--> Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from November, 2014


Ekanamsha – About Goddess Ekanamsha

Goddess Ekanamsha is believed to a manifestation of Goddess Durga. Today she is more popularly associated with Bhagvan Sri Krishna and his elder brother Balarama. Thus Ekanamsha is Subhadra, sister of Sri Krishna. Ekanamsha is usually depicted as standing between Balarama and Sri Krishna. She holds either a lotus or a mirror. As per Brihat Samhita, the Goddess can be depicted with two, four or eight arms. In some scriptures she is closely identified with Goddess Katyayani. The worship of Ekanamsha is more popular in eastern parts of India and is associated with Jagannath cult.

Vedic Math Multiplication Methods

The multiplication methods used in Vedic Maths helps in making the whole process easy and simple. By looking at the numbers one can multiply the numbers in our mind with Vedic Maths methods.  The New Indian Express Reports   Today we look at a method to find the product of two-digit numbers with the same first digit and the sum of the second digits is 10. Number pairs like 11 and 19, 12 and 18, 23 and 27 are examples of numbers which have the same tens digit and whose units digits add up to 10.   Let us break down this method into the following steps.   Multiply the tens digit (same for both) by the next consecutive number. That will be the first part of our answer.   Multiply the units digits of the two numbers. That will be the second part of the answer.   We have to remember that it is similar to the Nikhilam method, which has a base number and where the number of digits in the answer is decided by the number of zeros in the base.   For two-digit numbers we take 100 as the base,

Bodgeshwar Temple Festival – Bodgeshwar Jatra at Mapusa in Goa

Bodgeshwar Temple festival is observed in Paush month and is locally referred as Jatra. The temple located at Mapusa in Goa is dedicated to Kanakeshwar Baba or Bodgeshwar. Bodgeshwar Jatra 2025 date is January 12. The deity worshipped in the temple is also known as Bongini. The annual jatra attracts scores of devotees to this small temple. The popular belief is that the deity is a wish fulfilling deity and prayers never go unanswered. Special lighting arrangements are made during the annual temple festival. Bodgeshwar Jatra is observed on Paush Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi or the fourteenth day during the waxing phase of moon as per Hindu lunar calendar followed in Goa .

Yamai Devi Yatra – Yamai Jatra Festival at Aundh in Satara

Yamai Devi Yatra is annually observed in Paush month at Aundh near Satara in Maharashtra . Yamai Devi Yatra 2025 date is January 13. The goddess is a manifestation of Mother Goddess Durga – she is also known as Mahishasur Mardini Yamai. ‘Ye Mai’ in marathi means come mother. The annual Yatra to the Yamai Devi Temple attracts thousands of devotees. In the festival a palanquin atop a vehicle carries the murti of the goddess. People throw sindoor powder and follow the procession. Yamai Devi Yatra is annually observed on Paush Purnima or full moon day in Paush month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra .

Goddess Gadhimai – About Goddess Gadhi Mai

Goddess Gadhimai is a local deity worshipped in the Bara District of Nepal and is a fierce manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti. There are thousands of manifestations of Goddess Shakti but what makes Goddess Gadhi Mai popular is the animal sacrifice performed to appease her once in five years. It is believed that slaughtering of animals relieve the anger of the goddess. People believe that the all powerful Goddess can be pleased only through animal sacrifice. She is believed to bless devotees with prosperity. She is also worshipped to defeat enemies. People slaughter animals after desire or wish is fulfilled – like birth of a child, relief from disease etc. Gadhimai Mela or fair, notorious for the sacrifice of large number of animals, is held once in five years in the Bara District of Nepal and is mainly attended by people from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in India. Nearly 400,000 animals are sacrificed during the period. Goddess Gadhimai speaks through a high pr

Hindu Temples at Turuvekere near Tumkur in Karnataka

A murti of Nandi, the divine bull of Shiva, carved from soap stone is enough to make the journey to Turuvekere near Tumkur in Karnataka worthy. The town also has the rare temple in which Shiva and Ganga are worshipped together. Turuvekere is located around 128 km from Bangalore and houses the famous Gangadhareshwara Temple . Gangadhareshwara Temple is dedicated to Shiva and is built in Dravidian style of architecture and is known for its exquisite carvings. The Shivling worshipped in the temple is referred as Gangadhareswara – it has matted locks of Shiva with Ganga . Sun, mood and the 27 birth stars (Nakshatras) also adorn the Shivling. The utsava murti of Shiva (the murti taken out for procession and rituals) has an eye on the foot. Another highlight of the temple is the huge Nandi murti. The temple complex also houses a shrine of Goddess Bhavani. The temple also has a rare sculpture of Bedara Kannapa. Huge bell made using soap stone is another attraction.

