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Showing posts from August, 2010


Gemstone Yellow Sapphire for Birth stars Punarvasu, Vishaka and Poorvabhadra – Navratna Pushkaraj or Pushiaragam

The Navratna Pushkaraj or Pushiaragam or Yellow Sapphire is associated with Punarvasu, Vishaka and Poorvabhadra Nakshatrams. These birth stars are also known as Punirtham, Vishakam and Poorurutathi in regional languages. Navratnas are worn by people who believe in astrology and horoscope and they believe that it will help in achieving success, alleviating diseases and improving luck. Each birth star or Nakshatra has a particular Navaratna associated with it. Pushiaragam is associated with Navgraha Jupiter or Brihaspati or Guru. This gem stone is also known by the name of Pukhraj and Topaz. Poorvabhadra birth star is also referred as Poorvabhadrapada and Pooratadhi. The popular belief is that the Yellow Sapphire will bring security, improve financial status, and bring fame to people born in the Nakshatras Punarvasu, Vishaka and Poorvabhadra. The birth stone is also believed to protect its wearer from misfortune and accidents.

Panivarai Shiva – A Rare Reclining Hindu God Shiva Painting at Vadakkumnathan Temple at Thrissur in Kerala

Reclining posture of Hindu God Shiva is very rare as the reclining posture is most popularly associated with Sri Hari Vishnu. But during a recent study of mural paintings in Kerala by Archaeological Society of India (ASI) a mural of reclining Shiva was discovered. Known as Panivarai Shiva, for long the image was thought to be that of Vishnu. Detail study has now revealed that it is the image of Shiva with Parvati, Ganga and other attendant deities. The Hindu reports An ASI study of 600 panels of murals in Kerala has revealed paintings that were hitherto covered, and also new details of the existing ones. Notable among them are the two rare paintings which are about 350 years old — a reclining Shiva and a Nataraja with 20 arms found on the walls of Vadakkumnathan temple at Thrissur. ‘For long this painting was thought to be a reclining Vishnu, since it was partly covered with soot. Another reason is that a reclining figure is usually associated with Vishnu and it is co

Swami Brahmdev Quotes

A collection of quotes and teachings of Swami Brahmdev. When a sculptor takes a stone, he removes all the unwanted parts and discovers the figure in that stone. Pain and pressure in life are processes that help remove all unwanted substances from our lives and realise our true Self. What causes you pain often turns out to be the most beautiful blessing of your life. If any source gives you pain, feel gratitude for that. For suffering creates the opportunity for change. Sometimes we need pressure and pain to make us change for the better. Aurobindo said that pain is a hammer in the hands of the Divine. Divinity is trying to make a true figure; He is removing all the unwanted substances very slowly, and all around you, for some it could also be their near and dear. Thoughts on Relationship with Oneself – Swami Brahmdev With consciousness we have created beautiful concepts. One of them is the idea of relationships. Whatever we create, whatever we discover, it

Amma’s Tales – Retelling Indian Traditional Stories for Children

Amma’s Tales is the main title of a series of books which retell lesser known Indian traditional stories in an innovative method for children. The stories are taken from Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas. The ancient tales are reintroduced for children by Hema Vaidyanathan and colorful illustrations help in narration. For example the latest book in the Amma’s Tales is titled Tail Tales – the book contains three stories from the Ramayana in which Bali is the central figure. The common factor in three stories is the tail of Vali. The first book was titled - Tale of how and why You can find more details about the books and buy the book online here at the official website of Amma’s Tales.  

Nakt Vrat – Nakth Vrata

Nakt Vrat is a ritual observed by many Hindu communities. In this type of fasting no food is eaten after sunset. There are various types of Nakt Vrat like observing it for seven consecutive Saturdays to please Shani Bhagavan. There is also a particular Nakt Vrat that is observed on the first day of the Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha. In 2024, this Nakth Vrat is on September 4. This ritual is mainly observed in North India . It must be noted that any fast that is kept from sunset to next day morning sunrise is referred as Nakt Vrat.

