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Showing posts from August, 2013


Arupa Lakshmi – About Goddess Arupa Lakshmi

Arupa Lakshmi is a form of Goddess Lakshmi that is worshipped in the surrounding area of the sanctum sanctorum in the world famous Kamakshi Temple in Kanchipuram. There are two versions associated with the Arupa Lakshmi form. Legend has it that during the churning of ocean, Samudra Manthan, the body of Bhagwan Shri Hari Vishnu turned blue due to the poison emitted by Snake Vasuki who was used as the rope. Goddess Lakshmi was amused to see the change in the skin tone of Srihari Vishnu and made fun of Him. An angry Vishnu cursed Goddess Lakshmi to turn ugly (Arupa). Thus she became Arupa Lakshmi. Goddess Lakshmi who felt bad went to the abode of Goddess Kamakshi who asked her to stay on the left side of Her. It is said that the kumkum that is offered to Goddess Kamakshi, which is then given to devotees, is smeared on the murti of Arupa Lakshmi. The belief is that the Goddess regains her beauty each time. Arupa Lakshmi is worshipped for prosperity and for solut

Situational Gita - Mobile Application on Bhagavad Gita That Answers to Daily Problems

Situational Gita is a mobile application on Bhagavad Gita designed by Sreekanth Sastry of Antarjaal Innovations. 100 important Shlokas from the Gita are use the in the App. Answers to modern problems are found in the Gita but people do not have patience and time to go through the Holy Book. The application provides answers found in Gita to a particular situation that you are facing in life. Situational Gita App is available on Apple App Store and Google Play. The Hindu reports “Everybody is looking for answers and the Gita is supposed to have them all,” says Sreekanth. “Nobody, however, reads the Gita because they think they won’t understand it. So we wanted to see if there was a way in which we can make it more accessible, so we broke it down into categories that we thought were everyday situations and looked for slokhas that would provide the answers to those questions,” says the youngster who quit his job in the software products industry in March to start Antarjaal.  “Th

Story Of Sri Krishna And Banasur

Story of Sri Krishna and Banasur is found in the Mahabharata (Sabha Parva Chapter 38) and Srimad Bhagavad Purana (Chapter X 61 – 63). Banasur was the son of pious king Mahabali (who was pushed to netherworld by Vamana Avatar of Vishnu). He ruled from the city of Sonitapura . To become invincible, Banasur performed severe penance dedicated to Shiva. After several years, Shiva appeared before his devotee and offered him two boons. Banasur asked for thousand hands to fight his enemies as his first boon and it was granted. As his second boon, he wanted Shiva to guard the city of Sonitapura . This boon was also granted. With such huge powers in his disposal, the demon wanted to fight with Shiva. A smiling Mahadev evaded Banasur by saying that he would meet his worthy foe pretty soon. Banasur had a beautiful daughter named Usha. She once had a dream of a very handsome prince and fell deeply in love with him. Even after waking up, Usha was immersed in the prince and

Sri Krishna Jayanti Thoughts and Quotes by Hindu Blog

Sri Krishna appeared on earth to show us the perfect man. He is the ideal person to emulate to live in the society. He is the Upanishad man. He is the eternal teacher – who has been transforming the lives of millions of Arjunas. He does not impose his ideas and teachings. Instead He gives us the freedom to think and to act independently. He wants us to celebrate life by upholding Dharma. This is why Sri Krishna has friends, lovers but not followers. Sri Krishna showed us the way to live in the society. To enjoy each phase of life to the fullest. To be sincere and honest in relationships. Look at child Krishna – he was the naughtiest, mischievous, loving, doting – he did not hold back. He lived in the moment. Krishna was sincere and honest to the present without bothering about past and future. As a son, brother, friend, lover, husband, guide… all the roles that he took in his life span on earth are an example for us to follow. It contains valuable lessons for us to lead a

No University in India offers a Comprehensive Course in Hinduism Studies

Subadra Muthuswami, who has a master’s degree in public health from Columbia University, wanted to pursue her interest in Hinduism so she searched for a comprehensive course in Hinduism studies in universities in India. But no university in India offers a comprehensive course in Hinduism Studies. There are only programmes in Indian Philosophy. But most of the universities in India have separate departments for Christian and Islamic studies.  The Hindu reports   She discovered that the University of Madras has programmes in vaishnavism and Indian philosophy. She enquired with universities such as Madurai Kamaraj, Annamalai and Sastra, but without success. Finally, she went to Madras Sanskrit College in Mylapore, where she was informed that she could register as an independent research candidate or seek help from the University of Madras .  “While you may study Indian philosophy in the philosophy department or vaishnavism or saiva siddhanta, which is in Tamil medium only,