Shantadurga Chamundeshwari Kudtari Mahamaya Jatra at Ghudo in Avedem in Goa

Shantadurga Chamundeshwari Kudtari Mahamaya Temple is located at Ghudo in Avedem at Quepem in Goa . The annual Jatra or temple festival is observed in Paush month. Shantadurga Kudtari Mahamaya Jatra 2025 date is from January 11 to January 13. This is the most important annual festival in the temple and is known as Jatra Utsav. Hundreds of people arrive in the temple during the three days to witness the festivities. Shantadurga Chamundeshwari Kudtari Mahamaya Jatra is annually held from Paush Shukla Paksha Trayodashi to Purnima as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Goa .

Sant Kabir Quotes - Timeless Wisdom Of Sant Kabirdas

A collection of quotes of Sant Kabir Das  Everyone turns their mind to God in adversity, but not in prosperity. If one were to turn to God in prosperity, there would be no room for adversity. Some are in suffering because of their body, some because of the mind, some are plagued by wealth. Kabir says all are aggrieved. Only the servants of the Lord are happy. As fish cannot live out of water; as the thirst of the chatrak can be quenched only by the rain; with a like intensity, the saints yearn for the Lord; only the sight of Him can slake their thirst for Him! We are like grains of wheat caught between the grinding stones of life. The grains that cling to the central axile of the grinding stones are uncrushed, while those that move away from the center are crushed into powder. One enemy or the other always treads upon our heel; Lust may be driven out, but anger lingers; and greed will stay when anger goes; and then, when greed is gone, vain glory, vanity and the wi

Nabanka Bedha Ritual Associated with Goddess Lakshmi at Puri Jagannath Temple

Nabanka Bedha is observed a day before Makar Sankranti at the Puri Jagannath Temple in Odisha. It is associated with the return of Goddess Lakshmi after her visit to the palace of Varuna Dev – Hindu sea god. Nabanka Besha 2025 date is January 14. As per the belief in Jagannath Temple, Goddess Lakshmi is the daughter of Varuna Dev as she appeared during the Samudra Manthan or churning of ocean. She returns back to Shri Mandir from her father’s house newly harvested grains, rice, fruits, vegetables, spices, molasses, clothes, ornaments and numerous other items. These are her annual claims from her father’s house. She reaches the Puri Jagannath Temple and goes around the temple nine times displaying the presents that she got from her father. This going around the temple is referred as Nabanka Bedha ritual.

Bharani Deepam 2024 Date at Tiruvannamalai Temple

Bharani Deepam marks the beginning of the main Karthigai Deepam festival day at the world famous Tiruvannamalai Shiva Temple – Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple – in Tamil Nadu. Bharani Deepam 2024 date is December 13. It will be lit in the morning 4:00 AM on December 13. Lighting of this Deepam or lamp is an important ceremony at the Tiruvannamalai temple on the Bharani Nakshatra day in Kartika Masam. The flame for lighting the Tiruvannamalai Maha Deepam atop the Arunachala Mountain is carried from the Bharani Deepam. The lighting of the Bharani Deepam by the chief priest in the  Tiruvannamalai   Temple marks the beginning of the main Maha deepam festival. A flame lit from five different lamps symbolizing earth, air, fire, water and ether is the Bharani Deepam. The Bharani Deepam is carried from the  Tiruvannamalai   Temple  to the top of  Arunachala   Mountain  by a group of fishermen.

Yellapur Jatra 2025 date – Yellapur Gram Devi Yatra in Uttara Kannada in Karnataka

Yellapur Jatra is annually held at Yellapur Gram Devi Temple in Magh month. The festival attracts thousands of devotees. Yellapur Jatra 2025 date is from February 21 to February 27. The festival and fair is annually held at Yellapur in in Uttara Kannada in Karnataka. In the Yellapur Gramdevi jatra, a vibrant and deeply significant festival celebrated in Yellapur, a town in the Indian state of Karnataka, the murti (sacred idol) of the Devi (Goddess) is ceremoniously taken around the streets in a grand procession. This annual event holds immense religious and cultural significance for the local community and draws thousands of devotees from far and wide who eagerly gather to participate in the festivities and catch a glimpse of the revered Mother Goddess. The jatra typically begins with elaborate rituals and prayers conducted by the temple priests to invoke the blessings of the Goddess. The murti of the Devi, beautifully adorned with flowers, jewels, and traditional attire, is th

