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Showing posts from April, 2017


Simha Rashi Navratri Mantra

Chanting of the Simha Rashi Navratri Mantra helps, Simha Rashi born person to attain wealth, prosperity, property, job and desire fulfillments. The mantra should be chanted after taking bath in the morning. You should sit in your pooja room or in a quiet place and chant the mantra. The mantra is मा मी मू मे मो टा टी टू टे ......... ॐ   ह्रीं श्रीं सो : Another mantra ऊॅं शिवदूती नमः The mantra should be chanted 21 times. You can chant anyone mantra. Chanting of the mantra also helps in overcoming your enemies.

Hindu Temples Where Women are Denied Entry – Hope Such a List Do Not Exist in Near Future

Couple of Hindu Temples in India denies entry to women – this is mostly associated with the menstruation cycle of women and some due to superstition. It must be noted here that majority of the South Indian temples do not allow devotees inside the sanctum sanctorum – touching the murti is not allowed. This is applicable to all devotees irrespective of gender. But there are some temples that do not permit women even inside the temple premises and this article is about those temples. Below is the list and hope such a list never exists in near future. Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala Women between 10 and 50 years of age are not allowed to enter the temple complex. The reason sighted is that Lord Ayyappa is a Brahmachari or celibate. Another reason is that women cannot perform the 41 day Vratam - women between the age of 10 and 50 will not be physically capable of observing `vratham' for 41 days on physiological grounds (menstruation cycle). The matter is presently under th

Dhungri Mela 2024 in Himachal Pradesh at Hadimba Devi Temple

Dhungri Mela is annually observed during the Vrishabha Sankranti in the famous Hadimba Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh. Dhungri Mela 2024 is from May 14 to May 16. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Hidimbi – wife of Bhima, the second of the Pandava brothers. The fair and festival is observed for three days. The main mela begins at the Dhungri ground with the arrival of palanquin of Goddess Hidimbi from the Dhungri Temple and Manu Rishi from Manu Temple in Old Manali Village. The palanquins of local deities also arrive at the ground to participate in the festival. Why is Dhungri Mela Observed? It celebrates the birthday of Goddess Hidimbi – she is the guardian deity of tribals and travelers. She protects those who venture into forests and travels through forests and mountains. Hidimbi is also the mother of Ghatothkach. Dhungri Mela  Rituals Pujas and worship of all the important deities of the region in a single place. Other deities honoring Hidimbi Devi. Animal sa

Where to Place Hanuman Photo in Home?

Placing picture, or murti (idol or statue), of Hanuman in home is considered highly beneficial. But there is a confusion regarding position or placement of Hanuman photo in house. When it comes to question of where to place the statue of Bajrang Bali at home, remember the stories from Ramayana. Hanuman is a Baal Brahmachari, or celibate, therefore his picture should not be placed in the bedroom or in a room that is used by couples for sleeping. Taking intoxicating drinks and sex should be avoided in the room in which there is a portrait of Anjaneya. The ideal place to keep the murti is puja room. Hanuman should face south. All paintings of Anjaneya and those made from metal, plastic, clay, or wood having face of Bajrang Bali should face south. Why South Facing? When we read the Ramayana we find that the adventures of Hanuman in the epic happened in South like Lanka is in south, he went in search of Mata Sita towards south, He burned Lanka in south, and the battl

Jyeshta Nakshatra – Information – Importance of Jyeshta Birth Star

Jyeshta nakshatra is the eighteenth of the twenty-seven nakshatras or birth star in Hindu astrology. The nakshatram is also known as Kettai or Triketta or Ketri. Longitude –  213°20 to 226°0 Shape – circular earring. Some imagine it to be in the form spear. All four quadrants of Jyeshta Nakshatra are in Scorpio Zodiac or Vrischika Rashi. Presiding deit y – Indra Ruling planet – Mercury (Budha) A person born in the star will be a leader. He/she will be blessed with many children. The person will also be humorous. It is a daruna nakshatra or misery causing birth start and is avoided for auspicious functions like marriage, entering a new house, grah pravesh, to start learning, and other similar beginnings. The birth star is considered ideal for performing black magic, for cheating, for use of poison and fire and for attacking enemies. Jyeshta was the birth star of Vali of Ramayana, the Vanara king who was killed by Bhagavan Sri Ram to help Sugriva. In

