--> Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from January, 2012


Triyambake, Goddess Durga with Three Eyes

Goddess Durga is sometimes depicted as having three eyes. When she is depicted with three eyes she is referred as Triyambake. The three yes of Goddess Durga is similar to Shiva – the third eye represents fire – symbolically knowledge that consumes ignorance. Symbolically the left eye of Goddess Durga represents desire - the moon; the right eye represents action (the sun) and the third eye on the forehead depicts knowledge (fire). Triyambake name is found in all the important prayers dedicated to Goddess Durga.

On Hinduism as an Open Source Religion

Josh Schrei (Strategist, Producer, Writer, Critic, Activist) writes in the Huffington Post that the key point of differentiation between Hinduism and these other faiths is not polytheism vs. monotheism. The key differentiation is that Hinduism is Open Source and most other faiths are Closed Source. In simple terms Hinduism gives the freedom to the individual to approach, conceive and perceive God in the way he/she wants. This freedom is lacking in most religions. Josh Schrei writes  If we consider god, the concept of god, the practices that lead one to god, and the ideas, thoughts and philosophies around the nature of the human mind the source code, then India has been the place where the doors have been thrown wide open and the coders have been given free reign to craft, invent, reinvent, refine, imagine, and re-imagine to the point that literally every variety of the spiritual and cognitive experience has been explored, celebrated, and documented.  The results of India 's

Teachings from the songs of Sri Tyagaraja

Nidhi Nala Sukhama – Ramuni Sannidi Seva Sukhama What constitutes happiness? Nidhi (money) or Sri Rama’s Sannidhi (Divine Presence)? What constitutes sweetness? A concoction of milk, butter, sugar and rice? Or the nectar of a bhajans of devotion to the Lord? What constitutes grace? A dip in holy river Ganga of the soul? Or dabbling in the polluted waters of narstuti – the praise of an ordinary mortal? Or waiting for the appreciation of humans. In one of his compositions, the saint-musician Tyagaraja, for instance, petitions Sri Ramachandra to grant him knowledge so he would be a ‘better’ bhakta: jnanamosagarada garuda gamana nato vada ni namamuche namadi nirmala mainadi paramatmudu jivatmudu padinalugu lokamulu nara kinnara kimpurushulu naradadi munulu paripurna nishkalanka niravadhi sukhadayaka vara tyagarajarchita varamu tanane Would you kindly impart true knowledge to me my mind is purified by the repetition of your name — the knowledge that th

Kanvashram Mela at Kotdwara in Uttarakhand

Kanvashram Mela is annually held during the Basant Panchami day at Kotdwar in Uttarakhand. The fair is an important annual event at the Ashram believed to be that of Kanva Rishi whose daughter was Shakuntala. In 2025, Kanvashram Mela is on February 2. It is widely believed that the famous episodes in Abhijnana Shakuntalam happened here. Malini River here was witness to the episodes between Shakuntala and Dushyanta. Rishi Kanva found Shakuntala in the forest and he brought her up in the ashram. Emperor Bharata was also born in this Ashram. The Kanvashram fair attracts thousands of devotees to the ashram. Saraswati Puja is the main highlight during the mela.

Purushottamakshetra Mahatmya to Be Published in English – Odia and Regional Languages in India

Jagannath Temple Administration is all set to publish Purushottamakshetra Mahatmya in English and regional languages in India . Purushottamakshetra Mahatmya is considered to be the authoritative holy text on pujas, rituals and festivals dedicated to Hindu God Jagannath. Purushottamakshetra Mahatmya is part of the Skanda Purana. Purushottamakshetra Mahatmya is found in the Utkala Khanda section in the Skanda Purana and consists of 3,600 Shlokas.  Indian Express reports   According to Puri King Gajapati Dibyasingh Deb, it was Baba Chaitanya Charan Das who had started the book version of it and Mumbai-based Venkateswara Press had published the book which has gone out of print now. “We are working not only on how to revive the edition but also in multiple languages,” he said.  Since the religious text is in Devanagri script, the attempt is to get Odia and English versions of the work while efforts will be made to diversify into Hindi as well as Bengali too. The whole attempt, a

