Bhogasthanaka Murti of Vishnu is worshiped for fulfillment of desires and to achieve all those things on earth that are impermanent. The murti of this form of Vishnu is in standing posture and is accompanied by Sridevi and Bhudevi. Bhogasthanaka Vishnu has four hands – holds Chakra and Shankha in the two back hands. The friend right hand is in the ‘Abhaya’ or ‘Varada’ pose. The front left hand hangs by the side to rest upon the hip. The color of this murti is dark. Sridevi stands on the right side of the Vishnu with the left leg slightly bent. The color of Sridevi is golden yellow. She is two armed and holds a lotus. Bhudevi stands on the left side of Vishnu. Her color is dark and she holds a blue water lily. The complete Bhogasthanaka murti includes Sage Bhrigu and Sage Makandeya kneeling on one knee near the main murti. Above the figure of Vishnu, images of the goddesses Maya, Samhladini, Kamini and Vyajani, of the divine musicians Tumburu and Narada, of a pair

Ardra Nakshatra matching stars for marriage in details is given below. It is the sixth star among the 27 Nakshatra in Hindu horoscope and astrology. Ardra marriage compatibility or the very best matching stars are Bharani, Rohini, Mrigasira, Uthraphalguni (2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th Quarter), Purva Shada, Uttarashada, Shatabhisha or Sadayam, Purvabhadra and Revathi. Other good matching stars with Ardra are Ashwini, Kartika, Ardra, Punarvasu (1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd quarter), Aslesha, Hasta, Chitra (1 st and 2 nd quarter), Swati, Jyeshta, Moola, Shravan, Dhanishta, Uttarabhadra Punarvasu (4 th quarter), Pushya,  Purvaphalguni, Uthraphalguni (1 st Quarter), Chitra (1 st and 2 nd quarter), Vishaka, Anuradha, are okay – means not bad. Starts that do not match with Ardra is Magha.

Mrigasira Nakshatra matching stars for marriage in details is given below. It is the fifth star among the 27 Nakshatra in Hindu horoscope and astrology. Mrigasira marriage compatibility or the very best matching stars are Ashwini, Rohini, Swathi, Moola, Uthara Shada, Shravan and Uthra Bhadra. Other good matching stars with Mrigasira are Bharani, Kartik, Mrigasira, Pushya, Utharaphalguni (2nd, 3rd and 4th Quarter), Hasta, Anuradha, Purva Shada, Dhanishta, Shathabhisak or Sadayam, Purva Bhadra and Revathi. Ardra, Punarvasu, Aslesha, Magha, Uttaraphalguni (1st quarter), Chithra (1st and 2nd quarter), Vishakha, Jyeshta, are okay – means not bad. Starts that do not match with Mrigasira are Purvaphalguni and Chithra (3rd and 4th quarter),.

Mundakanni Amman Temple is located in Mylapore in Chennai and is dedicated closely associated with Goddess Saraswati. The main murti worshipped in temple is Swyambhu – appeared on its own. Only the head of the murti can be seen - like a lotus – the deity bears the name “Mundakam” which means lotus in Tamil. There is an anthill and a Banyan Tree behind the sanctum sanctorum of the main temple. It is believed that a Naga (Snake) worships the Mother daily. It is widely believed that Mundakanni Amman helps devotees in their studies. Artists and students have known to excel in their field after offering worship in the temple. The most important festivals include Aadi Pooram, Chitra Pournami, Chithirai 1, Vijaya Dasami and last Friday of Thai Masam. Contact details Arulmigu Mundagakanniamman Temple Mylapore, Chennai - 600 004. Phone : 044-24981893 E-Mail ID : mundagakanniamman@dataone.in Mundakanni Amman Temple - Pooja Timings Morning Time – 6:00

Anyone who has visited popular temples in South India might have come across a woman begging with a child tied to her waist with a thick piece of cloth. These women walk around popular temple towns with the child demanding money and pestering devotees. Most of these women are healthy and are using children as an easy way to make money. They target important temples because it is easy to take advantage of devotees. The main issue here is that this is child abuse. Infants are often made to stand in hot sun with unclean clothes. Most of these women are part of large network. Most of the times they do not carry their children. Devotees should avoid giving alms to such people. The Hindu raises this issue in an article titled A child abuse that’s begging for attention Taking advantage of this constant influx of people, a large number of women resort to child beggary at temples and historical sites.  According to police officials and advocates, several issues are involv

Varada Hasta is the pose of hands common to most Hindu Gods. One hand of majority of the murtis (idols) of Hindu Gods depicts this pose. The Varada Hasta Mudra shows the pose of the hand while conferring a boon.   Varada Hasta pose shows the palm of the left hand with the fingers pointing downward. The hand is usually exposed to the devotee and is empty. In some murtis the hand carries bolus – a round shaped object. When the hand is carrying an object the fingers are closed but exposing the palm and the object. Those people expecting wish fulfillment should worship murti having Varada Hasta pose.

