Annapoorneshwari Temple is a famous temple located at Cherukunnu near Kannur. The daily pooja and darshan time at the temple is given in detail below. Please note that the temple timings might be extended during festivals and important rituals. The Cherukunnu Annapoorneshwari puja and darshan time will be shortened during Grahan or Eclipse. Cherukunnu Annapoorneshwari Temple Timings Morning – 5:30 AM to 12:45 PM Evening – 5:00 PM TO 8:00 PM Cherukunnu Annapoorneshwari Temple is located in Kannur District and the shrine is around 21 km from Kannur Town.

Namakkal Narasimha Swamy Temple is a very popular shrine in Tamil Nadu. The daily pooja and darshan time at the temple is given in detail below. Please note that the temple timings might be extended during festivals and important rituals. The Namakkal Narasimha Swamy Temple puja and darshan time will be shortened during Grahan or Eclipse. Namakkal Narasimha Swamy Temple Timings Morning – 7:00 AM TO 1:00 PM Evening – 4:30 PM TO 8:00 PM (Mother Goddess Temple timing is also the same) Anjaneyar Temple Timings (Hanuman Temple) Morning – 6:30 AM TO 1:00 PM Evening – 4:30 PM TO 9:00 PM

Ashta Nagas are eight serpent gods worshipped in Hinduism. They are more popular in South India, especially in Kerala, South Karnataka, and parts of Tamil Nadu. The eight snake gods are separately worshiped. The names of Ashta Nagas are: Anantha or Sesha Naga Gulika Vasuki Shankapala Thakshak Mahapadma Padma and Karkodaka Ashta Nagas are propitiated for early cure of skin diseases, for fertility, childbirth and to avoid all kinds of problems in horoscope due to the bad positioning of Rahu and Ketu Navagrahas. It is also believed that propitating the eight nagas will help in discovering hidden treasures. Related Sarpabali in Snake Temples in Kerala – Sarpabali Ritual 

Eravinalloor Subrahmanya Swamy Temple Thaipooyam festival is annually organized in Malayalam month Makaram. It is dedicated to Muruga or Subrahmanya. The temple is located at Eravinalloor near Puthuppally in Kottayam district, Kerala. The annual pooyam festival here attracts scores of devotees. Eravinalloor Subrahmanya Swamy Temple Thaipooyam Festival 2026 date is February 1. The temple is also known as Eravinalloor Trikkayil Sri Subrahmanya Swami Temple. The darshan of the temple is towards east. The temple has a circular sanctum sanctorum (vatta sreekovil).  The main murti of Sri Subrahmanya in the sanctum sanctorum is nearly 5 feet tall.  The Upa Devatas worshipped in the temple are Ganapathy, Sastha and Nagam. Special pujas, rituals, abhishekam, Subramanya sahasranama archana and numerous other activities are held on the festival day. Various types of Kavadi are taken to the shrine. It is considered highly meritorious to perform puja and take blessing of Sri Subrah...

Sarada Devi, the wife of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, is popularly known as Holy Mother and she was integral part of Sri Ramakrishna’s spiritual self. In 2025, the date of Sharada Devi Jayanthi is December 12. This is the 170th birth anniversary of Maa Sarada Devi. Special programs are conducted on the day by Ramakrishna Ashram in India and around the world. Sarada Devi Jayanti is the birthday of Holy Mother Sarada Devi as per traditional Hindu calendar. Holy Mother was born on December 22, 1853 at Jayrambati in rural West Bengal in India . She was married to Sri Ramakrishna at the age of five. She came to Dakshineswar to live with Sri Ramakrishna at the age of eighteen. Sarada Devi, after passing away of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, accepted the mantle of his spiritual mission and became the Mother for all his followers. She passed away on July 20, 1920. The greatness of Sarada Devi is that living like a common woman doing all the household chores; she could yet...

