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Showing posts from June 19, 2015


Agni Kavadi – Walking On Fire – Coal – In Murugan Temples with Kavadi

Agni Kavadi is a unique ritual performed in certain Murugan and Amman temples. Devotees, who vow to take the Agni Kavadi, walk over pits of red hot coals by carrying Kavadi on their shoulders. Kavadi is two baskets suspended from a bamboo pole, decorated with peacock feathers. It is carried on the shoulders by Murugan devotees. It is believed that those carrying Agni Kavadi and walking over pits of red hot coals get the power directly from Muruga. They are possessed for the moment by the Lord. This ritual is performed for getting desires fulfilled. Some devotees perform it as thanksgiving for answering their prayers. Agni Kavadi is usually performed once in a year and will be part of the major festival in Murugan Temple .

About Flowers used in Hindu Rituals and Pujas

In Hinduism, flowers constitute an important offering made to the deities. Flowers are used while doing puja at home, temples and at sacred places. In fact, rarely do we come across a puja in Hindu religion without flowers. The idol or image of the deity in temple and home is decorated with garlands of flowers and leaves. Flowers are also placed at the feet of deity and the idol is also showered with flowers. Details about the types of flowers that can be used for puja and the method in which they are to be used in puja and rituals are mentioned in the scriptures. Some flowers are associated by a particular deity; while a particular flower is never used due to a curse etc. Generally, flowers with strong odor are not used. Similarly, flowers without fragrance are also not used. Flowers that are not fully blossomed are not used. Mutilated and flowers eaten by insects are avoided. Flowers grown in a garden is considered apt for puja. Flowers collected from forest are also

Nabakalebara ritual in Baripada’s Jagannath temple - Sri Haribaldev Jew temple

The Nabakalebara ritual at the Jagannath temple - Sri Haribaldev Jew temple in Baripada in Odisha is unique. New murtis are not made here like in the famous Puri Jagannath Temple . At the Baripada temple only the ‘Anga Bastra’ (clothes) of the deities is replaced with new one. Nabakalebara ritual is the change of murtis worshipped in Jagannath temple. It happens when there is an extra Ashada month in traditional Hindu lunar calendar.  The New Indian Express   The new clothes of the Trinity and Lord Sudarshan are made of thick cotton and the tradition is being followed since the temple was constructed.   Replacement of Anga Bastra will start five days after ‘Deva Snana Purnima’.   Senior sevayat Jayanta Kumar Tripathy said the deities are also painted by senior artists of the temple during this period. The job is completed a day before the ‘Netra Utsav’.   Temple management sources said the tradition is being followed since the reign of Maharaja Baidyanath Bhanja, the found

Sagittarius Zodiac Sign – The Reason and Origin of Archer Sign of Sagittarius

Have you ever wondered why an Archer is the sign of Sagittarius Zodiac? It is widely believed that it was ancient Hindus and Egyptians who divided a year into spring, summer, autumn and winter and assigned to each season three constellations through which the Sun passed. The reason and origin of Archer Sign of Sagittarius is amusing but apt. Sagittarius is also referred as Archer (November 23 – December 22) as per Solar Calendar. The reason for the name Sagittarius is because it is the most ideal time for hunting; hence the sing of an archer.

Swathi Nakshatra Male Characteristics – Swati Birth Star Born Male Character

One of the most important characteristics of Swathi Nakshatra born Male is that they will be keen in coming up in life without other people’s help. Another important character of the birth star is that they will have good control of the senses. Other Swati Nakshatra Male Characteristics are given below: Will be humble Not keen in luxury and material things. Will always be happy. Will lead a simple life. Will have fights and difference of opinion with relatives. Will be keen in borrowing money. Will always uphold high moral standards. Will stay away from home for long periods. Will not change the opinion they have once made.

Chitra Nakshatra Male Characteristics – Chithira Birth Star Born Male Character

One of the most important characteristics of Chitra Nakshatra born Male is that they will be interested in luxury. Another important character of the birth star is that they will be interested in traveling to beautiful places. Other Chithira Nakshatra Male Characteristics are given below: Will be highly enthusiastic Will be interested in dressing up tidily Will be forced to stay away from home. Will be proud. Might go to any extend to succeed. Will give too much importance to what others might think. Delay in marriage for some. Interest in debates Sudden change in character in 40s.

Hasta Nakshatra Male Characteristics – Hastam Birth Star Born Male Character

One of the most important characteristics of Hasta Nakshatra born Male is that they will be interested in both material and spiritual pursuits at the same time. Another important character of the birth star is that they will even win over enemies with their loving nature. Other Hastam Nakshatra Male Characteristics are given below: Will speak sweetly. Will be wealthy. Will stay away from home. Will be scholars. Will have good sex drive. Will have good patience. Will be of helpful nature.