Panchalimedu in Kerala – Place Associated with Pandavas and Panchali

Panchalimedu is a beautiful hillside spot located near Kuttikanam in Kerala. The place is associated with Pandavas of the Mahabharata and is named after their wife Panchali. A cave located at Panchalimedu has footprints of Bhima, the second of the Pandava brothers. Legend has it that during the exile period in the Mahabharata, Pandavas and Panchali visited the place. There is a pond located here which is known as Panchalikulam. Thousands of devotees witness the Makarajyoti lamp lit during the Sabarimala Temple pilgrimage on January 14 from the area near Panchalikulam. There is temple dedicated to Goddess Bhuva­neshwari at Pancahlimedu. The areas near the temple have Shivling, Trishul and Naga murtis. They are spread across the hill. Panchalimedu is located around 10 km from Kuttikanam. Picture source – Mathurbhumi newspaper

Pillayar Meaning in English – Name of Ganesh in Tamil

Pillayar is the popular Tamil name of God Ganesha. Ganesh or Ganapati is widely known in Tamil Nadu and among Tamil speaking community as Pillayar. But what is the meaning of Pillayar or Pillaiyar. In Tami, Pille means child and Pillayar meant a noble child. Shiva is one of the popular deities in Tamil culture and therefore Ganesha was referred as the noble child. Some scholars are of the view that Pallu or pella means tooth or tusk of an elephant – more generally elephant – thus Pillayar means young one of an elephant. In South India , Ganesha is popularly known as Ganapati and Pillayar. The term ‘Pillayar’ is limited to Tamil communities. Reference: Ganesh: studies of an Asian god. Edited by Robert L. Brown

Yajur Veda in Hindi in pdf – Download Yajur Veda in Hindi in pdf for free

Yajur Veda is one of the holiest texts in Hinduism and is one of the four Vedas. Now you can download Yajur Veda in Hindi thanks to the Vedpuran.net website. The Yajur Veda in Hindi is in pdf format and you can download it for free. It is popularly believed the Vedas is of divine origin and composed by no man. Popular belief is that the divine words were first compiled and divided into four by Veda Vyasa. Vedas are considered to be an eternal text and is rediscovered during each new cosmic era. Link – Download Yajur Veda in Hindi in pdf (you can right click and save it or read it browser and then save)

Upanishads on Our Infinite Nature

A collection of wisdom, quotes and teachings on our infinite nature from the Upanishads. That jiva is to be known as of the size of the tip of a hair, imagined to be divided into a hundredth of its hundredth part; yet it happens to be infinite. (Shvetashvatara Upanishad, 5.9) He who has realized and intimately known the Atman that has entered this perilous and inaccessible place (the body), is the maker of the universe, for he is the maker of all, (all is) his Atman, and he again is indeed the Atman (of all).  (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, 4.4.13) (Brahman is) without doubt, endless, beyond reason and analogy, beyond all proofs and causeless, knowing which the wise one becomes free. (Amritabindu Upanishad, 9) This one is the Lord of all; this one is omniscient; this one is the inner director (of all); this one is the source of all; this one is verily the place of origin and dissolution of all beings. (Mandukya Upanishad, 6) Source - Prabhudha Bharata Magazine Februa

Bada Ganapati Temple in Ujjain Receives Rakhi during Raksha Bandhan

Devotees sent Rakhi from India and around the world to Bada Ganapati worshipped in the famous Bada Ganapati Temple in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. The belief is that Shiva and Goddess Parvati are the father and mother of the universe and their son Ganesha is the brother of all women. Devotees sent huge number of Rakhis which are tied on the murti of Ganesha worshipped in the temple. Some devotees also offer rakhis made of gold and silver. One of the Biggest Ganesh Murti (idol) worshipped in a temple is found at  Bada Ganapati Temple .

Hindu Marriage Act Applies only if domiciled in India

The supreme court of India has ruled that Hindu Marriage Act applies to Hindu couples residing in other countries or holding citizenship of other countries only if there is proof of domicile in India . India Today reports An SC bench said the Hindu Marriage Act 1955 can have extra-territorial operation on non-Indian Hindu couples or on couples residing in other countries only if they are domiciled in India .  The judgment assumes relevance for Hindu couples of Indian origin as it removes confusion created by conflicting opinions by different high courts in the country. The law is often invoked by women who settle abroad after marriage but come back to India after estrangement and take to legal recourse.  The SC said it did not agree with judgments by the Calcutta, Rajasthan and Kerala HCs holding that the Hindu Marriage Act applied to all Hindu couples around the world, irrespective of the fact that they were domiciled in India or not.  Since the HCs took religion to be

Unique Rudra Shiv Murti – Idol – at Devrani-Jethani Temple complex in Chhattisgarh

