Life does not always serve tasty dishes. Sometimes it is too salty, too hot, too spicy, too cold, pungent and sometimes even not worth consuming. But then occasionally life do throw up delicious and tasty dishes. Think positive. Be positive. Happiness can be served at anytime. If not served by others we can cook them too. By trying to please others, we are never going to be happy. Always be honest about our feelings. Your ideas, interests and passion are not bad or worthless, just because majority does not believe in them. Never give up your likes because people will laugh at you. Hold on to your principles and believes. A common ground can never be reached if both the parties lose temper. If you cannot control your anger, them simply walk away and return later. Happiness means a peaceful mind and we can achieve this only when we have got rid of hatred, discrimination and violence. Not just on physical level but also on mental level. Face an adversary or enemy

Not all Nakshatra are ideal for traveling as per Hindu astrology. Out of the 27 Nakshatras in Hinduism only 9 are good for traveling. Auspicious stars for travel as per Hindu astrology texts are: Ashwini or Ashwathy Mrigasira – Makayiram Punarvasu – Punirtham Pushya – Pooyam Hasta – Atham Anuradha – Anusham or Anizham Shravan – Thiruonam Dhanishta – Avittam Revathi Things to Remember Before Traveling Before traveling one should take the blessing of Kula Devata, ancestors (pitr) and of the personal deity that you worship. Next take the blessing of elders in the family. Take some sweet before leaving the house the best option is curd mixed with sugar or honey or jaggery. Never say I am going while leaving. Always say I will return back soon. Never leave the house in anger or when you are in emotional distress. Wait till your mind is normal. Never leave a place by cursing the place or people residing in it. When traveling in the South direction ta

All stars are good for childbirth. But there are some stars that are regarded more auspicious as per Hindu astrology. Nakshatra good for child birth are: Ashwini – Ashwathy Rohini Mrigashira – Makayiram Punarvasu – Punirtham Pushya – Pooyam Uttara Phalguni – Uthram Hasta – Atham – Hastam Chitra - Chithira Swati – Chothi Anuradha – Anusham or Anizham Uttarashada – Uthrittathi Shravan – Thiruvonam or Sravanam Dhanishta - Avittam Shatabhisha – Chathayam Uttarabhadrapada – Uthrittathi Revathi We must always remember that birth and death are something which we humans cannot predict. Being born in an auspicious birth star does not mean there will be progress and happiness in life. This depends on our vasanas - if we are able to control our senses and work towards self realization then there will be peace and happiness in life. Bhagavan Sri Ram was born on earth and he had to undergo numerous sufferings. All human beings will have to face the cons

Neem tree and its leaves are associated with various Hindu Goddess especially Durga, Kali, Karumariamman, Mariamman and other manifestations of Mother Goddess Shakti. Neem leaves are widely used in the worship, puja, festivals and rituals associated with Hindu Goddesses especially in South India. So Why is neem tree and it leaves associated with Goddess Shakti. The popular belief is that Mother Goddess resides in Neem tree and its leaves have the power to cure diseases and drive away all evils. There are stories in rural South India that indicate that Mother Goddess residing in neem tree stopped Yama, the god of death, from taking away the life of human beings devoted to her. Neem tree is widely found in the front or within the vicinity of many Shakti Temples in South India. Neem leaves are also used to cure Chicken pox and other skin diseases. Neem is used by Hindus to  treat inflammation, infections, skin diseases and for dental care. The Neem leaves, flowers, s

Saila Srikshetra is the popular name of Jagannath Temple at Angul in Odisha. It is a modern temple and is constructed on the lines of the famous Puri Jagannath Temple. The shrine is located atop the Sunasagad hill. Three wooden murtis similar to the ones worshipped in Puri is offered pujas in the sanctum sanctorum. All the rituals followed in Puri are also held here. Earlier there were three smaller murtis of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subadhra in the Madan Mohan Temple here. People then wished to have a shrine dedicated to Jagannath. The shrine was completed and opened to devotees in 2002 AD. People in large numbers visit the temple especially during special occasions like the Rath Yatra, Sankranti and Pana Sankranti.