Navratna Gomedh for Nakshatras Ardra, Swati and Shatbhisha – Gemstone Hessonite or Gomedhakam

Gomedh or Hessonite is the Navratna that is associated with Ardra, Swati and Shatbhisha Nakshatras. The Gemstone is known Gomedhikam or Gomedha. The Nakshatras Ardra is also known as Tiruvathirai. Swati is also referred as Choti and Shatbhisha is known as Chathayam. By wearning the Gemstone people born in these birth stars can avoid delay in success. The birthstone also helps in fulfilling desires and it also helps in career. Gomedha is associated with Navgraha Rahu. The navratna is also worn for good health and success. It is also worn as a solution to problems created by Rahu and Shani in one’s horoscope. Wearing the navratna is also believed to fulfill the romantic endeavors of Ardra, Swati and Shatbhisha Nakshatras. It is also worn to avoid unexpected financial troubles.

Kusha Amavasya - Kushotpadini Amavasya - Darbiamavas

Kusha Amavasya is observed in Kashmir on the no moon day in the month of Bhadra (August – September). Kusha Amavasya 2024 date is September 2. It is also known as Darbiamavas and Kushotpadini Amavasya. The day is of great importance to the Kashmiri Hindu community. In some years, the Amavasi is observed in the no moon day in Shravan Month (July – August) – the previous month. The day is dedicated to dead ancestors, parents and relatives. Shradh or Tarpan are performed on river banks and in sacred spots that perform Pind Daan. This Amavasya is also known as Darbi Amavas. As rituals on the day are associated Darbha Grass used in pujas. Kusha is another name for Darbha Grass.

Lohargal Yatra in Bhadrapad Month

Lohargal is a unique sacred spot located in Jhunjhunu District in Rajasthan. A perennial stream falls into sacred teertha or pond known as Suraj Kund here. Lohargal Yatra is held from Sri Krishna Janmashtami to Amavasya. In 2024, Lohargal Yatra is from August 26 to September 2. The ritual is observed from the eighth day of Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapad month to Amavasya or no moon in Bhadra month as per traditional calendar followed in North India. Lohargal Yatra Story Legend has it that Pandavas after the Mahabharata battle repented on the banks of the Surajkund for the killing of relatives and thousands of other people in the Kurukshetra war. It is said that when the Pandavas washed their weapons in the Surajkund all of weapons melted. And the water body got the name Lohargal, that which melts iron. It is now believed that bathing in the holy waters at Lohargal cures various diseases. Lohargal is located around 70 km from Jhunjhunu.

Sri Aurobindo Books Online – Download Books of Aurobindo in PDF format for free

Sri Aurobindo was one of the greatest seers of India and his spiritual and philosophical ideas and thoughts continue to intrigue minds to this day. Now the Sri Aurobindo Ashram is publishing the Complete Works of Sri Aurobindo and many of them are available online. The Sri Aurobindo Books available online are in pdf format and is under the free download category. You can find Sri Aurobindo Books Online here at the official website of Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

Goddess Yogeshwari – Hindu Goddess Yogeshwari Devi

Goddess Yogeshwari is a manifestation of Goddess Shakti and this form of Mother Goddess is worshipped mainly in Maharashtra, Goa and in some parts of South India . Her origin is mentioned in the Varaha Purana. She is believed to have emerged from the flames coming out of the mouth Shiva.  In most temples of Yogeshwari she is considered as the consort of Shiva. In such temples she is a manifestation of Goddess Parvati. Murti of Yogeshwari Worshipped at Yogeshwari Devi Temple at Ambejogai In the form of Yogeshwari, Mother Goddess is believed to fulfill the desires of her devotees. One of the most popular temples dedicated to Yogeshwari is found at Ambejogai in Beed District in Maharashtra .