Rudra Shiva Murtis (Idol) are very rare. Devrani-Jethani Temple complex is located at Talegaon village, also known as Talagram and Amerikapagram. The temple is around 90 km from Raipur , the capital of Chhattisgarh State in India . The temple houses Rudra Shiv Murti – one of the earliest known forms of Shiva. Seven-foot-tall image of Rudra Shiva is believed to be one of its kind in the world. Creation, sustenance and destruction continuously takes place in Rudra Shiva. Deccan Herald reports The idol, placed under lock and key, is believed to weigh well over five tons and is characteristic of the tantric cult much in practice among the villagers and tribals of the region in those times. The anatomy of the idol is a curious mix of the Almighty’s creation at all levels — amphibians to avian to mammals! While nothing is known about the artiste who created this masterpiece, it may be surmised that the serpent was his favorite subject. A pair of coiled serpents represents the

Story of Kannappa – Shiva Devotee Who Donated His Eyes

Story of Kannappa is mentioned in the Peria Puranas. Kannappa was one of the 63 Tamil Saints – the 63 Nayanars. Before becoming a saint, Kannappa was known as Thinnan and he was a hunter by profession. Thinnan was attracted to Shiva and he was an innocent devotee. He had no knowledge about rituals and pujas. So he used to offer flowers, water and flesh of the animals he killed to Shivling. To the society, Thinnan’s offering were impure. But Shiva accepted them because it was offered with devotion and with no malice. Purity of devotion made the offering the best. One day Kannappa noticed that one of the eyes of the Shivling was bleeding. He tried to cure the bleeding eye with herbs. But it did not work. As his efforts failed, Kannappa plucked his one eye and transplanted it on the lingam. Then suddenly the second eye of the lingam began to bleed. Kannappa plucked his second eye and transplanted it on the lingam. Pleased with his devotion , Shiva gave darshan to Ka

Bhagavad Gita on Service – Helping Others

The inferior (tamasic) kind of service is that which is offered without respect or with disdain to an unworthy person at the wrong place and time. The mediocre (rajasic) kind of service is offered grudgingly and with the expectation of a return of favor or the meritorious fruit of the act. (17.21) The superior (sattvic) kind of service is offered with a feeling that it is one’s duty to give. Such an offering is made to a worthy person who can make no return and at the right time and place. (17.20) The following factors emerge from the Gita analysis. Service should be offered (1) to a worthy recipient; (2) at the right time and place; (3) without expectation of a return of favour; (4) without desire for the fruits of action; and (5) with due respect to the recipient. In the Bhagavadgita Sri Krishna gives a threefold prescription for purification: ‘Sacrifice (yajna), service (dana) and austerities (tapas) should not be relinquished, but should be per

Book on Sun Temples in Gujarat – Ugta Rehjo Bhan in Gujarati

Ugta Rehjo Bhan in Gujarati published by the Gujarat State Archeology Department is dedicated to the sun temples in Gujarat . The book explores not just the famous Modhera Sun Temple but nearly 100 sun temples scattered from Koteshwar in Sabarkantha to Rander near Surat in Gujarat . The book is the result of the dedicated work of over a decade by Navinchandra Parekh and Dahyabhai Patel.  Times of India reports  The book says sun worship is as old as the Indian civilization. However, the tradition of worship in an idol form came in the third century BC. Sun worship took its roots from third to the 13th century across the subcontinent including Gujarat after which the trend waned. Places such as Vadnagar, Muli, Than, Delmal, Kotyark and Gop were thriving centers of sun worship and many of these have idols preserved for centuries.  "There have been two traditions of sun worship found in the state. While the idols of Mag Brahmins have Iranian influence (completed with

Koppudai Amman Temple Karaikudi - Koppudai Nayaki Amman temple in Tamil Nadu

Koppudai Amman Temple is located at Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu and is dedicated to Koppudai Nayaki Amman. The murti of Amman is made from Panchaloha. She wears a crown like burning fire. She muri is four armed. The hands hold trident, rope and skull. On hand is in Abhaya posture. The temple was visited by Adi Shankaracharya and he is believed to have installed Sri Chakra in the temple. Amman blesses devotees with prosperity, knowledge and peace. The most important festival in the temple is held from the last Tuesday of Chithirai month to the first week of Vaigasi Month. The showering of flowers on the murti is an important festival in Chithirai month and it is held on the second Tuesday of the Chithirai month. Other important festivals are Tamil New Year day (Chithirai 1), Purattasi Navratri, Aadi Chovai (Tuesday in Aadi month), Margazhi and Painguni. Tuesday, Friday and Sunday are important dates in the temple. A unique aspect of the temple is that the procession

Sri Padmanabhaswamy Murti in Spadikam – Glass – Buy Replica of Ananthashayanam Murti Worshipped in Trivandrum Padmanabha Swamy Temple

