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Showing posts from March, 2011


Read Vamana Purana Online in Hindi

Vamana Purana is one among the most important Puranas and it narrates the stories associated with Vamana incarnation of Vishnu, creation and also stories of Shiva. Vamana Purana in Hindi is provided by Ved Puran website. You can read it online in Hindi but there is no download option. The Vaman Puran is divided into two parts and there are 52 chapters in the first part and 40 chapters in the second part. Link – Read Vamana Purana in Hindi

Bissu Mela 2023 date – Bissu Fair at Senthoora Devi Temple

Bissu Fair is observed is held at the famous Senthoora Devi Temple near Kempty, 5 kms from Mussoorie in Uttarakhand in India . Bissu Mela 2023 date is March 28. The fair is observed for a week. It is celebrated to mark the harvesting season in the Jaunpur area near Mussoorie. The fair is held during the Shukla Paksha Saptami or the seventh day during waxing phase of moon in Chaitra month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India. Santoora Devi is a manifestation of Goddess Durga worshipped in the Jaunpur region of Himalayas . People from adjacent villages trek to Senthoora Devi Temple to celebrate the festival. The festivities begin with special offering to Maa Santoora Devi. The festival reflects the cultural heritage and tradition of Jaunpur region. The fair held during the period is very famous in the region.

Mansa Devi Mela 2023 – Chaitra Navratri Mela at Manasa Devi Temple

Mansa Devi Mela is an important annual festival and fair held during Chaitra Navratri at the famous Manasa Devi Temple near Panchkula in Haryana. Mansa Devi Mela is from March 22 to March 30, 2023. The most important dates of the Mela are from March 29, 2023 – Durga Ashtami day. Goddess Mansa Devi is an important incarnation of Goddess Shakti and in this form she is very popular in the Himalayas . Millions of devotees arrive at the Mansa Devi Temple worship Mansa Devi during Chaitra Navratri. The temple is open for the entire period on the 7th and 8th day of the Navratri festival. At other times, darshan is from 5AM to 10PM. Temporary accommodation is provided in tents during the period for devotees. 

Gujarati Chaitra Month in 2023 - Chait Mahina in Traditional Hindu Calendar in Gujarat in 2023

Chaitra Mahina is the sixth month in a traditional Gujarati calendar followed in  Gujarat ,  India . Chaitra month 2023 in Gujarati Calendar begins on March 22 to April 20. As per Vikram Samvat calendar, the current year in Gujarati Calendar is the Vikram Year 2079. Some of the important festivals in the month are Chaitra Navratri, Ram Navami, Swaminarayan Jayanti and Hanuman Jayanti. Ekadasi Fasting Dates in Gujarat Chaitra Maas Kamada Ekadasi – April 2 Varuthini Ekadasi – April 16 Shiva Pradosh Fasting Dates in Chaitra Month are: Pradosh – April 3 Pradosha – April 17 Chaitra Maas Sud Padvo and Vad Padvo – Shukla Paksha and  Krishna  Paksha Chaitra Month Sud Padvo in 2023 (Waxing phase of moon) is from March 22 to April 6. Chaitra Month 2023 Vad Padvo (Waning phase of moon) is from April 7 to April 20. Sankashti Chaturthi  monthly fasting dedicated to Lord Ganesha is on April 9, 2023 – Moonrise is at 10:10 PM – Indian standard time. Poonam or

Bikhauti Mela and Vat Puja at Dwarahat in Uttarakhand

Bikhauti Mela and Vat Puja is a unique festival and fair observed on the Mesha Sankranti day at Dwarahat in Almora District in Uttarakhand. Bikhauti Mela and Vat Puja 2023 date is April 14. Dwarahat literally means the door to heaven. The place is noted for a cluster of 55 temples dedicated to various gods in Hindu Pantheon. Bikhauti Mela and Vat Puja observed on Mesha Sankranti and Vaishakhi day attracts scores of people. The puja and rituals is sort of a thanksgiving to a famous victory the king of the region achieved.