Swami Vivekananda Thoughts on Love

A collection of thoughts and quotes of Swami Vivekananda on love. The first test of love is that it knows no bargaining. Love is always the giver and never the taker. The second test is that love knows no fear. The third test is that it is always the highest ideal. All expansion is life, all contraction is death. All love is expansion, all selfishness is contraction. Love binds, love makes for that oneness. You become one, the mother with the child, families with the city, the whole world becomes one with the animals. For love is Existence, God Himself; and all this is the manifestation of that One Love, more or less expressed. The difference is only in degree, but it is the manifestation of that One Love throughout. It is love and love alone that I preach and I base my teachings on the great Vedantic truth of the sameness and omnipresence of the Soul of the Universe. Out of long churning comes butter, and this butter is God. Men of heart get the ‘butter’, and the ‘bu

Jodie Underhill – A British Woman – Plans to clear the trash left by Manimahesh Yatra Devotees

Jodie Underhill is involved in cleaning the mountains in Himachal Pradesh and she is now planning to clean the Manimahesh Lake and its surroundings. Each year thousands of devotees trek to Manimahesh in Chamba District in Himachal Pradesh – a sacred spot associated with Shiva. But sadly many of them leave lots of garbage in the area and make the area dirty. Jodie Underhill was honored with a ‘Green Hero’ award at an environment film festival at Shimla last month for cleaning up garbage in the Dharamsala hills in Himachal Pradesh. Zeenews Reports 'I've just returned from Manimahesh where I went to evaluate the sites for our upcoming clean-up campaign,' Jodie said in an interview. 'I was saddened to see how dirty it was everywhere even though the annual Manimahesh pilgrimage has not even begun. You can see garbage on every step of the 14-km trail. There is also a large amount of human waste around the glacial-fed lake which is a health hazard. We have a mammoth tas

Bengali Bhadra Month in 2024 – Bhadrapada Mash in Bengali Calendar in 2024

Bhadra month, or Bhadrapad Mash, is the fifth month in a traditional Bengali calendar. In 2024, Bhadra Month in Bangla Calendar begins on August 18, 2024 and ends on September 17. The current year as per Bengali calendar is 1431. Some of the auspicious days in the Bengali Bhadra Month in 2024 include - Raksha Bandhan - August 19 Janmashtami - August 26 Nanda Utsav - August 27 Ganesh Chaturthi Puja - September 7 Chaptra Sashti - September 9 Radha Ashtami - September 11 Biswakarma Puja -  September 17 Purnima day in Bhadra month in 2024 is on August 19 and September 18 The Amavasya in Bhadrapad Mash is on September 2 and September 3 The two Ekadashis in the month are on August 29/30 and September 14 Next month in Bengali Calendar is the Ashain Month.

Gemstone Red Coral or Pavizham for Nakshatras Mrigasira, Chitra and Dhanishta – Navratna Moonga

The Navratna, or Gemstone, that is assigned to Birth Stars or Janma Nakshatras Mrigasira, Chitra and Dhanishta is Red Coral. It is known as Pavizham or Praval or Moonga in regional languages. Nakshatra Mrigasira is also known as Makiryam; Chitra as Chithirai and Dhanishta as Avittam. It is believed that wearing red coral helps a person in building self confidence and courage. It is also suggested by astrologers for keeping away diseases. The Navratna also ushers in prosperity. Pavizham or Praval is associated with Navgraha Mars or Mangal. As the Gemstone Red coral is associated with Mangal, it is considered a hot stone and is worn on silver and copper jewelry. People born in Mrigasira, Chitra and Dhanishta Nakshatras wear red coral to avoid health related troubles and also to overcome enemies.

Vishnu Purana in Hindi – Read Vishnu Puran Online in Hindi

Vishnu Purana is one among the most important Puranas and it narrates the stories associated with Hindu God Vishnu and creation. Reading Vishnu Puran daily and on auspicious days associated with Vishnu is considered highly rewarding. The Purana is also read on Ekadasi fasting day by Hindus around the world. Vishnu 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  Vishnu Purana in Hindi here at Ved Puran.

