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Showing posts from May, 2013


Thiruthuraipoondi Temple – Piravi Marundeeswarar Temple Thiruthuraipoondi in Tiruvarur in Tamil Nadu

Piravi Marundeeswarar Temple at Thiruthuraipoondi in Tiruvarur in Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Shiva is worshipped in the temple as Marundeeswarar and Gajasamhara Murthy. Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Periyanayaki. Why the Shrine is Piravi   Marundeeswarar   Temple? A unique aspect of the temple is that Shiva murti faces West. It is said that worship of Shiva here helps in attaining moksha on earth – escape from cycle of birth and death. Self realization dawns on a person and he sheds ignorance. Piravi means birth. Worship here is to put an end to the suffering of birth - life - death - birth. The temple has subsidiary shrines dedicated to manifestations of Shiva and Mother Goddess. Ganesha and Muruga are also worshipped in the temple. Thiruthuraipoondi Temple and Ashwini Nakshatra The temple is also associated with the Ashwini Nakshatra. Those people born in Ashwini Nakshatra offer prayers here to get relief from horoscope related p

Saraswati Pushkaram 2013 at Kaleshwaram in Andhra Pradesh

Saraswati Pushkaram 2013 as per Telugu calendars and Panchang is from May 30, 2013 to June 10, 2013. Saraswathi Pushkaram is held once in 12 years at Kaleshwaram in Andhra Pradesh. It is believed that Saraswathi River flows underground along with Pranahita and Godavari rivers at Kaleshwaram. According to the Kaleshwaram temple history, Pushkaram for Saraswathi River is conducted when ‘Guru’ (Jupiter) enters ‘Mithuna’ (Gemini) sign.  Kaleshwaram temple is located around 135 kilometer east of Karimnagar. The town is 277 kilometer north of Hyderabad.  Pushkara, or Pushkarams , is a popular Hindu ritual and festival which is held along 12 rivers. A Pushakaram along a particular river takes place once in 12 years when Jupitar (Brishaspati) enters a particular zodiac. The ritual of pushkaram is more popular in Andhra Pradesh. The main ritual involves taking a holy dip the river. In Saraswati Pushkaram, holy dip is taken in Pranahita and  Godavari  rivers.

Ashwini Nakshatra Marriage Compatibility – Ashwini Nakshatra Matching Stars for Marriage

Ashwini Nakshatra Marriage compatibility or matching stars with Ashwini for marriage in detail is given below. It is the first among the 27 Nakshatra in Hindu horoscope and astrology. The very best matching stars or the most combatable stars are Swathi, Vishaka (4th quarter), Anusham and Shravan. Other good matching stars with Ashwini Nakshatra are Ashwini, Bharani, Rohini, Hastam, Vishaka (1st, 2nd and 3rd quarter), Jyeshta, Moola, Purvashada, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada, and Revati. Kartika (1st Quarter), Mrigasira, Ardra, Punarvasu, Pushya, Maka, Purvaphalguni, Chithra (third and fourth quarter), Uttarashada, Dhanishta, Sadayam are okay – means neither good nor bad. Starts that do not match or not compatible with Ashwini Nakshatram are Kartika (2nd, 3rd and 4th quarter), Aslesha, Uthraphalguni and Chithra (1st and 2nd quarter).

Ekambareswarar Temple Chennai – Shiva and Shani Temple at Sowcarpet in Chennai

Ekambareswarar Temple at Sowarpet in Chennai is dedicated to Shiva and is also an important Shani T emple . It is believed that worshipping in the temple brings relief from Shani related astrological problems. The temple is more than 1000 year old and houses numerous unique murtis (idols). The main temple is dedicated to Shiva (Ekambareswarar) and Goddess Parvati (Kamakshi). The main murti worshipped in the temple is a Shivling. The murti of Mother Goddess is located on the base of the Shivling. There is a Sri Chakra in front of the Goddess. Story of Chennai Ekambareswarar Temple Legend has it that there lived an ardent devotee of Shiva in the Sowcarpet region in Chennai. He used to visit the famous Ekambareswarar Temple at Kanchipuram on all important occasions and also on Pradosh days. But once on a Pradosham fasting day he had lot of work and his employer did not allow him to go to Kanchipuram. But still the devotee managed to reach the Kanchipuram temple

Rare Murti of Goddess Saraswati in National Gallery of Australia – Should it not be in a Hindu Temple?

A rare murti of Goddess Saraswati is part of the collection National Gallery of Australia . A murti (ignorantly referred as idol) is a form given to a deity for worship in Hinduism. This particular Goddess Saraswati murti belongs to the early-mid 12th century, Hoysala dynasty in Karnataka in India . Goddess Saraswati is the goddess of learning, art and literature in Hinduism. The Australian reports  A sculpture of Sarasvati is one of the highlights of the Asian collection at Canberra 's National Gallery of Australia . It was acquired in 2011 with the support of Melbourne couple Pauline and John Gandel, who also gave the gallery a gift of $7.5 million in 2010.  She is adorned with lavish jewellery and seated cross-legged on an elaborate throne. She has four hands and each holds a symbolic feature: an elephant goad to nudge humankind towards virtuous living, a garland of beads for devotion, a noose showing that earthly desires are destructive and holding us back, and

