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Showing posts from August, 2014


Natural Rough Diamond in the Shape of Ganesha in Surat

A natural rough diamond in the Shape of Ganesha is owned by Kanubhai Asodaria, chairman of Karam Group of Mahidarpura. It is worth millions of rupees and the owner allows darshan of the Ganesh only during Ganesh Chaturthi puja and that too after taking prior appointment. The yellowish grey diamond is approximately 48 mm high, 32 mm wide and 20mm thick. It weighs 36.50 grams. The 182.53 carat rough diamond was mined somewhere in Africa . Times of India reports  Kanubhai told TOI, "It is a priceless blessing in the form of diamond showered on us by Lord Ganesha himself. The darshan can be had only during Ganesha puja days. Only one natural diamond Ganesha exists in this world. I keep it in the safe vault throughout the year at an undisclosed location." Kanubhai found this diamond 12 years ago when he had gone to Antwerp to purchase rough diamonds.

Surpakarna Ganesh – Story of the Surpakarna form of Ganesha

Surpakarna Ganesha is one among the names of Ganapati. The story of Surpakarna form of Ganesh is associated with Agni, the Hindu fire god. Surpa means winnowing basket and indicates the big ear of the elephant-headed god. Legend has it that once Agni, the fire god, was cursed by a group of Rishis to lose his luster. They cursed him to become extinguished and be lost forever. This curse made Agni powerless. He started losing his luster. There was commotion in the universe. Without fire there was no yajna, there was no food and there was imbalance in the universe. Ganesha took pity on Agni and in order to save the universe fanned Agni into life again with his ears. He used his ears like a surpa or winnowing basket. For this divine act, Ganesh earned the name Surpakarna.

Simple Ganesha Prayers and Mantras for Ganesh Chaturthi

Here are few simple Ganesha Prayers and Mantras you can chant during Ganesh Chaturthi OM Sri Ganeshaya Namah Prostrations to the Great Lord Ganesha OM Sri Maha Ganapataye Namah Prostrations to the Great Lord Ganapati. Shuklaambaradharam Vishnum Shashivarnam Chaturbhujam Prasannavadanam Dhyaayeth Sarvavighnopashaantaye He who is attired in a white garment Who is all-pervading and has the complexion of the moon Who has four arms and a bright and gracious countenance On him we meditate for the removal of obstacles. Varkratunda Mahakaya Surya Koti Sama Prabha Nirvighnam Kurumedeva Sarva Karyeshu Sarvada O Lord, with a twisted trunk and immense body, Radiant with the effulgence of a million suns: O Lord, may all our endeavors Always be accomplished without obstacles. Ganesha vachanam shruthva pranathaa Bhakthi bhaavathah Paprachchustham punah shaanthaa Gnyaanam broohi Gajaanana Listening to the words of Ganesha With prayer and devotion we ask again- Tea

Book – Historic Temples in Pakistan – A Call to Conscience

Historic Temples in Pakistan – A Call to Conscience documents Hindu Temples and pilgrimage sites in Pakistan through 400 photographs. The book is the result of the combined effort of writer Reema Abbasi and photographer Madiha Aijaz. The book chronicles various Hindu scared pilgrimage sites like Hinglaj, Katas Raj, Kalka cave temple, Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir and Shivala Mandir located in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh in Pakistan . The book is published by Niyogi Books. From the flyer Historic Temples in Pakistan: A Call to Conscience makes a case for keeping ancient emblems of faith alive and for pluralism in a land of irony that has been home to multiple ancient faiths yet stands besieged by unpalatable extremism. It also aspires to enshrine the ideal of liberty.  By framing an all-inclusive piety, this book sets out to ignite a discourse and the collective conscience of a nation numbed into silence, fear or the false conviction of the suprema

Dharmar Theertham Dedicated to Yudhishtira at Rameswaram is Located after 60 years