Raja Vidya Guhya Yoga is the title of the ninth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita Shri Krishna uses this chapter to impart further lessons on the infinite nature of Ishwara and the finite nature of maya. He begins the chapter by asserting that the knowledge of Bhagavan’s infinite nature will result in liberation. He addresses Arjuna as Anasooya in the chapter, which means without fault, doubt or prejudice, indicating that those who have begun the process of purification of their minds through karma yoga and devoted meditation will understand this knowledge completely. Raja Vidya Guhya Yoga Teachings  All beings have root in Me, but I am not rooted in them. As the mighty wind, moving everywhere, ever dwells in the akasha (space), even so, all beings rest in Me. At the close of a kalpa, all beings return into My nature and at the beginning of the next kalpa, I send them forth. Hopes, deeds and knowledge vain of those who fail to realize my higher nature as the sove

Varanasi Tulsi Manas Temple is located on Durgakund road in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and is near the famous Durga Temple. The temple is noted for its art and architecture and essentially is a shrine that celebrates Ramcharitamanas of Goswami Tulsidas . The main murti worshipped in the temple is the Ram Parivar – Ram, Laxman, Mata Sita and Hanuman. The shrine is located in a serene and tranquil environment. Tulsidas making Chandan paste at the famous ghat of Chitrakoot is shown in the shrine using moving puppets. Every wall, ceiling, pillars and each and every nook and corner of the shrine narrates the story of Ramayan through pictures, paintings and sculptures. The verses of Ramacharitmanas are written on the walls of the shrine. Other mutis worshipped in the temple are that of Satyaranayan, Ma Annapurna and Kashi Vishwanath. One entering the main gate, there is a statue of Goswami Tulsidas. Jhulan Utsav in Shravan month is an important ritual here. A month

Akshara Parabrahma Yoga is the chapter eight of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita The title of the Discourse : 'Kshara' means that which perishes. 'Akshara' means that which does not perish, the Imperishable. Since the Discourse deals with the Imperishable Brahman it is entitled 'Akshara Parabrahma Yoga.'  The indestructible, the Supreme, is Brahman. The creative force that brings beings into existence is called ‘karma’. He who meditates on me at the time of death is absorbed into me. The thoughts at the time of death determine the character of the next birth. Always think of Lord Krishna and do your work. When the mind and understanding is concentrated on Krishna, one reaches the feet of Lord. All worlds come and go. Beings in such world continuously pass through the cycle of birth and death. But he who attains me never takes another birth. If the mind is turned to the Yoga of Practice, and dropping thoughts of other things engaged in constant

Goddess Banashankari is an incarnation of Mother Goddess Shakti. It is in this form she nourishes all living beings. Banashankari Devi is popularly worshiped in the northern districts of Karnataka and southern parts of Maharashtra. She is essentially a forest Goddess in Hindu religion. In the Devi Mahatmya it is mentioned that Goddess Shakti appeared as Banashankari after a period of hundred years of drought. All the plants had died and there was nothing to eat. Banashankari brought forth from her body fruits, flowers, vegetables and herbs to suffice the hunger of the people. The form of Banashankari is described in detail in Durga Saptashati. Banashankari is blue in color. Her eyes are like lotus flower. She is depicted with numerous arms – one arm is shown as carrying a lotus with bees circling it. The other hands carry bow, arrows, flowers, roots, and vegetables. The most popular festival dedicated to Goddess Banashankari is held from Paush Shukla Paksha Ashtami to P

Thiruvairanikulam Temple near Aluva in Kerala is dedicated to Lord Shiva. But the temple is famous for a shrine of Goddess Parvati which is open only for 12 days in a year. Thiruvairanikulam Temple opening date in 2024 - 2025 is January 13, 2025. Thiruvairanikulam temple Nadathurappu Mahotsavam or festival ends in 2025 on January 24. Goddess Parvati shrine is open for 12 days from Thiruvathira Nakshatra in Dhanu Masam as per Malayalam Calendar followed in Kerala. Story Why Goddess Parvati Gives Darshan Only For 12 Days Legend has it that Goddess Parvati used to cook food for Lord Shiva in the temple kitchen. No one was allowed to enter the temple during the period. A group of Brahmins wanted to find out the secret and ventured into the temple at not designated time. For breaking the rule, Goddess Parvati left the temple in anger. The Brahmins asked for her mercy and performed intense austerities. She later relented and agreed to make her presence felt in the sanctum

