In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Bholenath , the benevolent god who is easily pleased and grants the wishes of his devotees. For those seeking wealth and prosperity, Lord Shiva is considered a powerful deity who can bestow material blessings along with spiritual growth. Below is an expanded guide on a Shiva Prayer for Wealth , the steps for chanting it, special offerings, simple puja, and other relevant deities for wealth worship. Important Shiva Prayer for Wealth: One of the most powerful prayers for wealth and prosperity is the chanting of the Shiva Moola Mantra or Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra along with specific prayers dedicated to wealth, such as the Kanakadhara Stotra . Shiva Moola Mantra for Wealth: This mantra is a basic and powerful invocation of Lord Shiva: “Om Namah Shivaya” (ॐ नमः शिवाय) Meaning: "I bow to Lord Shiva, the supreme consciousness." This mantra can attract blessings of wealth when chanted with devotion and sincerity. Kanakadhara Stotra : Composed

 In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is often revered as the great healer, embodying the power to cure both physical and spiritual ailments. Worshipping Lord Shiva for healing can be done through specific prayers, chants (mantras), and offerings during a simple puja (ritual). One of the most powerful forms of Lord Shiva associated with healing is Pashupati – the Lord of Animals, symbolizing his connection to all living beings and his role as a divine physician. Important Shiva Prayer for Healing: The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra The most important Shiva prayer for healing is the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra . This mantra is believed to bestow good health, longevity, and protection from negative energies. It is considered highly powerful in overcoming serious illnesses and ailments. Here is the mantra: Mahamrityunjaya Mantra : ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात्॥ Transliteration : Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam | Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mr

Pushya Abhishek is an important annual ritual performed at the world famous Puri Jagannath Temple in Odisha in Paush month. Pushya Abhishek 2025 date is January 15. It is observed on the Pushya Nakshatra day in Paush month – it coincides with Paush Purnima or the full moon day in the month. Abhishek means ‘to shower’. The day is the ceremonial crowning of Lord Jagannath. He is the made the king on the day. The belief is that Trimurtis, Gods, Devas and Saints arrive to witness the Pushya Abhishek. There is a belief that the Trimurtis, Gods, Devas and Saints assembled near the sea at Puri. Therefore the sea is also worshipped on the day. It is also believed that it is a rare opportunity in a calendar year to pray to all the gods at a single holy spot. On the day special pujas are observed for peace and prosperity of all the living beings on the earth. The highlight of the day is the Samudra Aarti – or prayer to the sea. It is attended by thousands of devotees.

In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is considered the God of destruction and transformation, presiding over life and death. He guides souls to liberation (moksha) and is worshipped as the protector of departed souls. Offering prayers to Shiva for the deceased is a significant part of Hindu funeral and post-funeral rituals. One of the most important Shiva mantras for the dead is the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra , which is believed to free the soul from the cycle of rebirth and help attain liberation. Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is a powerful Shiva mantra chanted for the dead. It is also known as the "Death Conquering Mantra" and is believed to protect against the fear of death and ensure spiritual liberation. Here is the mantra: ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम् | उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय मामृतात् || Transliteration: Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat. Translation: We Meditate on the

Margazhi (mid December – to mid January) is a holy month in Tamil Culture and is dedicated to worship and music. Food is also an important part of Margazhi culture. Special delicacies are prepared during the month. The Hindu has created a video on the traditional food prepared during the period.  Margazhi, the ninth month of the Tamil calendar, holds special significance in Tamil culture, particularly for its religious and cultural observances. During this month, many people follow certain dietary practices, especially those who are devout Hindus. Some common foods eaten during Margazhi in Tamil culture include: Pongal: This dish is a staple during the Margazhi month. It's a savory dish made of rice and lentils, often seasoned with black pepper, cumin, and curry leaves. It's typically served with coconut chutney and sambar. Kozhukattai: Also known as modakam, these are steamed dumplings made of rice flour and filled with either sweet or savory fillings. Sweet fillin

