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Showing posts from November, 2015


Renuka Yatra at Mhaswad in Satara District in Maharashtra

Renuka Yatra at Mhaswad is observed in Margashirsh month. This is the annual fair and festival at the Renuka temple at Mhaswad in Satara District in Maharashtra. In 2024, it will be observed on December 26. Goddess Renuka is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga and is popular in rural culture as Mother Goddess. This annual jatra attracts thousands of devotees. Special rituals are observed on the occasion. Mhaswad Renuka Yatra is annually held on Margashirsha Krishna Paksha Ekadasi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning phase of moon in Margashirsh month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Bhairava – Understanding the Kal Bhairav form of Hindu God Shiva

Bhairava or Kal Bhairava, is one of the most terrible and angry form of Shiva – an attempt by human mind to give form to the anger of the Supreme Being. The popular legend associated with the Bhairava form of Shiva is that of Him cutting off the fifth head of Brahma. He did this to punish Brahma for his unethical and uncontrolled lust. Bhairava is often depicted with scowl, angry eyes and flaming hair. He is naked and wears a garland of skulls and a coiled snake about his neck. In his four hands he carries a noose, trident, drum, and skull. A black dog always accompanies Bhairava. Some Hindu scriptures talks about different manifestations of Bhairava . Such text detail about eight manifestations, which includes Kala (black), Asitanga (with black limbs), Sanhara (destruction), Ruru (hound), Krodha (anger), Kapala (Skull), Rudra (storm) and Unmatta (raging). Ashtami or eighth day after full moon (Krishna Paksha or waxing phase of moon) is dedicated to Bhairava

Importance of tying red, yellow, black threads on hand in Hinduism

Tying red threads on the wrist of right hand is considered highly meritorious and auspicious by many Hindus. The red thread or rakshasutra or charadu or Mauli has the blessing of the deity in a temple. The thread is tied after blessings of the deity and special pujas in a temple or sacred place. Different colors of thread are used like red, yellow, black and orange. In North India, it is believed that the red thread brings fame, power and saves from evil. When a person ties the red thread – Brahma blesses the person with fame, Vishnu bless the person with power and Shiva saves him from all evil. In South India, people tie yellow, red, orange and black color threads. Black color is believed to protect a person from all evil. It is also tied to overcome fear. Threads is South India are mostly associated with Goddess Shakti temples especially Mariamman, Devi and Bhadrakali.

Jalahalli Ayyappa Temple Timings – Puja and Darshan – Opening and Closing Time

Jalahalli Ayyappa Temple is a popular Ayyappan shrine located at Jalahalli area of Bengaluru. It is one of the popular Ayyappa temples outside Kerala. Below is the detail temple timings. Please note that the puja and darshan time will be shortened during Grahan or eclipse. There will change in opening and closing time during important rituals and festivals. Jalahalli Ayyappa Temple Puja and Darshan Time Morning opening time – 5:30 AM to 11:00 AM Evening closing and opening time – 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM Special rituals like Bhasmaabhishekam are only held on Saturday Detail morning timing Nirmalyam – 5:40 AM Abhishekam – 5:50 AM Ganapathi Homam – 6:15 AM Usha Puja – 8:00 AM Uchha Puja – 10:30 AM Evening Puja Timings Deeparadhana – 6:50 PM Athazha Puja – 8:00 PM Harivarasanam – 8:25 PM

Story of Sri Krishna and Giant Crane

To kill infant Krishna , Kamsa had deputed several demons. One of them took the form a Giant Crane and tried to kill Sri Krishna. The demon who took the form of Crane was called Baka (Bakasura) and he was the sister of Putana, who had earlier failed in her attempt to harm Krishna by feeding poisoned breast milk. Baka took the form of a giant crane and carried Sri Krishna away in his beak. He then attempted to swallow Krishna . To escape from the throat of the bird, Sri Krishna produced intense heat. The bird felt as if it had swallowed burning coal. The bird threw infant Krishna out. Then the bird attempted to kill Sri Krishna by biting. But Krishna caught hold of the beak and tore it apart. He thus killed demon Baka.

Story of Ganesha as Mayureshwar

Ganesha appeared as Mayureshwar in the Treta Yuga. This is one of the Swayambhu forms of Ganesh. Legend has it that Goddess Parvati wished to have a son. Shiva asked her to meditate chanting the mantra ‘GAM.’ Goddess Parvati meditated in the Lenyadri hills chanting the mantra for 12 years. Ganapati then appeared before her and granted her the boon that He will be born as her son. In due course of time Ganesha was born to Goddess Parvati. Once child Ganesha pushed a large egg down from a mango tree, and when he did so, the egg cracked and out came a peacock. He made the peacock his vehicle and came to be known as Mayureshwar. The purpose of Swayambhu (that which appeared by itself) Mayureshwar was to annihilate Demon Sindhu who had attained great powers after getting boons from Surya, the sun god. Sindhu got the boon to rule the three worlds and was given amrita – nectar of immortality in a bowl which was ever filled. Surya put the condition that if ever the bowl was br