Panchadasi Teachings

Teachings from Panchadasi of Sage Vidyaranya The ego is the patron, the sense objects the audience, the intellect the dancer, the sense organs musicians playing on their instruments; and the lamp illumining them all is the witness consciousness. As a lamp reveals all objects while remaining in its own place, so does the witness consciousness, itself ever motionless, illumine the objects within and without (including the working of the mind) When all forms have been destroyed, the formless space still remains. So, when all the names and forms are negated, what remains is the imperishable Brahman. Just as the cotton-like flowers of the Ishika reed are burnt by fire in a moment, so the accumulated past actions of the knower are burnt up because of realization. The Shruti says that entering into different bodies the supreme Self assumes different forms. Vyasa, the author of the Brahma-Sutras, wrote the Sutra which illustrates the entry of Brahman into the bodies by

Goddess Bhavani

Goddess Bhavani is one among the numerous forms of Mother Goddess Shakti. This name is especially used to refer to the fierce form that She took to annihilate demons Mahishasura and his companions. Bhavani is one among the important names of Goddess Parvati. The name is also used to refer to Goddess Parvati as the consort of Shiva. Bhavani means existence or coming into being. Bhava also means samsara or the world. Mother Goddess is responsible for the seemingly real world of names and forms. She creates all beings in the world, nurtures them and protects life. Hence she is called Bhavani. (please note that there are numerous meaning attributed to the name Bhavani) It is also believed that Mother Goddess appeared in the form of Bhavani and blessed Sri Ram and Hanuman before the epic battle in the Ramayana to rescue Mata Sita. One of the most famous images associated with Goddess Bhavani is that Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj kneeling down before Her and taking Her blessing

Bharani Matching Stars For Marriage – Bharani Nakshatram Matching Stars

Bharani Nakshatra matching stars for marriage in details is given below. It is the second among the 27 Nakshatram in Hindu horoscope and astrology. The very best matching stars with Bharani are the person born on the 4th quarter of Vishakam Nakshatram. Other good matching stars with Bharani Nakshatram are Ashwathy, Vishakam (1st, 2nd and 3rd quarter), Pooradam, Uthradam, Pooruruttathi and Uthrittathi. Bharani, Kartika, Rohini, Makayiram, Thiruvathira, Punirtham (1st, 2nd and 3rd quarter), Makam, Pooram, Uthram, Chithira, Chothi, Moolam, Thiruvonam, Avittam and Chathayam are okay – neither good nor bad. Starts that do not match with Bharani Nakshatram are Punirtham (4th quarter), Pooyam, Ayiliyam and Atham.

Kalishila – Footprints of Goddess Kali on Rock near Kalimath – Uttarakhand

Kailshila is the place where the footprints of Goddess Kali can be found on a rock. It is believed that at this spot Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva offered prayers to Her before She began the battle against demon Raktabeeja. The actual footprints can be seen on a high rock – which is a 7 km trek from Kalimath Shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali. On the way to Kalishila (quite nearby) there is an ashram of an old Babaji - Barkha Giri – and a German pious woman – Ma Saraswati Giri. Kalishila is located near a triangular rock face inclined at 60 degree angle. There is a tiny landing stretch on the rock and there one can see a triangular transparent crystal nearly 4 inches wide jutting out of the rock. The stone looks like a Tantric Yantra and there are mantras inscribed on the rock. Legend has it that Indra and other Devas performed austerities here to invoke Goddess Shakti to defeat the demons. She is believed to have appeared here.

Mahakali Kalimath Temple in Uttarakhand – Kalimath Mandir

Kalimath is a holy place located near Guptkashi in Uttarakhand and is home to a famous Kalimath Mahakali Temple . The Kalimath Mandir is dedicated to Goddess Kali, the ferocious form of Goddess Kali.   Kalimath Temple is one of the Sidh Peeths and is around 10 km from Guptkashi. Legend has it that Goddess Kali annihilated the demon Rakthabeeja at the spot where the Kalimath temple is located. There is no murti of Goddess Kali in the temple. A Shri Yantra is worshipped as the main murti. Worship to a murti of Goddess Kali is made only on the Durga Ashtami day during Navratri (September – October). The puja to murti is performed by the chief priest and no one else is allowed to be present or witness the puja. The main temple is surrounded by very ancient small temples in stone dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati, Gauri Shankar, Shiva (shivlings), nandi and Ganesha. Legend has it that illiterate Kalidas became the world renowned poet by the blessing of Godde

Ganesha Gita in pdf in English – Download Ganesha Gita Text from Ganesha Purana in pdf

This Ganesha Gita book in pdf is English and you can download it for free. Ganesha Gita is part of Ganesha Purana dedicated to Sri Ganesh. The Purana contains the teachings and exploits of the various manifestations of Ganapati. Ganesha Gita which is part of the Purana contains the teachings of Gajanana. It is in the form of dialogue with kings and saints. Link – English Ganesha Gita in pdf

Guptkashi Temple - Vishwanath Temple at Guptkashi in Uttarakhand

Vishwanath Temple is a shrine shrine dedicated to Hindu God Shiva and is one of the most important temples in Guptkashi in Uttarakhand. The temple is visited by those undertaking the Chardham Yatra to Kedarnath Temple . This Guptkashi Temple is believed to have existed during the Mahabharata era. Legend has it that Shiva who did not want to give darshan to Pandavas after the Mahabharata war hid at the present Vishwanath Temple . Vishwanath Temple is visited after having darshan of Ganesha who has shrine outside the main temple. A unique aspect of the Vishwanath Temple is that it has a subsidiary shrine dedicated to Ardhnarishwara. It is situated on the side of the main temple. The murti worshipped is a combined form of Shiva and Goddess Parvati. A holy water body is located in the vicinity of the shrine and is fed by two streams – Gaumukh and Gajamukh.  

