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Showing posts from September, 2017


Story of Goddess Kali Standing on Shiva

Goddess Kali standing on Shiva is a popular image in Hindu tradition. The popular story states that after defeating Mahishasura and other demons, Goddess Kali was still outraged at the Adharma on earth. She continued destroying everything before her. All living beings were foreseeing eternal doom. To escape from the wrath of Goddess Kali they approached Shiva. To stop Goddess Kali from destroying the cosmos, Shiva went into the battlefield and lied down motionless among the corpses of demons. Goddess Kali moved across the corpses destroying and cutting them into pieces, suddenly she found herself standing on top of a beautiful male body. For a moment she stood still and then she looked down at the body and saw it was Shiva, her husband. When she realized she was touching her husband with her feet, Goddess Kali stretched out her tongue in shame and the destruction came to an end. Shiva then pacified the Goddess and danced with her. Together they started creation agai

Education Is The Kindling Of Knowledge

Education is the kindling of knowledge. It is the journey from the known to the unknown. It encompasses all the spheres of life and all aspects of one’s personality, external and internal. To educate oneself is to equip oneself to face the struggles of life and the vagaries of the world. And so, every attempt at education should have the balance of external expertise and inner poise. The pull of the manifest world should be withstood by the anchor of the inner self. An education that focuses only on the external would invariably lead to a discontented personality and a disturbed society. Without an anchoring in a plane of one’s personality that is unaffected by the mundane realities of the world, the slightest tremor in one’s happy world would shatter one’s very being. While it is undoubtedly necessary to educate oneself in the art of creating, acquiring, and developing, human experience of millennia is testimony to the fact that the wisdom of refrain, relinquishment, and si

Weapons Held By Durga in Her Ten Arms

Durga with 10-arms is a very popular form of Goddess Durga. This form is widely seen during Durga Puja and Navratri. Here is a list of 10 weapons held by Durga in her 10 arms. Trident Discus Scimitar (Kharga) Snake Conch Mace Bow/arrow Hook Lotus Thunderbolt The overall image of Goddess Durga annihilating demon Mahishasura does not change. But sometimes instead of a human head, the demon is depicted as having a buffalo head. Majority of times two hands of Goddess Durga will be in blessing posture. Then two weapons are not depicted. It must be noted that there is no rule regarding the number of arms. It depends on the artist who is making the murti. The hands are in even in numbers. Earlier on the same topic Symbolism of the Weapons in the Hands of Goddess Durga

Kangra Devi Mandir – Nagarkot Dham – Kot Kangra in Himachal Pradesh

Kangra Devi, also known as Brajeshwari Devi, is a powerful deity worshipped in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. The shrine is also referred as Nagarkot Dham – Kot Kangra The shrine is located in the Nagarkot area of Kangra town and therefore the deity is known as Nagarkot ki Rani. The temple is around 1.5 km from Bus Station and around 4 km from Kangra Railway Station. Kangra Devi one of 51 Shakti Peethas Kangra Devi is a Shakti Peeth. It is believed that the left breast of Goddess Sati fell here after Lord Vishnu cut the body of the Goddess into 51 pieces with his Sudarshana Chakra. Shiva was roaming in the universe with the body of Goddess Sati and this led to havoc and imbalance in the universe. The places where body parts of Sati fell came to be known as Shakti Peethas. There are 51 such temples in the world. Butter – Makhan on the Pindi The pindi of Mother Goddess worshipped here is covered in butter. It is believed that Mother Goddess Durga applied Makhan on the wounds on her

Wish Fulfillment Mantra from Ramcharitmanas - Wish Fulfilling

Numerous mantras help in wish fulfillment. The one from the Ramcharitmanas is considered highly beneficial for wish fulfilling. The mantra should be chanted 108 times. Before chanting the mantra it is highly beneficial to read the Hanuman Chalisa. The mala used for chanting the mantra should be made of Tulsi Beads and it should contain 108 beads. The mantra should be chanted daily. Wish Fulfillment Mantra कवन सो काज कठिन जग माही।   जो नहीं होइ तात तुम पाहीं॥ (Checked and edited)