Vekkaliamman Temple is located at Worayiur near Trichy in Tamil Nadu. Vekkaliamman is a manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti. A unique aspect of the temple is that the sanctum sanctorum of the temple is uncovered. Story of Vekkaliamman Temple Legend has is that once there was a huge sandstorm in the Worayiur region. The area was protected by Goddess Vekkaliamman. But people had lost their houses in the sandstorm. She told her devotees to not build a roof over her shrine until every person living there had shelter. Tuesday and Friday are the most important dates in the temple. Other auspicious occasions are No moon day and full moon day. The murti of Goddess Vekkaliamman is north facing. In this form she is believed to have blessed the Chola kings with valor. The belief is that the north facing murti provides courage to face life. The murti of Mother Goddess is seated on a Yoga Peeta facing north. She holds trident, small drum, pasha (rope) and Akshaya Patra

You can now listen to Ling Puran in audio mp3 format online. There is no option for download of the audio. Linga Purana is one of the most important Puranas and is counted among the 18 major Puranas. Ling Puran narrates important episodes associated with Hindu God Shiva. The audio is made available by Ved Puran website. Link –  Listen to Ling Puran Audio in Hindi online.

Vamadeva Shiva is one among the five basic incarnations of Shiva. The eternal and formless Shiva manifests into the Linga form and from it appear five forms - Sadyojata, Vamadeva, Aghora, Tatpurusha and Ishana. They create the five elements Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space. The five forms emerge from the formless Linga. Vamadeva Shiva form of Shiva brings into the form water. Vamadeva emerges on the northern face of the linga. This form of linga is referred as Panchamukha Shiva Lingam or Panchanana Shiva. It is also referred as Panchvaktram. In this form Shiva has a red complexion. Scriptures states that in this form Shiva blessed Brahma with the power to heal and preserve His creations. Vamadeva Shiva is the form of Shiva where he is the preserver and healer. Shiva Purana indicates that from this form of Shiva appeared Viraj, Vivah, Vishok and Visvabhavan – who are healers and preserves of Brahma’s creations. The invocation dedicated to Vamadeva form of Shiva is

Muthukuzhi Amman Temple is located near Peraiyur near Madurai in Tamil Nadu. The temple is a manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti. The temple is famous for a unique (controversial) ritual - Kuzhi Mattru Vizha – which is held once in five years on the Wednesday after Aadi Amavasya (July – August). In the ritual, elders and children are buried in pit for a few seconds. People who have had their wish fulfilled after offering prayers in the Peraiyur Temple perform the ritual. It is widely believed Goddess Muthukuzhi Amman bless childless couple with children. Prayers are also offered in the temple for speedy recovery from illnesses. Muthukuzhi Amman Story Legend has it that once a woman lost her only child to small pox even after offering prayers to the Goddess. She buried the child and when she was returning home a woman in the village was possessed by the spirit of Goddess Muthukuzhi Amman. The possessed woman told the mother that Amman will never disappoint he

A limited collectors' edition Ganesha Currency Coin will be released by Ivory Coast  – Country in West Africa . The coin will be released during the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi on September 9, 2013. You can place an order for the coin by paying 8001 rupees at Kolkata-based firm AG IMPEX. The Ganesha Currency coin is minted at Germany 's Mayer mint. The coin is made of pure silver. A colored image of Ganesha is shown on peepal leaf. The Sanskrit Shloka 'Vakratunda Mahakaya' is inscribed on the coin. The coin weighs 25 gm. The value of the coin is 1001 Francs Cfa  The coin is also studded with Swarovski Crystal  The financial express reports  The Ganesha coins have not been issued by any government and are therefore treated as bullion unlike commemorative currency coins which have a much higher value.  "There is a lot of demand for Ganesha coins in India . But since the Indian Mint generally doesn't make coins on r

