Goddess Ragnya Bhagwati is the titular goddess of millions of Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir. She is the manifestation of Mother Goddess Adi Shakti. The story of Goddess Ragnya Devi is found in the Hindu Scripture Bringesh Samhita. She is the Mother from whose cosmic womb every single living form appears. The glory of the Goddess is narrated by Lord Shiva to Goddess Parvati and it is found in the Maha Ragnya Pradbhurbhav chapter in the Bringesh Samhita. Shiva gives out the secret of Goddess Ragnya Devi to Goddess Parvati. Story of Goddess Ragnya Devi The Devi was first worshiped by the demon king Ravana of Ramayana. Ravana once performed intense penance to please Shiva. When Shiva appeared before him as boon he requested Shiva to bless him with the ever presence of Adi Shakti in his kingdom. Shiva gave the boon and Mother Goddess Adi Shakti started residing in Lanka. The prosperity of Lanka was due to the presence of the Goddess. But the abduction of Mata Sita a

Sunday, Ravivar, is considered the ideal day to worship in Hinduism. Surya is the ruler of the Navgrahas or nine planets in Hindu astrology. Worship of sun helps in alleviating numerous problems in life. When the position of sun is ideal in a horoscope, the person will attain high position and he will gain respect in society. When sun is in a favorable position in the horoscope, a person will get relief from various diseases. When the sun is in an unfavorable position, the person will face several difficulties including financial, emotional, job and heath related. Making roti, or chapati, out of wheat and jaggery and offering it to Vishnu and Surya on Sunday helps in overcoming difficulties. A roti should be eaten by the devotee as Prasad. Rest of the rotis should be distributed among poor people. Making besan laddoo and offering it to Surya Bhagavan is considered highly meritorious. Another offering that is made to Sun god on Sunday is Barfi.

Angarki Chaturthi Vrat is dedicated to Ganesha. The significance of Ganapati Angarika Chaturthi Vrat is that it happens when the fourth day of a lunar calendar falls on Tuesday. Fasting procedure is given in detail below. Dos and don’ts and the method to perform the vrat to get blessing of Ganesh is also explained. Tuesday is associated with Vinayaka and it is considered highly meritorious to offer puja, vrat and worship on the day. Pujas and vrat performed to Ganesh gets the results immediately. The Procedure The main fasting is from sunrise to till the sighting of moon or moonrise as per the calendar of your region. Offer prayers to Ganesha in the morning and evening. Start the puja with the mantra गं गणपतये नम : Always do a simple puja avoid complicated rituals. Chant mantras dedicated to Ganesha throughout the day. Listen to stories. You can consume fruits or eat food made using Sabudana. Evening Puja Modak is prepared as Prasad. 21 Modak is usually offere

Agnisar Kriya is a Yoga technique, which helps in reducing weight loss. This is achieved through reducing stomach fat. Belly fat is an important reason for several health problems and this Yoga posture helps to reduce it. Agnisar Kriya is an exercise directed towards the stomach. The body parts that benefit from this yoga technique are: Stomach                    Liver Large intestine         Small intestine Pancreas                    Gall bladder Kidney                      Uterus Ovary                          Prostate gland Adrenal gland Benefits of Agnisar Kriya It cures Digestion problems             Menstrual problems Constipation Gas                Urinary disorder Indigestion                           Intestine weaknesses Loss of appetite                   Regular practice of Agnisar Kriya helps in   Diabetes              Obesity Bad health in spite of taking good food Increase of energy Who should not do agnisar kriya?

Kirtan is the second stage in Navadha Bhakti, the traditionally prescribed nine forms of devotion in the Srimad Bhagavad Purana (VII 5.23). It is also known as Nama Gana. Kirtan is an act of singing, chanting, dancing, or speaking in praise of God, incarnations, or holy persons, often accompanied by musical instruments such as the harmonium, flute, conch shell, stringed, or percussion instruments. This form of devotion is not just a solitary activity but often involves a communal aspect where groups of devotees gather to engage in collective worship. The essence of Kirtan lies in its ability to create a spiritually charged atmosphere, where the repetitive chanting of divine names and praises fosters a sense of unity and divine connection among participants. The rhythmic patterns and melodic tunes of the Kirtan transcend the ordinary experience, aiming to elevate the minds and hearts of the devotees towards a higher spiritual plane. Historically, Kirtan has played a significant r

