Renuka Yatra at Mhaswad is observed in Margashirsh month. This is the annual fair and festival at the Renuka temple at Mhaswad in Satara District in Maharashtra. In 2025, it will be observed on December 15. Goddess Renuka is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga and is popular in rural culture as Mother Goddess. This annual jatra attracts thousands of devotees. Special rituals are observed on the occasion. Mhaswad Renuka Yatra is annually held on Margashirsha Krishna Paksha Ekadasi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning phase of moon in Margashirsh month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Bhairava or Kal Bhairava, is one of the most terrible and angry form of Shiva – an attempt by human mind to give form to the anger of the Supreme Being. The popular legend associated with the Bhairava form of Shiva is that of Him cutting off the fifth head of Brahma. He did this to punish Brahma for his unethical and uncontrolled lust. Bhairava is often depicted with scowl, angry eyes and flaming hair. He is naked and wears a garland of skulls and a coiled snake about his neck. In his four hands he carries a noose, trident, drum, and skull. A black dog always accompanies Bhairava. Some Hindu scriptures talks about different manifestations of Bhairava . Such text detail about eight manifestations, which includes Kala (black), Asitanga (with black limbs), Sanhara (destruction), Ruru (hound), Krodha (anger), Kapala (Skull), Rudra (storm) and Unmatta (raging). Ashtami or eighth day after full moon (Krishna Paksha or waxing phase of moon) is dedicated to Bhairava ...

Tying red threads on the wrist of right hand is considered highly meritorious and auspicious by many Hindus. The red thread or rakshasutra or charadu or Mauli has the blessing of the deity in a temple. The thread is tied after blessings of the deity and special pujas in a temple or sacred place. Different colors of thread are used like red, yellow, black and orange. In North India, it is believed that the red thread brings fame, power and saves from evil. When a person ties the red thread – Brahma blesses the person with fame, Vishnu bless the person with power and Shiva saves him from all evil. In South India, people tie yellow, red, orange and black color threads. Black color is believed to protect a person from all evil. It is also tied to overcome fear. Threads is South India are mostly associated with Goddess Shakti temples especially Mariamman, Devi and Bhadrakali.

Comprehensive Guide to Worship Indrani in Hinduism Indrani, also known as Shachi, is the consort of Lord Indra, the king of the Devas (gods). She is revered as the goddess of beauty, power, and fertility, symbolizing feminine strength and authority. Worshipping Indrani is believed to bring success, protection from negative energies, prosperity, and fertility. This guide will help you perform a traditional, eco-friendly puja in her honor. 1. Cleanliness and Preparation Before starting any puja, cleanliness is crucial both physically and mentally: Personal Hygiene : Take a bath and wear fresh, clean clothes. Puja Area : Clean the puja area thoroughly. If you’re conducting the puja at home, wipe the space with water and organic materials like cow dung or turmeric water (known for its antiseptic properties). Spiritual Preparation : Meditate for a few moments to calm your mind and body. Invoke peace and serenity before starting the worship. 2. Best Time to Worship Indrani The most auspiciou...

Jalahalli Ayyappa Temple is a popular Ayyappan shrine located at Jalahalli area of Bengaluru. It is one of the popular Ayyappa temples outside Kerala. Below is the detail temple timings. Please note that the puja and darshan time will be shortened during Grahan or eclipse. There will change in opening and closing time during important rituals and festivals. Jalahalli Ayyappa Temple Puja and Darshan Time Morning opening time – 5:30 AM to 11:00 AM Evening closing and opening time – 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM Special rituals like Bhasmaabhishekam are only held on Saturday Detail morning timing Nirmalyam – 5:40 AM Abhishekam – 5:50 AM Ganapathi Homam – 6:15 AM Usha Puja – 8:00 AM Uchha Puja – 10:30 AM Evening Puja Timings Deeparadhana – 6:50 PM Athazha Puja – 8:00 PM Harivarasanam – 8:25 PM