In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is revered as the supreme protector and destroyer of evil. Chanting Shiva mantras and prayers for protection is believed to invoke his blessings for safety, peace, and strength. Here is an expanded version of the Shiva prayer for protection , including how to chant, small offerings, a simple puja, and other protective deities. 1. Important Shiva Prayer for Protection: One of the most powerful and widely chanted prayers for protection is the "Rudra Mantra" or "Tryambakam Mantra" , also known as the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra . This mantra is considered a moksha (liberation) and protection prayer, invoking the grace of Lord Shiva to protect against calamities, diseases, and untimely death. Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra : ॐ त्र्यम्बकं यजामहे सुगन्धिं पुष्टिवर्धनम्। उर्वारुकमिव बन्धनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीय माꣳऽमृतात्॥ Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam, Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat. Translation : We Meditate on the Three-Eye

No one exactly knows there are how many versions of Ramayana in the world. T. Shankar is an independent research scholar and an avid student of the Ramayana, who explores the stories in various different versions of Ramayan. Puspha Chari talks to T Shankar about the various versions of Ramayana in the The Hindu. There is only one, yet many Ramayanas have been composed through the millennia. What do you think is the reason? Valmiki’s Ramayana and the subsequent versions were written in Sanskrit. I think poets felt the need to focus on the local language to take the great epic to the people. The subsequent Ramayanas were trans-creations and, therefore, reflect changes over time. Could you tell us some of the similarities as well as the differences of the many Ramayanas? The broad story is the same. Though Valmiki is acknowledged as aadhikavi, every writer of the original Ramayana is a poet and philosopher. And every Ramayana is a master piece. As for differences, in Valmiki

In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is often worshipped for a successful and happy marriage, as he is considered the epitome of a perfect husband, especially in his union with Goddess Parvati. Praying to Lord Shiva and chanting specific mantras with devotion is believed to help remove obstacles to marriage and bless devotees with a harmonious relationship. Here's a detailed guide to Shiva prayer for marriage: 1. Important Shiva Prayer for Marriage One of the most powerful mantras to invoke Lord Shiva's blessings for marriage is the "Parvati Vallabha Mantra" or Shiva Parvati Mantra . This mantra emphasizes the divine relationship between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and seeks their blessings for a happy and fruitful marriage. Parvati Vallabha Mantra "Om Parvati Vallabhaya Namah" Meaning: "Salutations to the consort of Parvati." Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra This mantra is also chanted to remove obstacles and ensure a long, healthy, and harmonious married life. &qu

  Comprehensive Guide on How to Worship Goddess Lakshmi in Hinduism Worshiping Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu deity of wealth, prosperity, and fortune, is a deeply revered practice. Traditionally performed during major festivals like Diwali or every Friday, Lakshmi Puja is a way to invite positive energy, abundance, and financial stability into one’s life. Here’s a detailed guide on how to properly worship Goddess Lakshmi while incorporating eco-friendly and traditional methods. 1. Importance of Worshiping Goddess Lakshmi Goddess Lakshmi is regarded as the goddess of wealth and prosperity, both material and spiritual. By worshipping her, devotees seek her blessings for financial stability, good fortune, and happiness. Worshipping her symbolizes the balance between wealth and ethics, encouraging charity, righteousness, and humility. 2. Preparation for Lakshmi Puja Cleanliness and Purity Cleanliness is vital in any Hindu ritual, particularly when worshiping Goddess Lakshmi. Begin by thorough

Food offered to deities in Hindu Temples in India varies from region to region and it is impossible to write about the subject in a single book as the subject matter is encyclopedic. Book titled ‘Bhog: Temple Food of India ’ attempts to explore the various types of food offered to deities in some of the important temples in India . The book is written and published by by Geeta and Arun Budhiraja. One of the highlights of the book is the images of the various divine food and the recipe. The book is priced at Rupees 3900/-.