Aazhi at Sabarimala – Fire Place in front of Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

There is a fire place in front of the eighteen steps at Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple and devotees throw coconut into it. This place is known as Aazhi. Ayyappa devotees pour the ghee from the ghee-filled coconut near the Srikovil or sanctum sanctorum of the Ayyappa Temple . The coconut devoid of ghee is thrown into the Aazhi. The symbolic belief is that the ghee-filled coconut that is brought in the irrumudi is the jeev athma. When the ghee is offered at the shrine, the jeevathma merges with Ayyappa. The coconut devoid of ghee is considered as dead body or Jada and this is then burned in the Aazhi. The pieces of Neyythenga should only be thrown into the huge fire bowl or Aazhi in front of the temple after completing the darshan.

King Janaka And Lord Vishnu – Story On The Limitlessness Of True Self

Once, Lord Vishnu took the form of a Brahmin, and allowed himself to be brought to Janaka’s court as someone who had committed a heinous offence. The appropriate sentence for the offence was exile from the kingdom, and the king pronounced the judgment of exile on the Brahmin. The Brahmin bowed his head in acceptance of the sentence, and asked the king, “Will you kindly let me know, Your Majesty, how far your kingdom extends?” Janaka was taken aback. A wise man, he realized that the kingdom which had been ruled by his forefathers, did not really belong to him. Even his body was not his, for it was but an instrument of God! On the other hand, from the point of view of the soul, the vast universe was his! When this realization dawned on him, the king said, “O Brahmin! Endless is the kingdom of my soul! Live happily, anywhere you choose!” Janaka was truly wise. He realized the immortality, the limitlessness of the true self. Source – The Seven Commandments of the Bha

Baraha Dwadashi - Magh Month - Puri Temple - Odisha

Baraha Dwadashi is observed in Magh Month. The day is of great significance to Vaishnava devotees. Varaha Dwadashi 2025 date is February 9. The day is of importance at Puri Jagannath temple. This ritual is dedicated to the Baraha or Varaha incarnation of Bhagavan Vishnu. In Hindu religion, Baraha, also spelled as Varaha, is indeed regarded as the boar incarnation of the god Vishnu. The story of Baraha's appearance is recounted in various Hindu scriptures, including the Puranas. According to the story, the demon Hiranyaksha had abducted the Earth and submerged her into the cosmic ocean. This act threatened the balance of the universe and caused chaos. In response, Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a massive boar, Baraha, to rescue Mother Earth and restore order. Baraha dived into the depths of the ocean, where he battled Hiranyaksha for thousands of years. Eventually, Baraha emerged victorious, lifting the Earth out of the waters using his tusks. With great strength and deter

Maharloka – One of the Worlds Mentioned in the Hindu Scriptures

Maharloka is one of the worlds mentioned in the Hindu scriptures. As per Vayu Purana, the rulers of the Kalpa live in the world. The rulers of the Kalpa are known as Kalpadikaris. A Kalpa is a period of cosmic time – it is around 4,320 million years of human beings. A Kalpa is one day of Brahma. Some scholars are of the view that Kalpadikaris are great saints, who at the end of a Kalpa move to the Maharloka. Ganadevas and Yamas are also residents of the Maharloka. At the end of a Kalpa the three worlds are destroyed – the three worlds are Bhur, Bhuvar and Svar. But Maharloka is not destroyed but the residents of Maharloka move to the next loka above it known as Janarloka.

Universal Truths In Chapter 2 Of The Bhagavad Gita

The Atman (the Real) is deathless. It cannot be destroyed. Death is an experience, not of the Atman, but of the body. The body is subject to change, disease, old age, and death. It has to be cast off like a worn out garment, so that the Atman may assume other embodiments. For death is certain for the born, as is birth for the dead. Thus grieving over death is futile. The enlightened aspirant must realize that his right is to work, and work alone. The fruits, the results of the work, should never be his concern. He whose mind is free from anxiety amid pains, indifferent amid pleasures, loosed from passion, fear and rage, he is called a seer illumined. Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita

Hanuman with Five Faces – Panchmukhi Hanuman

Panchmukhi Hanuman is the form of Hanuman in which he has five faces. This is the Virata Rupa of Hanuman – a gigantic form that is beyond imagination of human mind. There are two forms of Panchmukhi Hanuman – in one all the five heads are that of Hanuman. In another form – only one head is of Hanuman and the other heads are that of Hayagriva, Narasimha, Varaha and Garuda. As Hayagriva, Narasimha and Varaha are incarnations of Vishnu, Panchmukhi Hanuman is a combined avatar of Vishnu and Hanuman. The five-faced Hanuman is widely believed to be Tantric representation of Hanuman as he is the perfect Siddha. A story associated with Panchamukhi Hanuman states that Hanuman took this form to save Sri Ram and Lakshman who were captured by Mahiravana and Ahiravan during the Ram-Ravan war. The demons took them the netherworld and kept confusing the brothers with their black magic. Hanuman fought a fierce battle with the demons but was not able to defeat them. The only way to

Malayalam Calendar 2002 Online – Download Kerala Calendar year 2002 in jpeg format

Malayalam Calendar 2002 followed in Kerala is provided by the Deepika Newspaper. The 2002 year Malayalam calendar contains important festivals in Kerala and uses Malayalam language to mention Nakshatram and festival details. This Kerala calendar of 2002 of Deepika is not in pdf format but in jpeg format. But you can save the webpage or image format and use it. You can visit the newspaper website and download it here -  Deepika MalayalamCalendar 2002. You can try this  to use the main calendar link.  (in this select the 2002 calendar for viewing)

Crowd-sourced animation movie in Sanskrit

Punyakoti, which explores man-animal conflicts, will be the first crowd-sourced animation movie in Sanskrit. Produced by Puppetica Media, an India based media house, Punyakoti will be the world's first full length animated movie in Sanskrit. The movie will be crowd funded and crowd animated by studios/schools across the world. The movie will also feature a unique musical experiment by the legendary music composer Sri Ilaiyaraaja. The movie is based on a Kannada folk song that narrates the story of a confrontation between a cow and a tiger. You can find more about the movie and contribute to it here – Punyakoti – A Sanskrit Animation Movie

Hindu Calendar 2015 with Tithi in pdf – Download Hindu Calendar 2015 in English for free in pdf

Hindu Calendar 2015 with Tithi in pdf for free download is in English and is based on Calendars followed in North India – Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. A month in this Hindu calendar begins after Purnima and ends on Purnima. All important festivals and fasting 2015 dates are marked in the calendar. Link –  Download Hindu Calendar 2015 with Tithi in pdf The calendar is based on Purnimat system. A traditional Hindu month begins after Purnima or full moon day. In 2015 there is Adhik Masa or extra month. This extra month is added to match the lunar calendar with the solar calendar.

Ratanti Chaturdashi

Ratanti Chaturdashi is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is observed in Paush month. Special prayers, pujas and rituals dedicated to Goddess Kali are observed on the day. Ratanti Chaturdashi 2024 date is December 29. The day is of great significance in Orissa, Bengal , Jharkhand and other eastern states. Ratanti means celebrated or beloved. Goddess Kali is worshipped in the form of mother on the day. Ratanti Chaturdashi is observed on the Paush Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi or the 14th day during dark phase of moon in Paush Month.

Appachimedu at Sabarimala – Importance of Appachimedu on the way to Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

Appachimedu is located on the way from Pamba to Sabarimala Temple . It is one of the important places that an Ayyappa devotee comes across while trekking to the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple . On both the sides of the path to the temple there are two deep pits at Appachimedu. These pits are known as Appachi and Eppachi. Ayyappa devotees throw rice powder balls (Ariyunda) into the pits. Legend has it that one of Lord Ayyappa’s disciple named Kaduvaran resides here. He keeps all the evil spirits in control here and stops them from disturbing or harming the Ayyappa devotees. People also believe that earlier when there was no electricity and other modern facilities, wild animals used to hide in these deep pits. To escape from their attack people used to throw rice powder balls – the animals used to go after the rice balls and spare the devotees. Appachimedu was also the spot where Ayyappa devotees to used to give alms to beggars. But now this practice has been stopp

Neelimala at Sabarimala – Neelimala Mountain on the way to Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple (Sannidanam) from Pampa

Nelimala is the first mountain (climb) on the way from Pampa to Sannidanam ( Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple ). The trek here is tough as the mountain is steep. There are two steep climbs. There is thick forest cover on both the sides. The path here is concreted. There is also a medical center here especially for helping heart patients. Neelimala comes after Pampa River , Pampa Ganapathi Kovil and Pandalam King Mandapam. Once a devotee completes the climb of Neelimala, he reaches Appachimedu. Neelimala is also considered the second toughest climb on the trek to Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple .

Mangalvar Vrat Katha – Story of Tuesday Fasting in Hinduism

Tuesday fasting, or Mangalvar Vrat, is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and to Mangal Grah. In Hinduism, every fast has one or more story associated with it and those people observing the Vrat read or listen to the story on the fasting day. There are several stories associated with Tuesday fasting. This particular Mangalvar Vrat Katha is associated with Lord Hanuman. Once there was an old lady who was an ardent devotee of Lord Hanuman. She used to observe Mangalvar Vrat. On Tuesday, the old lady used to break her fast at a Hanuman Temple . She used to share whatever food she had with Lord Hanuman. The old lady was living with her daughter-in-law and she used to get four chappatis on Tuesday from her daughter-in-law. The old lady used to offer two chappatis to Lord Hanuman and eat the other two. One day the daughter-in-law found out that the old lady was offering chappatis to Hanuman and not eating it fully and wasting them. Next Tuesday she only gave two chappatis. T

Chennakeshava – Manifestation of Vishnu

Chennakeshava is a manifestation of Bhagvan Vishnu and in this form the deity is widely worshipped in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Chenna Keshava literally means the ‘handsome Keshava’. Keshava is one among the numerous names of Vishnu. The most famous temple dedicated to Chennakeshava is located in Belur in Karnataka. The other temples dedicated to the deity are found in K Bitragunta, Karimnagar, Kadapa, Anekal, Bagur, Sullia, Udupi, Hullekere, and Tumkur. In Murti form Chennakeshava is in the Chaturbhuja form – four armed. The deity is usually made of black stone. The upper right hand holds conch; the upper left hand holds discus, lower right hand holds lotus, and lower left hand holds mace. Chennakeshava is flanked by his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. The deity is lavishly dressed with fine clothes and jewelry. The concept of Chennakeshava is based on the Supreme Being taking the most handsome form to give darshan to his devotees. A devotee wants

Mandapam of Pandalam King on The way From Pamba to Sannidanam – Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

There are numerous holy spots on the trek to Sannidanam ( Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple ) from Pamba. One such spot is the Mandapam of Pandalam King. Pandalam king had the rare fortune of becoming the father figure of Lord Ayyappa on earth. It was this king who built the temple at Sabarimala. At the mandapam (a small open resting spot), a representative from the family of Pandalam King blesses Ayyappa devotees who are on their way to the shrine from Pampa . Neelimala comes after the Mandapam. The Mandapam is the next important spot after Pampa Ganapathi Temple on the way to Sannidanam .

Snake Bite Cure At Achankovil Ayyappa Temple

Achankovil Ayyappa Temple is one among the five important temples dedicated to Ayyappa in Kerala. The temple is also famous for snake bite cure. It is widely believed that any kind of poisoning — especially snake bites — will be cured if the sandalwood paste of the deity is consumed. Times of India reports  The Achankovil Ayyappa temple, under the Travancore Devaswom, is one of the five temples where Lord Ayyappa is worshiped in various stages of life from balya (child) to sanyasa (hermit stage).  The temple is an exception in yet another way. Anyone, irrespective of religious beliefs, who seeks a cure for snakebite is allowed to enter the temple premises. He/she will have to stay in the 'padippura' for a couple of days after consuming the sandalwood paste and applying it on the forehead to be cured. The Ayyappa idol at this temple is in such a posture that his right hand is held like a cup where the sandalwood paste is poured. Along with a pinch of the paste

Yoga Nidra of Lord Vishnu – the cosmic sleep in Hindu Scriptures

In Hinduism, the cosmic dissolution (Mahapralaya) takes place when the cosmos goes beyond redemption due to destruction of Dharma ( as in the present period which is characterized by lack of moral and ethical values). This is not an end but a positive change or death before rebirth. This cycle is repeated endless times. After the cosmic dissolution, there is a period of stillness. Vishnu reclines over the still cosmic waters on the endless coils of the serpent Ananta Sesha, which represents Time. Everything that existed before the Mahapralaya lies around Him in the still primeval waters. This cosmic sleep is known as Yoga Nidra. Here He is focused on the Infinite Reality of His own identity. Yoga Nidra ends with beginning of the next cycle of creation. The next cycle of creation is symbolically represented by a lotus with Brahma seated on it that rises out of His navel.