Osho Thoughts – Don’t Be Stagnant

Don't be stagnan is an ever relevant teaching of Osho. Here is a few thoughts on it from Osho. Man can live in two ways: either he becomes a stagnant pool of energy or he can become a dynamic flow, a river of energy. The stagnant pool never knows anything beyond itself because it never moves beyond its boundaries. The stagnant pool of energy becomes the ego. The river like flow helps you always to go beyond yourself. It is a constant transcendence. It is movement towards the oceanic, towards the infinite, towards the unbounded. Life should be like a river, always moving, never clinging, always ready to go into the unknown, always ready to risk the familiar for the unfamiliar. Osho

On Nag Panchami Give Milk to Poor not to Nag Murtis and Ant Hills - Pontiff Jaya Mruthyunjaya Swamiji of Panchapeetha

Milk is offered to Nag Murtis (Snake idols) and Ant Hills on Naga Panchami day. In some extreme form of worship people feed live cobras – offering milk and eggs to the snakes, especially to cobras near snake pits. Pontiff Jaya Mruthyunjaya Swamiji of Panchapeetha in Karnataka asked people to stop the practice of pouring milk on Nag Murtis and Ant hills on Nagara Panchami day and asked to donate the milk to the poor and needy.  Times of India reports Pontiff Jaya Mruthyunjaya Swamiji of Panchapeetha distributed milk to small kids at DGM School on Kondajji road in Davanagere on Wednesday, to mark the celebration of 'nagara panchami' symbolically. He advised people not to pour milk on cobra idols or into termite mounds and instead give it to poor children. The programme was held as part of an awarenss programme for the public to correct their superstitious beliefs and help the needy. During Nag Panchami, some people also decorate snake pits, known as Va

Tamil Avani Masam 2024 – Aavani Month in Tamil Nadu Calendar in 2024

Avani Masam is the fifth month in a year in a traditional Tamil calendar. In 2024, Avani Masam begins on August 17 and ends on September 16. The most important festival in the month is Sri Krishna Jayanti on August 26. Avani Moolam is on September 12. Ekadasi dates in Avani Masam are on August 29 and September 14 Shiva Pradosham dates are on August 17, August 31 and September 15 Pillayar Sankatahara Chaturthi is on August 22 (Ganesh Sankashti Chaturthi) Aavani Amavasya is on September 3 Muruga Sashti Fasting is on September 9 Aavani Pournami or full moon day is on August 19 (Avani Avittam - Upakarma) Vinayagar Chaturthi is held in 2024 in Avani Masam and is on September 7.

Book – English Translation of Ashtavakra Gita – The Song of the Self Supreme

Ashtavakra Gita is a classical text associated with Advaita school teaching and contains the teaching of Sage Ashtavakra. This particular English translation with Sanskrit Text and annotation is by Radhakamal Mukerjee. The Ashtavakra Samhita is in the format of a dialogue between Sage Astavakra and King Janaka. The book is published by Motilal Banarsidas and you can buy it online. The English translation and the annotations by Radhakamal Mukerjee are extremely illuminating and helpful. The ideas of Absolute Monism narrated by Ashtavakra in his dialogue with King Janaka are simplified and presented in a simple manner. Ashtavakragita – The Song of the Self Supreme By Radhakamal Mukerjee Published by Motilal Banarsidas Price – Paper Cover – Rupees 195/- You may also like to read Basic Teachings of Advaita by Sage Ashtavakra

Garuda and Naga – Why Garuda and Nagas (Snakes) are enemies?

Garuda, the divine eagle, is the vehicle, or Vahana , of Hindu God Vishnu. Nagas or Snakes are his permanent enemies. There is an interesting story in the Purana that explains why Garuda and snakes are enemies. Sage Kashyapa had two wives named Kadru and Vinita. Kadru gave birth to thousand snakes who are considered to be the ancestors of the Snakes on earth. Vinita gave birth to the powerful Garuda. Once Kadru and Vinita put a bet on the color of the tail of the horse Uchaishravas – a seven-headed flying horse that was obtained during the churning of ocean or Samudra Manthan. Kadru claimed the color was black and Vinita claimed it was white. The stake was whoever lost the bet will serve the other. Kadru cheated by asking her sons, the Nagas, to hang on to the tail of Uchaishravas. Thus the white tail of the divine horse turned black as the nagas hung on to them. Vinita and Garuda were thus forced to serve Kadru. They were treated badly by Kadru and her sons.