Worship of fire, known as Agni Puja or Havan in Hinduism, is a deeply spiritual ritual that signifies purification, transformation, and the connection between the physical and spiritual realms. Fire is regarded as a divine witness during important ceremonies and as a purifier that transforms offerings to the deities. Below is a comprehensive guide to performing Agni Puja , including the necessary preparations, eco-friendly materials, rituals, and mantras. Importance of Fire Worship in Hinduism Fire, or Agni , is one of the five primary elements (Pancha Mahabhuta) in Hindu philosophy and is revered as a carrier of offerings to the divine. It symbolizes purity, energy, and light, dispelling darkness and ignorance. Agni plays a central role in various Vedic rituals, yajnas, and household ceremonies. Worshipping fire helps in spiritual upliftment, mental clarity, and removal of negative energies. Benefits of Fire Worship Spiritual Cleansing : Fire is a symbol of purity and helps cleanse

Akanda Deepa Vrata is performed for prosperity by devotees. The main ritual involves keeping a diya (deepa or traditional lamp) lit for an entire Hindu lunar month. The Vrat begins on the first day of a Hindu lunar month – the day after Purnima in calendars followed in North India . In other regions, it is the day after Amavasya. The Akhanda Deepa is lighted on the first day. The lamp is either made of bronze or brass. The medium used to burn the lamp is cow ghee. A single diya is lit. Once lit the devotee keeps the lamp burning till the end of month (first day after Purnima to Purnima or first day after Amavas to Amavas). Each day pujas and offerings are made to the lamp. The puja involves meditation, offering simple flowers and a single fruit. On the last day of the puja, lamps are lit around the house. A puja involving family members, relatives, friends and neighbors are held. Any sweet dish is prepared and distributed as Prasad after offering to the diya. It i

Ganapathi Sachchidananda Ashrama in Mysore is preparing to consecrate a big murti of Hanuman – Karya Siddhi Hanuman idol – in Mysore . The Hanuman murti is 42 feet tall and is place on a 30 feet pedestal. The pedestal stands on Karyasiddhi Hanuman Sannidhi ( Temple ). The murti is chiseled out from a 200-tonne Grey Granite Rock. The reason for making the Hanuman Murti: Sri Ganapathy Sashichidananda Swami, the ashram chief, said - People who have faith in Hindu scriptures believe that their wishes will be fulfilled with the darshan of Hanuman. This urge of devotees made me do this. Some details about the Murti: It took 10 months for 18 sculptors to carve the murti. Subramanya Achar from Kurnool , Andhra Pradesh, headed the work. The murti is installed on a 30-feet high pedestal. The pedestal itself is on an octagonal temple. A 5-feet tall saffron Hanuman murti has also been erected to facilitate puja.

In Hinduism, Earth is revered as Bhumi Devi , or Mother Earth —the embodiment of nurturing, life-giving forces. She is considered sacred, and her worship is significant for showing gratitude for her abundant gifts and seeking blessings for sustenance, fertility, and prosperity. The act of Bhumi Puja (Earth Worship) is performed to honor the Earth, particularly before starting new endeavors like construction, agriculture, or important life events. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to worshipping the Earth in Hinduism, including eco-friendly practices and traditional puja items. 1. Preparation and Cleanliness Cleanliness is central in Hindu rituals. Before performing Bhumi Puja, ensure the space where the puja will take place is cleaned thoroughly. You can sprinkle the area with Gangajal (holy water) or water infused with turmeric to purify it. Take a bath and wear clean clothes to maintain personal cleanliness. 2. Time of Puja Bhumi Puja is generally performed in the morning , p

A Comprehensive Guide to Worshiping Draupadi in Hinduism In Hindu tradition, Draupadi, the powerful queen and wife of the Pandavas, is revered not just for her beauty, but for her devotion, strength, and wisdom. She is worshiped by many for her virtues, symbolizing courage, purity, and justice. This guide provides a detailed approach to performing Draupadi Puja with a focus on cleanliness, eco-friendliness, and devotion. 1. Importance of Worshiping Draupadi Worshiping Draupadi is believed to invoke the blessings of strength, protection, justice, and resilience. Draupadi is seen as a symbol of dharma, and her worship is especially important for those seeking justice and inner strength. By offering prayers to her, devotees believe they are bestowed with courage in difficult times, protection from harm, and the ability to maintain righteousness. 2. Preparation for the Puja Cleanliness and Purity: Personal Cleanliness: Before starting the puja, take a bath to cleanse the body and mind. We

