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Showing posts from November 22, 2016


Bhadrakali And Darika Demon - Story In Kerala

Story of Demon Darika and Goddess Bhadrakali is famous in South India especially in Kerala. The story is the reason for the origin of many temples in Kerala. Legend has it that once Asuras, or demons, were defeated by Devas and they had to retreat to the netherworld. Two Asura women then did intense penance and propitiated Brahma who gave them the boon that they would give birth to two powerful sons. In due course of time, the women had two sons named Danavendra and Darika. Danavendra and Darika then did intense Tapas and propitiated Brahma. They attained the boon from Brahma that men, gods or demons would not be able to kill them. They also got the boon that they would have the strength of thousand elephants. With such invincible powers, Danavendra and Darika attacked the Devas and drew them out of heaven. Devas asked Sage Narada to help them. Sage Narada went to Kailash and asked Shiva to intervene and wipe out Adharma being propitiated by the demons. Shiva the

Four Sacred Ponds of Puri

The four sacred ponds in Puri (the holy city in Hinduism which houses the famous Jagannath Temple) are Indradyumna, Narendra, Markandeya and Swetaganga. Indradyumna, located near Gundicha Temple, is holiest among the four. Indradyumna pond is 396 X 485 feet in size and is named after king Indradyumna. Nilakantheshwara murti is located on the southwest bank of the pond. Narendra pond, also known as Chandanpokhari is 834 X 873 feet in size. It has a platform housing a temple in its center. Chandan Yatra is held in the pond. Markandeya pond is 370 X 530 feet in size. It has eight Matrika images. Two Shiva temples – Markandeshwara and Nilakanteshwara – are located on its banks. Swetaganga is situated south of Jagannath Temple. Murtis of Svetamadhava and Matsyamadava are found on its banks.