Choth Kajali Vrat

Choth Kajali Vrat is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Hindu God Shiva and is observed by some communities in Gujarat . Choth Kajali Vrat 2024 date is August 23. It is observed on the fourth day of the Krishna Paksha or waning phase of moon in Shravan month in Gujarat . For some communities, this is a continuation of the Phool Kajali Vrat which is observed on the previous day. The vrat is observed for a happy and prosperous life. A unique ritual that is performed on the day is the stripping of paddy. The grains are stripped and collected on the day. A complete fast is observed on the day. Some people take a meal at night or consume dry coconut. Please note that in Shravan month there are numerous vrats dedicated to Goddess Parvati and all of them are performed for a happy and prosperous married life. Related Shravan Month In Gujarat

Lotus-Shaped Temple and hermitage at Santhigri Ashram at Pothencode near Trivandrum

A lotus-shaped Parnasala, or hermitage, at Santhigri Ashram at Pothencode near Trivandrum is garnering attraction due to its unique architecture. The hermitage is built around the resting place of Sri Karunakara Guru and it will also house a life-size golden structure of Sri Karunakara Guru. Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru had established the ashram in 1968 with the mission of establishing the Yuga Dharma in Kali Yuga. Today, the Guru has thousands of followers around the world. Sri Karunakara Guru merged with the Supreme Self on May 6, 1999. This lotus-shaped hermitage is memorial for the Guru built by his followers and admirers on the spot where the original hermitage stood. The lotus-shaped hermitage is a 91-feet structure and has a radius of 84-feet. The lotus-structure has 21 petals – 12 petals facing up and 9 facing down. At the heart of the structure is the Sarakoodam, a 27-feet enclosure made of teak wood in the shape of a lotus bud with a marble cask inside. Atop the cask

Narayana Bali – Narayana Bali Puja at Mahabaleshwar Temple in Gokarna

Narayana Bali is a ritual dedicated to those people who had met with an accidental death or had other unnatural death. It can be performed for ancestors, dead parents or dead relatives or other family members. The Narayana Bali puja is performed to satisfy their unfulfilled desires. Narayana Bali Puja is performed at Vishnupad Temple at Gaya in Bihar,  Mahabaleshwar Temple at Gokarna in Karnataka and also at Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu One of the readers or blog, Suresh Kannan had recently performed the Narayana Bali at Gokarna he wrote a mail to the blog explaining the ritual. We are publishing some excerpts from it so that it will be helpful to people who want to perform the Narayana Bali. The Temple priest asked me to take bath in the sea along with a coconut which has to be dipped 54 times and then a bath in the kodi theertha with 54 dips along with the coconut. Then they asked me to change the clothing and sit in the homa, wherein first Ganesha pooja was pe

Gem Stone for Rohini, Hast, Shravan Nakshatras – Navratna Mothi or Muthu or Pearl

Each birth star or Nakshatra in Hindu astrology has a gemstone or Navratna assigned to it. The Navratna that is assigned to birth stars Rohini, Hast and Shravan is natural pearl known as ‘Mothi’ or ‘Muthu.’ Hast Nakshatra is also known as Atham in regional languages. Shravan is known as Thiruvonam. People who believe in horoscope, astrology etc wear stones assigned to their Nakshatram for luck, prosperity, peace and good health. Mothi is also known as Mukta in some regions. Mothi or Pearl is associated with Navgraha Chandra or Moon. It is believed that if people born in Rohini, Hast, Shravan Nakshatras wear ornaments made of pearl they will get the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi – which brings prosperity. It also provides wisdom and long life.