Kowdiyar Palace , which manages the world famous Trivandrum Padmanabha Swamy Temple , is releasing Ananthashayanam Murti in Spadikam (or Glass) of Sri Padmanabha Swamy. It is a replica of the murti worshipped in the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple . The murti is depicted as sleeping on Ananta Sesha and with one hand in Abhaya Mudra posture. Sculptors from Chennai who are specialized in making sculptors of Hindu Gods are preparing the murti of Sri Padmanabha Swamy in Spadikam. The design of the murti is in such a way that a small amount of light can be passed through it. This would give the effect of Ananthashayanam or Vishnu sleeping on the milky ocean. As per Kowdiyar Palace , the Spadikam murti can be used for worship in homes. You need to make a booking for the Sri Padmanabha Swamy Murti in Spadikam directly in the Kowdiyar Palace office in Trivandrum . Kowdiyar Palace used to earlier make the same murti in mud. But as time goes by the mud murti used

Sugriva Fighting Ravana in the Ramayana

Before the actual battle in the Ramayana begins, Sugriva acts impulsively and jumps toward Lanka to fight Ravana. In anger he rushes towards Ravana who was standing on the terrace of his palace. Ravana was surprised by the visit of Sugriva. But Ravana gained his composure and got hold of Sugriva and pushed him to the ground. Sugriva then caught hold of Ravana and threw him down. The two then was engaged in wrestling and both were wounded. When Ravana realized that he cannot defeat Sugriva in combat, he adapted Maya (magic). Ravana began to disappear and appear to confuse Sugriva. Sugriva who realized his limitations jumped back to where the Vanara army was stationed. Rama then chided Sugriva for acting impulsively. Rama said that he cannot bear the loss of Sugriva and he should not act rashly again.

Paramakudi Muthalamman Temple in Tamil Nadu

Muthalamman Temple is located at Paramakudi in Tamil Nadu and the shrine is dedicated to Muthala Parameswari or Muthalamman, a manifestation of Goddess Shakti. The temple is located on the banks of Vaigai River .  The murti of Muthala Parameswari Amman is in kind and benevolent form. She has four arms and holds Trident, Kabala (skull), Kataka and damaruka. Her Vehicle lion is also present in the sanctum sanctorum. The most important festivals in the temple are Panguni Brahmotsavam, Aadi and Masi festivals and Navratri. The Masi festival of showering flowers attracts thousands of people. The murti of Goddess is completely covered with flowers in the ritual. The Panguni Brahmotsavam is of great significance. In the Brahmotsavam,  Muthalamman gives darshan to devotees riding on a Rishabha. The temple also has murtis of Nagas, Marthandi Amman, Pothiraja, Karuppaswami and Hanuman. The temple is an important shrine in the region for Naga Dosha. Mother Goddess is believed t

Online Course in Making Clay Ganesh Idol – Learn to make clay eco-friendly Ganapati Murti for Vinayaka Chaturthi

If you are interested in making eco-friendly clay Ganesh idol for this Vinayaka Chaturthi, then Pune-based Mandar Marathe is offering online course in making clay Ganapati Murti. He is also offering course at his workshop in Pune.   The online course is priced at $30. This course is divided into 4 sections. Making the basic structure, modelling the 4 hands, making the face, the trunk and lastly, adding ornaments and other details to the idol. The course has videos that have cumulative run time of about 3.25 hours. You can find more details about the course here.

Ooty Mariamman Temple

Ooty Mariamman Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman, Goddess Kali and Goddess Katteri. Ooty Mariamman Temple festival is a major car festival in the region. Goddess is taken out in procession in various forms - Durga, Kamakshi, Parvathi, Meenkshi, Rajarajeswari, Heddhai Amman and Bhagavathi. Ooty Mariamman Temple Goddess Durga represents three powers – Itcha Shakti, Gnana Shakti and Kriya Shakti.  Mari, Kali and Katteri represent the three Shaktis in the temple. It is very rare that all the three Shaktis are present in a single temple. Goddess Kali is not her furious form in the temple. She is calm and benign. The temple is unique as the Navgrahas in the temple are present with their consorts. Devotees offer black sari, cradles and lamps in the temple. Annadanam is another important offering made in the temple. Mother blesses devotees with good health. Prayers offered to childless couples. Mudikayiru, a special thread, prepared with Mantras in the Ka