Nelluvai Dhanwanthari Temple is located at Nelluvaya in Thrissur District in Kerala. The shrine is around 21 km from Thrissur town. Nelluvai Dhanwanthari Temple contact details with telephone numbers are given below. The Devaswom Officer Nelluvai Dhanwanthari Temple, Nelluvai (P.O), Erumapetty (Via), Thrissur - 680584 Ph : 04885-264269 9188958053 E-mail : nelluvayatemple@gmail.com The murti worshipped in the temple was installed by Ashwini Devas (physicians of Devas) and the same murti was worshipped during Dwapara Yuga by Sri Vasudeva. It is believed that the temple is more than 5000 years old. Bhagavan Dhanwanthari is a manifestation of Srihari Vishnu. He emerged from the ocean during Palazhi Madhanam (churning out the milky ocean), with the four hands, carrying, the divine Shankh (Conch), Sudarshana Chakra Amrit (Nectar), and Jalookham (Leech), respectively. Leach is used in Ayurvedic therapy to suck out bad blood to cure certain diseases. In the western entr

Raghunath Temple at Devprayag in Uttarakhand is dedicated to Bhagavan Sri Ram. Raghunathji Mandir enshrines a six feet Shaligram murti of Bhagavan Sri Ram. Legend has it that Lord Ram did penance here to atone for the killing of Ravana. Adi Vishweshwar Mahadev is the name of the Shivling established by Lord Ram here. It is located directly underneath the courtyard of the main temple complex. The main temple complex is atop a small mount and one has to climb several steps to reach it. Pillars support the mandap and the silver mounted gateway that leads to the sanctum sanctorum. There is a murti of Garuda in front of the temple. The main festivals observed in the temple are Ramnavami and Sri Krishna Janmashtami. A small murti of Bhagavan Ram is brought out during the occasion. The subsidiary shrines in the temple are dedicated to Annapurna Mata, Hanuman and Shankaracharya. The life story of Rama and Krishna are featured on the walls of the temple.

The Hindi calendar 2017 is provided by the website ashram. It has marked all the important festivals and tithi in the Hindi language. The 2017 Hindi calendar is not in pdf format but in picture format. You can save it each month for your personal use. You can find  Hindi language calendar 2017 here  at the official website of Ashram.

There is a story in the Puranas which state that Jayanti, the daughter of Indra, became wife of Shukracharya for 10 years. Shukracharya was the priest and teacher of Asuras or demons. Once Devas defeated the Asuras. To acquire more powers, Shukracharya performed intense austerities to please Shiva. When the penance of Shukracharya became severe, Indra was worried and wanted to break it. Indra thought that Guru Shukra would acquire new powers, which will make Asuras powerful. Indra asked his daughter Jayanti to become the servant of Shukra and to break his penance somehow or other. Jayanti did not like her father’s intention; but she also did not want to disobey her father so she followed his orders. She went to Kailasa, became the attendant of Shukra, and stayed with him. She served him without any complaints. She maintained her chastity and did not disturb the Guru in anyway. She spoke only words, which would be pleasing and helpful to him. This continued for se

Nelluvai Dhanwanthari Temple is located at Nelluvaya in Thrissur District in Kerala. The shrine is around 21 km from Thrissur town. Nelluvai Dhanwanthari Temple Timings with detail opening and closing time is given below. Please note that the pooja and darshan time will extended or curtailed during important rituals. The shrine will remain closed during Grahanam or Eclipse. Nelluvai Dhanwanthari Temple Timings Morning Darshan and Puja Time 5:00 AM - Temple opens 6:00 AM – Usha pooja 8:00 AM - Pandeeradi pooja 10:30 AM - Uchapooja Temple will be closed from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM Evening Darshan and Puja Time 5:00 PM - Temple opens for evening poojas 6:00 PM - Deeparadhana 7:30 PM - Athazha Pooja 8:00 PM - Temple closes