Dasaratha's Curse – Story of the Curse on Dasharatha in the Ramayana

Story of the Curse on Dasharatha is found in the Aranya Kanda of Ramayana. King Dasaratha was a great warrior and he had even helped Indra in the war in against demons. He was one of the greatest archers and could hit an arrow on target by merely listening to the source of the sound. One day the king was on a hunting expedition near a forest in Ayodhya. The king could not find any animal for a long period of time. Then he suddenly heard a sound of some animal drinking water. He shot an arrow in the direction of the sound and suddenly he heard the cry of a man. To his utter dismay, the king found that he had shot a young man. The young man was Shravan Kumar a devoted son. He used to carry his blind parents in baskets by tying the baskets to the two ends of a strong pole. When the unfortunate incident took place, young Shravan Kumar was collecting water for his blind parents. Shravan Kumar pardoned Dasaratha but requested him to take water to his old blind parents.

Calendar in Hindi 2016 – Download Hindi Language Calendar 2016 for free - Hindi Calendar 2016

The Hindi calendar 2016 is provided by the website ashram. It has marked all the important festivals and tithi in the Hindi language. The 2016 Hindi calendar is not in pdf format but in picture format. You can save it each month for your personal use. You can find Hindi language calendar 2016 here at the official website of Ashram.

Anklets In Hindu Religion – Why Hindu Women Wear Anklets?

Anklets are an important ornament of Hindu women. It is a must for many communities in Hinduism. There are Hindu women who never appear in public without wearing anklets. Anklets are usually made of silver or gold and are worn on the ankle which joins it to the toe. Some unmarried women wear a black thread on the right ankle. It is believed that the silver anklets help in retaining positive energy. Some people believe that it helps in providing relief from joint pains. This is not scientifically proved. It is also believed that the sound made by the anklets alert people about the arrival of women – who can then behave appropriately and stop any indecent work they are doing. It is again believed that the sound of anklets drive away negative energy. A black thread worn on right leg is also to keep away bad elements. Anklets are worn on both legs by Hindu women.

Hindu Calendar 2016 with Tithi in pdf – Download Hindu Calendar 2016 in English for free in pdf

Hindu Calendar with Tithi in pdf for free download is in English and is based on Hindu Calendar 2016 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 2016 dates are marked in the calendar. Link  –  Download Hindu Calendar 2016 with Tithi in pdf The calendar is based on Purnimat system. In this system a traditional Hindu month begins after Purnima or full moon day.

Story of Matsyendranath

Matsyendranath is one of the foremost teachers of the Nath tradition and he is the Guru of Gorakhnath, the founder of the Natha tradition. Matsyendra was the first human being who brought down the secret of Yoga for the benefit of humanity from Lord Shiva. The story of Matsyendranath has numerous hidden symbolism. Legend has it that Matsyendranath started life as a fish in the ocean. He lived in a small pond in an island. One day Goddess Parvati wanted to know the reason for the existence of the world as experienced through the senses. This was a deep and profound knowledge. Shiva did not want to share it with anyone. But he could not displease Mother Goddess, so to enlighten her she took her to an island. The only inhabitant of the island was a fish who lived in a pond. The fish overheard Shiva revealing the secrets of Yoga to his consort, Goddess Parvati on the uninhabited island. Creation, dissolution, transformation, the illusion all were discussed by Shiva and Shakt

Dev Rameshwar Dahi Kala at Natal near Kariwade in Kolhapur

Dev Rameshwar Dahi Kala is annually observed in Margashirsh month. It is an important ritual at the Dev Rameshwar Temple at Natal near Kariwade, Kolhapur, Maharashtra. This unique annual festival is famous for various rituals and participation of a large number of people. Dev Rameshwar Dahi Kala 2024 date is December 26. Natal Dev Rameshwar Mandir is traditionally decorated with flowers, leaves, traditional lamps and lights. The day is of importance to the villagers. People from nearby towns and villages arrive to participate in this annual ritual. Dev Rameshwar Dahi Kala is annually held on Margashirsha Krishna Paksha Ekadasi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning phase of moon in Margashirsh month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Yellammadevi Yatra at Khanderajuri near Miraj in Maharashtra – Yellamma Devi Festival

The annual Yellamma Devi Yatra at Khanderajuri is held in Margashirsh month. The festival dedicated to Goddess Yellamma Devi attracts hundreds of devotees. Yellamma Devi Yatra 2024 date is December 26. Khanderajuri is located around 17 km from Miraj and 24 km from Sangli. The annual yatra is also noted for a fair. The ritual involves journey to the shrine and palki yatra. Khanderajuri Yellamma Devi Temple is magnificently decorated during the period traditionally with flowers, leaves, traditional lamps and lights. The day is of importance to the villagers. People from nearby towns and villages arrive to participate in this annual fair and festival. Important rituals, which are held only once in a year, happen during the period Khanderajuri Yellamma Devi Yatra is annually held on Margashirsha Krishna paksha Ekadasi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning phase of moon as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Vaijayantimala of Hindu God Vishnu – Symbolism of Vaijayanti Mala Associated with Vishnu

