Rules for the number of strokes of bells in Hindu temples and homes are well established. In Hinduism, one stroke of bell indicates moksha or salvation. Two strokes suggest enjoyment. Three strokes suggest achievement of desires. When incense is offered, lamps are waved, and food is offered, there must be two strokes. If lamp alone is waved there must be only one stroke. Three strokes are required during the propitiation of gods and goddesses. 

Onam Pookalam 2015 photos published in various newspapers and other websites – first and second prize winners. Talk about Onam in Kerala and one of the first images that come to mind is that of the flower bed or floral (designs) arrangements known as Pookalam or Athapookalam. Onam Pookalam 2015 designs are given below. The traditional Onapookalam usually consists of ten rings indicating the ten day ritual during the ten day celebrations of Onam which begins on Atham and ends on Thiru Onam in the month of Chingam (August – September).  These above images are from an Athapookalam competition held in Kerala 2015. The first three were prize winners. Related Onam Pookalam 2014

In spite of hard work quiet often we are not able to get the desired job. Success eludes us in job interview due to bad luck. As per Hinduism, offer prayers to Ganesha while preparing for the interview and while going to give a test or interview. Break a coconut before Ganesha and take his blessings before any important event in life. Ganesha provides intelligence, awareness, consciousness and luck. He has control over all the navagrahas as he is a combined form of all grahas. Therefore, any trouble related to bad positioning of planets or grahas in horoscope will be removed. He also alleviates bad luck and negative energy. When Ganesha is worshipped, you get the blessing of all deities. Above all, he is Vigneshwara, the one who removes all forms of difficulties. Therefore, for success in interview and jobs one should offer prayers to Ganesha. Prayers and Offerings to Ganesha for Success in Job Interview Offer sweet made of moong dal like Moong ladoo to Ganesha

A broom is a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi in Hindu Tradition. Goddess Lakshmi is associated with cleanliness. It is believed that she resides only in places that are neat and clean. Dirty places invite Alakshmi who brings trouble, insecurity, debt, anger and creates financial loss. Dos and don'ts while using broom in Hindu home is given below in detail Symbolically the broom is also used to clear ego, greed, avarice, and anger from the mind. When ego, greed, and anger are kept out, a man prospers. The popular belief is that Brooms should be kept in a place not frequented by people. It should be taken out only for cleaning. It is also considered inauspicious to stamp on a broom. It is believed that the broom removes dirt, which is the home of Alakshmi, who ushers in poverty. Broom has the power to remove all forms of negative energy from a house. Dos and don'ts while using a broom in Hindu home: One should not stamp on the broom. Broom should not be kep

Many people have strange and confused ideas about liberation (moksha). They tend to believe that moksha is some kind of ticket for a journey from a particular place (the material world) to another particular place (the spiritual world), that can be won in a lottery, purchased or received as a gift, or through bribery. This idea mostly comes from the abrahamic concept of salvation, a word that is sometimes incorrectly used to translate the Sanskrit term ‘moksha’, in which allegiance to a particular religious affiliation gives the immediate and automatic right to go to heaven even to the most unevolved and gross materialist. But such an idea is very foolish, and those who entertain it are in the terrible danger of wasting the valuable opportunity of the human birth, because they will refuse to make any effort in personal development, believing that they are already ‘saved.’ The true facts are very different. As Bhagavad Gita (8.6) clearly explains, at the time of death we will

Chanting of the Dhanu Rashi Navratri Mantra helps, Dhanu 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 सर्वसिद्धि नमः The mantra should be chanted 21 times. Chanting of the mantra also helps in overcoming your enemies.

