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Showing posts from March, 2012


Hindu Religion Quotes on Food

In Hinduism, food is worshiped as Goddess Annapurna. As per Hindu religion, at Kashi, while Lord Shiva grants Moksha, Goddess Parvati as  Annapurna  makes sure that food is available to all living beings.Here are some Hindu religion quotes on food. From earth, herbs from herbs, food; from food, seed, and from seed, human beings. We thus consist of the essence of food. (Taittiriya Upanishad) The food we daily take has its effect on our psychology and character. It may be satvik, good and strengthening to the spirit; or destructive of serenity, passion-producing, rajasik; or wholly bad causing deterioration of mind and intellect and increasing inertia, tamasik. (Bhagavad Gita, Chapter VII – 8 to 10) Mother Annapurna, you who are eternally complete, you, the very life of Shiva, Give me food so I can sustain my body to achieve supreme knowledge. (Adi Shankaracharya) Food and the eater that is the extent of the whole world. (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 1.4.6) The purer the f

Guruvayur Temple Darshan Timings

Sri   Krishna   Temple   at Guruvayur in Thrissur District, Kerala, is renowned in the Hindu world for the unique idol murti of Krishna – Krishna  is known here as Unnikrishna or Balakrishna. The darshan timings in the Guruvayur temple are as follows: The temple opens daily at 3 AM. The temple closes for a brief period from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM. The temple closes at night at 9:15 PM. (Timings changes on special occasions). Morning Puja   Nirmalyam - 3:00 AM to 3:30 AM  Oilabhishekam, Vakacharthu, Sankhabhishekam – 3:20 AM to 3:30 AM Malar Nivedyam, Alankaram – 3:30 AM to 4:15 AM Usha Nivedyam – 4:15 AM to 4:30 AM Ethirettu pooja followed by Usha pooja – 4:30 AM to 6:15 AM Seeveli,Palabhishekam,Navakabhishekam, Pantheeradi Nivedyam, and Pooja -7:15 AM to 9:00 AM Ucha pooja (the noon pooja) – 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM Evening Puja Seeveli – 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM Deeparadhana – 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM  Athazha pooja Nivedyam – 7:30 PM to 7:45 PM 

Bhadrakali Temple at Kurukshetra – Shri Devi Koop

Bhadrakali Temple , also known as Shri Devi Koop, is one among the 51 shaktipeetahs. It is believed that the right heel of Goddess Sati fell here. It is believed that before the Kurukshetra War in the Mahabharata, Pandavas took blessings at this Bhadrakali Temple . The temple is located on the Jhansa Road and is north of Thanesar Town . It is also believed that mundan sanskar – hair removing ceremony – of Sri Krishna and Balram was performed at the Bhadrakali Temple . Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple dedicated to Shiva is located nearby.

Guru Sangamam - Confederation of Indigenous Spiritual Movements

Guru Sangaman literally means a confluence of Gurus. This is a confederation of indigenous spiritual movements of India – an initiative by the present heads of the ancient spiritual lineages of the country to present the various hues and colors of Indian spirituality on a common platform. The first meeting of the confederation has been fixed on 12th April 2012, between 11:00 am and 4:30 pm in New Delhi. Objectives of Guru Sangamam To create a common non-religious, non-political platform for all spiritual movements having their origin in the sacred land of India and which are focused towards spiritual liberation of an individual, irrespective of one's caste, creed, belief or ritual. To nurture the fundamental longing in a human being to seek the truth about the nature of one's existence. To educate the world about the universal nature of India's spirituality To collectively work towards presenting India as the "Spiritual Capital of the World," in a

Ramghat, Haridwar

Ramghat is an important bathing spot at Haridwar. Sri Vallabhacharya Prabhu is believed to have meditated here. The spot is around 500 meter from the famous Har Ki Pauri. Large number of people arrive at this Ghat to take holy dip. It is also a must visit spot for the followers of Sri Vallabha Acharya – associated with the Pushti Marg. The place is located in the heart of Haridwar city and there are numerous hotels nearby. The place is also famous for its unique markets.

