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Showing posts from September, 2016


Goddess Lobhi – Information about Goddess Lovi

Goddess Lobhi is worshipped mainly in Angul District in Odisha. She is also known as Lovi and the name of the Goddess means ‘greediness.’ People say that this greediness is positive and is associated with greediness of devotion, offerings and to sacrifice egoism. Legend has it that the Goddess was originally worshipped by demon king Ravana. After Rama killed Ravana, the Goddess followed Bhagavan Sri Ram to Ayodhya and on the way, she settled at Garh Santry in Ankul District. The main offering done by devotees to Goddess Lobhi is tonsuring of hair. The Goddess is worshipped for peace and prosperity. It is believed that she blesses children with long life and good health. The main festival dedicated to her known as Lobhi Thakurani Yatra is observed on the Kartik Purnima day (full moon day in November). In the festival, the murti of the Goddess worshipped at Garh Santry is taken to a nearby village temple in a huge procession, which includes drums, music and dance.

Navratri Bommai Kolu ideas and How to create - Navratri Kolu Procedure

Golu or Kolu, doll arrangement, is an essential part of Navratri and Dasara celebrations in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. In 2024, Navratri Golu begins on October 3 and ends on October 12. The Bommai Golus are proud possessions of a family and they are handed down through generations. Apart from the traditional Navratri Bommai Kolu display, nowadays there is an emphasis on Golu themes with different ideas. Majority of the Bommai Golu displayed in homes opt for the traditional method of display. Kolu – the royal court of Goddess Durga is created 3, 5, 7, 9 or 11 steps. The most important dolls in the kolu arrangement are the Raja-rani or the marapachi bommais. These are expensive dolls and a set of them is found in all traditional households. Another important idol is that of Goddess Saraswati. A Kalash is also placed along with the Golu. Golu ideas and How to Create Stories from Hindu Mythology continue to be the favorite theme during Navarathri Gol

Thiruvanvandoor Temple Festival – Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple near Chengannur in Kerala

Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple is located around 7 km northwest of Chengannur town in Kerala. The annual festival in the temple is held in Kumbha Masam (February - March). The annual 10-day festival begins on with kodiyettam on Anizham nakshatra in Kumbha Masam and the festival ends with arattu on Uthrattathi nakshatra.  The festival is famous for melam, caparisoned elephants, pallivetta, ezhunnallathu, utsava bali and other pujas and rituals. Performance of Kerala temple arts and other cultural aspects of the region make the festival unique. The festival ends with arattu. The utsava murti of Bhagavan is taken for ritual bath on the day atop a caparisoned elephant. The festival is famous for Gajamela, Chenda Melam and kudamattam. The arattu of Thiruvanvandoor Temple is held in front of Eramallikkara Ayyappa temple, which is around 2 km from Thiruvanvandoor. The temple is associated with Pandavas of the Mahabharata. Thiruvanvandoor Temple was constructed by Nakula, the fourth of th

Story Of Woodcutter – Sri Ramakrishna

Go forward! Go forward! After sandalwood is the copper mine, after that is the silver mine, and after that, gold, diamond… A woodcutter used to collect wood from the forest and pass his days in great misery. One day he was carrying thin pieces of wood on his head, having cut them from the forest. Suddenly, a passerby called out to him and said: “O man, go forward!”   The next day, the woodcutter followed the advice of that passerby and having gone forward some distance, found a forest with thick wood. He cut as much wood as he could, sold it in the market and made much more money than the other days. The next day, he thought to himself: “That person had asked me to go forward. Well, why shouldn’t I go forward a bit further today?” He went further ahead and found a sandalwood forest. He carried the sandalwood on his head, sold it in the market and made much money. The next day, he thought again: “He asked me to go forward.” He went forward furthermore that day and found

Shadanana Subrahmanya – Muruga with six faces and 12 hands

Shadanana Subrahmanya is the term used to refer to Muruga when he is depicted with six faces and 12 hands. This s a very common form of Subrahmanya and is found in temples in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. His twelve hands hold various symbols and weapons. His five right hands hold Sakti, arrow, sword, discus and noose. One hand is in abhaya posture. His five left hands hold kukktuta (cock) , bow, shield, conch, and plough. One hand is in varada posture. He rides on the peacock vehicle and may have on either side of him the attendants Jaya and Vijaya or Goddesses Valli and Devayani. Related Legend behind taking Kavadi to Murugan Temples

Aranmula Temple – Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple

Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is located around 10 km east of Chengannur town in Kerala. The temple is associated with Pandavas of the Mahabharata. Aranmula Temple was constructed by Arjuna, the third of the Pandava brothers. The shrine is also one among the 108 Divya Deshams – Thiruvaranmula (108 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu as per Vaishnava tradition). Story of Aranmula Temple Legend has it that the Pandavas ruled Hastinapura for a couple of decades after the Kurukshetra war in the Mahabharat. Later, after crowning Parikshit as king of Hastinapura left on a pilgrimage. When they reached the banks of Pampa River in Kerala, each of the Pandava brothers built a shrine dedicated to Bhagavan Sri Krishna. Legend has it that Arjuna originally worshipped the murti of Lord Krishna at Nilackal near Sabarimala. He performed intense austerities here to expiate for the sin of having killed Karna in the Mahabharata war. The murti was located inside dense forest in Nilakkal and

