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Showing posts from July, 2017


Story Gora Kumbhar And Namdev

Story Gora Kumbhar and Namdev is part of Marathi Bhakti cult. Once the potter-sant Gora Kumbhar tapped the heads of his guests with his potter’s stick. They were no ordinary guests. Sitting with a peaceful smile and submitting to the gentle tapping on their heads were Nivritti, Jnanadev, Sopan, Namdev, Muktabai and others. They were great devotees of the Lord and revered as saints even in their own lifetime. On Jnanadev’s request, Gora Kumbhar was testing them (tapping the heads) to see which of them had sound or perfect knowledge. But Namdev was strongly offended that his spiritual attainment should be put to test. Gora then humbly declared Namdev as half-baked and not established in the final truth. Namdev was the dearest devotee of Lord Vitthal of Pandharpur. He would speak with the Lord whenever he wished. His world began and ended with Vithoba. He did not recognize any other form of God. But this fanatical devotion was hindering his progress into the higher

Nelliakkattu Sree Bhadrakali Temple at Koothattukulam – Famous for treating Eye Diseases and Oushadhaseva

Nelliakkattu Sree Bhadrakali Temple is an ancient shrine dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakli and Lord Dhanwantri at Koothattukulam in Ernakulam District, Kerala. The temple is associated with the Nelliakkattu Brahmin family – famous for curing eye ailments. Oushadhaseva and Oushadha Pongala during Ramayana Masam attracts a large number of devotees to the temple. Goddess Bhadrakli is the paradevata of the Nelliakkattu family. Legend has it that Lord Dhanwantri himself appeared in the form of saint and gave the knowledge of treating eye diseases to the family. Medicines are given to people suffering from eye diseases after taking the blessings of Goddess Bhadrakli. The main deities worshipped in the temple are Goddess Bhadrakali and Lord Dhanwantri. The subsidiary deities worshipped in the temple include Ganapati, Nagas, Panchamurtis and Lord Ayyappa. Three pujas are performed daily – morning, noon and evening. The temple is located around 1.5 km west of Koothattukul

Gandhari Quotes From Mahabharata

A small collection of quotes of Queen Gandhari from the Mahabharata. One who is not in control of his senses does not keep his kingdom for long. Greed and anger drag a man away from his profits; defeating these two enemies a king conquers earth. He who desires greatness should subject his senses to Law and Profit. A man’s spirit grows when he subdues his senses, as a fire grows by burning kindling wood. When senses are not firmly ruled the lead easily to ruin, as unruly, unchecked horses lead an inept charioteer astray. Lust and anger in the body rip reason to pieces, like two big fish caught in a fine-meshed net. The king who knows how to conquer lust, anger, greed bombast and pride conquers the earth. Gandhari's advice to his son Duryodhana in the Mahabharata.

Like Our Body, The Mind Also Needs Regular Cleansing

Like our body, the mind also needs regular cleansing. Our mind gets dirty as it constantly moves through happiness, sadness, anger, frustration and many other positive and negative emotions. If the mind is not regularly cleansed, it becomes dirty and it begins to stink. The stink comes out in the form of anger, depression, and frustration. It spoils relationships, family, and life. Contemplation, long walks, cycling, meditation, bhajans, and prayers are good cleansers of the mind. Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval - Tamil Nadu Discrimination and the supreme truth that ‘I am pure consciousness’ should be used to fight jealousy, hatred, unwanted desires, ego, and anger. The mind is swayed by guilt. The feeling of guilt pulls us down. We get angry and frustrated when this happens. Emotions then overpower the mind and we do things, which we normally would not even think of doing. Firstly, we need to realize that we are not perfect, as we have not achieved self-realizat

Kanyakubja – Story of the city of hunchbacked maidens

Kanyakubja means the city of hunchbacked maidens. The story of this sad city is associated with a curse of Vayu. Kushanabh was the king of Mahodayapur. He married Ghritachi, an apsara or heavenly damsel. They had several daughters. They were as beautiful as their heavenly maiden mother. The beautiful maidens were proud of their beauty. And this pride led to their downfall. Vayu, the Hindu God of wind, approached the maidens for marriage. But they refused the proposal by saying that He was not of their standards. An angry Vayu cursed them to become hunchbacks or Kubja. From then onwards the capital city of King Kushanabh came to be known as Kanyakubja. 

