Majority of Hindu Gods and Goddess have a vehicle or Vahana and Garuda is the Vahana of Bhagvan Vishnu. Murti of Garuda is in the form of a man with a big beak and wings. The story of origin of Garuda is found in the Mahabharata and numerous other Puranas. Garuda was the son of Sage Kashya and Vinata. Legend has it that when Garuda came out of the egg, the Devas (demi gods) mistook him for Agni and praised him and requested him to diminish his splendor a little so that people can view him. Garuda soon discovered that his mother was held in slavery by his fathers’ other wife Kadru . The sons of Kadru were all snakes and promised to free his mother if they brought Amrut or ambrosia from the gods. He then went to abode of gods and after a fight with the guards got hold of the pot of ambrosia. While returning, he met Bhagvan Vishnu and requested him to make him his vehicle – the request was granted Garuda brought the amrit to his step brothers and placed it on a heap of...

Bal Gopal Idol is from the world famous Spanish Company, Lladro, noted for high quality porcelain figurines. Lladro during the past couple of years had released idols or murtis of various Hindu gods. Bal Gopal is part of the series. Bal Gopal murti shows young Krishna playing flute and standing on a lotus flower. The murti is priced at Rs 70,000/- Lladro figurines are noted for its beauty, detailing and no compromise in materials used.

Baijnath Temple is located at Baijnath town on the banks of Gomati River near Bageshwar in Uttarakhand. The Shiva Mandir here is popularly known Baijnath. The temple is around 19 km from Kausani and 26 km from Bageshwar. The temple is famous for a murti of Goddess Parvati carved from a single black granite stone. The temple is believed to have been built during the 11 th and 12 th century. Shiva here is worshipped in the form a Shivling – here He is Vaidyanath – the Supreme Physician. The six-foot murti of Goddess Parvati in the shrine is adorned with important scenes in the life of Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Goddess Sati. Apart from the Baijnath Temple , there are nearly 17 more shrines in the complex. They have murtis of Ganesha, Kaal Bhairav, Dwarpal, Vishwakarma and Kubera. The Gomati River near the temple is famous for Rahu Fish. The bhoga to the temples is first offered to the fishes.

Worshiping Baglamukhi Devi, one of the ten Mahavidyas in Hinduism, is believed to bestow protection, power, victory over enemies, and removal of obstacles. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to worship Baglamukhi Devi, including cleanliness, appropriate attire, eco-friendly puja items, simple steps, prasad preparation, mantras, and how to handle puja leftovers sustainably. Importance of Worshiping Baglamukhi Devi Protection from Negative Forces: Baglamukhi Devi is revered as the goddess who silences adversaries, stops negative energies, and provides protection. Victory and Success: She helps devotees achieve success in legal battles, disputes, and competitions. Speech and Confidence: Worshiping her enhances communication skills and boosts confidence. Cleanliness and Preparation Personal Hygiene: Take a bath and wear clean clothes before starting the puja. Clean Puja Area: Clean the puja area thoroughly. Use eco-friendly, natural cleaners like neem leaves, lemon water, or cow ...

The south facing form of Hanumanji is known as Dakshin Mukhi Hanuman and is worshipped by people who are suffering from constant fear, troubles, and do not have peace in life.  Dakshinamukhi Hanumanji helps such devotees. As per Hindu belief, Kaal or Yama, the god of death, resides in the South (Dakshin), and Hanumanji has the blessings of Yama. So devotees of Hanuman will be unharmed by Yama. Again Kaal is under the control of Bhagvan Shiva and Hanuman is an incarnation of Shiva . Therefore offering prayers to this form of Hanuman will help in removing all fears associated with death. It is also believed that hanging picture of Dakshina Mukhi Hanuman in homes which have the main door towards south will help in alleviating Vastu Dosh. Related Hanuman and Yama

