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Showing posts from March, 2014


What is the name of Shaivite Musicians who sing in Shiva temples?

Shaivite Musicians who sing in Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu are referred as Oduvar. They chant the Tevaram and are part of the Panar tradition. Panar are musicians in ancient Tamil Society. The Oduvars have kept the tradition of Tamil music and culture alive for thousands of years. Panars are believed to be among the four ancient tribes of the Tamil Country. Today Tevaram is performed in all important Shiva Temples in Tamil Nadu and also in Shiva Temples across the world that are maintained according to Tamil Culture.

Story of Uchchaihshravas – The Horse of Indra

The story of the origin of Uchchaihshravas is found in the Bhagavata Purana. This divine horse appeared during the churning of ocean (Samudra Manthan) by Devas (demi gods) and Asuras (demons). Uchchaihshravas means one with long ears or one that neighs loudly. Uchchaihshravas is white like the moon and has seven heads. This flying horse was taken by Indra, the king of Devas. It is also the king of the horses. The color of the tail of Uchchaihshravas was the reason for Vinata and Garuda becoming the slave of Kadru and her serpent sons. Vinata was sure that the tail of Uchchaihshravas was white but Kadru said it was black. After a bitter argument it was decided that whoever was wrong would become the slave of the winner. Kadru’s serpent sons hanged to the tail of Uchchaihshravas and made it appear black, when in reality the tail was white. Thus Vinata and her son Garuda became the slaves of Kadru and her sons. Another story has it that Goddess Lakshmi once happened t

Book – The Seduction of Shiva: Tales of Life and Love

Book titled ‘The Seduction of Shiva: Tales of Life and Love’ is compiled and translated by Aditya Narayan Dhairyasheel Haksar. The stories of love and longing from various Sanskrit texts including Puranas are part of the book. Indian Express writes  ”All great literature deals with the theme of the relation between the sexes and I have tried to bring together a collection of stories covering as big a period as possible,” Haksar said during the book release here recently. The first story in the anthology talks about how the god Shiva is seduced by Mohini, the female form assumed by Vishnu. In another tale, Urvashi curses the Pandava prince Arjuna when he rejects her advances. The protagonist in another story pursues pleasure first as a man and then as a woman. “The stories in the ‘Seduction of Shiva’ have been taken over a over 1500 years let me drew material from not only from what is called secular writing but also literature traditionally regarded as scriptural like tales

Sanatan Hinduism Radio in Houston in USA Completes 20 years

Sanatan Hinduism Radio in Houston in USA completed 20 years in 2014. The radio program named “Voice of Sanatan Hinduism” was started in 1994 on internet and the radio program is available every Sunday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The program attempts to make people aware of the riches of the Veda and Sanatan Dharma by sharing Vedic concepts of rituals, Upanishad, Bhagavad Gita, Vedic Music, Vedic Yoga, Vedic Meditation, Vedic Astrology and the Vedic Way of Life, popularly known as Hinduism. The radio programs are without any commercials and advertisements and are supported by donors, well-wishers and listeners. You can find more about the radio here.

Bhagavad Gita Hold the Key to Living a Life of Purpose

An article titled ‘This Ancient Hindu Text May Hold the Key to Living a Life of Purpose’ by Carolyn Gregoire in The Huffington Post explores the teaching of Bhagavad Gita. She details five important modern-day life lessons from the Gita and also contains important comments on the Gita. Here are five important modern-day life lessons from the ancient text that, in the words of Einstein, makes "everything else seem superfluous." What goes around comes around. A peaceful mind (and happiness) can be cultivated through practice. It's how you act and treat people every day that matters. It's important to question your habitual thoughts and attitudes. Self-realization is the end and aim of human life. You can read the entire article here at the The Huffington Post.

Brishabhadwajeshwar Shiva – Story Brishabhadwajeshwar Mahadeva Shivling

Brishabhadwajeshwar Shiva is worshipped at Kapildhara in Varanasi . The story of Brishabhadwajeshwar Mahadeva Shivling is associated with Shiva visiting the Ashram for Sage Kapil Muni. Legend has it that Shiva once visited Kapila Muni in his ashram at Kapildhara in Varanasi . The rishi had a beautiful cow. Kapila Muni and the cow was pleased and honored with the arrival of Shiva. Out of devotion, the cow started shedding milk and Kapil Muni bathed Shiva in the milk. The milk accumulated in an area and it became a pond. The pond is known as Kapildhara Khund. After being bathed in milk and worshipped, Shiva rode on a bull and returned to Kashi. As he rode on a bull after the holy incident, he was given the name Brishabhadwajeshwar Shiva. The Shivling that is worshipped in Kapildhara is in memory of this incident.