Morgaon Ganesh Temple Palki Yatra from Mangalmurti temple in Chinchwad

A Palki yatra – with palanquin of Ganesh murti – to the famous Morgaon Ganesha Temple is held annually during the Magh Ganesh Jayanti and Bhadrapada Ganesh Chaturthi from the Mangalmurti temple in Chinchwad in Maharashtra . Morgaon Ganesha Temple is one among the Ashtavinayak Temples in Maharashtra . Morgaon Ganesha Temple Palki Yatra 2024 date is February 13 and September 7. Ganapatya saint Morya Gosavi was closely associated with the Morgaon Ganesha Temple . It was he who established the famous Mangal Murti temple in Chinchwad. So the annual yatra is sort of thanksgiving. Thousands of people participate in the yatra. The follow the murti of Ganesha to the temple. Legend has it that Morgaon Ganesha Temple came into being after Ganesh overpowered demon Sindhu. It is the first temple visited in the Ashtavinayak spiritual tour – visiting eight shrines of Ganesh. The Palki Yatra is spread over two days. 

Baba Lal Dayal Ji Jayanti 2025 Date

Baba Lal Dayal Ji Jayanti is the birth anniversary of the Baba Lal Dayalji, a popular saint during the 14 and 15th century. His Jayanti is observed on the Magh Shukla Paksha Dwitiya – second day during the waxing phase of moon in Magh Month. Baba Lal Dayal Ji Jayanti 2025 date is January 31. Baba Lal Dayalji (1355 – 1665) found the famous Darbar Shri Dhyanpur near Batala in Gurdaspur in Punjab . Baba Lal Dayalji chose the spiritual path at a very early age and after long search found an apt Guru in Swami Chaitanya Dev. He spread the knowledge of Brahman among people. He is believed to have lived for nearly 300 years. He attained moksha at Shri Dhianpur.  A person having faith in Brahman, no matter whether he adopts a vow of silence or sings his Isht's praise, always remains in a state of intoxication, and his Surat is absorbed in the bliss of Shabd. He neither remains attached to family and home, nor does he wander in forests. Says Lal Dayal, such a person enjoy

32-feet tall Shiva Murti at Koneshwaran Temple in Sri Lanka – The tallest Hindu God Statue on the Island

The tallest Hindu God murti in Sri Lanka was erected in the eastern port city of Trincomalee . The 32 feet statue of the Hindu God Shiva stands on the hill top at the Koneshwaran Temple close to the main Trincomalee town. The murti was built by an architect from Tamil Nadu and unveiled on January 9, 2012. Related Tallest Shiva murti in Nepal Top ten tallest Hindu god murtis in the world Top 5 tallest Shiva murtis in the world

Program on How to Perform Venkateswara Puja at Home at SVBC

A special television program on how to perform Venkateswara puja at home will be telecast on the Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel (SVBC) from January 30, 2012. The program will be educational in nature and will teach Suprabhata Seva and Sri Venkateswara Puja Vidhanam. The program is titled Govindam Paramanandam. Around 600,000 booklets on how to do Venkateswara Puja at home will be disturbed to devotees in this year.  Indian Express reports  Participating in the monthly 'Dial Your EO' programme here on Friday, TTD LV Subramanyam. said `Govindam Paramanandam' is a spiritual program meant to teach the devotees how to perform the Venkateswara Puja at home. "The TTD has already printed 60 lakh booklets on the puja methods and they will soon be distributed to the devotees,'' he added.  He said the TTD is also contemplating to organize three week spiritual workshops for Intermediate students during the summer vacation across the state with the help of emi

Adi Murti, Hindu God

Adi Murti is a term used to refer Hindu God Vishnu. The term Adi Murti is used to the primordial source of energy responsible for all animate and inanimate in the universe. This only being is indefinable but for the sake of devotees, ancient seers used terms like Adi murti and Adi Shakti to give form to the formless. Dattatreya is also refered as Adi Murti in certain texts. Vishnu seated on the coils of Serpent Adi Sesha is also believed to be Adi Murti.