Dharmar Theertham at Rameswaram is a sacred water body dedicated to Yudhishtira, the first of the Pandava Brothers. The Theerthams dedicated to the Pandavas and their wife Draupadi in Rameswaram had disappeared due neglect on the part of the authorities and also due to sand dunes built by strong winds. Swami Vivekananda Kendra of Ramakrishna Mission took up the hard task of finding the Theerthams and they discovered all the theerthams except the one dedicated to Yudhishtira. Finally the Kendra was recently able to discover the Dharmar Theertham in Rameshwaram.  The Hindu reports   After it started the renovation under its Natural Resources Development Project to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, the Kendra stumbled upon the ‘Theerthams’ of the Pandavas and their wife Draupadi, but could not locate them. Making strenuous efforts with the help of a map given by the temple authorities and information from the aged people, Kendra workers located the ‘Theerthams

Significance of Purna Kumbha

Purna Kumbha is an essential part of worship in Hinduism. Today it is also used in Hindu weddings, temple functions and other occasions associated with Hindu religion. Purna Kumbha, literally means a ‘full vessel’ and symbolically it is a sign of plenty. It is also referred as Kalash or Kalasha. Reference of Purana Kumbha is found in the Skanda Purana and the Matsya Purana. In Skanda Purana it is mentioned that the ‘Purna Kumbha’ can be worshipped. Matsya Purana indicates that people placed it at their doors as a sign of plenty. Purna Kumbha mainly contains ‘water’ – the veritable life principle. Thus it is a direct worship of Varuna – the God of rain. He is the harbinger of rain which ensures fertility on earth and which nourishes animals and human beings. The earthen pot used as Purna Kumba is decorated with geometric designs and Swastika . The geometric design various from region to region and from community to community. Depending on the society and its w

Maharatha in War in Mahabharata – The Meaning of Maharathi

Maharatha, or Maharathi, is a term widely used to refer to a warrior in the Mahabharata, Ramayana and other ancient Hindu scriptures. The meaning of the term Maharathi is a might warrior. A Maharatha is skilled in the use of all weapons – bow and arrow, spear, mace, sword and other weapons. He is also highly proficient in fist handing and other hand to hand combats. Maharathi is also skilled in riding animals like horses and elephant. What makes a Maharatha different from other warriors is that he can take on ten thousand warriors single handedly. The main warriors in the side of Kauravas and Pandavas in the Kurukshetra war were all Maharathas.

World’s first Modern Eco Friendly Hindu Temple Opens in London

Shree Swaminarayan Mandir at Kingsbury in North London, with solar panels and rainwater harvesting system and many other eco-friendly measures, is believed to the first modern Hindu Temple to be completely eco friendly. The temple is noted for its traditional Hindu architecture but what makes it stand out from some of the modern Hindu temples built in Europe and United States is the green initiatives. The 20 million pound temple includes a multi-function hall with facilities for sports and receptions and was funded entirely by was funded entirely by Hindus. You can find more about the construction of this unique Hindu temple here at the official website.

Story Of The Birth Of Nandi – The Bull Of Shiva

Nandi is the bull associated with Shiva. The story of the birth of Nandi begins with Sage Shilada doing intense penance to be blessed with a child. He offered the prayers to Indra, the king of Devas. When Indra appeared before him, Sage Shilada prayed for a son who would be immortal. But Indra was incapable of granting such a boon and so he asked the sage to pray to Shiva. Sage Shilada performed intense penance for several years. The tapas was so intense that he was reduced to a bony figure. Finally Shiva appeared and gave the boon that He Himself will appear as his son. To get the son, He asked the sage to perform a yajna. The sage performed the yajna and at the end of it a child appeared from the fire. As the child brought joy and happiness to everyone, he was called Nandi. The sage took the child to his hermitage. But the child did not show any signs of his divinity. He moved around like an ordinary child. One day Mitra and Varuna, Vedic gods, visit

Mahalaxmi Puja after Ganesh Chaturthi in North India in Bhadrapad Month – Lakshmi Puja after Ganapati Festival

Mahalaxmi Puja after Ganesh Chaturthi in North India in Bhadrapad Month begins after four and half days on Ashtami. Mahalaxmi Puja after Ganesh Chaturthi in 2024 is on September 11. In some regions the Mahalaxmi Puja is observed for a fortnight. In some regions it is limited to five days. In places in Madhya Pradesh, a special murti of the Goddess is brought on the Shukla Paksha Ashtami day in Bhadrapad month. When Goddess Lakshmi arrives, Ganesha is shifted to next to Her and he is considered as the son of the Goddess. A Mahapuja is performed. Simple puja is performed two times a day for next couple of days. The murti of goddess is adorned beautifully with brass masks, sarees, and other jewelry. A symbolic immersion of the murti is performed on Dasami day in some regions. In some regions the Mahalaxmi Puja and Vrat concludes on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami in Ashwin month (15 days after the ritual begins). You can read more about the Mahalakshmi Puja h

How to make Ganesh idols at home?

