Rotak Vrat is observed during the Shukla Paksha of Shravan month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in North India. Someshwar form of Shiva is worshipped during the vrat. Information regarding this vrat is found in the Narad Puran. Those observing the vrat wake up early morning, take bath, and perform puja to Shiva by making clay Shivling. Only vegetarian food is eaten on the day. White colored Prasad is prepared and offered in the evening. The fast is observed for three months on all Mondays during Shukla paksha or waxing phase of moon. It is believed that on successful completion of the vrat, a devotee will be blessed with knowledge, health and wealth.

Salem Kottai Perumal is located at Kottai in Salem in Tamil Nadu. This is ancient shrine and the temple is famous as Kottai Perumal Kovil. Legend has it that Goddess Lakshmi took birth here as the daughter of Bhrigu Rishi and Lord Vishnu appeared here as Alagirinathar and married her. Story of Salem Kottai Perumal Legend has it that Goddess Lakshmi who witnessed the incident of Sage Bhrigu kicking the chest of Vishnu could not tolerate the behavior of Sage Bhrigu and she was even more annoyed with Vishnu for letting the sage go scot free.

Nala Damayanti is a romantic tale in the epic Mahabharata. Damayanti was the princesses of Vidarbha. She learns of the handsome and righteous Nala, ruler of Nishada, from a swan sent by Nala. Father of Damayanti, King Bhima announces her Swayamvara – the marriage function in which she will choose her husband among the assembled princes. Nala sets out for the Swayamvara. On his way, Indra, Agni, Varuna and Yama confront him. Each of them wanted to marry Damayanti and urges Nala to ask her to choose one amongst them. Nala obliges but Damayanti rejects the suggestion. The disappointed Devas takes the form of Nala and reaches the Swayamvara venue. However, Damayanti is able to identify the real Nala and choose him. Evil spirits Kali and Dwapara too wished to attend the Swayamvara. But they were late and they felt disappointed. They decided to wreak vengeance on Nala. Kali enters the body of Nala, and makes him play a game of dice with his evil brother Pushkara. Nala

Goddess Sri Lakshmi Idol is from the world famous Spanish Company, Lladro, noted for high quality porcelain figurines. Lladro during the past couple of years had released idols or murtis of various Hindu gods. Goddess Sri Lakshmi is part of the series. Sri Lakshmi murti shows the goddess in sitting posture and blessing devotees. She has four arms and she holds lotus in two hands. The price of the murti is Rs 90,000/-. Lladro figurines are noted for its beauty, detailing and no compromise in materials used.

Shree Sadashiva Rudra Temple at Ujire in Karnataka is a famous Shiva Temple. What makes the temple unique is the offerings made here by devotees. A clay sculpture associated with the wish is offered to the deity before and after wish fulfillment. The clay offerings symbolize the never ending materialistic desires of human beings. For example if a person want to get a job then he/she offers clay sculptures of chair and table, for curing eye ailments sculpture of an eye is offered, for begetting children it is cradle, those wishing a car offer the sculpture of a car etc. One can see a whole lot of different mud sculptures the temple. The sheer number of clay sculptures in the temple gives an indication of the desire fulfillment that had taken place after offering prayers here. The offerings are usually made on Mondays along with a coconut and kilogram of rice. All the offerings are placed in a circular shaped pile near the temple. The shrine is located at Surya and is ar

Someshwar Puja is observed during the Shukla Paksha of Shravan month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in North India. Someshwar form of Shiva is worshipped during the puja. Information regarding this puja is found in the Narad Puran. Some devotees observe a vrat on the occasion. The puja and vrat is associated with Shiva rescuing moon (Chandra or som) and giving refuge to him in his matted locks. Those observing the vrat wake up early morning, take bath, and perform puja to Shiva by making clay Shivling. Only vegetarian food is eaten on the day. White colored Prasad is prepared and offered in the evening. The fast is observed for three months on all Mondays during Shukla paksha or waxing phase of moon. It is believed that on successful completion of the vrat, a devotee will be blessed with knowledge, health and wealth.

