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Showing posts from July, 2011


Shani Dosha Parihara – How to overcome bad effects of Shani in Horoscope?

Shani Dosha is the bad effects caused by the positioning of Shani in a person’s horoscope. Shani dosha parihara include various prayers, pujas and rituals performed by people affected by it. The most widely practiced pariharas are Saturday fasting, prayers to Hanuman, Ganesha and Shiva. Ayyappa is also worshipped in South India to overcome difficulties of Shani. Visit to Hanuman, Shani and Ganesha temples on Saturdays is highly effective in keeping a check on Shani Dosha. The offerings that can be made are black clothes and black Til (sesame seeds). Feeding hungry people is also considered highly meritorious. One must not think that all troubles are caused by Shani. The other Grahas can also cause trouble. There are also stories of people attaining peace and prosperity during Shani Dosha period. Related Saturday Fasting for Shani Hanuman and Shani

Tumburu Theertham at Tirumala – Story of Tumburu Gandharva Tirth at Tirupati

Tumburu Theertham is a sacred lake at Tirumala and it is deep in the jungles. It is around 6 km from Papanasam into the jungles. TTD opens a bridge that gives easy access to Tumburu Theertham on the Phalguna Purnima day (February – March). There is an interesting story that is associated with Tumburu Gandharva Tirth. Legend has it that Tumburu Gandharva had cursed his lazy wife to become a frog and live in the lake in Tirumala. Tumburu Gandharva later repented and told his wife that she will attain her previous form when Sage Agastya will reach the spot and narrate about its holiness. After several years, Sage Agastya reached the spot with his students. He sat below a tree in which the frog had found refuge. The Sage narrated about the holiness of the cave – it is believed that one attains moksha or liberation by bathing in the Tirth. On hearing the words of the sage, the frog regained its previous form. This sacred lake later came to be known as Tumburu Theertham. You can trek to

Kaliya Ghat in Vrindavan – Spot from where Sri Krishna jumped into Yamuna to Fight Snake Kaliya

Kaliya Ghat, located in Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, is believed to be spot from where Sri Krishna jumped into Yamuna River to fight the huge snake Kaliya. The serpent had poisoned the waters of Yamuna making it unfit to drink. Kaliya Ghat is next to the Varaha Ghat and is located near the Gautam Rishi Ashram near the ISKCON Sri Krishna Balarama Temple in Vrindavan. River Yamuna no longer flows near the Ghat as it used to during the time of Sri Krishna. The River has drifted a few kilometers away. At the Kaliya Ghat there is a huge Kadamba Tree – it is believed that Sri Krishna jumped from this tree into Yamuna River . There is a temple dedicated to the divine event of Sri Krishna subduing Kaliya at the Ghat. It has a murti of Sri Krishna standing atop the Snake Kaliya. Another murti is that of Balarama – a white murti. Murtis of the two of the wives of Kaliya is also found inside the temple.

Contact Information of Priests – Pandas or Pujaris – for Pinda Dan and Pitru Paksha Shradh at Gaya Vishnupad Temple in Bihar

Millions of Hindus perform Pinda Dan and other Shradh rituals at the famous Vishnupad Temple at Gaya in Bihar during the Pitru Paksha period (September – October). The help devotees locate priests (Pandas or Pujaris) who perform the rituals and pujas, the Bihar government has published a list of priests of Panda Samaj with phone numbers, other contact information and the regions they represent. The information provided is in Hindi. You find the information here at the Gaya District website. Note – the information is in pdf format you will need pdf reader installed. You may also like to read Mahalaya Pitru Paksha Shradh Fortnight

Gautam Nag Yatra

Gautam Nag Yatra is organized to a sacred spot in Anantnag District in Jammu and Kashmir . The sacred place is dedicated to Gautam Rishi. Gautam Nag Yatra 2024 date is September 14. It is annually organized on the Ekadasi day during Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha. The place is also frequented by Amarnath Yatra devotees. The popular belief is that Gautam Rishi meditated and did penance at Goutam Nag. The picturesque spot is noted for its fruit trees, spring and canals. There is a temple at the spot and a dharmashala. Devotees take a holy dip at the waters here during the yatra. 