The ten-day long Padayani festival observed in Kadammanitta Devi Temple attracts thousands of Padayani enthusiasts. The festival is organized annually from the first of Medam month to the 10 th of Malayalam Medam month. Kadammanitta Devi Temple Padayani Festival 2025 date is April 14 to 23. Valiya Padayani is observed on Medam 8 and in 2025 it is on April 21. Kanijramala Kolam and Oorali Padayani are the main attractions here. Padayani, also referred as Padeni, is performed in honor of Goddess Bhadrakali in important Devi Temples in Central Kerala. Kadammanitta Devi Temple is located around 5 km from Pathanamthitta. The shrine is dedicated to Bhadrakali.  The belief is that the deity arrived here from Chengara in Malayalapuzha.  The main upa devatas in the temple are Yakshi and Maladeivam. 

Khatu Shyam Mandir is located at Jharia and in Dhanbad and the shrine is dedicated to Khatu Shyam, also known as Barbareek, is the grandson of Bhima in the Mahabharata. He willingly gave his head in charity to Lord Krishna before the Mahabharata war. Dhanbad Khatu Shyam Temple is maintained by the Marwari community and is one of the important temples dedicated to the deity outside Rajasthan. The main murti of Khatu Shyam worshiped in the temple is north facing and it sits on a silver throne. Shringar of the murti is performed using an 11-meter long cloth. The sanctum sanctorum is 8 by 10 feet and the height of the dome is 30 feet. The sanctum sanctorum also has a silver horse, the vehicle of Khatu Shyam. 108 types of bhoga are offered to the murti. Ekadasi and Dwadasi in the Phalgun month are considered highly meritorious. Dasami nishan yatra – spiritual journey using flags is held on Phalgun Dasami. These flags are then offered to the deity. The temple, puja and decorati

Teachings from Bhagavad Gita – Karma Vairagya Yoga chapter. He who is devoted to the path of action and is pure in soul, who is master of his self and has conquered the senses, who realizes the Self as the Self in all beings, though acting,he is not touched by taint of action. The man who is united with the Divine, the knower of Truth, thinks, “I do nothing at all.” For in seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, eating, moving, sleeping, breathing, speaking, giving, seizing, opening and closing the eyes, he holds that only the senses move among the objects of the senses. He who acts, abandoning attachment, surrendering all actions to God, is untouched by sin, even as a lotus leaf by water. The yogis abandoning attachment, perform action only for the purification of their souls. Bhagavad Gita – Karma Vairagya Yoga  The verse "He who acts, abandoning attachment, surrendering all actions to God, is untouched by sin, even as a lotus leaf by water" from the Bhagavad Gita

The North Indian Hindu calendar and the Marathi Hindu calendar, while both based on the traditional lunisolar Hindu calendar system, have several notable differences due to regional practices and cultural variations. Here’s an overview of the distinctions: The main difference is that a month in North India calendar begins after Purnima or full moon day and ends on next Purnima. A month in Marathi calendar begins after Amavasya or new moon day and ends on the next Amavasya. North Indian calendar is referred to as Purnimath and Maharashtrian calendar is referred to as Amavasyath. 1. Regional Names and Traditions: North Indian Hindu Calendar: Predominantly used in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Haryana. Festivals and months may have different names compared to the Marathi calendar. Follows the Vikram Samvat or the Shaka Samvat era depending on the region. Marathi Hindu Calendar (Maharashtra): Used mainly in Maharashtra and by Marathi-speaking communities. Follows the Sh