Vaijayantimala is the necklace that Hindu God Vishnu wears around his neck. It is known as Pncharupa. Vaijayantimala is made of five kinds of precious gems. Symbolically it is the collective form of Panchatanmatras and Panchabutas. The five gems that are part of it are pearl or moti, manik or ruby, maratagam or emerald, indranilam or blue sapphire and Hira or diamond. The five gems also symbolizes the five elements – water, fire, earth, air and ether. It must be noted here that Vaijayanti Mala is also made using five flowers. The mala made using Vaijayanti seed found in Braj is also known as Vaijayantimala. It is believed that Sri Krishna made necklace out of the beads and presented it to Radha

Somjai Devi Ratha Yatra at Shrivardhan in Raigad, Maharashtra

Somjai Devi Ratha Yatra is annually observed in Margashirsh month. It is the most important fair and festival at the Somjai Devi Temple at Shrivardhan in Raigad, Maharashtra. The Rath Yatra, or chariot festival, is famous for various rituals and participation of a large number of people. Somjai Devi Yatra 2024 date is December 24. Somjai Devi Mandir is magnificently decorated during the period traditionally with flowers, leaves, traditional lamps and lights. The day is of importance to the villagers. People from nearby towns and villages arrive to participate in this annual fair and festival. Important rituals, which are held only once in a year, happen during the period. Somjai Devi Yatra is annually held on Margashirsha Krishna Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day during the waning phase of moon in Margashirsh month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Sevagiri Maharaj Punyatithi Utsav at Pusegaon in Satara

Sevagiri Maharaj Punyatithi Utsav is annually observed in Margashirsh month. It is the death anniversary of Brahmaleen Siddhahast Yogi Param Pujya Sadguru Shree Sevagiri Maharaj. The day is of great significance at Pusegaon near Khatav in Satara, Maharashtra. Sevagiri Maharaj Punyatithi Utsav 2024 date is December 24. Samadhi of Sri Sevagiri Maharaj is located at Pusegaon. Sevagiri Maharaj spread the teachings of Santana Dharma. He strived for social equality through charity, education and love. Thousands of devotees participate in the various activities organized on the day. Philanthropic activities, food donation and satsang are the major highlights of the day. Sevagiri Maharaj Punyatithi is annually held on Margashirsha Krishna Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day during the waning phase of moon in Margashirsh month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Temple of Karuppu Swami and Valiya Kadutha at Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple

There are a couple of small shrines in and around the main Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple . The most famous among them is the temple of Malikapurathamma and the sacred space dedicated to Vavar Swamy – the Muslim warrior friend of Ayyappa. Other popular small shrines are that of Karuppu Swami and Valiya Kadutha. The temple of Karuppasamy is located on the right side of the Pathinettam Padi or the eighteen holy steps. The small shrine of Valiya Kadutha is located on the left side of holy steps. The temple of Karuppu Swami also includes the murti of Karuppai Amma. They both were people from forest who helped Lord Ayyappa in his divine mission and are believed to have divine power. Valiya Kadutha is also an attendant of Lord Ayyappa. Please note that there is another shrine of Kochu Kadutha near the Malikappuram Temple and this deity is a warrior who fought along with Ayyappa. Before climbing the Pathinettam Padi or the eighteen holy steps devotees offer a to

Ramvardayani and Navalai Devi Yatra at Khavali in Satara

Ramvardayani and Navalai Devi Yatra is annually held in Margashirsh month. This is the most important annual fair and festival at the Ramvardayani and Navalai Devi Temple at Khavali near Satara in Maharashtra. In 2024, it will be held on December 23. The temple is beautifully decorated during the period traditionally with flowers, leaves, traditional lamps and lights. The day is of importance to the villagers. People from nearby towns and villages arrive to participate in this annual fair and festival. Important rituals are held during the period. Ramvardayani and Navalai Devi Yatra is annually held on Margashirsha Krishna Paksha Ashtami tithi or the eighth day during the waning phase of moon in Margashirsh month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Shivdav Yatra at Kankavali in Maharashtra

Shivdav is a village near Kankavli in Sindhudurg District in Maharashtra. Shivdav Yatra is annually held in Margashirsha Month. Hundreds of people participate in this annual jatra. Shivdav Yatra 2024 date is December 24. The day is of importance to the villagers. People from nearby towns and villages arrive to participate in this annual fair and festival. Shivdav Yatra is annually held on Margashirsha Krishna Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day during the waning phase of moon in Margashirsh month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Mahabharata Paintings on Ganjifa Cards

The game of Ganjifa Cards was very popular in ancient India. The cards contain hand painted images of aspects of Hindu tradition. The Mahabharata paintings on Ganjifa cards narrate the story of epic Mahabharat. There are a total of 12 cards in this collection. Link  – You can view the story of Mahabharata on Ganjifa cards here at the  Indira Gandhi National Centre of Arts website.