As per Vastu Shastra, the position of the dining room in a Hindu home should be near the kitchen. The dining room should be in the north or west side of the house. Other Important Tips On Dining Room Position: The face of the person eating food in the dining room should not face south. Dining table should therefore be arranged in such a manner. Earlier Hindus used to eat sitting on the ground. The concept of dining table is not associated with Hindu culture. Sitting on the ground in padmasana is considered good for health. Plates, dishes, cups and other small utensils should be kept on the northeast side of the dining room. Big vessels should be kept in the south or east side. Neat and clean plates should be used to eat food. Plates and other utensils that are broken, or have scratch, should not be used to eat food. One should avoid talking while eating food. Negative talks and intense arguments should not take place while eating food. Food should not be wasted and one sh

Om Namo Narayanaya -  ॐ   नमो   नारायणाय -  is the Ashtakashar ( अष्टाक्षर ) mantra dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the greatness, glory and benefits of chanting the mantra is found in the Narasimha Purana.  The mantra "Om Namo Narayanaya" is a powerful and revered chant dedicated to Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Chanting this mantra is believed to bestow numerous spiritual, mental, and physical benefits. Here are some of the key aspects of its greatness and the benefits it offers: Greatness of "Om Namo Narayanaya" Divine Invocation : The mantra invokes the divine presence of Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe, who embodies righteousness, mercy, and eternal truth. Ancient Wisdom : Rooted in the Vedas, this mantra carries the essence of ancient spiritual wisdom and has been chanted by sages and devotees for millennia. Cosmic Connection : "Om" is considered the primordial sound of the universe, representing the

Enathur is located around 4 km from Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. This small town is famous for the SCSVMV University (Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya). The 120-feet statue of Adi Shankaracharya is located inside the University. This is the biggest statue of Adi Shankara in the world. The statue of Adi Shankaracharya is located in front of the International Library in the SCSVMV University. The library is famous for palm-leaf manuscripts and rare manuscripts from various parts of India. You can take a virtual tour of the 120-feet Statue of AdiShankara here at the official website of the university. 

Once upon a time conceit entered into the heart of Narada and he thought there was no greater devotee than himself. Reading his heart, the Lord said, “Narada go to such and such a place; there is a great Bhakta; cultivate his acquaintance; he is my true devotee. Narada went and found a peasant who rose early in the morning, spoke the name of Hari (god) once, and taking his plough went out and tilled the ground the whole day. At night before going to bed he uttered the name of Hari once more. Narada said to himself” “How can this rustic be a lover of God? I see him busy in worldly duties and no sign of a pious man about him.” So the sage went back to the Lord and told Him what he thought of his new acquaintance. But the Lord said, “Narada, take this cup of oil and go round the city and come back with it, but take care that you do not spill a single drop of it.” Narada did as he was told, and on his return, he was asked by the Lord how many times he had remembered Him in

Gaja Lakshmi form of Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for attaining wealth and prosperity. There is a popular belief that chanting the mantra for 16 days will help in alleviating poverty. This Gaja Lakshmi mantra should be chanted for 16 days in the morning and evening. Gaja Lakshmi Mantra ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं गजलक्ष्म्यै नमः॥ Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Gajalakshmaye Namah Rules of Chanting the Gaja Lakshmi Mantra  The mantra should be chanted for 16 days. House should be kept neat and clean. All junks should be removed from the house. A painting or photo of Gaja Lakshmi should be installed in the puja room. On one of the 16-days, you should donate food - perform Annadanam. A sapling of a fruit bearing tree should be planted and taken care of. During any four days of the 16-day chanting, prasad using wheat should be prepared. Related Goddess Lakshmi Food Offering - Which Food Should Be Offered to Goddess Lakshmi as Bhog or Prasad?