Puliyoor Temple – Puliyoor Vishnu Temple Near Chengannur in Kerala

Puliyoor Vishnu Temple is located around 4 km west of Chengannur town in Kerala. The temple is associated with Pandavas of the Mahabharata. Puliyoor Temple was constructed by Bhima, the second of the Pandava brothers. The shrine is also one among the 108 Divya Desams – Thiru Puliyoor Mayapiran Perumal Temple (108 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu as per Vaishnava tradition). The murti worshipped in the temple was worshipped by Bhimasena. He built the shrine here during his pilgrimage to the area after the Kurukshetra war in the Mahabharata. The murti of Mahavishnu is in standing posture on a 20 feet high pedestal. The height of murti is 3 feet 10 inches. The four hands hold Shankhu, Chakra, Gada and Padma. The temple faces east and is approached after climbing 18 steps. The shrine is a classic example of Kerala style temple architecture with mandapam, nalambalam, balikkal pura, temple tank, sevapanthal and compound wall. The sanctum sanctorum is conical in shape with d

Ulagalanda Perumal – About Hindu God Ulagalanda Perumal

Ulagalanda Perumal is the name of the Vamana Avatar of Vishnu in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu. Ulagalanda Perumal means the lord who measured the universe (with three strides). King Bali, great-grandson of Hiranyakasipu and grandson of Prahlada, conquered the three worlds and ruled them. He followed Dharma and was famous for charity and justice. Indra, the chief of celestial beings or Devas, was thus superseded. Indra approached Lord Vishnu to stop King Bali from attaining the position of Indra. Vishnu went in the guise of a Dwarf Brahmana, a student of the Vedas (brahmacharin), and begged of Bali for three feet of land on which he could sit and meditate on Brahman undisturbed. The generous Bali granted the request. But to his astonishment the Dwarf grew to a height transcending the world. In one step he measured the entire earth. In next step he measured the sky. Vishnu then demanded King Bali to show him room for the third step. True to his promi

Thrichittattu Temple – Thrichittatt Mahavishnu Temple near Chengannur in Kerala

Thrichittattu Mahavishnu Temple is located around 2 km northwest of Chengannur town in Kerala. The temple is associated with Pandavas of the Mahabharata. Thrichittatt  temple was constructed by Yudhishtira, the eldest of the Pandava brothers. The shrine is also one among the 108 Divya Deshams – Thiruchengannoor (108 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu as per Vaishnava tradition). The 10-day annual festival in the temple ends with arattu on Thiruvonam nakshatra day in Meena masam (March - April). Thrichittattu Temple Story Lord Vishnu is worshiped here as Imayavarappan. It is believed that the murti worshiped in the temple was first offered prayers by Devas or celestial beings. Imayavar means Devas. As per 108 Divya Desham concepts, Vishnu worshiped here is known as Devathideva Perumal. There is no murti of Goddess Lakshmi in the temple. But the divya desham concept mentions the presence Goddess Lakshmi in the shrine as Raktapankaja Valli. In the Mahabharata war, Dronacha

Knowledge Of Unity Alone Dispels Ignorance – Swami Madhavananda

Knowledge of unity alone dispels ignorance. Knowledge only removes the false notion it does not create anything. Scriptural statement cannot impart any power to a thing. For it is an accepted principle that the scriptures are only informative, not creative. Sun Temple At Modhera, Gujarat Everything is the effect of righteousness and unrighteousness : whatever is differentiated is the result of these two. The self, on attaining it, becomes identified with that. It is true that good and bad deeds prompted by desire etc. are the cause of a man's taking a body; still it is under the influence of desire that he accumulates these deeds. When desire is gone, work, although present, does not lead to the accumulation of merit or demerit. Even if he goes on doing good and bad deeds, these, bereft of the desire, produce no results; therefore desire is the root of transmigratory existence. Source – The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad with the commentary of Adi Shankaracharya Transla

Mukteshwar Mahadev in Ujjain – Story of Mukteshwar Form of Shiva – 25th Shiva Temple in Ujjain

Mukteshwar Mahadev is worshiped in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 84 forms of Shiva worshiped in Ujjain. Mukteshwar Mahadev is offered prayers for sin redemption. The temple dedicated to Mukteshwar Mahadev is located at Khatriwada (near Nagwale)) in Ujjain. This form of Shiva is associated with a pious Brahmin and king attaining moksha. Mukteshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 25th temple visited during the parikarama of Shivalayas here. Story of Mukteshwar Mahadev form of Shiva in Ujjain There lived a pious Brahmin in Avantikapuri. He performed intense austerities. People who came into his contact attained moksha. But he never attained liberation. One day he was chanting mantra in the middle of a river. Suddenly a tiger appeared on the bank of the river. It moved into the river and suddenly the tiger was transformed into a man. The man then told the Brahmin that in his previous birth he was a king who was very p