Symbolism of Flying Whisk or Chamara in Hinduism

Flying whisk or Chamara is associated with many Hindu gods and goddesses. It is a symbol of royalty and is associated with Goddess Ganga, Gayatri, Yamuna and Lord Vishnu. Today, mostly Hindu priests and community leaders of some sects use Chamara. Pictures of deities holding Chamara are very rare. They are also today not part of the murti (idol) worshipped.

Aryankavu Ayyappa Temple - Story - Marriage Festival

The Ayyappa Temple at Aryankavu in Kollam District is one among the five most important temples dedicated to Ayyappa in Kerala. The shrine at Aryankavu is known as Aryankavu Sastha Temple and Ayyappa is depicted as a teenager (young boy) here. Ayyappa is known as Tiruaryan here and therefore the place got the name Aryankavu. The temple is famous for the thirukalyanam or marriage festival annually in December. Surrounded by forests, the temple is located on the Trivandrum – Tenkasi National Highway . Just like in Sabarimala, women from the age 10 to 50 are not allowed inside the Aryankavu Ayyappa Temple . The rituals and pujas followed at Aryankavu Sastha Temple is that of Tamil tradition. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple has idols of Devi, Shiva and Sastha. A young Ayyappa sits in the middle with Devi on the left side and Shiva on the right side. The festival at the temple is celebrated during the last days of the Sabarimala Mandala Kalam. The mos

42 Days from Makar Sankranti These Villages in Himachal Pradesh Don’t Make Noise As Gods Are In Meditation

Residents of 10 villages located on the outskirts of Manali in Himachal Pradesh do not make any kind of noise for 42 days starting from Makar Sankranti. Goshal Village is home to temples dedicated to Gautam Rishi, Ved Vyas Rishi and Kanchan Nag.  Orissa 360 writes   Residents of 10 hamlets located on the outskirts of this picturesque tourist resort, some 250 km from the state capital, don’t allow anyone to make noise — in this time of the year. They themselves have stopped listening to music, watching television and doing even household chores that make noise. They believe this will disturb the mediating deities.   If that happens, they will face divine wrath.   Every year, any activity that creates noise in Goshal and nine other villages on the outskirts of Manali in Kullu district – with a population not more than 10,000 – comes to a halt for 42 days from Makar Sankranti (Jan 14).   “All the deities have returned to the heaven. They are meditating. Any activity that makes

Sun Temple at Aurangabad in Bihar – Surya Mandir at Deo near Aurangabad

Sun Temple at Aurangabad in Bihar is unique as it faces west, the setting sun not the usual rising sun. Surya Mandir is located at Deo or Dev around 22 km from Aurangabad. The presiding deity here is known as Trikal Surya – Forms of Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. Brahma depicts the rising sun, Shiva the mid-day sun and Vishnu represents the setting sun. Outside the main sanctum sanctorum, in the front hall section, there are three broken murtis. They are not worshipped but it is believed these were the original murtis worshipped in the temple. Invaders destroyed it. The broken murtis are of Surya (the Sun God) with seven horses, Uma- Maheshwara and Vishnu. Shivling and Ganesh murti can also be found in the shrine. It is believed that the present shrine was constructed between 8th and 12th century AD. The structure of the temple is simple and follows the Nagar style of architecture prevalent in North India. Legend has it that originally the temple faced east. During the

Shiva and Tripuri, the story of the flying cities

One of the famous stories associated with the warrior form of Shiva is that of him destroying Tripuri. Tripura or Tripuri were the flying cities of demons made of Gold, Silver and Iron. Demons Tarakaksha, Maya and Vidyunmali ruled over the three cities. The three demons were the son of Tarakasura who was defeated by Kartikeya. The three demons had propitiated Brahma and as boon asked for immortality which was denied and later they asked for three fortified cities which could fly around and could only destroyed with one shot of an arrow. The demons then with the help of Maya, master architect, built three cities in sky, air and earth. With safety of the boon, the demons defeated the devas and invaded cities in the universe. They started propagating Adharma. Indra tried to bring down the city with a single arrow but failed. Finally, Devas, saints and human approached Shiva. Shiva agreed to put an end to the rule of the flying cities. Vishwakarma built the chariot for the m