Comprehensive Guide to Worship Goddess Rati in Hinduism Worshiping Goddess Rati, the Hindu deity of love, passion, and beauty, is a beautiful and meaningful practice. Rati is often worshiped with her consort, Kamadeva, the god of love, to promote harmony, love, and affection in one’s relationships. Below is a comprehensive guide that covers the essential aspects of her puja (worship), focusing on eco-friendly practices and traditional rituals. 1. Cleanliness and Preparation Before starting the puja, cleanliness is of utmost importance. Clean yourself and your surroundings, as purity is essential in all Hindu rituals. Clean the Puja Room/Altar : Sweep the area, and wipe surfaces where the puja will be performed. Set up a clean, dedicated space. Personal Hygiene : Take a bath and wear clean clothes, preferably made of natural fibers like cotton or silk. 2. Time of Puja There is no strict rule for worshiping Goddess Rati, but the best time for her puja is during the early morning hours af...

To kill infant Krishna , Kamsa had deputed several demons. One of them took the form a Giant Crane and tried to kill Sri Krishna. The demon who took the form of Crane was called Baka (Bakasura) and he was the sister of Putana, who had earlier failed in her attempt to harm Krishna by feeding poisoned breast milk. Baka took the form of a giant crane and carried Sri Krishna away in his beak. He then attempted to swallow Krishna . To escape from the throat of the bird, Sri Krishna produced intense heat. The bird felt as if it had swallowed burning coal. The bird threw infant Krishna out. Then the bird attempted to kill Sri Krishna by biting. But Krishna caught hold of the beak and tore it apart. He thus killed demon Baka.

Ganesha appeared as Mayureshwar in the Treta Yuga. This is one of the Swayambhu forms of Ganesh. Legend has it that Goddess Parvati wished to have a son. Shiva asked her to meditate chanting the mantra ‘GAM.’ Goddess Parvati meditated in the Lenyadri hills chanting the mantra for 12 years. Ganapati then appeared before her and granted her the boon that He will be born as her son. In due course of time Ganesha was born to Goddess Parvati. Once child Ganesha pushed a large egg down from a mango tree, and when he did so, the egg cracked and out came a peacock. He made the peacock his vehicle and came to be known as Mayureshwar. The purpose of Swayambhu (that which appeared by itself) Mayureshwar was to annihilate Demon Sindhu who had attained great powers after getting boons from Surya, the sun god. Sindhu got the boon to rule the three worlds and was given amrita – nectar of immortality in a bowl which was ever filled. Surya put the condition that if ever the bowl was br...

Worshiping the Peepal tree on Amavasya (the new moon day) holds immense significance in Hinduism. The Peepal tree, often considered a sacred symbol of life and divinity, is associated with various gods and goddesses, particularly Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and Goddess Lakshmi. Peepal tree worship on Amavasya is believed to bestow blessings, remove obstacles, and bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Here is a detailed guide for performing the puja with a focus on cleanliness, eco-friendly practices, and simplicity. Importance of Worshiping Peepal Tree on Amavasya Spiritual significance : The Peepal tree is believed to house the divine trinity of Hinduism: Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and Lord Shiva. Worshiping it on Amavasya helps in receiving their blessings and removes doshas (bad karma). Environmental Benefits : Peepal is known for purifying the air and releasing oxygen, making it eco-friendly to worship. Amavasya connection : Worshiping the Peepal tree on Amavasya helps in rem...

