Baba Baidyanath Temple , dedicated to God Shiva, is one of the Jyotirlinga Temples in India . The daily darshan time at Deoghar Baba Baidyanath Dham Temple is given in detail below. Please note that the opening and closing time of the temple will be extended during Shravan month and also during important rituals and festivals. Baidyanath Temple Timings Morning Darshan Timings is from 4 AM to 3:30 PM Evening Darshan Time is from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM In the morning the main priest performs a 16-step puja and later devotees start performing puja and pouring water over the Shivling. In the evening shringar puja is performed by the priest. Devotees then perform the puja. Why Hindus Should Visit Deoghar Baba Baidyanath Dham Temple Once In Lifetime? Visiting the Baba Baidyanath Dham Temple in Deoghar, often regarded as one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Hinduism, holds significant spiritual and cultural importance. Here are several reasons why Hindus

Lokpal puja is observed in Bhadrapad month and is dedicated to Vishnu and Shiva. It is an important ritual in Varanasi . Lokpal puja 2024 date is September 1. Bhagvan Srihari Vishnu is Lokpal – the sustainer of earth or one who looks after all living beings on earth – protector. Shiva and Goddess Parvati reside at Lokpal as per some scriptures associated with Varanasi . Lokpal puja is observed on the Chaturdashi day in Bhadrapad month – the 14th day during the waning phase of moon in Bhadrapad month.

Matki Phod Leela in Barsana is observed in Bhadrapad month. It is performed in the Barsana region in Vrindavan – Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. Matki Phod Leela 2024 date is August 31. The festival is observed in Barsana on Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha Trayodashi Tithi – the 13th day during the waxing phase of moon in Bhadrapad month. The main festival involves breaking of color pots. The leelas in Vrindavan is associated with Lord Krishna, especially the young age of Bhagavan. There is a popular belief that Bhagavan used to break the colorful pots of Gopis of vrindavan using a handheld catapult. Little Krishna also used to break the pots to steal butter from the pots of Gopis in their house. Due to his naughty behavior, Mother Yashoda had tied him to a mortar. Later, Bhagavan pulled the Mortar into the courtyard and gave moksha to two Devas who had become twin trees due to a curse.

Shiva appeared as Agnishwara to rescue a young boy. The young boy was an ardent devotee of Shiva but was destined to die at the young age of 12. The story has it that Shiva appeared in the form Agniswara and rescued the boy. Legend has it that Sage Visvanara and Suchismati who lived in the city of Dharmapura , on the banks of Narmada , prayed to Lord Shiva for an intelligent child. Shiva blessed them and a son was born to the couple who was named Grahapati. When the boy was in his 11th year, Sage Narada informed the sage and his wife that some injury will happen to the boy and it would be in the form of fire. The parents were worried but the young boy comforted them and told them that he will offer prayers to Shiva who will rescue him from any doom. The boy then went to Kashi and offered prayers daily after taking bath in the Manikaran Ghat. He worshipped a Shivling on the ghats for a year. When the time foretold by Sage Narada arrived, Indra appeared before the b

In Hinduism, plants are often seen as divine gifts from nature, endowed with spiritual and healing properties. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is no exception. While not explicitly mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures, its benefits align with Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, which emphasizes holistic well-being of body, mind, and spirit. Alfalfa has been revered for its medicinal, spiritual, and practical uses, believed to enhance both physical and mental health, elevate spiritual consciousness, and foster positive energy. 12 Spiritual Benefits of Alfalfa in Hinduism Cleansing and Purification Alfalfa is considered to have a cleansing energy. Consuming or using alfalfa in your daily life can help purify the mind, body, and spirit, eliminating negative energy and toxins, which aligns with Hindu principles of Shuddhi (purification). Boosts Vitality and Energy In Ayurveda, alfalfa is known for balancing the Kapha dosha , which governs energy and stamina. It improves physical s

Pataleshwara Temple at Talakad in Karnataka is one of the Panchalinga Temples. The unique feature of the Shivling worshipped in the temple is that it changes color three times a day. The Shivling is red in color in the morning; black in the afternoon and white in the evening. Pataleshwara Temple is also known as Vasukishwara Temple . It is widely believed that Snake Vasuki worshipped Shiva at the temple. Related Talakadu Temple in Karnataka - Important temples in Talakad History of Talakad and Story of the Curse That Buried Talakkad below Sands