The Tamil Hindu Calendar and the Telugu Hindu Calendar are two regional variants of the Hindu lunisolar calendar used in India. Though both are used to determine religious dates and festivals, they have several differences owing to regional variations in tradition, astronomy, and cultural practices. Here are some key differences: 1. Regions of Use Tamil Hindu Calendar : Predominantly used in the Tamil Nadu region and among Tamil communities. Telugu Hindu Calendar : Primarily used in the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions and among Telugu communities. 2. Months Names Tamil Hindu Calendar : Chithirai Vaikasi Aani Aadi Avani Purattasi Aippasi Karthigai Margazhi Thai Masi Panguni Telugu Hindu Calendar : Chaitra Vaishakha Jyeshtha Ashadha Shravana Bhadrapada Ashwayuja Kartika Margashira Pushya Magha Phalguna 3. New Year Tamil New Year : Celebrated as Puthandu, usually falls on April 14th. Telugu New Year : Celebrated as Ugadi, usually falls in late March or early April (Chaitra Shuddha P

Lokpaleshwar Mahadev  is worshiped in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 84 forms of Shiva worshiped in Ujjain. Those offering prayers to Lokpaleshwar will defeat enemies. The temple dedicated to Lokpaleshwar Mahadev is located at Harsiddhi complex in Ujjain. This form of Shiva is associated with victory over the demon army of Hiranyakashipu. Lokpaleshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 12th temple visited during the parikrama of Shivalayas here. Story of Lokpaleshwar Mahadev form of Shiva in Ujjain Legend has it that the demon army of Hiranyakashipu destroyed all the ashrams. They filled yajna kund with blood and meat. There was no place for people to pray. Saints and Devas approached Vishnu to find a solution. Vishnu asked them to go to Mahakaal Vana (present day Ujjain) and offer prayers to Shiva there. Saints and Devas made a Shivling here and did intense penance and prayers. A huge fireball appeared from the Sh

Thanga Angi procession is the journey carrying the ornaments that is worn by Lord Ayyappa on the Mandala Pooja day at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple . The deeparadhana (evening prayer) performed with Thanga Anki is held on the 40th day, the penultimate day before the culmination of the 41-day Mandala Pooja. The procession starts from the Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple four days prior to the Mandala Pooja day. Thanga Angi means the Golden Attire – the Golden Attire of Lord Ayyappa, weighs 450 Sovereigns of gold. It was offered to Lord Ayyappa by Sri Chithira Thirunal, erstwhile Maharaja of Travancore, in 1973. The Tanga Angi is carried to the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in a specially-decorated vehicle. During the 100 km journey, the procession is welcomed by thousands of devotees and halts at several temples on its way and opportunity to darshan is provided to devotees. The Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple is around 100 km away from Sabarimala Ayyappa

Mahasaya Dyodhi Temple at Bhagalpur in Bihar is dedicated to Batuk Bhairavanath. The mandir is spread over 51 acres of land. The main murti worshipped in the temple is made out of crystal. Legend has it that the murti of Bhatuk Bhairavnath was hidden under the mud base of a pond. The estate in which the temple stands belonged to Raja Amarnath Ghosh. Rani Padmavati, wife of Raja Amarnath, had a dream in which Bhairav came to her dream and told the exact location of the murti. During the excavation of the murti, nose of it was damage. The damaged area was filled with silver. The temple has Rajasthani style of architecture. There were rumors that Batuk Bhairavanath murti was disappearing at night. Devotees then tied the murti with iron chains. It can be still seen in the temple.

Teachings from Bhagavad Gita – Dhyana Yoga Chapter. He who does the work that is his duty to do, without looking for rewards or the fruits of this work – that man, O Arjuna, is the perfect mystic. A person who has truly renounced is he who worships through his work, who renounces the desires of work, but still does his duty. The soul of the man who lives under self-control and is at peace is centered on itself. It responds in the same way to pleasure and pain, heat and cold, glory and shame. He is the Yogi, the mystic who is satisfied with light and truth, who dwells in transcendence and submits his senses, seeing dirt, rock and gold all as the same, all as one. And he carries this with him, treating equally his comrades, friends, acquaintances, strangers, lovers, enemies and kinsmen – loving all of them whether they are evil or good. Bhagavad Gita - Dhyana Yoga -------------------------- A person who has truly renounced is one who worships through their work, finding a sa