Symbolic Meaning of Things and Weapons Held by Goddess Durga

Goddess Durga can be depicted with 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16 or 18 arms. Each of her arms holds auspicious things and weapons. Her hands will show a particular mudra. Here are the symbolic meaning of things and weapons held by Goddess Durga. Shankh or Conch – It symbolizes the sound Aum. The first sound that appeared which led to creation.  Bow and Arrow – It represents single-minded focus. Vajra or Lightening – It symbolizes unparalleled energy and strength. Lotus – Success can be only achieved through nonattachment. Sudarshana Chakra – Invokes fear in the mind of those who follow Adharma. Sword – Symbolically represents sharp knowledge, which can cut asunder any form of ignorance. Abhaya Mudra – It gives confidence to a devotee to remove all forms of fear and to move ahead – Mother Durga is always with you. As per some interpretation, lion represents courage red color of the dress of Durga represents passion, abhya mudra represents forgiveness and blessing, gada or

Kitchen in a Hindu Home – Remember These Things While Cooking to Get Blessing of Goddess Annapurna and Lakshmi

As per Hindu religious belief, Goddess Annapurna, the goddess of food, and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, resides together in the kitchen. Remember These Things While Cooking to Get Blessing of Goddess Annapurna and Lakshmi The kitchen should never face the main road or main gate of the house. Milk should not boil over. It is believed that this will result in misunderstanding among family members. Some Hindu communities believe that it will cause mental illness in the family. It is also believed that boiling over of milk and spreading in kitchen results in financial damage and fights with relatives. (Please note that in South India, milk is deliberately allowed to boil over when the first cooking is done in a new home – this is considered auspicious and a sign of bounty.) Chapatti, poori and other similar items should be made only on rolling board (chakala). The best rolling board is one made from stone. If the board has legs then there should be three legs.

Bhagavad Gita Chapter II Verse 64

A disciplined person, moving among objects with the senses under control and free from attraction and aversion, gains in tranquility. (Bhagavad Gita Chapter II Verse 64) The senses are extrovert by nature. They ramble in fields external. Those objects that are pleasing to them are hugged while those others that are displeasing are shunned. A closer study reveals that these senses are themselves instruments in the hands of the mind. As goaded on by the mind they indulge in attraction and aversion. He is a yogi who has conquered the mind. He makes it revel in Atman. If it ever goes outward, it does so being untainted by attraction and aversion. There is purity as well as innocence in its contacting the external objects, with the result that the tranquility of the mind is not disturbed. On the other hand, calmness and clarity increase. It is a form of Samadhi for the mind to be fixed in purity and calmness while making benign use of the senses. Source - The Bhagavad Gita by Swam

Fifth Day Navratri Bhog – Food Offering on the Fifth Day of Navratri

Bhog, prasad, or naivedya is the food offering to Gods and Goddesses in Hinduism. The fifth day Navratri bhog is offered to Goddess Skanda Mata. The food that is offered on day five of Navratri should be banana or a food prepared using banana. If the food is prepared using banana then the person offering the bhog will get blessed with good wisdom by Maa Skandamata. Donating banana to poor people on the day is considered highly virtuous.

Fourth Day Navratri Food Offering – Fourth Day Navratri Festival Bhog or Prasad

Food offering, known as bhog, prasad, or naivedya, is an essential part of Navratri vrat and festival. The fourth day Navratri bhog is offered to Goddess Kushmanda . The food that is offered on day four of Navratri is malpua. If malpua is offered, then the person will get relief from diseases and problems in life with the blessing of Maa Kushmanda. Mother also blesses a devotee with strength, fame, and long life. Malpua is a small pancake made with Khoya and all-purpose flour. It is then fried in oil, dunked in sugar syrup, and garnished with dry fruits and offered to Goddess Kushmanda on the fourth day. Related Navratri Day 4 Mantra The fourth day of Navratri Dedicated to Goddess Khushmanda

Why Do Idols of Certain Hindu Gods Have Big Eyes?

