Basant Panchami heralds the arrival of spring season after the harsh winter and it used to be the celebration of love and friendship in Hindu tradition. Basant Panchami to Holi was the season of love – dedicated to lovers. Even today for many Hindu communities, Basant Panchami is an occasion for worshipping the Hindu God of Love, Kamadeva , and his companion Rati along with goddess Saraswati — the deity of knowledge. Basant ritu (spring) finds a mention in renowned Sanskrit poet Kalidasa's romantic play — Abhijnanasakuntalam — and poems like Ritusamhara. Other literary works — like Banabhatta's Kadambari and Harshacharita that were written in the 7th century AD — address the subject of spring as a season of love in an exquisite manner. Sri Krishna is believed to have played Holi during this season - all fun and frolicking of Sri Krishna happened during this period. Professor of Sanskrit at PU Shankarji Jha says, "Spring, which brings vitality and vigour, is undo

There are trees associated with each 27 nakshatrams or birth stars. Uttaraphalguni Nakshatra also has a particular tree dedicated to it. People born on each nakshatra should worship the particular tree. The tree associated and worshipped by Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra Born People is dye fig or Ficus tinctoria. Hindi name of the Uttara Phalguni Nakshatra Tree is Paker Telugu name is Malayalam name is Ithi Tamil Name is  Kaliatthi Kannada name is Gudumittemara In Marathi it is known as Datir  Bengali name is  Uttaraphalguni Nakshatra born people should plant the dye fig. Water it. They should also protect the tree.

Chandika Devi Temple is a popular Shakti shrine in Uttarakhand. It is located around a kilometer from Bageshwar, a town popular for Shiva temples. The murti of Maa Chandika is carved out of white granite stone. Goddess Chandika is depicted as sitting on a lion. A kind and motherly form of Maa Chandika is worshipped in the temple. She has four hands and two of her hands are in blessing posture. One hand holds a raised weapon and another a pot. The main sanctum sanctorum is conical in shape. Navratri and Durga Puja are the important festivals observed here.

Trivishtapeshwar Mahadev is worshiped in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 84 forms of Shiva worshiped in Ujjain. Those offering prayers to Trivishtapeshwar Mahadev will attain peace and prosperity. The temple dedicated to Trivishtapeshwar Mahadev is located at in the Mahakaleshwar Temple complex. This form of Shiva is associated with Indra, the king of Devas. Trivishtapeshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 7th temple visited during the parikrama of Shivalayas here. Story of Trivishtapeshwar Mahadev form of Shiva in Ujjain Once, Sage Narada visited Swarga Loka. Indra and other Devas present there asked Sage Narada about the greatness of Mahkaal Vana. Sage Narada told the Devas that Shiva resided here with his Ganas. The place is filled with Shivlings and people are unable to count the number of Shivling present here. Indra and Devas decided to visit Mahkaal Vana. When they reached the place, a voice from the sky

There are trees associated with each 27 nakshatrams or birth stars. Magha Nakshatra also has a particular tree dedicated to it. People born on each nakshatra should worship the particular tree. The tree associated and worshipped by Magha Nakshatra Born People is Banyan or Ficus Bengalensis. Hindi name of the Magha Nakshatra Tree is Bargad Telugu name is marri chettu  Malayalam name is Peraal  Tamil Name is aalamaram Kannada name is aalada mara In Marathi it is known as Vada Bengali name is bat Magha Nakshatra born people should plant the Banyan. Water it. They should also protect the tree.

Ma Katyayani Temple at Khagaria is considered a Shaktipeeth. Legend has it that the right arm of Goddess Sati fell here. The best way to reach the shrine is by train. Badal Railway Station is located nearby. The temple is located between the Kosi and Bagmati rivers. The most important festival observed here are  Navratri  and Durga Puja. Monday and Friday are the auspicious dates in a week. Hundreds of earthen pots of different color can be seen in vicinity of the shrine. The pots are offerings made by devotees. Animal sacrifice is no more practiced here. Instead symbolic offering of coconuts are done here. A small temple of Shri Pad is also situated in the temple courtyard.