The important offerings at the famous Nelluvai Dhanwanthari Temple near Thrissur in Kerala include Malar, Appam and Panchaarappayasam. There are mainly three poojas in Nelluvai Temple. The pooja procedures start with Abhishekam in the early morning followed by Usha pooja, Pantheeradi Pooja and Uchcha pooja. There are Deepaaraadhana and Aththaazhappooja in the evening every day. Malar and Appam are commonly used as Nivedyam in the morning and evening sessions respectively. The mostly liked Nivedyam by the Dhanvanthari Moorthy is Panchaarappayasam. The other main Vazhipaadu to the Dhanvanthari Moorthy include Chandanam Chaarththal, Venna Chaarththal, etc. The most important Vazhipaadu in this temple is Mukkudi. This Mukkudi is received as Prasadam after the morning pooja only. If the Mukkudi Prasadam is taken inside with full devotion, there will be complete relief to the abdominal and gastric diseases.

Alathiyoor Hanuman Temple is located at Alathiyur in Malappuram District in Kerala. The shrine is around 6 km from Tirur on the Road to Ponnani. Alathiyoor Hanuman Temple Timings with detail opening and closing time is given below. Please note that the pooja and darshan time will extended or curtailed during important rituals. The shrine will remain closed during Grahanam or Eclipse. Alathiyoor Hanuman Temple Timings Morning Darshan and Puja Time 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM Evening Darshan and Puja Time 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Triprangode Siva Temple is located at Triprangode in Malappuram District in Kerala. The shrine is around 8 km from Tirur Railway Station. Triprangode Siva Temple Timings with detail opening and closing time is given below. Please note that the pooja and darshan time will extended or curtailed during important rituals. The shrine will remain closed during Grahanam or Eclipse. Triprangode Siva Temple Timings Morning Darshan and Puja Time 4:30 AM to 11:30 AM Evening Darshan and Puja Time 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Swami Ram Charan Maharaj was a great saint in the Bhakti tradition in Hinduism and his teachings inspired millions of people. Swami Ram Charan Maharaj Jayanti 2025 date is February 11. This is the birth anniversary or Janma Diwas of the great saint. Ram Snehi Sampradaya was founded by the Guru to promote his teachings. Swami Ram Charan Maharaj was a great teacher who dispelled darkness by ushering in the light of knowledge. Hundreds of people participate in the various spiritual programs organized on the day. Various spiritual programs, charity events and prayer meetings are held in many places in Madhya Pradesh and in northern parts of Maharashtra. Swami Ram Charan Maharaj Jayanti is annually observed on Magh Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi Tithi – fourteenth day during the waxing phase of moon in Magh month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in Madhya Pradesh.

Shri Devnarayan is an ancient Gurjar warrior who is believed to be an incarnation of Bhagavan Vishnu. He is worshipped in parts of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Devnarayan Jayanti 2025 date is February 4. This is the birth anniversary of Shri Devnarayan. in 2025, it is the 1113th birth anniversary of Devanarayan. Devnarayan fought against the injustices committed against his family and followers. His birth anniversary is annually observed on Magh Shukla Paksha Saptami Tithi or the seventh day during the waxing phase of moon in Magh month. Story Of Devnarayan Ji The first part of the story of the folk deity Devnarayan in Rajasthan, known as Bagaravat Bharat, unfolds with the heroic tales of the 24 Gurjar brothers. Born as the sons of the formidable man-lion, Baghji Gurjar, these valiant siblings embark on a destined journey that culminates in a fierce battle against a powerful chieftain of Ran city. Tragically, the 24 brothers meet their preordained fate, succumbing to death

Guru Gokuldas Maharaj was a great saint in the Bhakti tradition in Hinduism and his teachings inspired millions of people. Shri Guru Gokuldas Maharaj Birth Anniversary 2025 date is January 7. This is the Jayanti and Janmotsav of the great saint. Guru Gokuldas Maharaj was a great teacher who dispelled darkness by ushering in the light of knowledge. Hundreds of people participate in the various spiritual programs organized on the day. Various spiritual programs, charity events and prayer meetings are held in many places in Madhya Pradesh and in northern parts of Maharashtra. Guru Gokuldas Maharaj Birth Anniversary is annually observed on Paush Shukla Paksha Ashtami Tithi – eighth ay during the waxing phase of moon in Paush month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in Madhya Pradesh.