Tukadoji Maharaj Jayanti 2023 Date - Birth Anniversary of Tukadoji Maharaj

Tukadoji Maharaj (1909 – 1968) was a great social reformer in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, who lived for the betterment of millions of Indians. Tukadoji Maharaj Jayanti is observed on April 30, 2023. His literary work, Gramgeeta, gives ideas about the developments needed in villages and how to implement them for a better future of the country. The Jayanti, or birth anniversary, is annually held on April 30. Tukdoji Maharaj worked tirelessly to bring about social and economic development in rural Maharashtra and this earned him the title Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj. He actively participated in the independence movement and was also jailed by the British. He initiated man social reform movements and struggled hard against blind faith, untouchability and superstition. Apart from the Gramageeta, Tukadoji Maharaj also wrote thousands of devotional poems in Marathi. He continues to inspire millions of men and women in rural India .  

Kannada Chaitra Masa 2023 – Chaitra Month in Traditional Hindu Calendar in Karnataka in 2023

Chaitra Masa, or Chaitra Month, is the first month in a traditional Kannada calendar followed in Karnataka. Chaitra Masa 2023 begins on March 22 to April 20. Shobha Krutu Nama Samvatsara and Shak Year 1945 begins on the first day of the Chaitra month which is celebrated as Kannada New Year (Ugadi). Some of the important festivals and auspicious days include Ugadi, Chaitra Navratri, Sowbhagya Gowri Vratam. Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti. Sankatahara Chavithi monthly fasting dedicated to Ganesha is on April 9, 2023 – Moonrise is at 10:10 PM – Indian standard time. Shiva Pradosham Fasting Dates in Kannada Chaitra Month are: Pradosh – April 3 Pradosha – April 17 Chaitra Masa 2023 Shukla and  Krishna  Paksha in Kannada Chaitra Month Chaitra Masa 2023 Shukla Paksha or bright phase of moon is from March 22 to April 6. Chaitra Masa 2023 Krishna Paksha or dark phase of moon is from  April 7 to April 20. Kannada Chaitra month Ekadasi dates are: Kamada E

Hinduism and Environment – Traditional Hindu Views on the Environment

The core teaching of Hinduism is that everything is God. Everything should be revered. The smallest animal and tallest tree, to the longest river and mightiest mountain, the stars and planets – all are manifestations of the Supreme Truth. Therefore Hindus worship different aspects of environment. Traditional Hindu views on the environment ask people to consider Nature as Mother and protect her. But how many of us Hindus are really bothered about protecting nature? An article in the latest edition of Hinduism Today Magazine discusses the topic of Hinduism and Environment. When it comes to traditional Hindu views on the environment, one statement for the Ishavasya Upanishad sums up the reverential attitude Hindus are urged to take. In English it reads, "The entire universe is to be looked upon as the Lord." That means that there is everything in existence is essentially, practically and metaphorically, connected together. Everything is seen as aspects of Divinity--humans, anim

Hanuman Jayanti Vrat in 2023 – Fasting date

Hanuman Jayanti Vrat, also referred as Hanuman Jayanthi Upvaas, is dedicated to Hanuman and is performed on His birthday and also a day before it in some regions. In 2023, the date of Hanuman Jayanti Vrat is on April 5 in Maharashtra and other western parts of India . Hanuman Jayanti is on April 6. Hanuman Jayanti is observed on the Chaitra Purnima day (full moon day in the Hindu month of Chaitra). Hanuman Jayanti upvas is a full day fast. Those who opt for partial fasting eat fruits or take a single meal. People read Hanuman Chalisa or chant Ram  Nam  on the day.