Comprehensive Guide on How to Worship Peepal Tree on Thursday in Hinduism Worshiping the Peepal tree (Ficus religiosa) holds great significance in Hinduism. It is believed to represent Lord Vishnu and also symbolizes the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh). Performing puja on Thursdays is especially auspicious as it is the day dedicated to Guru (Jupiter), associated with spiritual growth, wisdom, and prosperity. This guide will walk you through the complete procedure, including the preparations, timings, offerings, mantras, and eco-friendly practices. 1. Preparations and Cleanliness Personal Cleanliness : Take a bath before starting the puja to purify yourself. Wear fresh and clean clothes, as cleanliness is essential in all forms of worship. Clean Surroundings : Ensure the area around the Peepal tree is clean. Use natural water or sacred water (Ganga Jal) to sprinkle around the tree before starting the puja to cleanse the space. 2. Best Time for Worship Morning Time : It is ideal to...

Story of the Curse on Dasharatha is found in the Aranya Kanda of Ramayana. King Dasaratha was a great warrior and he had even helped Indra in the war in against demons. He was one of the greatest archers and could hit an arrow on target by merely listening to the source of the sound. One day the king was on a hunting expedition near a forest in Ayodhya. The king could not find any animal for a long period of time. Then he suddenly heard a sound of some animal drinking water. He shot an arrow in the direction of the sound and suddenly he heard the cry of a man. To his utter dismay, the king found that he had shot a young man. The young man was Shravan Kumar a devoted son. He used to carry his blind parents in baskets by tying the baskets to the two ends of a strong pole. When the unfortunate incident took place, young Shravan Kumar was collecting water for his blind parents. Shravan Kumar pardoned Dasaratha but requested him to take water to his old blind parents. ...

The Hindi calendar 2016 is provided by the website ashram. It has marked all the important festivals and tithi in the Hindi language. The 2016 Hindi calendar is not in pdf format but in picture format. You can save it each month for your personal use. You can find Hindi language calendar 2016 here at the official website of Ashram.

Anklets are an important ornament of Hindu women. It is a must for many communities in Hinduism. There are Hindu women who never appear in public without wearing anklets. Anklets are usually made of silver or gold and are worn on the ankle which joins it to the toe. Some unmarried women wear a black thread on the right ankle. It is believed that the silver anklets help in retaining positive energy. Some people believe that it helps in providing relief from joint pains. This is not scientifically proved. It is also believed that the sound made by the anklets alert people about the arrival of women – who can then behave appropriately and stop any indecent work they are doing. It is again believed that the sound of anklets drive away negative energy. A black thread worn on right leg is also to keep away bad elements. Anklets are worn on both legs by Hindu women.

Hindu Calendar with Tithi in pdf for free download is in English and is based on Hindu Calendar 2016 followed in North India – Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. A month in this Hindu calendar begins after Purnima and ends on Purnima. All important festivals and fasting 2016 dates are marked in the calendar. Link  –  Download Hindu Calendar 2016 with Tithi in pdf The calendar is based on Purnimat system. In this system a traditional Hindu month begins after Purnima or full moon day.

Matsyendranath is one of the foremost teachers of the Nath tradition and he is the Guru of Gorakhnath, the founder of the Natha tradition. Matsyendra was the first human being who brought down the secret of Yoga for the benefit of humanity from Lord Shiva. The story of Matsyendranath has numerous hidden symbolism. Legend has it that Matsyendranath started life as a fish in the ocean. He lived in a small pond in an island. One day Goddess Parvati wanted to know the reason for the existence of the world as experienced through the senses. This was a deep and profound knowledge. Shiva did not want to share it with anyone. But he could not displease Mother Goddess, so to enlighten her she took her to an island. The only inhabitant of the island was a fish who lived in a pond. The fish overheard Shiva revealing the secrets of Yoga to his consort, Goddess Parvati on the uninhabited island. Creation, dissolution, transformation, the illusion all were discussed by Shiva and Shakt...