There is an interesting story in the Hindu tradition that narrates why crocodiles and chameleons have rough and tough skin. The story is found in the Rig Veda. The story is associated with Apala, a ugly woman and Indra, the king of devas. Apala was not a good looking woman. She had coarse and dry skin. Her husband rejected her due to her ugly skin. She left home and reached a jungle. Here she made a hut and started a life away from the society. One day while searching for fruits and vegetables, she came across a strange plant. She picked up the tender part of the plant and started chewing it. It was the Soma plant. Soma plant was considered highly precious by Devas and Indra, the king of gods, had a special liking for it. The accidental extraction of the Soma juice by Apala caught the attention of Indra. He appeared before her and told her that she had extracted the Soma juice and offered her a boon for not sharing the secret. Apala only had on thing to a

There are trees associated with each 27 nakshatrams or birth stars. Purvaphalguni Nakshatra also has a particular tree dedicated to it. People born on each nakshatra should worship the particular tree. The tree associated and worshipped by Purva Phalguni Nakshatra Born People is flame of the forest or Butea monosperma. Hindi name of the Purvaphalguni Nakshatra Tree is Palash or Tesu Telugu name is Modugu Malayalam name is Shamata Tamil Name is  Porasum, Parasu Kannada name is Muthuga In Marathi it is known as Palas Bengali name is Polash Purvaphalguni Nakshatra born people should plant the flame of the forest. Water it. They should also protect the tree.

Demon Adi was the son of Andhaka. It was Shiva who had put an end to the tyranny of Andhaka by killing the demon. To avenge his father’s death, Adi offered prayers to Brahma. He performed intense austerities and did penance to please Brahma. Finally, Brahma relented and gave him the boon that he will only die if left his present form and took another form. Demon Adi after receiving the boon thought of plans to enter Kailasa, the abode of Shiva. He did not want to fight the Shiva Ganas and alert Shiva about his presence. He also knew that he did not have the power to overcome Virabhadra, the main Shiva Gana. To avoid being sighted, Adi was forced to take the form of snake to slip into Kailasa without the Ganas noticing. Then Adi took the form of Goddess Parvati and went near Shiva. But Shiva immediately realized the demon in disguise and overpowered and killed him. This story is mentioned in the Padma Purana and Matsya Purana.

Sarva Karya Siddhi Kavach is recommended in Hindu astrology for those people who are unable to achieve success despite hard work. It is believed that by wearing Sarva Karya Siddhi Kavach one attains prosperity and removes the bad influences of the Navgrahas. This Kavach is recommended for those people who are having trouble and loss in business and those that are facing problem in finding new jobs. It is also suggested for solving career related issues. Certain Sarva Karya Siddhi Kavach comes along with Sarvajan Vashikaran Kavach (to influence other people successfully), Ashta Lakshmi Kavach (blessings of Goddess Lakshmi), Tantra Raksha Kavach and Shatru Vijaya Kavach (both helps in defeating the activities of enemies). Kavach is worn by those people who believe in astrology. Such people firmly believe that wearing it brings positive results.

There are trees associated with each 27 nakshatrams or birth stars. Ashlesha Nakshatra also has a particular tree dedicated to it. People born on each nakshatra should worship the particular tree. The tree associated and worshipped by Aslesha Nakshatra Born People is Alexandrian Laurel or Calophyllum indophyllum. Hindi name of the Ashlesha Nakshatra Tree is Sultan Champa Telugu name is Punnaga Malayalam name is punna Tamil Name is  Punnai  Kannada name is surhonne In Marathi it is known as Surangi  Bengali name is  Aslesha Nakshatra born people should plant the Alexandrian Laurel . Water it. They should also protect the tree.

Vitthal, or Vittal or Vittala, is a very popular God worshipped in Hinduism. So who is Lord Vitthal? Which God is worshipped as Panduranga Vittala in Hindu religion? Vitthal is the manifestation of Lord Krishna . Vitth or Veetha means brick and Vitthal is one who stands on a brick. Lord Krishna is worshipped as Vitthal. Panduranga, an ardent devotee of Vishnu, was so immersed in taking care of his parents that when Krishna knocked on his doors, he asked the God to wait and gave him a brick to stand on. Krishna was so impressed by Panduranga’s devotion for his parents that he stood on the brick waiting for his devotee. God Vitthal is worshipped along with Goddess Rukmini at the famous Pandarpur Temple in Maharashtra. Read more… Story of Lord Vithal at Pandarpur – Story of PandurangaVittala Ekadasi Food – What food can be eaten during Ekadashi fasting Importance of Ekadasi