Live Darshan from Govind Devji Temple in Jaipur

Govind Dev Ji Temple at Jaipur in Rajasthan , India , is dedicated to Sri Krishna. Lord Krishna is worshipped here as Govind Devji and the mandir is located in the Jaipur City Palace complex. The official website of the temple is offering live darshan of Govindevji during important puja time. Link – Online Live Darshan from Govind Devji Temple in Jaipur (click on link) Note - To view the darshan on the official website click on media player link on left sidebar. You may also like read Live Darshan From Different Temples in India

Aadi Krithigai at Tiruttani Temple – Aadi Kartika Festival of Muruga

Aadi Krithigai, at the famous Tiruttani Murugan Temple in Tamil Nadu, is observed on the Karthigai Nakshatram in the  Aadi Month . Aadi Karthigai 2024 date is July 30. Adi Kartika Theppa Thiruvizha is observed on the day. Situated atop a hill, Tiruttani is one among the six abodes of Muruga. The popular belief is that Muruga who was born as six different babies was looked after by the six Karthigai stars. He was later joined by Goddess Parvati. The Karthigai Nakshatram is therefore considered highly auspicious by Lord Muruga devotees.

Download Govinda Ashtakam Lyrics in pdf – English – Telugu – Tamil

Govinda Ashtakam is a prayer dedicated to Sri Krishna and is believed to have been composed by Jagad Guru Adi Shankaracharya. The prayer is a praise to wonderful aspects and leelas of Govinda. Prapatti website is now offering the lyrics of Govinda Ashtakam in English, Telugu and Tamil. You can download it in pdf format. Link - Govinda Ashtakam in Telugu Link – Govinda Ashtakam Lyrics in Tamil Link – Govinda Ashtakam English

Book Review - The Holy CEO: An Autobiography - Swami Pranavananda Brahmendra Avadhuta – Christian Fabre

The book ‘The Holy CEO: An Autobiography’ is the amazing and inspirational journey of Christian Fabre – who is now Swami Pranavananda Brahmendra Avadhuta – a Naked Monk. Christian Fabre arrived in India in the 1970s – had settled life, wife, son… but everything turned upside down one fine morning. In the early 1980s, his marriage broke and soon his business collapsed. Devastated and all paths blocked he came across a man with crippling leprosy but with full of joy. This was the turning point – the true path was opened – the path to self realization. And so began an ascetic decade of study at a swami's feet, the renunciation of worldly possessions and a permanent search for enlightenment. He reached a state where successfulness and unsuccessfulness was the same. But suddenly his business which was in loss began to prosper. His Guru asked to make his business as a Sadhana. And the Avadhuta continues to be the CEO of a successful business empire – by bringing Dharma into the mate

Lalbaugcha Raja Idol Makers Kambli Arts Gets Patent

Lalbaugcharaja is one of the most popular Ganesha in Mumbai during the annual Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The idol (Murti) of Lalbaugcha Raja for Ganeshotsav is annually made by the Kambli Arts at Chinchpokli in Mumbai. Kambli Arts have now got patent for the Lalbaugcha Raja idol. Kambli Arts makes the murti annually for the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal. Apart from this they also make nearly 200 small murtis which are sold to individuals for puja at home during Vinayaka Chaturthi. Mumbai Mirror reports In its 77th year, the immensely popular Lalbaugcha Raja that attracts millions of devotees each year, has finally been protected by a patent. The original creators of the idol, Kambli Arts, have now been granted sole rights to make idols in the traditional mould.  Kambli Arts, situated at Chinchpokli, have been in the business of making Ganpati idols since 1920. But it was in 1935, a year after its inception, that they began making the popular idol for the Lalbaugch

Visalakshi Yatra – Vishalakshi Shravan Yatra

Visalakshi Yatra is dedicated to Goddess Vishalakshi – an incarnation of Goddess Shakti. Goddess Visalakshi is worshipped at the spot where the Karna Kundala (ear ring) of Goddess Sati fell . The temple dedicated to Vishalakshi is located at Varanasi and in Shravan month a yatra is organized to the temple. Visalakshi Yatra 2024 date is July 24. It is observed on the third day during the krishna paksha or waning phase of moon in Shravan month. Visalakshi Temple is counted among the 18 Shakti Peeth that is popular in some regions. The temple at Varanasi is very small but has a strong legend. Some people believe that Visalakshi is the Shakti of Kashi Vishwanath form of Shiva.

