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Showing posts from December 15, 2015


Vihar Panchami

Vihar Panchami, also known as Bihar Panchami, is believed to be the day when Banke Bihari (Lord Krishna) appeared before Swami Haridas in Vrindavan. Vihar Panchami 2024 date is December 6. This auspicious event is believed to have taken place on the fifth day during the waxing phase of moon in Margashirsh month as per traditional calendar followed in North India . The festival is also popularly known as Bihar Panchami, or Bankey Bihari Prakat Mahotsav. It is said that Lord Krishna along with Radha gave darshan to Swami Haridas and later to his disciples at Nitya Vihar. Entire premises of Nidhivan as well as the Bankey Bihari temple and surroundings are tastefully decorated with flowers, flags, hangings and lights on this occasion. Special pujas and rituals are held on the day. Another major highlight on the day is the colorful processions.

Story - Sage Narada Asking Lord Vishnu About The Benefit Of Meeting A Holy Person

It is believed in Hinduism that company of a holy person helps in self-realization. A story associated with Sage Narada explains this. Legend has it that once Sage Narada wanted to know about the benefit of meeting a holy person. Lord Vishnu asked Sage Narada to visit a bird that was just born. On seeing Sage Narada, the bird died. Next Lord Vishnu asked him to visit a newborn tiger cub. On seeing Sage Narada, the tiger cub too died. Sage Narada was petrified and went back to Vishnu. The Lord now asked Sage Narada to visit a newborn calf. The Sage was hesitant but he still visited the cowshed. His fears came true when the calf too died. Vishnu now asked Sage Narada to visit a King’s newborn baby. Vishnu had a hard time convincing a frightened and reluctant Sage Narada. Finally, the sage visited the newborn baby. This time around, something unbelievable happened. The newborn miraculously spoke to him thanking him for his visit. The child then told

Importance of Paavai Vilaku or a Lady Holding a Lamp – Symbolism

Paavai Vilaku or a Lady Holding a Lamp is a very popular Hindu religious motif. The symbolism associated with it is auspiciousness. It is gifted during marriages, house warming and other similar functions and it is also donated to temples. Some scholars are of the view that the lamps might have originally come to South India through the Romans. Paavai Vilaku or a Lady Holding a Lamp symbolizes prosperity and auspiciousness. In Hindu culture woman holding a lamp is considered a symbol of peace and prosperity. Traditional Paavai Vilaku is that of a woman dressed in traditional dress and jewelry holding a lamp. This is the most popular one. Today Paavai Vilaku comes in various designs including that of a bird on the arms of a lady. Paavai Vilakus are usually brought in a pair. Pure brass Paavai Vilaku will cost a fortune.

Moothakunnam Temple Festival - Moothakunnam Sri Narayanamangalam Temple near North Paravur

Moothakunnam Temple festival is observed annually in Makaram month. Moothakunnam Sri Narayanamangalam Temple is located near North Paravur in Kerala. The temple is located around 5 km from Kodungallur. The 10-day annual festival in the temple is observed in such a manner that the festival ends on the Uthram nakshatra in Makaram month. The temple is of great importance as the murti worshipped in the shrine was consecrated by Sri Narayana Guru. The pratishta in the temple was done on Kollavarsham 1078 Makaram 20. Three pratishtas were done here by Sri Narayana Guru – Shiva, Subrahmanya and Ganapati. Mahashivratri is of great importance here. Special pujas are held on Mondays. Pradosham is a fortnight is of great significance. Thaipooyam and Sashti fasting are observed here. Vinayaka Chaturthi in Chingam month is another important festival. Moothakunnam Temple is traditionally decorated with plantain, coconut leaves, flowers, leaves, traditional lamps and lights of the festival. The