--> Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from March, 2013


Mother of Balram – Who was the Mother of Balarama, Elder brother of Sri Krishna?

Details regarding the birth of Balram , elder brother of Sri Krishna, are found in the Srimad Bhagavad Purana, Mahabharat and Hari Vamsa. Balram has two mothers – Devaki and Rohini. Balarama was born in the womb of Devaki. As Devaki was imprisoned and Kamsa had decided to kill all the children born to her, the child from the womb of Devaki was placed inside Rohini. Devaki and Rohini were the wives of Vasudeva. Even though Balram was born first in the womb of Devaki, his mother is Rohini as she delivered Him. Balram is an incarnation of Adi Shesha.

Mother of Bhishma Pitamaha in Mahabharata

Bhishma Pitamaha in Mahabharata is the grandsire who saw several generation of his family due to the boon that he can decide the time of his death. But who is the mother of Bhishma Pitamaha? Mother of Bhishma is Ganga – River Ganges. Bhishma was the son of King Shantanu and  Ganga . Ganga who had taken away Bhishma after birth had returned him to Shantanu when he had attained adulthood. Related Story of the Birth of Bhishma in the Mahabharat Bhishma Narkatari Temple at Kurukshetra

Who is the Mother of Lord Shiva?

Many people want to know who is the mother of Lord Shiva? It is as though someone had asked the question in a quiz . Shiva is the Supreme Truth. Shiva has no mother and no father. All that we see on the earth and hear about present in the universe is Shiva. Everything is born in Shiva and everything undergoes transformation in Shiva. Shiva is Ardhanarishwara . Male and Female is Shiva. 

Who is the father of Arjun in the Mahabharat?

Arjun was the third of Pandavas. His mother was Kunti. Who is the father of Arjuna in the Mahabharat is explained below in the story. She was married to Pandu. But Pandu could not have sexual union with Kunti because of a curse. Kunti due to her service to Sage Durvasa had got a boon that she will be able to summon a god and have children in him. Pandu requested Kunti to make use of the boon. Thus Arjuna was born when Kunti summoned Indra, the king of the Devas. But as per social custom that was followed at the time of Mahabharata, Pandu is the father of Arjuna. 

Bhadrachalam Temple Timings – Opening and Closing Time at Bhadrachalam Sri Rama Temple

Bhadrachalam Temple is dedicated to Bhagavan Sri Ram and is located at Bhadrachalam in Khammam District in Andhra Pradesh. Detail Bhadrachalam Temple Timings are given below. The temple opens daily at 4:30 AM. Opening and closing time is extended on special days associated with the temple. Bhadrachalam Temple Timings: Morning – 4:30 AM to 11:30 AM Evening – 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Abhishekam is daily performed at 7:00 AM The timings during festivals and special occasions will be extended. The temple will be closed when there is Surya Grahan (Solar Eclipse) or Chandra Grahan (Lunar Eclipse) in India . 

Widows in Vrindavan Play Holi – Welcome Change Initiated by Sulabh International

A larger number of widows from various parts of North and Eastern parts of India  today live in Braj near Vrindavan – a minority of them voluntarily arrive to live in the ashrams here but majority of them are forced to leave their villages and families and live in Braj without any economic support from the family. The stay away from festivities of all kind. But this Holi, the widows of Vrindavan played Holi - threw flowers at each other and played with gulal. Thanks to the much needed change initiated by Sulabh International Times of India reports These widows of the holy town — tragic icons of institutionalized oppression against women — have been observing Holi for decades. But it had always been a quiet affair, within the confines of their ashrams. They would enact scenes from Krishna 's 'Raas leela', shower each other with flowers and occasionally use a bit of gulal. "We would watch men and women play Holi from the windows of our ashram. The celebrations of

Rama Gita Quotes

A collection of quotes from Rama Gita For the purpose of warding off this course of worldly life, removal of ignorance is the only means. Knowledge alone is capable of destroying this ignorance. When that knowledge which destroys the notion of separation of the Supreme Self from the embodied self arises in the purified internal organ, then Maya together with its off-shoots, which give rise to birth, rebirth and action (karma), forthwith disappears. When it has been destroyed by realized knowledge which is pure and without duality, how shall ignorance ever again arise? The self never dies nor is born, nor is it subject to increase or decrease. It is never new (or old), beyond all additions to its greatness, of the nature of bliss itself, self-illumined, all pervading and without a second. Rama Gita

Book – The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna – Available Online for free in English

The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is one of the most popular books associated with Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is the English translation of the Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita, the conversations of Sri Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees, and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta. Belur Math has uploaded the entire book online. The English version translated by Swami Nikhilananda can be read online for free. Link – The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna

Why Arjuna in the Mahabharata is also known as Phalguna?