If you are looking to be creative and eco-friendly this Ganesh Chaturthi, then you can make Ganesh idols at home. Ganesh idols can be made at home using clay, paper, wood, flowers and vegetables. If you are buying a Ganesh idol, please opt for an environment friendly Ganesha . How to make clay Ganesha? Materials needed: Clay, paints, coil, aluminum foil, paint brushes, sandpaper, putty or glue and clothes. Mix the clay. You can get clay from riverbeds or buy it from stationary stores. While mixing the clay and using it, make sure that your hand is slightly wet. Make a skeleton – round face, hands, body and leg – using the coil or copper wire. Next create Ganesha by adding clay to each body part on the coil skeleton. First create the body and large stomach by filling that part of the coil with clay. Next create the head. Next create the trunk and stick it at the center of the head. Next fill the coil ears with clay. Create small balls of clay and flatten them

Story of Lakshman Going through Trial of Fire in the Ramayana of Baiga Tribe of Central India

There is a unique story in the Ramayana of Baiga Tribe of Central India . In the story Lakshman goes through trial of fire to prove his fidelity. Lakshman was leading a life of Brahmachari during the exile period in the Ramayana. During the exile in the forest, Lakshman used to play the Kingri musical instrument. He played it so beautifully that Apsara Indrakamini of heaven was attracted to Lakshman. She tried to induce him into love making. But all her efforts failed. The apsara was jealous and angry. To avenge her insult, one night when Lakshman was fast asleep she broke her bangles and scattered it on his bed. She also left an earring of her on the bed. Next day morning when Mata Sita came to sweep the room, she discovered the bangles and earring. She reported the matter to Sri Ram. Lakshman was unable to convince his brother and Mata Sita that he was innocent. An angry Lakshman then decided to take the trial of fire to prove his fidelity. He jumped into a huge

Manav Mandir Temple at Brevard in Florida – Hindu Temple at Suntree at Brevard County in United States

Manav Mandir Temple – House of Humanity – is a new Hindu Temple at Brevard County in Florida in United States . The temple was thrown open to devotees during the second week of August 2014. The temple is located off Wickham Road at Suntree in Brevard. The $9.4 million Manav Mandir Temple has separate shrines in the complex dedicated to Ganesha, Shreenathji (Sri Krishna), Goddess Saraswati, Radha Krishna, Satyanarayan, Shiva, Mahalakshmi, Goddess Durga, Kartikeya, Rajarajeshwari, Ram Parivar, Hanuman, Shirdi Sai Baba, Bhudevi, Sridevi, Balaji and Navgrahas. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu community in Brevard County . Some information about the Manav Mandir Temple:   Total cost - $9.4 million Located on 37 acres of land All murtis (idols) worshipped in the temple are hand carved from white marble or black granite in India The temple features grand columns, intricately molded, 25-foot tall gopurams — or steeples — and other design elements that

Story Of Brihannala – The Eunuch Form Of Arjuna In Mahabharata

Arjuna, the third of the Pandava brothers, took the form of Brihannala – a eunuch during the incognito (staying in disguise for a year) exile period in the Mahabharata. As Brihannala, Arjuna taught dance and music to Uttara, the daughter of King of Virata. Arjuna did not need to act like Brihannala as he made use of a curse by Apsara Urvasi – the damsel in the court of Indra. Arjuna once did not show any interest to the sexual innuendos of Urvasi. The frustrated Apsara cursed him to be a eunuch. The curse was later changed by Indra to a year. Thus Arjuna used the curse during the incognito exile period and lived like a Eunuch. Brihannala was the charioteer of Uttara Kumara who went to fight against the Kauravas. After the death of Kichaka, there was no one to defend the kingdom of Virata . Using this opportunity, Kauravas took away the cattle of Virata. Uttaran went to fight the Kauravas with Brihannala as charioteer. But the young prince was frightened at the sight of