Ashwathy Matching Stars For Marriage – Ashwathy Nakshatram Matching Stars

Ashwathy Nakshatra matching stars for marriage in details is given below. It is the first among the 27 Nakshatram in Hindu horoscope and astrology. The very best matching stars are Chothi, Vishakam (4th quarter), Anizham and Tiruonam. Other good matching stars with Ashwathy Nakshatram are Ashwathy, Bharani, Rohini, Atham, Vishakam (1st, 2nd and 3rd quarter), Triketta, Moolam, Pooradam, Pooruruttathi, Utrittathi, and Revathi. Kartika (1st Quarter), Makayiram, Thiruvathira, Punirtham, Pooyam, Makam, Pooram, Chithira (third and fourth quarter), Uthradam, Avittam, Chathayam are okay – means not bad. Starts that do not match with Ashwathy Nakshatram are Karthika (2nd, 3rd and 4th quarter), Ayiliyam, Uthram and Chithirai (1st and 2nd quarter).

Gandharva Tantra Teachings

The king of yogis, who under all circumstances is free from joy and sorrow, and is equanimous in the face of censure, praise, cold, heat, happiness, and sorrow; who is knower of the three (tantric) tattwas (atma-tattwa, vidya-tattwa, and shiva-tattwa), as well as the significance of the guru’s feet and the meaning of the mantra; who is devoted to the deity and the guru and is given to the Shambhavi gesture — he, and not one who has merely had initiation, is a Kaulika fully consecrated to the tantric path. Meditation, worship, repetition of mantra, and homa (free offerings) are the four limbs of yajna; the web of nyasa (the process of placing mantras on different body parts for purification and energization) its body, and knowledge of the ritual its soul; bhakti its head, faith its heart, and skill in performance is termed its eyes; knowing thus the body of yajna one must perform yajna daily, complete with these parts; loss of any part is a great wrong, so no part is to be reject

Teachings from Aparokshanubhuti

Aparokshanubhuti is a text credited to Adi Shankaracharya Just as light is required to see an object; one attains knowledge only through the means of enquiry. The self alone is permanent; all that is seen here is transient – such a settled conviction is truly known as discrimination. Concentration of the mind on the one Reality [Brahman] is regarded as Samadhana. Who am I? How is this world created? Who is its creator? Of what material is this world made? This is the way of that enquiry. I am neither the body, a combination of the five elements of matter, nor am I an aggregate of the senses; I am something different from these. This is the way of that enquiry.

Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai to Help Dialysis Patients

Siddhivinayak Temple Trust in Mumbai has decided to set up a dialysis centre near the Prabhadevi temple to help dialysis patients. The current rate of a single dialysis in Mumbai ranges from 1200 rupees to 1500 rupees. Siddhivinayak Temple is planning to do the dialysis for 250 rupees. DNA reports The temple has tied up with an NGO, Shri Veera Desai Jain Sangh, which runs a similar dialysis centre in Andheri, to get its 22-bed centre put together. The NGO, which has a budget of Rs3 crore, will also appoint the health experts needed to run the centre.  “We will charge patients the minimum fee. The rest of the expenses will be borne by the temple and us,” explains Chetan Vora, trustee of the NGO. The Sangh and the temple administration have signed a memorandum of understanding to have the centre up and running by July.

Saraswati Gayatri Mantra in Hindi

Saraswati Gayatri Mantra is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. There are two versions of the mantra and you can read and save them in Hindi. This Gayatri mantra is chanted for blessings of Goddess of learning. Students should chant the mantra daily before starting their lessons. The mantra is also chanted by artists and poets. Saraswati Gayatri Mantra 1: Saraswati Gayatri Mantra 2: A devotee can chant anyone of both the mantras.

Ashwini Star Temple – Ashwini Nakshatra Temple

Ashwini Star Temple is the famous Thiruthuraipoondi temple located in Tiruvarur District in Tamil Nadu. The shrine is known as Marundeeswarar Temple and popular belief is that Ashwini Nakshatra people find relief after offering prayers here. Thiruthuraipoondi town is around 30 km from Tiruvarur Ashwini is the first among the 27 stars. Those having education, marriage and career related problems associated with Ashwini Nakshatra can offer prayers at this temple get relief. Marundeeswarar Temple is dedicated to Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Shiva is worshipped as Marundeeswarar. Goddess Parvati is worshipped here as Periyanayaki. There is a popular belief that the Ashwini Kumars worship in the temple daily. Ashwini Nakshatra born people can perform Dhanvantari Puja in the temple for health related problems. Those suffering from Shani related problems can perform the Shanishwara homa in the temple. Special worship is also offered to Mars or Chowwa or Anga

Ardhanarishvara Stotram mp3 Audio – Download Ardhanarishvara Stotram Hindu Prayer for Free

Ardhanarishvara Stotram is a popular Hindu prayer dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. This is the mp3 audio version of the prayer and you can download it for free. The Stotram is provided by Veda Mantiram website. Ardhanarishvara is a unique form as it clearly shows that Shiva and Shakti are inseparable. Link - Ardhanarishvara Stotram mp3  (right click and use save link as option)