Book titled ‘Simian’ is a black and white graphic novel based on Ramayana. The epic is retold is narrated from Hanuman’s point of view. Simian is written by Vikram Balagopal. From the flyer of the book  When Bhima chances upon an ailing monkey blocking his path in the forest, little does he realize that he is meeting his brother Hanuman, one of the greatest heroes of his time and Ram's closest ally. As the brothers settle in for a night of exchanging stories and notes, Hanuman tells a surprising tale: of the great war between Ram and Ravan, through his eyes.  In the twilit world of war, things are not what they seem and this chance encounter between a warrior and a great legend will destroy a myth. Vikram Balagopal’s black-and-white, gritty re-imagining of the Ramayana brings to life the scars - physical, moral and spiritual - borne by Hanuman , for his is a life full of questions that cut and gnaw at him, questions that have no answers unless history itself is...

Bagnath Mandir at Bageshwar is dedicated to Shiva. This ancient temple is located on the confluence of Sarayu and Gomati Rivers in Uttarakhand. The mandir is around 90 km from Almora. Bhagnath Mandir story is associated with Sage Vasishta escorting Sarayu River on earth. But the journey of the river was blocked by Sage Markandeya who was meditating on Shiva. Sage Vasishta took the help of Shiva to overcome the crisis caused by a Shiva devotee. Shiva appeared before Sage Markandeya in the form of a tiger and attacked a cow. The sage came out of his meditation to save the cow. Sarayu was able to take its course now. Sage Markandeya who realized that it was the leela (divine play) of Shiva prayed to Him to stay at Bageshwar. Bholenath Shiva never disappoints his devotees and readily agreed to reside there as Bagnath. The present day shrine was built in 1450 AD by King Lakshmi Chand of the Katyuri Dynasty. Seven kalash hangs on top of the Shivling which is plac...

Comprehensive Guide to Praying to Lord Ayyappan at Home Praying to Lord Ayyappan at home can be a spiritually fulfilling experience, bringing peace, discipline, and devotion into one’s life. The process of worship should be done with sincerity, faith, and respect towards traditional rituals. This guide will take you through the entire process of conducting a simple yet meaningful puja at home, using eco-friendly and traditional methods. 1. Preparation and Cleanliness Cleanliness is paramount when performing any puja. It signifies purity and respect for the deity. Clean the House and Puja Space : Ensure the house, especially the space where you will perform the puja, is thoroughly cleaned. Wipe surfaces and arrange the puja items neatly. Personal Hygiene : Take a bath, wear clean clothes, and maintain personal hygiene before starting the puja. Clothes : Traditional attire such as white or saffron-colored clothes is ideal, as they represent purity and devotion. Men often wear a dhoti, w...

Kubera, the treasurer of Gods, is also the king of Yakshas and Kinnaras. He was the elder brother of Ravana – the demon King in the Ramayana. Here is story as to how Kuber became the lord of Yakshas and Kinnaras. Sage Vaishravana had three sons – Kubera, Ravana and Vibhishana. Kubera was the king of Lanka. But he was defeated by Ravana. The demon king also took away all the wealth of Kubera including the aerial vehicle, Pushpaka Vimana. The displaced king roamed around the world and years later he reached Kashi. Here he offered prayers to Shiva for several years. Shiva always helped those whom the world shuns. Kubera was short, with a big potbelly and had only one eye. The world was not kind to him but Shiva was. Shiva gave him several boons and made him the treasurer of wealth of gods. He asked Kubera to go and live in the city of Alakapuri in the Himalayas . He then made kubera the king of Yakshas and Kinnaras. Yakshas and Kinnaras are semi diving being...

Gopeshwar Mandir, also known as Rudranath or Gopinath Temple , is an important Shiva shrine and is located at Chamoli on the ancient routine between Badrinath and Kedarnath. The temple was built by Katyuri dynasty between ninth and eleventh century. The temple is around 10 km from Chamoli on the way to Ukhimath. Legend has it that Rati, wife of Kamdev, meditated here after her husband was burned into ashes by Shiva. Pleased with the devotion of Rati, Shiva appeared before her at Gopeshwar and gave her the boon that Kamdev will reappear. Some religious scholars believe Shiva reduced Kamdev to ashes at Gopeshwar. Another legend has it that a trident of Parashuram was broken into three parts to calm him when he was annihilating Kshatriyas. A part of the trident can be found in the temple. The main square sanctum sanctorum enshrines a swayambhu Shivling named as Gopinath. Nandi and Shiva Parviar can be found in this main sanctum. The temple complex has murtis of Ganes...

