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Showing posts from October, 2015


Onam Pookalam 2006

Talk about Onam in Kerala and one of the first images that come to mind is that of the flower bed or floral (designs) arrangements known as Pookalam or Athapookalam. Onam Pookalam year 2006 designs are given below. The traditional Onapookalam usually consists of ten rings indicating the ten day ritual during the ten day celebrations of Onam which begins on Atham and ends on Thiru Onam in the month of Chingam (August – September). Onam 2006 Pookalam Photos Related Onam Pookalam 2005

Panchamrut Recipe

Panchamrut is a unique offering made for Gods especially by Hindus during important puja, festivals, and rituals like Diwali etc. Here is a brief recipe of Panchamrut prepared by Marathi and Hindi speaking people. The recipe prepared using equal quantity of honey, ghee, sugar, yogurt and milk. The above said five ingredients are mixed properly. It is first offered as Prasad or naivedya to deities worshipped in home. Later it is distributed among family members, friends and neighbors. Please note that the Panchamrut in the famous Palani Temple in Tamil Nadu in South India is made using an entirely different set of ingredients.

Diwali Decoration Ideas and Tips

The festival of light, Diwali , is one of the biggest festivals of India . Celebrated in the Kartik Month (October – November) every year, it remains that time of the year when everyone irrespective of his or her busy schedule, takes out time to clean the whole house, and decorate it in a manner so that it looks fresh and beautiful. There is no denying the fact that the whole process of giving a facelift to the house is a time consuming task. However, if you are too tied up with your work and don't have the time to renovate the home before the festival, here are some of the tips to quickly make your home look special and sparkling new. One at a Time… Cleaning every corner of the house before Diwali makes one feel good, however it needs lots of effort and time. Taking up one room everyday can lessen this hassle. Just take out little time from your schedule and clean one division of the home everyday. This will reduce the exertion and on the Diwali you can just concentrate

Diwali Messages and Sayings

Popular Diwali messages and sayings: This Diwali let us give thanks for all we hold dear: Our health, our family, our friends and to the grace of God which never ends. Let us release our grudges, anger and pains, for these are nothing but binding chains. Let us vow to live each day in the most pious, God-conscious way. Let us vow to serve all who are in need, regardless of race, caste, gender or creed. Let us vow to keep Lord in our heart, to chant His name each day at the start. Let us vow to lead the world from darkness to light, from falsehood to truth, and from wrong to right. And let us vow to remember that we are all one, embracing all, discriminating against none. May this Diwali be filled with prosperity and peace, and love and joy which doesn't cease. May you have success in all you do. And may God's blessings be showered upon you.

Onam Pookalam 2005 – Photos of Pookkalam in 2005 Onam

Important photographs of Pookalam in 2005. Talk about Onam in Kerala and one of the first images that come to mind is that of the flower bed or floral (designs) arrangements known as Pookalam or Athapookalam. Onam Pookalam 2005 designs are given below. The traditional Onapookalam usually consists of ten rings indicating the ten day ritual during the ten day celebrations of Onam which begins on Atham and ends on Thiru Onam in the month of Chingam (August – September).  Related Onam Pookalam 2004 Onam Pookalam 2006

Live Online from Singapore Sri Mariamman Temple - Live Streaming of Arrival of Sri Mariamman’s Silver Chariot Procession on Mobile and Internet

The Silver Chariot Procession at the Sri Mariamman Temple in Singapore attracts thousands of Hindu devotees. The festival is aired live online. The live streaming is available on the internet and mobile. The living streaming is available on October 30 and October 31, 2015 and early morning hours of November 1. You can view the live streaming if available here – Live Online Arrival of Sri Mariamman’s Silver Chariot Procession October 30 - October 31 October 31 - November 1

Markandeya Utsav at Kudal

Markandeya Utsav is annually observed in Margashirsh month. There is not much information about this festival and where it is held as there are two town named Kudal in Maharashtra. Markandeya Utsav 2024 date is December 22. Markandeya Utsav is annually held on Margashirsha Krishna Paksha Saptami Tithi or the seventh day during the waxing phase of moon in Margashirsh month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Yellamma Devi Yatra at Gavhan Village near Tasgaon

