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Rudramsa Durga

Rudramsa Durga is one of the most popular forms of Durga worshipped in Hinduism. The name Rudramsa indicates that she incorporates in herself aspects of Rudra form of Lord Shiva. The Rudra form that is incorporated in Rudramsa Durga is that of the Shiva that created numerous spirits in anger to destroy those who had deviated from the path of Dharma. She is part of the Goddess Shakti worship . Some scholars are also of the view that Rudramsa Durga is associated with Lord Shiva who is worshipped at Kedarnath in Uttarakhand. The form of Shiva that is worshipped in Kedarnath is that of a huge buffalo. Rudramsa Durga is depicted as having dark-blue complexion – Shyamala. She has four arms and wears red-colored clothes – Rakthambhara. She wears gold ornaments and has a unique tapering crown, which is not part of many forms of Durga. Rudramsa Durga carries in her hands sword, spear, conch and discus. She rides on a lion. In some portraits, sun and moon are depicted on

How Ravana got his name? – Story of the name Ravana

Ravana means the one who screams. The story of the name Ravana is associated with Shiva. How the ten-headed demon king in Ramayana got also gives an idea about the arrogance and physical strength of Ravan. Legend has it that Ravana was arrogant of his powers. Once to impress Lord Shiva, he attempted to lift the Kailash Mountain. Shiva to quell the arrogance of Ravana simply placed his toe on the mountain. Ravana’s forearm were crushed and he let out a deafening scream. From this day, he got the name Ravana meaning the one who screams.

Ugadi Quotes and Messages - Kannada and Telugu New Year

This is a collection of favorite Ugadi quotes and messages that we have read, received and some which we have sent and also some that we made for this Ugadi . Let this Ugadi bring peace and prosperity in the lives of all. On this Ugadi, let the bitter taste of neem remind us of the struggles in life and the sweet taste of jaggery the progress that results from the struggle. May this Ugadi be a good one for all of us. Let this Ugadi usher in a Good and Sweet Year, both materially and spiritually. Happy Ugadi and let this be a delightful year, filled with delightful things in each of its days. This Ugadi let us go forward with great hope that all things will be possible. Happy Ugadi, let this year be filled with the things that are truly good. Ugadi stands for new and fresh – Life is always new and fresh – Let us strive to make all days Ugadi. Let this Ugadi give you the strength to do all that you dreamed to do during last year but didn’t dare to do. This is a time of ne

Ganesha Purana – About Ganesh Puran

Ganesha Purana is one of the minor Puranas. Ganesh Puran is believed to have been written between 11th and 14th century and is credited to the Ganapatya sect – who considered Ganesha as the Supreme Godhead. The Purana extols that Ganesha is the creator, sustainer and destroyer of the universe. It consists of 247 chapters and is divided into two parts. The first part contains information about worship of Ganesha. The second part details Ganesha as creator, protector and sustainer of the universe. The second part basically contains stories of Ganesha, his avatars and how he defeated the demons. The first part is known as Upasana Khanda and the second part is known as Krida Khanda. Ganesha Gita is also part of Ganesh Puran. In it, teachings of Ganesha on yoga, karma, bhakti and jnana are detailed. It is quite similar to Bhagavad Gita.

Gandharva Nagari – Concept Of Imaginary City or Mirage Town in Hindu Books

Gandharvanagara is a concept found in Hindu books. It is an imaginary city or mirage town. Hindi Sabdasagara describes Gandharva Nagari as follows: Owing to different optical illusions, villages and cities may appear to exist in the sky and also on seas, rivers, etc. When during summer the air on the upper strata of deserts, seas etc. gets heated, expanded, and rises up, the light passing through it becomes multi-coloured and gives reflections in the sky in the form of village parts or  cities. Also can be seen therein reflections of trees, boats etc. This is a mere optical illusion. This reflection immediately fades out also. This unreal city, which is an optical illusion, is Gandharvanagara. Sage Vyasa in Mahabharata equates Sages disappearing from sight like the Gandharvanagara fading out. Gandharva Nagari, an interesting atmospheric phenomenon, is also mentioned in works on Hindu philosophy — especially the Advaita Vedanta — as an illustration of something which a

Badi Patan Devi Temple at Patna, Bihar

Badi Patan Devi Temple, at Patna in Bihar, is one among the 52 Shaktipeethas. The temple is located near Harmandir Sahib in Patna. The popular belief is that right thigh of Goddess Sati  fell here. Legend has it that when the body part of Goddess Sati touched the ground here three Goddesses – Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati – appeared. All the three goddesses are worshipped at the Badi Patan Devi Temple. Black stone murtis of the three goddesses are worshipped in the main sanctum sanctorum. The goddesses are in standing posture. Their attire is sari and crown. Murti of Vyom Bhairav represents Shiva in the sanctum. Devotees make offering in a big havan kund found in front of the sanctum. A murti of Mother Goddess sitting on a lion is found on the Verandah behind the main sanctum. A large bell is also found here. Tuesday is the most auspicious day in the temple. Pujas are performed here as per Vedic and Tantric tradition. The most important festival he