For Success Eat These Food Before Leaving Home - Hindu Religion

There are numerous religious rituals performed in Hindu religion by people before leaving home for job, exams, signing documents, participating in important events etc. Some communities believe that eating a particular kind of food before leaving home will assure success. It is also considered lucky. Sunday – You can chew betel leaves. If you are not in the habit of chewing paan or betel leaves. Then you can carry it with you and while returning home offer it in a temple or under a tree. Monday – You can eat kheer or any white color food before leaving the house. Carrying bilva leaves is also meritorious. Looking in the mirror before leaving is also auspicious. Tuesday – You can eat jaggery (ghud or sharkara or Vellam) and leave the house. Another option is to carry durva leaves. Wednesday – You can chew Dhaniya or Coriander. It is also auspicious to carry mango leaf with you. Thursday – You can eat jeera or fennel and venture out. Keeping a few Tulsi leaves wi

Temples In Uttar Pradesh Visited Even today By Ashwathama of Mahabharata

Several temples in Uttar Pradesh narrate tales of the spotting of Ashwathama of Mahabharata . Famous among them are a Kali Temple in Etawah, Baba Liloti Nath Mandir in Lakhimpur Kheri and Khereshwar Mandir near Kanpur. Ashwathama, the son of Drona and a great warrior in the Mahabharata, is one among the seven  Chiranjeevis  (without death) mentioned in the Puranas – as a result of curse by Sri Krishna he still alive and roams on earth with a body full of oozing warts. If he is alive, then he will be more than 5000 years old. Ashwathama at Kali Temple in Etawah It is believed that he visits a Kali Temple near Etawah in Uttar Pradesh daily to offer prayers. Located on the banks of Yamuna River, this Goddess Kali temple is around 5 km from Etawah. The people of the region believe that Ashwathama arrives here in an invisible form and offers first worship daily. The Shivling is always offered water before opening of the usual temple by some unknown force. Mother Goddess K

Time To Take Bath As Per Hindu Religion Beliefs

The ideal time to take bath as per Hindu scriptures is during the morning hours – especially before sunrise. One should not take bath after taking food. As per Hindu scriptures, one should first pour water on the head and then on the body. It is said that pouring water on the head and then on the body helps in removing heat present in the body through the legs. Taking bath before sunrise is considered ideal. Mixing water with black sesame (til) and taking bath with it helps in alleviating bad luck. Taking bath in the early morning hours helps in keeping away bad luck, alakshmi and other evils. Taking bath in room temperature water removes tiredness and tension. It helps in getting a pleasant mood. Chanting mantras while taking bath is meritorious. Different types Snan mentioned in Hindu Scriptures Brahma Snan – Taking bath between 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM in the morning is referred as Brahma Snan. One should chant mantra like ‘om namah shivaya’ or ‘om namo narayana’

Watch Thrissur Pooram 2024 Live Online on April 19

There is no news about any official website on the internet providing live webcasting of Thrissur Pooram 2024. But most of television channels in Kerala will be telecasting live the Thrissur Pooram on April 19, 2024. So the best option is to look for the live streaming of television channels. Referred as the Mother of all Poorams, Thrissur Pooram is annually observed in the Malayalam month of Medam (April – May). Poorams are festivals held in Hindu temples in Kerala and the highlights being caparisoned elephants and Panchavadyam – a classical performance of five musical instruments (know more about Thrissur Pooram in this article ). You can watch pooram live here on the Youtube Channel Television Channels Which might Show Pooram Live Online You can watch  Asianet News live here . This channel usually shows Thrissur Pooram live. Another good option is to watch Mathrubhumi News Live it also telecasts the live proceeding of Pooram. Another good option is Janam TV .

Significance of Akshaya Tritiya

Every moment is auspicious on the Akshaya Tritiya day, which falls on the third day of the bright half of Hindu month Vaishakh. ‘Akshaya’ in Sanskrit means ‘that which never diminishes.’ It is also the birthday of Parashurama, Lord Vishnu’s Sixth incarnation. In 2024, Akshaya Tritiya is on May 10. Today, Akshaya Tritiya has become the ‘ Hindu gold rush ’ day. Astrologically, it is believed that the sun and the moon are most radiant and best placed on the Askhaya Tritiya day. Many devout Hindus choose the day to conduct auspicious functions. There is no need to select a ‘muhurat’ on this day as the entire day is devoid of malefic influences. Large number of marriages and several new beginnings take place on the day. There are numerous legends associated with Akshaya Tritiya. According to the Puranas, the day marks the beginning to Treta Yuga. On this day, Veda Vyasa began the composition of the Mahabharata. Another myth is that Kuchela visited Lord Krishna on this day.