Bhuteshwar Mahadev Bhakurra is located near in Maroda Village near Gariaband and the Shivling here is growing constantly – about 6 to 8 inches every year. Maroda Village is around 3 km from Gariaband. Every year the Shivling is measured during Shivratri. As there is a small fissure in the Shivling, it is considered as Ardanarishwara. In 1952, the Shivling was around 35 feet high and its girth was about 150 feet. In 1994, when a proper measurement using modern technique was done the height was 62 feet and girth was 290 feet. It is believed that the height of the Shivling now is nearly 80 feet. Related Shivling Worshipped in Dholpur in Rajasthan Changes Its Color Three Times in a Day

Overcoming jargon barriers in communication can be particularly challenging in professional, academic, or spiritual contexts where specialized language is often used. Hinduism offers a rich repository of solutions, grounded in both practical approaches and spiritual practices, to help clear these obstacles and foster clarity, understanding, and harmony in communication. Practical Approaches in Day-to-Day Life: Simplify Language and Adapt to the Audience: Hindu teachings emphasize the principle of "Ahimsa" (non-harming) , which extends to how we communicate. By simplifying language and making it accessible, we avoid the harm of misunderstanding or alienation. Practically, this means: Use analogies or stories that relate to everyday life. Clarify terms when using specialized language. Be mindful of the listener's background, ensuring that your words foster connection, not confusion. Active Listening (Shravana): A key practice in Hinduism is Shravana (listening with atten...

Story of Khana (Khona) is popular in Bengal and eastern parts of India. She is believed to have lived during the 5 th century AD. People repeat her prophecies and sayings even today. Her sayings are related to agriculture, climate, rain etc. Legend has it that Khana was the daughter-in-law of Varahamihira, who was a great astronomer and mathematician. He was a key member of the royal court of Vikramaditya. One day, Varahamihira returned home worried. On enquiry, Khana found that the King wanted to know the number of stars in the sky and Varahamihira was unable to answer it. Khana easily solved the problem and Varahamihira went back to the court with the answer. The king then wanted to know the method used to find the answer. Varahamihira admitted to the king that Khana, his daughter-in-law, worked out solution to the problem. Vikramaditya then offered Khana a prestigious place in the royal court. But Khana thought her father-in-law could feel humiliated, she cut...

Salagrama, or Shaligrama , are black stones with stripes in the form of symbols associated with Lord Vishnu. Salagrama is considered to be an embodiment of Lord Vishnu. The significance of Salagrama is mentioned in the Puranas and the Mahabharata. There is also a legend behind the origin of Salagrama. Legend has it that Lord Brahma was saddened when he realized that so many people had strayed from the path of Dharma and had become sinners. Brahma sat in meditation thinking about the unfortunate situation and soon a bead of sweat rolled down from his cheek (Ganda) to form a female child. She was named Gandaki. Gandaki decided to do penance to restore Dharma. Her intense penance was disliked by Devas (Indra and others) as they realized that she would replace them. The Devas offered her different boons but she did not accept any of the boons. Finally, she agreed to stop the penance, if she was allowed to mother all the Devas. The Devas said such a boon was beyond th...

There are numerous legends in Puranas regarding how Ganesha got the elephant head. One story suggests that Ganesha got the elephant head due to Shani Bhagavan. Legend has it that Parvati longed for getting a child and informed Shiva about her desire. Shiva asked Goddess Parvati to undertake a penance for one year. She did and then a child was born to Goddess Parvati. Shani Bhagavan The child was so glorious that the boy was far more superior to the Tejas of all the demigods (Devas) that assembled to witness the boy. The Navgrahas including Shani Bhagavan came to visit the divine child. Shani Bhagavan did not look at the baby. There is a popular belief that Shani drishti (look) will cause hardships. Shani also did not want the baby to look at him. Goddess Parvati was not happy with the behaviour of Shani. She wanted Shani to bless the newborn baby. Unwillingly Shani looked at the baby and immediately the head of the baby separated and flew to Goloka. God...

Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple is located at Kavi Kamboi Village in Gujarat. The Shivling in the temple is located so close to the sea that one can only perform worship here during low tide. The shrine is more than 150 years old and is situated near the Gulf of Cambay. The temple does not have any particular architecture that is noteworthy. During high tide, the four feet Shivling is completely submerged. After this as the tide starts to get low we can see the Shivling appearing back. Mother Nature constantly performs Jal Abhishek on Shiva here. The ideal time to visit the Shrine is morning hours when there is low tide. As the day progress the temple slowly gets submerged in water.