Dev Rameshwar Dahi Kala is annually observed in Margashirsh month. It is an important ritual at the Dev Rameshwar Temple at Natal near Kariwade, Kolhapur, Maharashtra. This unique annual festival is famous for various rituals and participation of a large number of people. Dev Rameshwar Dahi Kala 2025 date is December 15. Natal Dev Rameshwar Mandir is traditionally decorated with flowers, leaves, traditional lamps and lights. The day is of importance to the villagers. People from nearby towns and villages arrive to participate in this annual ritual. Dev Rameshwar Dahi Kala is annually held on Margashirsha Krishna Paksha Ekadasi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning phase of moon in Margashirsh month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

The annual Yellamma Devi Yatra at Khanderajuri is held in Margashirsh month. The festival dedicated to Goddess Yellamma Devi attracts hundreds of devotees. Yellamma Devi Yatra 2025 date is December 15. Khanderajuri is located around 17 km from Miraj and 24 km from Sangli. The annual yatra is also noted for a fair. The ritual involves journey to the shrine and palki yatra. Khanderajuri Yellamma Devi Temple is magnificently decorated during the period traditionally with flowers, leaves, traditional lamps and lights. The day is of importance to the villagers. People from nearby towns and villages arrive to participate in this annual fair and festival. Important rituals, which are held only once in a year, happen during the period Khanderajuri Yellamma Devi Yatra is annually held on Margashirsha Krishna paksha Ekadasi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning phase of moon as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Vaijayantimala is the necklace that Hindu God Vishnu wears around his neck. It is known as Pncharupa. Vaijayantimala is made of five kinds of precious gems. Symbolically it is the collective form of Panchatanmatras and Panchabutas. The five gems that are part of it are pearl or moti, manik or ruby, maratagam or emerald, indranilam or blue sapphire and Hira or diamond. The five gems also symbolizes the five elements – water, fire, earth, air and ether. It must be noted here that Vaijayanti Mala is also made using five flowers. The mala made using Vaijayanti seed found in Braj is also known as Vaijayantimala. It is believed that Sri Krishna made necklace out of the beads and presented it to Radha

Somjai Devi Ratha Yatra is annually observed in Margashirsh month. It is the most important fair and festival at the Somjai Devi Temple at Shrivardhan in Raigad, Maharashtra. The Rath Yatra, or chariot festival, is famous for various rituals and participation of a large number of people. Somjai Devi Yatra 2025 date is December 13. Somjai Devi Mandir is magnificently decorated during the period traditionally with flowers, leaves, traditional lamps and lights. The day is of importance to the villagers. People from nearby towns and villages arrive to participate in this annual fair and festival. Important rituals, which are held only once in a year, happen during the period. Somjai Devi Yatra is annually held on Margashirsha Krishna Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day during the waning phase of moon in Margashirsh month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Sevagiri Maharaj Punyatithi Utsav is annually observed in Margashirsh month. It is the death anniversary of Brahmaleen Siddhahast Yogi Param Pujya Sadguru Shree Sevagiri Maharaj. The day is of great significance at Pusegaon near Khatav in Satara, Maharashtra. Sevagiri Maharaj Punyatithi Utsav 2025 date is December 13. Samadhi of Sri Sevagiri Maharaj is located at Pusegaon. Sevagiri Maharaj spread the teachings of Sanatana Dharma. He strived for social equality through charity, education and love. Thousands of devotees participate in the various activities organized on the day. Philanthropic activities, food donation and satsang are the major highlights of the day. Sevagiri Maharaj Punyatithi is annually held on Margashirsha Krishna Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day during the waning phase of moon in Margashirsh month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

There are a couple of small shrines in and around the main Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple . The most famous among them is the temple of Malikapurathamma and the sacred space dedicated to Vavar Swamy – the Muslim warrior friend of Ayyappa. Other popular small shrines are that of Karuppu Swami and Valiya Kadutha. The temple of Karuppasamy is located on the right side of the Pathinettam Padi or the eighteen holy steps. The small shrine of Valiya Kadutha is located on the left side of holy steps. The temple of Karuppu Swami also includes the murti of Karuppai Amma. They both were people from forest who helped Lord Ayyappa in his divine mission and are believed to have divine power. Valiya Kadutha is also an attendant of Lord Ayyappa. Please note that there is another shrine of Kochu Kadutha near the Malikappuram Temple and this deity is a warrior who fought along with Ayyappa. Before climbing the Pathinettam Padi or the eighteen holy steps devotees offer a to...