Story of Anjani – Mother of Hanuman

Anjani, wife of monkey king Kesari, is the mother of Hindu God Hanuman . Anjani is also known as Anjana. There is an interesting story mentioned in Puranas which suggest how Anjani became the mother of Hanuman. Anjani in her previous birth was a beautiful woman and served Goddess Parvati . One day Anjani was frightened by a huge thunder storm and she ran into the arms of Shiva. Goddess Parvati who happened to see this became jealous and cursed her to be born as monkey. Shiva did not agree to this act of Goddess Parvati and gave Anjani the boon that she will give birth to a son in her monkey form who will be a manifestation Shiva himself. Years later, Shiva requested Vishnu to see his Mohini form . Pleased with the form, Shiva asked Vishnu to ask for a gift. Vishnu asked for the essence of Shiva’s strength and spirituality. Shiva created a seed which contained the spirit of his strength and spirituality. Vishnu then gave this seed to the Sapta Rishis and aske

Shiva as Bhikshatan – The Story

One among the numerous forms of Shiva is Bhikshatan – mendicant or wandering ascetic or the beggar. There are two stories which narrate why Shiva took the form of Bhikshatana. The first story is associated with Shiva – Parvati marriage. The second story is associated with Shiva cutting the head of Brahma. Goddess Parvati had performed intense penance to get Shiva as her husband. Shiva agreed finally. Shiva then in the form of a Bhikshatan with a dog asked Himavan for the hand of Parvati in marriage. It is said that Shiva appeared before the Himavan – father of Parvati – with an hour glass drum in hand. He began to dance to the rhythm of the drum. All the people assembled there were impressed by the dance of Shiva as Bhikshatan. Himavan and his wife offered Him jewels and food but He rejected them. Instead He said that He want to marry Parvati. Before Himavan and the assembled people could react, Bhikshatan disappeared. Shiva took this form to fulfill the traditional

Vallimalai Temple Darshan Timings – Opening Closing and Pooja Time at Vallimalai Murugan Temple in Vellore, Tamil Nadu

Vallimalai Temple is a cave temple dedicated to Hindu God Muruga and his consort Valli and Devayani in Vellore District, Tamil Nadu. Below is the Vallimalai 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. Vallimalai Temple Darshan Timings: Morning - 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM Evening – 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM

Number of Pradakshina or Parikrama for Devi, Vishnu, Ganesh, Surya and Shiva

Pradakshina, or Parikrama, is the going around the murti of a Hindu God or goddess in a temple and it is considered highly meritorious. The belief is that the energy in the murti installed in the temple is channeled to the devotee as he moves around. The number of times a devotee does Parikrama varies for each deity. The number of times Pradakshina is performed for Devi, Vishnu, Ganesh, Surya and Shiva are different. For Devi or Mother Goddess, Pradakshina is only performed once. For Vishnu it is four times. For Ganesh it is one or three times. For Surya it is seven times. Bhadrakali it is two times Ayyappa and Shasta it is five times Subrahmanya it is seven times In South India it is seven times for Bhagavati and Durga Devi Navgrahas it is nine. For Banayan or Peepal tree it is seven. For Shiva the Pradakshina is not a full circle but only ¾. The devotee stops at the Gauripatta . For Shiva it is performed one or 3 or 5 times. The belief is that thos

Ganesha and Parashurama – How Ganapati Lost his Left Tusk in the battle with Parashurama?

There are numerous stories on how Ganesha lost his one tusk . One of the popular stories is that of Ganapati losing his left tusk in a fight with Parashurama – the Avatar of Bhagvan Vishnu. Legend has it that Parashurama destroyed the Adharmic rulers on earth 21 times with Parashu or divine axe provided by Shiva. One day Parashurama reached Kailash to offer thanks to Shiva for helping him in his divine mission. But Parashurama was stopped by Ganapati who told him that Shiva and Parvati were in a secret conversation and he was asked not to allow anyone to disturb them. Parashurama did not listen to Ganesha and tried to force his way into Kailash. A fight ensued between them. In the end of the fight that shook the universe, Parashurama hurled his divine axe on Ganesha. Ganesha had the power to stop the divine axe but instead choose to respect the weapon his father had blessed. Ganapati therefore took the blow of the axe on his left tusk, which broke and fell do

Rasai Devi – Information About Hindu Goddess Rasai Devi

Goddess Rasai Devi, also referred as Ma Rasai, is a manifestation of Mother Goddess and is worshipped mainly in Maharashtra. She is a village deity. The main temples dedicated to the Goddess are located in Pune District in Maharashtra. Goddess Rasai Devi is a kind form of Goddess Shakti. She showers motherly love on her children. The murti or idol of Rasai Devi symbolizes kinds and motherly affection. She is worshipped for peace, prosperity, protection, good agriculture, healthy children, early cure of diseases and for victory over enemies. A main attraction of the murti is the large eyes. Her hands are in blessing posture. She is dressed like a Marathi woman. Rasai Devi removes darkness caused by Adharma. She upholds righteousness by protecting those who practice Dharma.