Attachment to the body and not attached to the Supreme truth inside the body is the tragedy of our times. Detachment of the body does not mean we should walk around shabbily. Body is the temple and the supreme truth resides in it. We should take care of our body by keeping it clean and healthy. The problem starts when we only decorate the temple and ignore the ‘murti’ (idol) in it. We should understand what our genuine needs and then completely shut out overindulgence. All our activities should be performed after looking within. Mere appeasement will only cause our downfall. Moderation in all activities of life results in spiritual success. The wisdom of Hindu sages often emphasizes the principle of moderation, which can be found in various texts and teachings. Moderation, or "balance," is seen as a key to achieving not just material success, but spiritual fulfillment and enlightenment as well. This concept aligns with the broader philosophy of leading a balance

Goddess Shirkai Devi, also referred as Ma Shirkai, 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 Kolhapur and neighboring districts in Maharashtra. Goddess Shirkai Devi is a fierce form of Goddess Shakti. The murti of Goddess has eight arms and is depicted as killing a buffalo demon. She depicts the characteristics of Durga, Kali and Chamunda. She is worshipped for peace, prosperity, protection, good agriculture, healthy children, early cure of diseases and for victory over enemies. Shirkai Devi removes darkness caused by Adharma. She upholds righteousness by protecting those who practice Dharma.

Lobhi Thakurani Temple, also known as Lovi Thakurani Temple, is located at Garh Santry, a village 17 km off Angul town in Odisha. The Goddess blesses children with long life and prosperity. The name of the goddess ‘Lobhi’ 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. The main ritual associated with the temple is observed on Kartik Purnima, the full moon day in Kartik month, which falls in November. The main offering during the festival is the tonsuring of hair. The festival is known as Lobhi Thakurani Yatra. The shrine is small but beautiful. It is decorated with paintings and sculptors of various manifestations of mother Goddess Shakti. 

Gopi Talav is located on the way from Dwarka to Bet Dwarka in Gujarat. It is a pond and associated with Bhagavan Sri Krishna. The popular belief is that Gopis of Vrindavan met Sri Krishna for the last time here. It is also believed that they merged in the pond and attained moksha. The mud in Gopi Talav is yellow in color and is known as Gopi Chandan. Gopi Chandan is worn as chandan on the forehead by some Hindu devotees. Another attraction on the banks of the pond is the Mahaprabhuji Bethak.

A small collection of thoughts of Bharavi. Those who wish well towards their friends disdain to please them with words which are not true. The friendship of the bad is like the shade of some precipitous bank with crumbling sides, which, falling buries him who is beneath. As drops of bitter medicine, though minute, may have a salutary force, so words, though few and painful, uttered seasonably, may rouse the prostrate energies of those who meet misfortune with despondency. Be patient, if thou wouldst thy ends accomplish; for like patience is there no appliance effective of success, producing certainly abundant fruit of actions, never damped by failure, conquering all impediments. ---------------------- Bharavi was a 6th-century Sanskrit poet renowned for his work "Kirātārjunīya" (The Arjuna and the Kirāta), an epic poem that stands as a significant piece of classical Sanskrit literature. The "Kirātārjunīya" is noted for its intricate language, elaborate st

The North India Hindu calendar and the Odisha Odia Hindu calendar are both lunisolar calendars used in Hinduism, but they have some differences due to regional variations in traditions, festivals, and astronomical calculations. Here are the key differences: 1. Names and Months: North India Hindu Calendar: The names of months in the North Indian calendar are based on Sanskrit terms. They include Chaitra, Vaishakha, Jyeshtha, Ashadha, Shravana, Bhadrapada, Ashwin, Kartika, Agrahayana (Margashirsha), Pausha, Magha, and Phalguna. Odisha Odia Hindu Calendar: The names of months in the Odia calendar also derive from Sanskrit but are pronounced differently. They include Baisakha, Jyestha, Ashadha, Srabana, Bhadraba, Aswina, Kartika, Margasira, Pausa, Magha, and Phalguna. 2. New Year: North India Hindu Calendar: The Hindu New Year in North India generally begins with Chaitra month, which usually falls in March or April. Odisha Odia Hindu Calendar: The Odia New Year, also known as Maha Vishuba