Violation of Human Rights of Hindus in South Asia - Hindu Human Rights Report

Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has released its eighth annual Hindu human rights report. Hindus in most countries in South Asia especially in Pakistan , Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are facing numerous human rights violation. The population of Hindus in many countries is shrinking rapidly. Disappearance of Hindus in thousands goes unreported. Hindus are subjected to restrictions on religious freedom, violent attacks, rape, forceful conversions, discriminatory laws, attack of places of worship, and economic and social marginalization in many nations in South Asia . The Hindu American Foundation (HAF), the leading U.S. based Hindu human rights group, released its eighth annual report – Hindus in South Asia and the Diaspora: A Survey of Human Rights, 2011. You can read or download the full report here at the official website of Hindu American Foundation.

Changes in Hindu Marriage Law in India

The Union Government of India has approved various proposals seeking changes in the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 – the law that governs the marriages in India . The most important change is that women will be entitled to a share in the property or assets acquired by the couple after marriage. Another highlight is that the six months cooling period can be waived and divorce can be granted immediately – irretrievable breakdown of marriage is a new ground for granting divorce. You can read more about the changes in the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and the Special Marriage Act, 1954 here at the Times of India .

Hindu Groups in United Kingdom Protest Dow Chemicals Sponsoring Of London 2012 Olympic Games

Dow Chemicals is a major sponsor of London 2012 Olympic Games. Dow Chemical owns Union Carbide responsible for 15,000 poisoning deaths in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy in 1984. Bhopal Gas Tragedy was an industrial catastrophe that occurred in 1984 at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant in Bhopal , Madhya Pradesh. Around midnight on the intervening night of December 2-3, 1984, the plant released methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas and other toxins, resulting in the exposure of over 5,00,000 people. ( Gas Tragedy pictures ). The Guardian UK reports  Representatives of the 800,000-strong Hindu community in the UK will meet on Tuesday night to rally opposition against Dow Chemical being a major sponsor of the London Olympics. The company's sponsorship of a wrap around the Olympic stadium has already raised the threat of a boycott of the games by India .  The meeting, hosted by the Hindu Forum of Britain, an umbrella organisation for nearly 400 Hindu groups, comes as new de

Bana Linga – Shivling with Striations

Bana Linga is a unique Shivling with a number of striations formed by a natural process. Bana Lina are Swayambhu – appeared naturally. The striations may be in sizes ranging from that made of a needle point to that of a hand. Legend has it that Bana Linga appeared on earth when Shiva destroyed the Tripuri palaces of demons. The stones from the Tripuri that fell on Narmada River turned into Bana Linga. Bana Linga is named after Demon Banasura as he was an ardent devotee of Shiva and Shiva blessed him with them. It is believed that Banasaura how was doing austerities to please Shiva on the banks of Narmada collected the Lingas. As the Lingas were in the possession of Banasura it got the name Bana Linga. Close up of Striations on a Bana Linga There are numerous other legends also associated with the name Bana Linga – one is that Bana means an arrow, a reed-shaft, cow’s udder and pike. Another legend has it that Shiva appeared in the form of Linga before Banasura on th

Bijasan Mata Mandir Navratri Mela and Festival in Bundi in Rajasthan

Bijasan Mata Mandir in Bundi in Rajasthan is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The Navratri Mela and festival in the temple attracts thousands of people.  The Ashwin Navratri Mela is from October 3 to October 12, 2024. Bijasan Mata Mandir Chaitra Navratri Mela 2024 is from April 9 to April 17, 2024. The murti of Bijasan Mata is in the form of Her sitting atop demon Raktabija. The temple was built in 44 AD and is located around 10 km from Indargarh Sumerganj Mandi. The temple is located atop a 1000 ft high hillock and one has to climb thousands of steps. The Chaitra and Ashwin Navratri fair attracts thousands of people from Rajasthan and nearby states. Ugra Murti of Goddess Durga is worshipped in the temple and devotees have witnessed numerous miracles of the deity.