Pavitra Gyaras

Pavitra Gyaras is observed on the 11 th day of the Shukla Paksha of Shravan month as per traditional calendar followed in North India . Pavitra Gyaras 2024 date is August 16. The ritual is mainly associated with the Vaishnava sect. The next day is observed as Pavitra Baras. Special rituals are performed on the day in temples dedicated to Lord Krishna in Rajasthan and other parts of North India . Pavitra Ekadasi is observed in these regions on the day. Related Putrada Ekadashi

Mahishi – The Story of Demon Mahishi who was killed by Ayyappa

One of the main reasons for the incarnation of Hindu God Ayyappa was to annihilate the demon Mahishi. The popular belief is that the union of Hindu God Shiva and Vishnu in his Mohini incarnation gave birth to Ayyappa. The reason for this unique union was a boon acquired by Mahishi. Mahishi was the sister of Demon Mahishasura who was killed by Goddess Durga, who came up on earth with the energy of the Trimurtis and other Devas. Mahishasura had received the boon that no man could kill him but he was eventually killed by Goddess Shakti in her Durga form. Demon Mahishi went a step ahead and performed intense tapas and austerities to please Brahma. Finally, Brahma relented and as a boon Mahishi asked that a son born to Shiva and Vishnu should only kill her. She asked this boon as Vishnu and Shiva had got better of all the boons that the demons had received earlier. Now it was impossible for a son to be born to Shiva and Vishnu as they were of same gender. V

ISKCON Krishna Lila Theme Park in Bangalore – Building it for Preserving Hindu Culture is a Foolish Reason

The proposed ISKCON Krishna Lila Theme Park in Bangalore is an amusement park that is organized around the stories and moral lessons from Hinduism especially those associated with Hindu God Krishna. Estimated to cost Rupees 35 million, the project is planned at Vaikuntha Hill off Kanakapura Road in Bangalore . The makers claim that this costly project is to uphold and preserve Hindu culture. The Reason for Building the ISKCON Krishna Lila Theme Park The makers of the theme park claim that they want to use modern technology to enrich people with the awareness of Indian culture, to deepen the appreciation of its timeless legacy and discover the relevance of the values embodied in the source books of Indian heritage in the form of Krishna Lila Theme Park . Those behind the park want to present, conserve and uphold the cultural heritage of India as described in the ancient Indian classics, to the contemporary society, in an interesting and captivating presentation. Th

Shravan Dwadasi – Sawan Dwadashi Puja

Shravan Dwadasi puja is observed on the 12 th day during the Shukla Paksha of Sawan month as per traditional calendar followed in North India . Shravan Dwadasi 2024 date is August 17. The day is of great significance to the Kashmiri Pandit community – an important ritual takes place on the day at a Shiva Temple in Shopian in Jammu and Kashmir . The Shravan month is dedicated to God Shiva and various rituals are dedicated to him in this month. The most famous among them is the Shiva puja on Mondays. Apart from this Shiva temples in North India conduct numerous other pujas and rituals in Sawan month. Related Importance Of Shravan month And Rituals

Kaal Sarpa Dosha – What is Kal Sarpa Yog?

Kaal Sarpa Dosha is a bad planetary position in a person’s horoscope and is considered harmful by those people who believe in astrology. It is believed that those who have Kal Sarpa Yog in their horoscope will have to go through tough times throughout the life. Astrologers suggest that this dosha happens due to the bad positioning of Rahu. The best remedy suggested to get rid of this yog is to worship Hanuman and perform Nagdosh Nivaran Puja. As a remedy for this dosha some people also release a pair of snakes into forest on the Nag Panchami day – fifth day of the shukla paksha or waxing phase of moon in Shravan month (July – August). Another remedy suggested to get rid of Kal Sarpa Yog is feeding of ants and fishes.