Ambalpady Temple – Ambalpady Sri Mahakali Temple in Udupi – Karnataka

Ambalpady Sri Mahakali Temple is located at Ambalpady near Udupi in Karnataka. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahakali and Lord Janardhana (Lord Vishnu). The temple is located around 3 km from Udupi town. Legend has it that Goddess Mahakali appeared here to protect the devotees from Adharma. Lord Vishnu descended to help Goddess Mahakali to defeat Adharma and he now resides in the temple along with Mother Goddess. The shrine is also known as Ambalpady Mahakali Janardhana Temple. The sacred temple pond is known as Janardhana Pushkarni. The temple compound has separate shrines for Lord Janardhana and Goddess Mahakali. A devotee should first offer prayers to Goddess Mahakali. The murti of Goddess Mahakali worshipped is carved out of wood and is 6 feet tall. There is also an original stone murti of Motehr Goddess in the sanctum sanctorum. The subsidiary deities worshipped in the temple are Lord Ayyappa, Mukhyaprana Anjaneeya and Navgrahas. The Janardhana Temple i

Story Of The Birth Of Shuka - Son of Vyasa

Shuka was the son of Sage Vyasa. Story of the birth of Shuka is mentioned in the Mahabharata. Sage Vyasa was one day engaged in rubbing the sticks for making fire. When the sage was engaged in producing fire for yajna, apsara Ghritachi appeared there. He was bewitched by the beauty of the heavenly maiden. He was smitten with desire. Ghritachi then took the form of a parrot and came near the sage. Vyasa tried to control his desire but he was unsuccessful. The seed came out from this body and fell into the sticks that were being rubbed for making fire. From it was born Shuka deva or Suka.

Mauna Panchami Vrat and Puja in Shravan Month Dedicated to Snakes

Mauna Panchami is observed on the fifth day during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of moon) in the month of Shravan (July – August). Mauna Panchami 2024 date is July 25. The ritual is associated with the worship of Snake God in some regions. The day is of great importance at the Deoghar Shiva Temple – Baba Baidyanath Dham. It is observed during the famous Shravani Mela . Khir and Ghorjaur are offered to the snake gods on the day. Dry vegetables and fruits like mangoes and jackfruit are also offered to the Snake Gods or Nagas. Some people also chew neem leaves along with lemon, mango seed and pomegranate on the day. This is believed to help in removing poison from the body. Mauna, or Moun, means silence. In Sanatana Dharma, silence is given great importance. It is considered an essential quality of a seeker of Truth. Sawan or Shravan  is one of the holiest months in a traditional Hindu calendar followed in  North India . Numerous observances and rituals are

Eight Barriers To Our Progress

Truly, the greatest barriers to our progress lie not in the world outside but in our own minds. The scriptures speak of eight such bondages or anchors that bear us down. Om Nikhileshwar Mahadev Temple At  Kudacha Village, Silvassa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli They are: Hatred, Fear, Shame, Aversion, Egoism, Vanity, Pride of noble descent, and obsession with formal good conduct. Any one of them can hinder our progress. Vedanta Kesari Editorial March 2017

Story of Vaitala, Son of Shiva

Story of Vaitala, son of Shiva, is found in the Shiva Purana. The story begins with a game of dice. Shiva is defeated by Goddess Parvati in a game of dice. Unable to fathom the defeat, Shiva retires to the forest. Goddess Parvati taunts Shiva by appearing before him in the guise of a voluptuous woman. Shiva is overpowered by lust and requests to marry him. But she refuses and disappears. Shiva now roams around the forest searching for the woman. She meets an ordinary woman named Savitri and mistakes her for the voluptuous woman. He requests her to marry him. However, Savitri scolds him and curses him to be born as an ordinary man on earth. A king, an ardent devotee of Shiva, was childless. He did intense penance to have a child. Shiva blessed him with a child. He himself was born as his son. He was named Chandrashekhara. When he grew up, he got married to Goddess Taravati, who was a manifestation of Mother Goddess Parvati. They had three children. Once while Tarav

Brihaspati Puja in Shravan Month

Brihaspati Puja is a special puja and ritual performed by some Hindu communities on Thursdays in the month of Shravan in Maharashtra . In 2024, Shravan month in Marathi calendar begins on August 5 and ends on September 3. Brihaspati, known as Jupiter, is the Guru of the Devas and is also the presiding deity of Thursday. Brihaspati Puja is performed for wisdom and knowledge. Some people observe fast on all the Thursday's in a month or year to appease Brihaspati. This is usually based on horoscope – to avoid the bad effects of Brihaspati Graha. Please note that the Shravan month in North India begins on July 22 and ends on August 19. You may also like to read Brihaspativar Vrat – Thursday Fasting

Gupteshwar Mahadev Mandir at Gupteshwar in Jabalpur

Gupteshwar Mahadev Mandir is an ancient Shiva temple on the banks of Narmada River at Gupteshwar in Jabalpur. The Shivling worshipped in the temple finds mention in Puranas.  The Shivling worshipped here is also known as the Upling, or the second Shivling, worshipped by Lord Ram at Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu. The temple attracts maximum crowd during Shivratri and Shravan month. Mondays in a week is the most auspicious day here.