Yellamma Devi Yatra is organized in Margashirsh month. It is an important fair and festival at Yellamma Devi Temple at Gavhan Village near Tasgaon in Maharashtra. The annual ritual attracts hundreds of devotees. Yellamma Devi Yatra 2024 date is December 22. Yellamma Devi is popular rural deity in certain regions of Maharashtra. She is a village deity and also a family deity. People from nearby villages and towns participate in the jatra. Yellamma Devi is annually held on Margashirsha Krishna Paksha Saptami Tithi or the seventh day during the waxing phase of moon in Margashirsh  month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Onam Pookalam 2004 – Photos of Pookkalam in 2004 Onam

Important photographs of Pookalam in 2004. Talk about Onam in Kerala and one of the first images that come to mind is that of the flower bed or floral (designs) arrangements known as Pookalam or Athapookalam. Onam Pookalam 2004 designs are given below. The traditional Onapookalam usually consists of ten rings indicating the ten day ritual during the ten day celebrations of Onam which begins on Atham and ends on Thiru Onam in the month of Chingam (August – September).  Onam Pookalam Photos 2004 Below are photos of pookalams made by various cultural organizations.  Click on the images for a larger view . Related Onam Pookalam 2005

Soan in Telangana – Hindu Temples and Sacred Places in Soan in Adilabad District in Telangana

Soan is located on the banks of Godavari River in Adilabad District in Telangana. There are numerous Hindu temples and sacred places located at Soan especially near the Godavari River. The banks of Godavari River here is known as 'Pinda Pradanam' center. This is because for centuries 100 Madhva Brahmin families residing here have been practicing the religious rites on the banks of the river. Taking a holy dip and performing shradh, tarpan and pinda daan to ancestors in Godavari River at Soan is considered highly meritorious. Thousands of devotees take dip here during auspicious days. The spot attracts a huge crowd during the Godavari Pushkaram, which is held once in twelve years. The most famous Hindu temple located at Soan is the Lakshmi Venkateshwara Swami Temple – dedicated to Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Dattanand Swami Mutt located at Soan attracts hundreds of devotees daily. Soan is located in Nirmal Mandal and Nirmal town is around 12 km from here.

Periyapatna Temple - Masanikamma Temple at Periyapatna in Karnataka

Masanikamma Temple at Periyapatna in Karnataka is dedicated to Mother Goddess Shakti. She is worshipped here as Goddess Masanikamma. The temple attracts devotees from all regions in Karnataka and from neighboring Kerala and Tamil Nadu states. She is worshiped by devotees to get rid of evil. She is also a fertility deity. Legend has it that a girl who worshiped a particular form of Mother Goddess was harassed by her family. Unable to tolerate the attitude of the family especially of her father, she jumped into a boiling limestone and got melted. The fishermen who saw the incident worshiped her. A voice in the heaven asked them to worship her as she will bring peace and prosperity. After a few days a murti (idol) appeared from the limestone and she was known as Urimasani. She later became Masanikamma. Later on many kings of the region had the fortune of getting help from her in battles. She was thus worshipped before going into battles. The kings who became devotees of her

Panchamrit Snan and Samagri Needed

Panchamrit Snan is a unique Hindu ritual performed by Hindus. Food Samagri are offered to Gods in the ritual. In Panchamrit Snan, five puja samagri are poured on the small idol or murti of gods. The five items that are used in Panchamrit Snan Milk Yoghurt Honey Ghee and Sugar First milk yoghurt is offered, then honey, then ghee, then sugar and finally milk. Only very small quantity of the above said ritual are used in the Snan.