Overcoming relationship issues is an essential part of leading a harmonious and fulfilling life, and Hinduism offers timeless wisdom to guide us through these challenges. Whether the issues stem from communication gaps, misunderstandings, emotional detachment, or external stress, Hindu scriptures provide both spiritual insights and practical approaches to restore balance. Here’s how to address relationship challenges using Hindu philosophy, mantras, daily practices, and divine inspiration: 1. Understanding the Essence of Relationships in Hinduism Hinduism views relationships as karmic bonds where individuals come together not only for mutual companionship but also for spiritual growth. Relationships, especially marital ones, are seen as a sacred union (a form of dharma), and maintaining harmony within them is key to spiritual progress. Karma and Dharma : Issues in relationships are often seen as opportunities to address past karma, evolve spiritually, and fulfill dharma (duty). By unde...

Hanuman Puja Vidhi is performed on all Tuesdays and on auspicious days dedicated to Hanuman. Here is a simple procedure to perform the puja. The puja is best performed early morning. Some people also do Hanuman Puja on Saturday to get rid of Shani Dosha. Things needed for Hanuman Puja Hanuman murti, painting or yantra Red colored cloth Kumkum Flowers Water Banana or any fruit Usual puja items like diya, agarbatti etc Hanuman Puja Vidhi After taking bath, clean the place meant to do the puja. Offer prayers to Ganesha. Clean the Hanuman murti with water Sprinkle some water on your head Spread the red colored cloth Place the Hanuman murti or painting or yantra Meditate for sometime in front of the murti. Say your prayers. Apply some kumkum on Hanuman murti Apply some kumkum on your forehead Light the diya Light incense or agarbhathi (optional) Offer flowers Offer banana or fruit Pray or meditate. If you know prayers like Hanuman Chalis...

Kallupadi Subrahmanya Temple is located at Kallupadi in Wayanad district and is around 11 km from Kalpetta. This is a popular Lord Muruga temple in the region. Kallupadi Subrahmanya Temple Thaipooyam festival 2026 date is February 1. Special pujas, rituals, abhishekam, Subramanya sahasranama archana and numerous other activities are held on the day. Various types of Kavadi are taken to the shrine. Kavadiyattam is also performed on the day. It is considered highly meritorious to perform puja and take blessing of Sri Subrahmanya Swami on the day.

Kshetrapala is a protective or tutelary deity worshipped in Shiva Temples. The deity is one who guards and protects the fields. He is mentioned in the Vedas – praised in the Rig Veda, Yajur Veda and Atharva Veda. The Kshetrapala in Shiva Temples is usually Bhairava. He stands atop a lotus on the doorway and possess a number of attributes. He has three eyes. He is with a shining knot of braided hair. His complexion is black. He holds a mace and a skull in his two hands. Red garland, red-scented materials and red clothes are offered to him. In Panchayatana Temples, Kshetrapala is consecrated in the southwest corner of the temple for protecting the villages and towns. Before starting rituals, worship should be offered to Kshetrapala. Otherwise, all deeds will be fruitless. Pujas, mantras and how to worship Kshetrapala is given in detail in the scripture Mantradevaprakashini. 

Cheriyanad Balasubramanya Swamy Temple is located at Cheriyanad in Alappuzha  District and is around 8 km from Mavelikara and Chengannur. The annual pooyam ritual organized in Malayalam Makaram month at the Murugan Temple attracts hundreds of devotees. The shrine is dedicated to Subramanya or Muruga. Cheriyanad Balasubramanya Swamy Temple Thaipooyam festival 2026 date is February 1. Special pujas and rituals are held throughout the day in the temple. Carrying Kavadi is the main ritual on the day. People carry various types of Kavadi to the temple in procession. Traditional temple music is part of the procession. Kavadiyattam is another major highlight. On the Pooyam day, people also pierce their body with small lance, or vel. This is done for getting desires fulfilled.  Melam, various types of colorful Kavadi and fireworks are part of the festival.

Eruthavoor Sri Balasubramanya Swamy Temple is located at Eruthavoor in Trivandrum District and is around 2 km from Balaramapuram. The annual pooyam ritual organized in at the Murugan Temple attracts hundreds of devotees. The shrine is dedicated to Subramanya or Muruga . Eruthavoor Sri Balasubramanya Swamy Temple Thaipooyam festival  2026 date is February 1. This is also the ten day annual festival in the temple, which begins on the Thaipooyam day. Special pujas and rituals are held throughout the day in the temple. Carrying Kavadi is the main ritual on the day. People carry various types of Kavadi to the temple in procession. Traditional temple music is part of the procession. On the Pooyam day, people also pierce their body with small lance, or vel. This is done for getting desires fulfilled.  Melam, various types of colorful Kavadi and fireworks are part of the festival.

