Champaka, also known as Golden Champa or Yellow Champak is not used in the worship of Lord Shiva. The two flowers that are regularly avoided are Ketaki flower and Chempaka flower. There is an interesting story in the Shiv Purana which explains the reason why Champaka flowers are not used in Shiva Puja. On the way to Shiva Temple in Gokarna stood a beautiful Champaka tree with full of flowers. Sage Narada once on his way to temple noticed this tree and admired it. Suddenly he found a Brahmin priest nearby. He came to pluck the flowers but on seeing Sage Narada he refrained from doing it. When enquired by Sage Narada the Brahmin told that he was on his way to a nearby village and just stood their enjoying the Champaka tree. After Narada left for the temple, the Brahmin plucked the flowers in a basket and hid it. On return from the temple, Sage Narada again met the Brahmin and this time he told that he was going home. But suspicious about this behavior, Sage Nar

Godavari Pushkaram is one of the most important Pushkarams in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and attracts millions of devotees. The Godavari Pushkaralu dates in 2015 - Pushkaram will be held from July 14, 2015 to July 25. The important bathing dates are yet to be announced. The important location for the Pushkaram is the ghats at Rajahmundry . A Pushakaram takes place once in 12 years when Jupitar (Brishaspati) enters a particular zodiac. There are total of 12 rivers where Pushkaram takes place. Every 12th year Jupiter’s entry into the constellation Leo marks the Pushkaram for Godavari . It is believed that during this period all deities with the rishis (holy men) enter the particular river for a holy dip. It is is widely believed that the rituals like snana (bath), dana (charity), japa (recitation), archana (worship) and dhyana (meditation),performed during Pushkaram bless the people in every sphere of their lives. Performing rituals dedicated to departed souls during the

Shiva Gufa is a naturally formed cave at Mehargav on the Uttarkashi – Yamunotri Road. In the cave, one can see a naturally formed Shivling – water naturally falls on top of it continuously. The Guha also has naturally formed ice sculptors of Shiva, Ganesha, Trishul, Lotus and Om. From Mehargav one has to climb 150 meters to reach the Shiva Gufa. The Gufa is named as ‘Prakritik Prachin Prakateswar Panchanan Mahadev’. It is very difficult to enter the cave and one need to patiently navigate the small space – flexibility of the body is important. The Cave is filled with knee deep water. Only four people can stand at a time in the cave. You can hear the sounds of water falling in the cave. Coming out of the cave is also difficult and one needs to be pulled out. The Shiva Gufa at Mehargav was discovered, accidently in 1998, when engineers and people of the region were searching for underground water to solve the drinking water issue here. They heard the sound of water in the a

Nashik – Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela is slightly different from other Kumbha Melas held in Haridwar, Prayag (Allahabad) and Ujjain. At Nashik Kumbh Mela, Vaishnav Akhadas and Shaiva Akhadas bath separately. During Kumbh Melas at Haridwar, Prayag (Allahabad) and Ujjain, both the Akhadas bath together. Another important difference is that one will not find most of the Akhadas participating in Nashik. The big Akhadas that participate in Haridwar and Prayag give the Nashik – Trimbakeshwar Kumbh Mela a miss.

The most important Shiva mantra is the Shiva Panchakshari Mantra. Other important prayers dedicated to Hindu God Shiva are Shiva Sakti Panchakshari Mantra, Mrutyunjaya Mantra, Shiva Gayatri Mantra and the names of Shiva. Shiva Panchakshari Mantra  –  Om  Namah Shivaya Shiva Shakti Panchakshari Mantra  –  Om  Hrim Namah Shivaya Mrutyunjaya Mantra  – Om  Trayambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanat Mrutyor Mukshiya Mamrutat Shiva Gayatri Mantra – Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya dhimahi Tanno rudrah prachodayat

During Nashik Kumbha Mela there are various Shaiva Akhadas participating in the in the Shahi Snan. They are followers of Shiva, they practice puja and rituals as per Shaiva a teachings, and they are known as Saiva Panthiya Akhadas. Majority of the Akhadas are housed in and around Tryambakeshwar. Various Shaiva Akhadas participating in the Nashik Kumbh Mela are Shree Shambhu Panch Darshan Juna Akhada Shree Shambhu Panch Avan Akhada Shree Shambhu Panch Agni Akhada Shree Panch Darshan Atal Akhada Shree Panchayati Akhada Anand Akhada Shree Panchayati Akhada Niranjani Akhada Shree Panchayati Akhada Mahanirwani Shree Bada Udaria Akhada Nirvan Shree Naya Udaria Akhada Nirvan Shree Nirmay Panchayati Akhada

During Nashik Kumbha Mela there are various Vaishnava Akhadas participating in the in the Shahi Snan. They are followers of Vishnu, they practice puja and rituals as per Vaishnava teachings, and they are known as Vaishnava Panthiya Akhadas. Various Vaishnava Akhadas participating in the Nashik Kumbh Mela are Shree Nirmohi Aai Akhada Shree Nirvani Akhada Shree Digambar Akhada

Ambubachi festival in Assam attracts Hindu Sadhus from various parts of the country. They arrive to participate in the fertility ritual observed at the famous Kamakhya Temple . These Sadhus who live secluded life in unknown places displayed some Yoga Poses. Washington Post has published the photos of the Yoga Poses practiced by these Sadhus. You can view all the photos here Photos of Yoga Poses by Hindu Sadhus during Ambubachi festival.

One of the most important characteristics of Chathayam Nakshatra born female is that they will be loved by all. Another important character of the birth star is that they will talk sweetly. Other Chathayam Nakshatra Female Characteristics are given below: Will have leadership qualities. Will be a spendthrift. Will not be kind. Will be always looking for shortcuts. Will even win over enemies through love. Will not be keen towards food. Will change with changing times. Will be adventurous Will want husband to share all responsibilities. 

One of the most important characteristics of Avittam Nakshatra born female is that they will have good leadership qualities. Another important character of the birth star is that they will be happy to stay away from home. Other Avittam Nakshatram Female Characteristics are given below: Will be interested in music and other arts. Will be wealthy Will have to stay away from spouse. Will have lots of desires. Will have a shot temper. Will have happy life. Will not hesitate from lying. Will have good habits. Will be flexible in many matters.

One of the most important characteristics of Thiruonam Nakshatra born female is that they will have good knowledge of science. Another important character of the birth star is that they will be rich. Other Tiruonam Nakshatra Female Characteristics are given below: Prime importance to truth and integrity. Will be come famous. Will have lot enemies. Will stay away from home. Will marry as per desire. Will have good earning but there will be lot of spending too. Will be spiritual. Will get married quickly. Might face eye related health issues. Will garner respect from friends and colleagues.