After the great Mahabharat war, the Pandavas ruled the kingdom for 36 years. Then they decided to relinquish their kingdom and go on their last journey – Sanyasa and Vanaprastham. The five Pandava brothers – Yudhishtira , Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva –and their wife Draupadi left for the Himalayas . They were followed by a Dog. They started climbing the Himalayan mountains and soon one by one starting with Draupadi they fell down and fainted and died. Now only Yudhishtira, the eldest of Pandavas, was left and keeping him company was the dog. Without looking back the two continued their journey. Then one day suddenly Indra appeared before Yudhishtira in his chariot. Indra wanted to take Yudhishtira to heaven in the human form as he was the most pious among Pandavas and he was the one who had never strayed from the path of Dharma. Yudhishtira refuses to enter the chariot without his brothers and Draupadi. Indra assures him that he will meet with them in heav

There are trees associated with each 27 nakshatrams or birth stars. Pushya Nakshatra also has a particular tree dedicated to it. People born on each nakshatra should worship the particular tree. The tree associated and worshipped by Pushya Nakshatra Born People is Pipal or Ficus Religiosa. Hindi name of the Pushya Nakshatra Tree is Pipal Telugu name is Bodhi-drumamu Malayalam name is Arayal Tamil Name is Aracu Kannada name is Arali In Marathi it is known as Pimpal Bengali name is Asbattha Pushya Nakshatra born people should plant the Bamboo. Water it. They should also protect the tree.

Kodanda Rama is a popular name of Bhagavan Sri Ram in South India. Temples dedicated to Hindu God Kodandarama are found in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The Rama with bow is referred to as Kodanda Rama. Kodanda Rama is always represented as a royal personage of bewitching beauty, well developed body, having broad eyes, long arms, curly tresses, and auspicious marks. When represented as the consecrated deity within a temple, Rama is generally seen standing with queen Sita on the left and faithful brother Lakshmana on the right. Ram and Lakshman hold bows and arrows. The bow is called Kodanda. Related Story of the Birth of Sri Rama

Located on the banks of Renuka River, Charchika Temple at Banki is an important Shakti shrine in the region. The temple is around 53 km from Cuttack in Odisha. Goddess Charchika is a manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti. Charchika Temple is one of the eight important Shakti shrines in Odisha. Goddess Chamunda is known as Charchika in this part of Odisha. The murti worshipped in the shrine is that of the fierce form of Chamunda. She has eight arms. She is seated on a prostrate human body and wearing a garland of human skulls. She displays khadga, shula, katari and varadamudra in her four right hands whereas the four left hands represent severed head, blood-cup, damru and leaving a finger of the remaining hand soaked in blood. The celings, walls and pillars of the temple are noted for its carvings from stories in the Puranas and motifs. The most important festivals observed here are Durga Puja and Kumar Purnima.

Story of origin of Krishna River is associated with a curse by Goddess Saraswati. Legend has it that Brahma was ready to perform a yajna. Vishnu and Shiva arrived to witness the yajna. But Brahma could not start the yajna as his wife Saraswati did not turn up. As the auspicious time was passing over, at the instance of Vishnu, Brahma started the yajna with his second wife Gayatri. But soon Goddess Saraswati arrived at the yajna and got angry for not waiting for her. She cursed the gods present there to take the form of rivers. Thus Lord Vishnu was cursed by Goddess Saraswati to take the form of Krishna River. Krishna River flows through Srisailam, Guntur and Krishna districts of Andhra Pradesh.

There are trees associated with each 27 nakshatrams or birth stars. Punarvasu Nakshatra also has a particular tree dedicated to it. People born on each nakshatra should worship the particular tree. The tree associated and worshipped by Punarvasu Nakshatra Born People is Bamboo. Hindi name of the Punarvasu Nakshatra Tree is baans Telugu name is bongu-veduru Malayalam name is Mula Tamil Name is kulay-munkil Kannada name is bidiru In Marathi it is known as Bamboo Bengali name is baansha Punarvasu Nakshatra born people should plant the Bamboo. Water it. They should also protect the tree.

Bala Sundari Temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakti. The shrine is located at Deoband in Uttar Pradesh and is around 87 km from Saharanpur. Bala Sundari is a child form of Goddess Durga. The small but beautifully maintained shrine is noted for its vibrant colors and dome. The shrine is a Tantric temple. Various prayers and pujas associated with Shakti worship are performed here. The most important festival observed here is the  Navratri  and Durga Puja.