Voluntary Service by Devotees at Tirupati Balaji Temple – Sri Vari Seva

Sri Vari Seva at Tirupati Balaji Temple is an opportunity for devotees to serve fellow pilgrims and participate in devout service at the temple. Pilgrims are free to choose the area of service according to their interest and aptitude. Both men and women between 18 to 62 years of age are permitted for service. Those interested may make spot registration at the cell functioning Inside RTC Bus stand at Tirumala. Groups consisting of not less than 10 members and ready to work for atleast one week may participate in the seva on prior intimation and they will be provided with free food and accommodation at Tirumala. Under the seva, pilgrims can offer their voluntary service in the following areas: 1. Annadanam 2. Queue Lines 3. Kalyana Katta 4. Gardens 5. Laddu Counters 6. Vaikuntam Queue Complexes 7. Free Bus 8. Pilgrims Amenities Complexes 9. Information Centers 10. Vigilance 11. Health 12. Central Reception Office (CRO) 13. Srivari Thirunamam 14. Bus Stops 15. Pushkarini 16. Pusthaka

Those who worship me with devotion are in me and I am also in them – Krishna in Gita

Whoever offers to Me with devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, water, that I accept – offered by the pure-minded with devotion. Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer in sacrifice, whatever you give, whatever you practice in austerity, O Kaunteya, do it as an offering to Me. Thus shall you be free from bonds of actions which yield good and evil results; with the mind steadfast in the Yoga of renunciation. The same am I to all beings; to Me there is none hateful nor dear; but those who worship Me with devotion are in Me, and I am also in them. Bhagavad Gita IX – 26 - 29

Tukaram Bhajans in Marathi – Download Tukaram Poems in Audio Format in Marathi

Tukaram Abhangs are the devotional poems composed by Sri Tukaram Maharaj. Sant Tukaram is a 17th century saint-poet who is one of the greatest poets in Marathi language and one of the greatest saints of the Bhakti Cult in  Maharashtra . Now you download some of the Tukaram Bhajans in Audio format. A website dedicated to Sri Tukaram Maharaj is now providing the opportunity to download the abhangs of Sri Tukaram Maharaj. You can  download Sri Tukaram Abhang in Marathi here. Tukaram's teachings are in the form of the Abhangas (dohas), which constitute the Gatha. Sant Tukaram (1608-1649) was born in a devoted and highly religious family. He is famous for his Abhangas which, at a much later date, very much moved Mahadeva Govind Ranale. In his Abhangas, we find a spirit of absolute dedication to God. Tukaram's teachings represented a fusion of Vedantism and the Bhakti cult. He was an exponent of theophilanthropy. Tukaram was a non-Brahmin and some of the fanati

Supermoon in Hindu Astrology

Today – September 28, 2015 – is Purnima or full moon day in Hindu calendar and Panchang and there is also a supermoon today. As per Hindu astrologers, this supermoon has no adverse effect. People should not be scared of the supermoon and it is an excellent opportunity to view the moon at such a lose distance. There is no effect on any Rashi or Nakshatra. As per many astrologers, the concept of supermoon is largely ignored in Hindu astrology. Supermoon happens when the moon comes closest to earth. This phenomenon happens at regular intervals but today’s supermoon is the closest in 20 years. The years of supermoon – 1955, 1970, 1992 and 2005 – have been unfortunately accompanied by natural disasters. This year too was no different with the huge earthquake and subsequent Tsunami in Japan .

Vetal Sashti

Vetal Sashti is observed during the Baishakh or Vaisakh month (April – May) in Jammu and Kashmir . Shashti or Shasti is the sixth day during a lunar fortnight. Vetal Sashti 2023 date is April 11. Vetals are subsidiary deities that are worshiped in many temples in the region. Vetal is a spirit occupying the body of a dead human being or animal. Vetal appears as characters in many folktales and stories associated with Hindu tradition. The most famous among is the stories of Vikram and Vetal. The fairs and rituals on the day are associated with paying respects to Vetals. Vetal Sashti is observed during the Baisakh Krishna Paksha or waning phase of moon.