Hindu calendar is a complex system that varies across different regions of India, reflecting local traditions, festivals, and astronomical calculations. The North Indian Hindu calendar and the Gujarati Hindu calendar are two such regional variations. Here’s a detailed comparison between them: North Indian Hindu Calendar Basis : The North Indian Hindu calendar is primarily based on the Vikram Samvat system, which starts in 57 BCE. It is a lunisolar calendar, meaning it accounts for both lunar and solar cycles. Months : In the North Indian calendar, months are typically named after the lunar asterisms in which the full moon (Purnima) occurs. The months are: Chaitra, Vaishakha, Jyeshtha, Ashadha, Shravana, Bhadrapada, Ashwin, Kartika, Margashirsha, Pausha, Magha, and Phalguna. Each month begins the day after the full moon, following the Purnimanta system. New Year : The new year typically begins in Chaitra (March-April), following the spring equinox. Festivals : Festivals such as Holi, D

Story of Shiva as Mrgavyadha is found in the 65th chapter of Brahmanda Purana. Shiva took the disguise of Mrgavyadha, or deer hunter, to test the devotion of Parshuram. Parashuram once did intense penance in a deep forest to please Shiva and learn archery from him. Shiva decided to test his devotion and appeared in the form of a deer hunter. As Mrgavyadha, Shiva attempted to entice Parashuram and deviate from his mission. But all attempts were unsuccessful. Shiva then showed his true form and blessed him. He also gave instruction in archery and gifted him the bow Pinaka.

Kaliadeh Palace is located on an island in Shipra River in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. As per Skanda Purana, there was a temple dedicated to Surya, or Sun God, on the island. But it was destroyed by invaders who came from west. Kaliadeh Palace is situated around 8 km from Ujjain Railway Station. Remains of the old temple are scattered on the island. The temple was later converted into a palace. The central dome of the palace is a beautiful example of Persian architecture. The palace was broken down during the 18 th century by treasure hunters and thugs. It was restored by Madhav Rao Scindia in 1920. Currently the Sun Temple is located at the center of the palace.

Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Mahaswamiji answers the question - what is real control over the mind? A fasting man or a man suffering from fever is not attracted by sweet smell of delicious food. His mind is not tempted. This does not mean that these desires have completely disappeared from his mind. When the fast is broken or when the fever subsides, the mind is again tempted by these attractions. This shows that the desires remain latent like embers under the ashes. It follows that by merely fasting or observing other forms of penance, one cannot master the sense organs and control the mind. It may appear as if these had been mastered; but at the first trial of strength, the mind will succumb to temptations. Therefore, it is that Bhagavan has emphasized more than once in the Bhagavad Gita that anyone desiring to acquire true knowledge and understand the Swaroopa of the Paramatma must surrender himself to Him. Fasting and other forms of discipline create a proper atmospher

Both the North Indian Hindu Calendar and the Bengali Hindu Calendar serve important roles in the cultural and religious life of their respective regions. Despite their differences in structure and calculation, both calendars are deeply intertwined with Hindu traditions and continue to guide the timing of festivals, rituals, and daily activities for millions of people. Names of Months : North Indian Hindu Calendar : The months are named Chaitra, Vaishakha, Jyeshtha, Ashadha, Shravana, Bhadrapada, Ashwin, Kartika, Margashirsha, Pausha, Magha, and Phalguna. Bengali Hindu Calendar : The months are named Boishakh, Joishtho, Ashar, Srabon, Bhadro, Ashwin, Kartik, Agrahayan, Poush, Magh, Falgun, and Choitro. Start of the Year : North Indian Hindu Calendar : The year typically begins with the month of Chaitra, which usually falls in March-April. Bengali Hindu Calendar : The year starts with the month of Boishakh, which begins in mid-April. Lunar vs. Solar Basis : North Indian Hindu Calendar :