Warkari from Japan Participating in Pandarpur Yatra for 30 years

Warkaris are pilgrims that follow the Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi procession from Dehu and the Sant Dnyaneshwar palkhi from Alandi in Pune to Pandarpur. The warkaris walk more than 210 km to reach Pandarpur. The walk is for 21 days and the Pandarpur yatra is observed on Ashadi Ekadasi day. Yuriko Ikenoya from Japan has been participating in the Pandarpur Yatra for 30 years. She follows the Sant Dnyaneshwar Palkhi from Alandi. Mid-Day reports about Yuriko Ikenoya Draped in a simple, white sari and a laptop in hand, Yuriko Ikenoya, is any other sanyasi at the Dyaneshwar Samadhi Temple , but that she is a Japanese by birth. Speaking chaste Hindi, Yuriko, who is in her early 50s, reminisces about her 30 years at the Palkhi procession. It was the abhangas (rhymes) by Tukaram and Dnyaneshwar, the great Maharashtrian saint poets, that inspired Ikenoya's decision to spend a month with the Palkhi pilgrimage and also go on foot from Alandi to Pandharpur. Ikenoya a graduate in

Kasumba Chhath Festival Of Pushtimarg Sect

Kasumba Chhath is observed in the month of Ashada  Kasumba Chhath 2024 date is July  12. It is observed during the Shukla Paksha of Ashad month (June – July). The ritual associated with Kasumba Chat is observed mainly in Gujarat and Rajasthan by the Pushtimarg followers . It is held on the Shukla Paksha Chath or sixth day during the waxing phase of moon. Kasumba means red and the color in Pushtimarg is associated with love, attraction, beauty and happiness. It is a positive color. Shri Thakurji (Lord Krishna) is adorned with red color clothes on the day. Shri Gusaiji and Kasumba Chhath The day is also associated with the return of Shri Gusaiji, an ardent devotee of Shri Thakurji to his temple. Gusaiji (1516 - 1586) was the younger son of Shri Vallabhacharya and on of the greatest acharyas of Pushtimarg Sect. Shri Gusaiji was barred from Shrinathji's seva by the adikari of the Shrinathji temple - Krishnadasji. Shri Gusaiji left the temple understanding it must be Shrinathji's

Sexual Intercourse during Ashada Masam

This is a question that we get to hear from many of our young married readers – Can we have sex in Ashad Month. The doubt because in ancient times in Ashada Masam newly married couples were not allowed to stay together in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. This was because if the woman conceived in Kannada or Telugu Ashada Masam (June – July), then she will be giving birth in March or April or May the hottest months in South India . This was not good for the mother and child. Since in ancient times there were no immediate medical facility, elders asked couples to stay apart. The prime reason was that sometimes it was not possible to contain bleeding in hot months. But with improved medical facility, this practice is no longer followed. But still some people fear sexual intercourse during Ashada Masam. This is yet again a personal decision to have sex or not in Ashada Masam. The Aadi month occurs during the same period in Tamil Nadu and here too couples used to stay apart in ancie

Hinduism and Media – How Hindu Religion is Facing the Challenges of New Media

Internet and mobile have made it easy for people to convey their ideas and messages to the world without much censorship. But the retelling of stories associated with religion and creating new images and graphics of symbols associated with religion sometimes causes unwanted situations. Vamsee Juluri , Author, Professor of Media Studies, University of San Francisco , writes about this topic in an article titled – Mythology, Media and the Future of Hinduism in Huffington Post. The gods of Hinduism have never been up there in some cold palace playing cruel whimsical games of fate with us humans. Instead, they have taken their place among us. They have let us call them friend, cousin, son, mother, teacher, and adore them as such. For it is only in relationships that we humans adore, and it is only in adoration that we learn the lessons of the gods: to live in friendship with ourselves and others, to attain a sense of justice in our actions, and to surrender to serenity. That is th

Ravi Pushya Yog – Pushya Nakshatra on Ravivar or Sunday

Ravi Pushya Yoga is calculated in a Hindu Panchang and calendar, when Pushya Nakshatra falls on Ravivar or Sunday. This is considered highly auspicious day for performing pujas and rituals. The day is considered ideal for offering prayers to Surya, the Sun God. Pushya Nakshatra falling on Thursday or Guruvar is known as Guru Pushya Yoga. The day is considered ideal for investments in gold and property.

Marathi Ashada Month 2024 – Ashad Mahina 2024 in Traditional Maharashtra Calendar

Ashada Maas is the fourth month in a traditional Marathi calendar followed in Maharashtra . Ashada Mahina 2024 is from July 6 to August 4. The auspicious days in the month include Ashadi Ekadasi, Pandharpur Yatra and Guru Purnima. Sankashti Chaturthi monthly fasting dedicated to Lord Ganesh is in Ashada Mahina is on July 24 – Moonrise is at 9:56 PM  – Indian standard time. Ashada Mahina Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha Ashada Mahina Marathi calendar 2024 Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) is July 6 to July 21, 2024. Ashada Maas 2024 Marathi calendar Krishna Paksha (Waning phase of moon) is from July 22 to August 4, 2024. Purnima in Marathi Ashada Mahina Ashada Purnima or Full moon day is on July 21, 2024. The Purnima Vrat is marked on July 20. The Purnima begins at 5:09 PM on July 20 and ends at 3:56 PM on July 21.  Vyasa and Guru Purnima are observed on July 21.  Shirdi Utsav is on July 21.  Amavasya  in Marathi Ashada Mahina Ashada Amavasy

Hindu Temple at Ghana in Africa

This Hindu Temple located at Accra in Ghana is not one founded by Hindus from India but by indigenous Africans. Ghana 's first indigenous African Hindu Temple was established by Swami Ghanananda Saraswati. Swami Ghanananda was born in a village in Ghana . It was his quest to find answers to mysteries of nature and life that brought him closer to Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism). Today, the Hindu Temple at Ghana serves more than fifty families who practice Hinduism along with native Ghanaian faith and Christianity. As Hinduism is not a missionary religion there is no conversion and people of all faith come to the temple to find peace and solace. Attracted by the teachings of Hindu religion, now many people have not adopted it as their main faith. Today, there are more than 2000 indigenous African Hindus in Ghana . Apart from this there are Hindus from India , especially Sindhis. There is also a Sindhi Temple in Ghana which was established in 1940s. BBC report