Hastinapura Foundation Spreading Vedanta in Argentina - Uruguay - Bolivia – Colombia

Hastinapura Foundation in Argentina is an educational institution based on the Vedantic teaching that God is one and that there are many paths that lead to Him. The foundation takes its name from the capital city of Pandavas and Kauravas in the epic Mahabharata. It is involved in spreading the core teaching of Sanatana Dharma along with the teachings other religions in South American countries – Argentina , Uruguay , Bolivia and Colombia . The foundation has temples of Hindu deities – Ganesh, Krishna , Surya, Narayana, Shiva and Pandavas. Hastinapura was founded by Argentinian author Ada Albrecht in 1981. Albrecht introduced Hindu and Buddhist philosophy in Argentina . The founders call it the city of wisdom. It offers opportunity to learn philosophy, practice yoga, meditate, sing bhajans and to indulge in humanitarian activities. It offers a three-year post graduate course in yoga. The classes are held on weekends only. Currently, there are 2,500 yoga and philosophy students. Th

Mahatma Gandhi – Pearls of Wisdom

Happiness is when you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. It is unwise to be sure of one’s own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err. Truth resides in every human heart, and one has to search for it there and to be guided by truth as one sees it. But no one has a right to coerce others to act according to his own view of truth. Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.  Mahatma Gandhi

Documentary on Hindu Women Priest in Pune

Hindu women performing religious rituals – like is slowly finding acceptance in many major cities in India – a city in India that is in the forefront of training women priests is Pune in Maharashtra. A documentary is being planned on the success of women priest in Pune – who perform all kinds of puja, Ganesh Chaturthi puja, marriage rituals and funeral rites. The documentary is directed by Suhasini Mulay, national award-winning actress and director.  Mid Day reports   'Back to the Vedas', is the resonant mantra among religious organisations in Pune, who are training women to become priests. The Vedas propagates gender equality and encourages women to learn Sanskrit shlokas.    Arya Joshi, course coordinator at Dnyana Prabodhini, said so far they had trained over 1,000 women priests since 1990. "Housewives are keen to do the course to supplement family income. The course has become popular," she said. The city now has more women priests than other cities in the state.

Swami Ramananda Thoughts

Surrounding me on all sides is the Song of Creation. It is Beginingless and Endless. It is that undefinable oneness imprinted upon all things and dimly perceived through a veil of illusion called past, present and future. Within the Hidden Archives of Creation on layer after layer of Endless Cosmic Shelves, the Sacred manuscripts of God and man are stored. When you are prepared, you will understand. Be patient. Everything of True Value is learned only by great testing and great patience. In time perhaps, you too will know the Secrets that are kept Sacred by Mother Earth. Swami Ramananda Source – Gospel of the Stone – Swami Ramananda

Book for Darshan and Accommodation Online at Official Shirdi Saibaba Temple Website

Those planning to visit Shirdi Saibaba Temple at Shirdi in Maharashtra can now book time for darshan, reserve rooms and pay donations online at a new website of Shirdi. An online website has been created by Shirdi Saibaba Sansthan for convenience of the devotees through which they can book darshan time and accommodation for their stay in the temple town of Shirdi . In order to eliminate middlemen and agents, a touch screen system with 37 computers, is also installed in the premises of the temple. Link - Book Darshan and Accommodation Online at Shirdi Saibaba Temple. Note – Firefox is showing an error for the new website. It is working fine in Chrome and other browsers

Malayalam Ramayanam e-book – Read Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippattu online free in e-book format