Greatness of Visiting Ahobhilam and Listening to story of Narasimha

There is a belief that for getting from redemption one only needs to go to Ahobhilam – a sacred place associated with Narasimha incarnation of Vishnu. It is also said that listening to the story of Narasimha is greater than visiting sacred places and offering 1000 cows with horns tipped with gold.  The Hindu writes   But listening to the story of Narasimha on a full moon day or a new moon day is superior to this. When Lord Srinivasa and Padmavathy marry in Tirupati, the Lord asks Brahma to worship Lord Narasimha at the Ahobilam shrine before the divine wedding. Ahobilam is considered superior to a 1,000 yuga sojourn in Varanasi .  Eighteen Puranas mention the Narasimha avatara. To be rid of one's sins, one goes to Prayag, Gaya and Kasi. But all this is not needed, if one goes to Ahobilam, abode of Lord Narasimha, said Kidambi Narayanan. A day in Ahobilam is equal to many years of visit to other places.  Donating 1,000 cows, with gold tipped horns in Kurukshetra, is supp

About Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple , part of the Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand, is one among the 12 Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Shiva in India . The temple is more than thousand years old and was consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya. Legend has it Pandavas wanted to seek redemption for sins committed during the Kurukshetra battle in Mahabharata. But Shiva was not ready to give darshan to Pandavas. He hid from them and the Pandavas kept following Shiva. It is said that at Kedarnath Shiva took the form of a bull and disappeared underground leaving only the hump on the top. Shiva is worshipped in the form of Shivling in Kedarnath Temple . The hump of the bull is that is worshipped in the temple. It is in the form of a canonical rock. Kedar is one among the numerous names of Shiva. Holy Places in Kedarnath Temple A large murti of Nandi bull stands as guard outside the temple door. Water used to worship the murti at Kedarnath temple gets collected at the Udak Kund and this water is

Keechaka Vadham – Story of Kichaka in the Mahabharata

Keechaka Vadham, or the killing of Kichaka, in the Mahabharata happened during the life incognito in exile period of the Pandavas. Pandavas had taken refuge in the kingdom of Virata . Matsya, the king of Virata, had married Sudeshna, sister of Kichaka. A powerful warrior, Kichaka and 105 brothers known as Upakichakas too lived in Virata. Kichaka was the chief commander of the army of Virata. He and his brothers were a manifestation of Bana, the eldest of the Kalakeyas (a group of demons). His earthly parents were Kekaya and Malavi. Pandavas led the life incognito in the palace of Virata assuming various roles. Panchali (Draupadi) assumed the role of chaperon. She looked after queen Sudeshna and her daughter Uttara. Kichaka was enamored by the beauty of Panchali and wanted to possess her. All advances of Kichaka were rejected by Panchali. She had spread a lie that she was married to a Gandharva. Kichaka, who was smitten by lust, took the help of Sudeshna. Ordered by

Vishnu Meaning – Hindu God Vishnu Word Meaning

Vishnu word meaning is found in the Vishnu Sahasranama – the thousand names of Vishnu. Vishnu meaning – the all pervading. He is the one who has entered into everything; the inner cause and power by which things exist. Vishnu is one of the three principal gods of Hinduism. He is the protector and sustainer of the universe. This particular teaching is only applicable until a devotee thinks that God is different from him. When there is self realization and ignorance is removed a devotee sees only Vishnu. Only He exists. He is eternal. There is no second. All are his forms. Thus Vishnu is all pervading. The root meaning of the word Vishnu is all-pervasive (vyapta) or omnipresent. The word Vishnu is made up of four components. These are vi, sh, n, u. Vi - convesy uniqueness s - means He regulates n - denotes strength u - is the combination of all that constitutes his nature.

Shri Swaminarayan Charitra – Animation Movies on the Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s Life and Work

Animation Movies on the Bhagwan Swaminarayan’s Life and Work is presented by Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha ( BAPS). The series is titled Shri Swaminarayan Charitra and aims to help children and elders understand the teaching and life of Bhagwan Swaminarayan who transformed lives of millions of people through teachings rooted in the Vedas. “Ghanshyam and the Storm of Evil” is the first part in the series. The second part is titled “Ghanshyam and the Miracles of Life.” Presented on a DVD, it contains the option of English or Hindi dialogs, with a total running time of an hour.

Tapt Kund at Badrinath Temple – Hot Water Spring Near Badarinath Temple

Tapt Kund is a hot water spring near the famous BadrinathTemple . Devotees take a dip in this holy water before having darshan at the Badarinath Temple. Tapt Kund is located on the Markandeya Rock on the banks of the Alaknanda River. Tapt Kund contains medicinal properties. A bath in the holy water is highly refreshing. It also has curative properties. Tapt Kund emerges beneath the Garuda murti in the temple. The water then gets collected in the rock. Today there are tanks in which water is collected and devotees can take bath in the tanks. Tapt Kund is a natural hot spring. Naturally heated groundwater from the Earth’s crust emerge from the spot.

108 Names of Goddess Saraswati in Hindi pdf – Saraswati Ashtottara Shatanamavali Prayer Text in Hindi

108 Names of Goddess Saraswati in Hindi in pdf is for free download. The prayer is known as Saraswati Ashtottara Shatanamavali. Students and artists should read the prayer regularly. Reading the prayer is considered highly meritorious. The prayer can be chanted either in the morning or evening. It can be chanted by both male and female. The prayer is specially chanted during Basant Panchami and Navratri Saraswati Puja. Link – 108 Names of Goddess Saraswati in Hindi pdf

Saraswati Mantra for Education

Saraswati Mantra for education is the Saraswati mantra, Gayatri and the Beeja mantra. Both are given in Hindi text below. It is a very small mantra and can be chanted by students to get good marks in examination. The prayer should be chanted daily before starting studies and also after ending your lessons. Saraswati Mool mantra is a simple mantra to remember and chant: Saraswati Mool mantra:  Saraswati Mantra this is chanted by students who follow a disciplined life. This involves sticking to only vegetarian food, complete avoidance of non-vegetarian food, daily bath in morning and evening etc. This mantra should only be chanted if follow the above routine. Saraswati Mantra: There are two Saraswati Gayatri mantras . Students can chant any one of them. Saraswati Gayatri mantra 1: Saraswati Gayatri mantra 2: Please note that chanting of mantra will not produce in any miracles. You need to work hard with patience and determination. There i

Relying on Vaimanika Prakarana Text Did an Indian Flew the First Airplane?