Neyyattinkara Sree Krishna Swamy Temple in Trivandrum District in Kerala

Dedicated Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the Neyyattinkara Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is an ancient shrine in Trivandrum District in Kerala. The temple is around 20 km south of Trivandrum city. Unnikannan or the baby form of Sri Krishna is worshipped in the temple. Legend of Ammachi Plavu One of the Travancore kings, Marthanda Varma, was surrounded by his enemies. A boy appeared from nowhere and showed Marthanda Varma a spot to hide. It was inside the hollow trunk of a jackfruit tree. Later Marthanda Varma realized that the boy was Lord Krishna. The king then decided to build a temple dedicated to Sri Krishna near the Ammachi Plavu. The shrine was built in 1755. The Ammachi Plavu is now preserved inside the shrine. The main murti worshipped in the form of baby Sri Krishna holding butter in both hands. The murti faces west and is made of Panchaloha . The subsidiary deities worshipped in the shrine are Ganesha, Sastha and Nagaraja. Neyyattinkara Sreekrishna Swamy Temple is a

Padmamalini Form of Goddess Lakshmi

Padmamalini is one among the numerous names of Goddess Lakshmi . The name is found in the Moksha Dharma Parva of the Shanti Parva of Mahabharat. Goddess Lakshmi narrates her story to Indra in the chapter of Mahabharata. Padmamalini because she emerged from lotus which was fully bloomed by the rays of the sun. The name also means one who wears garland made of lotuses. It is believed that initially Padmamalini resided among daityas or demons as they then had clean habits and good moral behavior. But when all forms of corruption set in the daitya society she abandoned them.

Hastamalaka – Disciple of Adi Shankaracharya

Hastamala was one of the first four disciples of Adi Shankaracharya. He is believed to be the son of Prabhakara of the Mimamsa School and lived at present day Gokarna in Karnataka. He is considered to be jivanmukta, liberated while living in the body. Legend has it that as a child, Hastamala could not speak and was considered dull-witted. Once on a pilgrimage, the child slipped into water. A yogi who happened to witness this revived the child by entering into his body. When Adi Shankaracharya visited Gokarna, Hastamala’s father took him to the great teacher. Shankara asked boy who he was. The body suddenly recited twelve beautiful verses, saying that he was but pure consciousness with no distinctions. The twelve verses deal with the nature of reality. It is known by the names of Haptamalaka Shloka, Vedanta Siddhanta Dipika and Viveka Manjari. Adi Shankaracharya wrote a commentary on it and it is known as Hastamalakiyam. Shankaracharya accepted the child as his disciple

Binikei Pitha – Temple dedicated to Goddess Binikei near Athamallik in Angul Odisha

Binikei Pitha is a shrine located amidst dense forest at Binikei near Athamallik in Angul District in Odisha. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Binikia or Binikei. The temple is on banks of Mahanadi River and is around 25 km from Athamallik. The history of Maa Binikei Temple is vague. There are no proper historical records. Some scholars believe the present shrine was constructed during the 19th century. It is believed that the murti was recovered during the 9th century AD. The Murti or Idol of Goddess Binikei worshipped here is a fierce one. 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 also worshipped by Tantrics. Thus the temple is also a Tantric center. The important festival observed here is Dol Yatra during Holi Period in March.

Teachings from Advaita Bodha Dipika by Sri Karapatra Swami

All is absolute, pure, infinite consciousness, non-dual, supreme intelligence, the self-existent Self or Brahman. Maya or illusion, the powers of veiling and projection are inherent powers in Brahman. These powers manifest an apparent but unreal universe. It is unreal because it was not before manifestation and will not be after dissolution. Therefore it is likened to a dream in the supreme intelligence or mind of Brahman. Thus the apparent universe is but an appearance based on Brahman. It does not exist apart from Brahman. Source – article titled Is Life A Dream? By Alan Jacobs in May 2016 edition of Prabuddha Bharata.

Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple at Talacauvery in Karnataka

Talakaveri is the source of Cauvery River. Talacauvery is located around 5 km from Bhagamandala. Talakaveri Temple is a small shrine at the source of Cauvery River and it can be approached by walking or through motorable road from Bhagamandala. Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shivling worshipped in the temple belonged to Bhaganda Maharshi. Legend has it that Sri Bhaganda Maharshi did severe penance to appease Lord Subramanya and Lord Shiva. Lord Subramanya blessed the saint and the place, named the area as Skanda Kshetra, and manifested in the form of a murti (idol). She saint continued his penance; pleased with the worship Lord Shiva blessed Sri Bhaganda Maharshi and assured him of his divine presence in the place. Sri Bhaganda Maharshi installed a Shiva Linga, invoked in it the divine presence of Lord Shiva, and worshipped it. Since the Shivling was installed by Sri Bhaganda Maharshi it became popular and known as Sri Bhagandeshwara. The shr

Story of the Death of Duryodhana – How Duryodhana Died in the Mahabharata?