Ramvardayani and Navalai Devi Yatra is annually held in Margashirsh month. This is the most important annual fair and festival at the Ramvardayani and Navalai Devi Temple at Khavali near Satara in Maharashtra. In 2025, it will be held on December 12. The temple is beautifully decorated during the period traditionally with flowers, leaves, traditional lamps and lights. The day is of importance to the villagers. People from nearby towns and villages arrive to participate in this annual fair and festival. Important rituals are held during the period. Ramvardayani and Navalai Devi Yatra is annually held on Margashirsha Krishna Paksha Ashtami tithi or the eighth day during the waning phase of moon in Margashirsh month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Shivdav is a village near Kankavli in Sindhudurg District in Maharashtra. Shivdav Yatra is annually held in Margashirsha Month. Hundreds of people participate in this annual jatra. Shivdav Yatra 2025 date is December 13. The day is of importance to the villagers. People from nearby towns and villages arrive to participate in this annual fair and festival. Shivdav Yatra is annually held on Margashirsha Krishna Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day during the waning phase of moon in Margashirsh month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

The game of Ganjifa Cards was very popular in ancient India. The cards contain hand painted images of aspects of Hindu tradition. The Mahabharata paintings on Ganjifa cards narrate the story of epic Mahabharat. There are a total of 12 cards in this collection. Link  – You can view the story of Mahabharata on Ganjifa cards at the Indira Gandhi National Centre of Arts website.

The flying whisk or chamara holds significant symbolic meaning in Hinduism, associated with divinity, royalty, and purity. This traditional implement is often seen in the iconography of various Hindu gods and goddesses, though its representation has become less common in modern depictions and worship practices. Symbolism and Associations Royalty and Authority : The chamara, often made from yak tail hair, represents royalty and authority. It is an emblem of regality and was historically used to signify high status and power. This association with royalty extends to its use in divine contexts, symbolizing the supreme authority and grandeur of the deities. Purity and Sanctity : The chamara is also a symbol of purity. In ancient rituals, it was used to purify the space around the deity and to drive away flies and other impurities, thereby maintaining the sanctity of the area. This aspect emphasizes the divine purity and the untainted nature of the gods and goddesses. Divine Presence and S...

The Ayyappa Temple at Aryankavu in Kollam District is one among the five most important temples dedicated to Ayyappa in Kerala. The shrine at Aryankavu is known as Aryankavu Sastha Temple and Ayyappa is depicted as a teenager (young boy) here. Ayyappa is known as Tiruaryan here and therefore the place got the name Aryankavu. The temple is famous for the thirukalyanam or marriage festival annually in December. Surrounded by forests, the temple is located on the Trivandrum – Tenkasi National Highway . Just like in Sabarimala, women from the age 10 to 50 are not allowed inside the Aryankavu Ayyappa Temple . The rituals and pujas followed at Aryankavu Sastha Temple is that of Tamil tradition. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple has idols of Devi, Shiva and Sastha. A young Ayyappa sits in the middle with Devi on the left side and Shiva on the right side. The festival at the temple is celebrated during the last days of the Sabarimala Mandala Kalam. The mos...

Residents of 10 villages located on the outskirts of Manali in Himachal Pradesh do not make any kind of noise for 42 days starting from Makar Sankranti. Goshal Village is home to temples dedicated to Gautam Rishi, Ved Vyas Rishi and Kanchan Nag.  Orissa 360 writes   Residents of 10 hamlets located on the outskirts of this picturesque tourist resort, some 250 km from the state capital, don’t allow anyone to make noise — in this time of the year. They themselves have stopped listening to music, watching television and doing even household chores that make noise. They believe this will disturb the mediating deities.   If that happens, they will face divine wrath.   Every year, any activity that creates noise in Goshal and nine other villages on the outskirts of Manali in Kullu district – with a population not more than 10,000 – comes to a halt for 42 days from Makar Sankranti (Jan 14).   “All the deities have returned to the heaven. They are meditating. ...