A small but highly effective teaching on chanting of God's name in Hinduism. O King, The singing of God’s glories alone will remove the fear of worldliness in the yog, the person on the path of knowledge, the individual practicing the path of action and the devotee. Through the glorification of God’s name alone does the aspirant attain all benevolent fruits. The greatest practice now is singing the glories of Govinda’s name; do that and you will attain everything. Sukadeva to King Parikshit Some thoughts on Difference Between Bhakti And Vedanta Among the ingredients necessary for liberation, devotion alone is the most important. Constant attempt to live up to one’s Real nature is designated as Bhakti. “Bhakti is a constant and consistent effort to raise the ego-centre from its welter of false values to the memory and dignity of Self-hood” – Swami Chinmayananda. A simple example may help to understand this difference Vedanta and Bhakti. If one wants to buy a car, there ar

Sri Krishna decided to build the city of Dwarka and shift from Mathura in the north to the western coast of India to respect the boon given by Lord Shiva to Kalyavan, son of Garga Rishi. The story of Sri Krishna moving to Dwarka is misinterpreted by some people. They think Sri Krishna ran away from Mathura. That is incorrect. Krishna moved to save Yadavas. Why was Krishna forced to build the city of Dwarka? Garga Rishi, an important Sage and head priest of the Yadava dynasty, was once ridiculed by the Yadavas as belonging to the third sex. Garga Rishi did not take the slight lightly and was infuriated by the laughter of the Yadavas. The angry sage took a vow to beget a son who would terrorize the Yadavas. The Rishi then married a Yavana (Greek), princess. The sage then propitiated Lord Shiva and got a son who was named Kalyavan. After his birth, Kalyavan propitiated Shiva through intense penance and gained the boon that he will not be killed by a person born in the Ya

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is located near the corridor of Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. The shrine is dedicated Narasimha Avatar of Lord Vishnu. The story of Lakshmi Narasimha Temple in Mahakaleshwar Temple is found in the Skanda Purana. As per Skanda Purana, the anger of Narasimha did not end with slaying of demon Hiranyakashipu. Shiva then advised Narasimha to visit the spot where Mahakaleshwar Shivling is located in Mahakaal Vana (present day Ujjain). Narasimha visited the spot and got rid of his anger. In the temple, Narasimha is seen along with Goddess Lakshmi and Bhakta Prahlada. Special prayers are offered here on Vaishakh Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi – the Narasimha Jayanti day . Special pujas and offerings are performed on Saturday and Chaturdashi as per Hindu calendar.

Karveer Vrat is dedicated to Lord Surya and the Kaner Tree – Indian oleander or Nerium Indicum. Karveer Vrat 2025 date is May 27. The Vrata is observed on the first day of the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of the moon of Jyeshta month (May – June) as per traditional calendar followed in North India . How to Perform Surya Puja on Karveer Vrat? It is believed that offering puja and rituals to Surya Bhagavan will help in alleviating the problems in life. It also ushers in peace and prosperity. The fasting and rituals on the day were performed by Savitri, Saraswati, Sathyabhama, and Damayanti. Offering flowers to Surya Bhagavan on the day is equal to offering gold coins. The preferred flowers are Kadamb, Mukur and Bela during night. Other seasonal flowers can be offered during the day time. The preferred flowers are Guja, Datura, Aparajita, Bhatkataiya and Tagar. The importance of Karvir Vrat is mentioned in the Bhavishya Purana. The rituals associated with the Vrat are ma

Innumerable are the benefits of chanting the Gayatri Mantra. This is one of the most important mantras in Hindu religion. Millions of Hindus chant it daily. Those who have trouble in concentrating will see remarkable improvement after chanting the Gayatri Mantra 108 times daily for 24 days. Students get the benefit of concentration, intelligence, and memory power after chanting the mantra. It is believed that chanting the mantra daily during sunrise helps in having good and healthy skin. Chanting the mantra morning during sunrise, noon (when the sun is overhead) and evening when the sun is setting helps in curing skin diseases. Tantrics are of the view that regular chanting of the mantra helps in attaining various siddhis. Those people struggling with their anger will get relief after chanting the mantra. A good solution to anger management. A good mantra to improve knowledge and wisdom. It motivates a person towards self-realization. Puts an individual on the road of spirit

