Bahina Bai (1628 – 1700) was a great devotee of Lord Vitthal and disciple of Sant Tukaram. Her devotion was the cause of great conflict and suffering in the early years of her marriage. Story of Bahinabai is one of suffering for the devotion of god. She is counted among one of the great Bhakti saints in Maharashtra. Bahina Bai’s husband was jealous and he disapproved of her devotion to Sant Tukaram. One day he beat her mercilessly. The cow and calf that had been gifted to the family moaned and refused to eat. The cow and calf were devoted to Bahina and took food only from her. Some days later the calf died, and Bahina was so distressed that she was in coma for eight days. Later she had a vision of Sant Tukaram who blessed her and with a mantra. She became famous and attracted devotees. Her husband became distressed all the more and decided to leave home and undertake sanyasa. But he fell ill. Unable to endure the pain, he prayed to Sant Tukaram. An elderly person app...

Natham Vishnu Temple, also known as Vijaysanar Perumal Temple or Varagunamangai, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located at Natham in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Nava Tirupati Temples and one among 108 Divya Desams. This is the second Nava Tirupathi Temple and is associated with Moon (Navagraha Chandra). Natham Vishnu Temple is around 1 km from Srivaikuntam. There is no separate Navgraha Chandra Murti in the temple. The main deity represents the Navgraha. The main murti of Vishnu worshiped in the temple faces east and is in sitting posture with one leg folded and the other feet on the ground. Adi Sesha forms a canopy over the head of Lord Vishnu. Moolavar is known as Vijayasanar or Paramapatha Nathan. Urchavar is known as Emmidar Kadivan. Consorts of Vishnu worshiped here are Varagunavalli and Varagunamangai The sacred temple pond is known as Agni Tirtha and Deva Pushkarini. The shrine is noted for its carved pillars and sculptures. There is also...

A collection of thoughts, saying and wisdom and advice of Swami Tejomayananda of Chinmaya Mission. First we must understand that we are born in this world and we have to live our own life. It is not possible to live the life of another person. This is a simple statement with far reaching implications. Primarily we must take responsibility for our life and secondly learn to mind our own business. Generally we do not hold ourselves accountable for the sorrows of our life. We shift blame onto somebody, some place or event since it is much easier to pin the cause of our unhappiness on something other than ourselves. We spend our time wanting to, and trying to change the people we encounter in life and also the world itself! However our best intentions and efforts do not meet with much success, because we are unable to change anyone. If we understand this one simple point, we will not longer need to meddle in the affairs of others. We can then concentrate on the work of chang...

Kallapiran Temple, also known as Sri Vaikuntanatha Swamy temple, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located at Srivaikuntam in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Nava Tirupati Temples and one among 108 Divya Desams. This is the first Nava Tirupathi Temple and is associated with Sun (Navagraha Surya). Srivaikuntam Kallapiran Temple is around 40 km from Thoothukudi. There is no separate Navgraha Murti in the temple. The main deity represents the Navgraha. The main murti of Vishnu worshipped in the temple faces east and is in standing posture with Adi Sesha forming a canopy over His head. Moolavar is known as Sri Vaikuntanatha Swamy. Urchavar is known as Sri Kallapiran. Consorts of Vishnu worshipped here are Vaikuntanayaki and Chornathanayaki. The sacred temple pond is known as Bhrigu Tirtha. The shrine is noted for its carved pillars and sculptures of Yalis and animals. There is also a nine tier rajagopuram. Sun rays Fall on the Murti in Chithirai On ...

Vara Ganapati, a form of Lord Ganesha, is a powerful deity representing boons and blessings, often invoked for prosperity, wisdom, and removing obstacles. Worshipping him requires devotion, adherence to tradition, and a sense of environmental responsibility. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to perform a simple, eco-friendly worship (puja) of Vara Ganapati. 1. Cleanliness and Preparation Cleanliness, both internal and external, is an essential part of any Hindu puja. Before starting the puja, ensure the following: Personal Hygiene : Bathe and wear clean clothes. White, yellow, or red clothes are considered auspicious for Ganapati worship. White represents purity, yellow symbolizes wisdom, and red signifies energy and prosperity. Altar Preparation : Clean the area where the puja will take place. Use a small wooden or metal stool to place the idol or image of Vara Ganapati. Ensure the altar is cleaned with water and a clean cloth. Eco-Friendly Decoration : Decorate the altar with f...

