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Showing posts from July 19, 2013


Kumbhakarna – Story Of Kumbhakarna In The Ramayana

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 Hindu Temple in Singapore

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