Sixteen Names of Ganesha for Chanting

Sixteen Important Names of Lord Ganesha, which should be remembered and chanted daily, are: Om Sumukhaya namah Om Ekadantaya namah Om Ganapataye namah Om Gajakaranakaaya namah Om Lambodaraya namah Om Vikataya namah Om Vigneshwaraya namah Om Vignarajaya namah Om Ganadhithapathaye namah Om Dhoomakethave namah Om Ganadhyakshaya namah Om Balachandraya namah Om Gajananaya namah Om Vakratundaya namah Om Soorpakarnaya namah Om Herambaya namah Chanting them daily will help in keeping the mind calm and stress free. It is also chanted for desire fulfillment and for solving problems related to career and relationship.

Vishnudharmottara Purana Quotes

A small collection of quotes from Vishnudharmottara Purana. King Vajra asks his teacher Sage Markandeya, “how can one depict in an image, the Supreme Being who is devoid of form, smell and emotion; and destitute of sound and touch?” Sage Markandeya explains, “the entire universe should be understood as the modification (vikriti) of the formless (prakriti). The worship and meditation of the Supreme is possible for an ordinary being only when the formless is endowed with a form; and that form is full of significance” “The qualities that we admire in a divine being are within us. And, when we worship the images that personify such attributes, we awaken those divine aspects latent in us. When we are filled by that grace, there is no space left for base desires and pain; we have become that deity.”

Gokulashtami Information - Importance and Date in 2024

Gokulashtami celebrates the birthday of Lord Krishna, incarnation of Lord Vishnu and one of the most widely worshipped gods in Hinduism. Gokulashtami 2024 date is August 26 in West, East and Southern parts of India. In North India it is on August 27. The festival is also known as Sri Krishna Jayanti. The Gokulashtami festival is observed on two different days in different parts of India and this is due to the different calculations in the time of the birth of Krishna in various regional calendars. In Kerala and Tamil Nadu , Gokula Ashtami date is August 26. In North India , Gokulashtami is observed on the eighth day during the waxing phase of moon (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Bhadrapada (August – September). In South India and western parts of India , the festival is observed on the eighth day after full moon in the month of Shravan (August – September). Gokulashtami is observed as Dahi Handi and Gopalkala in Maharashtra , noted for the formation of the huge human py

Where To Keep Money Plant Inside The House? – Money Plant Direction In Home As Per Vastu

Money Plant, Epipremnum aureum, is associated with Vastu in Hinduism. Even though the plant is not a native of India, people believe it helps in improving the financial situation. So, where to keep money plant inside the house? The direction in home as per Vastu is southeast. Southeast corner is the Agneya disha – the direction associated with Ganesha. The plant should never be kept in the northeast corner. If you believe in Vastu, then the plant is better kept inside the house and not outside. It can be kept in a pot or bottle. The old and yellow leaves of the plant should be removed before falling on the ground. The plant should not be pulled out and thrown. It should be only trimmed. No idea whether the plant can change financial luck of a home; but it sure can remove indoor pollutants.

How to Keep Goddess Lakshmi Idol at Home?

Today many people keep Goddess Lakshmi idol in their homes. Goddess Lakshmi idol in clay, porcelain, gold, silver and other metals are widely worshiped in Hindu homes. Here are few tips on how to keep Goddess Lakshmi idol at home in the correct way and get the blessings of Maa Laxmi. Cleanliness is must if you are bringing Goddess Lakshmi home. You cannot leave the house unclean. There should not be any junk. The house should always be neat and tidy. At a time, there should be only one murti (idol) of Goddess Lakshmi in the home. There should never be more than one form of the Goddess. The murti of Goddess Laxmi should not be kept facing other deities. Other deities should be on the sides. The backside of Goddess should not be exposed. While offering worship, we should only have darshan of the front side. Broken idol should not be worshiped. A single lamp should be lit in the morning or evening. If possible at morning and evening. Do not start an elaborate daily puja an

10 Names of Shani Bhagavan to Find Instant Relief from Shani Dosha

People who are of the belief that troubles in their life are due to Shani Grah are increasing. Such people are always on the lookout for a relief from Shani Dosh. An instant relief to Shani related horoscope problems is to chant the 10 names of Shani Bhagavan. The names should be chanted on Saturday. It should be chanted 51 times.  The 10 names are Konasth ( कोणस्थ ) Pingal ( पिंगल ) Babru ( बभ्रु ) Krishna ( कृष्ण ) Roudrantak ( रौद्रान्तक ) Yam ( यम ) Souri ( सौरि ) Shanishwara ( शनैश्चर ) Mandh ( मंद ) Pippilad ( पिप्पलाद ) The sholka containing the 10 name is कोणस्थ पिंगलो बभ्रु : कृष्णो रौद्रोन्तको यम : । सौरि : शनैश्चरो मंद : पिप्पलादेन संस्तुत : ।।  