Tali Sri Maha Ganapathi Sri Bala Subrahmanya Swamy Temple is located 2 km from Kozhikode city. Muruga or Subrahmanya is worshiped here as subsidiary deity. The annual pooyam festival is observed in Makaram month. Tali Sri Maha Ganapathi Sri Bala Subrahmanya Swamy Temple Thaipooyam festival 2026 date is February 1. Special pujas, rituals, abhishekam, Subramanya sahasranama archana and numerous other activities are held on the day. Various types of Kavadi are taken to the shrine. Kavadiyattam and colorful procession of Kavadis are a major highlight. It is considered highly meritorious to perform puja and take blessing of Sri Subrahmanya Swami on the day.

Overcoming Isolation in Hinduism: Solutions, Practical Approaches, and Spiritual Insights Isolation, whether social, emotional, or spiritual, is a common human experience that can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Hindu philosophy offers profound insights and practical tools to help individuals overcome these feelings. In this exploration, we will look at how Hinduism addresses isolation through spiritual practice, the worship of deities like Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati, Shiva, Krishna, Hanuman, Ganesha, and Jagannath, as well as practical day-to-day solutions, mantras, and quotes from the scriptures. Spiritual Philosophy in Hinduism on Isolation Hinduism emphasizes the concept of interconnectedness, teaching that every soul (Atman) is part of the universal soul (Brahman). The experience of isolation arises when we forget our inherent connection to the divine and the universe. Realizing this oneness is a path to overcoming isolation. Several practical approaches, ...

Badrinath Temple , dedicated to Bhagvan Vishnu, is located in Uttarakhand and is part of the Chardham Yatra. The temple is about 297 km from Rishikesh. Bhagvan Vishnu is worshipped here in meditative posture. Badrinath Temple is located on the banks of Alaknanda River and is surrounded by two mountains – Nar and Narayana. It is believed that Vishnu chose this spot to mediate as it was covered by berry plant. Badri means berry. Nearby the  Badrinath Temple is the Tapta Kund – a hot spring. Devotees take a dip in this pond before visiting the temple. The temple is open every from May to early November and is closed for winter from second week of November to third week of April. The shrine is very old and belongs to the Vedic Age. The temple in the current form was consecrated by Adi Shankaracharya. Nearest Railway Station – Rishikesh (297); Kotdwara (327). Rishikesh is directly connected by rail with Howrah , Bombay , Delhi and Lucknow . The tem...

Omkareshwar 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 Omkareshwar Form of Shiva will help in achieving success in journeys. The temple dedicated to Omkareshwar Mahadev is located at Khatikwada on Dhaba Road. This form of Shiva is associated with OM the primordial sound and the story associated with is a symbolic explanation of the importance of OM. Omkareshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 52nd temple visited during the parikarama of Shiavalayas here. Story of Omkareshwar Mahadev   Legend has it that Shiva created a man. When he wanted to know his duty, Shiva asked him to know his Atma. The man did not understand what exactly Shiva wanted. He went into deep thought and from him another man appeared. Shiva named the new man Omkar.  Shiva then ordered the man to create Vedas, devat...

Rukmini Ashtami is dedicated to Rukmini, the consort of Lord Krishna. It is observed on the eighth day during the Krishna paksha, or waning phase of moon, in Paush month (December – January). Rukmini Ashtami 2025 date is December 12. It is believed that Goddess Rukmini is an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Special pujas and rituals are held in Lord Krishna temples on the day. They day is also of great significance is places associated with Lord Krishna like Mathura and Vrindavan. Some people observe a fast dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi on the day (Rukmini is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi). It is believed that observing a fast on the day will bring happiness and prosperity.

Many people have doubt regarding how many Shivalingam can be worshipped in home. The number of Shivling that can be kept in the puja room in the house varies from region to region. But the general opinion among astrologers and pandits (pujaris) is that only one Shivling should be worshipped in the puja room. Please note that some Hindu communities do not keep Shivling at home. This is because quite often it is hard to offer pujas daily including performing Jal Abhishek – ritual of pouring water on Shivling. But there are many devotees who keep Shivling at home. Such people should offer prayers daily and perform Jal Abhishek. You should keep a Shivling at home only if you are sure that you can perform pujas daily. Related Lingam Puja – How to Worship Shivling at Home? Parad Shivling ~ Hindu Blog Somvar Vrat – Monday Fasting Dedicated to Hindu God Shiva

Goddess Saraswati 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. Goddess Saraswati is part of the series. Goddess Saraswati murti shows Goddess Saraswati in sitting posture playing Veena. She is surrounded by swan and peacock. The price of the murti is not yet revealed. Lladro figurines are noted for its beauty, detailing and no compromise in materials used. Lladro Goddess Saraswati is limited edtion – 750 pieces only. 