Vaimanika Prakarana is an ancient Sanskrit text dealing with aeronautics. Ganesh Nerlekar-Desai, epigraphist and manuscriptologist at Shivaji University ’s Manuscript Research Centre at Kolhapur , now claims that in 1895, an Indian, Shivkar Talpade, had flown the first aircraft. This happened ten years before the Wright brothers successfully flew their aircraft. Shivkar Talpade, a drawing teacher from JJ School of Art in Mumbai, is said to have flown an aircraft, Marutsakha, on Girgaon Chowpatty in 1895. DNA reports  There are two streams of thought regarding the existence of aircraft in ancient times. One believes that the ancients did build and fly aircraft, while the other believes it is too fantastic to be true. However, what cannot be disputed is the existence of an ancient text on aerodynamics, titled ‘Vaimanikprakarnm’. “At the Bharat Itihas Sanshodhak Mandal in Pune, there exists an undated handwritten manuscript of Vaimanikprakarnm, a treatise on aerodynamics, sai

Goddess Kali Aarti in Hindi – Goddess Kali Prayer Text in Hindi

Goddess Kali Aarti text in Hindi is in jpeg format and you can save it for free. The prayer is chanted daily morning and evening by Kali devotees. The popular belief is that Goddess Kali provides the strength to face the world. She also protects her devotees. The prayer is especially chanted during Navratri. This Aarti can be chanted on Tuesday and Friday during evening puja. The prayer is also chanted during Kali Chaudash, Bhadrakali Gyaras and also during Kali Puja. Goddess Kali Aarti in Hindi in jpeg fomat

Donate and Get Free mp3 Cds of Puranas – A Ved Puran Initiative

Ved Puran is a website dedicated to publishing text and audio of Puranas, Vedas and epics. Ved Purana website has started a new initiative by which you can get a free mp3 CD. To be part of the initiative you need to register on the website and make a donation. Vishnu Puran, Bhagvat Puran, Garud Puran, Markandeya Puran, Shiv Puran and Brahma Puran are available in mp3 cd formats. You can find more information about the initiative here.

Adi Shankaracharya Temple in Badrinath

Adi Shankaracharya Temple is a small shrine located on the stairs to the Badrinath Temple and is on the way to the Tapt Kund (Holy hot spring). The shrine is dedicated to Adi Shankara, who visited the region at a young age and established Badrinath Dham. Adi Shankaracharya established four mutts in the four directions of India and Badrinath is one among them. The belief is that the murti worshiped in Badrinath temple was discovered by Adi Shankaracharya at Narad Kund and he consecrated the murti in the present temple. Daily puja and bhog are offered at the Adi Shankaracharya Temple . Apart from the Adi Shankaracharya Temple , Murti of Adi Shankaracharya and his four disciples are found along the Parikrama inside the Badrinath Temple . 

Purusha Suktam mp3 – Download Purusha Sukta Mantra Audio for Free – Hindu Prayer

This Purusha Suktam Mantra in mp3 audio is provided for free by the Veda Mantram website. Purusha Suktam is dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu and is one of the Pancha Suktham. It is a very popular mantra and prayer in Hinduism. Purusha Sukta is found in the Rig Veda and is considered to have fundamental nature of all Srutis by Veda Vyasa. Link - Download Purusha Suktam mp3 (right click and use save link as option)

Kedarnath Accommodation – Kedarnath Temple Government Tourist Home Accommodation Phone Number

Pilgrims visiting  Kedarnath   Templ e  are provided accommodation by the Shri Badarinath-Kedarnath  Temple  Committee Rest House; government tourist guest house and in hotels. Below are the details of Kedarnath Accommodation with phone numbers. Shri Badarinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Rest House; Phone number is 01364 – 263231/267228. This rest house has 22 rooms. GMVN Tourist Rest house Phone - 01364 227228. Punjab and Sindh Awas 01364 227202/267230. This place has 33 rooms Marwada House. Phone number is 01364 261156. This place has 22 rooms. Himachal House. Phone number is 01364 227211 /261105. This place has 25 rooms.

Goddess Pochamma - Information About Goddess Pochamma

Goddess Pochamma is widely worshipped in the Telangana and in certain parts of Andhra Pradesh. She is the Mother who protects people from all kinds of diseases; she protects their wealth and she saves them from enemies. Goddess Pochamma temples are found in most villages in Telangana and she is a guardian deity. The most important festival associated with Goddess Pochamma is the Bonalu festival which is observed in the month of Ashada (July – August). There are no restrictions to the offerings that can be made to Pochamma. She accepts anything that the devotee offers. Most of the temples of Pochamma are without priests. A person can approach the deity personally and offer prayers. Goddess Pochamma is worshipped along with Maisamma. Potharaju of Bonalu festival is also linked to Goddess Pochamma.