King Janaka In Hindu Scriptures And Ramayana

King Janaka is a philosopher king mentioned in Hindu scriptures. He is the foster-father of Sita in the Ramayana. But all these Janaka are not the same. ‘Janak’ means ‘pitha’ or ‘father’ or ‘fatherly figure’ and those dutiful rules who won the heart of his subjects were called as Janak. Thus, Janaka is a term used in Hindu scriptures to refer to an ideal monarch – an ascetic king – rajarishi. King Janaka was liberated though he lived amongst passions. He had immense properties and wealth, position and power. He had everything, but he was calm. ( Swami Satyananda Saraswati 1923 – 2009 ) As per Satapatha Brahmana, Janaka was the name assumed by the kings of Videha Kingdom. King Janaka in Brhadaranyaka Upanishad Brhadaranyaka Upanishad mentions about a King Janaka performing a yajna involving gifts to find out the greatest philosopher in the land. He offered a thousand cows with ten pieces of gold tied to the horns of each cow and informed the assembly that the greatest phi

Gita in Telugu – Download Bhagavad Gita in Telugu in Pdf format for free

Srimad Bhagavad Gita in Telugu in Pdf format for free is provided by Swami Shri Adgadanad Ji’s of Yatharth Geeta. This downloadable Telugu Bhagwad Gita is strictly for personal use. You can only download the eighteen chapters in Telugu as single book. There is no separate page download option The Telugu Bhagavad Gita is in pdf format and you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader or any other pdf reader installed on your computer. You can download the Bhagawad Gita in Telugu from this link –  Telugu Bhagavad Gita . If the above link is not working then you can download Telugu Gita from here .

Shakuni Temple at Pavithreswaram in Kerala - Temple Dedicated to Shakuni of Mahabharat

Sakuni, or Shakuni Mama , the uncle of Kauravas, in the Mahabharata is one of the most hated characters in Hindu scriptures especially the Mahabharata. His name is associated with villainy and people talk about him scornfully and with disrespect. But Sanatana Dharma sees a person in terms of Gunas . It is true that Tamasic characteristics was dominant in Shakuni but he too had Sattvic elements and this was recognized by a community in Kerala and there is an ancient temple dedicated to Shakuni at Mayamkottu Malancharuvu Malanada Temple at Pavithreswaram near Kottarakkara. Mayamkottu Malancharuvu Malanada Temple at Pavithreswaram The most important exhibit in the temple is a throne ( a granite stone inside the temple) believed to have been used by Shakuni. There are no usual pujas and Tantric rituals at the temple. Offerings to the temple include tender coconut, silk, toddy etc. The temple is maintained by the Kurava community of the region. The temple does not have a p

Jagran In Hinduism – Importance Of Staying Awake At Night

Jagran is a Sanskrit term used to refer to staying awake at night during certain nights in a month or year in Hinduism. This keeping of vigil at night is associated with important monthly vrats like Ekadasi and yearly festivals like Mahashivratri. Jagaran is also observed as part of certain vrats only followed in certain regions and by certain communities. Religious importance of it is mainly associated with Ekadasi fasting dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Jagran on Ekadasi It believed that those who observe Ekadasi fasting dedicated to Lord Vishnu should keep vigil at night and meditate on Lord Vishnu. Ekadasi is observed on the 11th day of a fortnight as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar. As per the legend associated with Ekadasi fasting, demon Mura attempted to harm Vishnu at night and suddenly a young girl appeared from the body of Bhagavan Vishnu and she annihilated the demon. Vishnu called her Ekadasi. Jagaran on ekadasi night is based on this incident. While perform

Bronze Sculptures in Indus Valley Civilization

History of bronze sculpture in India is traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization (2500 BC – 1700 BC). Hindus should be aware of this because it is a matter of pride that our ancestors had such great knowledge. A dancing girl, buffalo and miniature dog are the earliest specimens of Indian Bronzes. They were discovered during the excavations conducted at the archaeological site of Mohenjodaro – the most important Indus Valley site along with Harappa and Lothal . The bronze sculptures of Indus Valley Civilization were produced by the lost-wax (cire perdue) process. They were created in small open kilns. Furnaces, crucibles and moulds were unearthed by archeologists at Mohenjodaro and Lothal. The Dancing Girl A nude female statuette from Mohenjodaro called the dancing girl is a classic example of the bronze sculptures produced in ancient India using the lost-wax method. The statue is that of a dancer and has an air of vibrant liveliness. It is 11 cm high, and stands

Dakshineshwar – About the Dakshineshwar Form of Shiva

Shiva as Dakshineshwar is the teacher of yoga, music, all arts and sciences and holds the key to the knowledge of spiritual truths. As Dakshineshwar, Lord Shiva is portrayed as the omniscient young master conveying supreme knowledge, with his right hand raised in the gesture of teaching in silence. The name means ‘the south facing’ and is the ultimate Guru. Chitram Vatataror mooley Vriddhah shishyaah gurur yuva Gurostu maunam vyaakhyanam Shishyaastu china Samshaya Beneath the banyan tree they sit the disciples old men, the Guru a mere youth! The Guru speaks through silence alone. But lo! The questions of disciples dissolver on their own! (Dakshinamurti Stotram by Shankaracharya) He teaches the reality of the Brahma through silence. He is the first manifestation of Lord Shiva in the Pashupata line. Mouna (silence) is the best and the most potent diksha. That was practiced by Sri Dakshinamurti. Initiation by touch, look, etc., are all of a lower order. Silent in

Amarnath Yatra Importance - Why Do Hindus Perform Amarnath Yatra?