Book – The Power of the Female: Devangana Sculptures on Indian Temple Architecture

The book titled “The Power of the Female: Devangana Sculptures on Indian Temple Architecture ” is written by Gauri Parimoo Krishnan, curator with the Asian Civilisations Museum in Singapore . The main theme of the book is the celestial women sculptures in Hindu temples in Central and Western India . The sculptures are known as Devanganas, surasundaris and apsaras. The book is based on the Phd thesis of the author. The highlight of the book is more than 250 black and white photos. Eight chapters explore all the important aspects of the celestial women sculptures. Times of India reports  Usually, most scholars make a token reference to the apsaras as decorative appendages and relegate them to be minor images of semi-divine nature, erotically charged and supposed to offer a titillating thrill when seen on the walls of temples. Puranic literature has also depicted them as alluring men, rishis, and gods from their path of righteousness and spirituality. "They have

Watch What You Watch

In the beginning it was theaters, and then came television, then computer, then laptop, then mobiles, then tabs…We are now able to watch anything wherever we want at our convenience. It is a positive change. But are we watching what we watch? Are we aware that we are mentally being prepared through visuals to become addict to a particular product? It is not just products but ideas and thoughts. Quite often we are being made vulnerable. Fear and insecurity is being directly and indirectly injected into our minds. Our minds are slowly poisoned against people and nations. We are made to believe that we are superior to a particular group of people. All these are done daily through what we watch. To not to become a slave of media just don’t be satisfied with just one point of view. Take a look at what other people are saying on the subject. The generation that came after the media revolution is finding it difficult to relate on an intimate level to the opposite sex – the rea

Garuda Seva – Importance of Garuda Vahana

Garuda Seva is an important ceremony during the Brahmotsavam in Vishnu Temples in South India . It is popularly known as Garuda Vahana procession. The importance of Garuda Seva is due to the fact that it is the most auspicious ritual during the Brahmotsavam. In the ritual, the processional murti of the form of Bhagvan Srihari Vishnu worshipped is taken around the temple street atop Garuda – the holy bird which is also the vehicle or Vahana of Vishnu. Seeing the sit of Vishnu atop Garuda is highly meritorious. Garuda Vahana procession is usually held during the night.  It continues for several hours. The deity is fully attired and wears rare ancient jewels. The most important Garuda Vahana procession is held at the world famous Tirupati Balaji Temple . The day attracts more than 100,000 devotees.

World around Me is Changing Quickly – Should I Follow the Changes?

There is no doubt that the world around us is changing quickly both technologically and morally. The changes in technology and its influence on our culture are happening at a very fast rate that we are not even aware of it. But should I follow the changes. Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) is not a closed book. It is a living religion. It accepts all positive changes. If you are a Hindu, then your religion gives the permission to adapt, change and assimilate positive changes. But are these changes positive? Has the change made you a better human being? Are you happy due to all the technological developments? Is it helping you in self realization? A decade ago a teenager was happy if he had a cycle. But today he is unhappy even if he has a bike and the best smartphone. Why? Because each day a new bike is appearing in the market. Every hour there is a new smartphone. So what is in possession of him is obsolete within a day or an hour. So he is never happy. It this a positive cha

Varadaraja Perumal Temple Golden Lizard – Story

At the famous Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram you can touch lizard made of gold and silver for luck. Devotees also touch it to overcome bad results of lizard falling on a person’s body. The story of golden lizard at the Kanchipuram Varadaraja Perumal temple begins with a curse by Sage Gautama. Sage Gautama had two disciples who were brothers. One day the water they offered to the sage contained two lizards. The angry sage cursed the disciples to become lizards. The terrified students begged for forgiveness. The sage relented and asked the brothers to perform penance at the Varadaraja Perumal Temple . Bhagvan Vishnu as Varadaraja was pleased with the penance and blessed them with liberation. He then turned the body of the two brothers into sliver and golden lizard. He then declared that those who visit the temple should also touch and worship the two lizards which will help in removing all sins and curing all illness. 