Badrinath Altitude

Badrinath Altitude usually does not create altitude sickness for most people. But the Badrinath temple is located at an altitude of 3133 m or 10278 feet above sea level and it is prone to altitude sickness. Altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness occurs above 2, 400 meter or 8000 feet. Those with history of altitude sickness or first time travelers to mountainous regions should take the advice of a doctor. Badrinath Temple is surrounded by two mountains – Nar and Narayan. Bhagavan Sri Hari Vishnu is worshipped here in the meditating posture. The temple is located on the banks of Alaknanda River and is visited from May to November. The temple remains closed during the winter season - November to April. Badrinath Temple is part of the Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand.

Brahmotsavam Festival in Vaikasi Month at Varadaraja Temple in Kanchipuram

Brahmotsavam Festival held in the Tamil Vaikasi Month at the Varadaraja Temple in Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu attracts thousands of devotees. The most important dates during the 10-day festival are the Garuda Seva on the 3rd day and the Car Festival or Rathotsavam on the 7th day. Garuda Seva celebrated on the third day of the Vaikasi Visakam festival attracts thousands of devotees.  On  the auspicious day Bhagavan Varadharaja  leaves  the  temple  on   Garuda Vahanam (Mount)  at  4:00 AM  in the  early morning returns to the temple at noon after giving darshan to devotees. Garuda Seva is a popular ritual in Vishnu temples in South India . In it Vishnu rides atop Garuda, His Vehicle and gives darshan to devotees. Car Festival or Rathotsavam on the 7th day held on the 7 th day of the Brahmotsavam festival is the pulling of the cart of Varadharaja Perumal.

Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Temple - History - Story - Temple Darshan Pooja Timings

Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Temple is dedicated to Saint Siddhalingeshwara. The temple is located at Yediyur village in Kunigal taluk of Tumkur District in Karnataka. Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Temple is situated along the National Highway 48 connecting Bangalore , Hassan and Mangalore. The the temple is 90 Kms from Bengaluru, 60 Kms from Tumkur ,120 Kms from Mysore, 100 Kms from Hassan and 18 Kms from the taluk head quarters Kunigal. Sri Siddalingeshwara was one of the greatest Shaivite saints of the 15th century. He traveled throughout India preaching the teachings of Shaivism. He finally entered into Samadhi at Yediyur. He is believed to have taken voluntary Samadhi by entering into a tomb at the Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Temple . Story of the life of Sri Siddhalingeshwara is etched in numerous sculptures found in the temple. Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Temple Darshan Pooja Timings Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Temple is open from 4:30 AM to 8:30 PM. The t

Encyclopaedia On Shaivism in Tamil

Ten-Volume Encyclopaedia on Shaivism in Tamil is due to the fruitful effort of the Saint Sekkizhar Human Resource Development Charitable Trust. The ten-volumes concentrate on: (1) Saivism - as in Tamil Nadu and Pudhucherry (2) the world of Saivism beyond Tamil Nadu (3) Saivite Scriptures or devotional hymns (4) Saivite Shrines glorified in the hymns (5) Shrines of the later period (6) Saivite Saints (7) Saivite works (8) Saiva Siddhanta (9) Saivite organisations (10) and Glorious Gateway. The Encyclopaedia also includes 3000 colour photos. Each volume comprises of 650 to 895 pages. The ten volumes along with the introduction is spread over 7200 pages. More than 1500 graphics have been used to register the much valued messages of Saivism. More details regarding the Encyclopaedia on Shaivism in Tamil can be found here. Encyclopaedia on Shaivism Language – Tamil Price in India – Rs. 15,000 Outside India - $500 Saint Sekkizhar Human Resource Developmen

Bangaru Tirupati – Story – Darshan - Pooja Timings Of Bangaru Tirupathi Temple at Guttahalli in Karnataka

Bangaru Tirupati, also known as Shri Venkataramana Swamy Temple , is located at Guttahalli in Karnataka and is dedicated to Lord Balaji. This Venkateswara Temple is one of the 108 Tirupathis in India . The temple is located around 25 km from Kolar and 100 km from Bangalore . The temple is visited by devotees who are unable to visit Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple . Bangaru Tirupati Story The legend associated with the Bangaru Tirupathi temple suggests that the place of temple is where Bhrigu Rishi performed penance and intense austerities. Bhrigu Rishi had kicked Vishnu in anger and Goddess Lakshmi had left Vishnu for tolerating the insult of Bhrigu Rishi. Bhrigu Rishi who later repented his action performed austerities at Bangaru Tirupati. Srihari Vishnu is worshipped here as Ekanta Srinivasa – one without consort Lakshmi. Bangaru Tirupati Darshan The murti of Bajaji is viewed through a small window and is called netra darshana. The belief is that darsha

Aani Masam 2024 – Tamil Aani Month in 2024 in Tamil Calendar

Aani Masam is the third month in a traditional Tamil calendar. In 2024, Aani Month begins on June 15, 2024 and ends on July 15. The most important and auspicious day in the month is the Aani Uthiram (July 12, 2024). Ekadasi dates in Aani Masam are on June 18 and July 2 Shiva Pradosham dates are on June 19 and July 3 Sashti Muruga Fasting is on July 12. Aani Pournami or full moon day is on June 22 Aani Amavasya is on July 5 Pillayar Sankatahara Chaturthi is on June 25. (Ganesh Sankashti Chaturthi) The next month in Tamil Calendar is the Aadi Month.