Kamadeva is the Hindu God of Love and in an important story in the Puranas, Kamdeva was assigned with the mission to stop Lord Shiva’s penance that he started after the death of Sati Devi. After the death of Sati, Lord Shiva entered into yogic penance in the Himalayas . Lord Shiva was no longer interested in the world. Taking advantage of the situation, a demon named Tarakasura, son of Vjranga and Varangi, did Tapas (penance and austerities) and pleased Lord Brahma and got two boons. As the first boon, he asked Brahma to make him the most powerful man in the world. As the second boon he sought that his death should only happen at the hands of a son born to Shiva – thinking that Shiva will never again marry. After getting the boons, Tarakasura showed his true color and started attacking the demi gods, saints and humans. He defeated all the Kings and Devas and took control over earth and heaven. All the Devas and saints sought refuge at the feet of Brahma wh

Bhuteshwar is one among the 1008 names of Lord Shiva. As Bhuteshwar, Lord Shiva is the lord of the elements. Legend has it that while Brahma was indulged in creation, the gentler animals that he created did not get any food as they were not ready eat other animals to suffice hunger. The animals prayed to Pashupati – Lord Shiva as the lord of the animals. Lord Shiva agreed to help the animals and soon he meditated. The heat from his intense meditation brought forth herbs, creepers, plants, shrubs, grass and trees. The hungry animals thrived on the vegetation. Now Brahma wondered on what the plants will feed on? Shiva said that they will live on the elements – earth, air, light, water and ether. Thus Shiva is the lord of the elements – Bhuteshwar. Bhuteshwar Shiva is thus the lord of the pancha bhutas. With the blessing of Bhuteshwar a person can attain mastery over the five elements, thus a person can determine the destiny of his/her life in the physical realm. G

Kaliamman Temple at Andipatti near Theni in Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple is believed to be more than 500 years old. The murti of Goddess Kali is in sitting position. She is sitting on her right leg with left leg pressing to the ground. She has four arms and holds a small drum, snake, skull and trident. A five-headed snake forms canopy to the murti in the temple. Goddess Kaliamman is worshiped for attaining success in new ventures. Business people, farmers and students offer prayers here. She also provides redemption from sins. All new ventures are started after offering prayers to her. Legend has it that the murti of Goddess Kali was found in a nearby river. The most important day in the temple is Friday. The full moon day and no moon day also attract thousands of devotees. The temple also has murtis of other deities including Hanuman and Ganesha. Andipatti Kaliamman Temple Timing 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM. 5.00 PM to 9:00 PM Location

Vedic Science Research Center of Berhampur in Orissa has come up with a theory that the four important deities – Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshan Chakra – worshiped in the Puri Jagannath temple are anthropological representation of four major human races of the world. The Hindu reports Senior life science scientist Sachidananda Padhi, who is attached with this organisation and researches on ancient scientific studies in India , said the four deities worshipped in the Sri Jagannath temple in Puri do not have resemblance with any idols worshipped in any other temple in the country. These deities do not have resemblance with any god of Indian mythology. “They are nothing but metaphorical representation of four major human races in the world,” Mr. Padhi said.  According to him Prof. Padhi, the four major human races are Negroids, Caucasoids, Mangoloids and Australoids. “The unique colorations of deities of Puri represent these human races,” Prof. Padhi said. Accordi

Pingala Ganapati is one among the Shakti Ganesha forms of Ganapati. Shakti Ganesha form of ganpati is those in which he is depicted along with a Goddess. Most usually along with Goddess Lakshmi. In Pingala Ganapati form too Ganesh is depicted along with Goddess Lakshmi. Pingala Ganapati murti has six hands – holding a mango, bunch of flowers plucked from Kalpaka Tree, Sugar cane, sesamum, modaka and parashu. Figure of Goddess Lakshmi sits by the side of Pingala Ganapati. Goddess Lakshmi is green in color and wears ornaments. As per some scriptures the shaktis of this form of Ganesha are Shri and Samriddhi.

Gowmariamman Temple at Manakkal near Lalgudi in Trichy is a Sapta Matrika Temple – dedicated to seven virgin goddesses. The seven virgin goddesses are Brahmi, Maheswari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Rudrani, Gaumari and Chamundi. The temple is more than 800 years old. The important festivals observed in the temple are the karagam festival after no moon day in Masi month and Navratri. Legend has it that a Chettiappar was once in the region selling his turmeric. He saw seven beautiful ladies and wanted to sell his turmeric to them. But the women were not interested. Later Gaumari in the disguise of a woman came there and asked for turmeric equal to the weight of a flower petal from her hair. But even after putting the whole of turmeric in his hands it could not measure equal to the flower petal. Chettiappar soon realized that the women in front of him were no human beings. He then fell on the feet of Gowmariamman who gave him darshan. He then built temple dedicated to Sapta Matrika