On Mind – Teachings form Hindu Scriptures and Teachers

Teachings form Hindu Scriptures and Teachers on Mind The mind alone is the cause of bondage and freedom. When associated with sense objects it leads to bondage; when dissociated from them it leads to liberation. (Amritabindu Upanishad) The turbulent senses violently carry away the mind of even a wise man striving for perfection. (Bhagavad Gita, 2.60) We should put our minds on things; they should not draw our minds to them. We are usually forced to concentrate. Our minds are forced to become fixed upon different things by an attraction in them which we cannot resist. To control the mind, to place it just where we want it, requires special training. It cannot be done in any other way. (The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, 6.39) The natural tendency of the mind is to run this way or that. Through japa it is directed to God. (Holy Mother Sarada Devi) Bondage is of the mind; freedom too is of the mind. If you say, ‘I am a free soul. I am a son of God! Who can

Story of Gopeshwar Mahadev – Shiva Taking Gopi Form In Krishna Raas Leela

Gopeshwar Mahadev is a form of Shiva worshiped in the famous Gopeshwar Temple at Vrindavan. The story of Gopeshwar Mahadev is associated with Sri Krishna’s Raas Lila in the Vrindavan. Legend has it that Shiva and Parvati wanted to take part in the Raas Lila in Vrindavan. But Shiva could not enter the Raas Lila arena as He was a male. Gopi Vrinda explained to Shiva that only females could participate in the Raas Lila. But Shiva was not ready to budge. So Gopi Vrinda asked Shiva to take bath in Yamuna River and come back. (Some scriptures suggest that she asked Shiva to take the dip in the Mansarovar River .) After taking dip in the Yamuna River , Shiva attained a female form. Sri Krishna who saw the new gopi addressed her as Gopishwara. Gopeshwar from that day onward stands guarding the Raas Lila arena. He only allows only those who are qualified to enter the arena. The famous Gopeshwar Mahadev Temple located in Vrindavan is dedicated to this divine event. The te

Mathura Kaliamman Temple - Madurakalimman at Siruvachur near Maduari in Tamil Nadu

Mathura Kaliamman Temple at Siruvachur near Madurai in Tamil Nadu is associated with the famous Kannagi legend. This is a highly powerful Shakti Shrine. People who have offered prayers here and led a dharmic life enjoy the blessing of Kaliamman. She protects her devotees and blesses them with peace and prosperity. Story of Mathura Kaliamman Temple Legend has it that Kanngai’s husband Kovalan was falsely accused of stealing and he was beheaded by the Mathura King. Kannagi in anger is believed to have burnt the Madurai city and arrived at the village where the present Mathura Kaliamman Temple is located. Here there was a temple dedicated to Selliamman but she was under the control of an evil magician. Kannagi invokes Mathurai Kali Amman her family deity. She helps her in killing the magician. Selliamman then asked Kannagi to stay in the temple as Mathura Kali Amman. Selliamman went to nearby Periasamy Hills. Kannagi agreed to stay in temple but she said she w

Pandavanpara – Rocks Associated with Pandavas near Chengannur Town in Kerala

Pandavanpara is a group of rocks believed to have been used by Pandavas during their exile period in the Mahabharata. The rocks are located around 2 km from Chengannur town in Alappuzha District in Kerala. At Pandavanpara there is a temple dedicated to Sri Krishna. Three rocks behind the temple show lotus in various stages of its bloom – first bud, second in half-bloom and third in full bloom. Other rocks in the area include one shaped like a frog with its mouth open, a rock that produces musical vibration, a chair and a carry case of betel leaves and arceneut. A rock in the shape of a giant body is unique – Bhima is believed to have reclined on the rock. There are also giant footprints of Bhima. There are also five rocks in the shape of chair believed to have been used by the Pandavas.  The Hindu reports  Though the rocks are in need of conservation, the local temple authorities prefer anonymity to increased footfalls. The temple's renovation was completed last

The 21 Ganesha Names For Prayer - Ganpati 21 Names

The 21 names of Ganesha are used in worship by many devotees. The names are chanted while offering prayers to Ganesha. Chanting the 21 Names of Ganpati helps in desire fulfillment. The 21 Ganesha names are: Gajasya Vighnaraj Lambodar Shivatmaj Vakratund Shurpkarna Kubj Vinayak Vighna Nash Vaman Vikat Sarvdevat Vighnaharta Drumak Sarva Devadhidev Ekdant Krishnapindag Bhalchandra Ganeshwar Ganap Ganapati

Mesha Rasi Color – Mesha Rashi Lucky Colour

There are two shades of red color that is associated with Mesha Rasi. The Mesha Rashi lucky colour are Blood Red and Red. Wearing red color dress and red color stones are good for this rashi people. Please note that some regions and communities have a different color for Mesha Rashi like maganta or other shades of red. Wearing red color dress for interviews, competitions etc are lucky for Mesha Rashi people. For financial solutions, freedom from debt, for attain wealth etc., you can wear Red color stones.