Pancha Kanchukas are the five outer coverings or sheaths of consciousness in Kashmir Shaiva Philosophy. The five Kanchukas are: Kala Vidya Raga Kaala and Niyati. The background on which the pancha kanchukas remain steadily abiding is maya, the deluding aspect of Shiva, who is pure consciousness in essence. When maya is counted under the Kanchukas, the number becomes six – Sat Kanchukas.

I prostrate myself before that Sat Guru, the Brahman Who is Bliss; Who is giver of Supreme Happiness; Who is the Absolute; Who is the form of Knowledge; Who is beyond the Pairs of Opposites; Who is vast like Ether; Who is attainable through assertions like “Tat Tvam Asi,” Who is One, Eternal, Pure and Changeless; Who is the witness of all the states of the Mind, Who transcends Modifications; Who is devoid of the three modes of Prakriti

Story of origin of cure for snake bite in Hindu tradition is found in the Adi Parva (Chapter 20) of Mahabharata. Lord Brahma taught Sage Kashyapa the cure of snake poison. Nagas or snakes were born to Kadru, one of the wives of Sage Kashyapa. Once, Kadru asked her naga children to hand down like hair from the tail of Uchaishravas, the horse of Indra. So that she could win the bet, she had with Vinita, another wife of Sage Kashyapa. Some of the nagas refused to do so. Kadru became angry and cursed them that they would be burnt alive at snake sacrifice of Janamejaya. After the curse, the snakes became dangerously venomous. Other living beings faced innumerable problems due to this imbalance in nature. To overcome the problem, Brahma taught Sage Kashyapa the art of curing snake bite to protect other creatures that might be bitten by the snakes.

Rajarani Temple is a unique 11 th century shrine at Bhubaneswar in Orissa. There is no murti (idol) in the temple. It is situated midway between the famous Lingaraj Temple and the Brahmeshwar Temple. The temple is famous for its sculpted figures and the successive tiers of projections rising to form its 18 meter tower. The term Rajarani is derived from the very fine grained yellowish sandstone, called ‘Rajarania’ in common parlance. The temple shows strong Shaiva association. The temple contains scenes of linga worship and Shiva’s marriage with goddess Parvati. There are Shaiva doorkeepers too in the shrine. A major attraction of this temple is the carvings of the eight dikpalas (temple guards). The structure of the temple comprises of porch, side-niches, dikpalas, navgraha slabs and plenty of miniature spires. There are also erotic sculptures. Some scholars are of the view that the shrine is built on a Sri Chakra of a Manjusri architectural style and the very temp

Kavar Mela is observed in the Shravan Month (July – August) in Uttarakhand State in India . The Kavar Mela 2023 at Haridwar is from July 4. Shiva devotees carry holy water from the Gangotri glacier and take it to the Shiva temple in Garhmukteshwar or Neelkanth. Devout Hindus who carry the holy Ganga Water to the Shiva Temple is known as Kavar. In 2023, Shravan month in North India begins on July 4 and ends on August 31. Some Kavars also carry the holy water from the Ganges River to Shiva temple in their respective village. They are popularly known as Kanwaris and they travel from their homes in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and other places in North India to Haridwar, Rishikesh, Gaumukh and to the origin of River Ganga in Uttarakhand. The water is carried in pot or bottle and is tied on the two ends of a bamboo pole and is never kept on the ground. It must be noted that thousands of people travel in the Shravan month to collect Ganga Water and

Kanthadeshwar 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 Kanthadeshwar form of Shiva will have long life. The temple dedicated to Kanthadeshwar Mahadev is located near Siddhanath in Ujjain. This form of Shiva is associated with Rishi Pandav and his son Harshvardhan. Kanthadeshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 34th temple visited during the parikarama of Shivalayas here. Story of Kanthadeshwar Mahadev form of Shiva in Ujjain There lived a Rishi named Pandav. He performed intense austerities and secured the boon from Shiva that he will have an intelligent and dutiful child. In due course of time, Rishi Pandav had a son named Harshvardhan. During the yajno pavit ceremony of the son, the other Rishis present did not bless him with long life as the child was destined to die soon. Rishi Pandav was in tears. Seeing the tragic con

Parasara Gita is a text attributed to Sage Parasara, father of Sage Veda Vyasa. This text stresses on the importance of dharma as the means to moksha – escape from the cycle of birth and death. Parasara Gita states that in order to practice dharma, the mind must be pure and duly strengthened and steadied by association with everything that is good and noble, like good people and good thoughts, surroundings etc. The text is believed to have been composed around 5 th century BC. Related Story of the birth of Sage Parasara