Goddess Pranashakti – About Goddess Prana Sakti

Goddess Pranashakti in Hinduism is the primal goddess ruling the centers of physical life. She is associated with healing. Prana Shakti is the power of prana and she is a personification of prana (life force energy). There are thousands of forms of life-force energy and all this is controlled by Goddess Pranashakti. She can be as small as invisible to the eye and as big as the cosmos. Her color is the color of dawn and wears red color dress. She is ferocious and has six hands. She holds a head, trident, bow, five arrows, noose and gourd in her hands. She is depicted as standing upon a lotus in the cosmic ocean.

Why Kinnar Or Hijra Visiting Home Is Good In Hindu Religion?

Transgender, Kinnar or Hijra, visiting home is considered good or auspicious in Hindu Religion. Here are the religious reasons for this: Budh Graha is a transgender planet. Budh Grah has lot of influence on the intellect, education and fortune of a person. Kinnar, or Hijra, has the blessing of Budh. So such people visiting home brings the blessing of the Navgraha. When a transgender arrives at home, it means the people living in the home will get relief from illness, court matters and other difficulties. If you wish to have peace in the house then transgender should not be allowed to go empty-handed. They should be given money, food, cloth or anything valuable. Those people having trouble in horoscope due to the bad positioning of Budh Grah will get relief when transgender visits their home and blesses them.

Peepal Leaf Offering to Hanuman with Name of Sri Ram

Some of us might have come across peepal leaf garland on Hanuman in many Hindu temples in North India. This is an important offering and people write the name ‘Sri Ram’ on the leaves with kumkum. The garland is then put on Hanuman. Number of peepal leaves used to make the garland is 11. The leaves are first cleaned with water. Then the name of Sri Ram is written using chandan or kumkum. The leaves are woven into a garland using thread. This is then offered to Lord Hanuman. It is believed that all forms of sufferings and unhappiness will disappear from life after making the peepal leaf garland offering which has the name of Bhagavan Sri Ram.

Aadi Chevvai – Importance of Tuesday in the Tamil Month Aadi

Aadi Chevvai, or Sevvai, is the Tuesdays in the Tamil Month Aadi and it is considered highly auspicious for the worship of Goddess Shakti. The month is considered inauspicious by many Hindus as the Dakshinayana begins in this month. But the month is also of great significance to Shakti worshippers. Fridays (Aadi Velli) and Tuesdays (Aadi Chevvai) are considered highly auspicious and women in large numbers visits shrines dedicated to Amman , Durga, Parvati, Shakti and other Goddesses. In South India , Tuesday and Friday is dedicated to Shakti worship in many places. It becomes even more auspicious in Tamil Nadu during the month of Aadi. Unmarried women visit shrines of Shakti (female goddess) on Aadi Chevvai day in the month make different vows. Some women observe partial or full fast on the day. It is widely believed that worshipping of any form of Goddess Shakti in Aadi month will help unmarried women find ideal husbands or life partners. Special dishes like the

Ananthapura Temple in Kasargod in Kerala – Festival - Ananthapura Lake Temple at Kumble

Ananthapura Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is the moolasthanam (original abode) of Ananthapadmanabha, the deity of  Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple  in Thiruvananthapuram. The temple is located at Kumble in Kasargod in Kerala. The shrine is around 5 km from Kumbla on Kasargod – Mangalore National Highway 66. The annual festival in the temple is held on February 26 (Kumbha Masam 14). The main rituals on the festival day include Maha Ganapathi homam, Veda Parayanam, Bimba Shuddhi, Navakabhishekam, sopana sangeetham (ashtapathi), tulabhara seva, maha pooja, sasthavil bhajana, sree bhootha bali, vedi tharayil pooja, rajangana prasadam and mantrakshate.  The annual Pratishta festival in the temple is held on Medam 24 (usually on May 7). The murtis worshipped in the temple are not made of metal nor stone, but of a combination of about 108 materials collected from various parts of India and combined to form the murtis through a process known as Kadusharkara yogam. In the main s

Children Should Be Made To Realize That They Cannot Be Happy All The Time

There is no eternal happiness or endless cheerfulness. Children should be made to realize that they cannot be happy all the time. They need to learn to deal with other emotions. They should have better control over all emotions. Parents who always keep children in comfort zones are in reality damaging their future life. One fine day they are pushed out of the comfort zone and asked to deal with all forms of negative emotions. This is when they become depressed or go wayward. Amrithakadeshwarar Temple At Melakadambur - Tamil Nadu - India   To achieve deeper happiness we need to go through all emotions – sadness, disgust, fear, anger and frustration. We need to accept them and deal with them. For well-being throughout life, children should be allowed to face all forms of emotions. They should be made to realize that not everything is wonderful. They should be prepared to identify, understand, interpret and respond constructively to all forms of situations and emotions. Such chil