Purnagiri Temple at Purnagiri in Champawat is dedicated to Mother Goddess Shakti. The popular shrine in Uttarakhand state of India is accessible throughout the year and is at an altitude of 3000 meter above sea level on the Annapurna Mountain. The shrine is around 20 km from Tanakpur, 171 km from Pithoragarh and 92 km from Champawat. Purnagiri is also known as Punyagiri because River Kali descends from here to the plains and gets the name Sharda. Some scholars are of the view that the navel of Goddess Sati fell here after the infamous incident at the Daksha Yajna. Thus, the temple is also a Shakti Peetah. It is also considered one of the 108 Siddhpeetahs. Mahakali manifestation is worshipped here as per the Siddhapeetah tradition. The temple has the murti of Goddess Purnagiri sitting atop a lion. She has numerous hands and she holds various weapons. She is with a crown and is draped in sari. The most important festival in the temple is Chaitra Navrati. Purnagiri

Bargadahi Amavasya is observed in North India on the Amavasya or no moon day in the Jyeshta month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India . Bargadahi Amavasya 2025 date is May 27. This Amavas, which is also referred as new moon day by some Hindu communities, coincides with the Vat Amavasya Vrat and Puja. Thousands of people take holy dip in Ganges and Yamuna on the day. Women observe special prayers and rituals on the day for the welfare of the family and for a happy and prosperous life. The day is also observed as Vat Savitri Amavasya Vrat, Bhavuka Amavasya and Shani Jayanti.

Science was not anathema to ancient Hindus. Hindu religion always encouraged scientific spirit and this is the reason why Hinduism has stood up to the challenges of modern science better than any other religion. Here is a list of ancient Hindu scientists whose contribution to modern science and mathematics can never be ignored. Baudhayana – Lived around 800 BC Subject – Mathematics Books – Sulbasutra – contains calculation of pi, Pythagoras theorem, circling the square, square root of 2 etc His contribution – calculating pi Susruta – Lived around 600 BC Subject – Medicine – Surgery – Plastic Surgery – Rhinoplasty Books – Susruta Samhita – mentions about over 1100 disease including fevers of 26 types, 8 types of jaundice, 20 kind of urinary complaints. More than 760 medicinal plants are recorded in the work. His contribution – Father of plastic surgery. Acharya Kanad – Lived around 600 BC His contribution – originated the idea of atom an inde

Vat Savitri Puja or Vat Savitri vrat is an auspicious day in Hinduism when married women observe fast and pray for their husband's health and longevity. The fasting is named after Savitri, who brought back her husband from the clutches of Yama (death). One of the important rituals of the day is tying threads on Vat (banyan) tree. In 2025, the date of Vat Savitri Purnima puja is on June 10. Those observing it on Amavasya day it is on May 26. The fasting is observed for three days and begins two days prior to purnima or amavasya in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha (June – July). The fasting takes its name from Vat Vriksha (Banyan Tree) and Savitri. The Banyan Tree is symbolically represented as Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The root of Vat Vriksha is Brahma, the stem is Vishnu and the upper part is Shiva. On the puja day, the Banyan tree also symbolically represents Savitri and the incident mentioned in the Mahabharata. Legend has it that Princess Savitri, the daughter of Kin

Kantatman is a deity mentioned in certain Vaishnava scriptures and some minor Hindu scriptures. He is the god of medicine. He is believed to have carried the nectar of immortality or Amrut. He is the twentieth of the thirty-nine minor avatars of Lord Vishnu. Some scholars are of the view that Kantatman is just another name of Lord Dhanvantri . This is because it was Dhanvantri who appeared with the nectar of immortality at the end of the churning of the ocean. He is also equated with Pradyumna – son of Lord Krishna and god of love. Related Story of the fight between Krishna and King Salva of Saubha More Information: Kantatman is a less commonly known epithet associated with Hindu deities, potentially a localized or specific reference within particular traditions or sects. Given the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology and the numerous names and forms of deities, many epithets and local deities might not be widely recognized outside their specific regions or traditions. Here