Vasanthotsavam 2024 at Tirupati Balaji Temple – Vasantotsav in Chaitra Month

Vasanthotsavam is an annual festival held in Chaitra month (March – April) at the famous Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple. Vasantotsava 2024 date is from April 21 to April 23. The festival is held from Chaitra Shukla Paksha Trayodashi to Chaitra Purnima as per traditional Hindu calendar and Panchangam followed by Tirupati Venkateswara Temple. The Vasanthotsavam was started in 1360 AD as per the temple records. Vasantha means ‘spring’ and utsavam means ‘festival’. The festival is held at the Vaibhavotsava Mandapam. Snapana Thirumanjanam Abhishekam (Holy bathing) is performed to the utsava murthy of Venkateshwara and his consorts on all the three days. On the third day, abhishekam is performed to the murtis of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman along with Krishna and Rukmini. Procession of the consecrated murtis are taken in a procession in the evening on all the three days. The Tirupati Balaji Temple complex and it surroundings are well decorated with lights, flower

World’s Yoga Day – June 21

Important Yoga Masters of India met on December 4 and 5 in 2011 Bengaluru ,   India – on the Art of Living Foundation Headquarters, by invitation of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the President of the Yoga Portuguese Confederation. The aim of the meeting was to bring under one roof the various yoga masters and to chalk out plans to spread yoga. As part of spreading awareness – the yoga masters decided to observe World’s Yoga Day on June 21.    During this Summit was Proclaimed the World Yoga Day on the Solstice – June, 21st – the Day of Light and Wisdom associated to it – and with the support of the Hindu Dharma Acharya Sabha, and the VYASA - Vivekánada Yoga University – it is a date that does not celebrate any human event, but is a Cosmic Auspice, a Day that highlights the relation between the Earth and the Sun, and by consequence with the Galaxy and the Cosmos, and it Is sang in all the Cultures that have always been unquiet with the observation and study of the Surroundings where

Non-Brahmins as Priests in Kerala Temples

Pujas in Kerala Hindu Temples were handled by priests who were Brahmins by birth. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages thousands of temples in Kerala including the famous Sabarimala Temple , have started appointing Non-Brahmins as priests. Times of Indiareports  In the last two months, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) filled up 50 out of the 100 posts for pujaris (priests) with non-Brahmins, who will soon start performing rituals in shrines assigned to them among the 2,000 temples under TDB. TDB had conducted a recruitment drive six months ago and interviewed hundreds of applicants belonging to all castes and they selected 199 pujaris, out of which 40% were non- Brahmins.  "Even our ancient scriptures say a person becomes a Brahmin through his deeds and life-style than by birth,'' said additional chief secretary K Jayakumar.

Tripura Sundari Temple Navratri Mela and Festival in Banswara in Rajasthan

Tripura Sundari Temple at Talwara in Banswara in Rajasthan is dedicated to Goddess Tripura Sundari, an incarnation of Goddess Shakti. The Navratri Mela and festival in the temple attracts thousands of people. The Ashwin Navratri Mela is from October 3 to October 12, 2024.  Tripura Sundari Temple Chaitra Navratri Mela 2024 is from April 9 to April 17, 2024. The murti of Tripura Sundari has 18 arms and is seated atop a lion. The five-feet high murti made of blackstone. The temple was built in 1483 AD and is located around 10 km from Indargarh Sumerganj Mandi. The Chaitra and Ashwin Navratri fair attract thousands of people from Rajasthan and nearby states. Garba Dances are held during the Ashwin Navratri mela. The temple is around 20 km from Banswara Town . On the Banswara - Dungarpur Road , take a Left Turn at Talwara (14 km from Banswara) and go straight (5 km) to reach the mandir.

Documentary film on the Tiruvannamalai Temple in Tamil Nadu

Tiruvannamalai Temple located at Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Shiva. Thiruvannamalai   Arunachaleswarar   Temple is a massive temple and is noted for its huge gopurams, thousand pillar mandapam, sacred ponds, sculptures etc. This particular video in two parts highlights the important architectural aspects of Tiruvannamalai Temple. The documentary voice over is  in Tamil but the images are self explanatory and anyone can understand them. Related Online Virtual Tour of Thiruvannamalai ArunachaleswararTemple – 360 Degree view of Tiruvannamalai Shiva Temple

Ayodhya Parikrama during Chaitra Month and Ramnavami

Ayodhya Parikrama is the circumambulation of important temples in Ayodhya. The parikramas are held several times a year. One of the important parikrama is held during the Chaitra month during Ramnavami. In 2024, Ayodhya Parikrama date is April 17. Pilgrims begin the journey after taking a holy dip in Sarayu River. The parikrama begins from the Nageshwarnath temple at Swargadwar Ghat. The temple is believed to have been built by Kush, son of Sri Ram. Nageshwarnath Temple is also known as Nageshwar Mahadev Temple. Ayodhya Parikrama passes through Rama Ghat, Sita Kund, Mani Parvat, Brahma Kund and ends at Kanak Bhavan.

