The 16th chapter of the Krishna Yajurveda contains 66 mantras and they are known as Sri Rudram. Devotees of Shiva perform abhisheka (sacred bath) on Shivling reciting these mantras. In every mantra, Rudra devata is praised. He is the embodiment of anger and fury. He is the controller of all vocations. People chant the Sri Rudram to pleas Him. The mantra is chanted for obtaining auspiciousness. It is also chanted for the destruction of all enemies.  Sri Rudram in Hinduism: Overview and Significance Sri Rudram , also known as Śrī Rudrapraśna , is an ancient and revered Vedic hymn dedicated to Lord Rudra, a fierce and benevolent form of Lord Shiva. It is found in the Taittiriya Samhita of the Krishna Yajurveda and is considered one of the most powerful and sacred chants in Hinduism. Structure and Composition Sri Rudram is divided into two main sections: Namakam (Namaḥ) : This section is characterized by repeated invocations of the word "namaḥ" (salutations or bowing) ...

Comprehensive Guide on Worshiping Malhari Martand in Hinduism Malhari Martand (also known as Khandoba) is a form of Lord Shiva worshiped primarily in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and other regions. He is revered as the god of war, protection, and is considered a patron deity of warriors, farmers, and shepherds. Worshiping Malhari Martand brings blessings for protection, prosperity, courage, and success. This guide will help you conduct a simple, eco-friendly puja at home, following traditional practices and sustainable approaches. 1. Cleanliness and Preparation Purity of Body and Mind: Cleanliness is of paramount importance. Before starting the puja, bathe, and wear fresh clothes. This practice signifies internal and external purity. Clean the Puja Area: Ensure that the area where you will be performing the puja is thoroughly cleaned. Wipe the altar with clean water or a damp cloth, preferably using natural disinfectants like neem water or cow dung. 2. Appropriate Time for Worship Auspic...

The Rig Veda opens with Agnimile, which means ‘I praise Agni (Lord of Fire),’ who is seated before my eyes. Agni, or fire, symbolizes the light of spiritual knowledge leading one to Truth. Agni is nothing other than the innermost light that shines in all animate and inanimate as the Self, as inner consciousness. Rig is derived from the root ‘Rc’ meaning ‘to praise.’ The Rig Veda is made up of hymns in praise of the Divine. The great sages of yore are said to have perceived the eternal truth, and bequeathed to posterity their apprehensions of the numinous. These sagely revelations came to be known as Vedas, of which there are four: Rig, Yajus, Sama and Atharva. Source - My Mother, My Master By Swami Pranavamritananda Puri

Comprehensive Guide to Worshipping Madurai Veeran in Hinduism Madurai Veeran is a revered folk deity worshipped primarily in Tamil Nadu, India. He is considered a guardian deity, protector of villages, and a warrior god. Worshipping Madurai Veeran brings courage, strength, and protection against evil forces. This guide outlines a simple and eco-friendly approach to his worship, focusing on using natural, traditional items that honor the Earth while maintaining sacred rituals. 1. Importance of Worshipping Madurai Veeran Worshipping Madurai Veeran is believed to bring several spiritual and practical benefits, including: Protection from evil spirits and harmful energies. Courage and strength to overcome life's challenges. Blessings of justice and fairness in personal and community issues. Health and well-being for families and communities. By offering puja to Madurai Veeran, devotees can invoke his warrior spirit for courage and protection in their daily lives. 2. Cleanliness and ...

Ishaneshwar Mahadev is worshiped in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 84 forms of Shiva worshiped in Ujjain. Those offering prayers to Ishaneshwar Mahadev will be blessed with fame, wealth and siddhi. The temple dedicated to Ishaneshwar Mahadev is located at the bade darwaza at Modi ki gali in Ujjain. This form of Shiva is associated with Devas, or demigods, getting back heaven from Demon Tuhund. Ishaneshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 16th temple visited during the parikarama of Shivalayas here. Story of Ishaneshwar Mahadev form of Shiva in Ujjain Legend has it that once demon Tuhund defeated the Devas and threw them out of heaven. He captured Airavat, the white elephant of Indra, and tied him in front of his palace. The Devas could not enter heaven and therefore they roamed on earth. On earth, they met Sage Narada who advised them to offer prayers to a Shivling located north...