Goddess Vanashankari is an incarnation of Mother Goddess Shakti. It is in this form she nourishes all living beings. She is popularly worshiped in the northern districts of Karnataka and southern parts of Maharashtra. She is essentially a forest Goddess. In the Devi Mahatmya, it is mentioned that Goddess Shakti appeared as Vanashankari after a period of hundred years of drought. All the plants had died and there was nothing to eat. Vanashankari brought forth from her body fruits, flowers, vegetables and herbs to suffice the hunger of the people. The form of Vanashankari is described in detail in Durga Saptashati. Vanasankari is blue in color. Her eyes are like lotus flower. She is depicted with numerous arms – one arm is shown as carrying a lotus with bees circling it. The other hands carry bow, arrows, flowers, roots, and vegetables. Her vehicle is a lion. The most popular festival dedicated to Goddess Vanashankari is held from Paush Shukla Paksha Ashtami to Paush Purnim

Vaikunta Perumal Temple is located near the world famous Kailashnatha Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple has three tiers. The second tier is open only twice in a month during the Ekadasi tithi (11 th day during the fortnight) and the third tier is only open on the Vaikunta Ekadasi (December – January – the Ekadasi during the waxing phase of moon in Tamil Margazhi month.) The temple is one among the 108 Divya Deshams and is also known as Thiru Parameswara Vinnagaram. Lord Vishnu is worshipped here as Vaikunthanathan or Sri Paramapadanathan and Mother Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped as Vaikunthavalli. Believed to be the first of the Divya Desam temples in Kanchipuram. Vishnu in Standing – Sitting and Reclining Posture The first tier of the shrine is open on all days. The sanctum sanctorum here houses a standing murti of Lord Vishnu The second tier, which is open only on Ekadasi, houses the murti of Vishnu in sitting posture

The love of Radha and Krishna is symbolic of the eternal love affair between the devoted mortal and the Divine…Radha’s yearning for union with her beloved Krishna is the soul’s longing for spiritual awakening. Every human being is constantly seeking a share of peace and happiness, and since one does not know the real source of these, one seeks them in the midst of sense objects. But when, in devotion, one comes to turn one’s entire attention towards the higher and the nobler, one experiences the Immortal, the Infinite – as intimately as one experienced the world and its changes before. Sri Krishna says in the Bhagavata Purana: “ The mind that constantly contemplates the sense objects irresistibly comes to revel in their finite joys, and the mind that learns to constantly remember Me comes to dissolve into Me and revel in Me. ” Radha represents this state of devotion and consequent merging with the Lord. Swami Chinmayananda

It cannot be reached by the organs of knowledge, neither by the organs of action, nor by mind; it cannot be controlled by anything; it is not seen; it is not intellectually ascertained; it is not indicated by any word. He is the hearer, thinker, seer, speaker and knower. He is the in-dweller of all the beings.’ – that is the Supreme Truth. Rishi Vamadeva - that in his mother’s womb itself he came to know the Truth, the Reality, by overcoming the iron citadels which were as though guarding him but obstructing him; he released himself by transcending these matter envelopments like an eagle. It was thus, he became the all-knowing and immortal. The Aitareya Upanishad starts by saying that in the beginning nothing existed except the Atman, and it finally makes the statement that nothing here exists without Brahman the pure Consciousness. Thus it is Brahman which existed before creation and which supports and sustains the created universe and continues to exist when the universe is w

Raudreya is one among the numerous names of Lord Hanuman. There are numerous stories in Hindu tradition, which narrates the birth of Hanuman. Some stories are of the view that Hanuman is son of Shiva, some claim he is an avatar or incarnation of Shiva, some say he is amsha or manifestation of Shiva. Raudreya is used to refer to Hanuman when his birth is associated with Shiva. Legend has it that Vishnu took the form of Mohini to distribute the Amrut, or elixir of life, that the Devas and Asuras received after the Samudra Manthan or Churning of ocean. Asuras and Devas started a fight over who will have the Amrut first. Mohini appeared to distribute the Amrut peacefully. Shiva who happened to know about the beauty of Mohini wanted to see it. Shiva was enamoured by the beauty of Mohini. Scintillating nature and the beauty of Mohini made Shiva spill his semen. The semen spilled was collected by Rishis in a leaf and deposited in the womb of Anjana – who was meditating on Shiva fo