Athalanallur Temple, popularly known as Gajendra Varadan Temple, is located at Athalanallur village near Veeravanallur (near Ambasamudram) in Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu. The temple is associated with the famous Gajendra Moksha incident mentioned in Hindu puranas. The shrine is also known as Arulmigu Gajendravaradaswamy Temple and Sri Bhoomi Nila Samedha Aadhimoola Perumal Temple. The sanctum sanctorum has the murti of Srihari Vishnu who is worshipped here as Aadi Moolam. He has four arms and is in standing posture. His two consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi are found in standing posture on either side. Murtis of Sage Markandeya and Sage Bhrigu are also found in the main temple. The processional murti of Gajendra Varadan along with his two consorts is also found in the main sanctum sanctorum. Sculptures of two huge dwaraplakas are found at the entrance of the Arda Mandapa. The shrine of Garuda, flag staff and bali peetha faces the main sanctum sanctorum. Chakrathalwar

There are trees associated with each 27 nakshatrams or birth stars. Ardra Nakshatra also has a particular tree dedicated to it. People born on each nakshatra should worship the particular tree. The tree associated and worshipped by Ardra Nakshatra Born People is Coromandel Ebony or East Indian Ebony or Diospyros melanoxylon. Hindi name of the Ardra Nakshatra Tree is Abnus or Tendu or Kendu Telugu name is Tuniki Malayalam name is Kari Tamil Name is Karai Kannada name is Abanasi In Marathi it is known as Tendu. Bengali name is Kendu  Ardra Nakshatra born people should plant the East Indian Ebony tree. Water it. They should also protect the tree.

Baigarh Ganesh Temple is located at Baigarh near Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh. It is a kilometer off the Rajendragam – Amarkantak road. A big murti of Ganesha blessing devotees is the main attraction of Baigarh Ganesh Temple. The murti of Ganesha is lavishly decorated and attracts scores of devotees. The temple is located amidst lush green forest. Springs can be found near the shrine. A temple believed to have been built by the Pandavas is located behind the shrine. Most important festival observed here is the Ganesh Chaturthi.

A single-wheeled chariot in red and white which represents Lord Surya’s chariot is drawn on the Ratha Saptami day . The Rath or Ratha Saptami Kolam is drawn in front of the Puja happening space. Usually, the puja is conducted near the chariot Kolam. Some people prefer to draw a small Rath Kolam on a wooden piece and place it outdoors and perform the pooja. Here are examples of a few Ratha Saptami Kolams. These are only examples to give an idea. You may also like to read How to do Rath Saptami Pooja?

There are trees associated with each 27 nakshatrams or birth stars. Mrigashira Nakshatra also has a particular tree dedicated to it. People born on each nakshatra should worship the particular tree. The tree associated and worshipped by Mrigasira Nakshatra Born People is cutch tree or Acacia catechu. Hindi name of the Mrigasira Nakshatra Tree is Khair Telugu name is khadiramu Malayalam name is Karingali Tamil Name is Karunkaali Kannada name is kaachu In Marathi it is known as khair. Bengali name is khayer Mrigasira Nakshatra born people should plant the cutch tree. Water it. They should also protect the tree.

Mahakali Temple at Gangolighat was established by Adi Shankaracharya. The mandir is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is located around 77 from Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand. Gangolighat Mahakali Temple is a Shaktipeetah. The murti of Goddess Mahakali is a fierce one. She is shown as conquering a demon. The shrine is small and settled amidst beautiful surroundings. The fierce murti is offered animal sacrifice even today. The temple is also closely associated with the Kumaun Regiment of the Indian army. Another important shrine, a Chamunda Temple, is located around 2 km from the temple.

Kapaleshwar Mahadev is worshiped in Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the 84 forms of Shiva worshiped in Ujjain. Those offering prayers to Kapaleshwar Mahadev will have their wishes fulfilled. The temple dedicated to Kapaleshwar Mahadev is located at Anantapeth in Bilotipura in Ujjain. This form of Shiva is associated with Kapali form of Shiva. Kapaleshwar Mahadev is counted among the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain and it is the 8th temple visited during the parikrama of Shivalayas here. Story of Kapaleshwar Mahadev form of Shiva in Ujjain Shiva was roaming as Kapali when he came across a yajna. Kapli is the form of Shiva after he cut off the fifth head of Brahma. The head was stuck in his hand and he roamed over the earth to get rid of it. People who were conducting the yajna were not happy with the presence of Kapali. So they attempted to throw him out of the yajna area. Suddenly people saw thousands of Kapali in the yajna area. People realized that this was ca