Shravan month (July – August) is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the fifth month in the traditional Hindi Hindu calendar followed in North India . Also known as Sawan Mahina, devout Hindus travel to Ganga River from their homes to collect holy Gangajal (water from Ganga ) and bathe the Shivling in their homes and villages with the water. People who travel to collect the Gangajal are known as Kanwaris and journey is known as Kanwar Yatra . Mondays (Somwar) in Shravan month is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. People observe different types of Vrat on the day. The month is of great significance at the Deoghar Baba Baidyanath Dham in Jharkhand. Special pujas using Gangajal brought by devotees is performed in the temple in Sawan month. Mangala Gowri Puja is observed on the Tuesdays in Shravan month. The Masa Shivratri (Monthly Shivratri) in Shravan month is considered highly auspicious and is marked by special pujas and rituals.

Veera Anjaneya Swami Temple located at Alwarpet in Chennai in Tamil Nadu is a popular shrine dedicated to Hanuman. The shrine is popularly known as Luz Anjaneya Temple and is one of the oldest Hanuman Temples in Chennai. Offering Vada Malai on New Years’ day (January 1) is an important ritual here. It is believed that Shettys who ran away from Mysore to escape Muslim persecution established the Alwarpet Hanuman Temple around 350 years ago. The murti of Hanuman faces west and is depicted as walking towards southern direction. His eyes are adorned with earrings. The two-armed murti holds mace in the left hand and the right hand is in Abhaya Mudra. The eyes of the murti have a bright color. He wears armlets known as keuura, bangles known as kankana and anklet known as Thandai. The long tail of the murti is raised above the head and is pointing towards South. The sanctum sanctorum also has an utsava murti or procession idol of Hanuman. A Panchaloha Venugopla Swamy too is found i

Alwarpet Anjaneyar Temple is one of the oldest Hanuman Temples in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Below is the Alwarpet Hanuman Temple timings in detail. Please note that there will be changes in the opening and closing time of the temple during important rituals and festival. The darshan time will be extended on special occasions. Alwarpet Hanuman Temple Darshan Timings: Morning - 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM Evening – 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM Special pujas are offered on Tuesdays and Saturdays. 

The hanuman temple located at Nanganallur in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is famous for a huge Hanuman idol. The temple is famous for the size of the Anjaneyar murti. The height of Nanganallur Anjaneyar is 32 feet. Related Top 5 Tallest Hanuman Murtis (Idols or Statues) in theWorld

Never take health for granted. Most of us ignore health during young days when we are in search of wealth and fame. Young days disappear soon and the aches and pain set in. As we make financial savings for future, we should also concentrate on our health for future. What is the use of the hard-earned wealth if it is only spend on hospital bills? Body is the vehicle that carries us forward. Only it can take us to our destination. Instead of concentrating on the external beautification of the body, we should concentrate on having good health. Human birth is the only opportunity to escape from the cycle of birth and death. The human body plays a crucial part in attaining moksha. Good and proper food, good exercise and keeping the senses under control are needed for healthy journey while on earth. Eating habits in Hinduism always give prominence to good health. www.hindu-blog.com Abhilash

Banashankari Temple is located at Cholachagudd which is around 5 km from Badami in Bagalkot District in Karnataka. This famous pilgrim center in North Karnataka is located on the banks of Malaprabha River. Mother Goddess Shakti worshipped here is known as Vanashankari, Shakambari, Vanadevi, Saraswati, Mahakali and Mahalakshmi. She is worshipped as forest goddess and is also family deity or kuldevata of many families in Karnataka, Telangana and Maharashtra. The murti of Mother Goddess worshipped in the temple is that of her riding a lion. goddess has eight arms and holds a trident, hourglass drum, skull cup, bell, Scriptures sword and shield. Two hands are in blessing giving posture. The shrine is located inside Tilakaaranya forest. There are total five ponds around the shrine. Legend has it that Sage Agastya performed penance at the spot where the current temple is located. The temple was built by early Chalukyas around 681 AD. Additions to the temple were made by late