Phalguna, or Phalgunan, is one of the 10 important names of Arjuna in the Mahabharata. Arjuna is known as Phalguna because he was born on the Uttaraphalguni Nakshatra – one of the 27 birth star. Uthara Phalguni Nakshatra is the 12th birth star among 27 Nakshatras in Hindu Jyothisha or astrology. Kunti gave birth to Arjuna on mount on the Himalayas . Details regarding the names of Arjuna are found in the Virata Parva of the Mahabharat. He narrates them to Uttara Kumara. Arjuna was then living in the court of King Virat as Brihannala – the eunuch. Uttara Kumara was given the duty of stopping an advancing Kaurava Army towards his kingdom. But the prince had not will power and strength to fight the might Kauravas. Brihannala took duty of the charioteer of Uttara Kumara and fought against the Kauravas. Before letting Brihannala fight against Kauravas, Uttara Kumara wanted to make sure that Brihannala was Arjuna. So he asks about the ten important names of Arjuna. The ten import

Nava Kailayam Tour Package from Chennai by Indian Railways

Nava Kailayam is the nine temples dedicated to Shiva and are located on the banks of Thamirabharani River in Tuticorin and Tirunelveli districts in Tamil Nadu. The nine temples are also dedicated to Navgrahas – one for each graham. The Indian Railways is offering a tour package to the Nava Kailayam temples. The tour is for 3 nights and 4 days. The tour dates are from April 26 and May 10, 2013. You can get details of the Nava Kailayam Tour Package here.

Documentary Film on Shirdi Sai Baba in English – An Indian Jesus

Titled ‘An Indian Jesus’ is a documentary film based on the life of Shirdi Sai Baba. The film is produced and directed by Manish Pandit. The film in English explores the spiritual and religious history of India before introducing Shirdi Sai Baba. The film explains all the important aspects of Shirdi Sai Baba in simple English. You can view the documentary film Shirdi Sai Baba in English here.

Sri Sri Ravishankar – Wise Words

A collection of wise words and wisdom of Sri Sri Ravishankar The whole creation is made up of nature, and distortion of nature - Prakriti and Vikriti. Anger is not our nature; it is distortion of our nature. Jealousy is not our nature; it is distortion of our nature. You know why anger, greed, jealousy, lust, etc are impure? It is because they do not allow the Self to shine through. Sin is that which does not bring the spirit inside to shine forth fully. Sin is not your nature; you are not born out of sin. Sin is like wrinkles in the cloth, it needs proper ironing. You know why lust is a sin? Because in lust you do not consider the other person as life, you do not honor the life, instead you use them like an object. You make them an object of your enjoyment so you are somewhere over-shadowing or not looking at the Self in the other person. This is the only reason why lust is sinful. Love is the reverse of it. In love there is surrender, you see the other person as Divin

Amareswara Temple at Raichur in Karnataka

Amareswara Temple , dedicated to Hindu God Shiva, is located at Gudagunte near Raichur in Karnataka. There are numerous legends regarding the appearance of Shiva was Amareswara – two important stories – one is that of Mahiravana (maternal uncle of Ravana) getting a Shivling from Shiva for his sister’s worship. But he places the Shivling at the present site of the temple and is unable to remove it. Another story has it that Shiva appeared as a young boy to help a devoted couple. After helping the couple, Shiva disappeared at the present site of the temple. The most important festival at the Amareswara Temple is held during the Holi Purnima day. The deity is the family deity of thousands of people in the region. Amaragunda a holy tank is found near the temple. Lingsugur is the nearest town to Amareswara Temple and is at a distance of about 18 Kms from the temple. Devara Bhoopura cross bus stand is located on Bidar-Srirangapatna (SH-19) highway at a distance of ab

