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Showing posts from January 19, 2016


Vaikom Mahadeva Temple near Kottayam in Kerala

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Kerala and was also the ground zero of the famous Temple Entry Proclamation in Kerala before independence. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Madevar temple and Vaikom are mentioned in the Bhargava Purana and Sanalkumara Samhita.  Legend has it that Vyaghrapada Maharshi got darshan of Shiva here. The name of the place is shortened version of Saint Vyaghrapada. Three forms of  Vaikkathappan Shiva gives darshan to his devotees here in three forms In the morning as Dakshinamurti In the noon as Kiratha Murti In the evening, he is the Lord of Kailash who is seated in a happy mood with his family – Goddess Parvati, Ganesha and Kartik. Sacred Bhasma at Vaikom Mahadeva Temple  The most important Prasad at the temple is bhasma or ashes. It is taken from the kitchen in the temple. It is believed that Lord Shiva comes here in disguise and cooks food. Devotees believe that the bhasma has power to cure poison related p

Why Ganga is Known as Jhanvi?

Jhanvi is one among the numerous names of Ganga River. Here is the reason why Ganga is known as  Jahnavi .  King Bhagirath  performed intense tapas to bring Ganga down on earth to wash away the sins of his forefathers. Finally, Bhagirath succeeded in bringing Ganga down from heaven to earth. Ganga followed the footsteps of Bhagirath. He led her down the mountains into the plains.  The feisty Ganga continued to flow with a powerful current and she flooded the hermitage of Sage Jahnu - present day Ajgaivinath Temple at Sultanganj in Bhagalpur in Bihar. The sacred fire was extinguished and all the items of the ashram were destroyed. Sage Jahnu became furious. He chanted a mantra and sipped some water from Ganga. This resulted in the disappearance of Ganga. A worried King Bhagirath explained to the sage about the need for Ganga to flow on earth. Sage Jahnu was moved by the plight of King Bhagirath and he allowed the river to flow from his left ear. After th

Kalpadi Tithi

Kalpadi Tithi is the starting of a day of Brahma. A day of Brahma is equal to 4,320,000,000 human years. There has been several Kalpas. At the end of a Kalpa there is the cosmic flood which marks the end of a cycle of creation. Then it is the night time of Brahma. The cycle of creation again begins on a Kalpadi Tithi. Kalpadi Tithis are Chaitra Shukla Paksha Pratipada – Yugadi Chaitra Shukla Paksha Panchami Chaitra Shukla Paksha Tritiya Kartik Shukla Paksha Saptami Margashirsh Shukla Paksha Navami Magh Shukla Paksha Trayodasi Falgun Shukla Tritiya It is considered highly meritorious to perform Shradh and Tarpan rituals on Kalpadi Tithis. Related Concept of Time in Hinduism – Trivia

Bhairavnath Yatra at Varud in Khatav, Maharashtra

Varud Bhairavnath Yatra is annually held in Magh month. This is the most important annual fair and festival at the Bhairavnath Temple at Varud in Khatav, Maharashtra. Bhairavnath Yatra 2025 date is February 12. Bhairavnath Mandir is an important worship place in the region and attracts hundreds of devotees. The temple is beautifully decorated during the period traditionally with flowers, leaves, traditional lamps and lights. The day is of importance to the villagers. People from nearby towns and villages arrive to participate in this annual fair and festival. Important rituals are held during the period. Varud Bhairavnath Yatra is annually held on Magh Purnima tithi or the full moon day in Magh month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.