Becoming keenly aware that worldly life is full of misery, because it is infested with desire and fear, one should approach a Guru, a sage who is free from those bad forces, and after doing reverence to his holy feet should question him about how to become free. The sage will give out in reply the supreme secret, confirmed by the [uniform] experience of all sages: ‘If you know yourself, there is no suffering for you. If you suffer [it only means that] you do not know yourself.’ Since you have no suffering in deep sleep, this suffering is only falsely ascribed to your Self. Realize the truth of yourself by the resolve to know it, and thereafter remain in your own true nature, which is bliss. In the Heart there dwells the reality that is pure consciousness, the real Self. To be in the Heart, with the mind quiescent, is knowledge [awareness] of it, and also the state of deliverance. Sri Ramana Paravidyopanishad

Details regarding Hells in Hinduism are found in the Puranas especially the Garuda Purana. Sukaramukham Hell is mainly used to punish kings, rulers and people who hold authority. In the Sukaramukham Hell, people are bound with ropes by attendants of Yama and beaten to pulp until they faint. After they recover their senses, the beating is repeated. Those who try to escape are bound and pushed again into the hell. 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.  Vedas do not have the concept of hell.

Located at Bhitargaon around 50 km from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, Bhitargaon Temple is a 5 th century AD Hindu shrine. The shrine is one of the earliest terracotta structures and is entirely built using brick. The main sanctum sanctorum is no longer in use. The temple is famous for its terracotta sculptures. The present day structure is largely a reconstruction. The top quarter portion of the present day Shikhara is incomplete as there is no unanimity as to how the ancient structure looked like. The original structure collapsed in a lightning in 1878. The temple is famous for its terracotta figures especially that of Shiva-Gajari, Ganesha, Shiva-Parvati, Vishnu annihilating Madhu-Kaitaba, Durga killing Shubha – Nishumbha, Krishna Balarama, Varaha, Vishnu, Gaja Lakshmi, Ganga and Yamuna. The spire, though damaged shows a stepped pyramidal design and staggered ornamentation with crescent topped niches depicting Krishna Lila scenes, Ravana begging alms from sita and Nara Naraya

In the Ramayana, Bharata, or Bharat, is the younger brother of Sri Ram and Son of Dasaratha. He symbolizes nobility, selflessness and devotion. When his mother, Kaikeyi, wanted him to be the king of Ayodhya instead of Sri Ram; he refused and rebuked his mother. Bharata performed the last rites of his father who had died of shock at Sri Ram’s departure to the forest. He declined to wear the crown and decided to go to the forest and bring back Sri Ram. When he reached the forest, Sri Ram declined to return and asked Bharata to rule Ayodhya in his place. Bharata accepted Sri Ram’s advice. He placed Sri Ram’s sandals on the throne and ruled on behalf of Sri Ram. He built a thatched hut for himself away from the city and lived and austere life similar to that of Sri Rama’s in the forest. Bharata is eulogized in almost all literary works based on the Ramayana. He symbolizes nobility, selflessness and devotion. He married Mandavi, cousin sister of Mata Sita.

The characteristics of an Avadhuta Yogi are mentioned in the Chapter 6 of Siddha Siddhanta Paddhati by Gorakhnath. Here are the qualities of an Avadhuta: He is well versed in the discipline of Yoga. What he speaks is the revealed word. Whatever place he visits becomes a tirtha (place of pilgrimage). Though he undergoes phases of tyaga (abandonment) and bhoga (enjoyment), he is indifferent to both. An Avadhuta is the follower of the divine path and nothing surpasses his divinity.

Indreshwar 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 Indreshwar form of Shiva will get redemption from sin. The temple dedicated to Indreshwar Mahadev is located at Anantapeth in Ujjain. This form of Shiva is associated with Indra, the king of Devas, defeating Vritasur and regaining his celestial world. Indreshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 35th temple visited during the parikarama of Shiavalayas here. Story of Indreshwar Mahadev form of Shiva in Ujjain There was a pious prince named Kushdwaj. He was the son of Prajapati Twashta. One day for some reason, Indra, the king of Devas, killed Kushdwaj. An angry Prajapati Twashta, removed a strand of hair and threw it into fire. From it appeared Vritasur, who defeated Indra and made him a prisoner. Vritasura now ruled heaven. Brihaspati, the guru of Devas, secured the release of