The nature and consequences of desire are vividly explored in various Hindu scriptures. These texts offer numerous examples illustrating how intense desires can lead individuals to commit sinful actions and how unfulfilled desires transform into anger, disrupting mental peace and rationality. Here are some expanded examples and explanations from Hindu scriptures to illustrate these points: Desire as a Deadly Enemy In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna how desire and anger arise from the mode of passion and are the greatest enemies of a person striving for self-realization. Example: Bhagavad Gita 3.37-39 Krishna says: "It is lust (desire) only, Arjuna, which is born of contact with the material mode of passion and later transformed into wrath; know this as the sinful, all-devouring enemy in the world." This passage explains that desire, when not fulfilled, turns into anger. Lust, or intense desire, is described as the enemy that clouds judgment and l...

Saktapramodah was published in 1860 by Raja Deva Nandan Singh and contains the correct practices for worshipping Tantric Goddesses. Now this 19th century book has been republished with a 100-page introduction by Madhu Khanna, professor of Indic religion and Sanskrit scholar. The Indian Express reports  After the British invasion, the practice of goddess worship was mostly lost and many were resorting to fraudulent means. So Raja Deva Nandan Singh, an aristocratic zamindar of Muzaffarpur, Bihar , compiled the correct practices of worship of goddesses and brought out the book Saktapramodah in the 19th century (1860). “What I have done is, I have edited and revised the text in Sanskrit and also added a 100-page introduction in the book. Now, it is bilingual,” says Madhu. She says that in the 15th and 16th centuries, the worship of goddesses was an anti caste tradition — outside the vedic mainstream. “Like Mathangi who is associated with impure substances and Umavathi, a widow...

Teachings Of Devotion On Shiva  Supreme devotion is the same as supreme knowledge and is easier to practice. Devotion has the power to attract me as nothing else can. One who is engrossed in devotion enjoys perpetual bliss. In this Age of Kali (Iron age or Kali Yuga), there is no path so easy and pleasing to me (Shiva) as the path of devotion. In this decadent age, spiritual knowledge and detachment have become misused and neglected. People who can grasp them are rare. But devotion can give the benefits of spiritual knowledge and detachment and is most pleasing to Shiva. All gods are subservient to those who are devoted to them (gods). Explanation: In this Age of Kali (Iron Age or Kali Yuga), there is no path so easy and pleasing to me (Shiva) as the path of devotion. In this decadent age, spiritual knowledge and detachment have become misused and neglected. People who can grasp these profound truths are rare. The complexities of spiritual knowledge and t...

Ekadasi, or Ekadashi, is an important Upvaas (fast) dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Millions of Hindu devotees observe Ekadasi, which is considered highly auspicious by Lord Vishnu devotees. The traditional approach is to abstain from food completely on the day. But nowadays a complete fast is not possible for many people. Such people consume certain food items on the Ekadasi day and observe only a partial fast. It is believed that demon Mura found a dwelling place in the rice and Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Ekadasi to annihilate Mura. Therefore devotees who fast on the Ekadashi day avoid food made from grains. Many devotees due to several reasons – like health and job commitments – observe partial fast on the day. Such people avoid non-vegetarian and food items made from beans, pulses and grains, especially rice. The most preferred Ekadasi fasting food in western parts of India is Sabudana Khichadi with potatoes and ground nut - but no onion and garlic. Foods Typi...