Five Temples with Murtis Installed by Pandavas in Kerala

There are numerous temples in India with murtis that were installed by the Pandava brothers. Pandavas are believed to have installed murtis of Shiva, Vishnu and Durga. There are five temples in central Kerala dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu (Sri Krishna) all which have murtis installed by the Pandavas. The five temples are Trichittattu Mahavishnu Temple , Puliyoor Srikrishna Temple , Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple , Thiruvandoor Vishnu Temple and Thrikkodithanam Temple . All these temples are located in and around Chenganoor Town in Kerala, which is an important Railway Station during Sabarimala Pilgrimage. The murti at Trichittattu Mahavishnu Temple was installed by Yudhishtira. Puliyoor Srikrishna Temple murti was installed by Bhima Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple murti was installed by Arjuna Thiruvandoor Vishnu Temple murti was installed by Nakula Thrikkodithanam Mahavishnu Temple murti was installed by Sahadeva. It is widely

Kali Santarana Upanishad Text in pdf with English meaning

Kali Santarana Upanishad is one of the smallest Upanishad and contains the importance of the chant Hare Rama...Hare Krishna. The particular text of Kali Santarana Upanishad in pdf contains English meaning with Sanskrit text and English transliteration. Kali Santarana Upanishad is part of the Krishna Yajur Veda and is a conversation between Brahma and Sage Narada. Link - Kali Santarana Upanishad with English Meaning

11-volume Encyclopaedia of Hinduism from India Heritage Research Foundation and Rupa Publications

Encyclopaedia of Hinduism by Rupa Publications and India Heritage Research Foundation is a comprehensive guide on Hinduism. The 7068 page Encyclopedia in 11 volumes with rich illustrations of temples, places, thinkers, rituals and festivals aims to promote a better and deeper understanding of Hinduism. More than 2000 scholars were directly or indirectly involved in the project edited by Dr. Kapil Kapoor, a former Professor of English at the Centre for Linguistics and English, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi and Concurrent Professor at the Centre for Sanskrit Studies, JNU. A highlight of the book is the bibliography added at the end of each article, which helps a reader to take the study of each entry in the encyclopaedia in a detailed manner. Encyclopaedia of Hinduism Published by Rupa Publications Editor in Chief – Dr Kapil Kapoor Pages 7184 - 11 Volumes Price – 21,000 The book is currently available at a discount price in many online stores.

Chaitra Month Tuesdays at Taratarini Temple at Berhampur in Orissa

The Tuesdays in Chaitra Month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in Orissa is of great importance at the famous Taratarini Temple at Berhampur in Orissa. This is the most important festival observed at the Tara Tarini Pitha – one of the important Goddess Shakti Temples in India . In 2024, the auspicious dates are March 26, April 2, April 9, April 16 and April 23. More than a million devotees visit the temple during the Chaitra Month. More than 200,000 devotees alone visit the shrine on the four Tuesdays in the month.   The highlight of the festival is the offering of hair to the deity by many devotees. Special arrangements are made for this and nearly 1000 barbers work overtime during the period. The popular belief is that breast of Goddess Sati fell here and thus making it one of the most powerful Shakti Peeth in the country. Goddesses Tara-Tarini is the presiding deity in most houses in  Southern Orissa . This important and famous Shakti Pitha is situat

A Quiz based on the Holi Festival

This is a quiz based on the Holi festival. The aim of the quiz is to introduce the various aspects of Holi celebrations and also how Holi is celebrated in different parts of India . The Quiz is embedded below: quiz on Holi - ProProfs Related Quiz on Vahanas or vehicles in Hindu tradition. 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 A Quiz on Popular Hindu Festivals Quiz on Makar Sankranti