Bilva Tree is highly auspicious and it is associated with Lord Shiva. The holy tree is worshipped by Shiva devotees. If you are looking for means for desire fulfillment, then there is a secret worship involving Bilva Tree and Shivling. On Monday , a devotee should place a black Shivling made of stone under a Bilva Tree and then offer prayers to Shiva. The devotee should then chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ 108 times. He should then offer water to the Shivling. The Shivling should then be taken home. The puja should be performed for 7 consecutive Mondays. On the final Monday, after puja, the Shivling should be dropped in a river or pond. The devotee should then plant a sapling (small tree) and take care of it. Fruit bearing tree like mango, pomegranate, awala or neem is highly auspicious. Related How many Shivling can be worshipped in home?

Almost all the temples in Kerala have a pond. These ponds never dry and were perennial source of water. Our ancestors were capable of detecting the right water channels below earth. Here are some interesting temples ponds in Kerala. There was a temple pond in Kerala built by Perumthachan – to a person viewing the pond appeared in different shape from each corner. Temple ponds were meant for devotees to take bath, wash their face, hands and feet. Devotees entered the temple only after washing their hands and feet. Each temple pond has a belief and history attached to it. Some temple ponds like the one at Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Swamy Temple is attached to the temple that it gives a great view to the temple from a distance. The temple pond in Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is known as Bhasma Kulam. The temple pond of the famous Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Trivandrum is known as Padmatheertham. The pond at Cherthala Thiruvizha Mahadeva Temple is known as Thavala Chelakul

A rat, referred as Mooshika or Moonjoor, is the Vahana or vehicle of Lord Ganesha. Each deity in the Hindu pantheon as a Vahanam and it carries a symbolic meaning . When a person thinks logically, it is impossible for a mouse to carry Lord Ganesha. But Hinduism depicts a mouse as the vehicle of Lord Ganesha. The mouse is a symbol and contains a hidden truth. The mouse is a symbol of greed – mice have the tendency to eat whatever it sees, it also has the habit of biting anything and making it not usable. Lord Ganesha controls this aspect in one’s character. Thus the symbolism of mouse as vehicle of Ganesha teaches us that we should only bite into what we need to suffice our hunger. We should not destroy food. Again we should not go around peeping into other people’s life. Simply going around and passing comments and creating confusion is not a good habit. This habit of human beings is like that of the rat which simply bites on anything that it sees. Another s

Goddess Kali is the fierce form of Mother Goddess. She is violent and brutal but at the same time she blesses and protects her devotees. Which Food Should Be Offered to Goddess Kali as Bhog or Prasad for her constant blessing? Each Hindu God and Goddesses like a particular kind of food. Devotees offer that particular food as Bhog, or Prasad, to get the blessing of the deity.   The food offering to Goddess Kali should be prepared using rice. She also accepts red color foods. Kheer made using rice, sabzi (made of vegetables) and rice and red color sweets are her favorite. Sabzi made using melon is her favorite. Making garland of lemon is her favorite. The best day to make the food offering to Goddess Durga is Amavasya (no moon day), Tuesday, Friday or Saturday. The food should be offered during morning or evening puja and should be taken back when the puja is completed. It should be then distributed as Prasad among family members, relatives, friends, and neighbors. It is be

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple at Karol Bagh in New Delhi is a shrine dedicated to the Narasimha Avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple is managed by the famous Ahobila Math. The shrine is located on the Guru Ravidas Marg in Karol Bagh. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple has a beautiful murti of Lakshmi Narasimha. The small temple complex has a separate shrine dedicated to Ashta Lakshmi – it is found in the prakara of the temple complex. There is also a separate small shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The other deities worshipped in the temple are Sudarshan Chakra, Garuda and Hanuman. The small beautiful temple is a replica of the South Indian Temple architectural style. The area is dominated by South Indians.