Mahadanapuram Mahalakshmi Temple – Goddess Lakshmi Temple at Mahadanapuram in Tamil Nadu

Mahadanapuram Mahalakshmi Temple is a popular shrine dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi at Mahadanapuram near Krishnarayapuram in Karur District in Tamil Nadu. The most important festival in the temple is the Aadi Perukku which is held on the 18th day of Aadi Masam. History of Mahadanapuram Mahalakshmi Temple Legend has it that Goddess Lakshmi appeared here when demon Andhakasura was chasing her. She took refuge in the land and asked Kurumbas who were residents of the land to protect her. The Kurumbas protected her by invoking Shiva. They broke coconut with their bare head to please Shiva. They did this as coconut has three eyes and Shiva is also three-eyed. Pleased with their devotion, Shiva appeared and killed the demon and protected the Kurumbas and Goddess Lakshmi. Goddess Lakshmi decided to stay here and protect her devotees. It is said that Kurumbas had covered Goddess Lakshmi with wool reared from their sheep. Other Details It is believed that the temp

Mutharamman Temple at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu

Mutharamman Temple at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu is around 12 km from Tiruchendur and 60 km from Thoothukudi. This ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvathi and Shiva. Although the main deity in the temple is Swayambhu Shivling – importance is given go Goddess Parvathi as Mutharamman. The temple is located on the sea shore and Shiva and Goddess Parvati are in the same sanctum sanctorum and faces north. The most important festivals in the temple are Navratri and Aadi Festival. In the three-day Aadi festival, Shiva and Parvathi appear as Kuravan and Kurathi. Like other forms of Mother Goddess, Mutharamman hears the prayers of her devotees and cures diseases. The temple is also famous as many mentally retarded people found relief after offering prayers here. Another belief is that Goddess Mutharamman helps devotees in overcoming loss in agriculture and business. The puja rituals in the temple are in line with the famous Madurai Meenakshi Temple . M

Rama’s Anger against Varuna, the Sea God, in Ramayana

Rama, Lakshman, Sugriva, Hanuman and the Vanara Sena were looking for means to cross the ocean to reach Lanka. Rama sat in meditation near the sea hoping Varuna, the sea god, will appear before him and help him. But Varuna did not appear and Rama became angry. This incident is found in the Yuddha Kanda of Ramayana. Rama in anger decides to punish the sea god by draining all the waters. He decided to shoot arrows and burn up the ocean. Arrows after arrows hit the ocean and there was upheaval in the sea. Animals in the sea came to the surface in fear. The waves rose higher and higher. Lakshman tried to reason with Rama. He asked him to refrain from the dreadful decision to drain the sea. Heavenly beings assembled in the sky and pleaded with Rama. But Rama was not ready to listen to them as he wanted to teach an arrogant Varuna a lesson. Rama then invoked the Brahmastra. There was utter confusion all around. Animal were crying out in panic. Storms blew uprooting t

Periya Kandi Amman Temple at Veerapur near Trichy in Tamil Nadu

Periya Kandi Amman Temple is located at Veerapur which is around 14 km from Manapparai in Trichy District in Tamil Nadu. Legend has it that a five-headed snake did penance at Veerapur to get Goddess Parvati has daughter. Goddess Parvati was pleased with the penance and she was born as Periya Kandi Amman. It is said that Periya Kandi Amman was a eunuch. Periya Kandi Amman then did penance to get rid of the form and appear as female. Shiva then appeared before her and told that two brothers will be killed in the region and when their sister appears before her she will get back her female form. Long time later the area was ruled by Ponnar and Shankar. A neighboring ruler named Thalayur Kali was jealous of the brothers. He used various trick to create fight between the brothers. Finally he succeeded in killing one of the brothers. The other brother hearing about the news of the death of his brother killed himself. The sister of the brothers came crying to Periya Kandi A

7000-year-old Nandeeshwara Temple at Malleswaram – Buried and Discovered Recently

Nandeeshwara Temple at Malleswaram near Bangalore was buried underneath. When people removed the soil what they found was a 7000-year-old temple in perfect condition. Nandeeshwara Temple is enclosed within a stone cut courtyard supported by stone pillars. At the far end of the courtyard, a Nandi was carved out of a black stone with eyes painted in gold. From its mouth a clear stream of water flowed directly on to a shivalinga made out of the same black stone at a lower level. The temple is located at 17th Cross area in Malleswaram.  Times of India reports  There were steps that led to a small pool in the centre of the courtyard where the water flowed and collected. The pool's centre had a 15 feet deep whirlpool.   Everything remains the same today. Nobody knows where the water comes from and how it passes from the mouth of the nandi idol on to the shivalinga. Nobody knows how the whirlpool came into being. The source of water, the sculptor, even the time when