Puri Jagannath, often referred to as the "spiritual capital of Odisha," is a sacred city in India known primarily for the Jagannath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Jagannath (a form of Vishnu). Here are some thoughts and quotes reflecting the cultural, spiritual, and historical significance of Puri Jagannath: Spiritual Significance Thought: The Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India, attracting millions of devotees seeking spiritual solace and divine blessings. Quote: "In the hallowed city of Puri, the divine presence of Lord Jagannath resonates with the purest vibrations of devotion, drawing pilgrims into a timeless realm of spirituality." Thought: The Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, held annually in Puri, symbolizes the journey of the soul towards liberation and is a grand celebration of faith and unity. Quote: "The Rath Yatra of Puri is not just a festival; it is a moving embodiment of the ete

Abakash Besha is the first form in which a devotee can have darshan of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra at the Puri Jagannath Temple . Below is the picture of this early morning form of the murtis worshipped in the temple. On each day early in the morning the deities are adorned with this minimalist vesha for the divine ablutions. The deities are only covered in two pieces of cloth known as ‘Tadap’ and ‘Uttariya’ Abakash Besha of Jagannath, Shubhadra and Balabhadra

A collection of wisdom from ancient Hindu sayings. Disease, sorrow, suffering, bondage, alienation — all these are the fruits of the tree of ‘sin against oneself’ reaped by embodied souls. Virtuous men who are always bent on doing good to others never allow their souls to be contorted even when harm is done to them. The sandalwood tree only imparts fragrance to the edge of the axe that cuts it down. Time is cooking all beings in the cauldron of great delusion using the sun as fire and days and nights as fuel, stirring them with the ladles of months and seasons—this is the news. There is no better well-wisher in this world than the critic. [Through criticism] he takes away one’s sins (papam) and in exchange gives his merits (punyam) to the person he criticizes. Where there is a noble soul, there is God. A good son is the light of the family. Silence is as deep as eternity, speech as shallow as time. Life is a pilgrimage to the shrine of eternal wisdom. Dev

Swami Haridas was a great classical musician and spiritual composer and poet and the found of the Haridasi School of mysticism. Swami Haridas Jayanti is the birth anniversary of this great and pious soul and is observed in the Bhadrapad month. Swami Haridas Jayanti 2024 date is September 11. Swami Haridas is credited with numerous devotional musical compositions in the Dhrupad style of music. He was a great saint in the Bhakti tradition and he spread Bhakti or devotion through devotional songs dedicated to Sri Krishna and Radha Rani. He had numerous disciples and Mia Tansen was one of them. It is said that Akbar himself disguised as a servant arrived at the home of Swami Haridas to listen to the great musician. Swami Haridas Jayanti is widely observed in North India , especially in Vrindavan. Swami Haridas Jayanti is annually observed on the Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha Ashtami tithi – the eighth day during the waxing phase of moon in Bhadrapad month as per traditional Hi

Aghoreshwar Bhagwan Ram, also known as Bhagwan Ramji or Awadhoot Bhagwan Ram, was a great saint in the Aghori Tradition. Aghoreshwar Bhagwan Ram Jayanti is observed in the Bhadrapad month. Aghoreshwar Bhagwan Ram Jayanti 2024 date is September 10. It is an important event at Varanasi (Kashi). A saint in the Aghori tradition, Bhagwan Ramji fought against many social evils including inequality, dowry and pomp and show in weddings. He worked tirelessly for the upliftment of the poor and the downtrodden. Along with philanthropic activities he also indulged in deep meditation. Thousands of people used to arrive to listen to his words. Aghoreshwar Bhagwan Ram Jayanti is annually observed on the Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha Saptami tithi – the seventh day during the waxing phase of moon in Bhadrapad month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in North India .

Sant Lahanuji Maharaj (1895 – 1971) was a great saint in the Bhakti tradition in central India especially in Maharashtra . His punyatithi or death anniversary is annually observed in the Shravan month. Sant Brahanpur Maharaj Punyatithi 2025 date is August 9. It is an important event at Takharkhed in Wardha and in many regions in Maharashtra Sant Lahanuji Maharaj taught the equality of all people. He gave advice and darshan to people from all walks of life. The punyatithi is annually observed on the Shravan Purnima tithi – the full moon day in Shravan month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra .

There is a widespread belief that the murti of Jagannath worshipped in the Puri Jagannath Temple is nothing but the unburned part of the body of Sri Krishna which is believed to have been cremated by the Pandavas. There are numerous versions to this story. One legend has it that the wood that was floating in the sea that King Indradyumna found and which became the murti at the Jagannath Temple was the body of Sri Krishna. Another legend has it that the body of Sri Krishna after he left earth was cremated by the Pandavas. But his heart remained intact. The heart was then given to the sea god. Jara Sabar, the hunter who mistakenly hit Sri Krishna with arrow thinking it was a deer, was watching the cremation. He was in deep pain as he had not intended to hurt Sri Krishna. He jumped into the sea and tried to recover the heart. When he found the heart, it had turned into a bluestone. This was worshipped by him in a cave. Centuries, later when King Indradyumna forcibl

In Hinduism, natural herbs and spices have always played an essential role in daily rituals, healing practices, and spiritual development. Allspice, known for its combination of flavors like cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg, carries significant spiritual value. While not native to India, its qualities have been embraced in spiritual practices for its purifying, uplifting, and balancing properties. 12 Spiritual Benefits of Allspice Cleansing Negative Energies : Allspice is believed to cleanse spaces of negative energies, making it an excellent herb to use in spiritual baths or in homes where energy needs to be purified. Enhancing Meditation : Its warm aroma helps calm the mind, assisting in deeper meditation by improving concentration and reducing stress. Boosting Intuition : Allspice is said to enhance spiritual insight and intuition, helping practitioners tune into their inner voice and higher consciousness. Promoting Balance : Known for its balancing properties, allspice helps to harmoni

Dwar Yatra in Chinchwad in Maharashtra is organized from the Mangalmurti ( Ganesha Temple ) Shrine in Chinchwad Gaon. Dwar Yatra at Chinchwad in 2025 begins on July 25. The four day Dwar Yatra travels in four directions. The first Yatra is held on the Shravan Shukla Paksha Pratipada Tithi or the first day during the waxing phase of moon in Marathi Calendar. On Shravan Shukla Paksha Pratipada Tithi the Dwar Yatra is held to the Manjra Devi temple in Pimpri. (July 25, 2025) On Shravan Shukla Paksha Dwitiya Tithi the yatra is to the Asrai Devi temple in Wakad. (July 26, 2025) On Shravan Shukla Paksha Tritiya Tithi Dwar Yatra is to the Ozarai Devi temple on Ravet Hill. (July 27, 2025) On Shravan Shukla Paksha Chaturthi Tithi Dwar Yatra is to the Muktai temple in Akurdi on Ravet Hill. (July 28, 2025) Thousands of devotees participate in the annual yatra held for four days to the four temples in four directions in Chinchwad Town .

Aani Thirumanjanam or Aani Uthiram is an important festival at the Sri Athmanathaswamy Temple at Avudayar Koil in Tamil Nadu. In 2024, the important festival dates are July 10, July 11 and July 12. Aani Thirumanjanam is on July 12. Main rituals involve the pulling of the chariot of saint-poet Sri Manickavasagar around the temple street. This is performed on two days.  ‘Velli Ther’ ritual is usually held on the day before Aani Thirumanjanam. In it the processional murti of Saint Manickavasagar is taken around the streets from evening to night. The important ritual of Upadesa Kaatchi is performed in the early morning hours of Aani Thirumanjanam day.

Shukatal, also referred as Shukratal, is located in North India . It is believed that here on the banks of Ganga under a banyan tree, Shuka, son of Sage Veda Vyasa narrated Srimad Bhagavad Purana to King Parikshit. Shukatal is located around 130 km northeast of Delhi and is around 20 km from Muzaffarnagar. On a small hillock on the left bank of Ganga at Shukatal there is a small temple with images of King Parikshit and Sage Shuka ( Sukadeva ). The Srimad Bhagavad Puran was narrated by Sage Shuka to King Parikshit to help him attain salvation. Parikshit, son of Abhimanyu and grandson of Arjuna, was an able ruler. He ensured dharma prevailed in the Kali Yuga in his kingdom by driving away evil. But once while the king was on a hunting expedition he felt thirsty and approached the ashram of Sage Samika. The sage was in deep meditation and did not notice the arrival of the king and he also did not respond to the calls of the thirsty king. In a fit of rage, Pariksh

Aparajita Saptami is dedicated to the Goddess Aparajita form of Durga and it is observed on the Bhadrapad Shukla Paksha Saptami or the seventh day during the waxing phase of moon in Bhadrapad month. Aparajita Saptami 2024 date is September 10. Aparajita means the one who is unconquered. Popular belief is that in the Aparajitha form, Mother Goddess vanquished all those that were practicing Adharma. She protected those following dharma. She is mainly worshipped on the Mahanavami day during Navratri.