Vaishno Devi Aarti Timings

Vaishno Devi Temple is located at Katra in  Jammu and Kashmir  and is visited annually by more than 5 million devotees. Detail Vaishno Devi Aarti Timing is given below. The temple is located on the folds Trikuta - a three-peaked mountain. The murti of Goddess Vaishnodevi is in the form of three natural rock formations.  Vaishno Devi Aarti Timings Vaishno Devi Aarti is held two times in a day. The first aarti is held in the morning and the second in the evening. The exact timing of the aarti is based on the sunrise and sunset time in Katra. The morning aarti is held just before sunrise. The evening aarti is held just after the sunset. The exact timing of Aarti changes every day depending on the sunrise and sunset time in Katra. During the Aarti devotees are not allowed to take darshan. The aarti period is nearly two hours.

Mansa Devi Temple Timings – Opening and Closing of Mansa Devi Temple

Manasa   Devi   Temple , near Panchkula in Haryana, is a popular Shakti Temple in North India . Detail  Mansa Devi temple timings of the Mansa Devi shrine located near Chandigarh are given below. The opening and closing time of the temple change during summer and winter. Mansa Devi Temple Timings: 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM in the summer season (March to October) 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM in the winter (November to February)

Chikka Tirupathi Temple

Chikka Tirupathi Temple, located near Bangalore in Karnataka, is dedicated to Prasanna Venkataramana Swamy and is considered as an alternative to the world famous Tirupathi Temple in Andhra Pradesh. The main murti in the temple was installed by Agni – the god of fire. The murti worshiped here is also known as Varadaraja. The main murti worshipped in the temple is nearly three and half feet and is made of Krishna Shila. The murti stands on a lotus-shaped pedestal. At Chikka Tirupathi, the murti of Balaji is standing with his consort Sridevi and Bhudevi, and there is no separate shrine for Goddess Padmavati. All the important rituals held in Balaji Temples are followed here including the tonsuring of head. The annual festival of the temple witnesses the making of a seventy-feet tall wooden chariot. The most important festivals observed in the temple include Navaratri and Vaikunta Ekadasi. The belief is that visiting Chikka Tirupathi Temple is equal to visi

Unique Website Selling Books Associated with Madhavacharya and Vaishnavism

Madhwakart is a website exclusively dedicated to selling books and other products associated with Vaishnavism. Books associated with various avatars of Vishnu and Vaishnava philosophy in various regional languages in India are available at the website. The website also deals in music, panchangas, pravachanas and other holy items. Almost all the important books in publication credited to Saint Madhavacharya are available at the website. Link – you can find more information about Madhwakart here

Bharata Gita Quotes

A collection of Bharata Gita quotes. As long as the mind of a man is under the dominating influence of sattva, rajas or tamas, it goes on producing unchecked merit or sin through his sense-organs of perception and action. If the mind is attached to the objects of senses (which are the products of gunas), it leads the creature to misery (samsara). If it is free from and unattached to them, it takes the Jiva to eternal happiness (moksha – liberation). Just as a lamp, which emanates flames mixed with soot while it consumes its wick soaked in ghee, later (after the consumption of ghee) betakes itself to its original state, the mind, which is attached to the objects of senses and (consequent) activities, resorts to various courses, and eventually returns to its true original self, when unattached (to them). Just as air, entering in the form of breath, controls both the mobile and the immobile beings, so does the Supreme Lord Vasudeva, the all-pervading Soul, enter this unive

Sade Sati Solution and Prayers

Sade Sati is the bad positioning of Shani Bhagavan in an individual's horoscope. It is followed by those who believe in astrology. The best and ideal solution for Sade Sati is worship of Hanuman and Shani Bhagavan on Saturdays. Prayers - You can read Sunderkand from Ramayana or chant Hanuman Chalisa on all days. Fast on Saturday from sunrise to sunset. Offer prayers to Hanuman and Shani Bhagavan. You can also do food donation to poor children and elderly people once in a year. Sade Sati is not really a bad period but it is an opportunity for you to work hard and be more determined. It also gives you an opportunity to take a look at life in a balanced way. Many people who were just doing normal have become highly successful during Sade Sati period as they put extra effort during the period.