Itu Puja is the worship of Surya, or Sun God, in Agrahan month in Bengal. The word ‘Itu’ has evolved from Mitu, which is a shortened form of Mitra. Itu Puja starts on the last day of Kartik month and is observed on all Sundays of the following month Agrahan. Sunday is considered auspicious for propitiating Surya. Itu Puja 2025 dates are November 16, November 23, November 30, December 7 and December 14. The puja was originally meant or the preservation of seeds of the winter crops. The puja is performed by both married and unmarried women. Once undertaken, a woman continues with its performance until her death or until she passes it on to her daughter or daughter in law. A bowl filled with earth and a pot filled with water are kept along with other household deities during the puja. The practitioner of the vrat eats vegetarian food on the day with no oil or turmeric. On the day of the morning of puja, she eats only fruits and sweets offered for the puja. For lunc...

Comprehensive Guide to Worship the Bhuteshwar Form of Lord Shiva The Bhuteshwar form of Lord Shiva is worshiped to connect with Shiva as the Lord of all Bhutas (spirits and souls) and protector of the universe. Bhuteshwar Shiva represents the fierce, compassionate, and protective side of Shiva who rules over the spirits and beings that exist beyond the physical realm. Worshiping Bhuteshwar Shiva brings immense protection, peace, and spiritual awakening, helping devotees conquer fear, evil forces, and negative energies. This comprehensive guide covers every aspect of Bhuteshwar Shiva worship, including puja preparation, the ideal mindset, eco-friendly items, and methods to ensure a fulfilling and meaningful ritual. Benefits of Worshiping Bhuteshwar Form of Shiva Protection from Evil Forces : The worship of Bhuteshwar removes negative energies and evil influences, providing a spiritual shield. Peace of Mind : Devotees experience tranquility, mental clarity, and freedom from anxiety. Spi...

Comprehensive Guide to Worshiping Lord Vaidyanath in Hinduism Lord Vaidyanath (or Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga) is a form of Lord Shiva worshipped as the "Supreme Healer" and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in Hinduism. Devotees worship him for health, longevity, and relief from diseases. Performing puja with devotion to Vaidyanath is believed to bring physical and mental healing, peace, and spiritual growth. Importance of Worshipping Lord Vaidyanath Worshiping Lord Vaidyanath has deep spiritual and health benefits: Healing Powers : Vaidyanath symbolizes Lord Shiva's role as a healer, and offering prayers to him is believed to remove diseases and grant health and longevity. Spiritual Enlightenment : The worship also provides inner peace and helps devotees on their path to moksha (liberation). Family Well-being : It is believed that Vaidyanath protects the family and brings harmony, healing from physical, mental, and spiritual afflictions. Preparations for Worship 1. Cleanlin...

Comprehensive Guide to Worshiping Lord Pashupati in Hinduism Pashupati is one of the most revered forms of Lord Shiva, especially worshipped in Nepal and India. Pashupati, which means "Lord of Animals," symbolizes Lord Shiva as the protector of all living creatures, and his worship is deeply rooted in nature, simplicity, and reverence for life. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to perform Pashupati worship, including the rituals, the importance of cleanliness, the items required, and the eco-friendly approach. 1. Benefits of Worshiping Lord Pashupati Worshiping Lord Pashupati has numerous spiritual and personal benefits: Spiritual Protection: Offers protection from negative energies and helps in overcoming obstacles. Inner Peace: Brings calmness and mental clarity through connection with nature and the divine. Healing & Vitality: Known to bless devotees with health, longevity, and vitality. Prosperity & Success: Lord Pashupati bestows wealth, prosperity, and...