Uppunda Temple – Uppunda Durgaparameshwari Temple

Uppunda Durgaparameshwari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The shrine is located close to National Highway 66 and is around 32 from Kundapur and around 66 km from Udupi in Karnataka. Uppunda Temple is on the banks of Sumana River. As per Skanda Purana, Matanga Rishi visited the place and worshipped Goddess Durga here. The goddess worshipped here is also considered as a sister of Kollur Mookambika Devi. Rituals followed at Uppunda Temple and Mookambika are quite similar. The deity is also referred as Shanthika Durgaparameshwari. A golden Sri Chakra is worshipped here. The shrine is also one of the seven holy shrines in Parashurama Kshethra - a concept of seven temple popular in the region. The subsidiary deities worshipped in the temple include Ganesha, Subrahmanya, Nagas, Shiva and Sri Krishna and Narasimha. Numerous deities and sculptures are etched on the walls and pillars of the temple. The important festivals observed in the temple are Ugadi, Ramnavami, Sau

Yellamma Devi Yatra at Kaledhon near Khatav in Maharashtra – Godddess Yellamma Devi Fair and Festival near Khatav

Yellamma Devi Yatra at Kaledhon is held in Margashirsh month. It is observed at the temple dedicated to the village goddess at Kaledhon near Khatav in Satara District, Maharashtra. The festival dedicated to Goddess Yellamma Devi attracts hundreds of devotees. Kaledhon Yellamma Yatra 2024 date is December 27. The annual yatra is also noted for a fair. The ritual involves journey to the shrine and other rural rituals. Kaledhon Yellamma Devi Temple is magnificently decorated during the period traditionally with flowers, leaves, traditional lamps and lights. The day is of importance to the villagers. People from nearby towns and villages arrive to participate in this annual fair and festival. Important rituals, which are held only once in a year, happen during the period. Kaledhon Yellamma Yatra is annually held on Margashirsha Krishna Paksha Dwadasi tithi or the twelfth day during the waning phase of moon as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Moksha or Liberation - Teachings from Hindu Scriptures

Moksha or liberation is the ultimate goal, the highest endeavor. It is your right. Freedom from sorrows is your right. Freedom from bondage is your right. Freedom from attachment is your right. Liberation or Moksha is your right, after righteousness (Dharma), material prosperity (Ardh) and pleasure (kama). Moksha is the ultimate pursuit of this life. We are not what we seem to be. Getting to know one’s real Self, that is true liberation. So then what are we? We are immortal. One who realizes that he is not this body becomes free from the shackles of birth and death. We are unborn, We are immortal, We are limitless, We are infinite. As long as we think we are this body, we are limited. As soon as we begin to realize our real self, we become formless, changeless, beginningless, endless and eternal. Therefore, become the master of our mind and senses, and not their slave. Freedom from the slavery of senses itself is liberation. Do not ask for joy.

Vaikunth Chaturdashi at Srinagar Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple in Uttarakhand

Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple located at Srinagar in Uttarakhand is dedicated to Shiva. The Vaikunth Chaturdashi in Kartik Month is a highly auspicious day at the temple. Vaikunth Chaturdashi 2024 date at Kamleshwar Mahadev Temple is November 14. A night long jagran (staying awake) and lighting of lamps is held at the temple. Legend has it that Sri Rama worshipped Shiva here with 1000 lotus flowers. But Sri Ram could find only 999 lotus flowers. It is said that Sri Ram offered his one of his eyes instead of the 1000th lotus flower. Thus the deity worshipped here is also known as Kamal Nayan. Thousands of people stay awake on the night of Vaikunth Chaturdashi and light lamps at the temple.

Revanteshwar Mahadev – About Revanteshwar Form of Shiva - 56th Shiva Temple in Ujjain

Revanteshwar Mahadev is worshiped in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 84 forms of Shiva worshiped in Ujjain. It is believed that worshipping Revanteshwar Form of Shiva will help in attaining peace and prosperity for the entire lineage. During old age, there will be no trouble and one will have a safe and easy exit to heaven. The temple dedicated to Revanteshwar Mahadev is located at Kartik Chowk. This form of Shiva is associated with son of Surya and Chayya, who is known as Revant or Ashwini Kumar. Revanteshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 56th temple visited during the parikarama of Shiavalayas here. Story Revanteshwar Mahadev Lord Surya and his wife Chayya had a son named Ashwini Kumar. He had the face of a horse and the body of a man. He soon won the three worlds and ruled over it. As he was son of Surya, he emitted powerful rays and the living beings found it unbearable. The living beings approached Sh

Importance of Tulsi Puja - Religious Significance of Tulsi Shaligram Puja

Tulsi Vivah is an important ritual performed in Kartik month in traditional Hindu calendar. Tulsi Puja festival is the wedding of Tulsi plant to Lord Vishnu in the form of Shaligram. In 2024, the date of Tulsi Vivah pooja on Karthika Shuddha Dwadashi is November 13. The puja is also performed on Ekadashi November 12. And also on Purnima is on November 15. Tulsi Vivah is performed by some communities on the Ekadasi day after Amavasya (new moon) in Kartik month and by some communities on the Dev Diwali day or the full moon day in Kartik Month. Each year devotees, organizations, and temples perform this ritual with all pomp and glory of a real wedding. It must be noted her that the period beginning from Ekadasi (after Amavasya) in Kartik month to Purnima (the full moon day) in Kartik Month is considered auspicious for Tulsi Vivah. Majority of the people perform it on the Ekadasi day or on Purnima day. The ritual is also performed on the day after Ekadasi in many regions. Any day