Importance of Garuda Purana – Rituals dedicated to Dead

Garuda Purana is named after Garuda , the vehicle of Vishnu. Many people today believe it is bad to keep Garuda Puran at home. Garuda Purana has two parts; the second part which deals with knowledge regarding journey of the dead and the rituals that have to be performed by relatives to help the dead persons to have a smooth journey. This Purana was composed by Veda Vyasa as one of the eighteen puranas and it is believed that Hindu God Vishnu himself revealed it to Garuda. Earlier in traditional Hindu homes a priest was invited to recite Garuda Purana after the death of a person so that relatives are given the required knowledge to perform Shradh and other rituals towards the dead. Sadly, this is no longer followed in majority of Hindu homes. Today many people believe it is bad to keep the book Garuda Purana in their homes. The book is also not read by many fearing death will happen in the family. Some communities only read it during the ten days after the death of a pers

Vedic Athirathram in Pakazhiyam System in 2012 in Kerala after 112 years

Athirathram is a Vedic yajna and is one of the world’s oldest surviving rituals. An Athirathram in Pakazhiyam Sambradayam or System will be held from March 23 for 12 days at Mattathur Kunnu Kaimukku Mana at Kodakara in Thrissur in Kerala. The Athirathram is being performed for the welfare of all living beings. The Yajamana of the yajna is Kaimukku Vaidikan Raman Somajipad. This yagam based on Asvalayana Bodhayana Samyukta Pakazhiyam system and is taking place after 112 years. The Yajna is being conducted by the Tretagni Foundation. Athirathram of a different sampradayam was held in April 2011 in Kerala and this was highly successful. What is Athirathram? Vedic Yajna (Yajgya or sacrifice or ritual) is performed for the prosperity of human race through peaceful co-existence with nature by energizing the various forces in nature – especially sun. Agni, fire, that represents Sun, the Prathyaksha Brahman or Visible God, in Sanatana Dharma, is worshipped during the Yajna. This

Pehowa Teerth Mela

Pehowa Tirth Mela is annually held at Pehowa near Kurukshetra in Haryana. A small pond here is believed to be River Saraswati which has gone underground. Pehowa Teerth Mela 2024 date is April 7. It is observed on the Chaitra Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi day as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India . The fair attracts thousands of people. The belief is that people who met their death in accidents or were killed get moksha if Shradh is performed here. A temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati is located here. Legend has it that King Prithu performed Shradh here for his father. The holiness of this tirth is mentioned in Puranas.

Live Darshan from Mahavir Mandir in Patna in Bihar – Online Darshan from Hanuman Temple

Mahavir Mandir in Patna in Bihar is one of the most popular Hanuman temples in India . The Bihar Mahavir Mandir Trust is now offering online live darshan. To watch the live darshan all you need is a window media player installed. Thousands of devotees visit the temple daily and it is believed that the darshan of Mahavir Hanuman helps in fulfilling all the wishes. Link - Live Darshan from Mahavir Mandir in Patna  (In the link page click on the image to have the live darshan.)

Tirupati Balaji Temple in Kurukshetra in Haryana

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the  Venkateswara   Temple  at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, is planning to have replica of the Balaji temple near the holy BrahmaSarovar in Kurukshetra in Haryana. This new move is to help devotees have hassle free darshan of Balaji. All the pujas and rituals conducted at the  Tirupati   Temple  will be conducted at the new temple too.  Ibnlive reports  A Balaji temple, like the one at Tirupati, will come up at Kurukshetra at a cost of Rs 30 crore. The temple, spread over 5.52 acres, will be built near Brahma Sarovar, an official spokesman said here today. An agreement to this effect was signed between Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB) and Trimula Tirupati Deva Sthanam, he said.

Ganapati Atharvashirsha Text in pdf in Hindi with English Meaning

Ganapati Atharvashirsha, which begins with the lines Om Bhadram Karne, is a popular prayer dedicated to Sri Ganesha. This Atharvashirsha Text in pdf contains English meaning with text in Hindi. You can save it in pdf format, if you have pdf reader installed. It is chanted while performing prayers and rituals dedicated to Ganapati. Link - Ganapati Atharvashirsha Text in pdf in Hindi with English meaning   Related Ganapati Atharvashirsha mp3

Magha Quotes

The foolish undertake a trifling act, and soon desist, discouraged; wise men engage in mighty works, and persevere. A good man’s intellect is piercing, yet inflicts no wound; his actions are deliberate, yet bold; his heart is warm, but never burns; his speech is eloquent, yet ever true. That energy which veils itself in mildness is most effective of its object. Weak men gain their object when allied with strong associates: the brook reaches the ocean by the river’s aid. Magha - Sanskrit Poet. Magha – one of the most popular Sanskrit poets in Medieval India. His famous poem is the Shishupalavadha.