Swayamvar in Hinduism – About the concept of Swayamvara

Swayamvar is the freedom of a bride to choose her husband in an open assembly. This was an important marriage concept practiced in Hinduism. ‘Swayam’ means oneself and ‘vara’ in this context means to select a groom. Swayamvara gives a hint into the position of women in ancient Hindu civilization. A king would proclaim his daughter’s Swayamvara and invite many princes, nobles, warriors and learned men. On the day of Swayamvar, all the contenders will be present in the palace before the king. The princess would go before each of them. She would observe the suitor carefully. Her maid would brief her about the background of the suitor his family, achievements, powers and other aspects of his personality. After having studied the suitors, she would declare her choice by garlanding that person. Her choice is honored by all present. In another type of Swayamvar, the suitors present will have to prove their worth by displaying their strength or martial skills or knowledge. Th

Jala Samadhi – Casting off body underwater – Jal Samadhi

Jala Samadhi is a unique ritual practiced by Yogis. It is giving up one’s life in water. Jal Samadhi is a method of casting off one’ body voluntarily and it should not be mistaken for suicide. A true yogi has the power to discard one’s life at one’s own will. Jala Samadhi is performed when a yogi realizes that the purpose of the body has been successfully accomplished. Such a yogi then enters into a deep state of Samadhi underwater. There were also instances when Jala Samadhi was opted when a person had lost a philosophical debate. It is said that father of Ashtavakra entered into a debate with another scholar in the court of King Janaka. The condition put was that whoever lost the debate would perform Jal Samadhi. Ashtavakra’s father lost the debate and he then performed Jal Samadhi. Years later Ashtavakra came to the same court and defeated the scholar who had defeated his father. However, Ashtavakra did not ask the scholar to take Jal Samadhi. Instead, he asked King Janaka

Goddess Rankini Temple at Ghatshila in Jharkhand – Ghatshila Rankini Devi Mandir

Goddess Rankini Devi is a manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti. Rankini Mandir located at Ghatshila in Jharkhand is a popular shrine dedicated to this form of Mother Goddess. The shrine is located atop Kaprighat hill, which is around 4 km from Jadugoda. It is widely believed that during ancient times, people who traveled through the dense forest for their protection and well being worshiped the Goddess. Goddess Rankini Devi is worshipped in the form of a Shila or naturally occurring rock. She is decorated with sindoor, garlands and silver eyes. Bhimji Tribe performed the puja to the murtis from ancient times. Even today, the priests in the shrine are from the tribe. The main offering in the shrine is tying of a coconut, supari and arwa chaval wrapped in red cloth. Devotees for wish fulfillment make this offering. When the wishes are fulfilled, people donate animals to the shrine. Coconut and batasha are offered as Bhoga. Daily Aarti is performed at 6:00 A

Goddess Alopi Devi – About Hindu Goddess Alopi Devi

Alopi Devi is a manifestation of Goddess Shakti and is one among the 51 Shakti Peethas. The legend of the Goddess is associated with the death of Sati at the yagna conducted by Daksha and the subsequent anger of Shiva and his roaming with the body of Sati and Vishnu then cutting the body using his Sudarshan Chakra to save the universe. The temple dedicated to Alopi Devi is located at Prayag ( Allahabad ) in Uttar Pradesh. Alopi Devi is also popularly known as Goddess Madhaveswari. The popular belief is that the fingers of the hands of Goddess Sati fell at the spot where the Alopi Devi Temple stands. It must be noted that Goddess Alopi temple is also part of the Ashta Dasa Shakti Peethas concept more famous in South India and propagated through the Ashtadasa Shakti Peetha Stotra of Adi Shankara. Alopi means disappeared. The Goddess gets the name Alopi because of the belief that the last part of Goddess Sati’s body fell here and disappeared. Hence this is the last spot