Lotus Flower in Hinduism – Significance and Symbolism

Lotus Flower is one of the most popular symbols in Hindu religion. It is believed that Lord Brahma emerged from the navel of Lord Vishnu sitting on a lotus. Goddess Saraswati, the Hindu Goddess of learning, is shown sitting on a lotus. Lotus flower is a symbol of eternity, plenty and good fortune and Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, is usually depicted with a lotus flower. The symbolism of Lotus flower is mentioned in the 5th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita by Lord Krishna: One who does all work as an offering to the Lord, abandoning attachment to the results, is as untouched by sin (or Karmic reaction) as a lotus leaf is untouched by water. (5.10). Thus Lotus is a symbol of purity and enlightenment amid ignorance (the smutty swamps in which it grows). Lotus in spite of being in water never gets wet. It is not bothered about its surrounding but it blooms and performs its job and vanishes. The ultimate aim of living beings is to perform its karma without bother

Diwali Activities and Ideas for kids – preschoolers – kindergarten

Diwali is one of the most special times of the year. There are several Diwali ideas and activities for of kids, school goers, children – preschoolers – kindergarten. The best way to introduce Diwali festival is by making clay diyas or lamps. Get some good clay. Demonstrate to children how to make environment friendly diyas or clay lamps. Talk to them about the importance of lamp in Diwali festival. You can teach them to make simple and small Diwali lanterns. Various small decoration pieces for Diwali using paper. A painting on Diwali. A painting of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman returning to Ayodhya on the Pushpak Vimana, or flying machine, with people lighting lamps. This can be a real fun activity for children as they can imagine flying machine and each can create a different one.

Sage Gautama And Ahalya

Story of Ahalya, wife of Sage Gautama, is from epic Ramayana. The story involving Sage Gautama and Ahalya is found in the Bala Kanda chapter of Ramayan. Bhagavan Sri Ram touches a stone near the Ashram of Sage Gautama and it suddenly turns into a woman. This was Ahalya who was cursed by her husband to become a stone. The unearthly beauty of Ahalya infatuated Indra, the king of demigods. He attempted to seduce her by taking the form of Sage Gautama. Ahalya did not stop the advances of Indra, although Ahalya knew it was not her husband who was approaching her. Sage Gautama, who had gone for his morning bath, suddenly returned and Indra took the form of a cat and escaped from the ashram. Sage Gautama realized through his yogic powers what had happened. He cursed his wife, turning her to stone, and put a curse on Indra as well. It is said that Indra was cursed to roam around with 1000 vaginas on his body. Later Indra did penance and turned the vaginas into eyes. Another Puran

Deulgaon Raja Balaji Temple near Jalna in Buldhana - Shri Balaji Devasthan in Deulgaon Raja

Deulgaon Raja Balaji Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Balaji or Lord Venkateswara. It is located at Deulgaon Raja near Jalna in Buldhana District. Shri Balaji Devasthan is around 24 km from Jalna. Legend has it that during ancient times it was impossible for the people of the region to visit the Tirupati Balaji Temple. It is said that on the request of devotees Balaji manifested here at Duelgaon Raja. Lord Venkateswara is worshipped here along with Goddess Lakshmi. The murtis are made using five precious metals. The most important festival in the temple is organized during Navratri (October) and it is known as Laleet. Huge poles are erected during the period, which falls down at the end of the festival.

Reclining Idol of Ganesha – Symbolism and Importance of the Sleeping Idol of Ganesh

Reclining idols of Ganesha are very rare and is mostly seen in paintings and sculptures. Vinayaka Chaturthi pandals give importance to sleeping form of Ganesha and is installed during the festival. There are some symbolisms associated with Sleeping Idol of Ganesha. The popular belief is that reclining pose of Ganesha symbolizes wealth, luxury, comfort and prosperity.  In such murtis, Ganesha reclines on a pillow. Sleeping murti of baby Ganesha is very popular but it is not worshipped. Reclining and sleeping pose Ganesh is rarely worshipped in homes.

Diwali in Kerala

Diwali is not widely celebrated in Kerala. In Kerala, Deepavali is observed to commemorate the killing of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Diwali in Kerala in 2024 is on October 31. This is observed on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi in Tula Masam as per traditional Malayalam Calendar mostly a day before Diwali in North India. The only ritual that is followed in Kerala during Diwali is ritualistic bathing in the early morning hours by applying oil on head and on the body. Lighting of crackers is another ritual that is enthusiastically done in many regions in Kerala.  