At the end of the 18-day Kurukshetra war in the Mahabharata, Duryodhana lost all his brothers and important warriors including Bhishma, Drona and Karna. Duryodhana died the death of a coward as he ran away from the battlefield. The story of the death of Duryodhana is found in the Sauptika Parva Chapter 9 of Mahabharat. During the fag end of the Kurukshetra war, despair and fear gripped Duryodhana. He fled on foot and hid himself in a big lake called Dwaipayana. The Pandavas soon found out the hiding place of Duryodhana and reached the spot. The Pandavas taunted Duryodhana to come out and fight. Duryodhana replied that they can have the country for themselves, and he would retire to forest. Pandavas told Duryodhana that they did not want the kingdom as a gift from him but would fight and regain it from him. Duryodhana agreed to come out and fight provided he was allowed to fight with a single person at a time. Yudhisthira agreed and told him that he could fight with

Someshwar Mahadev in Ujjain – Story of Someshwar Form of Shiva – 26th Shiva Temple in Ujjain

Someshwar Mahadev is worshiped in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 84 forms of Shiva worshiped in Ujjain. Someshwar Mahadev is offered prayers to attain moksha or liberation. The temple dedicated to Someshwar Mahadev is located at Anantapeth (Rajputh Dharmasala at Bilotipura) in Ujjain. This form of Shiva is associated with the curse of Daksha Prajapati on Chandra or the moon good. Someshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 26th temple visited during the parikarama of Shivalayas here. Story of Someshwar Mahadev form of Shiva in Ujjain Legend has it that Daksha Prajapati, the master of civilization, married twenty seven of his daughters – the Nakshatras, lunar asterisms - to Chandra – the moon god. But Chandra was attracted by the beauty of only Rohini Nakshatra and ignored the other stars. The disappointed daughters complained to Daksha about Chandra’s favoritism for Rohini. This behavior of the moon god angered Das

Sankarankovil Temple – Sankara Narayana Swamy Temple at Sankarankovil in Tamil Nadu

Sankara Narayana Swamy Temple, popularly known as Sankarankovil, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu – both the deities are worshipped in the combined form known as Sankara Narayana Swamy. Sankarankovil Temple is 120 km from Madurai, 30 km from Rajapalayam and 56 km from Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu. Legend has it that once Goddess Parvati asked Shiva to stop the fight among Shaiva and Vaishnava devotees. Shiva then appeared as Shankara Narayana Swamy. Legend has it that the murti worshipped in the shrine was discovered by a king when his elephant accidently stamped on an ant hill. The main murti worshipped in the shrine is in the form of a Shivling. This is also the combined form of Shiva and Vishnu. Mother Goddess Shakti is worshipped here as Gouthami. The main subsidiary deities in the shrine are Ganesha, Muruga, Nagas, and forms of Shiva and Goddess Shakti. The holy tank in the shrine is known as Nagasunai. It was dug by nagas. The water in the tank has curative

Kollemcode Devi Temple Timing – Puja – Darshan and Opening Time at Bhadrakali Temple at Kollemcode in Kannyakumari

Kollemcode Devi Temple, located at Kollemcode in Kannyakumari in Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Goddess Bhakrakali. Kollemcode Devi Temple Timings are given below. Please note that the darshan timing will be extended during festivals and important rituals. The opening and closing time will be curtailed when there is grahan or eclipse. Kollemcode Devi Temple Morning Timings 5:00 AM to 11:45 AM Evening Timings 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM The temple will have extended hours during festivals especially the Thookkam festival on Bharani Nakshatram in Meenam month (March – April).

Shradh Food Offerings to Crow

One of the unique rituals followed during Shradh is offering food to crows. A part of the food that is cooked for ancestors, dead parents and relatives are offered to crows while performing Shradh, Tarpan and Pinda Daan. This is based on the belief that food offered to crows directly reach ancestors in their world. It is believed that food offerings to crows began in the Treta Yuga and it was Sri Ram who blessed crows to receive food offerings for ancestors. Once during his exile period Sri Ram noticed that a crow was troubling Mata Sita. The crow started hurting Sita by pecking on her head. Sri Ram to get rid of the crow took hay and used it as an arrow and shot at the crow. The hay struck on an eye of the crow and it fell down. Suddenly the crow changed into a human being. The crow was Jayant, son of Indra, who due to a curse had become a crow. With Sri Ram shooting the crow down, it was relieved of the curse. Sri Ram then forgave Jayant for attacking Mata

Shradh for Women - Avidhva Navami Shradh during Pitru Paksha Fortnight

Avidhva, or Avidhava Navami Shradh, is observed on the ninth day of the Pitru Paksha fortnight and is dedicated to women who did not die as a widow. It is observed during the waning phase of moon (Krishna Paksha) in Ashwin month. Avidhva Navami Shradh 2017 date is September 14. Avidhava Navami Shradh rituals and rites are strictly followed for women who died when their husbands were alive. The Avidha Navami rituals vary from region to region and from community to community. But in all regions on the day, Shradh is performed for one's mother or any other woman in the family, who did not die a widow. In the rituals, instead of deities, demigods known as dhurilochan whose eyes remain half closed are invoked. Dhuri means smoke and lochan means eyes; their eyes remain half closed due to smoke. In some regions, the Shradh rituals are not performed on the day. Instead food or meal is offered to the married woman’s soul. Some people also feed a Sumangali (married women) on t