Ashtamangalyam Items in Kerala

Ashtamangalyam is a set of eight items widely found in Hindu homes in Kerala. It symbolically represents auspiciousness and prosperity. Ashta means ‘eight’ and Mangalyam means ‘that which gives happiness’. Ashtamangalyam is not the eight miniature vessels but it can be any eight auspicious items. Ashtamangalyam was earlier associated with marriage. However, today miniature set of it is kept in homes as a decorative item. Ashtamangalyam Confusion There is no one opinion regarding the eight items among scholars, pundits and priests. In reality, any eight auspicious items that are readily available can become Ashtamangalyam. However, today importance is given to objects (decorative piece) and not for the content. Again, the eight items vary depending on the auspicious occasion. The eight items are different for marriage; it is different for Vishu. Ashtamangalyam is used during Marriage Vishu Thiruvathira During Ramayana Masam (Karkidakam) All vessels

Vedagarbha

Vedagarbha is a name used to refer to Bhagavan Sri Krishna. As Vedagarbha He is the source and abode of the Vedas. The name is found in the Srimad Bhagavad Purana – second Canto.9.12. The term is also used to refer to a person who is well versed in the Vedas. The word then translates as one who has the depth of all Vedic wisdom. Lord Brahma is the one who has the depth of all Vedic wisdom. This reference is found in the third canto of Srimad Bhagavad Purana – verse 9.29. Vedagarbha is also one among the numerous names of Vaishnavi Mahamaya or Goddess Maya.

Karkidaka Masam – Karkidakam Month in Kerala

Karkidaka Masam, or Karkidakam Month, is the last month in the traditional Malayalam calendar followed in Kerala. Karkidakam 1, 2024 is on July 16. The month is also known as the Ramayana Masam – the epic Ramayan is read in the month in homes and temples. The monsoon rains are at its peak in Karkidakam month. In 2023, Karkidaka Masam begins on July 16 and ends on August 16. Karkidaka Vavu Bali a ritual dedicated to the dead ancestors and relatives is performed on the Amavasya or no moon day in the Karkidaka Masam. Thousands of people visit the seashores and riverbanks to perform the ritual. Two decades ago, Karkidaka Masam used to be one of the difficult months due to heavy rains and floods. Majority of the people depended on agriculture and this month used to be the month of scarcity. With the farm fields flooded, there used to be no work and the economy used to come to a stand still. In some places, due to the rains, it was even hard to venture outside the house. To w

Flowers Offered to Hanuman

Each deity in Hindu religion likes a particular flower. The flower offered is usually based on stories associated with the deity. Here are the flowers that are offered to Lord Hanuman while doing worship and puja. Hanuman likes yellow and red color flowers. Lotus (कमल ) Red rose (लाल गुलाब) Marigold flower (गेंदा फूल ) Sunflower  (सूर्यमुखी  Arka Flowers (अर्का ) Leaves offered to Hanuman include Arka Leaves Peepal Leaves

Why Do You Search In Vain For Happiness Outside? – Swami Chidananda

The sages, being filled with universal love for all beings, did not want to keep their enlightenment to themselves. They declared to all: “O mortals, striving and struggling upon this Earth plane, weeping, wailing, buffeted by the vicissitudes of life: we have come upon a great discovery.” “ There is something beyond these appearances, these vanishing names and forms that go to make up this universe.” “There is something beyond which is the very source and support of all these objects of the phenomenal world.” Why do you search in vain for happiness outside? Come, come, happiness resides within.” Swami Chidananda (1916-2008) president of Divine Life Society

Shoe Flower in Hinduism

Shoe flower is an important offering in Hinduism. Here are the benefits of keeping shoe flower plant as per Hindu religion. Shoe flower is associated with Goddess Bhagwati and Goddess Kali. Keeping the plant at home gets the blessing of the goddess. The flower is also associated with Lord Ganesha. Having the plant at home helps in getting relief in legal matters. The plant is also a sign of auspiciousness. The plant should be kept in the north or east side of the house.

Mesha Rashi Home – Mesha Rashi People Should Have These Things at Home for Luck

Mesha Rashi people should have following things at home to have good luck. Keeping these things at home will attract wealth and auspiciousness. Here are what Mesha Rashi people should have in their home, office or room. Red, orange or rose color curtains. Clothes, blankets and other clothe related materials should be of red, orange or rose. Photo of Hanuman or Ganesha should be part of the puja room. The Southwest corner of the house should always be kept clean. Paintings of animals should be avoided. Keep paintings or photographs of roses, shoe flower etc. Keep bamboo plant inside the house.