An important Goddess Saraswati Puja in Odisha is held on the Shukla Paksha Chaturthi or fourth day during the waxing phase of moon in Bhadrapad month. Saraswati Puja 2024 date in Odisha is on September 7. Goddess Saraswati is the goddess of learning in Hinduism. Please note that Saraswati Puja is also held in Odisha on Basant Panchami day and also during Navratri (September – October). During Saraswati Puja in Bhadrapada month early morning prayers are offered to Goddess Saraswati. The day is also auspicious to Ganesha. The annual Ganesh Chaturthi festival is held on the same day.

Mirror image is the likeness in which left and right are reversed. The first Bhagavad Gita in the world in mirror image was written by Piyush Goel a resident of Dadri in Gautam Buddha Nagar District in the state of Uttar Pradesh , India . He has created the mirror image of Bhagavad Gita in Hindi and English. Piyush says, “It is the first Bhagwad Gita in the world written in mirror image. I wrote the epic in my own hand writing in two languages, Hindi and English. One can read all the 18 chapters and 700 verses in front of a mirror.”

Apart from the three murtis – Jagannath, Balabhadra and Shubhadra – Sri Sudarshan Chakra is also worshipped in the Puri Jagannath Temple . The four murtis together are known as Chaturdhha Murti. Chakraj Sudarshan worship is mentioned in Brahma Purana and Skanda Purana. In the main sanctum sanctorum of the Puri Jagannath Temple , Sri Sudarshan is seated on the left side of the Jagannath murti. Sudarshan Chakra represents the supreme luminescence of the Supreme Purusha. It is the divine symbol of Bhagvan Vishnu – made popular on earth by Sri Krishna. Sri Sudarshan goes in the front of Lord Jagannath in all His spiritual yatras. In the Rath Yatra, the divine chakra is brought out first in a Pahandi and is then seated in Debadalana Chariot of goddess Subhadra ahead of all other murtis. Apart from Rath Yatra, the Sudrashan chakra is brought out on Shravan Purnima, Radha Ashtami and Kumar Purnima.

 In Hinduism, many plants, including Aloe Vera , are revered for their spiritual, medicinal, and holistic benefits. Aloe Vera, known as Ghritkumari in Sanskrit, is not only valued for its healing properties but also holds a special place in spiritual practices due to its connection with purity, health, and rejuvenation. Here is a comprehensive view of the spiritual benefits of Aloe Vera along with practical day-to-day applications, its importance, effects on our well-being, and mantras to chant while using it. 12 Spiritual Benefits of Aloe Vera in Hinduism Purification of Energy : Aloe Vera is believed to purify the aura and surroundings. It cleanses negative energies from the environment and enhances positive vibrations, creating a serene and calm atmosphere. Connection to the Divine : Aloe Vera represents purity and fertility. It is sometimes used in religious rituals and offerings to deities, particularly goddesses like Lakshmi and Parvati, symbolizing abundance and growth. Healin

The Mahabharata Epic in Bengali is provided by Digital Library of India – an undertaking of the Government of India. You can read and download the Bengali Mahabharat credited to Sri Haridas Siddhanta Bagish Bhattacharya. You can read the Bengali Mahabharata Online and there is also an option to download but it works rarely. Please note that it is not in pdf format. Link – This is the link to the first chapter of Mahabharata Epic in Bengali. (You will need to download software to read the epic from the website) (please not it is a government website and its functioning is not guaranteed always). You can get the rest of the chapters by doing a search for Haridas Sidhantvaagish in the author column here in this link. Please note the links are in a government of India maintained site and you never know when it will be down and when it will resume. So please do not find fault with me as I am just providing valuable information. Influence Of Mahabharata On Bengali Cinema - Art