Khatvanga – Staff with Human Skull Attached to Bone

Some of us must have noticed the weapon a human skull attached to bone in the hands of tantrics and also in images of certain gods. It is known as Khatvanga. This is a weapon that comes from very ancient times. In modern times, the bone is replaced with decorated wood. Khatvanga in its original form is very rare but some Tantrics attending the Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya Temple in Assam holds it. Khatvanga is a sort of club (gada). The handle is made up of the bone of forearm or leg. The end portion of the bone is attached to human skull. The bone was replaced by wood during the Chalukya and Hoysala period. They used intricately carved wood. There are several different types of Khatvanga today without human skull. The skull is made using metal or wood. In some the human skull is attached to Trishul. In some the skull is attached to sword or spear. Some people have created designer Khatvanga in which more than one skull is attached in different styles. But these are

Chellandi Amman Temple near Karur in Tamil Nadu

Chellandi Amman Temple located at Madhukarai near Karur in Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. Legend has it that Chellandi Amman appeared before Chera, Chozha and Pandya kings and asked them to stop wars that were troubling her devotees. As Goddess gave darshan to the three kings she came to be known as Chellandi Amman. Chellandi Amman is seated on a lion in temple. There are murtis of Aariya Raja and his wife Chandanathammal, Pechiyamman, Madhurai Veeran and Kathavarayan. Chandana Karuppar riding a horse can be seen on the eastern side of the temple. There is also a murti of Shiva near the eighteen steps leading to Kaveri River . People believe that by praying to Lord Shiva, women can be blessed with children. Location - Madhukarai Village is 20 km from Trichy on the Trichy –Karur road.

Ashtadasa Bhuja Mahalakshmi Durga Temple at Kurichi near Pattukottai in Tamil Nadu

Ashtadasa Bhuja Mahalakshmi Durga Temple at Kurichi houses a very rare murti of Goddess Durga. The murti here is made of Navapashana – containing 9 herbal ingredients. The murti worshipped in the temple has 18 hands (ashtadasaujam). It is seated on a lion and is 12 feet tall. The murti worshipped in the temple is believed to have the combined energy of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi. The Vinayaka murti in the temple is located under a Rudraksha Tree. The widespread belief is that Mother Goddess here cures serious illness. People also pray here to get rid of marriage delays and child birth. Ashtadasa Bhuja Mahalakshmi Durga Temple timing is from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Ashtadasa Bhuja Mahalakshmi Durga Temple is located in Kurichi village, 10 km from Pattukottai on the Pattukottai-Aranthangi road.

Now Book Onavillu Online from Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Kerala

Note - This Service has been stopped by the temple authorities. Onavillu is a unique offering made in the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple at Trivandrum in Kerala during Onam festival. Onavillu is a bow – tapering on both sides – painted with pictures of Ananthasayanam, Dasavatharam, Srirama Pattaabhishekam, Sri Krishna Lila, Sri Sastha and Mahaganapathi. Now you can book Onavillu online through the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Kerala. Onavillu is priced at Rupees 1700/- The bows are consecrated on the Onam day. The bows will be removed on the third day after Onam and distributed to devotees. The bow is considered to be a symbol of prosperity. You find more details and how to book online here at the official website of the temple. ( Note  - This Service has been stopped by the temple authorities.) Please note that the Onavillu has to be physically collected from the temple.

Hindu God Vaidyanath – Shiva as Vaidyanathan - The Supreme Physician or Doctor

Vaidyanath, or Vaidyanathan, is one among the numerous names of Hindu God Shiva. Vaidyanath means the supreme physician or doctor. Shiva got the name after he restored the luster of Chandra – the moon god. Chandra was cursed by Daksha Prajapati to lose his luster. Legend says that Daksha, the master of civilization, gave twenty seven of his daughters – the Nakshatras, lunar asterisms or birth stars – in marriage to Chandra. But the moon god was enamored by the beauty of Rohini Nakshatra and ignored the other Nakshatras. The other angry and jealous wives of Chandra went to their father and informed about Chandra’s favoritism for Rohini. This behavior of Chandra infuriated Daskha. He cursed Chandra that his body of which he was so proud will lose its luster and will fade away. Soon the body of Chandra started loosing its luster and this caused upheaval on earth. Several plants and herbs need the moonlight to survive. Chandra then approached Srihari Vishnu who directed him t

Sahasralinga – About Sahara Linga Worship

Sahasralinga is one of the forms of Linga that humans can worship. In this rare Shivling, 1001 Shivling is carved on the pujyabhaga (the one facing devotee) of the main linga. The 1001 lingas are created on the main Shivling by carving eleven lingas horizontally and 91 lingas vertically. Sahasra Linga is worshipped at Tiruvarriyur in Tamil Nadu in South India . Please note that today places where numerous lingas are found together is also referred as Sahasralinga. Sahasralinga is also the name of a place near Sirsi in Karnataka – here one can see hundreds of Shivlings carved on stone in the Shalmala River . Sahasralingas are also found in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Gujarat.