Mokshapuri in Hinduism is a sacred place that secures moksha or liberation to a devotee. Mokshapuri cities are Ayodhya, Mathura, Maya (Haridwar), Varanasi, Kanchi, Avantika and Dwaraka. It is believed that visit to each of the holy city will help a devotee to escape from the cycle of births and deaths. Ayodhya is holy because it is the birthplace of Bhagavan Sri Ram. Mathura is the birthplace of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. Haridwar is the sacred place, which is associated with Ganga entering the plain. It is also the gateway to holy places in the Himalayas. Varanasi is associated with Lord Shiva. Kanchi or Kanchipuram is associated with both Shiva and Vishnu. Avantika or Ujjain houses the famous Mahakala Temple. Dwaraka is the place associated with Lord Krishna.

Boundless joy can never be got from a changing world. All material pleasures have to end at some time or other because duality is the nature of the world. Neither happiness nor unhappiness can last forever. We are always hankering for joy which lasts forever, not realizing that by the very nature of the world this is totally impossible. The stage on which we are playing the drama of our life is the atman which is pure existence, pure consciousness and bliss. The only way to recapture the original state of bliss is to renew our relationship with that universal consciousness or Brahman which exists in us as the atman. This is Self Realization – when we recognize the real ‘I.’ This realization alone can give us boundless joy. – Mataji Vanamali Explanation to above verse All material pleasures have to end at some time or other because duality is the nature of the world. This teaching reflects the core philosophy of Hinduism, which emphasizes the transient nature of material...

Markandeshwar Mahadev is worshiped in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 84 forms of Shiva worshiped in Ujjain. It is believed that those worshipping Markandeshwar form of Shiva will get healthy and intelligent children. The temple dedicated to Markandeshwar Mahadev is located behind the Ram Janardan temple complex. This form of Shiva is associated with Rishi Markandeya and devotee Mukand. Markandeshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 36th temple visited during the parikarama of Shiavalayas here. Story of Markandeshwar Mahadev form of Shiva in Ujjain Mukand was an ardent devotee of Shiva. But he did not have any children. To overcome this, he performed intense austerities in the Himalayas. Pleased with his devotion, Shiva asked him to offer prayers to a Shivling located north of Pattaneshwar in Mahakaal Van (present day Ujjain). Mukand went to Ujjain and performed austerities at the ...

Bhuta Shuddhi is an important part of tantric worship and is performed before the worship of a deity in Tantrism. The human body is made of five bhutas or elements – earth, water, fire, air and vaccum or ether. By purifying the five bhutas a tantric aspirant transforms his body into a divine form. The aspirant does this ritual so that the body can be fit to be an abode of the deity. Primarily the body is cleansed so that it can be fit for the deity to enter it and reside in it. Bhuta Shuddhi is attained by smearing body with ash, sprinkling it with water, reciting mantras and through breath control or pranayama. It is one among the eight external steps in Tantra. It is known as Bahya Upasana. 

Comprehensive Guide to Worshipping Yama in Hinduism Yama, the Hindu god of death, is revered as the deity who presides over dharma (righteousness) and justice in the afterlife. Worshipping Yama is believed to help individuals lead a righteous life and prepare for spiritual liberation. Below is a detailed guide on how to perform Yama Puja, focusing on eco-friendly, traditional practices. Importance of Worshipping Yama Worshipping Yama is believed to: Bring longevity, good health, and protection from premature death. Encourage righteousness and justice in life. Alleviate the fear of death, offering peace of mind regarding the afterlife. Facilitate the atonement of sins, promoting spiritual liberation (moksha). 1. Cleanliness and Preparation Cleanliness is paramount when preparing for any Hindu puja. Personal Hygiene: Take a bath before starting the puja. Ensure your clothes and body are clean. Altar Preparation: Clean the puja area or altar where the deity’s image or idol will be place...