Story – Sage Bhrigu’s Curse on Agni

Sage Bhrigu’s curse on Agni narrates how Agni came to devour everything that is there on earth. Sage Bhrigu married Puloma who was  famous for beauty. Beauty of Puloma was also admired by a demon. Puloma knew about the demon’s intention but she did not care about it. Years went by and once the demon happened to see Puloma but he could not recognize her. He enquired to a sage standing nearby as to who the woman was? The sage was Agni in disguise. When the demon understood it was puloma, he wanted to know where he can see and talk to her. The sage replied that she can be seen and talked to only if Sage Bhrigu allows and for this you have to go to the ashram of Sage Bhrigu. The old desire was reignited and the demon decided to kidnap Puloma. Puloma was pregant at this time and when the demon tried to forcefully take her away, the child fell from her womb. The boundless light that appeared from the baby annhilated the demon. Sage Bhrigu who realized that it

Bommghatta Hanuman Temple – Hulikunteraya Hanuman Temple near Bellary in Karnataka

Bommghatta Hanuman Temple is popularly known as Hulikunteraya or Hulikunteswamy Temple. This ancient shrine is dedicated to Ram Bhakt Hanuman. The temple is located about 80 km from Bellary, 23 km from Kudligi and 55 km from Hampi. Legend has it that the murti of Hanuman worshipped in temple was discovered by a cowherd, named Bommaiah, in a grass bush. As the murti was found under the bush of grass on the banks of a water tank, the murti has been named as Hulikunteswamy. It is said that the murti was hidden in a grass for long time. Then a divine cow and calf joined among the cows of a cowherd. The cow started giving large quantity of milk. But one day it started giving milk. The cowherd then noticed that the cow was shedding her milk near a bush. When the cow realized that the cowherd had seen her shedding milk it disappeared. The cowherd then checked the area and found the divine murti of Hanuman. There are murtis of Shiva, Sri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Anjaneya and Garuda

Budhi Diwali Festival at Nirmand Village in Kullu in Himachal Pradesh

Budhi Diwali festival at Nirmand Village in Kullu in Himachal Pradesh is observed from Margashirsha Amavasya for three days. In 2024, Budhi Diwali is on December 1. This is the no moon day in the next month after the Diwali. Also known as Dark Diwali, Budhi Diwali is observed because the villagers here believe that the news of Sri Ram returning to Ayodhya reached late in the remote villages in the region. Bonfires are lit on the nights of the festival and people sing and dance on stories in the Mahabharata. Hindustan Times reports  Pritam Dev, a resident of Nirmand village, said in the district, the festival was celebrated to commemorate the killing of the demons, Dano and Asur, who resided there in form of snakes. “Buddhi Diwali festival is our rich cultural heritage, which reminds our epic culture of Ramayana, besides adopting modernity in the festival,” said another resident Joginder Shukla. “According to the ritual, in day time people dance in long chain according t

Diwali in Maharashtra – Mumbai – Pune - Nashik

Diwali is the most popular festival associated with Hindu religion. Diwali 2024 date in Maharashtra – Mumbai – Pune - Nashik is November 1. Diwali literally means ‘an array of lamps’ and symbolizes the removal of spiritual darkness and the ushering in of knowledge capable of realizing Brahman (That) – the Supreme Being present in all living and nonliving. Diwali Dates In 2024 In Maharashtra Govatsa Dwadashi and Vasubaras on October 28 Dhanteras  or Dhantrayodashi or Yamadeepdaan  is on October 29 Narak Chaturdashi on October 31 Diwali on November 1 Lakshmi Puja on November 1 Abhyang Snan - November 1 Govardhan Puja – November 2 Annakut - November 2 Abhyang Snan - November 2 Diwali Padwa – November 2 Bali Pratipada – November 2 Bhau Beej – November 3 Yama Dwitiya – November 3 Diwali is celebrated by all Hindu communities but the reasons and legends differ from place to place and from community to community. The most important legend associated with Diwali i