Nila is the third consort of Vishnu. The first two are Shri (Goddess Lakshmi) and Bhudevi (Mother Earth). Information about Nila Devi is found in the Vedic hymn Nila Sukta. Nila pardons the mistakes and shortcomings of devotees. Nila symbolically represents Daya (compassion) and Kripa (Grace) aspects of Vishnu. Nila Sukta is chanted to propitiate Nila Devi. Those people who live in remorse and shame of sins committed get relief after chanting Nila Sukta. Andal who is worshipped in South India , especially in Tamil Nadu, is combined form of Bhudevi and Nila. Nila Devi is also addressed as Grithavati (intelligent and gentle), Mahadevi (chief goddess), Nappinnai (consort of Krishna ), Payasvathi (source of milk), Vishnu Patni (consort of Vishnu), Asha (All pervasive) and Manota (Worshipped in mind). Sage Bhrighu’s Prakeernadhikara suggests that on the left side of the main icon of Lord Vishnu, an icon of Nila Devi must be consecrated. Nila Devi is portrayed as st

Prathyangira Devi Temple is located at Ayyavadi near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. GoddessPrathyangira is an Ugra Avatar or powerful incarnation of Mother Goddess Shakti. The most important ritual at Ayyavadi Pratyangira Devi Temple is Nikumbala Yajna performed on no moon days. It is said that Bhagvan Sri Ram performed this yajna to overcome Ravana and Indrajith . Lord Shiva is worshiped as Agastheeswarar and Mother Goddess is also worshipped as Dharma Samvardini. Prathyangira Devi murti is black in color wears crescent moon on the head and she holds trident, pasa, damaru and is accompanied by Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswathi. Shiva’s manifestation of Sharabha is also worshipped in the temple. The belief is that Sharabha appeared to control the Narasimha avatar of Vishnu. Prathyangira Devi is believed to have appeared from the forehead of Sharabha. Nikumbala Yajna  Nikumbala Yajna performed on no moon days attracts thousands of devotees

Welding Research Institute (WRI) of the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) recently repaired a centuries old ancient temple bell belong to the Poovanur Sathuranganathar Temple in Tamil Nadu. The bell weighs around 800 kg and was not in use for 70 years due to cracks on it. Such initiatives need to be encouraged as it helps in restoring our tradition and culture. The bell weighs 800 kg Thickness 80 mm Height 750 mm The crack on the bell was 350 mm long and 25 mm wide from the bottom because of continuous usage. The Hindu reports  Briefing about the complex repair welding process, Mr. Easwaran said: “The alloy bell which weighs about 800 kg is essentially made of brass with a thickness of 80 mm and a height of 750 mm and had developed a crack of 350 mm long and 25 mm wide from the bottom because of continuous usage. A special fixture and heating burner were developed and the bell was welded at a controlled temperature using special consumables and flux.”  “T

Pictures and idols of Lord Shiva depict him wearing snakes (cobra) prominently around his neck. Snake is known as ‘Nag’ or Naga and they hold a special place in Hindu religion. Snakes are worshipped in Hinduism. The snakes found on the body of Lord Shiva are considered to be his ornaments. The snake around Shiva’s neck symbolically represents the ego which ones mastered can be worn as an ornament. Coiled serpents also signify that Shiva is the master of time and energy. Images of snakes are often depicted as coiled around the Linga (Shivling). A five-headed snake forms a canopy over the Lingam . Snakes serve Shiva as his sacred thread, necklace, bracelets, bowstring and are occasionally found on his clothes. There are numerous symbolism attached to the snakes on Shiva. In some case, the snake around his neck symbolize the endless cycle of life and death. The other snakes found on him including in the form of girdle, armlets symbolize the eternal revolution of ages and th

Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Rama to destroy the demons on earth headed by Ravana. The first demon that Lord Rama killed in the epic Ramayana was Tataka or Tadaka. In fact, she is a demoness or rakshasi. Who was this Tataka? The villains in Hindu mythology too have a good past and a reason for their present villainous activities. Similarly, Tataka was a wife of a good ‘yaksha’ before becoming a demoness. Sage Vishwamitra narrates the story of Tataka to Lord Ram. Tataka was the daughter of a powerful ‘yaksha’ named Suketu. ( Yakshas are supernatural beings – some good some evil. ) Suketu had no sons and therefore he performed intense austerities. Pleased with him Lord Brahma appeared before him. But instead of sons, Brahma granted Suketu a daughter with the strength of thousand elephants. Suketu did not complain and brought up his daughter Tataka like a son. She grew up into a beautiful woman and was married to Sunanda. And the couple had a son named Maricha.