Book For Free Download – Blinded by Science – The Facts They Don’t Want Us To Know

Blinded by Science – The Facts They Don’t Want Us To Know is written by Matthew Silverstone and it provides amazing new ideas about so many unexplained phenomena, things that are talked about but not explained. You can download the book for free till April 30, 2011. The best thing about the book is that it makes you think. It makes you find your own answers to things that you never expected to figure out. The book just gets you started in discovering things that you had never considered before. You can download the book Blinded by Science here. From the flyer You probably know that around the world there are people that hug trees. Of course most of us think that it is just a hippy thing. But there is a science behind it – a simple fact, everything vibrates in the universe, molecules, water, everything. Combining this fact with the amazing properties of water, which he explained is a chameleon, it changes its vibration all of the time. He suggested that as the human body is made up of

Anasuya Jayanti

Anasuya Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Anasuya, mother of Sage Dattatreya, Durvasa and Chandra. Anasuya Jayanti 2023 date is April 9. She was the wife of Sage Atri and is believed to have helped Rama, Sita and Lakshman during their exile. Anasuya means one who is free from jealousy and envy. She is believed to have had miraculous powers. Anasuya Jayanti is observed Krishna Paksha tritiya or the third day of the waning phase of moon in Vaisakh month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India . 

Vrishabhadri Or Vrishabhachala – Name Of Tirupati - Tirumala Hills In Satya Yuga

The Tirumala Hill abode of the Tirupati Balaji Temple is as holy as Vaikunta, the abode of Vishnu. It is believed that Srihari Vishnu had brought the sacred hill to earth from Vaikunta. In different yugas, the Tirumala Hill is known by different names. It is known as Vrishabhadri or Vrishabhachala in Krita or Satya Yuga. Krita or Satya Yuga is the first among the four yugas as per Hindu Tradition. It is the age of Truth. Legend has it that during Krita Yuga, a demon named Vrishabha Sura captured the Tirumala Hill and started performing a gruesome penance. He used to cut his head and offer it with a flower to the Narasimha Avatar of Vishnu. His head would grow back again and he continued the same terrible austerity the next day. Fed up with this terrible tapas, holy men deserted the seven hills surrounding Tirumala. Finally, Srihari Vishnu appeared before Vrishabhasura and asked him the reason for his austerity. The demon said that he wanted to fight Vishnu. V

Size of Murti (or Idol) of Hindu God to be installed in Puja Room in Home

The murti of Hindu God that should be worshipped in home should be of small size. The general rule that is followed is that the height of the murti should not be of more than 22 cm. This rule is generally followed when murtis of Ganesh, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Krishna , Saraswati and Shivling is placed in puja rooms. The rule is strictly followed by Hindu homes in North India . But when murtis of Ganesha, Saraswathi, Vishwakarma etc are used during pujas like Saraswati Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi Puja the size can be more than 22 cm. But it is always better to use small murtis even for temporary pujas. Huge murtis are worshipped only in temples or in sacred places. 

Sai Baba Utsav at Shirdi in Chaitra Month - Ramnavami Festival

Sai Baba Utsav observed in Chaitra Month attracts thousands of devotees to the Saibaba Temple at Shirdi. Sai Baba Utsav 2023 date is from March 29 to March 31. This festival coincides with the Ramnavami festival. The most important day during the festival is April 10, the Ram Navami day. The three-day festival is observed from the Chaitra Ashtami day (eighth day of the waxing phase of moon in Chaitra Month) to the Chaitra Dashami day (tenth day of the waxing phase of moon in Chaitra Month). Special pujas and programs are held during the three days. The festival also marks the end of the Chaitra Navratri. 

Quotes from Thirukural on Love

One who has no love in his heart will try to possess everything for himself. One who has love in his heart is ready to sacrifice everything including his own body for the benefit of others. The ignorant say that love leads one to Dharma only; but love is a defense against evil too and love helps one to get out of vice also. The life of a man who has no love in his heart is as futile as the existence and flourishing of a withered tree in a barren land. The human body which is sustained by love is truly alive, where as the human body which is not sustained by love is mere assembly of bones covered with skin. Thirukural

Quotes from Rg Veda on Equality

There is none high or low amongst you. You are all brethren and therefore, strive all together to attain prosperity. (Rg Veda 50, 60, 5). As, O God, Thou art for ever the common Lord of all alike, as such we invoke thee now. (Rig Veda 4, 32, 13) All who can walk are equally entitled to the use of paths and roads. (Rig Veda 2, 13, 2) Be united; speak in harmony; let your minds apprehend alike; common be your prayer; common be the end of your assembly; common be your resolution; common be your deliberations; unified be your hearts; common be your intentions; perfect be your unity. (Rig Veda 10, 191, 24)

Annapurna Parikrama

Annapurna Parikrama is observed during Chaitra and Ashwin Navratri in North India .  For Ashwin Navratri, it is on October 21, 2023. The ritual is dedicated to Goddess Annapurna. Annapurna Parikrama during Chaitra Navratri is on March 29, 2023. Annapurna Parikrama is observed on the Durga Ashtami day ( the eighth day during the waxing phase of moon) and is popular with certain Hindu communities in North India . 

