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Showing posts from November 20, 2014


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.