Goddess Naikba Devi, also referred as Ma Naikba, 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 Satara and Sangli District in Maharashtra. Goddess Naikba Devi is a kind form of Goddess Shakti. She showers motherly love on her children. The murti or idol of Naikba 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. Naikba Devi removes darkness caused by Adharma. She upholds righteousness by protecting those who practice Dharma.

The Vaishnava Tilak is known as Urdhva Pundra or Urdhva Pundram. The shape of this tilak dedicated to Lord Vishnu consists of two vertical lines with a third one in between. It is generally worn on the forehead by both men and women. While applying the tilak one has to contemplate on Lord Vishnu. The material used for the tilak is pure soft clay. Sandalwood paste, holy ashes, and turmeric powder are also used for tilak by people depending on the tradition to which they belong. The lines of the pundra should be long, beautiful and attractive with a gap between the two lines that resemble the two feet of Lord Vishnu.

Comprehensive Guide to Worshipping Guga Peer in Hinduism Guga Peer , also known as Gugga Ji , is a revered folk deity in Northern India, especially in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab. He is believed to have the power to cure snakebites and is worshipped by many to seek protection from venomous creatures. The worship of Guga Peer is usually done during the Guga Navami festival, which falls in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September). Below is a detailed guide on how to conduct the worship of Guga Peer, incorporating eco-friendly practices, mantras, and prayers. 1. Benefits of Worshipping Guga Peer Protection from Snakebites : Guga Peer is known as the guardian against snakebites. Cures Ailments : His blessings are sought for healing physical and spiritual ailments. Blessings for Prosperity and Well-being : Worshipping Guga Peer brings prosperity, happiness, and overall well-being to the family. Removes Obstacles : Helps overcome obstacles in daily life and ensures peace in the househ...

Comet is a bright object in space that has a tail of gas and dust. The story of origin of comets in Hindu tradition is associated with Shiva destroying the flying cities Tripuri. Legend has it that a powerful demon named Tripuri or Tripurasura built three impregnable cities of gold, silver and iron with the blessing of Shiva. The demon became so powerful and his inflated ego knew no bounds and started attacking and tormenting humans and demigods (devas) by flying on Tripuri. Brahma and Vishnu failed to contain Tripurasura who was armed with several boons from Shiva. Finally, the task of annihilating the demon fell on Shiva. The flying cities could be destroyed only with a single arrow. For this the cities had to align in a straight line. Once in a while the cities aligned in a straight line for a split of a second. Shiva was the only archer who could destroy the cities. For this purpose, Vishnu himself turned into the fiery arrow – Vishnu Shastra. Shiva chased the t...

Sashtang Pranam, or Sashtanga Pranamam, is lying face down on earth and offering prayers to God in a Hindu Temple . Sashtang Pranam is one among the numerous ways to wipe out the ego. By lying down before the deity, a Hindu is killing his/her ego and recognizing the Supreme Truth – there is no second only that exists. When pride and ego are quelled, majority of our problems are solved. This helps in controlling stress and depression. Sashtang Pranam at a temple during early morning hours helps a person to have a good and fruitful day. Sashtang Pranam is also considered as a very good form of exercise. Lying down on stomach and stretching both the arms in front and bringing them together helps in good blood circulation. Sashtang Pranam, a full-body prostration in which a devotee lies face down on the ground with arms extended forward, is a significant practice in Hindu worship, particularly in temples. The term "Sashtang" is derived from the Sanskrit words ...

Hindu Calendar 2017 with Tithi in pdf for free download is in English and is based on Calendars followed in North India – Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. A month in this Hindu calendar begins after Purnima and ends on Purnima. All important festivals and fasting 2017 dates are marked in the calendar. Link –  Download Hindu Calendar 2017 with Tithi in pdf The calendar is based on Purnimat system. A traditional Hindu month begins after Purnima or full moon day. Related Hindu Calendar 2018

There are numerous stories regarding the origin of Mangal Navagraha. One of the famous stories is that Mangal Navagraha is the son of Vishnu and Bhumi Devi. Legend has it that demon Hiranyaksha in the form of a pig carried Bhumi (Mother Earth) to the netherworld (Patala Loka). Vishnu then took the form of Varaha Avatar and rescued Her. When Bhumi Devi was saved from the demon, she assumed her real beautiful form. Vishnu fell in love with Her. They were later blessed with a son, Mangal. As per Skanda Purana Mangal was born out a drop of sweat of Vishnu and was nursed by Bhumi Devi. It must be noted here that as per Padma Purana Mangal is the son of Shiva. Vamana Purana states that Mangal was born when Shiva killed demon Andhaka.