Akkalkot Swami Maharaj Jayanti 2024

Akkalkot Maharaj, popularly known as Swami Samarth, is believed to be an incarnation of Sri Dattatreya and is a very popular saint in Maharashtra . Akkalkot Maharaj Jayanti 2024 date is April 10. He lived at a place named Akkalkot near Solapur in Maharashtra from 1856 AD to 1878 AD and thus the name Akkalkot Maharaj. Akkalkot Swami Maharaj Jayanti is annually observed on the Chaitra Shukla Paksha Dwitiya day – second day during the waxing phase of moon in Chaitra Month. There are some striking similarities between Swami Samarth and Shirdi Sai Baba. Akkalkot Maharaj performed numerous miracles during this life time and his devotees even today continue to experience his miracles. His teachings are simple and inspired the common people who came in contact with him. Swami Samarth says - Fear not, I am always with you. Surrender your ego and offer your unconditional love and I will fill you with immortal bliss. He extols the Vedic teachings when he says Harm no

Official Government Website for Hindu Temples in Karnataka

The Department of Religious and Charitable Endowments i.e. Muzrai Department in Karnataka has created an official website for Hindu Temples in Karnataka. Apart from providing information on temples in Karnataka, the website aims to provide online puja booking and accommodation. Government believes that this will help devotees in avoiding the long queues during special occasions. The website - www.karnatakatemplesyatra.kar.nic.in DNA India reports  Chief minister DV Sadananda Gowda, who launched the website on Wednesday, said the site is not only about poojas, devotees can also book accommodation and other services online.  “The state has already released `60 crore for temples, and is committed to release additional funds for the same after the budget. The website will help in providing greater linkages for people,” the CM said.  “For now, six temples are included on the website. In the consecutive stages, we will add more. Kolluru Mukambika temple, Nanjanagud Shiva templ

Bharavi Teachings

Those who wish good of their friends should not please them with words which are not true. The friendship of the bad is like the shade of some precipitous river bank with crumbling sides, which, falling, buries him who is beneath. There should not be any ambiguity in the use of words. There should not be any repetition, and the desirability of the sense should never be trampled upon. The man who wishes to rise should first dispel the darkness of anger by his intellect. He who although powerful does not resist the encroachments of the darkness of delusion arising from anger, destroys all the wealth and power. Fortunes, fleeting like the autumnal clouds, cannot be retained by those whose senses are unsteady. Related Bharavi Quotes Bharavi was a 6th century Sanskrit poet who wrote Kiratarjuniya based on the Mahabharata.

Narmada Pushkaram in 2012 at Amarkantak

Narmada Pushkaram is held once in 12 years at the origin point of Narmada River at Amarkanta in Madhya Pradesh. Narmada Pushkaram 2012 dates are from May 17 to May 28, 2012. This pushkaram is held when Jupiter enters Vrishabha Rasi. The main ritual includes taking holy dip in the Narmada River and Narmada Kund. Narmadakund is a pool at the place of origin of Narmada River. Devotees will be taking bath here during the Pushkaram. A Pushakaram takes place once in 12 years when Jupitar (Brishaspati) enters a particular zodiac. There are total of  12 rivers where Pushkaram  takes place. The most famous is the Godavari Pushkaram. The ritual of pushkaram is more popular in Andhra Pradesh.

Goddess Devasena, consort of Muruga

Goddess Devasena is the consort of Hindu God Muruga – who is also known as Kartik or Subrahmanya. Devasena is worshipped mainly in South India and is also known as Shasti Devi. The popular belief is that the Shasti fasting dedicated to Muruga on the sixth day after Amavasya becomes even more meritorious when pujas are offered to Devasena. The popular belief is that propitiating her will bring in peace, prosperity and healthy children. Goddess Devasena is always worshipped as a beautifully dressed wife. She is fair and wears jewelry and traditional attire. Legend has it that Devasena took birth as the daughter of Indra to marry Muruga. Goddess Devasena is also known as Devayani and Jayanti.