By making clay Ganesh idols for Vinayaka Chaturthi, or Ganesha Puja, at home with one’s own hand we are giving form to the formless Brahman. It does not matter if the Ganapati idols are crude or not beautiful. This form of devotion is unparalleled and there is not substitute to it. Here are few Videos on how to make Ganesha idols at home. Making Ganesh Idol Using Only Clay with Hand Making Ganesha Idol Using Mould Making of Clay Ganesh Idols by Potters Making Ganesh Idols From Paper Mache You may also like to read How to make Ganesh Idols at home? (Text)

River Mandakini is mentioned in Hindu Scriptures like the Puranas and the epics. The Puranas refer to it as rivulet flowing in the divine abode of Kubera – the God of wealth. The waters of it help in curing various diseases and it is associated with pleasure. Mandakini Rivulet is filled with lotuses. It is believed that beautiful women in the waters of the rivulet to keep their beauty intact.

Those students that are undertaking final exams, interviews and other competitive examinations should chant this mantra to achieve success. This particular secret Hindu mantra is sure to help you in attaining success. Success Mantra for Students: रामाय रामभद्राय रामचंद्राय वेधसे रघुनाथाय नाथाय सीताया : पतये नम : Ramaya Rambhadraya Ramachandraya Vedase Raghunathaya Nathaya Sitaya Pataye Namah How and when to chant the mantra? The mantra should be chanted just before sunrise early in the morning and just after sunset. Take bath before chanting the mantra. The mantra should be chanted 3 times. Meditate on Bhagavan Sri Ram and Mata Sita for five minutes after chanting the mantra. No alcohol and other intoxicating things like cigarettes etc should be completely avoided. Benefits of the mantra This mantra helps in improving the concentration. It brings luck. It improves memory power. Sharpens the intellect. Removes all negative energies and ushers in

Archavatara refers to the consecrated image or idol (murti or vigraham) that is worshipped in a temple. This concept holds significant importance in Hinduism, particularly in the worship of Bhagavan Vishnu. Archavatara is one of the five forms through which Bhagavan Srihari Vishnu is believed to manifest himself. These five forms are: Para : The highest and most supreme form of Vishnu, representing his transcendental and formless nature. Vyuha : The emanation form, where Vishnu manifests in different cosmic functions. Vibhava Avatara : The manifestation form, where Vishnu takes various avatars like Rama and Krishna. Antaryamin : The inner controller, where Vishnu resides in the hearts of all beings. Archavatara : The form worshipped in temples through murtis or idols. Meaning and Significance Manifestation in the Mundane World : Archavatara signifies Vishnu’s presence in the physical world, making himself accessible to devotees. Through the consecrated images, Vishnu is believed to

Sanatana Dharma believes in peaceful coexistence of all living beings. It teaches us to prosper and flourish by helping each other. There is a popular saying in Hindu scriptures  ' कर भला हो भला ’ – do good and reap good. This is the reason why many prayers in Hinduism not just focus on individual prosperity but the good of the entire universe. If you are looking for prosperity in life, then chant this prayer as it asks almighty for the good of all living beings. Bhagavan can never ignore such a prayer. The Prayer: सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिन : सर्वे संतु निरामया : । सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यंतु मा कश्चिद् दु : ख भाग्भवेत्।। Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah Sarve Santu Nir-Aamayaah | Sarve Bhadraanni Pashyantu Maa Kashcid-Duhkha-Bhaag-Bhavet | Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih || Meaning: Om , May All become Happy. May All be Free from Illness. May All See what is Auspicious May no one Suffer due to Bad Luck, Fear and Poverty. Om Peace, Peace, Peace. The prayer also

An Archaka is a priest responsible for performing ritual services in a Hindu temple. The term "Archaka" is widely used in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where it is commonly associated with temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The role of an Archaka is crucial in maintaining the sanctity and continuity of the worship practices as prescribed in the Vaishnava Agamas, the ancient scriptures that outline the rituals and ceremonies specific to the worship of Lord Vishnu. The ritual services performed by an Archaka include a variety of intricate and sacred activities. These services often begin with the ceremonial bathing of the deity, known as Abhishekam, which involves pouring sacred substances such as milk, yogurt, honey, and water over the idol. This act is believed to purify and energize the deity. Following the bathing, the deity is adorned with fresh flowers, garments, and jewelry, reflecting the tradition of Alankara, or decoration, which signifies respect and dev