Why Should the Main Gate of the House Not Be in the South?

There is a belief that the main gate of the house should not be in the south. You should not be daily leaving and entering the house from the south side. Here are the reasons as to why the main gate of the house should not be on the southern side. The lord and deity of South is Yama, the Hindu god of death . Therefore it is inauspicious. The representative of the direction is Mangal, the fiery planet. Attracts negative energy Difficulties and threat to life and wealth. Constant accidents and bad luck. There will be no peace and prosperity. Gate is South Side is Good for These People Makar and Mesha Rashi (For those people in who Mangal is in Uccha Rashi) For Politicians. If it is impossible to change the south side gate? Then what? The only option is to offer prayers to Hanuman daily. Keep the image of Dakshina Mukhi Hanuman facing the gate. Related Mangal Mangalik Yog Solution and Shanti

Adoor Mahalingeshwara Temple in Kasargod in Kerala

Adoor Mahalingeshwara Temple, located at Adoor in Kasargod in Kerala, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was founded by Arjuna of Mahabharata. The temple is associated with the Kiratha Yudham – disguised Shiva as hunter taking on Arjuna and blessing him with arrows. This story is carved on the valiya bali kallu in the temple premises. Shiva is worshipped here in the form of a Shivling. The Nandi in the temple is in standing posture. The murti of Nandi is found in the namaskara mandapa. The subsidiary deities worshipped in the temple are Mahavishnu, Ganapathy, Sastha, Kinimani, Poomani, and Raktheswary. The architecture of the temple is unique – it is a three-tier temple and the temple resembles the backside of an elephant. The temple is a Mahakshetra, (big temple with all essentials) – it has a namaskara mandapa, tidappally, valiya ambalam, agrasala, pond and flag post made of copper. The walls of the ancient temple are adorned with colorful paintings o

Can Garuda Purana Be Kept at Home? – Can We Read Garud Puran At Home?

There are certain superstitions in Hinduism spread by people who have no knowledge about the religion and one such strange superstition is related to Garuda Purana. There is a belief among some Hindus that Garud Puran should not be read at home and the book should be kept in house. It should be read only when there is a death in the family. Can Garuda Purana Be Kept at Home? Yes, it can be kept at home.  Can We Read Garud Puran at home? Yes, it should be read and properly understood. Garuda Purana has two parts; The first part is dedicated to Vishnu Bhakti The second part is dedicated to the journey of the dead and the rituals that have to be performed by relatives. The advantage of reading the Garuda Purana: It gives complete information about sin and virtue The results of our activities on earth. It is a complete guide to the Hindu concept of hell and heaven. The basic knowledge required to perform Shradh and other rituals towards the dead is found in the p

Gauri Udiyar – Cave Temple near Bageshwar in Uttarakhand

Gauri udiyar is a cave temple located around 8 km from Bageshwar in Uttarakhand. This large caves shrine is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. Numerous idols of Shiva are placed in the cave measuring 20 X95 Sq Mts. The shrine attracts scores of devotees throughout the year. Special pujas are performed here during Shivratri, Shravan month and the Navratras. In Shravan month, Kanwarias visit the shrine in large numbers.

The One Is Real; The Many Are Mere Names And Forms – Ramana Maharishi

The mind turned inwards is the Self; turned outwards, it becomes the ego and all the world. Cotton made into various clothes we call by various names. Gold made into various ornaments we call by various names. But all the clothes are cotton and all the ornaments gold.   The one is real; the many are mere names and forms. Association with sages should be made because thoughts are so persistent. The sage has already overcome the mind and remains in peace. Being in his proximity helps to bring about this condition in others, otherwise there is no meaning in seeking his company. The guru provides the needed strength for this, unseen by others.  – Ramana Maharishi

Payammal Temple Timings – Directions – Contact – Payammal Shathrugna Swamy Temple Thrissur

Payammal Shathrugna Swamy Temple is dedicated to Shathrugna of the Ramayana and is located in Thrissur District, Kerala. Below is temple timings contact and directions in detail. The temple is part of Nalambalam Darshanam during the Ramayana Masam in Kerala. It is the fourth and final temple in Nalambalam pilgrimage in Karkidakam month. Payammal Temple Timings 5:30 AM to 2:30 PM 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM This the time during Ramayana Masam Regular Timing 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM Payammal Temple Directions The temple is 2 km away from Arippalam on the Irinjalakuda- Kodungalur road. Phone: 0480 3291 396 The main offerings in the temple are Sathrusamhara Pushpanjali Sudarshana Pushpanjali Sudarsana Chakram Food offering is performed daily known as Prasadam oottu.