Some important spiritual values to be developed as per the Bhagavad Gita Humility, unpretentiousness, non-injury, forbearance, uprightness, service to the teacher, purity, steadiness, self-control. (Chapter 13, verse 7) The renunciation of sense objects, and also absence of egoism; reflection on the evils of birth, death, old age, sickness, and pain. (Chapter 13, verse 8) Non-attachment, non-identification of self with son, wife, home, and the rest, and constant even-mindedness in the occurrence of the desirable and the undesirable. (Chapter 13, verse 9) Unswerving devotion to Me by the Yoga of non-separation, resorting to sequestered places, distaste for the society of men. (Chapter 13, verse 10) Constant application to spiritual knowledge, understanding of the end of true knowledge: this is declared to be knowledge, and what is opposed to it is ignorance. (Chapter 13, verse 11) -------------------- The Bhagavad Gita, often referred to as the Gita, is a sacred Hindu

Comprehensive Guide on How to Worship Lord Dakshinamurthy in Hinduism Lord Dakshinamurthy, a form of Lord Shiva, is revered as the supreme teacher, the embodiment of wisdom, and the ultimate guru. He represents the universal teacher who imparts knowledge through silence, often depicted as a serene figure seated under a banyan tree. Worshipping Dakshinamurthy brings blessings of wisdom, knowledge, and the removal of ignorance. In this guide, we'll explore the steps of worship, along with details on cleanliness, timings, attire, and the importance of this divine worship. 1. Cleanliness & Preparation for Dakshinamurthy Worship Personal Cleanliness : Before performing the puja, one should bathe and cleanse themselves, both physically and mentally. Clean clothes should be worn to maintain purity. Cleanliness of the Puja Area : The space where the puja is performed should be clean. This can be done by sweeping the area, sprinkling water, and decorating the altar with fresh flowers. E

Devi Parvati, the divine consort of Lord Shiva, symbolizes love, fertility, devotion, and strength. She is the mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya, and her worship is a central aspect of Hindu devotional practice. Parvati’s various forms (Durga, Kali, Annapurna) are worshipped across India for different purposes. This guide will walk you through the essentials of worshipping Devi Parvati, emphasizing cleanliness, devotion, materials, and traditional rituals. 1. Cleanliness and Preparation In Hindu rituals, cleanliness is a crucial element. One must be physically and mentally clean before performing any puja. Bathing: Begin your day with a bath, ensuring your body is clean and your clothes are fresh. Mindfulness: Purify your thoughts and focus your mind on Devi Parvati, cultivating an attitude of devotion and reverence. Altar Preparation: Clean the area where you intend to perform the puja. Set up a small, clean altar or puja space with a picture or idol of Devi Parvati. 2. Time to Worsh

Book titled Sri Muruga – Legend, Short Stories and Worship by Rahul Kabade is an attempt to provide a simple and good understanding of Muruga – Son of Shiva. One of the most popular deities worshiped in Hindu pantheon in South India . Muruga is Kumaraguru – the child guru who explained the greatness of ‘OM.’ Muruga is known as Kartik in North India and western parts of India . He is popularly known as Murugan, Skanda, Sharavana and Subrahmanya in South India . The book gives a proper understanding regarding the incarnation of Muruga. Importance and meaning of the various names of Muruga like Shanmukha, Subrahmanya, Karthikeya, Guha Velayudha, Swaminatha and their meaning are explored. Stories associated with Muruga. His war against Tarakasura and Surapadman are detail. Important saints of Murugan tradition are introduced to readers. Temples of Murugan including the  Aarupadai Veedu, six abodes of Muruga are detailed. Festivals, rituals, worship and importance of

Comprehensive Guide to Worship Lord Dattatreya in Hinduism Dattatreya , revered as a form of the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva), is a deity that embodies the ultimate spiritual knowledge and unity of all cosmic principles. Worshiping Lord Dattatreya can help devotees seek wisdom, protection, and liberation. Below is a detailed guide on how to perform a traditional and eco-friendly worship (puja) of Lord Dattatreya. 1. Cleanliness and Purity Before starting the puja, it’s important to ensure cleanliness in both physical and mental aspects. Personal Hygiene: Take a bath, clean your surroundings, and maintain a peaceful and calm mind. Puja Room Setup: The altar or area for puja should be clean and free of dust. Use natural cleaning products like water, sandalwood powder, and dried flowers for cleansing the altar. 2. Time to Perform Dattatreya Puja The best time to worship Lord Dattatreya is early in the morning, preferably during Brahma Muhurta (around 4:00 AM to 6:00 AM), which