Comprehensive Guide on Worshiping Panjurli in Hinduism Panjurli is a revered deity worshiped in the Tulu-speaking regions of Karnataka and Kerala. He is considered a form of Bhoota or spirit worship in Hinduism, representing protection, prosperity, and the safeguarding of land and property. The worship of Panjurli embodies eco-spirituality, emphasizing the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. Below is a detailed guide on how to worship Panjurli with eco-friendly traditional methods, along with specific instructions on cleanliness, rituals, clothing, and the appropriate steps to follow. 1. Cleanliness and Preparation Before beginning the puja, both physical and spiritual cleanliness is paramount. Personal Cleanliness: Take a bath and wear fresh, clean clothes. Keep the mind pure by focusing on positive thoughts and devotion. Puja Space Cleanliness: Choose a clean and quiet place, preferably near a Tulsi plant, sacred tree, or a dedicated home altar. Clean the area thoroug...

Sun Temple at Aurangabad in Bihar is unique as it faces west, the setting sun not the usual rising sun. Surya Mandir is located at Deo or Dev around 22 km from Aurangabad. The presiding deity here is known as Trikal Surya – Forms of Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. Brahma depicts the rising sun, Shiva the mid-day sun and Vishnu represents the setting sun. Outside the main sanctum sanctorum, in the front hall section, there are three broken murtis. They are not worshipped but it is believed these were the original murtis worshipped in the temple. Invaders destroyed it. The broken murtis are of Surya (the Sun God) with seven horses, Uma- Maheshwara and Vishnu. Shivling and Ganesh murti can also be found in the shrine. It is believed that the present shrine was constructed between 8th and 12th century AD. The structure of the temple is simple and follows the Nagar style of architecture prevalent in North India. Legend has it that originally the temple faced east. During the...

One of the famous stories associated with the warrior form of Shiva is that of him destroying Tripuri. Tripura or Tripuri were the flying cities of demons made of Gold, Silver and Iron. Demons Tarakaksha, Maya and Vidyunmali ruled over the three cities. The three demons were the son of Tarakasura who was defeated by Kartikeya. The three demons had propitiated Brahma and as boon asked for immortality which was denied and later they asked for three fortified cities which could fly around and could only destroyed with one shot of an arrow. The demons then with the help of Maya, master architect, built three cities in sky, air and earth. With safety of the boon, the demons defeated the devas and invaded cities in the universe. They started propagating Adharma. Indra tried to bring down the city with a single arrow but failed. Finally, Devas, saints and human approached Shiva. Shiva agreed to put an end to the rule of the flying cities. Vishwakarma built the chariot for the m...

Comprehensive Guide to Planning a Night Worship (Nisha Puja) in Hinduism Night worship, or Nisha Puja , holds a significant place in Hindu rituals. It is often conducted during festivals or auspicious times, invoking blessings, inner peace, and spiritual growth. Here's a detailed guide on how to plan a night worship while incorporating eco-friendly practices. 1. Time Selection Night worship can be performed on various auspicious occasions, but the most common ones include: Maha Shivaratri : Dedicated to Lord Shiva. Navaratri : During the worship of Goddess Durga. Full Moon (Purnima) or New Moon (Amavasya) : For performing rituals dedicated to ancestors (Pitru Tarpan) or specific deities. Preferred Time : The puja should ideally be performed after sunset, with the peak worship time between 10 PM and midnight, as this period is said to have heightened spiritual energy. 2. Cleanliness and Preparation Personal Hygiene : Take a ...