Naada Habba, the 10-day festival of Dussehra, is one of the most popular festivals in Karnataka, especially in the Mysore region. In 2023, Naada Habba begins on October 15 and ends on October 24. Dasara celebration in Karnataka is more than six hundred years old and traces its origin to the Vijayanagara kingdom (1336 AD -1565 AD). In Karnataka, the origin of Naada Habba is mainly associated with the slaying of the demon Mahishasura by Chamundeswari, an aspect of Durga worshipped in this region. The highlight of the 10-day festival is a procession on Vijayadasami day (final day) which symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The important pujas, ceremonies and rituals associated with Dasara in Mysore is observed in Amba Vilas Palace by the Wodeyars, the erstwhile rulers of the region. The head of the Wodeyar family conducts all the religious rituals associated with Dasara on all ten days. He appears in royal robes and holds a durbar at the Amba Vilas Palace and he

Meghnadeshwar Mahadev is worshiped in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 84 forms of Shiva worshiped in Ujjain. Those offering prayers to Meghnadeshwar Mahadev will reach Rudralok – an abode of Shiva. The temple dedicated to Meghnadeshwar Mahadev is located at Chhota Sharafa (near Narsingh Temple) in Ujjain. This form of Shiva is associated with the rains. Meghnadeshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 23rd temple visited during the parikarama of Shivalayas here. Story of Meghnadeshwar Mahadev form of Shiva in Ujjain Once there was a severe drought on earth. There was no water and food to be found. Living beings started killing and eating each other. Devas then reached Mahakaal Vana (present day Ujjain) and offered prayers to a Shivling. Soon rain clouds appeared on the sky. There was rain for several days. It washed away the sins of the people and their rulers. Vegetation appeared again. Devas were happy and sang

Lladro  is a world famous Spanish Company noted for high quality porcelain figurines. Lladro during the past couple of years released murtis of various gods in Hinduism. Now as part of the Lladro 2016 collections, Shivling has been released. Shivalingam Idol is priced at Rupees 110,000. Shivling has the base, Gauripatta, and it is decorated with flowers. A snake forms a canopy for the Shivling. Lladro figurines are noted for its beauty, detailing and no compromise in materials used.