I am pleased to post the following interview with a website associated with Hindu Religion – Poojas.in . This e-commerce website provides spiritual remedies and spiritual solutions. Nearly a dozen such portals help devotees in performing puja and rituals. The interview is an attempt to understand the concept of online puja how the services are provided and what all services they provide. Interview with Mekhala .V. Jois of poojas.in She was kind enough to give a detail explanation on how pujas are performed and the effort they take to make sure they follow the Shastras while conducting the pujas. Q1) Why a website like poojas.in? How is it beneficial to Hindu clients? We have been offering services in the spiritual remedies space for over 15 years through the offline mode. An increasing trend in the number of problems of people across the globe, compelled us to go online. Now with our online presence, it has become easy for people who genuinely need spiritual remedies a

Mahuri Kalua Temple in Ganjam District in Odisha is dedicated to Goddess Mahurikalua. The temple is located around 15 km from Berhampur and 37 km from Ganjam. The shrine is located amidst serene surroundings. Goddess Mahuri Kalua, a manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti, was the prime deity of King of Mahuri. Mahuri Kalua Temple is established inside a cave situated atop a hill. As the shrine was inaccessible, devotees constructed a temple downhill. Now both the shrines are open to devotees.

Unakoti in Tripura is an ancient place of worship associated with Shiva in Tripura in India. The story of the place famous for huge rock cut carvings is very interesting. Unakoti story is associated with a visit of Shiva to Kashi. Unakoti means one less than a crore (ten million). Koti means crore. Legend has it that Shiva was traveling through the area along with one crore gods and goddesses. The coterie was on their way to Kashi (Benares). They decided to spend the night at the present day Unakoti. He had asked the gods and goddesses to wake up before sunrise and proceed to Kashi. But none of the gods and goddesses woke up except for Lord Shiva. An angry Shiva then cursed the gods and goddesses to become stone images. It is believed that there are 9999999 stone images and carvings in Unakoti. As Shiva had left one image is missing. Kalu Kamar and Unakoti Another story revolves around one Kalu Kamar, the famous sculptor. He was assigned the task to build a c

Yamghant Yog is considered an inauspicious time period in Hindu astrology. It occurs due to specific combinations of days of the week and certain nakshatras (lunar mansions). Activities of importance, especially auspicious ones, should be avoided during this yog. Travel and new beginnings are also not recommended. Here is the detailed list of day and nakshatra combinations that create Yamghant Yog: Sunday and Magha Nakshatra Magha is associated with royal power and leadership, but when it falls on a Sunday, it creates Yamghant Yog. Monday and Vishakha Nakshatra Vishakha is known for its forked nature and determination. However, its conjunction with Monday results in Yamghant Yog. Tuesday and Ardra Nakshatra Ardra, known for its stormy and transformative nature, forms Yamghant Yog when it coincides with Tuesday. Wednesday and Mool Nakshatra Mool, associated with roots and foundations, creates Yamghant Yog when it falls on a Wednesday. Thursday and Krittika Nakshatra Krittika, symbolize

Thursday, Guruvar or Brihaspativar, is associated with Brihaspati and Lord Vishnu. Those couple not having children finds relief after observing puja and fasting dedicated to Navgraha Brihaspati and Vishnu on Thursday. Brihaspati is also known as Guru and is a highly beneficial graha or planet as per Hindu astrology. On a Thursday, during the waxing phase of the moon, one should wash leaf of the banyan tree and make a swastika symbol using kumkum powder. A small amount of rice and an areca nut should be placed on top of it. This should be given at a nearby temple. Fasting from sunrise to sunset dedicated to Vishnu and Brihaspati on Thursday is highly meritorious. Simple puja and a yellow color naivedya or Prasad should be prepared. Wearing yellow color clothes on Thursday and donating yellow color clothes, food items or dal (lentils) on the day earns merit. Feeding a cow with two roti (chapati) along with channa and a pinch of turmeric helps in alleviating the misfortune of n