The most popular Malayalam version of the Valmiki Ramayan is the Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippattu written by Thunchattu Ezhuthachan. Mathurbhumi News paper is Kerala is offering Malayalam Ramayanam in e-book format for free. It is especially read during Malayalam month of  Karkidakam , which is also known as the  Ramayana Masam .  The e-book is the original verse format of Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippattu. Link - Read Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippattu e-book

Sri Andal Ashtothram in pdf – Download in Tamil and English

Andal Ashtothram is a popular prayer dedicated to Sri Andal, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Bhu Devi. Sri Andal Ashtothram consists of the 108 names of Sri Andal. You can download the prayer in both English and Tamil. Andal during her lifetime penned several verses singing the praise of Sri Ranganatha. Thiruppavai and the Nachiyar Thirumozhi are the famous compositions of Andal. Link - Sri Andal Ashtothram in pdf in English Link - Sri Andal Ashtothram in pdf in Tamil You may also like to read Aadi Pooram – Celebrating the Birth of Andal

Photos and Videos of Sathya Sai Baba Mahasamadhi opened on Guru Purnima – July 15, 2011

Satya Sai Baba’s Maha Samadhi was opened to devotees on Friday, July 15, 2011 for darshan at Prasanthi Nilayam in Andhra Pradesh in India on the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima. The Mahasamadhi is located in the Kulwant Hall in Prasanthi Nilayam. The rectangular-shaped ‘Maha Samadhi’ is a white marble edifice.

Lal Darwaza Mahankali Temple Bonalu Festival in Hyderabad

Bonalu festival in 2024 at the Mahankali Temple at Lal Darwaza in Hyderabad will begin on July 7, 2024. The important Bonalu festival dates at the Lal Darwaza Mahankali Temple are on July 7 and July 8. Bonalu is dedicated to  Amman  – Mother Goddess – and is observed in the Ashada month in the Telangana Region in  India . The Bonalu ritual at Lal Darwaza Mahankali Temple will start with Abhishekam and Flag hoisting – Dhwajarohan. During the festival, the deity will receive a set of new ‘Pattuvastram’ from the government – this is a longstanding tradition. Devotees will make offerings on the day. Welcoming of Potaraju and the grand procession is an important part of the festival. The other famous Bonalu in  Hyderabad  are held at the Golconda Mahankali temple and the  Ujjaini   Mahankali   Temple .

Hair Tonsured at Hindu Temples Turn into Costly Hair Extensions in the West

Did you know that the hair that you offered at a Hindu Temple will be part of an 8.5 billion rupee trade? India is world's biggest exporter of human hair and majority of the exported hair comes from Hindu Temples in India . Head tonsuring in Hinduism is a symbolic gesture – dropping the ego – and is also performed as part of thanksgiving for desires fulfilled by particular deity. It is also performed for speedy recovery and fulfillment of wishes. A full head of natural India hair can cost more than $3,000 at salon in the West. Indian hair is in great demands because majority of Indians still use traditional methods to protect their hair unlike people from other countries who use various chemicals clean and beautify their hair. So the Indian hair is natural – strong and durable and can be colored, curled, heated and blow-dried. The money that is raised from selling of hair is mostly used by temples for charitable activities. The National reports Tonnes of tresses are cut ever

Official Website of Sri Kurmam Temple at Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh

Sri Kurmam Temple at Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh is dedicated to the Kurma Avatar of Hindu God Vishnu. The administration of Sri Kurmam Temple has created an official website in English and Telugu with temple timings, pujas, darshan, contact information, history, accommodation details and a gallery. Kurma, means Tortoise in Sanskrit, and is the second of the 10 ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu . It is believed that this is the only temple in world dedicated to the Kurma Avatar of Vishnu. The original temple is believed to have been built before 2nd century AD and it is believed that the temple was revived by Sri Ramanuja Acharya. The temple underwent huge renovation in the 11th century and is noted for its sculptures and architecture. The temple is mentioned in numerous Puranas like Padma Purana, Brahmanda Purana. You can visit the Official Website of Sri Kurmam Temple here. Related Kurma Avatar Story – The Story of the Turtle Incarnation of Vishnu