View Digitized 17th century Mewar Ramayana Paintings - Over 370 Stunning Paintings in Virtual Digital Book

The 17th century Mewar Ramayana Paintings is one of the most beautiful manuscripts in the world. The book was split between India and England. Now the book the British Library and CSMVS Museum in Mumbai has reunited the book digitally. You can view the digital book online for free. Mewar Ramayana paintings were created by several artists, whose exquisite and intricate paintings of gods, battles, landscapes and animals are among the finest examples of Indian art. Alongside the illustrations are over 800 pages of text in Sanskrit. You can view the Mewar Ramayana Paintings here at the BritishLibrary website or here at the CSMVS Museum Mumbai website. (The file is large and may take several minutes to download. In addition to high-quality images of the original manuscript, there are page-by-page descriptions in text and sound.)

Tilak Vrat in Chaitra Month

Tilak Vrat is annually observed on the first day during the waxing phase of moon in Chaitra Month. It is observed on the Hindu New Year day in North India . In 2024, Tilak Vrat date is April 9. The greatness of the Tilak Vrat is mentioned in the last chapter (Uttara Parva) of the Bhavishya Purana. The Vrat is also referred as Samvatsar Pratipada Vrat as it is observed on the first day of the New Year – Chaitra Shukla Paksha Pratipada. By observing this vrat one can get rid of problems associated with ghost, Pishach and other supernatural beings. The vrat is also suggested to those have horoscope related problems due to the bad position of the planets. On Vrat day a devotee should wake up in the morning take bath and offer prayers to Ishta Devata. Only vegetarian food is eaten on the day. The person has to read scriptures. Prayers dedicated to the person’s favorite deity can be chanted on the day. Making food donation on the day is considered highly meritorious.

Arogya Vrat in Chaitra Month in North India

Arogya Vrat is observed on the first day during the waxing phase of moon in Chaitra month as per traditional North India calendar. The vrat is dedicated to Surya. In 2024, Arogya Vrat is observed on April 9. The vrat is observed for good health. The important ritual on the day includes offering prayers to Surya, chanting of Gayatri Mantra and taking bath morning and evening with local herbs. Devotees only take hot vegetarian food on the day. Food is donated on the day to poor children. It must be noted that Arogya Vrat is mainly observed on the Magh Shukla Paksha Saptami day – seventh day of Magh month (January – February). This particular vrat observed on Chaitra Shukla Paksha Pratipada is only observed in North India .

Anybody Can Have a Mystical Experience – Swami Ranganathananda

When we speak about mystical experience, we have an idea about something far away, meant for an ascetic somewhere. This is absolutely wrong! Anybody, from any walk of life, can have a mystical experience because the profound philosophy of Vedanta tells us that the divine spark is in every one of us. We can come in touch with it, manifest it, and in the light of that truth we can deal with other people in a happy way. Therefore a mystical experience must walk hand-in hand with work and with the human relationships we establish. Swami Vivekananda calls this practical Vedanta. What was the privilege of a few in the past will become the privilege of everyone in society when people understand it correctly. This is the truth, but unfortunately we neglect it. In the future we should put a stop to this sort of carelessness. When I work in society, I can work from my ego and create friction with others, or I can manifest a little of my divine nature and feel oneness with others. The

Chintaman Ganesh Fair and Jatra in Chaitra Month at Ujjain Chintaman Ganesh Mandir

Ujjain Chintaman Ganesh Mandir is a very popular temple dedicated to Ganesha in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. On every Wednesday in Chaitra Month a fair and yatra is held in the temple. Chaitra Month 2024 is from March 26 to April 23. During the Jatra, the murti of Chintaman Ganesh is adorned with flowers, natural colors, sandal paste, vermillion and leaves. The temple is located at the Chintaman Jawasiya village, which is around 5 km from the temple. The temple is famous for a Swayambhu Ganesh murti.