Satyaki was a Yadava strong man and a close friend of Sri Krishna and Arjuna. He learned mastery in many weapons from Sri Krishna. Satyaki was also known as Yuyudhana and is mentioned in the Srimad Bhagavad Purana, Harivamsa and the Mahabharata. He was a brave warrior, devout follower of Sri Krishna and supporter of the Pandavas. Satyaki accompanied Sri Krishna during the coronation of Yudhisthira at Indraprastha; during the marriage of Abhimanyu at Virata, he also accompanied Sri Krishna who went as emissary of Pandavas to the Kaurava court on the eve of the Kurukshetra war. As per Srimad Bhagavad Purana, Satyaki was present in all battles that Sri Krishna participated even in the numerous battles against Jarasandha. Satyaki and his army were present during the 18-day war in the Mahabharata and supported the Pandavas. He and his army defeated many important warriors. When Ashwathama and Kripa entered the Pandava Camp on the night after the Kurukshetra war and butch

Angiras Rishi is one of the mind born sons of Brahma – the Hindu God of Creation. Angiras Rishi Jayanti is the birth anniversary of the sage and it is observed on the fifth day (Pancham Tithi) during the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in the Bhadrapada month (August – September). Angiras Rishi Jayanti 2024 date is September 8. Spiritual organizations and ashrams observe special pujas and rituals on the day. It is said in the scriptures that Angiras Rishi had attained the statues of Agni through tapas or austerities.

Saptarishi Puja is dedicated to the Saptarishis – the seven sages. Saptarishi Puja 2024 date is September 8. It is observed on the fifth day (Pancham Tithi) during the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in the Bhadrapada month (August – September). In  Nepal  and  North India , the day marks the final day Hartalika Teej fasting. On the Saptarishi Puja day homage is paid to the Sapta Rishis – the seven sages – Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadhwaja, Vishwamitra, Gauthama, Jamadagni and Vashishta. Saptarishi Puja is an important event for many spiritual organizations in  North India .

Maa Lalitha Devi Temple is one of the Shaktipeetahs as it is believed that the finger of Goddess Sati fell here. This is a unique Goddess Shakti Temple as she is worshipped in three forms – Ma Lalitha, Ma Saraswati and Ma Kali. It is believed that the Pandavas visited the temple and offered prayers here. Apart from the murtis of the Mother Goddess, there is a famous Shakti Yantra in the sanctum. There is also a separate shrine dedicated to Shiva in the form of Paras Shivling. Outside the sanctum sanctorum there is a murti of Baba Kaal Bhairav. Apart from this the temple has murtis of Ganesha, Balgopal Krishna, Sri Ram and Mata Sita, Lakshman, Lakshmi Narayan, Radha Krishna, Hanuman and the Navgrahas. The most important festival celebrated in the temple is Navratri. An annual fair is held for three day starting from Vaishakh Shukla Paksha Saptami. The main Goddess worshipped in the shrine Ma Lalitha is also considered a Tantric Devi. The temple is al

Hindu devotional songs, or "bhajans," play a significant role in promoting Bhakti (devotional worship) in Kerala. The state of Kerala has a rich tradition of devotional music that is deeply intertwined with its spiritual and cultural practices. Here are some key ways in which these songs contribute to the promotion of Bhakti in Kerala: Facilitating Spiritual Connection Devotional songs in Kerala serve as a medium for devotees to connect with the divine. Through the emotional and spiritual resonance of the music, individuals can express their devotion, seek blessings, and experience a sense of closeness with their chosen deity. The repetitive and melodic nature of bhajans helps in focusing the mind and fostering a meditative state. Community and Social Cohesion Bhajans are often performed in group settings, such as temples, homes, and during religious festivals. These communal singing sessions, known as "bhajan sessions" or "satsangs," bring people

In the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra, the three chariots are pulled to the Gundicha Temple and the deities stay here for nearly a week. But why are the chariots pulled to the Gundicha Temple ? The temple is known as the Garden House of Sri Jagannath and is located around 3 km from the Puri Jagannath Temple. The Gundicha Temple is named after Queen Gundicha, the wife of King Indradyumna. This king was responsible for installing the deities in the Jagannath Temple . The king had a divine order to take a wood found on the sea near Puri and construct the murti to be worshipped in the temple which he was planning to construct in his capital. But no artisan had the knowledge to sculpt the divine murti. It is said that Vishwakarma, the divine carpenter, came in the form an old man and agreed to carve the murtis. But he had set a condition, he will complete the murtis in 21 days but no one should look into the chamber in which the work was going on. The king agreed and t