Pothi Purnima

Pothi Purnima is observed on the full moon day in Shravan month. The day is dedicated to the reading of the books written Gurus and Saints. It is observed on Guru Purnima day and also by some communities on Shravan Purnima day. Guru Purnima is on July 21, 2024 and Shravan Purnima is on August 19, 2024. The day is primarily meant for showing respect to Gurus and Saints. In Shirdi Sai Baba temples, Sai Charita is read on the day – non stop by several devotees. Related Ashada Purnima Festival at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple

Dev Podhi Agyaras

Devo Podhi Agiyaras marks the beginning of the Chatur Maas in western parts of India especially in  Gujarat and Maharashtra . It begins on the Shukla Paksha Ekadasi day in Ashada Month and ends on the Shukla Paksha Ekadasi day in Kartik Month. Dev Podhi Agiyaras 2024 date is on July 18, 2024. The popular belief is that the period of four months is when Vishnu goes to sleep. Certain Vishnu temples especially those dedicated to Vitthal – Rukmini organize processions to mark the Dev Podhi Agiyaras. Marriages and most auspicious ceremonies are not held from the Dev Podhi Agiyaras day till the end of the Chatur Masa. In 2024, Devo Podhi Agiyaras ends on November 13.

Baphuon Temple in Cambodia Restored – World's Largest Three Dimensional Puzzle

Located in Cambodia , Baphuon is an 11th-century temple built to honor Hindu God Shiva. Baphuon was in ruins – what was left was 300,000 of the sandstone blocks. None of the blocks were of the same dimensions. No mortar was used to fix the stones. This means like in a puzzle each stone had a proper place in the structure. Now the temple has been restored and is open to public. Baphuon Temple restoration was first started in 1960 but had to be stopped due to civil war and later the Khmer Rouge that came to power in 1975 destroyed all the documents related to restoration. The restoration was restarted in 1995 and was funded by the French Government – under the leadership of architect Pascal Royere from the Ecole francaise d'Extreme-Orient (EFEO). Built around 1060 by King Udayadityavarman II in honour of the Hindu god Shiva, Baphuon is 35 meters high (114 feet) and measuring 130 by 104 meters (426 x 340 feet). Mysinchew reports   The story of the 10-million-euro ($14m) r

Bhaja Govindam Lyrics in Telugu – Download in pdf

Bhaja Govindam is composed by Adi Shankaracharya and is a popular devotional song in Hinduism. Now you can download the Telugu translation of Bhaja Govindam in pdf format. The Telugu lyrics is the translation from the original Sanskrit version. Each word in Bhaja Govindam is pregnant with meaning and the composition is a sort of short synopsis of the teachings of Santana Dharma. This Telugu translation of Bhaja Govindam is provided by the prapatti website. Link – Download Bhaja Govindam Lyrics in Telugu Note – you will need pdf reader to read or download the file. Related Download Bhaja Govindam MP3 for Free English Translation of Bhaja Govindam by Adi Shankara

Abhijit Muhurta in Hindu Astrology

Abhijit Muhurta is a highly auspicious period in a day. This Muhurta is not dependent on Tithi, Nakshatra, Rasi or month. There is an Abhijit Muhurta every day – it is around 48 minutes during noon daily. The method in which Abhijita Muhurta is calculated is bit complicated. Abhijit Muhurta is calculated based on sunrise and sunset. The time period from sunrise to sunset is taken. This is then divided by two. The time that is derived is added to the sunrise to find the beginning of Abhijit Muhurta. For example if the sunrise is at 5:30 AM and sunset is at 6:10 PM. Then the total time is 12 hrs and 40 minutes. This is then divided by 2. It gives 6 hrs and 20 mins. Adding this gives the Muhurta. In this case Abhijit Muhurta begins at 11:50 AM to 12:38 PM. Abhijit Muhurta is ideal for all auspicious beginnings. Thanks to Seema Nair who provided information about this Muhurta.