Mace of Hanuman is a symbol of authority and physical strength. It is also a symbol of destroyer of evil. It smashes and removes Adharma and ushers in Dharma. The main significance of Hanuman’s mace is that it symbolizes power, which protects Dharma. Mace is also referred to as Gada or Club. It is made using wood, stone, iron, or other metals. There is also deep symbolism in the positioning of Mace. When Hanuman stands or sits holding the mace upright in his hand above his shoulders, he is unhappy with the current situation. Adharma is being practiced. He will use the mace to set the house in order and usher in peace and prosperity. It is also a warning sign to practitioners of evil. When the mace is lowered with the tip pointing downwards, it means there is order on earth. Hanuman has defeated Adharma. When the mace is resting by the side and Hanuman is meditating on Bhagavan Sri Ram, it means there is peace and prosperity all around. Dharma is being followed.

The story of Shadgarbhas is mentioned in the Vishnu Parva of Harivamsa. They were the six sons of demon Kalanemi. They performed intense austerities and pleased Brahma who gave them the boon that they will not be killed by living beings, through curse, by demigods, or by divine beings. Hiranyakashipu who was against the gods were not pleased Shadgarbhas propitiating Brahma who was born from the navel of Vishnu. He cursed the Shadgarbhas that their father Kalanemi will kill them all. Shadgarbhas then took refuge underwater and stayed there to be born on earth. Eons later, Kalanemi was born as Kamsa. Kamsa decided to kill the children of Devaki.  Vishnu used this as an opportunity to give moksha to Shadgarbhas. He went underwater, took away the breath of life from Shadgarbhas, and handed it over to Goddess Nidra. She implanted them in progressive order in the womb of Devaki. All the six Shadgarbhas were killed on birth by Kamsa. They then attained Moksha.

Bargad Puja is observed on the Amavasya day in Jyeshta month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India . It is also known as Savitri Puja and Vat Amavasya Puja. It is observed for the long life of husband and also for peace and prosperity in the family. In 2025, Bargad Puja date is May 26. The main rituals involve tying cotton thread on Banyan tree. While tying the thread, women sing songs based on the famous Satyavan – Savitri episode in the Mahabharat. A fast is observed on the day from sunrise to sighting of moon or evening puja. During the period of Mahabharata, Savitri, lost her husband as destined, one year after her marriage, near a banyan tree. She followed Yama to the land of the dead and through determination and intelligence managed to secure back her husband's life. In memory of that event, women go around the banyan trees, tying strings to it. The puja also observed on Jyeshta Purnima day and is known as Vat Purnima. This date is more p

Sandipani Ashram is located on banks of Shipra River near the Mangalnath Temple in Ujjain. As per Purana, Lord Krishna, Balaram and Sudama (Kuchela), studied here in the Ashram of kulaguru Sandipani. Ankapata located near the ashram is believed to be the place used by Lord Krishna for washing his writing tablets. Numerals 1-100 engraved on stone found here was created by Guru Sandipani. There is also a deformed Nandi in the temple premises. The Shiva Temple located in the ashram is unique as a nag is shown crawling by the side of the lingam. The sacred tank located here is known as Gomti Kund. It is believed that Krishna summoned all holy rivers and filled the kund with their waters so that his guru need not travel to distant places on pilgrimage. It is believed that Vallabhacharya delivered a discourse under a banyan tree located in the ashram.

Material growth takes place by adding something from outside; but the growth of life is always from inside — it is a manifestation of inner potentialities. When we consider man’s growth and development, it means the real inner man coming forth and expressing himself in every dimension of his life. Only in man does activity become experience. Man must live consciously, with full awareness of what is going on around and within him. This alone will help him to gain mastery over himself. Self-control and self-awareness always go together. When we consciously control ourselves—our senses, desires, negative emotions, thoughts, etc., as a natural corollary our self-awareness will increase.  – Swami Nityasthananda Explanation: When we consider man’s growth and development, it means the real inner man coming forth and expressing himself in every dimension of his life. This concept is deeply rooted in various spiritual and philosophical traditions, including those of Hinduism. According