Somvar Vrat – Monday Fasting Dedicated to Hindu God Shiva

Upvaas, or fasting, in Hinduism is mainly observed for the fulfillment of a vow. Upvas is also referred as 'Vrats.' But 'Vrat' has a wider meaning and it is not just curtailed to the fasting observed for material or other gains. Each day in a week is dedicated to one or more of the gods in the Hindu pantheon. A particular deity is appeased by the devotee on a particular day. Thus Monday is usually dedicated to Lord Shiva. Upvass, or fasting, on Mondays begins at sunrise and ends at sunset. On the day, food is only eaten after evening prayer. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped on the day. Of course, no worship begins without remembering Lord Ganesha. The fasting on Mondays in the Shravan month is considered even more auspicious. It is believed that those people who observe Upvaas on Monday will have their desires fulfilled and will be blessed with wisdom. In some areas, fasting on Mondays is observed by unmarried women to get an ideal husband. The reas

Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple Management to Start Old Age Home For Cows and Bulls

The management committee of the world famous Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple in Kerala is planning to start a convert a cattle-rearing centre into an old age home for cows and bulls.  Times of India reports  The idea is to use the Vengad facility (at the Devaswom's 90acre facility near Perinthalmanna in Malappuram district) as a care station for aged and unwell cows without any emphasis on milk production, Devaswom managing committee member A Suresan said. Cows in good health will be moved to the Devaswom's milk production centre at Kaveedu near Guruvayur. Even otherwise, milk production from 1,000-odd animals at the facility is just 40 litres per day. The aging cows will be given proper feed and veterinary care.  Bulls there will be isolated so that cows in poor health will not subject to their unwanted attention, veterinarians at the centre said. There are about 25 sheds currently and more will be required for augmenting the care.

Story of the fight between Krishna and King Salva of Saubha

King Salva of Saubha was a friend of Shishupala – who was to marry Rukmini. Salva was also present at the Rukmini Swayamvara where he faced embarrassment when Rukmini ran away with Krishna and he and other warriors were defeated by Balarama. King Salva had then taken the wow to defeat Sri Krishna and Balarama and get the world rid of the Yadavas. In order to accomplish his mission, he did intense penance to please Shiva. He was able to please Shiva who gave him an aerial vehicle called Saubha. The vehicle was big as a palace and it could become invisible. When he heard about the beading of Shishupala by Sri Krishna, he thought this as the right opportunity to attack the Yadavas. Sri Krishna and Balarama were away at Indraprastha and Dwaraka was guarded by Sri Krishna’s son Pradyumna. King Salva attacked Dwaraka from the Saubha and caused havoc. Pradyumna and other sons of Krishna defended the city for 27 days. Finally, Salva mortally wounded Pradyumna who was re

Budhvar Vrat: Wednesday Hindu fasting dedicated to Krishna and Mercury

Budhvar, Wednesday, is dedicated to Lord Krishna and the planet Budh or Mercury. The day is also associated with Lord Vithal, an incarnation of Krishna . In some regions, Lord Vishnu is worshiped. Keeping a fast (Upvaas) on Budhvar is believed to help in leading a peaceful family life. Those devotees who undertake a fast on the day only take a single meal in the afternoon. The fasting is observed mainly by husband and wife together. Green color is considered highly auspicious on the day. In Astrology, mercury is considered to be compassionate and generous. Mercury is usually depicted riding a lion. In some regions, people start new ventures on Wednesday as Mercury or Budh is considered to help new business ventures. Educational activities begin on Wednesday in some places. You may also like to read How to observe Budhvar Vrat? Budhavar Vrat Katha Related Monday Dedicated to Lord Shiva About Tuesday Fasting Dedicated to Hanuman Thursday Dedica

Annual Hindu Spiritual and Service Fair

Hindu Spiritual and Service Foundation organizes an annual Hindu Spiritual and Service fairs to show case the large scale, but mostly unknown and invariably unpublicized service activities undertaken by the Hindu spiritual organizations. The 6th edition of the fair was held in July 2014. Once in a while you read one-off reports… about a village being adopted, a rural school being started, health camp organized in a slum, an old dilapidated temple being renewed, children attending a cultural class, youth engaged in planting trees, women organizing themselves into self help groups.  But now come and witness the power of collective work! More than 100 organizations- traditional and modern- are now collectively exhibiting their spiritual and service activities. The fair may be over but you can learn more about the activities of Hindu Spiritual and Service Foundation here.