Comprehensive Guide to Worship with Flags in Hinduism Worshipping with flags in Hinduism is a practice that symbolizes devotion, spirituality, and connection with the divine. Flags, known as "Dhvaj," represent honor and surrender to the deities. This guide will cover how to perform flag worship in an eco-friendly way, focusing on cleanliness, attire, puja materials, steps of the ritual, and the significance of this practice. Importance of Flag Worship in Hinduism Spiritual Symbolism : In Hinduism, flags symbolize victory over the ego and materialism, offering devotion and reverence to the gods. Invoking Divine Energy : Raising a flag is a call to the deity, inviting divine grace into the surroundings. Enhancing Positive Energy : Flags bring auspiciousness, ward off negativity, and attract positive spiritual vibrations. Benefits of Flag Worship Peace and Prosperity : It is believed to bring blessings of peace, prosperity, and protection to the home. Removing Obstacles : By off...

Worship in Hinduism (often referred to as puja ) can be a deeply spiritual practice that doesn't necessarily require music. The following guide provides a complete framework for conducting a simple and meaningful puja at home without music, with a focus on eco-friendly, traditional practices, cleanliness, appropriate timing, attire, and sustainable methods for handling puja items. 1. Cleanliness and Preparation for Puja Cleanliness is considered a critical aspect of Hindu worship. The process begins by cleansing both yourself and the surroundings to ensure purity, which is central to inviting divine presence. Personal Cleanliness : Take a bath and wear clean, freshly washed clothes. Space Cleanliness : Clean the area where the puja will take place. Traditionally, many use ganga jal (holy water from the Ganges) to sprinkle and purify the space. Eco-Friendly Tip : Avoid synthetic cleaning products and use natural alternatives like neem or lemon-infused water. 2. Choosing the Right T...

Goddess Binikei, also referred as Maa Binikia, is a manifestation of Mother Goddess and is worshipped mainly in Odisha. She is also a tantric deity. The main temple dedicated to the Goddess is located at Binikei in Angul District in Orissa and is known as Binikei Pitha. Goddess Binikei is fierce goddess. She is seen as standing on a man. She also holds the body of another man. Thus the murti symbolizes destruction of evil and protection of devotees. She removes darkness caused by people practicing Adharma. She upholds righteousness by protecting those who practice Dharma. She is worshipped for peace, prosperity, protection, healthy children, early cure of diseases and for victory over enemies.

In a Hindu wedding, especially in South India, at the entrance of the marriage venue a full-grown banana with their peduncles (stalk bearing banana fruit and flower) is erected. Ever wondered why it is erected? It is erected because Banana plant symbolizes female beauty, fertility and prosperity. A single banana plant produces dozens of young ones. Thus, the plant symbolically represents fertility and prosperity. Banana is also considered highly auspicious, as it is one fruit that is offered to all Hindu deities on all days.

Worshiping Maa Vaishno Devi , an incarnation of the Mother Goddess, is a deeply spiritual and revered practice in Hinduism. Devotees seek her blessings for protection, peace, prosperity, and liberation. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you perform a simple, eco-friendly, and mindful Vaishno Devi Puja at home. 1. Preparations for the Puja Cleanliness: Cleanliness is key in any Hindu puja. Ensure that the puja space and your house are thoroughly cleaned. Personal hygiene is also important. Take a bath and wear fresh clothes before starting the puja. Use eco-friendly cleaning agents and avoid plastic decorations to maintain environmental balance. Time for Puja: The best time to perform Vaishno Devi puja is in the early morning, during Brahma Muhurta (roughly between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM), as it is considered the most auspicious time for worship. However, evening puja (around sunset) is also acceptable if morning is not possible. Color of Clothes: White , yellow , or saffron are th...

