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Showing posts from April 16, 2015


Hindu Temples and Sites in UNESCO World Heritage List

The UNESCO World Heritage List consists of several ancient Hindu Temples and sites. Here are the Hindu sacred sites and monuments in the UNESCO List: Prambanan Temple Compounds in Indonesia – The 10th century Prambanan Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are also temples dedicated to Lord Brahma and Vishnu and to the vehicles of the Trimurtis. The highlight of the temple is the Illustrations from Ramayana. Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia – The largest Hindu temple in the world was built during the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. Angkor Wat Temple , the Bayon Temple and the countless sculptural decorations are part of the Angkor Archaeological Park .

Maryada Purushottam Sri Ram – Story of Valmiki’s Search for the Perfect Man

Sri Ram is Maryada Purushottam – blessed with all the many good qualities which one can think of. The first chapter of Ramayana begins with Sage Valmiki’s search for such a person. In the first of Chapter of Ramayan, Sage Narada finds Valmiki in deep thought and asks for the reason. Valmiki answered: I wonder if there is, in this world of men, a single individual, a man blessed with all the many good qualities which one can think of. Narada can enter everywhere even into the minds of people. And Valmiki knew that Narada would be able to answer his question. Narada asked what these good qualities are. “Integrity” said Valmiki. “Integrity, bravery, righteousness, gratitude, truthfulness, dedication to one’s principles, character without blemish, concern for all living beings, learning, skill, beauty, a pleasing appearance, courage, radiance, ability to keep anger under control, perfect control, a lack of jealousy at all times, undaunted heroism which can f

Story of Origin of Shipra River in Ujjain

The famous Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain is located on the banks of Shipra River . It is one of the holiest rivers in Hinduism. Story of origin of Shipra is associated with Vishnu and the Kapala form of Shiva. The story is found in the Skanda Purana. Legend has it that Shiva once went to Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu, as a Bhikshatan (beggar) with his Kapala – human skull in the form of a begging bowl. Kapala Shiva asked for food as Bhiksha (alms). Vishnu did not offer any Bhiksha instead showed the finger next to thumb – asking to leave. Shiva became angry and threw his trishul (trident) at the finger. The finger got injured and the blood from it filled the Kapala. The Kapala soon was filled with blood and it overflowed. The overflowing blood fell on earth and became the holy river Shipra. Some legend suggests that the water flowing in Shipra River is the blood of Shiva.

Modonchaturdashi at Dirgheswari Temple in Assam

Modonchaturdashi is observed annually in April month at Dirgeshwari Temple in Sitachal hills in Assam. The temple is located in North Guwahati. Modonchaturdashi ritual is the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Dirgeshwari. The murti of Goddess Dirgeshwari is lavishly adorned and is taken around the town in a chariot. The murti is then taken to the to the sacred Aswaklanta Dewalaya, situated on the west of Monikarneswar Temple. Here the murti is bathed with holy water from the sacred ‘Bishnupad.’ The murti is then taken to Monikarneswar Temple at Rajaduar where Lord Shiva is believed to be present as divine bridegroom during the sacred ceremony. Accompanied by Vedic chants, the holy marriage is performed between Lord Shiva and Goddess Dirgheswari. After celebrating the celestial marriage in the midst of Vedic hymns and age-old traditions. the divine bride is taken back in the wee hours of the night by the devotees to the abode of the goddess at Sitachal hills.