Story of Pandavas and Seven Aravalli Sisters – Legend in Tamil Nadu

Seven Aravalli sisters lived during the Mahabharata period in present day Tamil Nadu and ruled the region known as Aravalli Pattinam. They were famous for witchcraft and they used sorcery and witchcraft to terrorize people. The story of Pandavas and seven Aravalli Sisters is a local legend narrated to explain the glory of Goddess Vana Bhadrakali Amman. Aravalli, Sooravalli, Veeravalli and 4 other sisters ruled the region by terrorizing the inhabitants. They remained unconquered and their arrogance and atrocities reached the ears of Bhagwan Sri Krishna. He requested the Pandavas to defeat the sisters. Bhima, the second of the Pandavas, agreed to take up the mission and moved towards the kingdom of Aravalli sisters. But Sage Narada tipped the sisters about the arrival of Bhima.  Meanwhile, Bhima was passing through a thick forest. The sisters used their witchcraft and created numerous carnivorous animals like tiger, lion, bear and crocodile. All the animals were killed

Dakshin Kashi Wai in Satara in Maharashtra - Temples and Ghats at Wai

Wai, which is located around, 33 km from Satara in Maharashtra is known as Dakshin Kashi or the Kashi of South. The place gets the name ‘Dakshin Kashi’ thanks to ghats and temples which make the place look like a replica of Kashi ( Varanasi ). There are seven important ghats at Wai and more than 100 temples. If it is Ganga River at Varanasi , it is Krishna River at Wai. Ghats, steps, at Wai are located on the Krishna River and it is the most famous feature that it shares with Kashi. There are several minor ghats and numerous small temples – many of them are small and badly maintained. The most famous temple at Wai is not dedicated to Shiva like in Varanasi but to his son Ganesha. The temple is referred to as Mahaganapati Temple or Dholya Ganapati. The temple has one of the largest Ganesha murti in Maharashtra – nearly 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide. There is also a Kashi Vishweshwar Temple on the banks of Krishna at Wai. The temple is noted for its hug

Plant Your Birth Star Tree – Janmanakshatra Vrikshaparipalana by Travancore Devaswom Board

Janmanakshatra Vrikshaparipalana is a green initiative by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) in Kerala. As part of the program, a devotee can join the scheme to plant his or her birth star tree. Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) would plant and nurture the tree in the temples maintained by Travancore Devaswom Board. Those who wish to join the green initiative can get more information about the project here in this website . The directions to take part in the scheme are also available at Sabarimala Devaswom Development Project office.

Mangalsutra Vati Symbolic Meaning – Reason For Using Golden Mangalsutra Cups

Mangalsutra Vati, or cups, is widely used in Maharashtra and in parts of Gujarat and Northern Karnataka . The reason for wearing the golden mangalsutra cups on chain after marriage is that it attracts lot of positive energy. Symbolically the joining of the two Vati means union of the male and female. It also means the woman is married and is blessed with divine energy. The vati or golden cups are hollow on one side. The hollow side faces the body and good energy is attracted towards the cup. The Vati Mangalsutra helps in keeping the body and mind healthy. Some people claim that is also regularizes the blood circulation in the body. 

Story of Dadhimukha – A Vanara in the Ramayana

Dadhimukha was part of the Vanara (monkey) army in the Ramayana. His name is also mentioned in the Mahabharata. As per Ramayana, he is the maternal uncle of Sugriva, the king of Vanaras. He was the guard and custodian of the Madhuvana, a forest rich in honey, fruits and herbs located between the Mahendra Mountain and Kishkindha. Dadhimukha was also the leader of a large group of monkeys and he brought the army to rescue Mata Sita. As per Ramayana, the powerful Vanara leader brought 10 crore strong army to join Sugriva and Hanuman. Ramayana mentions that Angada and other monkeys were happy on receiving the news of sighting of Mata Sita and caused damage to the Madhuvana in their celebration. Dadhimukha complained to Sugriva about the incident. Sugriva asked Dadhimukha to forgive the high spirits of the monkeys.