Sundararaja Perumal is a form of Lord Vishnu and is worshipped in Vaishnava Temples in Tamil Nadu. As Soundararaja Perumal, Lord Vishnu is the handsome groom. Usually in this form, he marries Goddess Lakshmi, Bhudevi, Sridevi, or Andal. Perumal simply means ‘god’. Sundaraja means the most handsome. The divine beauty of Vishnu in this form is beyond comparison. In Sundararaja Perumal temples, the most important festival is the wedding of Lord Vishnu with his consort. The murti of Sundararaja Perumal is usually four armed. He is kind and benevolent. Two hands will be blessing posture. The other two hands usually hold conch, lotus or chakra.

Hutashana Yog in Hindu astrology is considered bad. Auspicious activities are avoided in this yog. The yoga is the result of a combination of certain days and tithi. Following are the Hutasahan Yog Tithis Monday – Sashti (sixth day of fortnight) Tuesday – Saptami (seventh day of a fortnight) Wednesday – Ashtami (eighth day of a fortnight) Thursday – Navami (ninth day of a fortnight) Friday – Dasami (tenth day of a fortnight) Saturday – Ekadasi (ninth day of a fortnight) Sunday – Dwadashi (12 th day of fortnight) All forms of travels should be discarded when Hutashana Yog is present.

In Hinduism, the turtle (Kurma) is considered a sacred animal, often associated with Lord Vishnu’s Kurma avatar, where He took the form of a turtle to support the churning of the ocean. Worshipping a turtle at home symbolizes stability, longevity, and protection. Conducting this puja correctly can bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual benefits. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to perform turtle worship at home. Importance of Turtle Worship Symbolism : The turtle is a symbol of stability, strength, endurance, and protection. It represents the world, and its shell symbolizes the sky while its body symbolizes the earth. Spiritual Significance : In the Kurma Avatar, Lord Vishnu protected the universe, and worshipping a turtle is believed to provide spiritual strength, and stability and ward off negative energies. Health and Prosperity : Worshipping a turtle helps bring good health, long life, and prosperity to the household. Cleanliness and Purity Preparing the Area : Before starting...

Rohini Nakshatra is the fourth birth star in Hindu astrology. The importance of birth star stems from the fact that Sri Krishna was born under this star in the month of Shravan. The star has a longitude of 40 degrees and 01 seconds to 53 degrees and 20 seconds and it has the shape of a car. The nakshatra is entirely in Vrishabha Rashi. The presiding deity of Rohini Nakshatram is Brahma. The ruling planet of the birth star is moon. A person born under this star will begin his life with a moon period. Rohini is known as upward looking star and is considered good for planting. Rohini is auspicious for naming, commencement of learning, thread ceremony, marriage and other auspicious functions. Rohini Nakshatra is considered not good for entering a house for dwelling purpose. Generally, a person born under this star will be handsome, capable, rich, clever and religious. The person might suffer from eye diseases. There is also a belief among some communities that this star...

Comprehensive Guide to Worshipping Tulsi in Kartik Month - Hinduism Tulsi (holy basil) is revered in Hinduism, especially during the auspicious month of Kartik, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Worshipping Tulsi in Kartik is believed to bring prosperity, happiness, and spiritual upliftment. This guide explains how to worship Tulsi, along with key rituals, prayers, and eco-friendly practices to follow. 1. Cleanliness and Preparation Maintaining cleanliness and purity is fundamental when performing any puja (ritual). Before starting: Clean the Tulsi plant : Ensure the area around the Tulsi plant is clean. You can gently wash the Tulsi leaves with water. Personal cleanliness : Take a bath before performing the puja. Wear clean, freshly laundered clothes. Avoid synthetic materials : Use eco-friendly and traditional products during the puja. 2. Best Time for Tulsi Puja Morning or Evening : Ideally, Tulsi puja should be performed during the early morning after sunrise o...