Basavanna Quotes - A Collection Of Basavanna Teachings

Basavanna is the founder of Lingayatism or Lingayat Sect or Veerashaivism. Here is a collection of quotes and teachings of Basavanna. Soft words are as good as chanting, soft words are as good as doing penance. A sure way of pleasing Sadashiva is to speak softly and to speak truth. Of what avail is religion without compassion One should have love and compassion for all beings Mercy is the very basis of religion Lord Koodala Sangama won’t approve otherwise None are smaller than me None are greater than devotees of Shiva Action itself is knowledge, and Knowledge is action; knowledge means To understand; and action means To act according as one understands To think adultery to be wrong Is knowledge; and action is To act accordingly; No to do so, is ignorance. The human body is a basket The mind is the snake See how they live together Anytime the snake may bit and kill you But for the grace of Kudala Sangama (Shiva) Do not rely on the peri

Hindu God Ganesha Murti carved on Pencil Tip in 10 minutes

Sanjay Dayanand from Udupi in Karnataka in India has created a murti of Ganesha on a pencil tip. The murti is 2 millimeter in size and is carved on a pencil lead. Guinness Book of Records recently recognized this achievement. Daijiworld reports Sanjay Dayanand, a resident of Kaadoor near Kokkarne in Udupi, had dreamt a great debut.  He chose to carve Ganapa on a chalk-piece initially one centimeter which earned him first prize in the school competitions.  He continued his hobby to carve out Ganapa in a tiny pencil lead. It’s impossible task for a normal persons to concentrate on a tiny bit of pencil lead in order to carve a miniature figure.  It’s indeed a marvelous achievement to carve the figure of Ganapa just in 10 minutes.  The eye specialists say that it could only be achieved by someone with persistent efforts. 

Veda Adhyayana Kendra – Learn India’s Vedic Heritage

Veda Adhyayana Kendra is dedicated to spreading India ’s Vedic Heritage and was founded by Dr. C. L. Prabhakar, a retired Sanskrit Professor, in 1994. It is located at Bangalore , India . Veda Adhyayana Kendra has got an online English publication section with monthly newsletters and journals – both contain valuable information of India ’s Vedic Heritage. The Kendra imparts training in the recitation of the Veda mantras, Veda suktas and other mantras. The center also conducts lectures, homas and cultural festivities related to the Vedas, Astrology, Yoga, Religion, Music and Philosophy. Read monthly newsletter and journal of Veda Adhyayana Kendra – both are available online here. You can learn more about Veda Adhyayana Kendra here.

Surya Shasti Vrat – Chaitra Mahina Surya Sashti

Surya Shashti is dedicated to Lord Surya (the Hindu sun god) and is observed on sixth day of the waxing phase on moon in Chaitra month (March – April). In 2023, the date of Surya Shashti is March 27. Vrat, pujas and rituals dedicated to Surya are performed on the day especially by certain Hindu communities in North India . Some people fast on the day till sunset others till the pujas are concluded. Gayatri Mantra and other mantras dedicated to Surya are chanted on the day. Please note that Surya Sashti is also observed in Bhadrapad month (August – September). Vratas dedicated to Surya is observed on the Shasti (Sixth) and Saptami (Seventh) of lunar fortnight in different Hindu months.