How Arjuna Received The Gandiva Bow? - Story Of Gandiva Bow In Mahabharata

Gandiva was the bow of Arjuna in the Mahabharata. Arjuna received the Gandiva bow from Agni. Legend has it that Agni gave Arjuna the bow for helping in performing the Khandava Dahanam or the burning of the Khandava forest. There is an interesting story as to how Arjuna came to receive the Gandiva bow from Agni. Once there was a king named Shvetaki. He conducted several types of yajnas for several years and this filled the kingdom with smoke. The yajna place was continuously under smoke and the Rishis found it difficult to even breathe. They all left the place. This did not deter Shvetaki who decided to conduct another yajna for 12 years but none of the Rishis were ready to take part in it. Shvetaki then prayed to Shiva for a solution and He gave him Durvaasas as the priest for the yajna. Durvaasas continued the yajna for 12 years pouring unlimited materials into Agni. Agni was now overfed and could no longer take anymore food. His brilliance started to fade and t

Live Darshan of Tulja Bhavani – Online Darshan from Tuljabhavani Temple in Tuljapur in Maharashtra

Tulja   Bhavani   Temple  is one of the 51 Shaktipeetahs dedicated to Goddess Shakti. Goddess Tulja Bhavani is worshiped as Ambabai, Jagadamba, Tukai, Bhagwati and Durga in western parts of  India . Now the famous Tuljabhavani Temple in Maharashtra is offering live darshan of the principal deity worshipped in the temple. You can have the live darshan here at the official website of Tulja Bhavani Temple . Shri   Tulja   Bhavani   Temple  located at Tuljapur in Osmanabad District in Maharashtra is one of the most important Goddess Shakti Temples in western part of India . Tulja Bhavani was the family deity of Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj and also of thousands of families in  Maharashtra  and neighboring states.

Rauravam Hell in Hinduism - Raurava

Details regarding Hells in Hinduism are found in the Puranas especially the Garuda Purana. Rauravam Hell is mainly used to punish those people who have persecuted other living beings. In the Raurava Hell, people are bound with ropes by attendants of Yama and thrown into the hell where they are bitten by snakes. When such people are thrown in the Rauravam Hell, people whom they had tormented or cheated on earth assume the shape of snakes. This concept of heaven and hell in Hindu tradition is based on Puranas. Such stories and incidents in Puranas are meant to keep human beings disciplined on earth. Upanishads state that hell and heaven are on earth and lucky are those who realize the true self and attain bliss here. 

Tukaram Gatha in pdf – Download Poems of Sant Tukaram Maharaj in pdf format

Poems of the great Bhakti saint and poet Sant Tukaram Maharaj is known as Tukaram Gatha. Below is the link to the Tukaram Gatha in pdf and you can download it for free. Tukaram Gathas are famous for its wisdom and Bhakti towards the Supreme Being in the form of Lord Vitthal. Link – Tukaram Gatha in pdf Sant Tukaram (1608-1649 CE) was one of the greatest saints of India, and as such he has influenced and is still influencing the devotional and spiritual world of people of Maharashtra. Sant Tukaram was an ardent devotee of Lord Vitthal of Pandarpur. He began intensive studies of the writings of all Varkari saints right from Sant Jnandev to Sant Eknath. This strengthened his devotion towards Lord Vithal. The most important aspect of the literary study had on Tukaram was that he could overcome his reclusiveness and began to mingle with people striving towards their upliftment. Sant Tukaram’s poetry initiated an upheaval against casteism, diabolic religious practices, e

Saraswati Temples in Kerala - 17 Goddess Saraswati Temples In Kerala

Here is a list of popular Saraswati Temples in Kerala, India. Goddess Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of wisdom, knowledge, intelligence and learning. There are 17 temples of Goddess Saraswati in this list and will be updated regularly. Panachikkadu Saraswathi Temple Panachikkadu Saraswathi Temple is located near Kottayam. The temple is known as Southern Mookambika. The main deity in the temple is Vishnu. Goddess Saraswati is worshipped in a separate sanctum. She is worshipped here in the form of Mookambika. Chottanikkara Temple Mother Goddess is worshipped in three forms in this popular temple. She is worshipped as Goddess Saraswati in the morning, as Lakshmi in noon and as Durga in the evening. Varkala Sivagiri Sharada Temple This temple was consecrated by Sri Narayana Guru. Goddess sits on a white lotus here. The temple is located at Varkala Sivagiri. Kumaranalloor Devi Temple Mother Goddess is worshipped in five forms here. She is worshipped as Goddess Sara

Giridih Surya Mandir – Sun Temple at Giridih in Jharkhand

Giridih Surya Mandir in Jharkhand is a unique modern temple dedicated to Surya, the Hindu sun god. The temple is in the form of a chariot with a beautiful lotus structure atop it. The architecture of the sun temple at Giridih is inspired by the famous Sun Temple in Konark , Orissa. The temple is located in the middle of a pond. The length of the temple is around 60 feet, height of the dome is 50 feet and that of sanctum, which is in hexagonal shape, is 15 feet. The murti of Surya Bhagavan in the temple is sitting on a chariot driven by seven horses . Aruna , the charioteer, can also be seen. Other murtis that are worshipped in the temple include Lakshmi Narayan, Rama, Sita, Hanuman , Shiva, Parvati, Vedmata Gayatri, Radha and Krishna. The most important dates it the temple are Saptami and Sundays. The most important festival and puja is observed here during Chhath Puja.

