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Showing posts from December 12, 2012


About Hindu God Alagar

Alagar is a manifestation of Hindu God Vishnu mainly worshiped in Tamil Nadu in India . It is believed that Vishnu appeared in this form as the brother of Goddess Meenakshi (Parvathi). Legend has it that Vishnu descended from Vaikunta and appeared in the present day Alagar Koil region. He then gave his sister Meenakshi in marriage to Sundareshvara (Shiva) – the divine couple resides at Madurai Meenakshi Temple . The most famous temple dedicated to the Alagar form of Vishnu is located at around 21 km north-east of Madurai . The temple known as Alagar Koil is located on the foot of Alagar hills. Scholars are also of the view that the legend was intended to unite Shiva and Vishnu devotees. Alagar is worshiped as Kallalagar in Alagar Koil, as Kattalagar in Srivilliputtur Temple and as Koodalagar in Madurai . The murti of Algar is flanked by Bhu Devi and Shridevi. Alagar riding a horse and entering the Vaigai River is an important ritual that takes place during th

Story of Belli Saheb Who Made the Silver Chariot at Udupi Krishna Math

Late Ameer Hamza, who is fondly remembered as Belli Saheb, is the one who built the silver chariot at Udupi Sri Krishna Math. Belli Saheb has also made murtis in many temples in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. A practicing Muslim, the story of Belli Saheb is highly fascinating. Deepa Ganesh writes about the life of Belli Saheb in The Hindu They are not sure when it all started in their family, but Makbool, the older son of Ameer Hamza says his grandfather Sheikh Peeru saheb was a renowned silver craftsman. “My father’s initial lessons were from him.” But Peeru saheb mostly made huge silver utensils used in the temple. The little Hamza was in sixth standard when he had a tiff with his father. He was so upset that he ran away from home. It was sheer serendipity that he landed in Mysore . After working here and there to be able to fend for his food, he chanced upon the workshop of Subbanna Achar, who headed the team of silver and gold craftsmen in the pa