Meena Masam 2024 – Malayalam Meena Month in 2024

Meena Masam, or Meenam, is the eighth month in a traditional Malayalam calendar followed in Kerala. Meena Masam in 2024 begins on March 14 and ends on April 13, 2024. Auspicious days in the month include Panguni Uthiram at Sabarimala Temple , Kodungallur Kavu Theendal, Meena Bharani and Sri Ramanavami. Full Moon and No Moon Day Velutha Vavu or full moon day (Purnima) – March 25 Karutha Vavu or Amavasya – April 8 Ekadasi Vratham  - March 20 and April 5 Pradosham - March 22 and April 6 Sashti Viratham  - March 15 Festivals and auspicious days include: Temple   Festival  at  Sabarimala Temple begins on March 16 Panguni Uthiram – March 25 Sabarimala Festival Ends - March 25 Kodungallur Kavu Theendal – April 9 Sri Rama Navami - April 17 Arattupuzha Pooram - March 23 Meena Bharani – April 10 Next month in Malayalam calendar is the Meda Masam or Medam.

Ananda Navami

Ananda Navami is observed during the Phalgun Shukla Paksha as per Hindu calendars followed in North India . In 2024, Ananda Navami date is March 18. Ananda Navami vrat is observed for a year by some Hindu communities. It is dedicated to Goddess Shakti. Some people limit the vrat to a single day. The main vrat rituals include purification on all days, vegetarian meals, staying away from smoking, alcohol and other such items. The vrat is observed by both men and women. Apart from this people also perform annadanam or food donation to poor children and elderly people. Some people adopt an animal especially cow.

Rama Gita Text in English in pdf format for free

Rama Gita is part of Ramayana and in it Bhagavan Sri Ram answers philosophical questions of brother Lakshman. You can download the English translation of the text in pdf format for free. Rama Gita is found in Chapter V of the Uttara Khanda of Ramayana and in Brahmanda Purana. In it Bhagvan Sri Ram teaches about Brahman and ways to win over worldly attachments. Link – Rama Gita Text in pdf for download

Rudraksha Shivling in Surat in Gujarat made of 2020000 Rudrakshas

A Shivling that was unveiled for Shivratri 2013 in Surat in Gujarat is made of 2020000 Rudrakshas (20 Lakh 20 Thousand). This Rudraksha Shivling is 30 feet high and 16 feet high wide. You can watch a news report about the Rudraksh Shivling hereon Yahoo India. A Youtube video of the Shivling is embedded below

Bengali Chaitra Month in 2024 – Chaitra Mash in Bangala Calendar 2024

Chaitra Mash is the 12th and last month in a traditional Bengali calendar. The previous month was the Phalgun Mahina. In 2024, Chaitra Mash in Bangala Calendar begins on March 16 and ends on April 13, 2024. As per Gregorian calendar, the Chaitra month begins in Mid March and ends in Mid April. The current year in Bengali Calendar is 1430. Purnima or full moon day in Chaitra month in 2024 is on March 25. Amabashya or no moon day in Chaitra Mash is on April 8. The two Ekadashis in the month are on March 20 and April 5. Important Festivals and rituals in Bengali Chaitra Month in 2024 Dola Purnima - March 25 Dol Utsav / Holi Festival - March 25 Charak Puja - April 13 Sat Panchami - Satyanarayan Brata - April 13 The next month in Bengali calendar is the Baisakh or Vaishakh month. This is the first month in a Bengali calendar and Poila Baisakh or Bengali New Year is on April 14, 2024.

Jharokha Darshan Planned at Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Currently a devotee can enter the sanctum sanctorum of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and even touch the Shivling. But the number of devotees visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple have increased manifold and not all devotees are able to have a darshan in a day. So the temple management is planning to introduce Jharokha Darshan - allowing darshan of Shivling only from outside the doors of sanctum sanctorum. Times of Indiareports  'Jharokha Darshan' of Kashi Vishwanath Temple (KVT) is emerging as the only solution to ensure that all the pilgrims queuing up for hours get an opportunity to pay obeisance to Lord Vishwanath.  If the KVT trust and administration would give consent to this proposal, it can be introduced on the occasion of Mahashivratri falling on March 10. "We have not finalised this decision as the issue is sensitive and concerns to faith, hence consent of authorities concerned is a must," said SSP AK Mishra. "Keeping the size and conditio