Diwali Puja Vidhi

Diwali Puja Vidhi in pdf is an edited version of the Hindi Diwali Lakshmi Puja provided by Gurutva Jyothish Kariayalaya. The most important puja performed on Diwali is the Lakshmi Puja dedicated to the Hindu Goddess of prosperity, luck and wealth. Legend has it that Goddess Lakshmi visits each home on the day. People perform Lakshmi Puja on the day for peace, prosperity, material wealth and spiritual wealth. The popular belief is that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes on the day and she is welcomed by keeping the premises clean and neat. Link  –  Diwali Puja Vidhi in pdf Related How to perform Lakshmi Puja on Diwali in English?

Diwali History

Diwali is believed to have first observed during Treta Yuga when Bhagavan Sri Ram was present on earth. The history of Diwali festival is unknown and untraceable. Hindus have been observing it since time immemorial. As per Hindu beliefs, Diwali marks the day when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya, along with Mata Sita Lakshman and Hanuman, from a forced exile after defeating Ravana, the ultimate force of evil, in His time. In South India, Diwali is wbelieved to be the day when Lord Krishna annihilated Demon Narakasura and restored Dharma. In addition to Hindus, Sikhs celebrate Diwali in commemoration of the release of the Sixth Guru, Hargobind, from captivity by the Mughal Emperor Jehangir. Jains recognize Diwali as the day Lord Mahavira, the last of the Tirthankaras, attained Nirvana, or liberation, after his death in 527 BCE.

Diwali in Bangalore - Karnataka 2024

Diwali is the most popular festival associated with Hindu religion. Diwali 2024 date in Bangalore, Karnataka, is November 12. Diwali literally means ‘an array of lamps’ and symbolizes the removal of spiritual darkness and the ushering in of knowledge capable of realizing Brahman (That) – the Supreme Being present in all living and nonliving. Diwali in Bangalore - Karnataka Diwali on October 31 Lakshmi Puja on October 31 Bali Pratipada on November 2 and  Yama Dwitiya on November 3 Diwali is celebrated by all Hindu communities but the reasons and legends differ from place to place and from community to community. The most important legend associated with Diwali is the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. It is believed that people lit lamps on the day to welcome Lord Rama and Mata Sita. In Banglore, Karnataka, Diwali is observed to commemorate the victory of Lord Krishna over Narakasura. Lakshmi Puja during Diwali is observed as it is believed that

Death during Diwali in the Family – Before or After

Many people have various worries regarding death of a family member during Diwali especially before or after. Please note that the usual procedure is that family members do not celebrate Diwali if death has happened before the festival. There is nothing else associated with the unfortunate event in the family. Avoid being superstitious. There is nothing in Hindu scriptures that suggest that death before or after Diwali is inauspicious. The scary ideas are mere superstitions and should be completely ignored. Do Shradh, Tarpan and Pinda Daan as per your community belief. Donating food or clothes on the birthday of the deceased is highly meritorious.

Eachanari Vinayagar Temple in Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu – Eachanari Temple on Kovai – Pollachi Road

Located on Pollachi Main Road in Coimbatore , Eachanari Vinayagar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Ganesha. The temple is around 10 km from Coimbatore on the road from Kovai to Pollachi. Legend has it that the Murti of Ganesha worshipped in the temple was meant to be installed at Patteswarar Temple in Perur but the vehicle carrying the murti got stuck at Eachanari and the deity got installed here. The most important ritual in the temple is Ganapathy Homam, which is conducted every day at 5:30 AM. Every day there is also the procession of the deity atop a golden chariot. The temple observes all important Tamil festivals and the most popular being the Vinayaka Chaturthi (August – September).