Shivling in this Shiva Temple at Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh Moves towards the Temple Door

Vaneshwar Shiva Temple in Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a strange event for the past 50 years. The Shivling worshiped in the temple is moving towards the main temple door. Shivling in most temples in North India is located under a water pot. The Shivling here has moved nearly 2 feet away from the pot. Elders in the village of Nagaria, where the temple is located, state that earlier the Shivling was exactly below the water pot. Then there was a big drought in the region. People performed prayers here but there was no rain. The pujari of the temple got angry and hit the Shivling with an axe. The Shivling started moving from that day onwards. Villagers believe that the day the Shivling comes out of the temple door, it will signal the end of the world through deluge as mentioned in Hindu scriptures. It is said that the Shivling had reached the door of sanctum sanctorum many times and then it returned to its original position. The temple attracts a huge crowd during S

Kumaraguru – Hindu God Kumara Guru - Shiva Becomes Student of His Son

Kumaraguru is one of the names of Lord Muruga who is also known as Subrahmanya, Skanda and Kartik. Kumaraguru is two words ‘Kumar’ and ‘Guru.’ Kumar means boy and Guru means teacher. As Kumaraguru, Lord Kartik is believed to have advised Lord Shiva regarding the greatness and meaning of Pranavam or ‘OM.’ Thus Muruga who is the son of Lord Shiva took the role of Guru. Legend has it that once Lord Muruga and Lord Brahma were conversing and Lord Muruga wanted to know what all Brahma knew. Lord Brahma said that he is all knowledge and he knows everything. Lord Muruga then asked Lord Brahma how many verses were there in Rig Veda. Lord Brahma then started reciting the Rig Veda and when Brahma uttered the syllable ‘ OM ’, Lord Muruga wanted to know its meaning. Lord Brahma said that he is the meaning of ‘ OM. ’ Lord Muruga did not like this answer and he got angry and imprisoned Brahma for not properly answering his question and for belittling the Pravanam. Aft

Karka Rashi Navratri Mantra

Chanting of the Karka Rashi Navratri Mantra helps, Karka 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 ऊॅं घोररुपा नमः Another mantra is: ही हू हे हो डा डी डू डे डो ...... ॐ   ऐं क्लीं श्रीं The mantra should be chanted 21 times. You can chant both or anyone mantra. Chanting of the mantra also helps in overcoming your enemies.

Things to Remember While Installing Shivling at Home

Many Hindus have a desire to install Shivling at home but are scared if they will commit some mistake and invite wrath of Shiva. Those who have Shivling have doubts as to whether they are doing the puja and prayers properly. Here are few things to remember while installing Shivling at home. Do not bring Shivling to home if you cannot do daily puja. It should not be abandoned after the initial enthusiasm. The Shivling that is worshipped in home should be small. Less than the size of your palm. A picture of Goddess Parvati and Ganesha should be worshipped along with the Shivling. The Shivling should be kept in an open place in home. It should not be kept in a small confined area. The Shivling should be kept neat and clean after puja. All flowers and puja offerings should be removed after the puja. The Shivling should be bathed with water morning and evening. It is even better if you can have drops of water falling throughout the day on it as in temples. No Bilva leaves or

Importance of Dhoop – Sambrani – Incense fumes in Hindu Homes

Using Dhoop – Sambrani - Incense fumes is a traditional and spiritual method in Hindu homes to uplift the energy level and to drive out negative energy and negative forces. This is a very ancient tradition in Hinduism and it is also known as Dhuni. The fumes are made in traditional Hindu home using: Loban Sambrani Guggal Kapur Desi Ghee Chandan Ashta Gandh Jaggery and ghee The fumes of one of the above said materials are spread all over the house to attract auspiciousness. Doing dhuni helps avoiding Constant fights at home. If people in the house are constantly falling sick. To driving out evil forces and negative energy. Lighting kapur or camphor dipped in ghee before sleeping helps in relieving tension and in getting good sleep. Doing dhuni in the morning and evening at home helps in alleviating emotional problems. It also helps in keeping out various germs. Health of the family members

Reason For Wearing Mangalsutra in Hinduism - Symbolic Meaning of Mangalsutra In Hindu Marriage

Mangalsutra is the combination of two words ‘Mangal’ and ‘Sutra.’ Mangal means that which is auspicious and sutra here refers to Mala or chain. Mangalsutra is the most important symbol of a Hindu married woman. Mangalsutra is made using yellow thread and black pearls. The yellow thread is associated with Brihaspati Navagraha and it symbolizes auspiciousness. The black pearl helps in absorbing all forms of negative energy. A strong Brihaspati is necessary for a happy married life. Another belief is that Yellow thread represents Goddess Parvati and the black pearls represent Shiva. The belief is that Shiva protects the husband and Goddess Parvati bless the married woman with healthy children, peace and prosperity. The other beliefs are that a woman wears Mangalsutra for the long life of her husband. It protects her husband from all dangers. Mangalsutra is like a kavach (shield) it protects her from all forms of danger. Yellow thread is today replaced with gold. 