Mulanjur Kallikunnu Pichamkurissi Subrahmanya Swamy Temple Thaipooyam festival is annually organized in Malayalam month Makaram. It is dedicated to Muruga or Subrahmanya. The annual pooyam festival here attracts scores of devotees. Mulanjur Kallikunnu Pichamkurissi Subrahmanya Swamy Temple Thaipooyam Festival 2026 date is February 1. Special pujas, rituals, abhishekam, Subrahmanya sahasranama archana and numerous other activities are held on the day. Various types of Kavadi are taken to the shrine. It is considered highly meritorious to perform puja and take blessing of Sri Subrahmanya Swami on the day.

Overcoming irritation, in the context of Hinduism, involves a blend of spiritual practices, philosophical understanding, and practical approaches. Hinduism teaches that mental peace is essential for a balanced life, and there are various methods offered through scriptures, teachings, and worship that can help alleviate feelings of irritation. Below are some of the holistic approaches based on Hindu practices, scriptures, mantras, and guidance from the divine: 1. Philosophical Understanding: The Roots of Irritation In Hindu philosophy, irritation or anger is viewed as a disturbance of the mind caused by external situations or internal unrest. According to the Bhagavad Gita , desires that are unmet lead to irritation and anger, which in turn cloud judgment and disturb inner peace. Krishna advises Arjuna: “Desire leads to anger, anger leads to delusion, delusion leads to loss of memory, which leads to loss of reason, and finally, one perishes.” (Bhagavad Gita 2:62-63) Understanding that i...

Mukkoottuthara Thiruvambadi Sree Krishna Swami Temple is located in Pathanamthitta District. The shrine is located around 12 km from Erumeli south. The annual festival in the temple is observed in Makaram month. The festival ends with Arattu. The temple has a round sanctum sanctorum. The small shrine is complete with a chuttambalam and kodimaram. The Upa Devatas worshipped in the temple are Goddess Devi, Ayyappa and Sarpam. The annual festival is noted for various rituals. Traditional performing arts, music and dance are staged during the period. Caparisoned elephants, melam, fireworks and sheevali are part of the festival. The temple is traditionally decorated with plantain, coconut leaves, flowers, leaves, traditional lamps and lights. The festival ends with Arattu. The utsava murti of the deity is taken out of the shrine for ritual bathing on the final day. Caparisoned elephants and melam are part of the ritual. Hundreds of people arrive on the day to witness various rituals...

Yamadharma Raja, or Yama, is the Hindu God of death. He is also referred as Kaala and both Yam and Kaala have the meaning controller of time. The vehicle or Vahana of Yama is a black He buffalo. Symbolically, the animal suggests the arrival of death senselessly. There is a belief in some cultures that He Buffalo is one of the most senseless animals. Just like the buffalo, death arrives to us senselessly – and takes our life without looking age, status, religion or any other social parameters. The black color represents the journey after death with Yama to the unknown destination.

Poddareshwar Ram Mandir is located on the Central Avenue Road ( CA Road ) and is very close (few mintues walk) to Nagpur Railway Station. The temple has murtis or idols of both Sri Ram and Lord Shiva. The name Poddareshwar because the temple was constructed by Shri Jamnadhar Poddar, a famous business man, in 1923. The Ram Mandir has murtis of Bhagvan Sri Ram, Mata Sita and Lakshman and Hanuman. The murtis worshipped are in the famous Ram Parivar posture. The ornate and beautiful shrine attracts devotees from various parts of India and abroad. A shobha yatra is taken out during Ram Navami and it attracts thousands of devotees.

Chamravattam Ayyappa Temple is located at Chamravattam in Malappuram District in Kerala. The temple is located around 7 km from Ponnani. The annual pratishta festival is observed in Makaram month.  For the annual Prathishta anniversary, the shrine is traditionally decorated with plantain, coconut leaves, flowers, leaves, traditional lamps and lights. Caparisoned elephants, Panchari Melam, Pachavadhyam, Theyyams, music and folk dance are part of the festival. Various pujas and rituals improve the tejas and power of the murti worshipped in the temple.