Story of the Origin of Somnath Jyotirlinga Temple

Somnath Temple is one of the most important temples dedicated to Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples . Somnath Temple is located near Veraval in Gujarat and story of its origin is mentioned in the Skanda Purana . The puranic name of the place where Somnath Temple is situated was Prabhas Kshetra Legend has it that Daksha , the master of civilization, had married twenty seven of his daughters – the Nakshatras, lunar asterisms, to moon-god, Chandra. But Chandra ignored the 26 Nakshatrams and was enamored by only one among them the beautiful Rohini. The other daughters complained to Daksha about Chandra’s partisan behavior and this angered Daskha who cursed Chandra that your body of which you are so proud will fade away. Soon the body of Chandra started fading away and he approached Lord Vishnu who asked him to do penance at Prabhas Kshetra to Lord Shiva who is the supreme physician and the keeper of the sacred herb Soma. Chandra then did intense Tapas

Tulsi Vivah Katha – The Story of Tulsi Puja

Tulsi, or holy basil plant, is considered to be the beloved of Lord Krishna. Tulsi Vivah ritual is performed during the waxing phase of moon in Kartik month starting from the Kartik Suddha Ekadasi to Kartik Purnima. While performing the Tulsi vivah ritual women listen to the Tulsi Vivah Katha. There are several versions of Tulsi Puja story this is one of them. Once there lived an old lady who used perform the Kartik Snan and then water Tulsi plant and offer prayers. She used to worship Tulsi without fail and used to perform the Tulsi Vivah ritual. After the ritual, the old woman always ask the Tulsi plant to fulfill her wish that her dead body should be carried by Lord Krishna to the pyre. Tulsi Plant (Tulsi Devi) used to hear her prayer daily and she had the capacity to fulfill the wishes of her devotees but to make Lord Krishna carry the dead body of the old lady to the pyre was beyond her capacity. Saddened by this fact, Tulsi began to wither and she started

Palan Pulayan Temple, Dedicated To a Dalit Farm Worker, Breaks the Barriers of Caste in Kerala

Palan Pulayan was a dalit farm worker who lived in the eighteenth century in Kanjeettukara, near Kozhencherry in Kerala. The shrine is maintained by an upper caste nair family. He is lovingly known as Palan Appooppan and hundreds of people visit the  Palan Pulayan Temple to seek his blessings. The Hindu reports  The myth of Palan Pulayan, a Dalit farm worker who lived in the eighteenth century, and a temple dedicated to him by the Chittedathu Nair family in Kanjeettukara, near Kozhencherry, has broken the barriers of caste and religion.  The wayside shrine at Kanjeettukara in the foothills of Ponmala houses an idol of Palan Pulayan wielding a sickle in his right hand.  The shrine, now, is a place of worship drawing people from all castes and religions. Palan Pulayan is believed to have been the head farm worker of the Chittedathu family having a lineage of 700 years.  Myth has it that Palan, while tilling the farm, once got a treasure box of gold coins and a golden pumpkin.

Kokale Yellamma Devi Yatra near Kavathe Mahankal in Maharashtra – Godddess Yellamma Devi Fair and Festival at Kokale

Kokale Yellamma Devi Yatra is held in Margashirsh month. It is observed at the temple dedicated to the village goddess at Kokale near Kavathe Mahankal in Sangli District, Maharashtra. The festival dedicated to Goddess Yellamma Devi attracts hundreds of devotees. Kokale Yellamma Devi Yatra 2024 date is December 27. Kaledhon Yellamma Devi Temple is magnificently decorated during the period traditionally with flowers, leaves, traditional lamps and lights. The day is of importance to the villagers. People from nearby towns and villages arrive to participate in this annual fair and festival. Important rituals, which are held only once in a year, happen during the period. The annual yatra is also noted for a fair. The ritual involves journey to the shrine and other rural rituals. Kokale Yellamma Yatra is annually held on Margashirsha Krishna Paksha Dwadasi tithi or the twelfth day during the waning phase of moon as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Garuda Dwadasi in Odisha

Garuda Dwadasi is observed during the waxing phase of moon (Shukla Paksha) in Kartik month in Odisha. Garuda Dwadasi 2024 date is November 13 and is of significance at the Puri Jagannath Temple . The day is dedicated to Garuda – the Vahana of Lord Vishnu. It is observed the day after the Bada Ekadasi and along with Tulsi Puja. Garuda Dwadasi is an important ritual in Puri Jagannath Temple . Scores of devotees participate in the ritual. It is also the second day of the Panchuka rituals part of Kartik Vrat observed in Puri.