Lakhamandal Temple is famous for its unique architecture and hundreds of granite murtis of Hindu gods and goddess. The main shrine is dedicated to Shiva. Legend has it that Kauravas had conspired to kill Pandavas by burning them in the house of lac here. The temple is located on the Naugaon – Barkot Route and is around 70 km from Dehradun. Legend has it that a cow from a nearby region used to swim the river and go into the forest and return after a couple of hours. When the king of region was informed about the unique event, he asked his soldiers to follow the cow. The soldiers found that the cow was pay obeisance to a Shivling. This led to the discovery of the Shivling. The temple is a classic example of Katyuri architecture. The main Shivling in the temple is surrounded by several black granite murtis of Hindu gods and goddesses. There are beautiful black granite murtis of Ganesha, Shiva, Parvati, Kartik, Krishna , Vishnu, Navgrahas, Vishwakarma, Mata Anjani, ...

Worshipping the Vamana Avatar of Lord Vishnu is a significant ritual in Hinduism, especially for those who seek blessings of prosperity, protection, and spiritual growth. Here is a comprehensive guide to performing Vamana Avatar puja, emphasizing eco-friendly practices, cleanliness, appropriate attire, puja items, steps, mantras, prasad, and the importance of this worship. Importance of Vamana Avatar Worship The Vamana Avatar is the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is celebrated as the victory of good over evil. Vamana, in the form of a dwarf Brahmin, subdued the demon king Bali and restored balance in the universe. Worshipping Vamana symbolizes humility, righteousness, and divine intervention to maintain cosmic order. Benefits of Vamana Avatar Worship Spiritual Growth: Enhances devotion and spiritual knowledge. Protection: Shields devotees from negative energies and evil influences. Prosperity: Attracts wealth, success, and balance in life. Humility and Discipline: Encourages ...

Godha Jayanti, also known as Andal Jayanti, is dedicated to Andal, an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. This unique festival in Tamil month Aadi celebrates the birth of Godha Jayanti in Vishnu Temples. Godha Jayanti 2025 date is July 28. It is observed on the Pooram birth star, which is one among the 27 Nakshatras in Hindu astrology. Godha is renowned for her steadfast devotion for Sri Ranganatha (Lord Vishnu) and for the unparalleled literary compositions of Thiruppavai and the Nachiyar Thirumozhi. There are numerous legends in Tamil folklore which clearly indicates that Godha is an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Even her birth is wrapped in mystery. You can  read about an important legend here. Godha Jayanti is of great significance in Vishnu Temples in Tamil Nadu.

Vishwanath Mandir at Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand is dedicated to Shiva and is one of the famous temples in the region. The temple is also referred as Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple . Information about the temple is found in the Kedar Khand of the Skanda Purna. Shiva mentions in it that Uttarkashi is the Kashi of Kaliyuga, the present age. The swayambhu Shivling in the temple is very unique as it leans towards the south. This makes the Vishwanath Mandir holy and it is mentioned in some scriptures that the temple is as holy as all the 12 jyotrilingas put together. Some legends suggest that it was on this Shivling that young Markandeya held on to escape from Yama. Shiva appeared and chastised Yama for attempting to take the life of a Shiva devotee. The temple has a shrine dedicated to Ma Shakti. A 19.5 feet Trishul is found in the temple. As per local legend the trident has the combined power of Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra, Shiva’s trident and Parashuram’s axe. There ar...

Matsya Avatar, the fish incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is worshipped to seek blessings for protection, knowledge, and guidance. This guide will walk you through the steps, significance, and benefits of Matsya Puja, emphasizing eco-friendly practices, traditional puja items, and simple methods for performing the ritual. 1. Importance of Worshipping Matsya Avatar Matsya Avatar symbolizes the protection of dharma and the preservation of knowledge. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Matsya to save the sacred Vedas and the Saptarishi (seven sages) from a great deluge. Worshipping Matsya is believed to remove obstacles, protect from dangers, and provide spiritual enlightenment. 2. Cleanliness and Preparation Personal Cleanliness : Begin the day with a bath. Cleanse yourself physically and mentally by reciting prayers and meditating on Lord Vishnu. Puja Area : Clean the area where the puja will be performed. It should be tidy, quiet, and free from distractions. Altar Prepara...