Kripa – Kripacharya – is one of the important persons in the Mahabharata. Story of the birth of Kripa is found in the Agni Purana. He was the son of Rishi Sharadvan and celestial nymph Janapadi. Although Sharadvan was born in the lineage of saints, he was more interested in Dhanurveda (science of archery). To show his deep interest some scriptures states that he was born with bow and arrow. An expert archer from a young age, Sharadvan did intense penance in the forest to learn all the nuisances of archery. Keeping his bow and arrow nearby he performed Tapas to get blessings from the Trimurtis. As the intensity of the penance of Sharadvan increased, Indra, King of Devas, felt threatened. He saw Sharadvan as a potential threat to his throne and status. To break the penance, Indra deputed celestial nymph Janapadi. She enticed Sharadvan in numerous ways but found on success. Finally she succeeded but just for a moment – Sharadvan lost his senses for a moment but he immediat

Hindu Goddess Mahamaya is generally a form of Goddess Shakti – more closely associated with Goddess Durga and Goddess Kali. The Sanskrit word Maya has two important meanings – one is measurement and another is extraordinary or supernatural power and also illusion. So the term Mahamaya is an attempt by human mind to capture – unimaginable qualities of Goddess Shakti – like she is matter, she is energy, her various forms, creation, sustenance and destruction. Sadly no human word is powerful enough to capture the true form of Goddess Shakti and it can only be known through self realization. The Devimahatyma states that Goddess Mahamaya appeared from the energy of all Gods. When she was given weapons to destroy Mahisha she became Goddess Durga. There are temples dedicated to Goddess Mahamaya in Jammu and Kashmir , Kerala, Gujarat , Assam ... in fact in almost in all regions in India . The form of Mahamaya worshipped varies from region to region but closely resembles one or

Swami Adbhutananda  (not known - 1920) was a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Do you know what happens to one who keeps holy company? If one actively pursues holy company, one develops right understanding, cultivates faith, and devotion to God. Jealousy and hatred go away. Bad feelings subside due to the exchange of spiritual ideas between the devotees. Also, a noble attitude prevails. An intense desire for japa and dhyana arises as well. Association with the holy is the means to become holy. There is a saying, ‘Holy association is like living in Kashi’. Everyone wants to understand the result of holy company in just a day. Can that be understood in a day? Holiness accumulates little by little and becomes large; then only can people recognize and understand it. All the Avatars have taught: ‘Associate with the holy.’ Genuine sadhus always keep themselves busy for God realization. It is very difficult to have devotion and faith to God. Without hi

Story of Sarabhanga Rishi is found in the Aranya Kanda of Ramayana. The meeting between Sri Ram and Sarabhanga Rishi takes place in the Dhanka forest. When approaching the ashram of Sarabhanga Rishi, Shri Ram, Mata Sita and Lakshman notices a glorious chariot standing in air and driven by green horses. Sri Ram understood that it was Indra, the king of Devas, who had arrived on the chariot. Indra had come to take Sarabhanga Rishi to the Brahmaloka but the Rishi had refused to leave the ashram. The pious soul was waiting for the arrival of Sri Ram. When Indra left Sri Ram entered the ashram of Sarabhanga Rishi. The sage then narrated about the arrival of Indra and how he refused to go with him. Sarabhanga Rishi had earned Brahmaloka through intense tapas and austerities for several years. The Rishi wanted to gift his Tapa Shakti to Sri Ram. But Bhagavan refused it stating that He should earn it for Himself. Sri Ram wanted a dwelling place in the area. Sarabhan

Tharamangalam Mariamman Temple is located near Salem in Tamil Nadu and is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman. This is a unique temple as one can see Goddess Mariamman and Goddess Kali in the same sanctum sanctorum. Aadi festival and Navratri are the two important festivals observed in the month. The murtis worshipped in the temple are Swayambhu – appeared on its own. Subsidiary shrines in the temple are dedicated to Nagaraja and Ganesha. A unique ritual is followed in the temple in which childless couple tie a small cradle and fill it water from Sanjeevi Tirtham, sacred pond, in the temple. The cradle is then rocked by the couple. People who have trouble related to speech tie a bell in the temple and also light a lamp made of rice flour. The lamp is lit using ghee. Those who have there wish fulfilled walk through a fire pit in the Aadi month (July – August). Childless couple who had their wish fulfilled walk carrying the child through fire pit and feed the child t