Radha Vallabha Temple in Vrindavan

Radha Vallabha Temple in Vrindavan was built by Harivamsa Goswami, who had founded the Radha Vallabha sect. This temple is unique as there is no murti of Radha in the temple. She is worshipped in the form of a crown. The Radha Vallabha Temple is located near the famous Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. Like many other temples in Vrindavan, the Radha Vallabha Temple too was destroyed by Aurangzeb in 1670. The present temple was constructed in 1972 near the destroyed temple. A black murti of Sri Krishna is worshipped in the temple. The crown of Radha is kept near the murti of Sri Krishna. All prayers are first offered to Radha Rani. The temple has a huge courtyard. One can find the Samadhi of Harivamsa Goswami here. Devotees here can pull a huge rope which is connected to a fan inside the main altar. Devotees stand in queue to fan the murti of Sri Krishna.

Mookam Karoti Vachalam and other prayers to Sri Krishna

Mookam Karoti Vachalam Pangum Langayat Girim, Yad Kripa Tamaham Vande Paramananda Madhavam I bow to that blissful Madhava ( Krishna , by whose grace the dumb become orators and the lame cross mountains. Krishnaya Vasudevaya Haraye Paramatmane, Pranatha Klesha Nashaya Govindaya Namo Namaha Salutations to thee, O Krishna. Salutations to thee, the Supreme Being. Salutations to thee, O Govinda, who removes the sorrows of those who seek relief from their difficulties by prostrating to thee. Janami Dharman Na Cha Me Pravritti, Janami Adharman Na Cha Me Nivritti Twaya Hrishikesha Hridastitena, Yada Niyunktosi Tada Karomi I know that righteousness is, yet I am unable to do it, I know what unrighteousness is, yet I am forced to do it! I Hrishikesha ( Krishna ), thou art the dweller in my heart, As thou guide me, so shall I act. Related Don’t Preach What We Can’t Practice Swami Chinmayananda Sayings

Radha Damodhar Temple in Vrindavan

Radha Damodhar Temple in Vrindavan is unique for many reasons as it has several pairs of murtis of Radha and Krishna . Srila Prabhupadaji translated the entire Srimad Bhagavad Purana here. There is also a Govardhan Shila here with footprints of Bhagvan Sri Krishna. The temple is located near the Seva Kunj and Loi Bazar in Vrindavan. The main murti worshipped in the temple was carved by Rupa Goswami. He had given it to his disciple Jiva Goswami who built the temple in 1542. Goswamis who lived in the region used to meet and discuss the life of Sri Krishna and Radha here. When Srila Prabhupada lived in Vrindavan he had made the temple his temporary residence. A small room used by Prabhupadaji can still be found here. The temple has a huge courtyard. The cream colored main temple is noted for its arches and paintings. There is a huge bell in the right side of the sanctum sanctorum. The sanctum sanctorum has different set of murtis of Radha and Krishna which were wo

Radha Shyamsundar Temple in Vrindavan

Radha Shyamsundar Temple is a very important temple in Vrindavan as the murti worshipped here is believed to have been created by Radha. Due to this reason this is one of the most sacred temples in Vrindavan. The temple is located near the Radha Damodhar Temple and Loi Bazaar in Vrindavan. Legend has it that Radha had created the murti of Krishna worshipped in the Radha Shyamsundar Temple from her heart and had given to Shyamananda Pandita, an ardent devotee of Sri Krishna. It was Shyamananda Pandita who installed the murti in the temple. The temple has one of the biggest courtyards in Vrindavan and is completely open at the top. There is a murti of Vrinda Devi in the courtyard. She is the Holy Tulsi. The sanctum sanctorum has a set of huge sandstone coloured arches in front. The sanctum sanctorum has three murtis. Two black murtis of Sri Krishna including the one installed by Shyamananda and a murti of Radha. Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Radha Ashtami are the

Bharat Mata – India as the Mother

The concept of Bharat Mata, considering India as the Mother, is not associated with Hinduism. But the concept is borrowed from Hindu religion in which earth is considered as Mother. It is also inspired by the story of Goddess Durga. The idea of Bharata ( India ) personified as Mata (Mother) became popular during India ’s freedom struggle. The slogan Bharat Mata ki jai (Glory to Mother India) became an important slogan of the freedom movement. This idea along with Vande Mataram was taken from Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s famous novel Ananda Math (The Abbey of Bliss). Sri Aurobindo Ghosh famously exclaimed how in the map of Bharat one could find the portrait of Bharatmata. He described the cities, the mountains, rivers and forests as the materials which go to make up her body. The people inhabiting the country are the cells, which go to make up her living tissues. Indian literature is her memory and speech; the happiness and freedom of her children are her salvation. He call