Giri Durga is one of the categories of forts. It finds mention in Arthashastra, Manusmriti, Mahabharata and Vastushastram. As per Arthasastra, Giri Durga is to be located atop a hill or in the caverns of a hill. Majority of Giridurgas had Hindu temples and sacred places associated with saints. Giri Durga was the strongest defensive measure in the ancient world as its location makes it naturally inaccessible. In the ancient world, the kingdom of Chandelas was defended by eight hill forts of which Kalinjar was the strongest. Kingdoms in the Sahyadri and Aravali ranges had erected a number of hill forts. Hill forts can be seen today in Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. It was nearly impossible to win a hill fort through assault. They were usually annexed through bribery or sieges. Giri Durga of ancient India were of different shapes – square, circular or rectangular. They had parapets and watchtowers. They also had outside obstructions like knee-breakers, mounds

Nanganallur Hanuman Temple is famous for a huge Hanuman murti in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Below is the Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple timings in detail. Please note that there will be changes in the opening and closing time of the temple during important rituals and festival. The darshan time will be extended on special occasions. Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple Darshan Timings: Morning - 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM Evening – 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM Special pujas are offered on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

The largest and tallest man-made Snake Idol (Naga or Serpent Murti) is located at the Mukti Naga Temple at Ramohalli near Bangalore in Karnataka. This Naga murti is 16 feet tall including the pedestal on which it stands. Mukti Naga Temple, also known as Mukthi Naga Kshetra, is a famous shrine dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya and Nagas.

Story of Draupadi making fun of Duryodhana in Indraprastha is an important incident in the Mahabharata. Indraprastha is the magical palace of the Pandavas. It was built by Maya. All the kings were invited for the coronation of Yudhishtira. Duryodhana went around the city and he was filled with envy. As Duryodhana was admiring the palace and staring at its roof, he fell into a pond. Draupadi who happened to notice this laughed at Duryodhana and made the comment – blind son of blind parents. Duryodhana did not take the insult lightly. He swore that he would one day avenge the insult. Related Story – How Drona and Drupada Became Enemies in the Mahabharata?

Kalika Vrata is a fasting associated with Goddess Kali. Kalika is also one among the numerous names of Goddess Kali. This vrat and chanting of the name of Goddess Kali together is known as Kalika Vrata. The vrat is observed in the Ashwin Month (October – November). The main rituals are observed on the eighth day during the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Ashwin month. This is also the eighth day of the Navratri Vrat. A devotee must worship the form of Kali with eighteen hands. In Kalika Vrat, Goddess is worshipped along with her weapons. Apart from fasting from sunrise to next day before sunrise, a devotee also should stay awake throughout the night on Ashtami day. Red color flowers are offered to Goddess Kali. Devotees undertaking the fasting can consume water, fruits and other vrat foods. Salt is avoided. Puja is performed at night. Fasting is only kept on Ashtami day but puja is performed from Ashtami day up to Diwali Amavasya.

We are unaware of the tremendous energy that we have within our own beings. We allow our mind to be distracted by all the things that are outside us. We don’t generally acknowledge that the soul itself is the creator of its own thoughts, its own feelings and even its own personality. Our life is usually based on a series of reactions to everything that is happening to us from the external world of stimuli. Through a very simple practice of turning your mind inward and being able to direct your thoughts, you become able to become your own creator and discover the knowledge within you. In meditation, you become aware that your soul is a separate entity from the physical body – you become aware of it as a point of light. This enables you to change the image you have of yourself, and have the awareness of your eternal image. The more you do this, the more you will find that your whole life is filled with light and peace. These characteristics of the soul then start to express