Surya Grahan 2017 in India – Solar Eclipse dates in 2017 in India – Surya Grahanam

Surya Grahan 2017 in India (Solar Eclipse dates) based on Hindu calendar and panchang – India Standard Time. There is one annular and one total solar eclipse - Surya Grahanam - in 2017. But they are not visible in India. Detail dates of Surya Grahan in 2017 are given below: Surya Grahan on February 26, 2017 is not visible in India. It is only visible in South America, Atlantic Ocean, southern Africa and Antarctica. Surya Grahan on August 21, 2017 is not visible in India. It is only visible in North America and South American. In fact, next Solar Eclipse that is visible in India is only on December 26, 2019. Related Chandra Grahan or Lunar Eclipse in 2017 in India

Story of the Birth of Kamsa

There several stories regarding the birth of Kamsa (Kansa), the maternal uncle of Sri Krishna. The popular belief is that Kamsa is the son of Queen Padmavati and King Ugrasena of Mathura. But as per Bhagavad Purana and other several other Puranas King Ugrasena did not father Kamsa. Kamsa was born to Dramila, a Gandharva, and Padmavati wife of Ugrasena. Padmavati who was in her monthly periods walked in the forest. Dramila saw her and felt attracted to her. He violated her and made her pregnant. Angered at this, she cursed Dramila thus: "Since you have procreated a child in me, while knowing that I am wife of another man this son will be killed by a boy born in my husband's family." Years later Kamsa ascended the throne after putting King Ugrasena in prison. According to the curse of Padmavati, Sri Krishna was born in the family of Ugrasena and he killed Kamsa.

Thuravoor Temple – Narasimha Temple at Thuravoor In Kerala

Thuravoor Temple is located on the National Highway 47 between Kochi and Alappuzha in Kerala. The shrine is dedicated to Bhagavan Narasimha (man-lion avatar of Vishnu Bhagavan) and Maha Sudarshana Moorthy (Sudarshana Chakra of Vishnu Bhagavan). The shrine is around 25 km south of Kochi and around 5 km from Cherthala. There are two separate shrine is the same temple compound. There are two sanctum sanctorum and two gold-plated flagpoles. Anapandhal, or elephant rostrum, in the shrine is the largest in Kerala. The murti of Lord Narasimha worshipped in the shrine belonged to Swami Padmapada, disciple of Adi Shankaracharya. Its origin is traced to Kashi. The Narasimha Murti worshipped in the shrine is Ugranarasimha with four arms. It is in standing posture. There is a murti of Shiva too on the southern side of the sanctum who can be seen through a narrow window. The subsidiary deities worshipped in the temple are Ganapati, Sastha, Nagas, Bhagavathy and Brahmarakshas. Th

Deulajhari Temple at Angul in Odisha

Deulajhari Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated amidst thick forest of Jasmine or Kaibana trees. The shrine is at a distance of 6 km from Athamallik and 90 km from Angul in Odisha. Deulajhari Temple is famous for its hot springs. Legend has it that Bhagavan Sri Ram, Mata Sita and Lakshman had worshipped Lord Shiva here during their exile period in the Ramayana. Shiva is worshipped here as Siddhewara Baba. The other deities worshipped in the shrine are Kedareswar Baba, Enkari Mata, Maa Maheshwari, Sri Maheshwar Baba, Sri Jogeswar Baba and Maa Khambeswari. Currently there are 24 hot springs near the temple. The temperature of these springs varies from 40 to 60 degree Celsius. In front of the temple, there are two twin springs, which contain both hot and cold water. The water in the springs is believed to have curative properties – it helps in curing skin and nerve related diseases. The important dates in the shrine in a month are Amavasya (No moon day) and Sa

All living beings desire to be happy always without misery – Ramana Maharshi

The disciple’s experience of the Master’s Grace, whereby he gets spiritual awakening, is likened unto that of the elephant waking up from sleep on seeing a lion in his dream. Just as the mere sight of the dream-lion wakes up the elephant from his sleep, even so the mere gracious glance of the Master dispels the disciple’s sleep of ignorance and awakens him to the Real. All living beings desire to be happy always without misery. To gain that happiness which is our nature and which is experience in the state of deep sleep where there is no mind, one should know one’s self. For that the path of knowledge, the enquiry of ‘who am I’ is the principal means. The man who has not experienced his own real Self, thinking ‘I am this body’, sees himself as ‘I’, the first person of grammar. He sees another person whom he calls ‘you’, and refers to third persons as ‘he’. These three distinct persons are not real. They are seen on account of the false notion ‘I am the body’. When the ego-so

Pusan God in Hindu Religion

Pusan is one of the names of Surya, the sun god in Hinduism. It is considered to be the sixth name of the sun god. The name pusan is recited during surya namaskara and while offering prayers. He is praised in the Rig Veda in numerous hymns. Pusan means one who nourishes. He is the protector of all beings. He nourishes and protect all living begins including cattle. Pusan is also referred as the brother of Indra. He is offered prayers in the Vedas to bring back horses, cows, sheep and other livestocks. He is also offered prayers to keep livestocks away from diseases and injuries. Pusan also drives away enemies and brings their wealth. Apart from Rig Veda, chants dedicated to Pusan are found in Asvalayana Grihyasutra and Samkhayana Grihyasutra.