Aadi Month Shakthi Temple Tours to 108 Amman Temples in Tamil Nadu by TTDC

Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation is launching Shakthi Temple Tours to 108 Amman Temples in Tamil Nadu in Aadi Masam (Mid July to Mid August). Aadi Month is dedicated to Amman , or Mother Goddess, and to help devotees offer prayers in many temples of Amman , TTDC is organizing five day tour to various Goddess Shakti Temples in Tamil Nadu. The five-day tour begins from July 18, 2011. The five-day tour will commence from Chennai at 6 am every Monday/Thursday and will end on the following Friday/Monday night. Devotees can have darshan of 108 Amman temples in Chennai, Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruchi, Pudukkottai and Madurai districts as well as those in Puducherry. Tariff per person is Rs 3,250 for adults and Rs 2,500 for children between 4 and 10 years. There is also a package of one-day Shakti tour (Deviar Darshan) to nine Amman temples in Chennai during Aadi Month (July 18 to August 17) on every Tuesday, Friday, Sunday and full moon day. Find

Shaka Vrata in Ashada Masa

Shaka Vrata is observed mainly in South India by certain Hindu communities and is dedicated to Srihari Vishnu. Shaka Vrata is a month long ritual and begins on the 11 th day of the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Ashada Month. Shaka Vrata in 2024 begins on July 17. Shaka Vrata ending date is August 16. The Vrata begins on the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi in Ashada month. This is the famous Devshayani Ekadashi and the Chaturmasya Vrata also begins on the day. The Vrata ends on the Shukla Paksha Ekadasi in Shravan month. This is the Putrada Ekadasi. The popular belief is that Srihari Vishnu enters into a deep slumber on Devshayani Ekadashi – the night time of Devas. There is no fasting associated with the Shaka Vrata. People follow a strict vegetarian diet. Related Chaturmasya Vrata

Sri Jayatirtha Teekacharya Aradhana

Sri Jayatirtha Teekacharya Aradhana honors Sri Jayatirtha the sixth pontiff of the Sri Madhvacharya Peetha. Sri Jayatirtha (1365 AD to 1388 AD) was a great teacher of the Dvaita Philosophy. Sri Jayatirtha Teekacharya Aradhana 2024 date is July 24. The teachings and philosophy of Sri Madhvacharya was translated into simple language by Sri Jayatirtha Teekacharya and this helped common man in understanding the Dvaita School of thought. Sri Jayatirtha got the title Teekacharya due to his great commentaries on the works of Madhvacharya. His most famous work is Nyaya Sudha. Legend has it that Sri Jayatirtha was a bull in his previous birth and used to always roam with Sri Madhvacharya. Pujas, satsangs and lectures on the literary works of Sri Jayatirtha are held on the day. It is annually observed on Ashadha Krishna Paksha Chaturthi Tithi.

Book Review – 99 Thoughts on Ganesha

99 Thoughts on Ganesha by Devdutt Pattanaik explores the stories, rituals and symbols associated with Hindu God Ganesha. There is no dearth of books on Ganesh. Perhaps he is the most widely written Hindu deity. So what new has Devdutt Pattanaik got to offer in ‘99 Thoughts on Ganesha.’ A lot. This one book covers almost all the important symbols associated with Ganesha. Some rituals and many of the important stories are narrated with their source and historic details. The 99 thoughts have unique titles which give a general idea of the topic. Simple language and to the point narration makes the book readable. One of the 99 Thoughts on Ganesha Ravan (Divine v/s nature's call) Shiva once allowed the demon king Ravana to carry him to the city of Lanka in the form of a linga, on condition that the sacred stone should never be placed on the ground before reaching its destination. The gods feared that no sooner did the linga reach Lanka than Ravana would become invincible. So they s

How to Overcome Rahu Dosha and Parihara Mantra

Rahu dosha is the result of the bad positioning of the Navgraha Rahu in an individuals horoscope and is followed by those people who believe in astrology. Rahu dosha parhiara are the ways to overcome the troubles due the bad positioning of the Rahu – which will create troubles for several years. The Rahu Parihara mantra is - Ardhakayang Mahavirya Chandradityavimardanam Singhikagarbhasambhutam Tang Rahung Pranamyaham Another mantra that should be chanted daily is the Rahu Gayatri Mantra which is Aum shirorupaye vigrahe amriteshaye dhimahi tanno rahuu prachodayat You can worship Rahu on any day of the week. Some astrologers suggest doing prayers on Saturday. Deities that can be worshipped to overcome Rahu Dosha are Shiva and Goddess Durga. Offering food to poor and hungry is also a way to overcome the dosha. To begin – take bath early morning on the day you offer prayers. Begin with prayers to Ganesha. Then meditate on Rahu. Chant the mantra. Offer prayers to Shiva and Godd