In the beginning, my dear, this universe was the existent only, one alone, without a second. (Chandogya Upanishad VI, 2, 1) Where one sees nothing else, hears nothing else, understands nothing else – that is the Fullness. (Chandogya Upanishad VII, 24, 1) Atman, indeed, is this all. (Chandogya Upanishad VII, 25, 1) Verily, this all is Brahman. (Chandogya Upanishad III, 14, 1) Brahman, indeed, is this all’ Atman verily, was this universe, one alone, in the beginning. (Aitareya Upanishad I 1, 1)

Karumariamman Temple at Thiruverkadu in Thiruvallur near Chennai in Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Goddess Karumariamman – an incarnation of Goddess Shakti. The Goddess in the temple is more closely associated with the Ambika manifestation of Goddess Shakti. She provides security to families and ushers in peace and prosperity. The Aadi festival observed in the temple is very famous. Unique Murti in Thiruverkadu Karumariamman Temple The murti worshipped at Thiruverkadu Karumariamman Temple is made of wood. Therefore she is also known as Marachilai Amman. There is also an eternal burning lamp in the temple. This lamp is surrounded by murtis of Ganesha, Muruga and Surya. The temple is nearly a 1000 year old. There are separate shrines dedicated Ganesha, Navgrahas, Muruga and his consorts Valli and Deivayani, Srinivasa and Padmavathi, Dakshinamurty, Angala Parameswari, Uchishta Ganapati, Gayatri Devi, Mahalakshmi, Rajarajeswari, Savitri, Mother Durga and Sage Ag

Manthara in Ramayana was the old maid servant of queen kaikeyi. Her real name was Kubaja and she had three curves in her body. It was Manthra who instigated queen Kaikeyi to stop the consecration of Sri Ram as the king of Ayodhya. It was she who reminded the queen about the two boons that Dasharatha had given her. It is said that the three curves in the body of Manthara represents her evil nature. She has a cunning mind, she talks cunningly and her actions are also cunning. She poisoned the mind of Kaikeyi by telling her that she and her son, Bharata, will be sidelined once Sri Ram becomes the king. It will be Kousalya, mother of Sri Ram, who will be ruling the palace. She asked Kaikeyi to make Bharata the king of Ayodhya by using one of her boons. She also gave the idea of exiling Sri Ram for 14 years. Manthara, the hunchbacked woman, was a Gandharvi named Dundubhi in her previous birth. It was a curse that made her take human form on earth. 

Adi Kamakshi Temple , or Adi Peeteswari Kamakshi Devi temple, is the old Kamakshi Temple in Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu and is adjacent to the currently popular Kamakshi Temple in Kanchipuram. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi and is associated with Adi Shankaracharya as he established a Sri Chakra in the temple. This original temple is known as Adi Peeteswari or the Adi Peeta Parameswari. Adi Kamakshi Temple is located adjacent to the Kumara Kottam Sri Subrahmanya Temple in Kanchipuram and is near to the famous Kamakshi Temple . The original Sri Chakra established by Adi Shankaracharya can be found in a narrow depression in the temple. The murti of Goddess Kamakshi that was originally worshiped in the temple was a fierce form. It is said that Adi Shankaracharya changed the fierce form and made her the all providing Mother in a loving form. The murti of Goddess Kamakshi has four hands and she holds Ankusa, Pasa, and a Kapala. One hand is in Abha

Kumbhakarna was the brother of Ravana in the Ramayana. He was the second son of Vishrawas and Kaikasi. As per Srimad Bhagavad Purana, Kumbhakarna was the manifestation of Vijaya – the doorkeeper of Vaikunta. He was cursed to be born as demon due to the curse of Sanakadi Rishis. Kumbhakarna had several magical powers and was huge in size – bigger than an elephant. He roamed around the universe creating havoc. He caused damage to Devas and humans. Kumbakarna once performed intense austerities dedicated to Brahma at Gokarna along with Ravana. The tapasya continued for several years. Devas were worried that Kumbakara might become even more powerful and destroy the earth and heaven. Devas took the help of Goddess Saraswati to thwart the evil designs of the huge demon. She promised to help them. Finally, Brahma appeared before Kumbhakarna and as boon wanted to ask nirdevata – extinction of Devas. But just as he was about to ask the boon, Goddess Saraswati influenced his s