Baba Mahendranath Temple at Siwan in Bihar is famous throughout the region as people get relief from diseases after offering prayers here. People offer bells to the temple and bells of various size and shapes can be found in the temple premises. The shrine was built more than 500 years ago by King Mahendra Veer of Nepal. Legend has it that King Mahendra Veer of Nepal who was suffering from leprosy was on his way to Varanasi. He rested for a night at Siwan. Lord Shiva came in his dream and told that water in a nearby pond can cure him. The king bathed with the water from the pond and was cured. Next night he had another dream in which Shiva told him about a Shivling under a peepal tree. The king got the Shivling retrieved and he built a beautiful temple which is now known as the Baba Mahendranath Temple. The temple is built using Lakhori blocks and surkhi chuna. The sanctum sanctorum is carved out of a single rock. The main sanctum has a big dome with a gold kalasha and

Dedicated to Hindu God Ganesha, Tekdi Mandir in Nagpur is a very popular shrine in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra . The Tekdi Ganpati Temple is located atop a hill and is near Nagpur Railway Station. Meaning of the term Tekdi in Marathis is ‘a hill.’ The temple is more 250 years old and was constructed by the Bhonsle Kings. Tekdi Mandir is famous for a monolithic red color swayambhu murti (that which appeared on its own) of Ganpati. The murti is adorned with a mukt or crown. The temple also has murtis of Goddess Lakshmi, Hanuman, Kal Bhairav, Radha Krishna and Mahadev Shiva. The small temple attracts thousands of devotees daily. The numbers increase manifold during Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesh Jayanti, Tuesdays and during Angarak Sankashti Chaturthi days.

Nimishambha Temple is located on the banks of Cauvery River at Ganjam Village in Mandya District in Karnataka. The temple is around 2.5 km from Srirangapatna. This a Shivapanchayathan Temple. It has murtis dedicated to – Sri Nimishambhadevi with Sreechakra, Sri Moukthikeshwara Swamy, Sri Lakshminarayana Swamy, Hanuman, Surya and Ganapati. Raja Wodeyar of Mysore constructed the temple during the latter half of the 16th century. The temple is around 19 km from Mysore city and around 128 km from Bangalore. Story of Nimishambha Temple Sri Nimishambha Devi is Goddess Parvati. Legend has it that once Shiva decided to conduct a yajna for the welfare of the living beings in the universe. Shiva took the form of Sri Moukthikeshwara Swamy to conduct the yajna. He was also known as Mukthaka Rishi. Demons Janu and Sumandala were against the yajna as they thought it would destroy their rule on earth. The demons send armies after armies to destroy the yajna but Shiva defeated th

Havan, or sacred fire, is an indispensable part of Vedic rituals.  In a Havan, ingredients such as guggle, loban, shakkar, giloye, and rice are offered to fire along with ghee and wood, amidst chanting of sacred Vedic mantras, which are set to a particular note, rhythm and sound vibration. It has been proved that the havans have scientific importance and helps in removing airborne diseases and viruses. Times of India reports The fumes that rise out of the sacred fires of the havan kund are known to reduce bacteria, and to kill fungi and pathogens in the atmosphere that increase after the monsoon. These are known to cause eye infections and viral fevers. According to a research study by Mamta Saksena, the fumes emanating from this sacred fire reduce the level of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) in the atmosphere. You can conduct this ritual once a month to keep your home and surroundings pure. Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati of the Bihar School of Yoga, says: &quo

Magha Masa is the 11th month in a traditional Hindu Telugu calendar followed in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Magh Masa 2025 starts on January 30, 2025 and ends on February 27. Vasant Panchami, Shri Panchami, Ratha Saptami, and Shivratri are observed in the Magha month. Sankatahara Chavithi  dedicated to Vinayaka in Magha Masam 2025 is on February 16, 2025 – Moonrise or Chandrodaya is at 9:16 PM – Indian Standard Time. Telugu Magha Masa Shukla Paksha and  Krishna  Paksha Magha Masa 2025 Shukla Paksha (Waxing phase of moon) is from January 30 to Feb 12, 2025. Telugu Magh Maasa 2025 Krishna Paksha (Waning phase of moon) is from February 13 to Feb 27, 2025. Ekadasi Fasting Dates in Telugu Magha Masam are: Jaya Ekadashi – February 8 Vijaya Ekadashi – February 24 Pradosham Fasting Dates in Telugu Magha Masa 2025 are: Pradosh – February 9 Pradosha –  February 25 Purnima in Telugu Magha Masa Magh Purnima or Full moon day is on February 12, 20