On each day of a week, you can cook a particular food item to get peace and prosperity in life. Cooking these foods means you are invoking the deity of the day and seeking his blessings. Monday – White color food like kheer or any item made using milk. Tuesday – Red color food – especially made of masoor dal or beetroot or rajma. Wednesday – Green color food – plenty of options… any green leaf curry. Thursday – Yellow color food – Chana dal ki curry (chickpea) or any preparation using besan (chickpea flour). Friday – Food made using brown or white rice or chashni (sugar syrup) Saturday – Urad dal (black gram) or preparation made using sesame oil (Til ka tel) Sunday – Food made using Rajma (red kidney beans) or Sooji or Rawa. You can also cook orange color food on the day.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Indreshwar Temple is a beautifully carved stone temple at Indore in Madhya Pradesh. It is located on the ‘sangam’ (confluence) of Khan and Saraswati rivers in Juni Indore. The city of Indore derived its name from this ancient temple. The shrine was constructed by the Holkars and it is associated with luck and prosperity. The deity is also known as Sangamnath. Shiva is worshipped here in the form of a Shivling. Indreshwar Mahadev is one who is the ruler of Indriyas or the senses.

As per Yoga and Samkhya there are five upavayu, or subordinate airs, in the human body. Vayu means air. The five upavayus are naga, korma, krikara or krukala, davadatta and dhananjaya. They are located in bones, skin, face, throat etc. The functions of Upavayu are mentioned in Trishikha Brahmana Upanishad (86-87); Yoga Yajnavalkya (Chapter IV 64-72) and in Vedantasara. Greatness Of Hinduism - Hampi Functions of Upavayu Naga Vayu – responsible for vomiting, spitting and emitting. Korma Vayu – Winking, opening and closure of the eyelids. Krikara or Krukala Vayu – responsible for sneezing. Devadatta – responsible for yawning and sleep. Dhananjaya – keeps tissues, skin and body parts in good condition and good appearance. This Vayu keeps the face fresh for a while, even after one’s demise. Concept of Prana or Vital Air in Hinduism As per Hindu scriptures, the life activity of a human being us derived from prana (vital air). The functions of a living organism de

Goddess Annapurna is that form of Mother Goddess Shakti (Parvati) which nourishes all living beings in the universe. Without her blessing no living being can survive. Here is a popular Goddess Annapurna Mantra that should be chanted daily before cooking. The mantra: ह्रीं नम : भगवति माहेश्वरि अन्नपूर्णे स्वाहा ।। Hrim Namah: Bhagawati Maheshwari Annapurna Swaha How to chant the mantra? The mantra should be chanted 5 times before beginning the cooking in a day. Chanting this mantra helps in keeping the Navgrahas happy. The person chanting the mantra with devotion will be blessed with food, wealth, fame, and happiness. Luck of the person changes once the mantra is chanted. Whenever possible do food donation this brings in the blessing of Maa Annapurna.

Sphatik Mala is a Japa Mala counter made using crystal, glass or pearls. Sphatik mala in Hinduism is associated with peace, beauty and auspiciousness. Below are the rules and benefits of Sphatik Mala: Sphatik Mala Benefits Very good for married women and men as chanting mantras dedicated to Chandra and Shiva using the mala helps in having a happy and peaceful married life. For getting good life partner. Unmarried men and women can get good spouse by chanting mantras with the Sphatik mala. Those facing trouble in romantic life get relief after using the mala to chant mantras. Helps in alleviating all forms of difficulties. It is ideal for changing luck. Good in overcoming emotional problems, depression etc. Those facing trouble in horoscope due to bad positioning of Chandra and Shukra can get relief by chanting mantras using the mala. For an incident free longlife.  Sphatik Mala Rules The mala should have 108 beads. All beads should be of same size. It should