Goddess Masani Amman is a popular deity worshipped in certain regions in South India . Story and history of Goddess Masani Amman is one of repression and people rising against a tyrant ruler. Legend has it that during the Sangam Era, a cruel ruler named Nannan ruled over Anaimalai which was then known as Nannanur. The ruler had large mango plantation and had appointed guards to protect them. He had proclaimed that he would kill any person who trespassed into the mango plantation. A young woman was once bathing in the River Aliyar and happened to see a mango floating in the water. She grabbed it. This was noticed by the guards who took her into custody and produced before the king. The father of the young girl offered to give the king a golden mango. But the king did not relent. The father then offered an image made of gold equal to the weight of her daughter by way of compensation together with 81 elephants. This also was not acceptable to the ruler. The king orde...

The Dakor Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is a significant pilgrimage site located in Gujarat, India. Offering prayers and darshan (viewing of the deity) at this temple provides a variety of spiritual, psychological, and cultural benefits. Here are some key benefits: Spiritual Benefits Divine Connection: Prayers and darshan at Dakor Temple help devotees feel a closer connection to Lord Krishna, enhancing their spiritual journey and personal relationship with the divine. Inner Peace: Engaging in prayer and meditation in the sacred environment of the temple can bring inner peace and a sense of tranquility. Spiritual Growth: Regular visits and prayers can aid in spiritual growth and enlightenment, helping devotees follow a path of righteousness and devotion. Fulfillment of Wishes: Many believers visit Dakor Temple with the hope that their prayers will be answered, as it is a common belief that Lord Krishna fulfills the wishes of sincere devotees. Psychological Benefits ...

Baba Vishwanath Mandir is dedicated to Shiva and is located at Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh. The temple is famous for its philanthropic activities. Earlier there was a school located in the premises. Now there is a medical facility. The temple also has a hearse service of the poor. The main Shivling worshipped in the temple is covered with silver. There is also a silver hooded Snake that provides canopy to the Shivling. The main sanctum also has murtis of Ganesha, Kartik and Goddess Parvati. There are also murtis of Durga, Sri Ram, Lakshman, Sita and Hanuman in the temple. The Shani Dev murti in the temple attracts many devotees on Saturdays. There is also a special area dedicated to Radha and Krishna . Navratri, Shivratri and Sri Krishna Janmashtami are the important festivals observed here.

Aryaman, one of the Vedic deities, is known as the god of hospitality, friendship, and honor. His worship promotes harmony, good relations, and a sense of duty among individuals and communities. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to worship Aryaman, emphasizing eco-friendly practices and simplicity. Preparation for Aryaman Puja Cleanliness and Preparation: Clean the space where the puja will be performed, ensuring it is clutter-free and purified. Take a bath and wear clean, preferably new, clothes to maintain personal purity. Clean the puja items and arrange them neatly. Time for Worship: The ideal time to worship Aryaman is during the early morning, preferably during sunrise or at the time of Sandhya (twilight), which is considered auspicious. Color of Clothes: White, yellow, or light green clothes are recommended for the puja, as these colors symbolize purity, prosperity, and nature, aligning with Aryaman's benevolent attributes. Puja Items Required (Eco-Friendly Product...

Shiva as Nanjundeshwara is worshipped in the famous Srikanteshwara Swamy Temple at Nanjangud in Karnataka. The story of Nanjundeshwara is associated with the Samudra Manthan or the churning of the ocean. Nanjunda means one ‘who has consumed poison.’ Legend has it that Devas and Asuras started the Samudra Manthan or churning of ocean to get Amrit or elixir of life. But the first thing to appear was dark sticky foam. It was the dreaded poison Halahala, which had the power to destroy the universe. The poison started emitting fumes and soon started to spread in water and air. Lord Shiva soon realized that the poison had the power to destroy the cosmos and immediately gathered the poisonous foam in his hands and drank it to save the world. Thus Shiva became Nanjunda. He is also known as Visha kanta and Srikanta for having digested the poison. The deity is also known as Srikanteshwara, one cures diseases. The waters and the soil around the banks of Kapila or Kabini...