Story of the origin of Mrigasira Nakshatra in Hinduism is associated with Lord Shiva. A hunter was hunting in a dense forest. He climbed on a huge tree on the banks of a pond. The leaves of the tree obstructed his vision. So he plucked the leaves from the tree and threw it down. The tree, on which, the hunter climbed was a bilva tree, sacred to Shiva. The bel leaves that he threw down fell on a Shivling under the tree. When female deer came to drink water from the pond, the hunter took aim to kill it. The female deer noticed the hunter and asked him to spare her life for a few hours so that she can go home and meet her young ones for the last time. The hunter permitted the deer to got go home. He continued to sit on the tree and spend the whole night fasting. To keep himself awake he plucked bilva leaves and threw it down chanting the name of Shiva. It was a Shivratri night and unknowingly the hunter performed the Shivratri vrat. His mind was filled with mercy, kind

Simha Ganapati is one among the 32 forms of Ganesha. This form of Ganesh protects people from all forms of dangers and fears. Simha Ganapati mantra is Veenam Kalapalatamarincha Varadam dakshe vidhatte karaih! Vaame tamarasam cha ratnakalasham sanmanjareem chaabhaye!! Shundaa dandala sanmrigendra Vadanah Shankhendugowraha Shubhah! Deevyadravanibhamashuko ganapatih paayadapayatsa nah!! There are different forms of Simha Ganapati – in some forms He is depicted as riding a lion. In most images he has eight arms and holds – Vishnu chakra, vina, kalpa tree branch, pot, flowers and sword. One arm is in protecting posture and another is in blessing posture. It must be noted that some of the images of Simha Ganapati have striking resemblance to the Narasimha incarnation of Vishnu. Simha Ganapati form is worshipped at the famous Pandharpur Vitthal Temple in Maharashtra . Meditating on this form helps in attaining courage to face problems in life. He also destroys a

A collection of quotes on ego, peace, adharma from Hindu blog. The quotes are from the experience of the blog owner. For peace in life, lead a righteous life. They achieve success who try fail, try again fail again and try till they succeed. Adharma flourishes because we tolerate it. Ego creates an illusion. And the illusion destroys relationships. Ego creates a sense of invincibility. But change is a constant reality. It is only a matter of time before our ego comes crashing down. Arrogance, ignorance and lack of true knowledge open the gates of destruction. Change is a constant part of life. Trying to control our environment and stopping changes will only cause conflicts. Move away from society defined perfection. Embrace our imperfections; those might be our unique gifts and strengths. If we really want to live the life we want then stop seeking the approval of others. It takes courage to move out of the comfort zone and do something that we truly l

Adi Badri Temple is located on the Karanprayag-Ranikhet road in Chamoli District in Uttarakhand. The belief is that it was the original abode of Lord Vishnu in Badrinath form before he moved to the present Badrinath temple. A 3 feet high murti of Bhagavan Vishnu is worshipped in the temple. The shrine is around 18 km from Karanprayag. Story of Adi Badri Temple The popular belief is that Bhagavan Vishnu resided as Badrinath at Adi Badri Temple in the first three yugas – Satya, Dwapara and Tretya Yugas. In Kali Yuga, he moved to the present Badrinath Temple. Another legend has it that in future, the road from Joshimath to Badrinath Temple will be blocked by a mountain. When this will happen the murti of Vishnu will be shifted to Adi Badri again. It is also believed that Bhagavad Gita was composed by Sage Vyasa here taking direct lessons from Vishnu. There are total sixteen temples cramped into a small space (12.5 meters X 25 meters). The most important among them is

Story of Chitrangda, daughter of Vishwakarma, is found in the Vamana Purana. While once bathing with her friends in a pond, Chitrangada happened to see Prince Suratha. She fell in love with the prince and approached him in spite of the warning given by her friends. When Vishwakarma came to know about this, he cursed her that she will never be able to marry. On hear about the curse, Chitrangada fainted. Her friends tried to wake her up but they could not. They thought she was dead and went to inform others. But Chitrangada soon woke up and found no one around – her friends or her lover. Overcome by anger and sadness, she ran and jumped into Saraswati River. The river did not allow her to get drowned. It carried her and passed it on to River Gomati. The river washed her on the banks near the Ashram of Sage Rtadhvaja. Sage Rtadhvaja realized her sorry state and cursed Vishwakarma to be born as a monkey. The sage then conducted the marriage of Chitrangada and Prince Surath