Jagannath Sadak – Retracing Orissa Trunk Road from Kolkata to Puri Jagannath Temple

Jagannath Sadak, also known as Orissa Trunk Road, was established in 1790. Pilgrims from Kolkata used to travel by foot through this route to reach the Puri Jagannath Temple . With the arrival of Railways in India , the road route was abandoned. To rekindle the memory of the old journey, a group of Hindu devotees recently undertook the yatra on foot through the Jagannath Sadak – the journey called Sri Sri Jagannath Sadak Sagada Yatra will cover a distance of 484 kilometers between Puri and Kolkata. Daily India Reports Anil Dhir, a Hindu devotee said: "It is an initiative to revive the lost glory of a very old road which used to connect Kolkata with Puri. This road was the lifeline for all the pilgrims who would visit the holy abode at Jagannath around the year and especially for the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath and was established way back in 1790." "The road has a very rich history, but with the advent of the Railways in 1898, when the first train left from Howra

Nag Vrat in Chaitra Month – Nag Panchami in Chait Mahina

Nag Vrat and Nag Panchami in Chaitra Month or Chait Mahina (March – April) is mainly observed in North India . Nag Vrat 2023 date in Chaitra Month is March 26. It is observed on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Chaitra Mahina. The day is dedicated to worship of Snakes. Special pujas, vrat and rituals dedicated to Nag or serpents are performed on the day. Please note that the most famous Nag Panchami is observed in Shravan Month (July – August).

There is no joy in the finite – there is only joy in the Infinite – Upanishads

As a great fish swims between the banks of a river as it likes, so does the shining Self move between the states of dreaming and waking. As an eagle, weary after soaring in the sky, folds its wings and flies down to rest in its nest, so does the shining Self enter the state of dreamless sleep, where one is free from all desires. The Self is free from desire, free from evil, free from fear… Like strangers in an unfamiliar country walking everyday over a buried treasure, day by day we enter that Self while in deep sleep but never know it, carried away by what is false. Day and night cannot cross that bridge, nor old age, nor death, nor grief, nor evil or good deeds. All evils turn back there, unable to cross; evil comes not into this world of Brahman. One who crosses by this bridge, if blind, is blind no more; if hurt, ceases to be hurt; if in sorrow, ceases sorrowing. At this boundary night itself becomes day: night comes not into the world of Reality. There is no joy in the finite; the

Quotes on Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

Without studying Ramakrishna Paramahamsa first, one can never understand the real import of the Vedas, the Vedanta, of the Bhagavata and the other Puranas. His life is a searchlight of infinite power thrown upon the whole mass of Indian religious thought. He was the living commentary to the Vedas and to their aim. He had lived in one life the whole cycle of national religious existence in India .’ – Swami Vivekananda His [Sri Ramakrishna’s] life enables us to see God face to face. No one can read the story of his life without being convinced that God alone is real and that all else is an illusion.’ –  Mahatma Gandhi This celebration of religious diversity – alongside of toleration and pluralism – remained prominent in India during the nineteenth century, thanks primarily to the great contributions of the Hindu saints Swami Ramakrishna and Vivekananda. Fully to understand and taste the beauty of other faith traditions, it is said, Ramakrishna even engaged in deeds that may

Sansar Padwa 2023 date in Goa

Sansar Padwa is the Hindu New Year observed in Goa . It is observed on the first day of the Chaitra Month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in Goa . Sansar Padwa 2023 date is March 22. The day is also popularly known as Gudi Padwa. The day is considered to be one of the most auspicious days to start new ventures and perform auspicious ceremonies like house warming. Shigmo festival observed in some parts of  Goa  concludes on the day. Another ritual on the day is the Dinya Jatra. In this ritual unmarried youth from the Velip community carry a stick of dino decorated with flowers around the village. Gudi flags are also raised on the day in many houses.

Gautam Rishi Jayanti

Gautam Rishi Jayanti is believed to be the birth anniversary of Saint Gautama. It is observed on the first day of the Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India . Gautam Rishi Jayanti 2023 date is March 22. Gautama Rishi is one of the saptarishis or seven sages as per Anusasana Parva of the Mahabharata. One of the most popular incidents mentioned in the Puranas associated with Gautama Rishi is of Indra, the king of Devas, trying to rob the chastity of Gautama Rishi’s wife Anasuya and the subsequent curse that the saint gave to Indra. The Rishi is credited with Gautama Dharma Sutra, a law book.