Mariamman Temple is one of the first Hindu temples in Singapore and is dedicated to Mother Goddess Shakti. The temple was established in 1827. The ornamental gopuram (entrance tower) of the Mariamman Temple is an important landmark in Singapore and is also a national monument. The temple is located at 244 South Bridge Road , in the Chinatown District of Singapore. Goddess Mariamman is today a popular deity in the region and the temple is visited by thousands of devotees. The Goddess provides relief to devotees from various diseases and She also blesses them with peace and prosperity. The original murti in the temple was first installed in 1827 by Narain Pillai, a Tamil Immigrant who established one of the first construction companies in the Island . The same murti is still worshipped in the temple. The temple follows the rituals associated with Amman temple that are followed in Nagapatinam and Cuddalore Districts in Tamil Nadu. Most of the Tamil Hindu migrant worke

Jatayu, the huge bird in the Ramayana, was the witness to Ravana kidnapping Mata Sita. His story is found in the Aranya Kanda of Ramayana. This unimaginably huge bird attempted to stop Ravana and rescue Mata Sita. Jatayu was so strong that when the bird flew up to fight Ravana huge waves were created in the sea, mountains swayed, trees moved violently and some of them were uprooted. Jatayu inflicted serious damage to Ravana and his vehicle. The bird used his claws to cause damage to the face and body of the demon king. Ravan was shaken by the attack unleashed by Jatayu. At one point of time, it seemed Ravana would be defeated. But the demon king then used the powerful sword Chandrahasa to cut down the wings of Jatayu. Mata Sita who witnessed the horrific scene blessed Jatayu that he will live to meet Sri Ram and Lakshman. Few days later Sri Ram and Lakshman who was in search of Mata Sita found a mortally wounded Jatayu. The brothers were apprehensive to approa

Sri Kathayi Amman in an incarnation of Goddess Parvati – She carries Kartik or Muruga. One of the important temples dedicated Sri Kathayi Amman is located at Kattumannarkoil. This small temple is more than 500 years old. The last Friday of Aadi month is of great important in the temple. Navratri days also attracts hundreds of devotees. Legend has it that Sri Kathayi Amman had given darshan to Vikarama Chola II and helped him in solving issues with his family members as he did not wish to go into war. The peace loving king installed the Murti of Sri Kathayi Amman and worshiped her for protecting his kingdom. Uniqueness of the Temple Three forms of Goddess Shakti is worshipped in the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Sri Kathayi Amman Temple - Sri Kathayi Amman – also known as Kuzhandhai Amman as she is holding Muruga in her hip. Murti of Pachai Vazhi Amman with discus and conch is found to the left and there is also Murti of Poonkurathi Amman The temple has a separate shrine

Urmila in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan Serial Urmila was the daughter of King Janaka and wife of Lakshman in Ramayan. Urmila silently suffered separation from her husband for 14 years. She was the epitome of virtue, patience and sacrifice. Urmila’s character was always the shadow of Mata Sita. She goes unnoticed in Ramayana. But Bhagvan Sri Ram recognized her sacrifice. In the Rama – Ravan war in the Ramayana, Lakshman falls down injured after hit by arrows of Meghanand (also known as Indrajith) – son of Ravana. The army of Ravana attempts to carry away an unconscious Lakshman but they are unable to lift the body due to its weight. It is said that later when Lakshman regained consciousness, Sri Ram told him that the army of Ravana was not able to lift his body because of weight of the sacrifice and virtue of Urmila had entered it. It is believed that Bhagvan Sri Ram had given Urmila a boon that she will be worshipped in Kali Yuga as the Mahaprasad in Puri Jagannath

Darpana means a mirror. Darpana is not glass mirror. It is highly polished metal plates of various designs and they served the purpose of modern day mirrors. Darpana style mirrors are still made in South India especially at Aranmula in Kerala. There are also rare murtis of Hindu Gods that hold a darpana. Even today, glass mirrors are not used in many temples in South India especially in Kerala. There are Darpana (speculum mirrors) as large as three feet by two feet. One can have darshan of the main murti in the temple through it. In Hindu sculptures the darpana is in circular or oval form and is mounted on a well-wrought handle. The most famous sculpture with darpana is the Darpana Sundari (beauty with mirror) at the Chennakesava Temple at Belur in Karnataka. Darpana sundari sculpture can be found in many temples in South India .