Puri Ratha Yatra Stamps - India Post Issues Stamp on the Puri Rath Yatra

India Post, the official postal agency of India, has released a stamp on the world famous Puri Rath Yatra. The beautiful hand-painted stamp has the chariot of Jagannath in it with Vaishnavite saints singing the glory of Jagannath. The stamp is in the denomination of Rupees 5 and is available in all GPOs. You may also like to read India Post Issues Stamps on Astrological Signs – Hand Painted Zodiac or Rashi

Plan To Ban Elephants Blessing Devotees in Tamil Nadu Temples

Some of the famous temples in Tamil Nadu have elephants in the temple premises that bless the devotees. The devotees in return give money and some people also give fruits, sugarcane, jaggery and bananas along with money. This is an age-old practice and now the wildlife authorities in Tamil Nadu are planning to ban the practice as they feel it is a stress on the animal. Elephants are seen as the living incarnations of Hindu God Ganesha by many Hindus and the blessing them from is considered sacred. But many Hindus don’t realize the torture the poor animals go through. For elephant owners and trainers the poor animals are a source of income. For this the elephants are made to stand for long hours in the hot sun. They are also tortured to perform the act of blessing. Some people also decorate the elephants with chemical paints which cause rashes on its skin. NDTV reports Wildlife officials have asked temple authorities to put an end to the practice as trainers torture

Rig Hiranyakesi Shravani

Rg Hiranyakeshi Shravani is the special rituals observed in the Shravan month by some Hindu communities in western parts of India . Rig Hiranyakeshi Shravani 2024 date is August 19. Upkarma is performed by some communities on the day. Usually the Rig Hiranyakeshi Shravani is performed when the Hasta Nakshatra falls in the Shravan month. Rig Shukla Yajur Shravani is observed a day earlier or later of Rig Hiranyakeshi Shravani. Please note that Upakarma is performed during different time by different communities. But majority of the communities observe it during the Shravan month. Related Know About Yearly Upakarma Ritual

Navratna for Krittika, Uttara, Uttarashadha Birth Stars – Gem Stone Manik or Manickam or Ruby

Wearing Navratna or gem stones are believed to change the luck of people. Those people who believe in horoscope and astrology wear Navratnas based on their birth star or Nakshatram. People wear these rare stones to fulfill desires, to stay away from the tactics of enemies and also to lead a peaceful life. Manik or Manickam (Manikyam) or Ruby is associated with Krittika, Uttara, Uttarashadha Nakshatras. These birth stars are also known as Kartika, Uttram and Uttradam. Manickam or Ruby is associated with Navgraha Surya. Wearing Ruby or Manik stone by people born in Nakshatra Krittika, Uttara and Uttarashadha is said to help in alleviating poverty, bringing peace and it also helps in keeping diseases away.

Kaliyug ka Shrawan Kumar – Modern day avatar of the Shravan Kumar of Ramayana

Shrawan Kumar, the young man who exhibited unparalleled parental devotion in the epic Ramayan by carrying his blind parents on his shoulders, is being imitated by Shiv Kumar Kesri in the modern day by carrying his old mother who is unable to walk on his shoulders on pilgrimage to important temples and sacred places in India . This school teacher from Dhanganwa in the Jehanabad district of Bihar carries his mother who is in her 80s on a Kanwar - a handmade bamboo carrier which rests on shoulders. While trekking, he carries his mother in front and keeps a large Shiva linga made of stone weighing as much as his mother in the back to balance the Kanwar. Kesari has already completed a journey to the Baidhyanathdham in Deoghar. He plans to visit Varanasi , Puri, Allahabad , Haridwar, Badrinath, Kedarnath and Vaishnodevi in the same way. India Today reports Kesri has resolved to take his mother Bedamia Devi to all the sacred pilgrim centres across the country to fulfil her last

Niralamba Upanishad Teachings

A collection of teachings from Niralamba Upanishad. The Supreme Self is Brahman alone. Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, Yama (Death), the Sun, the Moon, the gods, the demons, men, women, animals, etc.; the immobile, the Brahmanas, the Kshyatriyas, the Vaishyas, the Shudras etc.; are that very Spirit. Heaven is association with Sat (Brahman or the Supreme Truth). Hell is the deep association with that which brings about this worldly existence. He is ignorant who has the egoistic conception of the body, caste, orders of life, actor, enjoyer and others. Caste cannot refer to the skin, the blood, the flesh or the bone. There is no caste for Atma; caste is only conventional. Pain is the mere thinking of the objects of the world. Happiness is constant bliss – one attains this state of mind after having realized through experience the reality of the One Supreme Truth. Niralamba Upanishad