Ketu Mahadasha is considered a very bad phase in a person’s horoscope and it is a period of seven years. The person suffers from various types of problems during the period. Ketu is one among the Navagrahas. Here are some important solutions and remedies to Ketu Mahadasha: Offer prayers to Nagas (serpents) on Sundays and on Ayilyam or Ashlesha Nakshatra day. Offer milk and scent in Naga temples. Eat one meal in a day in the itchen. Donate black til (sesame) to temples or distribute sweets or other food items made of black sesame. Feed dogs, especially black color dogs. Food donation or annadanam is considered highly beneficial. Offer water to peepal tree. Planting trees and protecting them helps in overcoming all Ketu Navagraha related problems. Do not eat non-vegetarian food and drink alcohol on Saturday. Worship Shiva daily in the morning and evening. Chant ‘om namah shivaya’ 21 times daily.

Biranchi Narayan Temple at Buguda in Odisha is dedicated to Bhagavan, the sun god in Hinduism. The shrine is located around 30 km from Aska and around 70 km from Berhampur. Biranchi Narayan Temple at Buguda is made out of wood and is sometimes referred as the Wooden Konark. A historical report states that the murti in the temple was found by a cattle herder, who accidentally struck his foot against the murti, which was buried, underground. People of the area unearthed the life-size image and installed it at the Buguda temple in the 18th century. There is a belief that the murti is the lost murti of Konark’s Sun Temple. Apart from the five-foot main murti, the temple has two small replicas of the main murti made from copper and wood. The main murti of Biranchi Narayan is in standing posture with a crown and a scabbard. The murti is dressed elaborately and holds lotuses. Built around 200 years ago, the temple is in the shape of a chariot driven by seven horses. The temple r

Ashta Matrika means the Eight Mother Goddess and is a concept that is believed to have expanded out of Sapta Matrikas. The concept of seven mothers, or sapta matrikas, became popular during the seventh-eighth century AD especially in the eastern parts of present day India. The Sapta Matrikas are Brahmani, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Indrani, Varahi, and Chamunda. (This is the usual list but sometimes it changes depending on the region or the tantric text). When the name of Goddess Bhairavi is added to the above list, then we have the Ashta Matrika. As per the Ashta Matrika concept, the seven mothers, or Sapta Matrikas, appeared to nurse and take care of Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva. Bhairavi, the fierce form of Shakti, was added to the seven mothers to match the appearance of Shiva as Urdhvalinga Bhairavas. The Ashta Matrikas are also known as Yoginis. The number eight is of great significance as Mother Goddess in Tantric cult appears in the multiples of eight.

Nagampoozhi Mana is an important center of Snake worship in Kottayam District in Kerala and it is located near Vaikom. Nagampoozhy Mana is around 1 km from Vaikom Mahadeva Temple on the road to Udayanapuram. Naga deities worshipped here are Nagaraja and Nagayakshi. The murtis face east and they are found on the corridors of Nagambozhi Mana. ‘Mana’ is the term used to refer to the traditional home of Brahmins in Kerala. A unique feature of the temple is that important pujas in the shrine are conducted by women; just like the famous Mannarshala Temple in Alleppy District in Kerala. Oil from the lamp lit in the shrine helps in curing skin diseases. The oil is given to devotees by the oldest woman member of Nagampoozhi Mana. The temple is located between the famous Vaikom Mahadeva Temple and Udayanapuram Subrahmanya Swami Temple.