Thiruverkadu Temple Timings in detail is given below. Thiruverkadu Temple – Sri Karumariamman Temple – is a popular temple dedicated to Goddess Karumariamman. It is located near Chennai. Thiruverkadu Temple Darshan Timing The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM without any break. Details of Abhishekham Timing: Sunday 04:30 PM to 06:00 PM Tuesday 03:00 PM to 04:30 PM Friday 01:30 PM to 02:30 PM Others Day 10:30 AM to 02:00 PM Thiruverkadu Temple Contact Details Arulmigu Devi Karumariamman Temple Sannathi Street , Thiruverkadu - 600077. Thiruperumputhur. Phone : 044 – 2680 0880, 2680 0430 E-Mail ID :karumariamman.thiruverkadu@gmail.com

Mariamman Temple at Irukkankudi near Sattur in Tamil Nadu attracts thousands of devotees daily. The number of devotees visiting Irukkankudi Mariamman Kovil increases in Aadi month especially on Fridays. The last Friday in Aadi month is highly auspicious in the temple – the utsava murti – the murti (idol) used for festival purposes - is taken on Vrishaba Vahanam (Devi mounted on bull) from the village side to the main temple located in between the two rivers of Arjuna and Vaippar. Worship at the temple is considered highly meritorious. The belief is that Goddess Mariamman cures physical illness and provides good health. Thousands of people with eye-ailments have found relief here. Murti of Mariamman Temple is Unique Usual murtis of Mariamman is in sitting posture with left leg folded and right leg hanging. At Irukkankudi Mariamman Kovil the right leg is folded and left leg is hanging. She is in sitting posture. Legend of Irukkankudi Mariamman Kovil The two riv

Tripureswari Temple in Gomati District of Tripura is a very important Shakti Temple – it is one of 51 Shakti Peethas. The temple tank is home to soft-shell N nigricans turtles – a rare and endangered turtle species. Tripureswari Temple is also known as Kurma Pitha because the temple premises resembles 'Kurma' i.e. turtle. You can read more about the turtles in Tripureswari Temple here in the Hindu The fifteenth century temple constructed by King Dhanyamanikya in Udaipur , 55 km from Agartala, is believed to be one of the holiest Hindu shrines in the country.   The rare species of Bostami turtles inhabit the Kalyan Sagar lying in the eastern side of the temple.   Spread over 6.4 acres, it was a natural habitat of the turtles. They come up to the shore looking for crumbs that visitors buy at the nearby stalls and feed to these reptiles, as part of the rituals.

Can I Buy Land or Property in Aadi Masam? There is a widespread belief that buying land or house or flat or property is bad in Tamil Aadi Month . It is common in Tamil Nadu not to buy land or flat during Aadi (July 17 to August 16). Nobody knows why it is bad? No one knows why one should not buy property or land in the month. Aadi is just like any other month. Investments on land or flat or house should be done after carefully considering all factors. A particular month has nothing to do with it. Hindu scriptures do not state that a particular period is bad or good. So such beliefs have no scriptural support. Why do people believe that one should not buy property in Aadi Masam? Dakshinayana begins in Aadi month – Sun changes direction from north to south in the Aadi month. So some people believe it is inauspicious. The night time of Devas begins with Dakshinayana. So the belief that auspicious events held in the month won't get the blessing of Gods. Can I Buy H

Savlrambuva was an eminent exponent of devotional music and a great follower of the Bhakti Tradition. Savlarambuva Punyatithi is the death anniversary of this pious soul and is observed mainly in Junnar near Pune in Maharashtra . Savlarambuva Punyatithi 2024 date is July 14. Savlarambuva Punyatithi is annually observed on the Ashada Shukla Paksha Ashtami – eighth day during the waxing phase of moon in Ashada month. Savlarambuva was a great exponent of devotional music associated with Lord Vitthal. He was primarily associated with the Warkari Sect – the devotees who travel on foot to Pandharpur Vitthal Temple to observe Ashadi Ekadasi.

A collection of wisdom of ancient Hindu Teachers. Total attention to whatsoever you do, that is the secret to success. He who considers himself the unluckiest is the most foolish person. Beware of sweet words and empty promises. We take God’s gifts for granted. Yet we complain at the slightest misfortune. Let your actions on earth be such that others benefit from them long after you are gone. Source – The Balvihar Book of Picture Parables published by Chinmaya Mission. ‘Failures are the pillars of success!’ Knowledge arises through the combination of all our mistakes and errors, our good and bad deeds. … How many thousands and thousands of times you have assumed various bodies, how many good and bad deeds you have performed! You have forgotten all this and, by calculating the insignificant merits and demerits of this one little life, are suffering for no reason. Look at the numberless past lives you have lived; think about your limitless future lives.