How to Celebrate Holi?

Get natural colors in powdered or watery form and throw it on friends, relatives, and passersby on the Holi festival day. Because this is what Lord Krishna did? Sri Krishna ran around the villages in Vrindavan, Gokul and Barsana playing Holi. He used pichkaris to splash colors on Gopis and Gopas. Although there are a couple of myths associated with Holi, it is the one associated with Krishna that is the most famous. Of course, Holika Dahan (Holi bonfire) is associated with the unwavering Vishnu devotion of young Prahalad. In Mathura and Vrindavan, Holi celebrations start well in advance like the Lathmar Holi . There are numerous other Holi related celebrations in the villages in and around Mathura and Vrindavan. The celebrations at homes begin three days before the full moon or the Holika Dahan day. Special saris called Dandia is made for married daughters during Holi. Children are also presented with new clothes. Arrival of Holi festival

Story of Samjna, Wife of Surya - the Sun God

Samjna is the wife of Surya, the sun god in Hinduism. She was the daughter of Vishwakarma, the divine architect. However, Samjna was unhappy with her married life due to the unbearable heat of Surya. She hid in the wilderness disguised as a mare to avoid Surya’s intense brilliance. When she left, she disguised her handmaiden Chhaya in her place. Soon Surya discovered his wife’s secret and transformed himself into a stallion to have intercourse with her. Samjna in the form of mare turned her face to him; he breathed upon her and she conceived through her nose. From their union came the horse-headed Ashwins, as well as the god of death Yama and his sister Yami. Samjna agreed to return to Surya, but first she had Vishwakarma, her father, trim away some of Surya’s rays to diminish his brightness. 

Lord Shiva With Six Faces - Athomugam

We are aware of Panchanana Shiva – Shiva who is worshipped in five faces or five different forms. However, there is also a lesser-known concept of Shiva in which he is worshipped with six faces. This concept is more popular in South India and is closely associated with the worship of Muruga. Panchanana Shiva faces are Sadyojat, Vamdev, Aghora, Tatpurush and Ishana. In this rare concept, Shiva has a sixth face, which is known as Athomugam or Adhomugha. This is a compassionate form of Shiva. He is the source of all life forms – both known and unknown. The names of the other five face of Shiva in this concept are Saththiyosatham, Vamathevam, Ahoram, Thatpurusham, and Esanam. Related Why Shiva is known as Hara?

Padubidri Temple – Shri Mahalingeshwara Mahaganapathi Temple at Padubidri in Karnataka

Padubidri Temple is popularly known as Shri Mahalingeshwara Mahaganapathi Temple. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Ganesha. Padubidri Temple is located on National Highway 17 at Padubidri and is around 24 km from Udupi and 35 km from Mangalore. It is believed that Sage Bhrigu installed the Shivling worshipped in the Shri Mahalingeshwara Mahaganapathi Temple. Lord Parashuram consecrated the Ganesha murti, which is carved on Rudrakshi Stone. The murti of Ganesha is 2.5 feet tall. The utsava murti, or processional deity, in the temple is also more than 1000 years old. Ganesha worshipped here is known as Ishtasiddhi Maha Ganapati as he fulfills the wishes of His devotees. The most important festivals observed here are Shivratri, Ganesh Chaturthi and Meena Sankranti temple festival. The temple chariot is huge and is not for its intricate and beautiful carvings. Padubidri Temple Darshan and Puja Timings Morning 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM Evening 5:00 PM to 8:00

Holi Rang – How to make natural red color for Holi Festival at home?

Red is one of the most important colour (gulal) used during the Holi festival. The original colors used for Holi festival are all natural in origin and are made using the trees and flowers that bloom during the Holi Spring season. Sadly, the powders and colors used during the festival today are made from chemical substances and are dangerous. Here are few simple tips to create natural Holi red color – Natural Red Color Powder for Holi Red Sandalwood powder. This is available in shops. Or you can make them by powdering small pieces of Sandalwood. Powder of dry red hibiscus flowers mixed with any white flour will give natural red color. Buy rose petals and dry them in sunlight. Once the rose petals have lost all water content and are in crisp form, grind them and this is will give a fragrant gulal. The red Annatto seeds can be grounded in a mixer to create dry red color. Natural Red Color Water for Holi Boil red sandalwood or powder in water. You wil