Sati Godavari Mataji Teachings

The true greatness and glory of intellect lies in contemplation of the divine. Meditating on the Supreme Truth in a form Seeking the company of the holy Righteous behavior And leading a truthful life. It is the duty of every human being to always keep his intellect in its pristine glory – it is good thoughts that helps in leading a good life. He should not allow intellect to stray along the wrong path of indiscipline and violence. He should observe restrain and forbearance in everyday life. The intellect should not be allowed to leave the path of righteousness. Sati Godavari Mataji

Golconda Bonalu at Sri Jagdamba Mahankali Temple at Golconda Fort in Hyderabad

Bonalu is dedicated to Amman – Mother Goddess – and is observed on all Sundays in Ashada month in the Telangana Region in India . The first Sunday Bonalu is observed at the Sri Jagdamba Mahankali Temple at Golconda Fort. Golconda Bonalu 2024 dates are July 7, July 11, July 14, July 18, July 21, July 25, July 28, August 1 and August 4. Sundays and Thursdays are chosen to observe the ritual. Goddess Mahankali is offered special prayers during Bonalu. The main ritual involves bonam – cooked rice and jaggery. The scene at the Golconda temple was one of fervour, with people climbing about 360 steps to reach the temple and some stopping at each step to apply turmeric and saffron to the step before reaching the sanctum sanctorum. On the second Sunday, devotees will turn up with ‘thottelu’ which are colourful artefacts people make and carry in a Bonalu procession. In Bonalu, devotees take out jhoola and ratham procession to the temple and offer bonam, containing cooked rice mixe

Ekakshara Ganapati – Meditative form of Ganesha

Ekakshara Ganapati is one among the 32 forms of Ganesha. In this form, Ganesha symoblises the primordial sound ‘OM.’ Ekakshara is a meditative form of Ganesha and the belief is that this form helps in controlling the sense and mind. Ekakshara Ganapati Mantra is Raktorakangangkasha kusumayutah tundialah chandramoulih Nethraih yuktistribhih vamanakaracharano beejapundadhanah Hastagra kalusa pashankasharada varado Nagavaktrohi bhoosho Devaha padamasano no havatu natsuro bhootayae vighnarajaha!! Ekakshara Ganapati meditates on a lotus flower. A unique aspect of this form is that it has three eyes like Shiva. This form has four hands and holds noose, goad, modak (sweet ball) and a broken tusk. A crescent moon is shown on his hair. The ornaments around the stomach are in the form of snakes. In some Puranas, it is stated that this form should be depicted as riding on mouse, the Vahana of Ganesha. Ekakshara Ganapati helps in meditation. Constant prayers help to keep the wandering m

Osmosis Conservation Technique used to Preserved Mahabalipuram Monuments

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Mamallapuram Temples, earlier known as Mahabalipuram, is located along the  Coromandel Coast  in Tamil Nadu. The monuments are under constant from the sea and salt. Salt particles settling down in crystalline and hydrated forms are a constant threat to the monuments. To overcome this unique problem, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) is using a unique method of conservation - Osmosis. A pulp mix made using bloating paper is used to remove the saline particles. The pulp absorbs the water and the salt gets collected on blotting papers. Deccan Herald reports As one heading ASI experts team in cleaning and preserving techniques, Rana told ‘Deccan Herald’, when reached over phone on the work going on at Mamallap­uram, that the main problem faced there in protecting the ‘Shore Temple’ and other structures was due to “salt spray from the sea”. Salt particles settling down in crystalline and hydrated forms is “very dange­rous to the structure”, he exp