Silambam is the famous stick fight practiced in Tamil Nadu. It is also known as Kuchi Vilaiyattu and Kambu Vilaiyattu. It was originally practiced with bamboo sticks; later, steel swords and shields were used. Silambam Meaning The word ‘silam’ means hill and ‘bam’ means bamboo or ‘perambu’ out of which the staff (stick) is made.  Silambam History The 3,000-year-old martial art, perhaps one of the oldest has evolved from being an art employed in warfare, combats, competitive sports, performance arts to being a fitness regime. Known as the pride of Tamil Nadu, Silambam was earlier used as self-defense by tribals and was eventually mastered by our ancestors to prove their vigour and masculinity. Like how Sage Patanjali is to yoga, Sage Agastya is to Silambam. We can find information about the martial art in palm leaf manuscripts under the topic Kambusoothram. Silambam was practiced predominantly during the period of Chola, Chera and Pandyas. Eventually, through Bodhi Dharma, the awa...

 In Hinduism, fitness is not only seen as a physical necessity but as a spiritual practice that cultivates the well-being of the mind, body, and soul. Fitness, in this context, aligns with ancient concepts of yoga , pranayama , and physical discipline as outlined in texts like the Bhagavad Gita and the teachings of sages like Patanjali. The benefits go far beyond mere physical fitness; they extend into spiritual and mental realms that impact every facet of life. Here are 12 spiritual and mental benefits of fitness in Hinduism , combined with practical solutions and insights into its deeper effects: 1. Unity of Body, Mind, and Soul Benefit : Fitness, especially through yoga and pranayama , promotes the holistic integration of body, mind, and soul, leading to inner peace and clarity. Practical Solution : Daily yoga sessions (20–30 minutes), focusing on postures ( asanas ) that balance physical strength and flexibility, can foster this unity. Quote : Swami Vivekananda said, "You hav...

The goal of life in many spiritual traditions is self-realization, the understanding and experience of one's true nature and unity with the divine. In the context of Hindu philosophy, there are four primary paths or yogas to achieve this goal, each suited to different temperaments and inclinations. These paths are not mutually exclusive but are complementary, allowing individuals to incorporate aspects of each to enhance their spiritual development. The four paths are Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Jnana Yoga. Karma Yoga (The Path of Selfless Action) Karma Yoga focuses on selfless action performed for the benefit of others without any attachment to the results. It involves performing one's duties with an attitude of detachment and surrender to the divine. This path is particularly suitable for individuals who are action-oriented and wish to serve humanity. Purification : Karma Yoga removes mala (dirt), which symbolizes the impurities of the mind. By engaging in selfle...

In Hinduism, fire (Agni) holds profound spiritual and symbolic significance. The fireplace, or Agni Kunda , serves as a sacred focal point during rituals (homas or havans), embodying both material and spiritual dimensions of life. Here is an expanded explanation of the spiritual, mental, and physical benefits of having a fireplace in Hinduism, including 12 key benefits, practical applications, and its impact on well-being and personality. Importance of Fire in Hinduism Sacredness of Agni (Fire): Agni is considered one of the most important deities in the Vedas, especially in Rigveda. It acts as a mediator between humans and gods, carrying offerings to the divine. Symbol of Purity and Transformation: Fire transforms everything it touches, symbolizing the purification of the physical and subtle bodies. It burns away impurities (both external and internal) and represents spiritual knowledge that destroys ignorance. 12 Spiritual and Practical Benefits of the Fireplace (Agni Kunda) Purifi...