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Showing posts from February 10, 2016


Shwetark Ganesh – Idol of Ganesha from Aak Plant

Shwetark Ganesh is a naturally occurring Ganesh Murti from the stem of Shwetark tree. The white stem on aak tree is very rare. When an aak tree has a white stem it is known as Shwetark (Shweta means white).  The shape of the step of Shwetark tree is similar to Lord Ganesha. Naturally occurring Shwetark Ganesh idols are very rare and it falls under the category of Swayambhu Ganesh idols. The popular belief is that if one worships Shwetark Ganesh he will be blessed with financial prosperity, peace and good health.

Mahamaham 2028 date – When is Next Maasi Mahamaham in Tamil Nadu?

Mahamaham happens once in twelve years and is an important festival in various temples in Tamil Nadu. Next Maasi Mahamaham in 2028. Makam, Mahm or Makam, is one among the twenty seven stars (Nakshatras) in the Hindu astrological system. A major ritual on the day taking holy dop and the bathing of  Temple  Murits (i dols)  in sea, pond or lake. Mahamaham 2028 date is March 10, Friday. The day is of greatest significance at Adikumbeshwara Swami Temple,Kumbakonam. Masi Maham, or Maasi Magam, is an auspicious day in the Tamil month of Masi (February – March). Murtis (Idols) of gods and goddess that are worshipped in  Temples  are carried in a procession to sea shores, rivers or ponds. Pujas and rituals are held here and thousands of people gather to witness the auspicious event. It is believed that those who take bath in the seas or rivers or ponds on the Mahamaham will attain Moksha. The most auspicious period on the day is when the Sun is in Aquarius and Jupiter transit

Malhari Mankeshwar Yatra at Peth in Walwa Taluka of Sangli District

Malhari Mankeshwar Yatra is observed in Phalgun month at Peth in Walwa Taluka of Sangli District, Maharashtra. It is a festival and fair observed at the Malhari Mankeshwar Temple. The shrine is dedicated to Shiva. Malhari Mankeshwar Yatra in Peth in 2024 date is March 12. The annual fair and festival attracts hundreds of devotees to Kem. Mankeshwar is the family deity or Kuldevata of many communities in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. The main ritual includes processions and offerings to Mankeshwar. A fair is also organized during the period. Mankeshwar Yatra at Peth is observed on Phalgun Shukla Paksha Dwitiya Tithi or the second day during the waxing phase of moon Phalgun month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Bhimacha Utsav at Samangad Fort in Gadhinglaj

Bhimacha Utsav is annually observed at Samangad Fort in Gadhinglaj of Kolhapur District in Maharashtra. The festivities, rituals, prayers and pujas are observed at the Bhimshappa Math in Samangad Fort. Bhimacha Utsav at Samangad Fort in 2024 will be held on March 12. Bhimshappa a great saint of the region and he attained Samadhi here. The saint spread the teachings of Bhakti, tolerance and love. Bhimacha Utsav is observed on Phalgun Shukla Paksha Dwitiya Tithi or the second day during the waxing phase of moon Phalgun month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Malan Ganesh Utsav – Malan Ganesh Temple Festival at Guhagar Taluka of Ratnagiri District

Malan Ganesh Utsav is annually observed in Phalgun month. This is an important fair and festival at the Malan Ganesh Temple in Guhagar Taluka of Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. Malan Ganesh Utsav 2024 date is March 13. Hundreds of people participate in the annual yatra. The shrine is traditionally decorated during the period with leaves and lights. Malan Ganesh Temple is located around 13 km east of Guhagar town. Malan Ganesh Utsav is observed on Phalgun Shukla Paksha Chaturthi Tithi or the fourth day during the waxing phase of moon Phalgun month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Sravani Ritual – About Shravani Ritual

Sravani is an annual ritual observed by Hindus on Shravan Purnima or full moon day in Shravan month. The ritual is also observed on Bhadra Shukla Paksha Panchami Tithi or during the fifth day during waxing phase of moon in Bhadrapad month. Sravani Ritual is observed by Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas. Celibates (brahmacharis), householders (grihasthas) and those in Vanaprastha stage of life are entitled to perform the ritual. On the day of Shravani, one goes to a river or sacred water body and offers prayers to tirthas for sin redemption. Then one takes bath facing the flow of water and makes offerings to ancestors. Then Saptarishis are worshipped. Then Gayatri mantra is recited 10 times. The wearing of new yajnopavita, sacred thread, follows this. Then the performer takes food mixed with til or sesame and curd.