The ever-dancing mind of humans – probably his best friend and worse still the worst enemy – is pictured as the poisoned waters and the ever-changing desires (that has the negative qualities of poisoning the mind) are presented by Kaliya himself. Mental worries, mental imbalances, delusions and anxieties, generally represented by coiled serpentine figures; choke the mind and the powers of rational thinking.   However, the celestial dance of Sri Krishna on the head of the subdued Kaliya symbolizes the overcoming of desires. Just as the divine appearance of Lord Shiva with snakes around His neck exemplifying the control of His ascetic mind over His senses and desires. The many heads of Kaliya is said to representing the multi-faceted ego of humans and the majestic victory dance of Sri Krishna represents the beatings that one receives on the ego, time and again, to ground and bring him closer to the Almighty. Source – Sapthagiri Magazine August 2017 published by Tirumala Ti

The twelve important Hindu temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva are those with the Jyotirlinga or Jyotirlinga. These 12 temples are known as Dwadash Jyotirlinga or Jyotirlinga. The twelve temples attract millions of Hindu devotees and the most important common festival observed in these temples is the Maha Shivaratri or Shivratri. Jyotirlinga means ‘the linga of light’ – the Shivalinga is in the symbolic form of a stone tinctured with a cycle of light. There are numerous legends associated with the origin of Jyotirlinga. It is believed that Lord Shiva for the first time appeared in the form of Jyotirlinga. The twelve temples with Jyotirlinga in India are: Somnath Temple at Saurashtra in Gujarat . Mallikarjun Temple in Srisailam, or Shrishailam, in Andhra Pradesh. Mahakal Temple , or Mahakaleshwar, in Ujjain Madhya Pradesh. Omkar Temple , or Amishvar, at Omkareshwar on the banks of Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh. Kedarnath Temple or Ked

Vayu Tirtha is a sacred pilgrimage located on the banks of Ganga at Prayag (Allahabad in India) . It is dedicated to Lord Madhava (Vishnu), the presiding deity of Prayag . It is situated at the center of the northwestern side of Prayag and also known as Vayavya Kona. Legend has it that Vayu, the wind god, in Hinduism worshiped Ganga here when she descended on earth. Vayu who is always in motion made himself still while worshiping Ganga River here. Pleased with Vayu’s devotion, Ganga decided to stop her flow and remain still. King Bhagirtha who had done intense penance to get Ganga down on earth saw his purpose defeated. So he prayed to Vayu to ask Ganga to continue with her flow. Soon Ganga started to flow again. The place where Vayu prayed to Ganga came to be known as Vayu Tirtha. Vayu then continued worshiping Lord Madhava here. Pleased with the devotion of Vayu, Madhava granted him permission to remain here permanently and the place is known as Vayavya Kona – n

In the Mahabharata, Kunti is the wife of Pandu of Hastinapura and the mother of Pandavas. But she is also directly related to Bhagavan Sri Krishna in the Mahabharata. Kunti is also a Yadava. Kunti is the sister of Vasudeva, father of Sri Krishna. This is one of the reasons why Sri Krishna constantly helps and looks after the welfare of the Pandavas. Kunti, also known as Pritha, is the daughter of Shoora of the Yadavas. A son of Shoora is Vasudeva, whose sons are Balarama and Krishna. Thus Balram and Sri Krishna are nephews of Kunti. She was given away when just a child to her father’s childless friend Kuntibhoja. She grew up as the daughter of Kuntibhoja. This is how she gets the name Kunti. He real name is Pritha - large-eyed.

Shiva has given the authority to Shani to decide the fate of a living being on earth depending on the living being’s activity on earth. According to the popular Lal Kitab, a popular astrology reference book, one should not make Shani Bhagwan angry. A person should avoid doing these activities. Avoid being greedy. Do not hurt living beings for selfish gains. You should not take gift made of iron or leather from anyone including friends, relatives and family members. If you are under the influence of Shani Dasha then you should not eat non-vegetarian food and drink alcohol.  Follow Dharma In Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva has bestowed upon Shani, the deity representing the planet Saturn, the authority to determine the destiny of living beings on Earth based on their actions. This power is significant, as Shani is known for his strict adherence to justice and karma, often bringing severe consequences for misdeeds. According to the teachings of the Lal Kitab, a renowned astrological re