Kottangal Devi Temple Padayani Festival

The Padayani festival organized in Makara Masam at Kottangal Devi Temple attracts thousands of Padayani enthusiasts. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. Padayani, also called Padeni, is a traditional folk dance and a ritual art performed in temples in central Kerala.  The main rituals are performed on Revathi and Aswathy Nakshatra in Makaram Month. Valiya Padayani is observed on these two days. The padayani related rituals in the temple is observed for 28 days starting from Bharani Nakshatra in Dhanu month to Bharani Nakshatra in Makaram Month. On the first 20 days, padayani is performed in the houses on both karas in the village. The last eight days are observed on the temple premises. Eduppu Kalakal and Thozhuvangal are part of the eight day ritual. Legend has Bhootaganas performed padayani to pacify the ferociousness and anger of Goddess Bhadrakali who had just annihilated Darika. People perform this today in memory of this divine event. Padayani is dedicated to Go

How Drona Became the Acharya or Teacher of Pandavas and Kauravas?

Drona became the Acharya, or Teacher, of Pandavas and Kauravas after he showed his expertise with bow and arrow. Legend has it that Bhishma, the grandsire of Hastinapura, was in search of an efficient Guru to teach Pandavas and Kauravas the art of weaponry. When the incident took place, Pandavas and Kauravas were children and were living in Hastinapura. One day Pandavas and Kauravas were playing with a ball. Suddenly the ball fell into a deep well. Children did not know how to retrieve the ball and they crowded near the well. Dronacharya was passing by and the commotion created by children caught his attention. When he found out the reason for children crowding near a well, he promised to help them. He then took his bow and arrows and shot an arrow on the ball. He then shot another arrow on the end of the previous arrow. Thus a line of arrows was created by Dronacharya. Soon the ball was retrieved from the deep well. The children who witnessed this amazing feat r

Diksha In Hinduism – Importance Of Deeksha In Hindu Religion

Diksha, or Deeksha, in Hinduism means initiation and is generally associated with the initiation of learning – a Guru or a holy saint agrees to share his knowledge with the disciple. The Guru helps the disciple to cross over the ocean of darkness and guides him to stay rooted in the world of self realization. Sculpture At Shamlaji Temple In Gujarat The path which the Guru chooses to take a disciple to Truth varies. Like some Gurus remain silent to the queries of a disciple. This is an important aspect in self realization, where a disciple is taught that language is not that powerful enough to explain some important phenomenon and truth is beyond words. In some cases a Guru provides a disciple with a Guru Mantra.

Ayyappa Temple at Kulathupuzha - Story - Festival

The Lord Ayyappa Temple at Kulathupuzha near Thenmala in Kollam District of Kerala is an important shrine visited by Ayyappa devotees especially during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season. This Shasta shrine is located on the banks of Kulathu Puzha, a tributary of Kallada River , and is in the reserve forest. The deity here is Manikantan or the child form of Lord Ayyappa. Vishu Kani Darshan is an important festival in the temple. The deity is popularly referred as Dharma Shasta. There are two main deities in this small temple – Lord Shiva and Shasta. Shiva is in the form of Shiva Linga and that of Shasta or Ayyappa is a stone image. The shrine also houses an elaborately carved idol of Lord Vishnu. There are also shrines of Ganesha and Devi in the compound. The annual Ezhunnallathu Goshta yatra is held in Malayalam Meena Masam. Story of Kulathupuzha Ayyappa Temple There is an interesting legend regarding the origin of the Ayyappa Temple at Kulathupuzha. On

On the concept of Stepwells in Ancient India

The first rock-cut stepwells in India are dated from 200 AD to 400 AD. They are a repository of knowledge about water collection, storage and distribution in water starved areas in ancient India . As per Hindus scriptures, donating building a water body or donating money to have one constructed has been considered to be an act of punya, a good deed. You can read an extensive article on the stepwells in India can befound here at Tribune The rock edict of Rudradaman at Junagadh in western India , inscribed in 150 AD, speaks about the Sudarshan lake of Junagadh , built originally by the great Mauryan emperors. This edict, written in Sanskrit, is the oldest such edict extant in India . The edict notes the reparations done by Mahakshtrap Rudradaman on the Sudarshan Lake . Three hundred years after Rudradaman’s inscription, the edict of Skand Gupta also speaks about the reparations conducted by the Gupta king in 455-456 AD, showing how important was the matter of water, both for

Rangji Temple at Pushkar in Rajasthan - Vishnu Mandir in South Indian Style Architecture in Pushkar