Badrinath Accommodation – Badrinath Temple Government Tourist Home Accommodation Phone Number

Pilgrims visiting Badrinath Temple are provided accommodation by the Shri Badarinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Rest House; government tourist guest house and in hotels. Below are the details of Badrinath Accommodation with phone numbers. Shri Badarinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee Rest House; Phone number is 01381 222204. This rest house has 183 rooms. GMVN Tourist Rest house Devlok  Phone - 01381 222338. This rest house has 20 rooms. GMVN Tourist Rest house . This guest house has 500 beds dormitory. Hotel Narayan palace / Radhesyam Group.  Phone number is   01381 222381 has 25 rooms.

Lokaloka Mountain

Lokaloka Mountain is mentioned in Puranas especially Vishnu Purana and Bhagavad Purana. It acts as a boundary between the worlds of humans and gods. Shiv Tantra states that the foot of the Lokaloka Mountain is the playground of the gods. Lokaloka is a boundary between the earth and the void space. The world of the gods exists after the void space. Lokaloka is a region of the gold. The surface shines like a mirror. There are no living beings in this space. The height and breadth of the mountain is such that the light of sun, polar star and other stars do not penetrate it. The four corners of the Lokaloka Mountain are guarded by diggajas named Vrshabha, Puspachuda, Vamaha and Aparajitha. More information The Puranas, such as Srimad Bhagavatam (5.20), narrate the existence of a mythical mountain known as Lokaloka or Cakravala, situated at the southernmost tip of the earth, bordering the sea. Its name, Cakravala, is derived from its circular shape, resembling hair t

Who wrote Mahabharat First

Who wrote Mahabharat First? This is not a perplexing question but many people find it difficult to pinpoint the author as they have confusion between Sage Vyasa and Sage Valmiki. The writer of Mahabharata is Sage Vyasa – also known as Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa.  It is said that Sage Vyasa was saddened by the events that happened during the Kurukshetra war and decided to write the fifth Veda. Mahabharat is also known as fifth Veda. Mahabharat contains the problems faced by human society and how to overcome it. The only solution to overcome the problems is by following Dharma. With more than 74,000 verses, plus long prose passages, or some 1.8 million words in total, it is one of the longest epic poems in the world. Taken together with the Harivamsa, the Mahabharata has a total length of more than 90,000 verses. The events depicted in the Mahabharata are thought to have taken place around the 12th century BC. It is believed that the Mahabharat was written around 12t

Akhand Ram Naam Jap since 1964 – Non Stop Chanting of Ram Naam at Jamnagar Hanuman Temple

“Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram” is chanted the whole day at the Shri Balahanuman Sankirtan Mandir located at Jamnagar in Gujarat . The temple has earned a place in the Guinness Book of world records for continuous 24-hr chanting or Ram Naam. The chanting of the name of Bhagvan Sri Ram started on August 1, 1964. The chanting of Akhand Ram Naam was started by late Shri Prembhikshuji Maharaj. Hanumanji himself had stated that he is always present where the name of Bhagvan Sri Ramchandra is recited. Balahanuman Sankirtan Mandir is dedicated to Sri Ram, Mata Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman.

Timings in Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Temple – Opening and closing Timing at Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Temple

Timings in Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Templ e follow the same pattern followed in major Shiva temples in Karnataka Opening and closing Timings at Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Temple in detail is given below. Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Temple is one of the most popular Shaivaite centers in South India . The temple is located at Yediyur village in Kunigal taluk of Tumkur District in Karnataka. The temple is on National Highway 48 and is around 90 km from Bangalore . Timings in Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Temple Darshan in the morning begins at 4:30 AM The temple closes at 8:30 PM. There is extended darshan and change in time during Rathotsava festival held on the 7 th day after Ugadi. Special puja arrangements are also made during Sharvana and Kartika Months.

Who is the mother of Rama in Ramayana?

Who is the mother of Rama in Ramayana? There is no complexity involved in this question like that of Mata Sita. Mother of Rama in Ramayana is Queen Kaushalya. Kausalya was the first wife of Dasaratha, king of Ayodhya and father of Sri Ram. She was the daughter of the King of Uttara Kosala. A daughter named Santa was born to Dasaratha by Kausalya. After this, no sons or daughters were born to Dasaratha for a long time. Kausalya was also the chief wife of Dasaratha. The king had two other wives named Kaikeyi and Sumithra.

Annavaram Temple Timings – Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy Vari Devasthanam Opening and Closing Timings

Simhachalam Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Vishnu and is located in East Godavari District in Andhra Pradesh. Detail Annavaram Temple timings are given below. The Devasthanam opening and closing time change only during special occasions and festivals. The temple remains closed during Surya and Chandra Grahan (Solar and Lunar eclipse). Darshan Time for All Devotes at Annavaram Temple 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM 12:30 PM to 9:00 PM Annavaram Temple Timings: Suprabhatha Seva – 3:30 AM to 4:00 AM Abhishekam and Archana 4:00 AM to 5:15 AM Balabogam 5:15 AM Panchaharathulu andNeerajana Mantra Pushpamal - 5:30 AM Ashtothara Sathanama Poojas and Sahasranamarchanas 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Abhishekams can be performed by devotees from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM Sri Vari Nitya Kalyanam – 9:30 AM Rajabhoga Mahanivedana -  12:30 PM to 1:00 PM Darbaru Mandapam Seva - 06:00 PM to 07:00 PM Sri Swamy Vari Darbaru Seva - 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM Sri Ammavarla Ekanta Seva - 8:30 PM t

Simhachalam Temple Timings – Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam opening and closing time