Radha Gokulananda Temple in Vrindavan

Radha Gokulananda Temple is located between the Radha Raman Temple and Kesi Ghat in Vrindavan. Sri Krishna is worshipped here as Gokulananda. The temple has two sets of murtis of Radha and Krishna . The two set of murtis were worshipped by Loknatha Goswami and Vishwanath Chakravarthi. The temple has three courtyards. The first courtyard is a closed one and it has numerous Tulsi plants. The second courtyard is meant for prayers. The murtis are housed in the third courtyard. One set of murtis are small and the other set is big. Both the murtis of Sri Krishna is black in color and is depicted as playing the flute. Apart from the murti of four murtis of Sri Krishna and Radha, there is a golden colored murti of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. There is a Govardhan Shila (stone) in the temple which has the thumb impression of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Apart from the murtis, the temple also houses the Samadhis of Loknatha Goswami, Vishwanath Chakravarthi and Narottama Dasa.

Baba Kaal Bhairav

Baba Kaal Bhairav is a manifestation of Shiva worshipped in Varanasi . The popular belief is that darshan at Kashi Vishwanath Temple is incomplete with the permission of Baba Kaal Bhairav – it simply means that one should first visit His shrine before visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple . Baba Kaal Bhairav is also the guardian of Kashi – the kotwal of Varanasi . Legend has it that Baba Kaal Bhairav appeared from the third eye of Shiva. He severed the arrogant fifth head of Brahma. The local people believe that one needs the consent of the deity to live in Kashi. The most important temple dedicated to Shiva as Baba Kaal Bhairav is located in Varanasi . There are also many other big and small shrines dedicated to this manifestation of Shiva in many places in North India .

Youth Who Could Not Speak Blessed with Power of Speech at Vakula Mata Temple in Tirupati

A youth was blessed with power of speech after he was offered Tirtham or holy water at the Vakula Mata Temple in Tirumala Tirpuati. Vakula Mata Temple is one of the subsidiary shrines in the world famous Tirupati Balaji Temple . It is believed that Venkateswara or Balaji is the lord of miracles and no one knows what blessings he showers on his devotees. New Indian Express reports  True to the devotees’ belief that Lord Venkateswara/Balaji of Tirumala showers different kinds of blessings on ardent devotees, the presiding deity showered an unusual boon on Deepak, 18, who did not have the power of speech,  when he managed to utter a few words. Deepak mouthed the words as soon as he swallowed the ‘teertham’ (holy water) offered by the priest of the Vakula Mata temple, one of the sub-temples of the Tirumala Temple .  When he called his mother ‘amma’ and said a few other words, his family members erupted in joy and they spread word about the miracle among the fellow-de

Radha Gopinath Temple in Vrindavan

Radha Gopinath Temple in Vrindavan is dedicated to Bhagvan Sri Krishna and the murti worshipped here is known as Gopinathji. It is believed that Vajranabha, the great grandson of Sri Krishna installed the murti. The original and old temple was partially destroyed by Aurangazeb. The present new temple is located near the old temple. The red colored sandstone building has an outer and inner courtyard. The outer courtyard has a black and white marble tiled floor. A huge painting of the Ras Lila of Sri Krishna can be seen on one of the walls. There are five murtis in the Sanctum Sanctorum. In the center is the murti of Sri Krishna holding a flute and is worshipped as Gopinathji. Murtis of two of Radha’s friends, Lalitha and Vishaka, are found in front of the murti of Gopinathji. Behind is found the murti of Radha and her sister Ananga Manjari. Legend has it that Ananga Manjari was reborn as Jahnava Devi and she married Nityananda. She used to perform prayers daily

