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.

Golu or Kolu, doll arrangement, is an essential part of Navratri and Dasara celebrations in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. In 2025, Navratri Golu begins on September 22 and ends on October 2. 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 Navarath...

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 fou...

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 f...

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 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...

Fasting (Upavasa) and praying (Japa, Dhyan, or Puja) are two ancient spiritual practices that have been central to Hinduism for thousands of years. These practices are not merely religious rituals but are designed to purify both the mind and the body, promoting inner peace, spiritual growth, and overall wellbeing. When done together, they amplify their benefits, creating a powerful tool for holistic development. Below, we explore 12 specific benefits, their practical applications, and the profound effect on physical, mental, and social wellbeing. 12 Spiritual Benefits of Fasting and Praying Together Purification of Body and Mind Benefit : Fasting helps in detoxifying the body, while prayer cleanses the mind of negative thoughts. Together, they promote internal purification and enhance spiritual clarity. Practical Solution : Start with simple fasting (e.g., Ekadashi, Navratri), and perform morning or evening prayers like Gayatri Mantra or the Vishnu Sahasranama. Enhanced Mental Focus an...

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...

Overcoming love failure is a deeply emotional process, and Hinduism provides a wealth of spiritual tools and philosophical insights that can aid in healing and personal transformation. Hinduism emphasizes the impermanence of life’s trials, the importance of self-realization, and spiritual growth, all of which can provide solace in the aftermath of a love failure. Here’s a detailed exploration of practical approaches, scriptures, stories, mantras, and deities that are helpful for overcoming love failure, according to Hinduism: 1. Understanding Love and Loss in Hinduism In Hinduism, love is often seen as a sacred emotion, but it is also viewed in the context of karma, dharma (righteousness), and the impermanence of worldly attachments. The Bhagavad Gita speaks of the transient nature of life and relationships, encouraging a mindset of detachment to maintain peace. Key Quote from the Bhagavad Gita: "Whatever happened, happened for the good. Whatever is happening, is happening for th...

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 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, Dron...

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 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 prev...

Fasting (Vrat) is an ancient spiritual practice in Hinduism that has profound significance beyond physical health. It’s not just about abstaining from food, but a holistic discipline for purification of body, mind, and soul. When practiced for three days, fasting unlocks numerous spiritual benefits, while also improving physical, mental, and social well-being. Below are 12 key benefits, followed by practical day-to-day solutions, importance, and mantras that can be chanted during fasting. 12 Spiritual Benefits of Fasting for 3 Days in Hinduism Cleansing of Karma : Fasting acts as a way to burn past negative karma. Abstaining from food is believed to balance karmic debts and create a more positive spiritual trajectory. Enhances Self-discipline : Fasting helps in developing self-control, which is a key trait for spiritual growth. It strengthens willpower and discipline, vital for leading a life of dharma (righteousness). Deepens Meditation : Fasting calms the mind and body, making it eas...

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...

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...

Loneliness is a profound emotional experience, and Hinduism offers a wide range of spiritual, philosophical, and practical solutions to help overcome it. The tradition emphasizes a holistic approach to dealing with emotional struggles, integrating devotion, self-reflection, and community engagement. Below are practical day-to-day solutions, mantras, inspiring stories from scriptures, and the gods or goddesses one can turn to for guidance. Practical Approaches to Overcoming Loneliness in Hinduism: 1. Bhakti Yoga (Path of Devotion): Bhakti yoga, the path of devotion to a personal deity, is an effective remedy for loneliness. It fosters a deep connection between the individual and the divine, allowing one to feel loved and connected. Worship of deities such as Krishna, Ganesha, Hanuman, Vishnu, Balarama, Jagannath, Goddess Amba, and Parvati is central to this path. Daily Practices: Establish a personal altar for worship and spend time every day in devotion. Offer flowers, light lamps, an...

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

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...

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...

Overcoming lack of concentration in studies can be approached through various spiritual and practical solutions rooted in Hinduism. The rich wisdom in Hindu scriptures, along with specific mantras, rituals, and the worship of certain deities, offers profound insights and techniques for improving focus, clarity, and mental discipline. Here's a comprehensive guide that blends spiritual practices, day-to-day solutions, and inspirational stories to help enhance concentration in studies. 1. Practical Day-to-Day Solutions for Focus Regular Meditation (Dhyana): Practicing meditation for even 5-10 minutes a day can drastically improve concentration and mental clarity. Mindfulness and focusing on breath can help settle a wandering mind. You can also practice Tratak meditation, where you gaze at a fixed object (like a candle flame) to strengthen your focus. Structured Routine: Discipline is key to focusing better. Setting specific hours for study, meditation, and relaxation helps to estab...

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.

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...