Hindu Scriptures on Everlasting happiness

A collection of teachings from Hindu scriptures on everlasting happiness. The person who is intelligent and wise and who knows what defects lie hidden in the objects [of enjoyment], knows how to free himself from the bonds of desire. Only such a person is fit to tread the path that leads to liberation. (Sarva-Vedanta-Siddhanta-Sarasangraha, 61) The intelligent man gives up happiness and sorrow by developing concentration of mind on the Atman and thereby meditating on the ancient Deity who is inscrutable, lodged inaccessibly, located in the intellect, and seated in the midst of heart. (Katha Upanishad, 1.2.12) Everlasting happiness is for those, and not for others, who are wise and realize as seated in their intellect him who is one and independent, who makes diverse the single seed of the many actionless (beings). (Shvetashvatara Upanishad, 6.12) Hinduism offers various teachings on achieving everlasting happiness, often through spiritual practices and philosophical insigh

Goddess Bhimchandi Devi – About Goddess Bhim Chandi

Bhimchandi Devi is a powerful manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti. Her murti is worshipped in many temples in North India . An important Bhim Chandi Devi temple is located in Varanasi and is one of the halting places during the famous Panchakosi Parikrama. Another temple is located at Pinjore in Haryana. Legend has it that Mother Goddess Shakti appeared in an unimaginably huge form in the Himalayas to protect Sages and people who followed Dharma. She gets her name from the huge figure in which she appeared – Bhima. This is mentioned in the Devi Mahatmya. Bhimchandi Devi is often referred as the ‘Ugra’ or fierce manifestation. Her fury is uncontrollable and unimaginable. Next moment she can be benign, kind and caring mother. Due to her volatile temper, she is feared by the devotees. It is believed that Goddess Bhimchandi creates trouble in the life of those who practice Adharma. She protects her devotees from all troubles. But if her devotees stray from the path of D

Proposed Vrindavan Chandrodaya Temple – When Completed Will Be the Tallest Temple in India and the World

Vrindavan Chandrodaya Temple – when completed will be 700 feet tall and will be the tallest temple in India and in the world. In fact it will be tallest religious structure in the world. The proposed temple will  include a theme park on Krishna Lila, restaurants serving dishes from ancient Krishna Temples , and much more. The foundation stone laying ceremony of the 70-storey Vrindavan Chandrodaya temple in Mathura District in Uttar Pradesh in India will be done on March 16, 2014. Hindustan Times reports   "When constructed it will be the tallest temple of India and one of the tallest in the world. The iconic architecture will harmoniously blend elements of both Indian temple architecture and modern architecture," said vice-president, ISKCON, Bangalore and president of the Vrindavan project Chanchalapathi Dasa.  The project, which has been conceived by Madhu Pandit Dasa, president of ISKCON, Bangalore , will feature a grand temple of Lord Krishna . A lo

Google Holi Doodle – Google joins in Holi Festival

Google search logo today sports the Holi festival observed in India. The Google Holi doodle is only visible in the google.co.in site.

Hindu Bible – What is the name of Hindu Bible?

Hindu Bible is the name used by non-Hindus to refer to the Holy Scripture in Hindu religion. The Hindu Bible is the Bhagavad Gita. Apart from this Hindus have numerous other Holy Scriptures important among them are the Vedas, (Upanishads which are part of Vedas), Yoga Vasishta, Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas. Related Similarities between the Bhagavad Gita and the Bible Download Bhagavad Gita in English Lessons from Bhagavad Gita Bhagavad Gita on Desire Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 18 Teachings

Book – Bol Bam Approaches to Shiva

The book titled “Bol Bam Approaches to Shiva” written by Scharada Dubey is a book based on journey to temples and sacred places associated with God Shiva. This is not the usual travel book. The book is an amalgamation of author’s personal experience during the journey; her doubts, disbeliefs, dislikes; conversations with devotees and locals. The book is a good read if you are a true believer of Sanatana Dharma – it gives opportunity to understand more about Shiva. Understanding Shiva is understanding Truth. But if you are a believer of Hinduism, which is being moulded in the present day like monolithic religions, then some observations might be sacrilegious. There are six chapters in book – journey to different abodes of Shiva. We do not need to agree to all her observations. But each observation helps us in  understanding Shiva more. The book also helps us in remembering numerous stories of Shiva. But author’s imagination (fantasy) as to what Goddess Parvati or Shiva might