Burning of Demons during Bali Hindu New Year – Ogoh Ogoh Ceremony during Nyepi

The second day of Nyepi celebrations in Bali in Indonesia is known as Tawur Kesanga or burning of huge demons known as Ogoh-Ogoh. This ceremony is on March 21, 2023. Nyepi, the Balinese Hindu New Year, is on March 22. On the Tawur Kesanga day, evil or Bhuta Kala is burnt. Huge demons are made using paper, bamboo and other inflammable materials. These huge demons are known as Ogoh-ogoh and they represent the evil. In a carnival atmosphere in the evening, Ogoh-ogoh is burnt in the street corner. It is a sort of warding off the evil and also a cleansing ceremony. This ceremony is similar to burning of Holika or Holika Dahan before Holi in  India . In India there is no fanfare and creative demons. The Ogoh Ogoh ceremony attracts thousands of people. Symbolically, it represents the burning of all evil, hatred, jealousy and all that is inauspicious before the New Year which falls on the next day.

Top 5 Tallest Shiva Murtis (Statues or Idols) in the World

Hindu God Shiva the formless Brahman made his appearance in the form of Lingodabhavamurti – a pillar of fire with no beginning and end – on Mahashivaratri night. Devotees of Shiva around the world have created some huge murtis of Shiva as an offering to the Supreme Truth. Here are the Top five tallest Shiva murtis (Statues or Idols) in the world. Shiva Kailash Nath Mahadev at Sanga in  Nepal  – 143 feet (45 meter) ( read more about Shiva at Sanga ). This is currently the tallest murti of any Hindu God and it was inaugurated in 2010. Shiva at Murudeshwara in Karnataka in  India  – 122 feet (37 meter). This was inaugurated in 2006. Shiva as Mangal Mahadev in Ganga Talao in  Mauritius–  108 feet (33 meter). This was inaugurated in 2007. Shiva of the Har-ki-Pauri at Haridwar in Uttarakhand in  India  – 100 feet (30.5 meter) Shiva at Kemp fort in Bangalore in Karnataka in  India  – 65.5 feet (20 meter)

Quiz on Hindu God Shiva

This is a quiz based on Hindu God Shiva. Majority of the questions are from Puranas and Hindu stories. The quiz might not be simple like the earlier ones. The main aim of it is to introduce the reader to different aspects of Shiva in the Puranas and to make the reader find out more about Mahadev. You can take the quiz below – Please note that the quiz is an embedded file and is hosted on another website. If there are any corrections please post it on the comment section or send it on the email address – hindublog @ gmail.com

Maa Kamra Jayanti – Goddess Kmra

Maa Kamra is the patron deity of the Sahu Samaj in India . Maa Kamra Jayanti celebrates the day when she appeared on earth. Maa Kamra Jayanti 2023 date is March 18. The popular belief is that she was born on earth on the 11th day of Chaitra month – Chatira Gyaras – Krishna Paksha Ekadasi in Chaitra month or waning phase of moon in Chaitra month. Numerous programs are observed on the day by the Sahu Samaj including mass marriages, processions, charity, free food and cloth distribution etc.

Mahashivratri Messages

Shiva means your very self, the purest Self, your innermost core. Shiva means good or benevolent. The word ratri in Sanskrit means that which relieves you from three types of agony – ethereal, mental and material. At night everything becomes quiet and peaceful. The body gets tired and goes to sleep. ‘Shivaratri’ literally means that night which infuses the Shiva tatva or the transcendental principle to the three instruments: the body, mind and speech. – Sri Sri Ravishankar Shivarathri is a celebration to not only awaken your inner space, but to radiate and express that tremendous potential energy which is inside all of us. To awaken that higher consciousness and live like Shiva! Shiva is that causeless auspicious form, whose inner space is completely awake and is living in Light and radiating this energy. - Unknown Related Shivratri Thoughts and Messages - Swami Chidananda Saraswati Religious importance of not sleeping at night during Shivaratri Thoughts on Shivratri by Shankaracha