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Showing posts from March 31, 2015


Nabadwip in Hinduism – Vaishnava Pilgrim Center in West Bengal

Nabadwip is a famous Vaishnava pilgrim center associated with Hinduism. It is located in West Bengal and is one of the important places associated with Sri Krishna Chaitanya, the founder of the Bengal School of Vaishnavism. Mayapur associated with ISKCON is located across the river from Nabadwip. Popularly known as Nadia, Nabadwip consists of nine islands. Four of the islands are on the eastern bank of Bhagirathi and the rest five are on the western bank. It is believed that when Bhagirathi River changed its course and a huge island emerged on the east of the river and the new island was called Nabadwip. Nabadwip was the capital of Bengal during the 12 th century and it was a center of Sanskrit and Hindu philosophy, especially of Neo Logic School of philosophy. There are more than 150 temples in the region. Dola Purnima and Rash Purnima are the important festivals in the region.

About the tree that is used to make the new murti of Jagannath during Nabakalebara at Puri Jagannath Temple in Orissa

The tree that is used to make the new murti (idol) of Jagannath during Nabakalebara at Puri   Jagannath   Temple  in Orissa has to pass numerous tests. The neem tree used to make the murti is referred as Daru. The selection of daru is made as per the instructions mentioned in the pothi (manuscript) which is with the Daitapatis. Darus are no ordinary neem trees. Since Jagannath is dark, the tree from which his murti is to be carved has to be dark. The tree should have four principal branches, symbolizing the four arms of Narayana. However, as Jagannath’s siblings are fair, the wood for their idols are lighter in colour. The Jagannath tree should have four principal branches, symbolizing the four arms of Narayana. The daru will be collected from the Neem tree having the symbols of Sankha, Chakra, Gada and Padma on it. The Neem tree should be close to a riverbank or a pond and there must be a termite mound or a crematorium near it. The tree should be located near