Teachings From Tamil Folklore Stories

A small but effective collection of teachings from Tamil folklore stories. Only when both hands meet sound is produced -  This philosophy suggest the idea that collaboration and cooperation are necessary to achieve meaningful outcomes. Just as both hands need to come together to produce sound, individuals or groups must work together in harmony to accomplish goals or create something significant. Another interpretation could emphasize the importance of balance and harmony in life. Just as both hands need to meet to produce sound, balance between different aspects of life or between opposing forces is necessary for fulfillment and success. The danger that was aimed at the head luckily went off with the turban -  this tamil saying conveys a sense of relief and gratitude that despite being targeted by danger, the person managed to avoid serious harm due to some form of protection or fortunate circumstance. It underscores the importance of resilience, adaptability, and ha

Story of Origin of Gandaka or Gandaki River

Gandaka or Gandaki is a holy river which rises in the hills of southern Tibet and flows through Nepal and India . The river is highly sacred because the pebbles in the river bear the chakra mark – Sudarshana Chakra of Vishnu. There are two stories associated with the origin of the Gandaki River . As per Varaha Purana, Gandaki River flowed from the perspiration on Vishnu’s cheek. Another legend has it that Gandaki River observed a severe penance to obtain boon from Vishnu that he should be his son. Vishnu granted the boon by residing in her in the form of Saligrama. Gandaki is known as Sapta-Gandaki in Nepal . The river merges with Ganga at Sonepur in Bihar in India .

Hindu Bible Quotes And Teachings

Here are a few quotes and teachings from Hindu Bible which is known as the Bhagavad Gita: When a man thinks of objects, ‘attachment’ for them arises; from attachment ‘desire’ is born; from desire arises ‘anger’ (Chapter II, 62) From anger comes delusion; from delusion ‘loss of memory’; from loss of memory the destruction of discrimination; from destruction of discrimination, he perishes.(Chapter II, 63) Those who are free from pride and delusion. Those who have conquered the evil attachments of this world. Those whose desires and cravings have disappeared. Those who are no longer bound by the pairs called pleasure and pain. Those who abide perpetually in the Atman, Reach that  Eternal   State  which is changeless. That state which the enlightened enter is My Supreme Infinite Being, which is illuminated with Self-consciousness, And not by the light of the sun, moon or fire. Thus once he attains Me, there is no return. (Chapter XV, 5-6) Sacrifice w

Bhagavad Gita in Telugu in mp3 audio for free download

This Bhagavad Gita mp3 audio in Telugu is provided by the Yatharth Geeta website. Each 18 chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is divided into different mp3 files. The translation and explanation in Telugu is provided by Shri Paramahansji Maharaj. The size of the files vary from 20 MB to 44 MB. You will have to download several files to get the complete Bhagavad Gita with commentary in Telugu. Each chapter is divided into two separate files. All eighteen chapters are available for download. You can download  Bhagavad Gita MP3 in Telugu here at yatharth geeta .

17th century Mewar Ramayana United and Gets Digital Makeover

The 17th century Mewar Ramayana manuscript consists of 400 exquisite paintings. But the pages of this wonderful tribute to the epic Valmiki Ramayan was in two countries – majority of the pages in Britain and the rest of the pages in India . Now the two countries have joined to create a digitized version of the book. Times of India reports  The Mewar manuscript was commissioned by Rana Jagat Singh I of Mewar in 1649 - who regarded himself as a direct descendent of Lord Ram and contains over 400 exquisite paintings. It is widely considered to be one of the finest of all surviving illustrated copies. The British Library currently holds around 80% of the surviving manuscript and the remaining folios are held by the CSMVS Museum as well as the Baroda Museum and Rajastan Oriental Institute. The digitized version will go live on March 21.  The project was announced by British Prime Minister David Cameron during his trip to Mumbai last year.  The project is funded by one

Why do we Celebrate Holi?

Holi is celebrated after the full moon day in the month of phalgun (February – March). It is traditionally a harvest festival. Like all Hindu festivals, the reason for the celebration of Holi can be traced to Hindu scriptures and it commemorates the victory of good over evil. The significance of Holi is that victory of good over evil is achieved by a young devotee through his unshakable devotion for the Lord. The date of Holi celebration depends on the moon and lunar calendar. Holi Story based on Prahlada and Demon Holika Young Prahlada was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu but this was detested by his arrogant father, Hirnakashyipu, who was the king of the land. The father constantly sought for ways to eliminate his son and each time he failed miserably. But this only hardened his stance. Now, the king had a sister named Holika who was immune to fire. So, she took young Prahlada and entered into fire. Legend has it that Prahlada came out of the fire without any