3D Short Movie on Swami Vivekananda and 3D Holographic display system inaugurated in Vivekananda House at Chennai

Vivekananda House (known as Vivekanandar Illam in Tamil) at Chennai is associated with the Sri Ramakrishna Math since 1897 when Swami Vivekananda stayed here for nine days after his successful journey of the West. In commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, Vivekananda house at Chennai , India – housing a cultural heritage museum in memory of Swami Vivekananda – launched India ’s first Stereoscopic 3D short movie on Vivekananda and his message to the youth. Chennai’s first 3D Holographic display system was also inaugurated in Vivekananda House today. The system allows users to see Swami Vivekananda in a 3Dimensions perspective. As part of 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations of Swami Vivekananda, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai is launching “Experience Vivekananda” Project, an initiative to spread Swami Vivekananda’s personality and message through state-of-the-art multimedia galleries at Vivekananda House utilizing short inspirational videos, 3D

Daridra Narayana Sashti

Daridra Narayana Sashti is dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu. The popular belief is that Vishnu has two opposite forms Lakshmi Narayana and Daridra Narayana. One is the prosperous form and another is the poor form. Daridra Narayana Sashti 2025 date is February 3. Daridra Narayana Sashti is observed on the sixth day during the waxing phase of moon in Magh month – Magh Shukla Paksha Sashti as per Hindu calendars followed in North India . The day is dedicated to the service of the poor. Hungry and poor people are offered food on the day. Sanatana Dharma believes that serving hungry living beings is the greatest service to God.

1000-year-old Shiva Nataraja Murti (Idol) in Solid Bronze in Amsterdam Museum – Highest Level on Bronze Casting in Ancient World

X-ray of a 1000-year-old Shiva Nataraja Murti (Idol) at Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam revealed that it is made of solid bronze – once again proving the expertise that ancient Hindu kingdoms had in the use of metals. The dancing Shiva murti is believed to be highest level achieved on bronze casting in ancient world. It was always believed that Shiva was pure bronze but to the surprise of the researchers the aureole and the demon under Shiva’s feet too were of solid bronze.  Rijksmuseum reports  At 153 cm x 114.5 cm, the Rijksmuseum’s Shiva is the largest known bronze statue from the Chola Dynasty (9th to 12th century) kept in a museological collection outside of India . Given its weight (300 kg), the statue has always been suspected of not being hollow.  The statue was created ca. 1100 in South India . Each temple had its own set of bronze statues which were carried through the city during major temple festivals. This gives the statues their name: utsavamurti, which is Sanskri

Surya Sashti - Magh Surya Shashti 2025 Date

Surya Shashti is dedicated to Surya (the Hindu sun god) and is observed on sixth day of a fortnight in a Hindu lunar month. Vrat, pujas and rituals dedicated to Surya are performed on the day. This is the Surya Shashti in Magh month and it is observed on February 3, 2025.  Surya Shashti is observed when Sashti falls on Sunday or Ravivar. Sunday is dedicated to Sun God in Hindu tradition. 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. Vratas dedicated to Surya is observed on the Shasti (Sixth) and Saptami (Seventh) of lunar fortnight in different Hindu months.