Narasimha Gayatri Mantra is dedicated to the Narasimha incarnation of Hindu God Vishnu. The mantra is chanted for alleviating fear and ushering in peace and prosperity. You can read the Narasimha Gayatri Mantra text in Hindi and English below. Om Narasimhaya Vidmahe Vajra Nakhaya Dheemahee Tanno Narasimha Prachodayat.

Kedar Vrat, also known as Kedara Gauri Vrat, is a significant observance in Odisha dedicated to Lord Shiva. This auspicious occasion falls in the month of Kartik, which is considered one of the holiest months in the Hindu calendar. The Kedar Vrat coincides with Kartik Purnima, the full moon day of Kartik month, making it a highly revered day for devotees.  Kedar Vrat 2025 date is November 5. Rituals and Observances On Kedar Vrat, special pujas and rituals are conducted in Shiva temples across Odisha. Devotees engage in various spiritual activities to honor Lord Shiva and seek his blessings. The day begins with a purifying bath early in the morning, followed by visiting nearby Shiva temples. Key rituals include: Abhisheka: Devotees perform Abhishekam, a ritual bathing of the Shiva Lingam with water, milk, honey, and other sacred items. This act symbolizes purification and is believed to please Lord Shiva. Puja and Aarti: Elaborate puja ceremonies are held, where devotees of...

Mural Paintings are unique aspects of Hindu Temples in Kerala. Murals in Kerala are note for the profusion of line drawings and their distinctive coloring. Now saris and dresses adorned with Mural paintings are in great demand. The Hindu reports  Not just saris, but flower pots, pen holders, kurtas, photo frames, file folders and jewellery, adorned with Kerala murals are in great demand globally.  The bright colours and intricate designs make them eye-catching, and they have woven their way to the fashion circuit quite effortlessly. “I had a hard time explaining to a woman in Bangalore that Kerala murals had a history of centuries and they used to decorate temple walls. She was not ready to believe that what she was wearing was a poor imitation of a great art form that requires years of dedicated effort and talent to master,” said Sasi Edavarad, a noted mural artist, known for his venture ‘Dhyanasankalpam,’ which is on a mission to reclaim public spaces for mural ...

Trivati Nath Mandir is dedicated to Shiva. The original Shivling worshipped in the temple was found near three Vat Vrikshas (banyan trees). Today the three trees have joined together and appear like a single tree. The temple gets its name from the Vata Vriksha. Legend has it that a cowherd was once sleeping under the canopy of the Vat Vrikshas and he had a dream of Shiva waking him up in his Virat Swaroop. The main murti worshipped in the temple is in Shivling form. Ten forms of Goddess Shakti are also worshipped in the temple. The temple complex has a separate section known as Ramalaya. This separate temple consists of murtis of Ganesha, Sita, Ram, Lakshman, Hanuman, Radha, Krishna and Lakshmi Narayan. Shaigram, symbol of Bhagvan Vishnu, is also worshipped in the temple. Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Shivratri are the most important festivals in the temple. 

 In Hinduism, prayer before meals is a way to show gratitude for the food provided and to acknowledge the divine presence in the act of nourishment. Prayers are usually short and offered to deities associated with nourishment, strength, and prosperity. Here’s an expanded guide on how to pray for lunch, along with relevant mantras, puja steps, and associated deities. 1. Importance of Praying Before Meals in Hinduism In Hindu culture, food is seen as an offering from the divine, and prayers before meals are a way to express gratitude for the food and the nourishment it provides. It is a means of honoring the divine forces that sustain life and bless humanity with sustenance. 2. Deities to Worship Before Meals Several deities are traditionally associated with food, nourishment, health, and protection. These include: Ganesha : The remover of obstacles and the deity who ensures the smooth completion of all tasks. Goddess Annapurna : The goddess of nourishment and food. Goddess Shakumbha...