Symbolic Meaning of Acts Performed During Hindu Pujas and Prayers

A simple prayer before the deity with hands folded and placed near the heart is the most common form of praying in Hindu religion. But there are also various other acts that Hindus perform while praying like lighting the lamp, offering flowers and leaves, burning camphor or offering food etc. In Hinduism, each act performed has a symbolic meaning. Sprinkling of Water and Sipping while doing Puja Sprinkling of water symbolically performs the purification of the surroundings. Sipping of water is purification of oneself. Lighting of Lamp It symbolizes removal of ignorance and ushering in of knowledge. The wick in the traditional oil lamp symbolizes ego and the oil or ghee used symbolizes our negative tendencies. When we are lit by self knowledge, the negative tendencies (oil) melt away and finally the ego (wick) perishes. ( More details in this post ) Burning of Camphor Burning of camphor symbolizes the destruction of our egos and arrogance. When ego

Ram Baraat – Marriage Procession of Lord Ram and Mata Sita from Ayodhya in India to Janakpur in Nepal

Ram Baraat, which attracts thousands of Hindu saints and devotees, is annually held from Ayodhya in India to Janakpur in Nepal . This is the Baraat or marriage procession of Bhagvan Sri Ram. He goes to Janakpur in Nepal the city of Mata Sita . It is annually observed during Margashirsh month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India . It is believed that the first Ram Baraat was organized around 125 years ago by Lala Kokamal, a cloth merchant. In the marriage and procession, Bhagvan Sri Ram is represented by Shaligram Shila and Mata Sita is represented by Tulsi plant.

World’s Tallest Sri Krishna Temple to Come Up in Vrindavan in India

World's tallest Sri Krishna Temple coming up in Vrindavan in India will be 700 feet tall when completed. Named ‘Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir’, the temple will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 300 crore. The new Indian express reports  President Pranab Mukherjee performed 'Ananta Shesha Sthapana Puja' at the temple on November 15, 2014, whose foundation stone for the temple was laid on March 16 this year. The idea of this ceremony is that the entire temple building will be resting on the hoods of 'Ananta Shesha' (snake) which is very auspicious. The 70-storey temple will feature a capsule elevator which will take visitors from the ground level to the 700 ft tall viewing gallery giving an immersive 3D sound and light experience of the different planetary systems described in the vedic literatures, project organisers said. A look-alike of the verdant forests of Vrindavan will be recreated around this magnificent temple from descriptions in the Srimad

Who Is The Author Of Harivarasanam? - History - ഹരിവരാസനം എന്ന കീർത്തനത്തിന്റെ രചന

Harivarasanam song is sung when doors of the sanctum sanctorum of the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is closed for the day at night. This divine song which drenches the eyes of Ayyappa devotees in tears was written by Purakkad Konnakath Janaki Amma (പുറക്കാട് കോന്നകത്ത് ജാനകിയമ്മ). Earlier it was thought it was written Kumbakudi Kulathur Iyer but later it was found that it he was only a collector of the devotional hymns.  History Of Harivarasanam ശബരിമലയിൽ മുഴങ്ങുന്ന ഹരിവരാസനം എന്ന കീർത്തനത്തിന്റെ രചന നിർവഹിച്ചത് പുറക്കാട് കോന്നകത്ത് ജാനകിയമ്മയാണ് എന്ന് അവരുടെ മക്കളായ ഭാരതിയമ്മയും ബാലാമണിയമ്മയുമാണു ലോകത്തെ അറിയിക്കുന്നത്. അതിനു മുൻപ് രാമനാഥപുരം കുമ്പക്കുടി കുളത്തൂർ ശ്രീനിവാസ അയ്യർ എന്ന കുളത്തൂർ അയ്യർ രചിച്ച കീർത്തനമാണിതെന്നാണ് വിശ്വസിച്ചിരുന്നത്. പിൽക്കാലത്ത് ‘ഹരിവരാസനം വിശ്വമോഹനം’ എന്ന കീർത്തനസമാഹാരം ഗവേഷകരുടെ ശ്രദ്ധയിൽ പെട്ടതോടെയാണ് ഇദ്ദേഹം രചയിതാവല്ല, സമ്പാദകൻ മാത്രമാണെന്നറിയുന്നത്.1963 നവംബറിൽ തിരുവനന്തപുരം ചാലയിലെ ജയചന്ദ്രാ ബുക്ക് ഡിപ്പോ പുറത്തിറക്കിയ സമാഹാരത്തിന്റെ 78–ാം പേജിൽ ‘