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 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

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. 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 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 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

Shuka, also known as Shuka Deva or Suka, was the revered son of Sage Vyasa, a central figure in many Hindu scriptures. The story of Shuka's birth is a fascinating tale of divine intervention and the overpowering allure of celestial beauty, as mentioned in the Mahabharata. The Ascetic's Endeavor One day, Sage Vyasa was deeply engrossed in a sacred task. He was rubbing sticks together to produce fire, a vital part of the rituals and yajnas he often performed. This act, symbolic of spiritual discipline and dedication, required intense concentration and control. The Celestial Interruption As Vyasa continued his efforts, a heavenly apsara named Ghritachi appeared before him. Apsaras, known for their enchanting beauty and grace, often played roles in testing the resolve of sages and gods alike. Ghritachi was no exception. Her ethereal beauty and charm bewitched Sage Vyasa, striking him with a sudden, intense desire. The Transformation and Temptation To further captivate the sage, Gh

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 2025 date is July 15. 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

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. Hatred Explanation : Hatred involves intense dislike or ill will towards others. It can stem from past grievances, envy, or deep-seated prejudices. Impact : It clouds judgment, fosters negativity, and prevents constructive interactions. This emotional burden can lead to conflicts, disrupt relationships, and inhibit personal and collective growth. Fear Explanation : Fear is an emotional response to perceived threats or danger, whether real or imagined. Impact : It can paralyze decision-making, stifle innovation, and prevent us from taking necessary ris

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 is a special puja and ritual performed by some Hindu communities on Thursdays in the month of Shravan in Maharashtra . In 2025, Shravan month in Marathi calendar begins on July 25 and ends on August 23. 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 11 and ends on August 9. Benefits Of Brihaspati Puja In Hindu Religion Brihaspati Puja, also known as Guru Puja or Jupiter Puja, is a significant ritual in Hinduism dedicated to Brihaspati (Jupiter), the Guru of the gods and one of the Navagrahas (nine major planets). This puja is performed to seek the blessings of Brihaspati for wisdom, knowledge, prosperity, and

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 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. Benefits Of Chanting Sixteen Names Of Ganesha Daily Chanting the sixteen names of Ganesha daily is a spiritual practice that holds significant benefits for devotees. Each name of Ganesha has a unique meaning and is believed to bestow specific blessings upon the chanter. Here are some of the potential benefits: Removal of Obstacles : Ganesha is widely revere

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.” Explanation: The Vishnudharmottara Purana is a revered ancient text in Hinduism, and it contains valuable insights into the philosophical and devotional practices within the tradition. O

Gokulashtami celebrates the birthday of Lord Krishna, incarnation of Lord Vishnu and one of the most widely worshipped gods in Hinduism. Gokulashtami 2025 date is August 15 in West, East and Southern parts of India. In North India it is on August 16. 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 September 14. 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

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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, 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 is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is the moolasthanam (original abode) of Ananthapadmanabha, the deity of  SreePadmanabhaswamy 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 sa

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 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 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, 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 2024, 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

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

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 Explanation: "There is something beyond these appearances, these vanishing names and forms that go to make up this universe. The world as we see it, with all its diverse phenomena and fleeting entities, is but a transient reflection of a deeper, underlying reality. Each name and form we encounter is a mere tem

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. Significance Of Shoe Flower In Hinduism The shoe flower, also known as hibiscus, holds profound significance in Hinduism, particularly in relation to various deities and its symbolic meanings. Here's an expanded view on its importance and associations: Association with Deities Goddess Bhagwati and Goddess Kali Symbol of Devotion : The shoe flower is closely associated with Goddess Bhagwati and Goddess Kali. It is a preferred offering in their worship, symbolizing devotion and reverence. Divine Blessin

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.

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, 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

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

Uttarakhand, known for its spiritual and natural beauty, is home to several renowned cave temples. These temples are not only significant for their religious importance but also for their historical and architectural value.  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. Here are some of the popular cave temples in Uttarakhand: Patal Bhuvaneshwar Cave Temple : Location : Pithoragarh district Description : This ancient cave temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be as old as the Earth itself. The cave is 160 meters long and 90 feet deep and contains intricate limestone rock formations that resemble

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 Explanation: "The One Is Real; The Many Are Mere Names And Forms" is a profound statement by the Indian sage Ramana Maharishi that captures the essence of his teachings on non-duality and the nature of reality. Let's break down the meaning and modern significance of this statement. Meaning: The One Is R