Sharvari Devi is an incarnation of Hindu Goddess Shakti (Parvathi). In this form she is worshiped mainly in the Himalayan region, especially in Himachal Pradesh. She is considered as a manifestation of Goddess Parvati and is worshiped as the consort of Shiva. The popular belief is that she blesses and heals her devotees. In villages in Himachal Pradesh there is a popular belief that proper worship of her will help in healing of various diseases. She is also believed to help devotees in attaining prosperity. Oracles, known as Gur, acts as an intermediator between devotees and Sharvari Devi. They claim She possesses them and provides solutions to problems of devotees. Devotees ask questions to Sharvari Devi through the ‘Gur.’ Such practices are very much vogue in many rural villages in Himalayan regions. 

There are particular symbols for male, female, creation etc in Hinduism. The symbol for creation principle in Hinduism depicts union. These geometric symbol and diagram explains the aspect of creation in Hindu religion and is of great importance in tantrism. The above sent of geometric symbols explains the union of male and female principle – Shiva and Shakti. The set of geometric symbols are significant in Hinduism, particularly in the context of tantrism, where they symbolize the union of male and female principles—Shiva and Shakti. Here’s an explanation of each symbol: Hexagram (Star of David-like symbol) : This symbol, known as the Shatkona, is formed by the intersection of two triangles, one pointing upward and the other downward. It represents the union of Shiva (the upward triangle, symbolizing the masculine energy) and Shakti (the downward triangle, symbolizing the feminine energy). This union is considered the essence of creation. Circle

Jabalpur is one of the central districts in Madhya Pradesh, India, and is name after Jabali an ancient sage in Hinduism. One of the holy rivers in Hindu religion, Narmada flows through Jabalpur. The earliest inhabitants of Jabalpur arrived in the Paleolithic era. Traces of their settlement can be found in Bheraghat, Tilwarghat, and Lametaghat. Early inhabitants have also left a few engravings on rocks, which indicate their artistic efforts. A few bronze implements have been discovered in Jabalpur. The place is mentioned in the Skanda Purana and it finds mention in the Mahabharata. Tripuri mentioned in Hindu scriptures and associated with Lord Shiva is believed to be the modern Tewar in Jabalpur. Tripuri is mentioned in coins assigned to the latter half of the 3 rd century BC. Punch-marked coins found at Karachula and Tewar belong to the Mauryan Period. Northern black polished ware firmly dated to 300 BC has been found at Tewar. These archeological discove

Patmeswari Temple is an ancient shrine dedicated to Maa Patmeswari at Patnagarh in Odisha. Another ancient temple located nearby is the Someswar Siva Temple. The two shrines are located at a distance of 40 km from Balangir. Maa Patmeswari was worshipped by the Chalukyas. The architecture of the temple is an example of early Chalukyan architecture. The main murti worshipped in the temple is that of Goddess Shakti. Most important festival is the Durga Puja. Someswar Siva Temple is a 12 th century shrine at Patnagarh. This shrine is also noted for its medieval architecture. Shivling is worshipped in the temple. The most important festival observed here is the Shivratri. The shrine also attracts hundreds of devotees during the Shravan month.

Magh month, or Magh Mahina, is the 11th month in a traditional Marathi calendar followed in Maharashtra. Magh Month 2025 in Marathi calendar is from January 30, 2025 and ends on February 27. The important festivals in the month include Ganesh Jayanti (Feb 1), Vasant Panchami (February 2), Ratha Saptami (February 4) and Shivratri on February 26, 2025. Sankashti Chaturthi  monthly fasting dedicated to Ganesha in Magh Mahina is on February 16, 2025 – Moonrise or Chandrodaya is at 9:16 PM – Indian Standard Time. Magh Mahina Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha Magh Mahina 2025 Shukla Paksha (Waxing phase of moon) is from January 30 to Feb 12, 2025. Magh Month 2025 Krishna Paksha (Waning phase of moon) is from February 13 to Feb 27, 2025. Purnima or full moon in Marathi Magh Mahina in 2025 Purnima or full moon day is on February 12, 2025 The Purnima begins at 6 :56 PM on February 11 and ends at 7:23 PM on February 12 .  Purnima Vrat is on February 11. Amavasya in Magh Mahina