Rangji temple in Pushkar, Rajasthan, was built in 1823 AD. The beautiful ornate shrine is  dedicated to Bhagavan Vishnu. Rangji temple has murtis of Goddess Lakshmi and other manifestations of Vishnu Bhagavan. Prominent among them are Venugopal and Narasimha . Rangji Mandir is located to the north of Pushkar Lake. The shrine is part of a huge complex. The temple is a perfect amalgam of South Indian and Rajasthani style of architecture. There are a total of seven shrines inside the Rangji Temple and each has a Shikhara of its own. The main temple is known as Nij mandir and it has a south Indian style gopuram. A golden Garuda Dwaja Stambha is located inside the gopuram. Rangji Nij Mandir Complex has three shrines dedicated to Sri Krishna, Ranganatha of Srirangam, and Sri Ramanujacharya . On the two sides of the main platforms are murtis of Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Godammaji. A statue of Anantachariji Maharaj. the man who inspired to build the temple. is also found in

Thirumandhamkunnu Temple at Angadipuram in Kerala

Thirumandhamkunnu Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva and Goddess Bhadrakali and is located at Angadipuram in Malappuram District, Kerala. The temple is located atop a hill and it is believed that the Shivling worshiped in the shrine was originally worshipped by Goddess Parvati in Kailasa. Shrine of Goddess Bhadrakali is equally famous as the main shrine and is known as Thirumandhamkunnilamma. Thus there are two important temples in a single temple complex. The temple is located 3 km off Angadipuram on the Palakkad – Kozhikode NH 213 in Kerala. Thirumandhamkunnu Temple Story King Mandhatha had ruled the region for a very long period. Finally, he abdicated the throne and took Sanyasa. He then meditated on Shiva and attained the holiest Shivling in Kailash. King Mandhatha carried the Shivling to his kingdom and got it installed on a hill where the present Thirumandhamkunnu Temple is located. This Shivling actually belonged to Goddess Parvati. When she realized i

Goddess Jagadhatri - About Maa Jagadhatri

Goddess Jagadhatri is one of the most popular forms of Durga worshipped in Eastern parts of India . Maa Jagadhatri is believed to be provider of the Purusharthas – Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. She is associated with Tantrism and is mentioned in the Kubjika Tantra and Katyayani Tantra. Jagadhatri puja is an important puja and festival in the Kartik month in certain parts of Bengal . Legend has it that Devas, demons and humans became arrogant and started to deviate from the path of the Dharma . They forgot the Supreme Being and refused to recognize it – their bloated ego forced them to consider themselves as self sufficient. To teach them a lesson, Goddess Durga appeared in the form of a light, which was equal to a million suns and moons together. The Devas, demons and humans realized their folly and soon prayed before Goddess Durga to retrieve the light which will end the universe. The light transformed into Goddess Jagadhatri – sustainer of the worlds.

Pushpabhishekam at Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple – Offering of flowers

Puspabhishekam is the showering of flowers on the murti of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala Temple . This offering is made by thousands of devotees. The flowers and leaves that are used in Pushpabhishekam ritual are Tamara (lotus), Jamanthi, Arali, Tulsi ( Basel ), Mulla (Jasmine) and Kuvalam (bilva leaves). A devotee who wishes to perform Pushpabhishekam at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple has to book in one month advance. The cost of performing the Pushpabhishekam is Rs 1001/- The most important abhishekam at Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is the Neyyabhishekam . The other abhishekam performed at the temple are Ashtabhishekam and Kalababhishekam.

Koorkenchery Temple Pooyam – Koorkenchery Maheswara Temple Thaipooyam Festival

Koorkenchery Temple is located at Koorkenchery near Thrissur in Kerala. The temple is around 3 km from the famous Vadakkumnathan Temple. Thaipooyam Festival in, Malayalam month, Makaram is of great importance in this shrine. Koorkenchery Temple Pooyam festival 2024 date is January 26. Thaipooyam Festival in Makara Masam (January – February) attracts thousands of devotees. Mayil Kavadi, Palkavadi and various other types of Kavadi are taken on the day to the shrine. Special pujas are also offered on the day from morning to evening. The main ritual on the Thaipooyam day is the taking of Kavadi to the temple and going around the temple with it to the accompaniment of traditional temple music. People also pierce their body with small lance or vel for desire fulfillment or as part of thanksgiving for desires fulfilled.

Vemulawada Temple – Sri Rajarajeshwara Temple at Vemulawada in Telangana

Sri Rajarajeshwara Temple at Vemulawada in Telangana is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is around 180 km north of Hyderabad. This a very ancient temple and finds mention in the Bhavishyothara Purana. The unique aspect of the temple is that Sri Rajarajeshwara is flanked by Goddess Raja Rajeshwari (Goddess Durga) and by Lakshmi Sanhitha Siddhi Vinayaka in the main sanctum. Lord Shiva in the form of Sri Raja Rajeshwara is popularly known as Rajanna of Vemulawada. The shrine is located at the center of the town atop a small hill. The temple has a gateway leading up the hill and a typical south Indian style gopuram marks the entrance to the shrine. The shrine has got a holy tank named Dharma Gundam, the waters of the tank is believed to have medicinal properties. Legend has it that in ancient times a king bathed in the tank and got cured of his leprosy. He also found a Shivling in the water. He then installed it in the temple. Devotees take a holy dip in the waters and th