All Women Akhada Formed For the First Time

Adi Shankaracharya had formed the first Akhada in Hinduism. An Akhada is a group of holy men who are defenders of Hindu faith – who are physically, intellectually and spiritually strong. The most famous Akhada that most people are aware of are that of the Naga Sadhus. Now an all-female Akhada has been formed in Allahabad . Global Post reports  Mahant Trikal Bhavanta, a leading woman sadhu, told AFP late Friday that the all-women akhada was believed to be the first in the history of Hinduism in India . An akhada is a group of sadhus -- reclusive ascetics or wandering monks who renounce normal life and are often widely respected for their holiness. India has more than a dozen such groups, all male-dominated.  Bhavanta said the all-women group was facing criticism from male sadhus, who claim the move goes against age-old customs.  "Nowhere in the Hindu scriptures is it mentioned that women cannot have an akhada of their own," she told AFP. "We are facing cri

Dhananjaya – Why Arjuna in the Mahabharat is also known as Dhananjaya?

Dhananjaya is one among the ten names of Arjuna in the Mahabharata. Arjuna narrates the meaning of his names to Uttara, son of Virata. Kaurava army had stolen the cows of Virata. To get them back, the son of Virata went to battlefield with Arjuna, who was disguised as Brihannala, as his charioteer. On seeing the Kuru army, the prince is frightened and attempts to escape from the battleground. Brihannada stops him and reveals that he is Arjuna and he will fight against the Kauravas. But the prince is not ready to believe Brihannada. He then wants to know the various names of Arjuna. To convince the frightened prince, Arjuna narrates all his ten names and how he got them. Arjuna in the Mahabharata is known as Dhananjaya because he conquered various kingdoms and obtained their wealth. As he stood amidst the riches that he conquered, he was named Dhananjaya. This incident is mentioned in the Go – Grahana Parva in the Mahabharata. The ten names of Arjuna given in the Go

Huge Functional Sculpture of Jatayu from Ramayana to come up on Jatayupara near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala

Jatayupara is a cluster of rocks located near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. It is believed that the huge bird Jatayu fought with Ravana on this rocks and fell down while attempting to rescue Mata Sita. Now a 61-metre-long, 46-metre wide and 15-metre tall functional sculpture of Jatayu is planned on the Jatayupara. When completed it will one of the biggest functional sculpture in Asia . Jatayupara is located around 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram on the Trivandraum – Kottarakara Road. The Hindu reports  3d model of the Jatayu Sculpture  According to lore, Jatayu tried to stop Ravana aboard flying chariot Pushpakaviman with Sita in tow. But when Ravana cut down Jatayu’s wing, the bird collapsed beak down firston top of what is now called Jatayupara . The impact created a small crater on top of the sun-battered and wind-swept rock from which water sprang. Jatayupara also bears the markings of what are believed to be the feet of Lord Ram, who is said to have come here lookin

Pulaheshwar – About Pulaheshwar Shivling

Pulaheshwar is a manifestation of Hindu God Shiva and information about this form is mentioned in the Kashi Khanda of the Skanda Purana. Pulaheshwar is the name given to the Shivling installed by Sage Pulaha at Kashi ( Varanasi ). The belief is that Shiva as boon agreed to reside in this Shivling. The general belief is that those who worship the Pulaheshwar form of Shiva will be blessed with intellect. Sage Pulaha is widely mentioned in the Puranas and Upanishads. It is believed that Sage Pulaha appeared from the Vital Breath of Brahma – This is mentioned in the Shiva Purana.

Male Mahadeswara Hills Route – Road Route From Mysore and Bangalore to the M M Hills Temple

Male Mahadeswara Hills is the abode of Shiva and Saint Mahadeswara. The Hills also known as M M Hills is the location of Male Mahadeswara Swami Temple .  Male Mahadeswara Hills Routes is given below. The road routes from Mysore and Bangalore are given in the google map embedded. The temple is located in Kollegal Taluk in Chamaraja Nagar District. The temple is around 80 km from Kollegal Town . Nearest Railway Station is Mettur in Tamil Nadu which is around 50 km from the temple. One has to take the State Highway 79 to reach the temple. Bangalore - Male Mahadeswara Route View Larger Map Mysore – Male Mahadeswara Route View Larger Map

Bhagavad Gita in Gujarati in mp3 audio for free download

This Bhagavad Gita mp3 audio in Gujarati is provided by the Yatharth Geeta website. Each 18 chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is divided into different mp3 files. The translation and explanation in Gujarati is provided by Shri Paramahansji Maharaj. The size of the files vary from 20 MB to 44 MB. You will have to download several files to get the complete Bhagavad Gita with commentary in Gujarati. Each chapter is divided into two separate files. All eighteen chapters are available for download. You can download  Bhagavad Gita MP3 in Gujarati here at yatharth geeta.