Birdev Yatra at Masur in Karad Taluka of Satara District, Maharashtra

Birdev Yatra at Masur observed in Phalgun month at Masur  Village in Karad Taluka of Satara District, Maharashtra. It is a festival and fair observed at the Birdev Temple dedicated to Vitthal Birdev Maharaj. Masur Birdev Yatra 2024 date is March 14. The annual fair and festival attracts hundreds of devotees to Masur village. Birdev is the family deity of the Shepherd community from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The main ritual includes processions, palkhi and offerings to Vitthal Birdev. Birdev Yatra at Masur in is observed on Phalgun Shukla Paksha Panchami Tithi or the fifth day during the waxing phase of moon Phalgun month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Bhairavnath Jagar at Malage Budruk in Kagal Taluka of Kolhapur District, Maharashtra

Bhairavnath Jagar at Malage Budruk is annually observed in Phagun month. The Jagar is an important ritual at the Bhairavnath Mandir at Malage Budruk in Kagal Taluka of Kolhapur District, Maharashtra. The shrine is dedicated to Shiva. Malage Bk. Bhairavnath Jagar 2024 date is March 14. The shrine is decorated with lamps, lights, flowers, leaves and sugarcane for the occasion. Hundreds of people participate in the unique ritual. The temple remains open during the entire day and different rituals take place. Bhairavnath Jagar at Malage Budruk is observed on Phalgun Shukla Paksha Panchami Tithi or the fifth day during the waxing phase of moon Phalgun month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Mahadev Swami Dharmar Math Yatra at Janwad in Chikodi Taluka of Belgaum District, Karnataka

Mahadev Swami Dharmar Math Yatra is observed in Phalgun month. It is the annual jatra organized to Mahadev Swami Dharmar Math (sacred place and temple) located at Janwad in Chikodi Taluka of Belgaum District, Karnataka. Mahadev Swami Dharmar Math Yatra 2024 date is March 15. Hundreds of people participate in the annual yatra and festival. The temple is decorated for the occasion with leaves, flowers, lamps, lights and plants. Mahadev Swami Dharmar Math Yatra is observed on Phalgun Shukla Paksha Sashti Tithi or the sixth day during the waxing phase of moon Phalgun month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Janai Devi Yatra at Nivakane in Patan Taluka of Satara District, Maharashtra

Nivakane Janai Devi Yatra is organized in Phalgun month. It is the annual festival and fair held at Janai Devi Temple in Nivakane in Patan Taluka of Satara district, Maharashtra. Nivakane Janai Devi Yatra 2024 date is March 18. Janai Devi Temple is dedicated to Mother Goddess Shakti.  Janai Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Shakti, is worshipped mainly in Maharashtra. Rituals associated with Goddess Durga are performed during the yatra. Janai Devi Yatra at Nivakane is observed on Phalgun Shukla Paksha Navami Tithi or the ninth day during the waxing phase of moon Phalgun month as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra.

Spanda Karika – Shaiva Text Explaining the Basic Tenets of Kashmir Shaivism

Spanda Karika is a Shaivite text composed by Bhatta Kallata. It explains the basic tenets of Kashmir Shaivism or Pratyabhijna Shaivism. It is in the form of a commentary on Shiva Sutras. Spanda Karika contains 51 Shlokas and is divided into three sections – Svarupa Spanda, Sahaja Vidyodya Spanda and Vibhuti Spanda. Svarupa Spanda explains about the fundamental cause of the universe and nature of the universe. Sahaja Vidyodya Spanda enlightens about the nature of the manifest universe, different forms, methods to realize the ultimate and the 36 tattvas. Vibhuti spanda – It narrates the glory of Shiva.