Alagirinathar Temple at Salem in Tamil Nadu – Salem Azhagirinathar Kovil

Alagirinathar Temple is located at Kottai near Salem in Tamil Nadu. This is ancient shrine and the temple is famous as Azhagirinathar 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 Alagirinathar Temple at Salem 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. Goddess Lakshmi left for earth. Sage Bhrigu realized his mistake and wanted to make amends. He came to earth and on advice of Sage Vaiganasa performed intense austerities at Salem. Goddess Lakshmi then appeared here in the form of a baby girl. Sage Bhrigu realized that the baby was Mahalakshmi. He took good care of the baby girl and in due course of time, she grew up into a beautiful girl. The time had come for the ma

Sidhbari Hanuman – Digambara Temple at Sidhbari in Himachal Pradesh

Sidhbari Hanuman is a 22 feet high murti of Hanuman. It is located on the vicinity of the Sandeepany Ashrama of Chinmaya Mission at Sidhbari in Himachal Pradesh. The shrine is also known as Digambara Hanuman Temple. It is said that trees used to not grow in the region due to high velocity winds. Swami Chinmayananda then decided to erect a murti of Hanuman at Sidhbari. Swami Chinmayananda said on the occasion "We will install Pavanaputra Hanuman here in a Digambara temple. His grace will not only mellow the Wind-God and allow the trees to grow in the ashram but will also enable us to crystallize the Sankalpa of having a Rama Mandir for the Pahadi people." Hanuman is placed on the pedestal having eight sides. There are eight verses inscribed around the pedestal, one on each side. Today there are numerous trees in the Ashram. Pavanputra Hanuman is seated at Sidhbari under the milky sky, open to the embrace of his father, Vayu, the Wind God. Hanumanji successfull

Anarkeshwar Mahadev in Ujjain – Story of Anarkeshwar Form of Shiva – 27th Shiva Temple in Ujjain

Anarkeshwar 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 Anarkeshwar Mahadev will have their sins cleansed and will attain moksha or liberation. The temple dedicated to Anarkeshwar Mahadev is located at Gada Lot Kund near Makoria Am – Indira Nagar in Ujjain. This form of Shiva is associated with King Nimi. Anarkeshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 27th temple visited during the parikarama of Shivalayas here. Story of Anarkeshwar Mahadev form of Shiva in Ujjain Due to his piety and holiness, King Nimi, after his death, was being taken to heaven directly by the soldiers of Yama. On his way, he happened to witness people suffering in hell. When Nimi passed through the hell, the living beings in it found some relief. So they asked Nimi to stand there and give them relief. King Nimi then asked Lord Yama how he is able to give re

Kudupu Temple – Sri Anantha Padmanabha Temple at Kudupu near Mangalore

Kudupu Temple, also known as Sri Anantha Padmanabha Temple, is located at Kudupu, which is around 10 km from Mangalore and on the Mangalore-Moodabidri in Karnataka. It is also an important naga or serpent temple in the region. The snake worship here is considered highly meritorious. The main deities worshipped here are the Anantha Padmanabha form of Vishnu, Subrahmanya, Sesha and Nagas. Legend has it that a couple who had no children had darshan of Anantha Padmanabha form of Vishnu and Subrahmanya here. The couple is believed to have had children in the form of Nagas here after they were blessed by Subrahmanya. Monthly Sashti and Nag Panchami are important dates in the temple. A small river called Bhadra Saraswathi Thirtha is located nearby. The temple has hundreds of stone murtis of Nagas which are worshipped during important auspicious days especially during Nagara Panchami. This is an important temple in the region for naga related worship. People who have

Chandra Grahan 2017 in India – Lunar Eclipse dates in 2017 in India – Chandra Grahanam

Chandra Grahan 2017 dates based on Hindu calendar – India Standard Time. There are two lunar eclipses – Chandra Grahan – in 2017. The Chandra Grahan on February 11, 2017 and August 7, 2017 are visible in India. Detail dates of all Chandra grahanam in 2017 are given below: Chandra Grahan on February 11, 2017 is visible during moonset. Time in India is from 4:04 AM to 8:23 AM. As it is during morning hours, the Grahan is ignored in India by panchangs and temples. Chandra Grahan on August 7, 2017 is fully visible in India. ( you can read complete detail of this Grahan here .) Time in India is from 10:53 PM on August 7 to 12:48 AM on August 8, 2017. This Grahan is followed in India and all temples will remain closed as per tradition. Related Surya Grahan or Solar Eclipse in India in 2017