Hiranyakashipu was the demon who was killed by the Narasimha Avatar of Bhagwan Vishnu. The story of Hiranyakashipu begins with Sage Sanaka cursing the doorkeepers of Vishnu, Jaya and Vijaya. The doorkeepers once did not give entry to Sage Sanaka to Vaikunta, the abode of Vishnu. Jaya was born as demon Hiranyaksha and Vijaya was born as demon Hiranyakashipu as a result of the curse. Vishnu appeared as Varaha to annihilate Hiranyaksha. To avenge the death of his brother, Hiranyakashipu undertook severe penance and secured several boons from Lord Brahma. The most important boon was that he could not be killed by man or beast, or by a weapon, during day or night, on the earth or in the sky, inside a house or outside. After receiving the boon, he conquered the three worlds and prevented all forms of Vishnu worship including utterance of the name of Vishnu. But his youngest son Prahlada had heard about the story of Vishnu when he was in the womb of Kayadhu. Hiranyakashipu

Padmanabha Tirtha who lived during the 14th century was a direct disciple of Madhvacharya. Before he became an ascetic, he was known as Sobhana Bhatta. He met Madhvacharya when the great saint was returning from Badari to Udupi. Here Sobhana Bhatta entered into a debate with acharya but he was defeated. Image of Madhvacharya Sobhana Bhatta was convinced by the validity of Madhvacharya’s philosophy and he became an ardent disciple of Madhvacharya and took Sannyasa. Padmanabha Tirtha was a great scholar and was well-versed in Vedas, epics and Puranas. He wrote commentaries on Madhvacharya’s works. A total of 15 works are credited to him this includes commentary on Madhavacharya’s ten prakarnas, Brahmasutra Bhasya, Gita Bhashya etc. His independent work Sannyayaratnavali is very famous. As he was the foremost disciple of Madhvacharya, he was made his first successor. He was head of Madhva Matha for seven years. His Samadhi is located at Navabrindavan near Hampi in Kar

Panchayatana form of worship introduced by Adi Shankaracharya has assigned one element to one of the five deities in Hinduism. Shiva is the embodiment of Prithvi Mahabhuta (earth) among the five elements. The five elements are ether/space, air, fire, water and earth. The five deities in Panchayatana form of worship are Vishnu, Mother Goddess, Ganesha, Surya and Shiva. In this concept, the five deities are worshipped in the form of sacred stones found in five holy rivers. Shiva, the embodiment of Prithvi Mahabhuta, is worshipped in the form of Banalinga found in Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh.

Aravindalochanar Temple, also known as Thirutholaivillimangalam Aravinda Losanar Temple or Erattai Tirupati, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the Nava Tirupati Temples and one among 108 Divya Desams. This is the ninth Nava Tirupathi Temple and is associated with Navagraha Ketu. The shrine is located 10 km east of Sri Vaikuntam. The place is mentioned by Nammalvar and is known as Erattai Tirupati because there are two temples located here. Story of Aravindalochanar Temple Legend has it that Lord Vishnu gave darshan to Saint Suprabar here at Thirutholaivillimangalam. The saint used to worship Lord Vishnu daily with lotus flowers. Srihari Vishnu appeared adorned with Lotus flowers hence the name Aravindalochanar. Lord Vishnu is worshipped here as Aravindalochanar. The murti faces east and is in standing posture. Urchavar is known as Senthamaraikannan Consort of Vishnu worshipped here is Karunthadakanni Thaayar. The shrine is located on the banks of Tha

Devapiran Temple, also known as Thirutholaivillimangalam Sri Srinivasan Temple or Erattai Tirupati, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the Nava Tirupati Temples and one among 108 Divya Desams. This is the eighth Nava Tirupathi Temple and is associated with Navagraha Raghu or Rahu. The shrine is located 10 km east of Sri Vaikuntam. The place is mentioned by Nammalvar and is known as Erattai Tirupati because there are two temples located here. Lord Vishnu is worshipped here as Srinivasan. The murti faces east and is in standing posture. Urchavar is known as Devapiran. Consorts of Vishnu worshipped here are Alarmelmanga Thayaar and Padmavati Thayaar. Story of Devapiran Temple  Legend has it that Lord Vishnu gave darshan to Indra, Varuna and Vayu here at Thirutholaivillimangalam. The shrine is located on the banks of Thamiraparani River. The sacred water body in the temple is known as Varuna Theertham. The shrine is believed to be more than 2000 years old

Karthigai, Krittika, or Kartika is the third of the 27 birth stars of the lunar zodiac. The story of birth of Muruga or Kartikeya is closely associated with Krittika. Legend has it that when Muruga, the commander in chief and son of Shiva, was born, the Devas deputed six mothers called Krittikas to breastfeed him. As per Mahabharata, after having fed Muruga, the mothers entered into the sphere of stars and hence this group of stars is called Krittika or Karthigai. Muruga gets the name Kartikeya from his these six mothers. As per some Puranas, Krittika is also the daughter of Daksha Prajapati.