Palayad Theyyullayil Kuttichathan Temple is located at Palayadu in North Kerala. The shrine is located around 9 km from Thalassery. The annual Tira festival is observed in Makaram month.  The annual festival is noted for various rituals including Theyyam. Thousands of people arrive on the day to witness various rituals and festivities. Traditional performing arts, music and dance are staged during the period. The temple is traditionally decorated with plantain, coconut leaves, flowers, leaves, traditional lamps and lights.

Narveer Umaji Naik Punyatithi is annually observed in Paush month. It is the death anniversary of Narvir Umaji Naik who fought against the British. He is one of the earliest freedom fighters. Narveer Umaji Naik Punyatithi is annually observed on February 3. In 2026, it is the 194th death anniversary of the great revolutionary. Narveer Umaji Naik (September 7, 1791 – February 3, 1832) raised a small but highly effective army against the British after the fall of the Maratha Empire. He exhorted the citizens to fight against the foreign rule. He attempted to unsettle the British occupation and did succeed instilling fear among the British ranks. To capture him, the British Government announced a bounty of Rupees 10,000. He was finally captured and hanged by the British in Pune.

Thalamunda Sree Puthiya Bhagavathi Temple is located at Thalamunda in Kannur District, Kerala. The annual temple festival is observed here in Makaram month. The shrine is dedicated to Mother Goddess Bhagavathi.  The annual Tira ritual and festival is the most important ritual. The temple is located around 15 km from Kannur town. The temple is beautifully decorated during the period traditionally with plantain, coconut leaves, flowers, leaves, traditional lamps and lights. Music and traditional arts forms are performed during the festival period. Hundreds of people arrive on the day to witness various rituals and festivities. 

Overcoming irrational fears is an important aspect of life, and Hinduism provides a rich array of spiritual, practical, and psychological tools to face and overcome fear. The belief is that fear arises from ignorance, delusion, and attachment, and by aligning ourselves with the Divine, we can transcend fear and experience peace. 1. Understanding the Nature of Fear in Hindu Philosophy In Hinduism, fear is seen as a result of ignorance or "Avidya" (spiritual ignorance). Fear arises from the false identification of the self with the body, mind, and ego, forgetting the eternal soul or "Atman." The Bhagavad Gita (2.23) teaches that the soul is eternal and beyond destruction, emphasizing that fear is rooted in the misperception of reality. Understanding this can help us reduce the grip of fear in our lives. 2. Mantras to Overcome Fear Specific mantras are powerful tools in Hinduism for overcoming fear as they invoke divine energy and protection. Reciting these mantras re...

Budh Graha, Mercury, is one among the navagrahas, nine planets, as per Hinduism. The movement of Budh Grah in a horoscope is very important in Hindu astrology. The story of the birth of Budha is of great importance as the story also gives suggestions regarding women’s freedom to move away from a bad marriage. Budh is the son of Sage Brihaspati and Tara. But he was fathered by Chandra, the Hindu Moon God. Sage Brihaspati was the Guru of the Devas and he was only interested in rituals and studies. The Sage never showed any interest in Tara . A disillusioned Tara soon fell in love with Chandra and abandoned her husband. Indra, the king of Devas, once decided to conduct a yajna to get stronger to face the Asuras or demons. Sage Brihaspati used this as an opportunity and said that he can only perform the yajna with his wife by his side. The Devas were divided on the issue. Some saw no reason in Tara returning to a husband who only needed her for rituals. They argued that ...

Sastha or Shastavu or Shasta is one among the numerous names of Ayyappa worshipped at the famous Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala. Some people believe that Sasta and Ayyappa are two different deities. This is because Sastha is mentioned to have two wives. But Ayyappa is a Brahmachari. When the term Ayyappa is used He is always a Brahmachari. But when the term Sasta is used he can be Brahmachari or Grahasta. This is because Sastha is a very popular village deity in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The particular rural story prevalent in a particular area gives Sasta the status of Brahmachari or Grahasta (married). The name Sasta is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. Sasta with two wives Purna and Puskala and a son is worshipped mainly as Gram Devata - village deity. Some of these earlier villages have become towns. So today there is a Sastha temple in most towns. Ashtottara Satakam is the only scripture that mentions that Sasta has two wi...