The annual Amarnath Yatra to the renowned cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir attracts thousands of people. The yatra is one of the important pilgrimage for many Hindus and is of great spiritual importance. Hindus perform the Amarnath yatra to offer prayers and have darshan of the naturally formed ice shivling. The natural ‘ice lingam’ is formed by the ice droplets from the rooftop of the vast cave. Shiva in the Amarnath Cave is popularly known as Baba Barfani .  Why Do Hindus Perform Amarnath Yatra? To have darshan of the naturally formed ice Shivling. Shiva revealed the secret of immortality (Amar) to Goddess Parvati in the cave. As per Hindu scriptures darshan of Amarnath is equal to ten times the darshan at Kashi; 100 times of that of Prayag and 1000 times that of visiting Naimisharnya. Apart from the naturally formed Ice Shivling, there is also a naturally formed Ganesh Peetah and Parvati Peetah in the cave. When is it observed? Amarnath Yatra begins on the Jyeshta

Only Formula To Happiness Is To Be Content

When we are able to reduce the gap between reality and our expectations life becomes happy and easy. Trouble begins when there is a huge gap. Things go out of hand and we will not be able to control our lives. Balance of mind brings about real lasting happiness to a disciplined man. It is not a commodity which can be purchased from the market. (Swami Sivananda) To be satisfied with what we have is the best possible way to be happy. It is a simple idea and therefore not easy to practice. We all have our expectations and we need to do something about it. If we are on the first floor and our expectation is on the 11th floor there is a huge gap and this can cause disappointment and rage. Some might think of taking the lift – short cut – and this will only complicate the matter more. But along with lift there are also steps. Make use of the steps. Enjoy each step; be satisfied with small gains and one fine day you will be on the 11th floor. You will be even more satisfied with your ac

Sadhana – Liberal Voice – Social Justice and Social Action

I am pleased to post the following interview with a website associated with Hindu Religion – Sadhana. This New York based organization is working since 2011 in building a progressive Hindu moment. Sadhana is a mechanism and a platform for progressive Hindus to speak up and act for progressive social values and social justice. Hindu Blog  – Hinduism is a living religion. So what do you mean when you say you are attempting to build a progressive Hindu religion? Sadhana – We feel that many Hindus may be doing work for social justice -- helping the poor, and those that are discriminated against, protecting the environment, etc -- but do so quietly. Many Hindus stand opposed to discrimination based on race, religion, caste, gender, sexual orientation, but don't speak up as Hindus. Sadhana is building a platform of progressive Hinduism so that others can join us. We think it is critical that those of us for whom our Hindu faith is centered in pluralism must speak up. Not doing s

Mahur in Maharashtra – Birth Place of Renuka Devi and Dattatreya

Mahur Renuka Devi is the patron deity of many families in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. It is believed that Devi Anasuya gave birth to Bhagwan Dattatreya at Mahur. It is also associated with the divine incident of Renuka and Parshuram. Mahur village is located around 40 km northwest of Kinwat town in Nanded District. Mahur Renuka Mata Mandir   One has to travel around 7 km from Mahur Village to reach the temple, which is located atop a mountain. Surrounded by forests (with sighting of wild animals), the shrine has a history of more than 800 years. The temple was established by a Yadav king. Goddess Renuka is the mother of Lord Parashuram, the manifestation of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that she was born at Mahur also known as Mahurgad. Another legend has it that when Parashuram decapitated her head, it fell here and he got it restored also here. The place is known as Matripur or Matapur in Devi Bhagavatam. Mother Goddess is worshipped here in the form of a l

Vrishabha Rashi Navratri Mantra

Chanting of the Vrishabha Rashi Navratri Mantra helps, Vrishabha Rashi born person to attain wealth, prosperity, property, job and desire fulfillments. The mantra should be chanted after taking bath in the morning. You should sit in your pooja room or in a quiet place and chant the mantra. The mantra is इ उ ए ओ वा वी वू वे वो ........ ॐ ऐं क्लीं श्रीं Another Mantra is : ऊॅं जलोदरी नमः The mantra should be chanted 21 times. You can chant anyone mantra. Chanting of the mantra also helps in overcoming your enemies.