Rare Vishnu Murti in Single Stone at Purushottamar Temple in Ambasamudram in Tamil Nadu

A rare Vishnu murti in single stone is found at the Purushottamar Temple in Ambasamudram in Tamil Nadu. The single stone murti includes Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, Garuda and Adi Sesha. The murti has eight arms and is in sitting posture. Right leg of Vishnu is placed on the right shoulder of Garuda.  Adisesha forms a canopy. But sadly the Purushottamar Temple is in a dilapidated condition and seeking attention from devotees. The Hindu reports  The style of the necklace carving seen on Purushottamar’s chest indicates that this temple could be at least 1,200 years old.  Another special feature is the three-tier Indira Vimana with Dasavathara carvings on the first, sculptures of Indira, Rudra, Brahmma and Hayagriva on the second and Kalasam on the third. Legend has it that a rishi used to walk a long distance to bring water for the Lord. One day, when the rishi fell ill and could not travel, Lord Purushottamar is believed to have created the Pongi Karai Theertham, South

Devotion to One Ideal Need Not Mean Hatred of Others

Devotion to one ideal need not mean hatred of others. In fact, that will be sheer fanaticism, which is not even remotely related to real devotion. A true devotee steers clear of this evil and, by his true devotion and acceptance of all faiths as true, stands out from a subscriber to a creed or a believer in a faith. A devotee does not nurse grievances against anyone. He tries to cultivate forbearance. A devotee is not afflicted by others, nor is he a source of affliction to others. The Gita uses the word udvega, which means affliction, disturbance or perturbation. Learning to offer his pleasure and pain to the object of his love, God, a devotee is not unduly perturbed in any situation. Again, since he does not take sides in an issue, having no axe to grind himself, he is never a cause of perturbation in others. Of course, if some people do not understand him he does not lose his sleepover it. Instead of trying to be good and pleasing to everyone, he tries to keep his mind

Dhulandi 2024 – Holi Dhulandi Festival

Dhulandi is the second day of Holi celebrations and people play with Holi colors on the festival day. Dhulandi 2024 date is March 25. The first day evening of Holi celebrations is dedicated to the burning of huge bonfires at night, which symbolizes the death of Demon Holika, and is known as Holika Dahan . The next day on Holi Dhulandi, people throw colored powder and colored water at each other. There are numerous legends for celebrating Dhulandi, the most popular belief is that people celebrate the victory of good over evil on the day. Another popular belief is that the celebrations herald the arrival of the spring season by taking inspiration from the myriads of colors in nature’s bounty. It is also believed that the season in which Dhulandi is celebrated sees numerous weather changes and this result in skin diseases and other viral attacks. So the playing of Dhulandi using Natural colors extracted from medicinal herbs was a method used by ancient Indians to fight th

Hayakanti Devi – About Goddess Hayakanti Devi

Hayakanti Devi is a manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti. Information about the goddess is found in the Kashi Khanda of the Skanda Purana. Hayakanti Devi is the remover of all obstacles. A unique aspect of Hayakanti Devi is that Her murti is shown as holding a sickle. One of the shrines dedicated to Hayakanti Devi is located in Varanasi . Devotees believe that the goddess removes all obstacles and difficulties in life with the sickle. In some texts, obstacles and difficulties are equated to weeds and it is removed with the sickle.

Male Mahadeswara Temple Photos - Pictures of M M Hills Temple in Karnataka

Male Mahadeswara Temple , also known as M M Hills, is located in Kollegal Taluk in Chamaraja Nagar District and is close to the Tamil Nadu – Karnataka Border. Below are the photos of the famous Male Mahadeswara Temple .