Hate is a joy killer

Hate is a joy killer. Always keep it out. When a thought of hatred arises in our mind, replace it with thought of love, forgiveness and good will. Fear, hatred, jealousy, envy and resentment are promoted by the mainstream media through innumerable ways. Identify them and keep them out as they only bring destruction. Thinking and exaggerating about future misfortunes is killing all joy we have in the present. For joy, happiness and fun to flourish the essential ingredient is love. www.hindu-blog.com Abhilash

Story of Sage Narada Turning into Woman - Unsatisfied Desires and Attachments Lead to Rebirth

Story of Sage Narada turning into woman is found in the seventh Skanda of the Srimad Bhagavad Purana. During one of their travels, Sage Narada and Bhagavan Sri Krishna reached a stream. Sri Krishna warned Sage Narada to not to drink water from the stream. But the thirsty Sage ignored the advice and drank water from the stream. The next moment Sage Narada turned into a woman and when she looked around, she did not see Sri Krishna. She wandered through the forest and reached the ashrama of a Sage. The Sage had just opened his eyes after a long meditation. He was impressed by the woman and married her. In due course of time, she became the mother of sixty children. One day her husband and all the sixty children died. She was grief stricken and did not have the strength to cremate her husband and children. Suddenly she felt an unusual hunger. She saw a mango atop a mango tree. She tried to pluck the fruit but she could not do it. Due to the intense hunger, she

Kerala Hindu Marriage Dates 2017 in Malayalam Panchangam – Vivaha Muhurtam as per Malayalam Calendar in 2017

Hindu marriage dates 2017 in Kerala as per Malayalam Panchangam is different from other regions as Kerala calendar is based on solar movment. Here are the marriage dates in 2017 as per. Manorama, Guruvayur Panchangam and Mathurbhumi Panchangam. There will be other Vivaha Muhurtam especially in Chinga Masam (August – September) but that will be for a short period and you will need the help of a local astrologer. Update - You can read Kerala Marriage dates 2018 here. January 2017 – No dates February 2017 – No dates March 2017 – No dates April 2017 – No dates May 2017 – No dates June 2017 – June 3, 4, 6, 19, 22 and 30 July 2017 – July 3, 5 and 10 August 2017 – no dates September 2017 – no dates October 2017 – October 17 November 2017 – November 2 December 2017 – no dates given Note - Panchangams avoid many dates and only provide the very best. There will be a small period which is suitable for marriage in other days - but for this you will need the help of

Story of Sage Mudgala and Durvasa

Story of Sage Mudgala and Durvasa is found in the Chapter 261 of Vana Parva in the Mahabharata. Sage Mudgala was content with what he got and he ate very rarely. The fame of Sage Mudgala spread around the world. Sage Durvasa once decided to test the holiness of Mudgala. Sage Durvasa went to Sage Mudgala who was doing intense austerities in Kurukshetra. The hot-tempered sage demanded some food from Mudgala. Mudgala gave Durvasa all the food he had with him. Durvasa left the ashrama after eating a part of the food and smearing his body with the rest of it. Mudgala starved on the day. This process was repeated by Durvasa for six days, but Mudgala never felt or showed any offence. Greatly pleased at the firm righteousness of Mudgala, Durvasa blessed him to ascend to heaven. Immediately a vimana descended from Vishnu Loka and carried Mudgala to heaven.

What is Jnana in Hinduism? – Gyana

Jnana, or Gyana, in Hinduism is the real knowledge – the intuitive knowledge of the Supreme Truth. It is the knowledge of Brahman – the absolute. This knowledge gives freedom from all sufferings. When jnana dawns in a person, he realizes he is the eternal, pure and enlightened. He realizes that he is not the mind, body and ego. This knowledge is found the in Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Vasishta, in the Puranas, Mahabharata, Ramayana and other holy texts. All these texts categorically state that individual soul is not separate from the universal soul (Brahman). Brahman is the all – pervading ultimate reality, and thus ever free from birth, growth, decay, death, pain, suffering, sickness etc., to which the body remains subjected to. Thus, individual soul is Sat Chit Ananda – truth, awareness and bliss. Even Jnana, if not used wisely will end up piling up ignorance. Try to define Brahman, arrogance, being proud of once scholarly nature etc., are part of this ignorance

Harni Hanuman Temple – Bhidbhanjan Hanuman of Harni in Vadodara

Harni Hanuman Temple is one of the oldest Hanuman temples in Vadodara. It is also known as Bhidbhanjan Hanuman. The temple is located on the northeastern part of Vadodara on the Harni road. Bhid means trouble and Bhanjan means destroyer. Legend has it that the region was ruled by a demon king named Hirankashpu. Lord Hanuman took his Virat Roop and annihilated the demon. The battle between the demon and Hanuman continued for fourteen days. On the fourteenth day, Hanuman flung the demon king to the ground, pinned him down to the ground with His right foot. With Lord Hanuman’s right foot on him, the evil powers of Hirankashpu started melting down. Bhagavan Sri Ram asked Hanuman to remain in that position, for it was the only way to subdue the demon and break his power. As a symbol of acceptance of the command, the murti of Hanuman worshipped in the temple is seen with right hand over his head. Bhagavan Sri Ram then told the saints and devotees gathered there that Hanuman will s