Software to Translate Sanskrit Texts into Hindi with Complete Accuracy

Sanskrit­ – Hindi Machine Translation system launched during the World Sanskrit Conference claims to be the first software to translate Sanskrit texts into Hindi with complete accuracy. The software will also be made available soon. The project involves collaboration amongst University of Hyderabad , IIIT Hyderabad, Jawaharlal Nehru University , Sanskrit Academy , Hyderabad , Purna Prajna Vidyapeeth, Bangalore , Tirupati Vidyapeeth and Jagadguru Ramananandacharya Rajasthan Sanskrit University , Jaipur. Deccan Herald reports The ‘Sanskrit­ Hindi Machine Translation system', first ever developed in India, was launched on the first day of the week-long World Sanskrit Conference, inaugurated by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here on Thursday.  The Sanskrit-Hindi translation software has simple tool for transliteration of Sanskrit into Hindi. It also has a morphological generator that extensively shows the ‘Subantas’ and ‘Tingantas’ (inflectional forms of a noun or a

Life is Maya means just that you do not perceive it the way it is – Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

Detachment does not mean non-involvement. You can be deeply involved but not entangled. Inclusiveness is a more intelligent way to exist, because that is how the whole existence is functioning. Comfort will never come to one who does not touch the stillness within himself. Fear and ignorance are always together. Knowing releases one from fear. When we say, life is maya, it does not mean that life does not exist; its just that you do not perceive it the way it is. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev Related Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev Quotes on Stagnation and Stillness

Mookam Karoti Vachalam Prayer with English Meaning

Mookam Karoti Vachalam is a prayer dedicated to Sri Krishna. The prayer extols that Supreme Bliss can be achieved through the unwavering devotion of Sri Krishna. The prayer is given below in Hindi with English transliteration and English meaning. The meaning - Salutations to Sri Krishna, who is the personification of Supreme joy. By His grace even the dumb can become eloquent in speech, and the lame can cross over mountains (of obstacles in life).

INTACH Restores Leaning Bhadrakali Temple at Sarah in Himachal Pradesh

The Bhadrakali Temple at Sarah near Dharmastala in Kangra District in Himachal Pradesh was damaged in an earthquake in 1905. The temple was successfully restored by INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage). The temple is dedicated to the Bhadrakali manifestation of Goddess Shakti. The Tribune reports   Malvika Pathania, state convener of INTACH, said they had approached Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal for a financial grant for reconstructing the temple. The Chief Minister gave a grant of Rs 7 lakh for the project with which it had now been reconstructed.  She said initially the advice of a geologist from Uttar Pradesh, who was an expert in the restoration of old buildings, was taken for the reconstruction. The geologist had said that the temple at one time had many natural water sources and an inn around it.  The services of artisans from Orissa were hired for the reconstruction. Each stone of the temple was dismantled and numbered so that it could be pu

Efforts to create a manual for Similar Puja and Rituals in Jagannath Temples around the World

Efforts are underway to create a manual based on Skanda Purana for Similar Puja and Rituals in Jagannath Temples around the World. There are thousands of Jagannath Temples in India and around the world. The most important Jagannath Temple is located at Puri in Orissa and is believed to be the Mool Sthan or Srimandir (permanent abode) of Jagannath.  Daily Pioneer reports   The manual is being prepared by the Mukti Mandap on the basis of the Skandha Puran and after it is finalized, it will seek the approval of the Sankaracharya before being recommended for observance, according to Gajapati Maharaja of Puri Dibyasingh Dev.  The Gajapati told media persons here on Saturday that for the promotion and extension of the Jagannath cult worldwide, the Jagannath Temple Administration is going to organize ‘Sri Jagannath Mandir Aikya Sthapan’, to forge oneness among the Jagannath temples in the country and abroad, and a national conference during the ‘Sri Jagannath Pancha Ratra’ (Five ni

Thai Amavasai Ritual at Vedaranyam Temple in Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu

Thai Amavasai is the no moon day in the Thai month in traditional Hindu calendar followed in Tamil Nadu. The day is of great significance at the famous Vedaranyeshwarar Temple in Vedaranyam. Thousands of devotees take holy dip in the Bay of Bengal Sea at Kodiakarai, Vedaranyam and Poompuhar in Nagapattinam District. Legend has it that Saint Agasthiyar got a darshan of Shiva at Vedaranyeshwarar Temple in Vedaranyam on Thai Amavasai day after he took a holy dip in the Bay of Bengal . In commemoration of this holy event thousands of devotees throng this temple for taking a dip in the "Siddhar Ghat" area. Inside the temple, the devotees took another dip in the 'Manikarnika Ghat'. On the day, devotees also perform rituals in memory of dead family members at Kaveripoompattinam near Poompuhar at the confluence of Cauvery and Bay of Bengal At Ananthamangalam near Porayar, devotees visit Sri Hanuman temple in connection with Thai Amavasai.