The Mind Must Be Gathered Together And Made Steady – Kanchi Paramacharya

The more we increase our wants, to that extent, there will be no peace or comfort and it will only produce poverty and sorrow. We must train our mind not to keep wandering. One way of doing it is to apply it to good activities. The mind must be gathered together and made steady. It must be accustomed to think of noble and exalted objects. Eventually, the very act of thinking will cease and we will dissolve in Ishwara to become Ishwara. – Kanchi Paramacharya

Why Hanuman is known as Balaji? – Reason and Story of the Name Balaji Hanuman

In some regions of India, Hanuman is referred to as Balaji Hanuman. Today, the term Balaji is more popularly used to refer to Lord Venkateswara worshipped in the Tirumala Tirupati Temple. But why is Hanuman known as Balaji. The reason and story of the name Balaji Hanuman is associated with the childhood of Anjaneya. Hanuman is known as Balaji because of the miracles he performed during his childhood. Devotees are addressing child Hanuman through the name – Bala ji. Balaji Hanuman is worshiped at Mehndipur in Rajasthan. It is believed that Vayu Bhagavan carried Hanuman to the lap of his mother at Mehndipur. This incident happened after child Hanuman attempted to swallow the sun and Indra hit him with his Vajra or lightning sword. The childhood of Hanuman is worshipped and celebrated in these regions as Balaji – especially in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and many other regions in North India. Balaji is also worshiped for a unique reason – for exorcising people f

Ekantin – A Sect of Sri Vaishnava School of Vedanta – Sattadu Srivaishnavas

Ekantin (also known as ekangi or ekki) refers to Sattadu Srivaishnavas. Periyatirumudi Adaivu (16 th Century) mentions that there are 12,000 ekantins in the entourage of Ramanuja, the founder of the Vishishtadvaita school of Vedanta. Kandadai Ramanuja Ayyangar, the trustee (dharma – Karattar) of the Srirangam Temple, is referred to as Sattadu Ekadi Shrivaishnava. Ekaki literally mean “one alone” or a solitary person. The Tamil Lexicon defines Ekanga as A class of Vaishnava devotees A single person one who has no family Samayachara Cirukkam of Vadikesari Venkatacharya, a part of the Sattadu Srivaishnava literature, dating from Kandadai Ramanuja Ayyangar’s time, defines Ekangin (ekantin) as a vanaprastha, he has a wife, wears a saffron upper garment, a white lower garment, may or may not wear the thread and the tuft and is engage in nothing but service to the temple. The Ekangis have their own Sri Vaishnava mata which is known as Paravastu Matha, whose head

A Life Devoid Of Prejudice And Judgments

Many things are wrong in this world. Many things are right in this world. Many things are wrong to us but the same things are right to someone else. So this whole idea of right and wrong is in the mind of the person. It is not universal. It changes from person to person, from place to place, and from community to community. This means that we need not spend our energy on proving ourselves right and others wrong. As long as we live in society, we will have to live with the opposites. Good – bad, beauty – ugly, moral – immoral, evil – good, being – nonbeing, real – unreal, secure – insecure, virtue – sin … So, how to escape from the trap of duality? Duality is the result of believing unreal to be real. We are always attached and passionate about something that is unreal; something that has nothing to do with our true self. The best option to avoid the trap is not to be attached to any concept. Next, stop judging. It is okay to have an opinion but do not impose it. Be fle

Toli Ekadasi at Palanka Kshetra in Andhra Pradesh

Palanka Kshetra is a temple dedicated to Lord Veerabhadra Swamy and Goddess Bhadrakali in the dense Nallamala forests on the border of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Special pujas and rituals are observed on the Toli Ekadasi day (July 17, 2024). The temple is located around 45 km from Yerragondapalem in Prakasam District in Andhra Pradesh. The shrine attracts devotees from Guntur, Prakasam, Kurnool, Mahabubnagar districts. Chenchu tribes reside in the region and it is only with their help can the devotees reach the temple safely. The temple is located under a protruding rock (Pedda Konda) on the banks of Krishna River. The temple was constructed during the reign of Sri Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara. He built this temple after defeating the Gajapati kings. Devotees offer prayers in the temple after taking a holy dip in the Palanka Kunta, which joins the river Krishna downstream. Thousands of devotees undertake the annual pilgrimage braving the tough terrain. It is