Perungulam Mayakoothar Temple, also known as Sri Venkatavanan temple or Mayakoothan Perumal Koil, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located at Perungulam in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Nava Tirupati Temples and one among 108 Divya Desams. This is the seventh Nava Tirupathi Temple and is associated with Saturn (Navagraha Shani). Perungulam Mayakoothar Temple is around 8 km from Srivaikuntam. There is no separate Navgraha Shani 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. Moolavar is known as Venkatavanan and Srinivasan. Urchavar is known as Mayakoothar or Mayakoothan. A unique aspect here is that a separate Garuda murti is worshipped in the sanctum sanctorum. Consorts of Vishnu worshipped here are Alarmelmanga Thayar, Kulandaivalli Thayar (also known as Kamala Valli). The sacred temple pond is known as Perungula Teertham. Those having problem

Yamadutas are messengers of Yama, the god of death in Hindu religion. It is believed that they arrive at the time of death of an individual on earth. Yamaduta follow orders and directions of Yama. They arrive to convey messages of Yama to mortals and to take them to his kingdom based on their deeds on earth. When the time of an individual ends on earth, Yama sends one of his messengers to earth to take the individual to Yamaloka. Details about Yamadutas, especially their features and weapons are mentioned in the Padma Purana. Yamadutas are depicted with a rope and mace or club. Their faces are deformed. They have long teeth and their faces are like burning charcoal. They have huge figures. Their eyes burn like fire. Crow is also referred as Yamaduta as it carries the food offered by relatives to dead ancestors. Yamadutas are described in detail in Padma Purana (Kriya Yoga, Chap 6). "Who are you, with rope and club in your hands? Your faces are deformed. Your t

Makaranetunkuzhaikkaadar Temple, also known as Nigaril Mugilvannan or Makara Nedun Kuzhaikathan, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located at Thenthiruperai in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Nava Tirupati Temples and one among 108 Divya Desams. This is the sixth Nava Tirupathi Temple and is associated with Navagraha Shukra. The shrine is located 12 km from Srivaikuntam. Story of Makaranetunkuzhaikkadar Temple Legend has it that once Goddess Lakshmi was upset that Lord Vishnu was spending too much time with Bhudevi. She complained to Sage Durvasa. Bhudevi did penance on the banks of Thamiraparani River at Thenthiruperai and here she found two fish shaped earrings. She offered it to Lord Vishnu and when he wore them he came to be known as  Makara Nedun Kuzhaikathan. Another legend has it that Varuna performed penance here for insulting Guru or Brihaspati. Due to this Varuna had lost his weapons and power to create rains. Lord Vishnu gave darshan to Varuna here o

Coconut is known as Shriphal in Hindu pujas and rituals. Coconut is considered pure and auspicious. It is also regarded as symbolic of Ganesha. In some regions banana is also considered as Shriphal. Before any auspicious function or inauguration or even before using a car, a coconut is broken and offered. Coconut is also offered as dakshina to priest, guru and elders. Coconut is Shriphal because it has three eyes and the water and kernel in it is pure and untouched or polluted. So it is an ideal offering. Another reason for choosing coconut as shriphal is because it is available 365 days and is not seasonal.

Alwarthirunagari Temple, also known as Athinatha Alwar Temple, or Alwarthirunagari Permual Temple, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the Nava Tirupati Temples and one among 108 Divya Desams. This is the fifth Nava Tirupathi Temple and is associated with Jupiter (Navagraha Guru or Brihaspati). The place is mentioned in the Brahmananda Purana and it is believed to be the birthplace of Nammalvar. Lord Vishnu is worshipped here as Aathinathan or Aathipiran. The Swamyabhu murti of Vishnu faces east and is in standing posture. The feet of the murti are buried under earth. Goddess Lakshmi and Bhudevi are worshipped here as Aathinathanayaki and Thirukkurukornayaki. The shrine is located on the banks of Thamiraparani River. The sacred water body in the temple is known as Brahma Theertham. The sacred tree associated with the shrine is Tamarind Tree. Those having problems in life due to the bad positioning of Brishaspati or Guru in their life will get relief af