Diwali and Chhath Puja

Diwali and Chhath Puja are observed in Kartik month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in North India. Diwali and Chhath Puja 2024 date – Diwali is on October 31. Chhath date in 2024 is November 7 and November 8. Diwali is observed on Kartik Amavasya. Chhath Puja is observed on for four days starting from Kartik Shukla Paksha Chaturthi to Kartik Shukla Paksha Saptami.  The main rituals are observed on Sashti and Saptami. Chhath fasting is mainly observed in Bihar, eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh and in some parts of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal. Diwali is observed in all regions in India. Chhath Puja is dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun) and Lord Kartikeya or Skanda. People undertake this fasting for the wellbeing and prosperity of the family. It is believed that people get their wishes fulfilled, if they observe Chhath. 

Pandikoil in Madurai in Tamil Nadu Famous for Devotees Getting Possessed by the temple deity, Pandi Ayya

Devotees getting possessed by the temple deity and communicating through them are a common feature many temples across India . One such popular shrine is the Pandikoil in Madurai in Tamil Nadu and the deity worshipped here is Pandi Ayya. Times of India reportsDevotees getting possessed by the temple deity and communicating through them are a common feature many temples across India . One such popular shrine is the Pandikoil in Madurai in Tamil Nadu and the deity worshipped here is Pandi Ayya. Times of India reports  Those entering Pandikoil in Madurai , however, break out into 'oohs' and 'aahs'. With their eyes glazing over, some seem to go into trance and start pronouncing judgments and giving solutions to problems that people come up with. On a recent Sunday morning, V Chellamma from Kariapatti prophesied to a childless woman, "You will come with a heavy belly next Masi month (Feb - March)," applying vibhuti on her forehead. The woman and her

Sri Darpa Sayana Rama – About Sri Darpasayana Rama form of Bhagavan Sri Ram

Sri Darpana Sayana Rama is a unique form of Bhagavan Sri Ram. In Sri Darpanasayana Rama form, Bhagavan Sri Ram sleeps on a bed made of Darpan or kusha grass. He is waiting for Lord Varuna to appear and help him in crossing the ocean to reach Lanka and save Mata Sita. Sri Ram had requested Lord Varuna to help him but he was yet to respond. Sri Darpa Sayana Rama form of Ram is worshipped as a subsidiary deity at the famous Thirupullani Temple near Rameswaram. In the shrine, we see Lakshmana in the form of Adi Shesha forming a bed for Sri Ram. Related Rama’s Anger against Varuna, the Sea God, in Ramayana

Karinjeshwara Temple Bantwal in Karnataka

Mahathobahara Shree Karinjeshwara Temple is located at Kavalamudoor Village, which is 2.5 km off Vagga Village on Bantwal – Dharmastal state highway. Situated atop a hill at an altitude of 1000 feet, Karinjeshwara Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. The shrine dedicated Goddess Parvati, is located midway on the hill. It is believed that Bhagvan Sri Ram and Lakshman visited the shrine when they were searching for Mata Sita. Pandavas too lived here during their exile period in the Mahabharata. Two water bodies believed to have created by Bhima and Arjuna can be found here. Gadateertha was created by Bhima using his mace or Gada. Varaha Tirtha sprung when Arjuna struck an arrow on the hill. Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Ganesha are located midway on the hill. The most important ritual in the temple is observed on Bheemna Amavasya in Ashada month. Other important festivals in the temple are Ugadi, Vrishabha Sankramana, Simha Sankramana, Naga Panchami, Ganes

Matangeshwar Mahadev – Matangeshwar Form of Shiva – 60th Shiva Temple in Ujjain

Matangeshwar Mahadev is worshipped in  Ujjain  in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 84 forms of Shiva worshipped in  Ujjain . This form of Shiva is associated with providing Brahma Gyan to Matang The temple dedicated to Matangeshwar Mahadev is located at Pinjar Wadi This form of Shiva is worshipped for attaining knowledge of Brahman, which will help in attaining moksha. Matangeshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in  Ujjain  and it is the 60th temple visited during the parikarama of Shiavalayas here. Story of Matangeshwar Mahadev Matang was born in a pious family but he was indulged in performing cruel acts from a very young age. A holy person once told Matang that he is performing cruel acts due to his bad karma in previous life. Matang then wanted to know how to overcome the bad karma. The holy person advised him to perform prayers to Indra. He then performed intense austerities for several years. Finally, Indra appeared before him and