Kundali – Jatakam - Horoscope of a Caesarian Born Child in Hindu Astrology

There are doubts among parents and relative regarding the horoscope of a caesarian born child in Hindu Astrology. Some clever parents have also started performing the caesarian operation after consulting an astrologer so that the child is born during the most auspicious time as per Kundali or Jatakam. Horoscope, locally known as Kundali or Jatakam, is of great importance in Hinduism, especially for those people who strictly follow astrology. It is required for charting the future course of the child, how long the person will live, job, finance, his relation with his relatives, marriage, old age etc. When a child is born naturally, there is no difficulty as it is considered natural and the horoscope is prepared based on that time. There is no difficulty. During caesarian operation, there is lot of confusion and tension. Doctors and nurses might not be able to mark the exact time. So they give the time that they see after they have settled or make a judgment of their own. So th

Mannadi Bhagavathy Temple – History - Timings - Story of Velichappadu and Red Pond in Mannady

Mannadi Bhagavathy Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali in Pathanamthitta District in Kerala. The shrine is shrouded in mystery and the stories associated with the temple are spooky, supernatural and exciting. Temple details, daily morning pooja, evening darshan timings and story of Velichappadu, or temple oracle, are given in detail below. The Mannady temple is located off Enathu on the Adoor – Kottarakkara MC Road and is around 3 km from Enathu on the way to Kadampanad. History of Mannadi Bhagavathy The murti of Mother Goddess Bhagavathi worshipped in the temple was discovered accidentally. The place where the present day temple is located was a dense forested area. One day few women of the region sharpened their sickle for cutting grass on a stone and suddenly blood started gushing out from the stone. The ruler of the region Mangalathu Panicker was informed about the unusual incident. He arrived at the spot, realized the presence of divinity, and

The Barber And The Seven Jars – Sri Ramakrishna Story

Sri Ramakrishna used to explain great teachings through simple stories. The barber and seven jars is one such story. In the parable, a Yaksha offers seven jars of gold to the King’s barber. But the seventh jar is only half full. Greatly disappointed the barber and his wife decide to save money and fill up the jar with gold. But in spite of repeated addition of gold, the magical jar continues to remain half empty.   Seeing his barber emaciated and distraught, the king rightly guesses that he is trapped by the Yaksha. He then tells the barber, ‘The Yaksha offered me also the same jars, but I asked him whether this money might be spent or was merely to be hoarded. No sooner had I asked this question than the Yaksha ran away without any reply. Don’t you know that no one can spend that money? It only brings with it the desire of hoarding.’ – Sri Ramakrishna

Importance of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in Hinduism – Spiritual Significance and Story of the Pilgrimage

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in Hinduism includes visit to Mount Kailash – the abode of Lord Shiva – and Manasarovar Lake. The importance of this pilgrimage is mentioned in the holy texts in Hindu religion. It is of spiritual significance to a Hindu for a number of reasons. Reason for Kailash Mansarovar Pilgrimage According to Hindu scriptures, those who take a dip in the Manasarovar and complete the parikrama (circumambulate) around Mount Kailash are absolved of their sins and are liberated from the cycle of birth and death. They are ultimately united with Brahman (symbolically represented by Mount Kailash or Shiva). It is believed that if you walk around the Mount Kailash 108 times, you attain nirvana or salvation. Kailash is the image of Shiva on earth - the Shivling shape of the mountain makes it prayaksa or manifest form of Shiva. Meaning of the Name Kailash Kailash is derived from the word ‘kelasa’ meaning crystal as per many scholars. The true name is deriv

Anang Trayodashi Vrat 2024 Date - Ananga Trayodasi Vrata

Anang Trayodasi Vrata is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is observed in the Chaitra month in Maharashtra and Gujarat . Anang Trayodashi 2024 date is April 21. It is observed on the 13th day of the Shukla Paksha of Chaitra Month in traditional calendar followed in Maharashtra and Gujarat . The importance of the Vrat is mentioned in the Garuda Purana. Please note – in North India , the Anang Trayodashi is observed during on 13th day of Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Margashirsh Month this is on December 13, 2024. Anang Trayodashi Vrat is observed for a year – on all the 13th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in a month. It is believed that observing the Vrat will help in attaining prosperity, health, wealth and good fortune. Apart from Lord Shiva, Kamdev and Rati are also worshipped on the day. The observance includes offering flowers and fruits to Lord Shiva and the prescribed 16-step Hindu puja and worship.