Hindu Prayer before Going to Bed

It is a must for many Hindus to offer prayers before going to bed. The Hindu prayer mainly asks for forgiveness for wrong actions done knowingly or unknowingly. Below is the Hindi and English version of the prayer with meaning. The Meaning  O Lord, kindly forgive my wrong actions done knowingly or unknowingly; either through my organs of action (hands, feet, speech) or through my organs of perception (ears, eyes) or by my mind. Glory unto Thee, O Lord, who is the ocean of kindness.

Rokadia Hanuman Mela at Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh

Rokadia Hanuman Mela is annually organized on the Paush Purnima day at Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh. This mela attracts thousands of people. Rokadia Hanuman Mela 2025 date is January 13. Burhanpur is around 340 km southwest of Bhopal . The Rokadia Hanuman mandir is a famous temple dedicated in this part of Madhya Pradesh. The Paush Purnima Rokadia Hanuman Mela attracts people from nearby towns and villages. The mela is also a happy hunting ground for people looking for exclusive rural crafts.

Walking from Varanasi to Sabarimala for Eco-friendly Cause

R Ananthapadmanabhan, a devotee of Ayyappa, is walking from Varanasi to Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple – nearly 3000 kilometers. He has taken this endure in 2011 – 2012 Sabarimala Mandala – Makaravilakku pilgrimage to highlight the dangers of the use of plastic by devotees going to temples. Times of Indiareports A van, with posters in different languages explaining the ill-effects of plastics, follows him at a distance. Ananthapadmanabhan carries an irumudi kattu (a two-chambered bag to carry offerings to the deity and snacks, grains and lentil to be consumed by the pilgrim) on his head, a water bottle and a banner on his back explaining the need to protect the environment in and around Sabarimala.  "Every year, 8,750 tonnes of garbage are collected in the Sabarimala hills after the pilgrims leave. Even during the pilgrim season, it becomes difficult to take the mandatory holy dip in the Pamba river, enroute to the shrine, as the waste is dumped into the waters," says A

Uttarayani Mela at Gangoli Rameshwar Temple in Uttarakhand

Gangoli Rameshwar Temple in Uttarakhand is dedicated to Shiva and the mela held here during Makar Sankranti and Uttarayan is very famous. In 2025, Uttarayani Mela at Gangoli Rameshwar Temple is on January 14. The mela is of great importance to the people in the Kumaon region.  Gangoli Rameshwar temple is located in Pithoragarh district. A highlight of the festival is the trade that takes place between people from the hills and the plains. Numerous rare items are traded during the fair including healthy ponies.  Another important festival at the temple is observed on the Chaitra Purnima day. Another popular Uttarayani Mela is held at Bageshwar in Uttarakhand.

Ambalpady Temple Timings - Ambalpady Mahakali Temple in Udupi Timings

Ambalpady Temple in Udupi in Karnataka is dedicated to Sri Janardana and Sri Mahakali Temple . Ambalpady Mahakali Temple temple timings of this popular Kali Temple in Udupi region is given below. Ambalpady Temple Opening and Closing Time:  5:30 AM to 12:30 PM 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM Fridays and during Navratri the temple is open for longer hours - 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM. Temple Address Sri Janardana and Sri Mahakali Temple , Ambalapady, Udupi District, Pin - 576103. The temple is located around 2 km from Udupi KSRTC Bus Station.