Surya Kavach in Hindi – Surya Kavacham Stotram in pdf

Surya Kavach is a popular prayer dedicated to Surya, Sun God. This particular Surya Kavach Stotra is in Hindi and is in pdf format. You can download it for free. The prayer is chanted for prosperity and to get relief from diseases. It is considered highly meritorious to chant this mantra on Sundays. सूर्यकवचम याज्ञवल्क्य उवाच - श्रणुष्व मुनिशार्दूल सूर्यस्य कवचं शुभम्। शरीरारोग्दं दिव्यं सव सौभाग्य दायकम्। 1 । देदीप्यमान मुकुटं स्फुरन्मकर कुण्डलम। ध्यात्वा सहस्त्रं किरणं स्तोत्र मेततु दीरयेत् । 2 । शिरों में भास्कर : पातु ललाट मेडमित दुति : । नेत्रे दिनमणि : पातु श्रवणे वासरेश्वर : । 3 । ध्राणं धर्मं धृणि : पातु वदनं वेद वाहन : । जिव्हां में मानद : पातु कण्ठं में सुर वन्दित : । 4 । सूर्य रक्षात्मकं स्तोत्रं लिखित्वा भूर्ज पत्रके। दधाति य : करे तस्य वशगा : सर्व सिद्धय : । 5 । सुस्नातो यो जपेत् सम्यग्योधिते स्वस्थ : मानस : । सरोग मुक्तो दीर्घायु सुखं पुष्टिं च विदंति । 6 । Link

Papanasi Ekadasi – Papanashini Ekadashi

Papanashini Ekadasi is observed when there is rare combination of Pushya Nakshatra overlapping from the Ekadashi day to the next day, which is the Dwadashi day. Such a complex calculation is only followed in certain regions and by certain communities. In 2024, Papanasini Ekadasi date is March 20. It is mainly observed in Odisha and by certain Vaishnava sects. This Ekadashi is known as Amalaki Ekadashi in all other regions. The Dwadasi day, the day after this Papanasi Ekadasi, is a highly auspicious day in Puri Jagannath Temple . It is known as Govinda Dwadasi day and it is expected that nearly a million people will take holy dip in the sea near Jagannath Temple . A rare combination of calculations as per Hindu astrology and almanac taking place after 48 years on this day.

Rasai Devi Yatra at Nangaon Village at Daund Taluka in Pune District of Maharashtra

Rasai Devi Yatra at Nangaon Village is observed in Chaitra month (March – April). It is the annual fair and festival at the Rasai Devi Temple at Nangaon Village in Daund Taluka of Pune District, Maharashtra. Various unique pujas and rituals are held during the annual yatra. Rasai Devi Yatra 2024 date is April 23. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Rasai Devi, a manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti. This form of Goddess Shakti is widely worshipped as a village deity and kuldevta (family deity) in Maharashtra. For the annual festival, the shrine is decorated with lamps, lights, flowers, leaves and sugarcane for the occasion. The festival and fair attracts hundreds of devotees to the Rasai Devi temple. Various offerings are made to appease the deity. Red flowers are offered to the deity. Procession is part of the festival. Nangaon Rasai Devi Yatra is annually observed on Chaitra Purnima tithi or the full moon day in Chaitra month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar

Rasai Devi Yatra at Vadgaon Rasai Village at Shirur Taluka in Pune District of Maharashtra

Rasai Devi Yatra at Vadgaon Rasai Village is observed in Chaitra month (March – April). It is the annual fair and festival at the Rasai Devi Temple at Vadgaon Rasai Village in Shirur Taluka of Pune District, Maharashtra. Various unique pujas and rituals are held during the annual yatra. Rasai Devi Yatra 2024 date is April 23. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Rasai Devi, a manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti. This form of Goddess Shakti is widely worshipped as a village deity and kuldevta (family deity) in Maharashtra. Representational Image For the annual festival, the shrine is decorated with lamps, lights, flowers, leaves and sugarcane for the occasion. The festival and fair attracts hundreds of devotees to the Rasai Devi temple. Various offerings are made to appease the deity. Red flowers are offered to the deity. Procession is part of the festival. Rasai Devi Yatra at Vadgaon Rasa is annually observed on Chaitra Purnima tithi or the full moon day in Chaitra

Sukai Devi Yatra at Kapsal Village in Chiplun Taluka in Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra

Sukai Devi Yatra at Kapsal Village is observed in Chaitra month (March – April). It is the annual fair and festival at the Sukai Devi Temple at Kapsal Village in Chiplun Taluka of Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra. Various unique pujas and rituals are held during the annual yatra. Kapsal Sukai Devi Yatra 2024 date is April 23. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Jagadamba, a kind manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti. This form of Goddess Shakti is widely worshipped as a village deity and kuldevta (family deity) in Maharashtra. For the annual festival, the shrine is decorated with lamps, lights, flowers, leaves and sugarcane for the occasion. The festival and fair attracts hundreds of devotees to the Sukai Devi temple. Various offerings are made to appease the deity. Red flowers are offered to the deity. Procession is part of the festival. Kapsal Sukai Devi Yatra is annually observed on Chaitra Purnima tithi or the full moon day in Chaitra month as per traditional Hindu

Yellamma Devi Yatra at Honwad Village in Bijapur District in Karnataka

Yellamma Devi Yatra at Honwad Village is observed in Chaitra month (March – April). It is the annual fair and festival at the Yellamma Devi Temple at Honwad Village in Bijapur District in Karnataka. Various unique pujas and rituals are held during the annual yatra. Honwad Yellamma Yatra 2024 date is April 23. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Yellamma, a kind manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti. This form of Goddess Shakti is widely worshipped as a village deity and kuldevta (family deity) in South India. For the annual festival, the shrine is decorated with lamps, lights, flowers, leaves and sugarcane for the occasion. The festival and fair attracts hundreds of devotees to the Yellamma Devi temple. Various offerings are made to appease the deity. Red flowers are offered to the deity. Procession is part of the festival. Honwad Yellamma Devi  Yatra is annually observed on Chaitra Purnima tithi or the full moon day in Chaitra month as per traditional Hindu lunar

Kurlap Yatra at Kurlap Village in Walwa Taluka in Sangli District in Maharashtra

Kurlap Yatra at Kurlap Village is observed in Chaitra month (March – April). It is the annual fair and festival at a sacred place at Kurlap Village in Walwa Taluka in Sangli District, Maharashtra. Various unique pujas and rituals are held during the annual yatra. Kurlap Yatra 2024 date is April 23. For the annual festival, the shrine is decorated with lamps, lights, flowers, leaves and sugarcane for the occasion. The festival and fair attracts hundreds of devotees to the Kurlap Village. Various offerings are made to appease the deity. Red flowers are offered to the deity. Procession is part of the festival. Kurlap Yatra is annually observed on Chaitra Purnima tithi or the full moon day in Chaitra month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Amoksiddh Yatra at Korwali Village in Mohol Taluka in Solapur District in Maharashtra

Amoksiddh Yatra at Korwali Village is observed in Chaitra month (March – April). It is the annual fair and festival at the Amoksiddh Temple at Korwali Village in Sangola Taluka in Solapur District, Maharashtra. Various unique pujas and rituals are held during the annual yatra. Korwali Amoksiddh Yatra 2024 date is April 23. For the annual festival, the shrine is decorated with lamps, lights, flowers, leaves and sugarcane for the occasion. The festival and fair attracts hundreds of devotees to the Amoksiddh temple. Various offerings are made to appease the deity. Red flowers are offered to the deity. Procession is part of the festival. Korwali Amoghasiddhi Yatra is annually observed on Chaitra Purnima tithi or the full moon day in Chaitra month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Chaturthi Karma – Hindu Ritual for the Consummation of Marriage

Chaturthi Karma is associated with Hindu marriage. It means the rituals on the fourth day after marriage. It is not widely followed today. As per Grihya Sutra, consummation of marriage should take place on the fourth day. Even today marriage celebrations of certain Hindu communities last fort three or four days. Some scholars are of the view that Chaturthi karma indicates that the sexual union of the couple should happen only on the fourth day. Marriage as per Hindu belief is a sacred union brought about by divine dispensation. Progeny is the prime objective of the various rituals associated with marriage. The rituals include step by step separation of the bride from her paternal home and gradual union with husband’s family. Chaturthi Karma is part of this objective. Indra and Agni are invoked for a successful union and healthy progeny.

Akshamala of Goddess Saraswati

In Hindu iconography, Goddess Saraswati is depicted as holding an akshamala – a mala or string of 51 pearls or crystal beads or rudraksha. The akshamala of Goddess Saraswati symbolically suggests that she is the patron goddess of learning and knowledge. The 51 beads symbolically represents the number of vowels consonants in the Sanskrit alphabets. Akshamala in the hands of Goddess Saraswati symbolises the disciplined, dedicated and devout attitude of prayer and meditation. The pearl or crystal beads also testify to the overwhelming presence of sattva guna or purity, and luminosity of Goddess Saraswati. Notes taken from book titled  -  Kamandalu: The Seven Sacred Rivers of Hinduism