Simhachalam Temple is dedicated to Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy and is located near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. Detail Simhachalam Temple timings are given below. The Devasthanam opening and closing time change only during special occasions and festivals. The temple remains closed during Grahan (Solar and Lunar eclipse). Simhachalam Temple Timings: The temple opens daily at 3:30 AM Suprabhatham – 3:30 AM to 4:30 AM Avakasa Darashanam – 4:30 AM to 5:00 AM Aradhana – 5:00 AM to 6:30 AM All types of Darshan and Pujas – 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM The temple closes from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM (Rajabhog) Darshan – 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM The temple closes from – 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM (Pavalimpu) All types of Darshan and Pujas – 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM Aradhana – 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM Darshan – 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM Temple closes at 9:00 PM

Om Namah Shivaya and Shivaya Nama

Om Namah Shivaya and Shivaya Namah are mantras dedicated to Mahadev Shiva. But is there a difference between them? Om Namah Shivaya – Sthula Panchakshara Shivaya Nama – Sookshma Panchakshara Om Namah Shivaya is chanted to gain worldly objectives. Shivaya Nama is chanted to attain Moksha – Liberation Saint Vallalar wrote that when one applied sacred ash on the forehead, one should say ‘Sivaya Namaha,’ because it confers on a devotee good speech, good company, good qualities and moksha.  K. Sambandan explains about the difference in an article in The Hindu.   Each of the letters in these mantras has significance. ‘Na’ represents our pride, ‘Ma’ represents the impurities in our minds, ‘Si’ represents Lord Siva, ‘Va’ represents Goddess Shakti, and ‘Ya’ represents the atma. So when we say, ‘Sivaya Namaha,’ the atma, represented by ‘ya,’ is in the middle. On one side are pride and other impure thoughts represented respectively by ‘Na,’ and ‘Ma.’ On the other side of ‘

Contact Details of Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Temple – Contact Details and Phone Number

Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Temple contact details are given below with phone number. The temple is located at Yediyur village in Kunigal taluk of Tumkur District in Karnataka. Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Temple is situated along the National Highway 48 connecting Bangalore , Hassan and Mangaluru. The temple is 90 Kms from Bengaluru, 60 Kms from Tumkur ,120 Kms from Mysore , 100 Kms from Hassan and 18 Kms from the taluk head quarters Kunigal. Contact Details of the Temple : Secretary, Yedeyuru Shree Siddalingeshwara Swamy Shrine, Yedeyur, Kunigal Taluk, Tumkur District. Pin- 572 142. Phone Number: 91-8132-296223 958132-296223 (local calling)

How Snake Vasuki Became Rope For The Churning Ocean?

Vasuki Snake was used by Devas (demigods) and Asuras (demons) as rope during the churning of ocean (Samudra Manthan). The story of Vasuki joining the churning of ocean is very interesting – it shows pride achieves nothing. When the time of churning of ocean was decided, Garuda was asked to bring Vasuki from his palace. Vasuki resided in the palace of Varuna , the sea god. Garuda and Nagas (snakes) were enemies. Garuda ordered Vasuki to reach the spot. Vasuki said that as his movement is slow and it would be better if Garuda carried him fast to the destination. Garuda agreed to carry him on his beak. Garuda took the middle part of Vasuki and flew up into the horizon but the tail and head remained on the ground. Garuda then folded the huge snake into two and flew up into the sky but the result was the same. Garuda could not carry Vasuki and returned without him. Finally, Shiva stretched his arm into the sea and Vasuki took the form of a bangle and reached the spot of

Live Darshan from Saptashrungi Devi Temple in Nashik

Saptashrungi Devi Temple in Nashik is dedicated to Mother Goddess Shakti and is considered as a half Shaktipeetah Temple . The temple administration is now offering online live darshan during the opening hours of the temple. The live streaming is available for free. Saptashrungi Devi Mandir is located within seven mountains and it is believed the right hand of Goddess Sati fell here. Saptashrungi Devi means the goddess of the seven hills. You can have live Darshan from Saptashrungi Devi Temple here at the official website.

Tamil Vaikasi Month 2024 - Vaigasi Masam in 2024 in Tamil Calendar

Vaigasi is the second month in a traditional Tamil calendar. In 2024, Vaikasi Month begins on May 15 to June 14. The most important and auspicious day in the month is the Vaikasi Visakam (May 22/23, 2024). Special pujas and rituals are held in the month in the famous Srirangam Ranganatha Temple in Tamil Nadu. Ekadasi dates in the month are on May 19 and June 3 Shiva Pradosham dates are May 20 and June 4. Sashti Muruga Fasting is on June 12. Vaikasi Pournami or full moon day is on May 23. Vaikasi Amavasya is on June 6 Pillayar Sankatahara Chaturthi is on May 26 (Ganesh Sankashti Chaturthi) The next month in Tamil Calendar is the Aani Month.

Chunchanakatte Temple – Kodanda Rama Temple in Karnataka

Kodanda Rama Temple is dedicated to Bhagavan Sri Rama and is located at Chunchanakatte Village near KR Nagara in Mysore . The temple is around 55 km from Mysore . Legend has it that Bhagavan Sri Ram during his exile period in the Ramayana stayed in home of a tribal couple, Chuncha and Chunchi, on the banks of Kaveri River . A story associated with temple gives information regarding the Chunchanakatte waterfalls near the temple. It is said that Mata Sita wanted to take bath and Lakshman on the advice of Sri Ram fired an arrow into a rock. Three streams appeared from the rock – these are now known as Chunchanakatte falls. The three streams had different color – one in the color of turmeric, the other as oil and the third one as a shikakai (used to wash hair in India ). The three different colors can be still seen near the temple. The place where Lakshman fired his arrow came to be known as Dhanushkoti. The waterfall near the Chunchanakatte Temple cascades from the