Thirupuliangudi Permual Temple, also known as Sri Bhoomipalar Temple , is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located at Thirupuliangudi in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Nava Tirupati Temples and one among 108 Divya Desams. This is the fourth Nava Tirupathi Temple and is associated with Mercury (Navagraha Budha). Sri Bhoomipalar Temple is around 2 km from Srivaikuntam. There is no separate Navgraha Budha Murti in the temple. The main deity represents the Navgraha. Unique Vishnu Murti in the Temple The main murti of Vishnu worshiped in the temple faces east and is in Bhujanga Sayanam or in reclining position. Moolavar is known as Bhoomipalar . Urchavar is known as Kasini Venthar. One can have darshan of the feet of the murti through a small opening when doing pradakshina, or circling, of the sanctum sanctorum. A lotus from the navel of reclining Bhagavan Vishnu goes up and joins a lotus flower sculpted on the wall. Lord Brahma sits atop the Lotus flower.

The three chariots used in annual Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra are constructed new each year. Sal Wood is used for the construction of the chariots. Around 1090 meters of new cloth is used to cover each chariot. The structure above the wheels of Jagannath chariot contains eighteen pillars and roofs at various stages. Each chariot contains nine subsidiary deities, two doorkeepers, and one charioteer all of which are made of wood. Each chariot is fastened with four long ropes manufactured from coconut fibers.  Number of Wheels in the Jagannath Chariot is 16. They have a diameter of 7 feet. Dimension of Jagannath Chariot – Height: 13’.5m - Length and breadth - 34’6” x 34’.6” Total Number of wooden pieces used in Jagannath Chariot is 832. You can get more information about the size and other details of all the three Puri Rathas in this article

The English Word Juggernaut, which means ‘a massive inexorable force that seems to crush everything in its way’, is derived from the name of Lord Jagannatha. Actually from the Puri Jagannath chariot procession. The chariots pulled during the Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra are really  huge and earlier people used to get crushed under the big wheels while pulling it. Friar Odoric, a Franciscan missionary, witnessed one such accident in 14th century and wrote about the huge chariot in a European journal. Christian Missionaries have contempt for all cultures and the description that Friar Odoric gave of Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra was of one that evokes fear and contempt. He wrote that people jumped in front of the chariot and performed an act of human sacrifice. People began to associate large objects that could not be controlled with the chariots mentioned by Friar Odoric. The word developed a negative undertone. The word Juggernaut is a mispronunciation of the name of Lord

Sankaranarayanan is a combined form of Shiva and Vishnu. Legend has it that once Goddess Parvati performed intense austerities to see Shiva and Vishnu together. To please her, Shiva is believed to have appeared in the form of Shankaranarayana. Temples dedicated to the Sankaranarayana is mainly found in South India - Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Scholars are of the view that the murti of Sankara Narayana was an attempt to find peace among Shaiva and Vaishnava devotees. Hindu religious scholars claim the murti explains the core teaching of Hinduism that all gods and goddess are one – the different forms are just manifestation of one single Supreme Being (Brahman). An important prayer dedicated to the deity is the famous Sankara Narayana stotram.

Sri Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located at Tirukolur in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Nava Tirupati Temples and one among 108 Divya Desams. This is the third Nava Tirupathi Temple and is associated with Mars (Navagraha Chevvai or Chowa or Mangal). Sri Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple is around 8 km from Srivaikuntam and around 2 km southeast of Azhwar Tirunagari. There is no separate Navgraha Chevvai Murti in the temple. The main deity represents the Navgraha. The main murti of Vishnu worshipped in the temple faces east and is in Bhujanga Sayanam or in reclining position. Adi Sesha forms a canopy over the head of Lord Vishnu. Moolavar is known as Vaithamanidhi Perumal . Urchavar is known as Nikshoba Vithan. Consorts of Vishnu worshipped here are Kumuda Valli Nayaki and Kolur Valli Nayaki. The sacred temple pond is known as Kubera Teertham. Those having problems in life due to the bad positioning of Chevvai or Mangal in