A collection of wisdom of Anandamayi Ma. There is a great book of life. To one who has dived deep into it all truths of Science, philosophy and allied subjects never remain unexplored. God is within everyone, but man goes out in search of Him. This is what constitutes God's Play and God's Creation. I am ever present with you all, but you have little yearning to see me. What am I to do? Know it for certain I have my eyes fixed on what you do or fail to do. You all love this body so much that you often come to see me, unmindful of the long distance that many of you have to travel. Yet, it is true that this body has no relationship with any of you except the kinship of the Atma which this body enjoys equally not only with each of you but even with all trees, creepers and the foliage around, as well as with rocks, mountains, and everything else. It is but the self that calls itself, and none other than the self that realizes itself. Relative happiness, that is t

Santoshi Maa is believed to help in fulfilling the desires of her devotees. She is the daughter of Lord Ganesha. She is also a unique incarnation of the Mother Goddess. There is an interesting story that narrates the birth of Santoshi Mata.  Legend has it that once on Raksha Bandhan day, Jyoti, sister of Lord Ganesha, came to visit him. A special function was organized on the joyous occasion. Kshema and Labha, the two sons of Lord Ganesh, wanted to know what function was being held. Their mothers Riddhi and Siddhi explained the significance of Raksha Bandhan. Later the two young kids witnessed Jyoti tying a thread on the hand of Ganesha and in return, Ganesh blessed her with peace, prosperity and pleasures. Kshema and Labha now wanted to know why their father gave such important blessings for a mere thread. Ganesha then explained about the significance of the Raksha Bandha Rakhi that it is not a mere thread but is a symbol of unparalleled love and bond

Pandeweshar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located at Panrra village near Dhanbad in Jharkhand. This ancient shrine was built by the Pandavas. Pandeshwar Mahadev Temple is located around 130 km from Dhanbad in Nirsa-cum-Chirkunda Block. Legend has it that during their exile period in the Mahabharat, Pandavas visited the village and stayed here. The Shivling was established by the Pandavas. The village, Panrra, derives its name from the Pandavas. The small but beautiful shrine is located amidst scenic surroundings. The most important festival observed here is the Shivratri. The shrine also attracts scores of devotees during the Shravan month. Did you know? Shiva as the beggar-god wanders around the world with dogs and ghosts. In this form, he is known as Bhikshatana. Symbolically, it shows that on earth nothing is permanent. Everything is transitory. Who is king today can be pauper the next moment. Even gods in the skies are not above this law.

Ja Ca Ni is the abbreviated form of Veerashaiva Saint Jagadguru Cannabasavaraja Desikendra Shivacharya Mahaswamiji, Nidumamidi Samsthana, Guluru (1908 – 1996). He was a creative writer and researcher with more than 200 works to his credit including Vachanas, essays, biographies, poetry, plays and critical works on philosophy. He wrote in Kannada and Sanskrit. He upheld Dasoha, self subjection to a deity or man, and astravarana, eight coverings to protect a devotee. Ja Ca Ni Teachings As per his teachings, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva stand for creation, preservation and transformation. The trinity represent omkara roopa. In Aum, rudra is indicated by A, Vishnu by U, and Brahma by M. He rejected all kinds of caste and color discrimination. He taught that one may become Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya or Shudra through one’s character and profession. Jagadguru Cannabasavaraja Nidumamidi states that Rudra, Bhadra and Shiva are pioneers of religious harmony in

Baijnath Mahadev is the name of a famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at Agar Malwa in Madhya Pradesh. Wife of a British army personal constructed shrine in 18 th century after her husband was miraculously saved by Lord Shiva during a battle in Afghanistan. Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of a Shivling. The Shivling is lavishly decorated during major festivals. Apart from Shiva, Ganesha and Mother Goddess Shakti is also worshipped in the shrine. The original shrine was in a dilapidated state before it was built by the wife of a British army personal. The Shivling worshipped in the temple is ancient and no one knows about its origin. The most important festivals observed her is Shivratri. During Shravan month there is the Shahi Sawari of Shiva which attracts thousands of devotees.