BR Hills Temple Daily Opening and Closing Time in Karnataka

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple located in BR Hills in Karnataka is a popular temple dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu. BR Hills Temple detail time is given below. The temple is atop the hillock Biligiri Rangana Betta and is situated at a distance of 24 Km from Yelandur and 90 Km from Mysore . BR Hills Temple Time : Daily Opening and Closing time: 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM During Dhanurmasa (December 15 to January 14) 4:00 AM to 2:00 PM 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM During Rathothsava Festival 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM Shravana Saturday (July/August) 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Malani Purnima and Dhalo in Goa in Paush Month

Malani Purnima and Dhalo is observed in Paush Month in Goa and is dedicated to Vandevi, the forest deity. Malani Purnima 2025 date is January 13. During the festival of Dhalo, women decorate and worship the Tulsi Plant (tulsi Vrindavan – basil plant in a pedestal) as the symbolic representation of the forest goddess. Earlier people in the region used to depend on the forest for their livelihood. The forest goddess is invoked for blessings of health and prosperity. Women worship the Goddess by singing folk songs and by performing folk dance. It is essentially nature worship – thanking the forest for protecting and providing food. Community celebrations are held near forests or around huge trees. The sacred trees around which worship and performance take place is known as Rashtroli.

Quiz on Popular Hindu Festivals

This is a quiz based on popular Hindu festivals. The only aim of the quiz is to share and learn more about Hindu festivals. Your comments and opinion and more ideas on questions are welcome. The Quiz is embedded below: ProProfs - HB Quiz PF Related Quiz on Hindu God Shiva Ramayan Quiz – A Quiz on Hindu God Ram Hanuman Quiz – A quiz on the life of Hindu God Hanuman A Quiz on the Narasimha Incarnation of Lord Vishnu A Quiz on Nagas or Serpents in Hindu Tradition A Quiz on Child Krishna – Based on Bhagavad Purana Quiz on Animals in Hindu Tradition

Agni Purana in Hindi – Read Agni Puran Online

Agni Purana is one of the most important Puranas. It contains valuable information on the observance of numerous vrats and pujas. It also details regarding the origin of various rituals. Now the Ved Puran website is offering the entire Agni Purana in Hindi online. It is not in pdf format. So you can only read it online. Link –  Read Agni Purana in Hindi online.

How to perform or observe Kalashtami Vrat?

Kalashtami is observed on the eighth day during the waning phase of moon (Krishna Paksha Ashtami) in a lunar month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar. The day is dedicated to the Kala Bhairav form of Shiva. Here are the rules that should be followed while performing or observing Kalashtami Vrat. Apart from the Kalbhairav form of Shiva, the Ishana form of Shiva is also worshipped on the day. The pujas and rituals begin at midnight when there is Ashtami Tithi. An arati is performed first at midnight to Kalbhairav. People observing the vrat should keep all night vigil. Prayers dedicated to Kalbhairav are chanted on the night. Prayers and puja end just before sunrise. The vehicle of Kalbhairav is a black dog. Food is offered to black dog on the day. The importance of Kalashtami Vrat is mentioned in the Aditya Puran. There is also a popular belief that during the afternoon period of Krishna Paksha Ashtami Tithi, Bhairavnath, an important Shiva Gan, was also b

Jinanand Sagar Punyatithi

Jinanand Sagar Punyatithi is observed annually on Paush Shukla Paksha Dasami (10 th day during the waxing phase of moon in Paush month) as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India . Jinanand Sagar Punyatithi 2025 date is January 9. Jinanand Sagar’s teachings extol the need for making use the rare birth as human for attaining moksha. He states that going through 8400000 yonis – births – one gets to be human. And this rare human birth is due to the punya that we perform in previous births. The aim of human birth should be to attain moksha and escape from the cycle of birth and deaths. Jinanand Sagarji asks us to shed all temptations and desires and make one-pointed attempt to attain Moksha.