Tapkeshwar Mahadev Mandir – Tapkeshwar Temple in Dehradun

Tapkeshwar Mahadev Mandir is a cave shrine and one has to descend 108 steps to reach the sanctum santorum of the Tapkeshwar Temple. It is located in Ghari area and is around 6 km from Dehradun in Uttarakhand. Guru Dronacharya of Mahabharata did penance here for 12 years. Legend has it that Ashwathama , son of Guru Drona , also did penance here. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva blessed him on a purnima day. Another legend has it that milk used to trickle from the cave roof on the Shivling worshipped in the temple. But as Kali Yuga advanced milk turned into water. The shivling worshipped in the Tapkeshwar Temple is swayambhu, or that which manifested on its own. Depending on the occasion the Shivling is adorned with Mukut or crown made of rudraksha, silver or gold. Bhagavan Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Ganesha are also worshipped in the temple in pindi forms. A sculpture of Guru Dronacharya can be seen at the entrance of the shrine. There are also other murtis of

Story of Goddess Lakshmi, Ganga and Saraswati as Wives of Lord Vishnu

The story of Goddess Lakshmi, Ganga and Saraswati as wives of Lord Vishnu is mentioned in the Brahmavaivarta Purana and Devi Bhagavatam. There was no unity among the three wives. Arguments and quarrels were a constant feature. Once, a major quarrel broke out between Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Ganga. Both were feisty and temperamental. Goddess Lakshmi attempted to make peace between the two but she was ignored. The fight took a real ugly turn and the two cursed each other to become rivers on earth and absorb sins of the people who bathed in them. Lord Vishnu failed to control his two tempestuous wives. He abandoned the two and decided to have only Lakshmi as his wife. Later, Brahma gave refuge to Saraswati and Shiva gave refuge to Ganga. Such stories in Puranas are a warning to human beings who engage in multiple relationships. The story symbolically states that even Gods cannot be happy with multiple wives or husbands.

Svaha – Importance, Meaning And Symbolism Of Term Svaha In Hindu Pujas

Svaha is a word repeatedly used in Hindu rituals and pujas especially during Yajnas. It is mainly repeated again and again when offerings are made into Agni or fire. As per Satapatha Brahmana, Svaha is acclaimed to be the glory of Prajapati. If Om is the primordial sound, Svaha is the sound associated with all yajnas and offerings to Gods. Svaha is also a personified as a female deity in some scriptures. Her role is to transmit the offerings made by humans to the gods. She helps in pleasing the gods and thereby devotees get good fortune and also their desires are fulfilled. She is the vital element of truth, reclining on Brahman’s inherent nature. She flashes with radiance of three colors – white, red and yellow. Svaha is mentioned in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana as the daughter of Prajapati and his wife Prasuti. She officiated the coronation ceremony of Kartik, when he became the commander of Gods or Devas. Devi Bhagavata extols the importance and spiritual symbolism

Concept and Symbolic Meaning of Narayana in Hinduism

Today in Hinduism, Narayana might be one of the popular names of Vishnu. The term Narayana can be traced back to the Vedas. There is a deep symbolic meaning attached to the term. Nara means the first being; nara also means water. As per Satapatha Brahmana, the supreme soul, the self-existent Lord who is referred as Prajapati created waters and deposited in them a seed which became the golden egg – Hiranyagarbha or Brahmanda.  Prajapati was himself born as Brahma, the progenitor of all the worlds. As water was his first abode(ayana), he was called Narayana or ‘One who rests in water’. In nutshell, life began in water. And he that is water is Narayana.

Raghavendra Swamy Jayanti 2024 – Vardhanti of Sri Rayaru - Birth Anniversary of Guru Raghavendra in 2024

Shri Raghavendra Swamy , the 16th century saint and Guru, advocated Vaishnavism and popularized the Dvaita philosophy of Madhvacharya. Guru Raghavendra Swamy Jayanti (birthday or Vardhanti) 2024 date is March 16. Sri Rayaru has massive following in South India , especially in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. The birth anniversary is observed around the world by the followers of the Guru. The main celebrations known as Sri Raghavendra Guru Vaibhavotsava celebrations is held at Mantralaya. On the occasion of Sri Raghavendra Swamigalavara Vardhanti Utsava, TTD officials bring Srivari Vastram from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams. Sri Mutt officials welcome Srivari Vastram as per tradition. This Vastram is offered to Sri Rayaru.  Vardhanti of Sri Rayaru is observed on the seventh day during the Shukla Paksha of Phalguna Masa as per traditional calendar followed in Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Chanting of the mantra associated with Sri Raghavendra

Kannarpady Temple near Udupi – Jaya Durga Parameshwari Temple at Kannarpady in Karnataka