In Hinduism, almonds are not only valued for their nutritional content but also hold spiritual significance. They are often regarded as "Sattvic" food, which means they promote purity, clarity, and positivity. For females, almonds are associated with boosting spiritual energy, mental clarity, and enhancing personal well-being. Let’s dive deeper into the various benefits and practical applications of almonds, as well as their spiritual importance. 1. Spiritual Purity and Sattva Benefit: Almonds are considered a Sattvic food that nurtures purity in thoughts and actions. Regular consumption promotes spiritual harmony and inner peace. Practical Solution: Include almonds in your daily diet, preferably soaked overnight, to enhance spiritual vitality and calmness in your mind. 2. Strengthening Intuition and Inner Wisdom Benefit: Almonds are believed to enhance one’s intuitive abilities and support the spiritual growth of females, helping them connect better with their inner wisdo

Dehu Road Ayyappa Temple is located on the old Mumbai – Pune Road and is around 25 km from Pune after Pimpri – Chinchwad and Nigdi. The temple timings are given below in detail. Opening and closing darshan time is extended on Saturdays and other important ritual days. Morning Darshan Timings at Dehu Road Ayyappa Temple 5:00 AM to 10:30 AM Evening Darshan Time 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM Detail Temple Timing 5:00 AM - Palli Unarthal 5:30 AM - Nirmalyam - darshan of murti without alankara 5:45 AM - Abhishekam 6:00 AM - Ganapathi Homam 5:30 PM - Opening of temple 6:30 PM - Deeparadhana On Saturday – the evening Darshan Time is up to 9:00 PM Spiritual Importance Of Visiting Dehu Road Ayyappa Temple Visiting the Dehu Road Ayyappa Temple in Maharashtra holds significant spiritual importance for devotees. Here are some key aspects that highlight its spiritual significance: Divine Presence: The Dehu Road Ayyappa Temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, a deity known

Biopic titled – The Quest: Film on A Visionary’s Life and Mission – is based on the life of Swami Chinmayananda, one of the worlds most renowned and revered exponents of Vedanta and founder of Chinmaya Mission. The timeline of the film is from the time Chinmayananda was a child till he became old. The film is directed by RS Prasanna in associated with Chinmaya Mission. The film will be released in 2014. From the flyer Who was he before he became the great Swami Chinmayananda? How did this passionate, witty, outspoken freedom fighter and atheist turn into an enlightened master?  His life is a story of an unconventional seeker – a mischievous child, a rebellious youth, a revolutionary freedom fighter, a witty journalist and even a daring atheist. Watch his story unfold from the young child, Balakrishnan Menon to the mighty Swami Chinmayananda, one of the most powerful orators of Truth who ever lived – and one who would live long after his time.  ‘The Quest’ is an

Patalesvara Temple , a shrine dedicated to Shiva, is located in the northern inner courtyard of the Jagannath Temple complex in Puri. Pataleshvara Shiva is one of the guardian deities of the temple. The unique aspect of the temple is that it is erected 27 feet below the ground level. A swayambhu Shivling is worshipped in the temple. It is a panchamukhi Shivling – five faced. The Shivling is installed below the Shaktipitha and therefore it is not visible outside. So the temple is known Pataleshvara – Patal meaning underground. Built in sandstone and facing east, the temple consists of three structures – vimana, jagamohana and natamandapa. The temple is very important from archeological point of view due to numerous inscriptions. It is equally important architecturally because of the rare underground structure and sculptures. 

Chhinnamasta Mahavidya is the incarnation of Mother Goddess Shakti that appeared before the Devas, or Demi Gods, who sought for a wife for Shiva. Chinnamasta is one of the Dasa Mahavidyas – the ten goddesses. Chhinnamasta means ‘She whose head is severed.’ Mahadev Shiva led an ascetic life. He saw no sense in transitory pleasures of life. Devas realized that this would create an upheaval in the universe as there will be no creation if all the living being start to follow the path of Shiva. So they prayed to Goddess Shakti to help in solving the peculiar situation. Goddess Shakti then appeared before the Devas as Chhinnamasta. In this form, Mother Goddess was headless. She held a sword in one hand and in the other hand was her cut head. The head was drinking the blood that spurted from her cut head. Chhinnamasta is flanked by Jaya and Vijaya. In some painting it is two women that are on both the sides of the Goddess. She stands over Kama (God of Love) and his conso