Goddess Kali Temple in Ahmedabad – Kalibari Temple of Bengali Association in Ahmedabad in Gujarat

The newly built Goddess Kali Temple – Kalibari – in Ahmedabad in Gujarat is associated with the city's oldest Bengali organization, the Bengal Cultural Association Ahmedabad. The temple is located at S G Road in Ahmedabad and is spread across 2000 sq yard area. The temple has been built in accordance to traditional Bengali kutir style. The murti of Goddess Kali worshipped in the temple is exactly like the one worshipped in the famous Dakshineswar temple of Kolkata . The temple also has murtis of Shiva, Ram, Sita, Hanuman and Krishna . Times of India reports  Inaugurated by Swami Sadananda Saraswati Ji Maharaj of Sharda Peeth Dwarka on Monday, the Kalibari has been built on 2000 sq yard area. The temple has been constructed in accordance to traditional Bengali kutir (hut) style. "What is unique is that we have brought god Shiva, Ram, Sita, Hanuman and Krishna under the same roof in our mandir," said Kanak Das Adhikary, BCA's general secretary.  The

Live Darshan from Harsiddhi Mata Temple in Ujjain

Harsiddhi Mata Temple in Ujjain is a popular shrine dedicated to Harsiddhi Mataji. The temple is now offering live darshan. The live streaming is available from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. Harsidhhi Mata is a manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti. She is more closely associated with Goddess Amba. Legend has it that Sri Krishna offered prayers to Harsidhhi Mata and asked for help in defeating Jarasandha. This is a benign and kind form of Goddess Shakti. You can watch the live darshan here – Ujjain Harsiddhi Mata Live Darshan

New Study Suggests Indus Valley Civilization Ended Due to a 200-year drought

A new study suggests that Indus Valley Civilization collapsed and ended due to a 200-year drought which began around 2000 BC. Paleoclimatologists claim that the severe drought was the result of non arrival of monsoon rains. People abandoned well planned cities and this led to the end of the Indus Valley and Harappan civilization. Scientific American writes  Based on isotope data from the sediment of an ancient lake, the researchers suggest that the monsoon cycle, which is vital to the livelihood of all of South Asia, essentially stopped there for as long as two centuries.  The link between this gradual decline and climate has been tenuous because of a dearth of climate records from the region. So Yama Dixit, a paleoclimatologist at the University of Cambridge, UK, and her colleagues examined sediments from Kotla Dahar, an ancient lake near the northeastern edge of the Indus Valley area in Haryana , India , that still seasonally floods.  Kotla Dahar is a closed basin, fil

Saubhagya Karana Vrata – How to observe Saubhagya Karana Vrat?

Saubhagya Karana Vrata is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. The Goddess Gauri manifestation of Maa Parvati is worshipped on the day. The Vrat is observed on the third day during the waxing phase of moon in Vaishakh, Bhadrapada and Magh Month. In 2024, the dates are on May 10 and September 6. The Vrat on Magh Month is on February 12, 2024. Detail procedure of how to observe the vrat is given below: Saubhagya Karana Vrata is observed for getting a good husband or wife. The method of fasting involves fast from sunrise to next day sunrise. Salt is completely avoided. Picture or Murti (Idol) of Goddess Gauri sitting on a bull is worshipped on the day. White flowers, fragrance and Chandan are offered to Goddess Gauri on the day. The vrat is complete when the person performing Vrat offers food to poor children or old poor people.

Dhanya Lakshmi - About Hindu Goddess Dhanyalakshmi – Story - Other Information

In Hinduism, Dhanya Lakshmi is a manifestation of Goddess Lakshmi and is counted among the Ashta-Lakshmis. Dhanyalakshmi as the name indicates is the Goddess of food and nourishment. She feeds the physical body and keeps hunger away. Dhanya means Grains and is that aspect of Goddess Lakshmi which suffices hunger. Hindu scriptures have numerous stories associated with Dhanya Lakshmi. As per Ashta Lakshmi Stotram, she is depicted as seated on a lotus carrying two lotus flowers, mace, paddy crop, sugarcane, bananas, abhaya and blessings. She has eight hands. One of the most famous incidents associated with Dhanya Lakshmi is found in the Mahabharata. It is said that Dhanyalakshmi presented Draupadi, the wife of Pandavas with a wooden bowl, which will always be filled with food. She presented it to Draupadi when they were exiled. This bowl helped the Pandavas to survive during their exile in inhospitable forests. Another popular tale of Dhanya Lakshmi comes from the Oriya culture. I