Kannarpady Temple, located near Udupi in Karnataka, is a rare temple because it is dedicated to the Jaya Durga form of Mother Goddess Shakti. This is one of the four important Goddess Durga temples in Udupi and it is mentioned in the Skanda Purana. Jaya Durga Parameshwari Temple at Kannarpady is situated near the National Highway 66 and is around 5 km south west of Udupi. Legend has it that a Sage Kanwa discovered the murti worshiped in the temple after Mother Goddess came in his dream and asked him to worship her. It is also believed that once there was fight among the administrators of the temple and one group took away a Bali murti and installed it at Kannara Kuduru and another Bali murti was taken to Badanidiyoor. The murti of Goddess Jaya Durga is two-armed and she is in a benign form. Her hands are in blessing posture. Her Vahana, lion, can be seen in front of the murti. The sacred pond in the temple premises is known as Kanva Pushkarani. The shrine is believed t

Gorupini Sashti in Bengal

Gorupini Sashti is observed during the Shashti (sixth day) falling during the waxing phase of moon in Bengali Phalgun month (February – March). Gorupini Sashti 2024 date is March 15. This Shasti is dedicated to Goddess Sashti, who is the protector of children. She is also believed to be the consort of Lord Kartikeya. Twelve forms of Goddess Shasti are worshipped in a year on the sixth day of Shukla Paksha. The form that is worshipped in Phalgun month is that of Gorupini. Gorupini Sashti is one of the peaceful forms of Mother Goddess and she looks after and protects infants and young children. She is prayed to for the welfare of infants – she is believed to protect children from diseases and other physical damages.

Tretagni in Hindu Rituals

The term tretagni in Hindu rituals refers to the group of three fires. They are Grahapatyagni, Dakshinagni and Ahavaniyagni. The three fires must be kindled in the house of an agnihotrin. Tretagni is also known as Srantagni. Grahapatya fireplace is mostly circular in shape and on rare occasion, it is square shaped. It is set up on the western side. Ahavaniya fireplace is always square shaped. It is set up on the eastern side of Grahapatya. Dakshinagni or Anuvaharyapacana fireplace is always in the shape of a semicircular. It is always set up in the southern side. Though the shapes are different, the area is always the same for all the three. The establishment of Tretagni is mentioned in the Vedic texts. The distance between the three sacred fireplaces varies from scripture to scripture. The Grahapatya fire is considered to be prana breath, Ahavaniya apana breath and Dakshinagni is vyana breath.

Charoli 2024 date

Charoli is the Holi festival in villages in Uttarakhand. The festival celebrates the arrival of the spring season after the harsh winter. Charoli 2024 date is March 25. The main celebration involves playing with colors and distribution of sweets. The winter is very harsh in villages in Uttarakhand. Charoli marks the beginning of the new farming season and of many activities. 

Kalyan Saptami Vrat – Kalyan Saptami in Phalgun Month

Kalyan Saptami is observed in the Phalgun month in North India. Kalyan Saptami Vrat 2024 date is March 15. The day falls during the Holashtak period in North India and is associated with the upcoming Holi festival. Kalyan Saptami is observed on the seventh day of waxing phase of moon, or Shukla Paksha Saptami, in Phalgun month. It is usually observed when Shukla Paksha Saptami falls on Sunday or Tuesday. It is believed that observing this vrat will help in sin redemption. 

Shoola Yoga in Hindu Astrology - Shoola Yoga meaning and remedies.

In Hindu Astrology, Shoola is one of the twenty seven yogas and is related to the apparent motion of the sun and the moon. It is the ninth yoga in the order and Sarpa (serpent) is the lord of this yoga. It is an inauspicious yoga, especially the first two hours. Important remedies include offering prayers at Naga sthals, food donation, and donating clothes. As per Horaratnam, people born in this yoga have good fortune and possess good qualities. He will be religious minded, will get good education and will acquire wealth. However, they will suffer pain in the body especially in the stomach. 

I am the thread that runs through all these pearls – Bhagavad Gita

I am the thread that runs through all these pearls. (7.7) The scriptures is your authority as regards the determination of what is to be done and what is not to be done. (16.4) That gift is referred to as born of sattva which gift is given with the idea that it ought to be given, to one who will not serve in return, and at the (proper) place, (proper) time and to a (proper) person. (17.20) The gift which is given expecting reciprocation, or again, with a desire for its result, and which is given grudgingly that is considered to be born of rajas. (17.21) Gift which is made at an improper place and time, and to undeserving persons, without proper treatment and with disdain, is declared to be born of tamas. (17.22) Related Bhagavad Gita Chapter 11 Reflections