Koothanur Saraswathi Temple in Tamil Nadu

Koothanur Saraswathi Temple in Tamil Nadu is a very rare temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. The temple is located at Koothanur near Poonthottam which is on Mayiladuthurai to Thiruvarur bus route. The shrine is small one but is of great significance due to the rarity of Saraswati Temples in India . The temple is located on the banks of Arasalar River . The belief is that waters of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati are present in the Arasalar River . Legend has it that once there was huge quarrel between Goddess Saraswati and Brahma. They both cursed each other to be born on earth. Goddess Saraswati then prayed to Shiva to escape from human form. She merged with the Arasalar River . Before leaving she blessed the region with her presence in a shrine on the banks of Arasalar River . The murti of Goddess Saraswati is three-eyed. She is seated in yogasana pattern on a white lotus and wears a white silk sari. She holds palm leaves in one had. One hand is in chin mudra an

Lalithambikai Temple at Gingee in Tamil Nadu – Selva Lalithambigai Temple

Lalithambikai Temple is located at Chellapiratti near Gingee in Tamil Nadu. The Selva Lalithambigai Temple houses a unique manifestation of Mother Goddess – the murti worshipped in the temple has the combined Shakti of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. The popular belief is that Sage Rishyasringa offered prayers in the temple. The murti of Lalithambikai worshiped in the temple has eight hands with a crescent moon on forehead. A five-headed serpent forms a canopy over her head. This is a peaceful form of Mother Goddess. She sits with her left leg folding and the right leg hangs down. Her one hand is Abhaya Hasta and another shows her feet. She holds Akshamala and Kamandala attributed to Mother Saraswati, discus and conch attributed to Goddess Mahalakshmi and the rope and Ankusa related to Goddess Parvati. There is a stone plate in the temple which is believed to be a manifestation of Goddess Lalithambikai – Sage Rishyasringa is believed to have worshipped Mother God

Story of Demon Ayomukhi and Lakshman in Ramayana

Story of Demoness Ayomukhi and Lakshman is found in the Aranya Kanda of Ramayana. Sita is kidnapped and the two brothers start a frantic search for her. They meet Jatayu who was mortally injured by Ravana. He gives them the direction in which Ravana carried Sita away. The brothers were now walking towards South. The passed through the dense forest of Dandaka forest. Then they reached a forest named Krauncharanya. Here they came across a deep cave. In the mouth of the cave they saw a Rakshasi named Ayomukhi. The demoness was huge in size and fearful to look at. She approached Lakshman and expressed her desire to marry him. Lakshman who was tormented by the kidnapping of Sita had no patience. He took out his sword and severed her nose, ears and breasts. The Rakshasi ran away from the spot.

Mandaikadu Temple – Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Amman Temple

Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Amman Temple is a popular temple dedicated to Mother Goddess Shakthi near Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu. A 15 feet tall anthill is worshipped as Bhagavathi Amman. The anthill has five heads and the belief is that it is still growing. Currently the anthill has the height of 12 feet. There is a belief that the Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Amman Murti stands on the spot where Adi Shankaracharya performed puja to a Sri Chakra. The face of the murti of Bhagavati Amman can be seen at the upper end of the anthill. There is also a Sri Chakra installed in the sanctum sanctorum. The temple is built in the Kerala style of temple architecture. Major Offering in the Temple Silk clothes and mangalsutra are offered to the Goddess for early and good marriage. Those having problems with hand or legs or other body parts offer body parts made using silver. Those suffering from headache and other ailments associated with head offer Mandaiappam a sweet made using rice flou

Gudimallam Shivalingam – The Story of One of the Oldest Shivlings in the World

One of the oldest surviving Shivling in the world is located at the Parashurameshvara Temple in Chittor District in Andhra Pradesh. The temple is more than 2,200 years old and is around 25 km east of Tirupati. Gudimallam Shivalingam is believed to be a manifestation of the Trimurtis, with Brahma at the bottom, Vishnu in the middle and Shiva on top. There is an interesting story which narrates the origin of the Gudimallam Shivalingam. Legend has it that Parashuram’s mother Renuka was suspected of infidelity by her husband Sage Jamadagni. The Sage ordered Parashurama to behead his mother. Parashurama obeyed his father and when Sage Jamadagni wanted to reward his son, Parashurama asked him to bring his mother back to life. And she was brought back to life. But Parashurama could not overcome the guilt of beheading his mother and he felt remorse for his act. As a penance, he was advised by other Rishis to worship Shiva at Gudimallam. After searching for several da