Don’t Preach What We Can’t Practice

Quite often we tend to preach but never practice what we preach. It is like a smoker teaching his children the bad aspects of smoking while smoking. If you are preaching then be the example. Do not make mistakes and then try to justify it and then again continue preaching. Your words won’t have any effect. For other people to value you and your word you should first walk the talk. The older generation is always preaching but they forget that they are stuck with their pasts. They are unable to keep pace with the times. Thus they end up unnecessarily criticizing the younger generation. Also forgetting what they had done in their younger days. The older generation should preach universal values and follow them in their life. Times change and we should learn to respect and encourage the goodness in the present. Talking ill of others, unruly behaviour, treating other people badly, uncontrollable temper, jumping the queue, littering in public, spitting in public, breaking traffic

Story of Thirumazhisai Alwar

Thirumazhisai Alwar is one among the 12 Alwars. He is a manifestation of the Sudarshana Chakra of Bhagwan Shri Hari Vishnu. He was born to Bhargava Muni and Kanakangi. But the baby born did not have face or limbs. The parents left the body near a bamboo plantation. Bhagvan Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi blessed the child and he developed all limbs and became a human baby. Goddess Lakshmi then fed the baby. When the divine couple left, the baby began to cry. A woodcutter found the baby and since he did not have a child he took the baby home and brought him up as his child. The child never drank milk as it had taken the milk of Goddess Lakshmi. But once, an old couple brought some milk for the boy. The boy took the milk and consumed it. The foster parents of the boy were happy and asked the old couple to bring milk daily. The boy realized that the old couple were childless and were suffering a lot in old age. So once he offered the milk brought by them back as Prasad. Upon

Dwarakadheesh Temple at Mathura – Vrindavan

Dwarakadheesh Temple at Mathura (Vrindavan) is located near the Vishram Ghat on the banks of Yamuna River . The temple was constructed in 1815 and is dedicated to Bhagvan Sri Krishna. A flight of steps from a busy and narrow road takes one to the huge courtyard of Dwarakadheesh Temple . The walls of the courtyard are adorned with pictures, paintings and inscriptions. Before the sanctum sanctorum 12 pillars support a huge dome. The dome is adorned with beautiful paintings of Sri Krishna leelas. The main murti of Sri Krishna is carved out of black marble. At the Dwarakadheesh temple, the consort of Bhagvan Krishna is Rukmini Devi. A unique aspect at Dwarakadheesh Temple is that the murti of Bhagvan has four arms. The walls of the temple are decorated with cow dung and not kumkum. The most important festival in the temple is the Sri Krishna Janmashtami. Jhoola festival is also organized in Shravan month as per traditional Gujarati Calendar. Please note

Advantages Of Being Spiritual

We live in a world where everything is based on return value. What will I get if I do that? Similarly what will I get if I am spiritual? Therefore here is a look at the advantages of being spiritual. Inner Peace. Balance in life. Increased energy. Clarity of thought. Helps in taming anger, envy, ego, jealousy and greediness. Makes us humble and kind. To learn to love and respect all living beings. Better awareness. Realizing the futility of sensual pleasures. But the greatest advantage of being spiritual is in dealing with life challenging situations – in dealing with death, untoward incidents, broken expectations, unfulfilled desires and more. Being spiritual does not equate to being a pushover or weak. It's a common misconception that spirituality entails always saying yes or being passive in the face of challenges. In reality, being spiritual means embodying strength, resilience, and inner peace while navigating life's ups and downs. It's importa

Human Pyramid Festival in India Dedicated to Sri Krishna in Mumbai – Maharashtra

The annual birthday festival celebrations of Sri Krishna is noted for the formation of human pyramid in Maharashtra especially in Mumbai. The festival is known as Dahi Handi. In 2024, date of Human Pyramid Festival is August 27. The festival is a perfect amalgamation of sport and spirituality and provides youngsters an opportunity to be adventurous and to show team spirit and unity. Young boys and girls make human pyramids to break the earthen pot hanging high above and the attempt to break the pot is accompanied by the chanting of ‘Govinda ala re’ and by loud sounds of cymbals and drums. The festival is also known as ‘Gopal kala’. The name comes from a dish or a mixture of yoghurt, pounded rice and jaggery, which is offered to  Krishna  on the day. The same mixture is placed in the Dahi Handi pot. Legend has it that Sri Krishna was very fond of curd and butter. He and his friends used steal butter from the houses in Vrindavan. To save their curd and butter from Sri Krishna