Vimala Thakar Quotes

A small collection of quotes of  Vimala Thakar  (1921 – 2009) – Spiritual Teacher. To take a journey of a thousand miles, you have to begin with the first step from the place where you stand; the romantic description of the journey and the things the body sees on the way and the description of the scenery are of no use unless you lift your foot and take the first step. Friendship inspires and enriches the life of those who come together… Humility is the eternal fountain of energy. You are the prison-house, you are the prisoner and you are the one who imprisons yourself… Relationship is a mirror into which your inner being gets reflected…

Vadakkupurathu Pattu Festival 2013 – Held once in 12 Years at the famous Vaikom Mahadeva temple in Kerala

Vadakkupurathu Pattu Festival, dedicated to Goddess Shakti, is a series of pujas and rituals held for social welfare once in 12 years at the famous Vaikom Mahadeva Temple in Kerala. In 2013, Vadakkupurathu Pattu Festival will be held from April 13 to 24. The 12-day long pujas attract devotees from several parts of Kerala , India and the world. A major attraction at Vadakkupurathu Pattu is the creation of an image of Goddess Shakti in the traditional Kalamezhuthu style. The image created on the ground will change on each day and will depict various forms and moods of Goddess Shakti. The image of Goddess Shakti (known as Bhagavathi in Kerala) is created on the ground. Five natural colors are used in making the image on the ground at the huge northern courtyard of the temple. Grounded grains, turmeric and flower petals are used to make the powder used in drawing the image of the Bhagavathi. Legend has it that the people in the area were once troubled by various epidemics

Chollangi Amavasya

Chollangi Amavasya is observed on the no moon day (Amavasi) on the Paush Amavasya day as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in Andhra Pradesh. Chollangi Amavasya 2025 date is January 29. Chollangi is a village near Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. Situated on the banks of Godavari River , the village is a point where seven streams of Godavari merges with the Bay of Bengal . Chollangi Amavasya is one of the most auspicious dates during the Sapta Sagara Yatra. The yatra is a pilgrimage to the seven mouths of Godavari River . It is believed that taking holy dip here will help in getting sin redemption. It is also believed that ancestors will bless their living relatives on earth on the day with peace, prosperity and good health. Thousands perform it to achieve desire fulfillment. Thousands of people arrive at Chollangi to take bath in the holy Godavari River on the Chollangi Amavasya day.

Kollur Temple Timings - Kollur Mookambika Temple Opening and Closing Time

Mookambika   Temple  located at Kollur in Udupi District of Karnataka is one of the most famous temples dedicated to Mother Goddess. Detail Kollur Temple opening and closing timings are given below: Opening and Darshan Timing for devotees – 5:00 AM to 7:15 AM 7:45 AM to 11:30 AM 12:00 PM to 12:20 PM 12:45 PM to 1:30 PM Evening opening and Darshan Time 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM (darshan not permitted during certain period of pujas)

Hey Bholenath – Film Based on Story of Vidyapathi and Shiva

Vidyapathi was an ardent devotee of Shiva. The story of Vidyapathi and his devotion for Shiva is the theme of a new film named Hey Bholenath. Film is directed by Santosh Badal and produced by Sanjay Rai and is scheduled to release in March 2013. It is said that Shiva who was impressed by Vidyapati’s devotion came and stayed with him as his servant. It is said that once when Vidyapati was going to a distant place, he fell down in a desert area. He wanted water and the servant brought water. While drinking the water, Vidyapati sensed it was special and such water could not be found in the desert area. Shiva then reveals himself before Vidyapathi. 

Swami Vivekananda – Wise Words and Insight

A collection of wise words and insight of Swami Vivekananda. As the spider throws her web out of herself and draws it in, even so this universe is thrown out and drawn in by God. By the establishment of truthfulness the Yogi gets the power of attaining for himself and others the fruits of work without the works. When this power of truth will be established with you, then even in dream you will never tell an untruth. You will be true in thought, word and deed. Whatever you say will be truth. You may say to a man, ‘Be blessed,’ and that man will be blessed. If a man is disease, and you say to him, ‘Be thou cured,’ and he will be cured immediately. I will compare truth a corrosive substance of infinite power. It burns its way in wherever it falls – in soft substance at once, hard granite slowly, but I must. Language is the vehicle of ideas. It is ideas that are of prime importance, language comes after. We are like cattle driven to the slaughterhouse hastily nibbling a b