You must have noticed that murtis (idols) of Shrinathji and Jagannath having big eyes. Several murtis (pindis) of Mother Goddess Shakti also have eyes that are not proportionate to the main idol. So why do idols of certain Hindu Gods have big eyes? Vedas (especially Upanishads) teach us about self-realization through contemplation. A person realizes that he/she is the supreme truth through wisdom, knowledge, and contemplation. But common man was not able to digest this form of worship. He needed a form. Thus Puranas, which were composed several years after the Vedas, gave importance to the concept of murti worship. External worship became more important. Puranas gave murti form to that Supreme Truth. Murtis came into being depending on the way in which devotees wanted to see God. Thus we have big eyes for certain murtis worshipped in Hindu temples. Big eyes symbolically represent the all-seeing Supreme Truth. The God with the big eyes sees everything. Nothing escapes the

Jwalaji Temple in Himachal Pradesh – Nine Flames Burning In Jwalamukhi Temple

Jwalaji Temple, located in Kangra District in Himachal Pradesh, is one among the 51 Shaktipeeths. This unique temple is known as Jwalaji as it does not have an idol instead there are nine flames burning continuously from the fissures in the temple. Since the Goddess is worshipped in the form of celestial flame, she is known as Jwalamukhi or Jwalaji. Nobody has been able to recognize the fuel source of the sacred flame. Story of Jwalaji Temple The main belief is that the eternal flame present in the shrine is the one created by Goddess Sati to perform self-immolation at Daksha Yajna. Legend has it that the tongue of Sati (Shakti) fell here when Lord Vishnu cut the dead body of Sati into pieces to pacify Lord Shiva. Thus it is one among the 51 Shaktipeeths. Another legend has Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva concentrated at a point on earth and from it appeared a huge flame. A young girl appeared from the flame and she then destroyed the demons that were spreading Adharma. Histo

Third Day Navratri Food Offering – Third Day Navratri Festival Bhog or Prasad

Food offering, known as bhog, prasad, or naivedya, is an essential part of Navratri vrat and festival. The third day Navratri bhog is offered to Goddess Chandraghanta. The food that is offered on day three of Navratri should be prepared using milk. If the food is prepared using milk, then the person will be blessed with happiness by Maa Chandraghanta. Kheer and chaval cooked in rice are offered to Goddess Chandraghanta on the third day.

Tallest Goddess Durga Idol Made During Durga Puja

The tallest Goddess Durga Idol (Sculpture) was made during Durga Puja 2015 by Deshapriya Park Durga Puja Committee in Kolkata in West Bengal. The Durga Idol was 88 feet tall. The sculpture was made using iron and fiber. An attempt was made in 2017 by Guwahati's Bishnupur Durga Puja Committee to break the record by making a 100-feet idol using bamboo. But unfortunately the structure collapsed in a storm. 

Second Day Navratri Food Offering – Bhog or Prasad on the Second Day of Navratri Festival

Food offering, known as bhog, prasad, or naivedya, is an essential part of Navratri vrat and festival. The second day Navratri bhog is offered to Goddess Brahmacharini. The food that is offered on day two of Navratri should be prepared using jaggery (गुड़ ) , rock sugar (mishri), sugar or panchamrut. If the food is prepared using jaggery, then person will be blessed with long life by Maa Brahmacharini. Jaggery mixed with wheat or any food containing jaggery or the above said sugar items are considered good.

A Cleansing Process Is Essential Before Embarking On Spiritual Journey

Who can teach me spirituality? Who can take me to god? The answer is no one. You alone can make you spiritual. You alone can reach god and know god. Gurus, books, guides etc are just signposts. They just give you direction. You need to do the walking. Finally, you need to experience it. A cleansing process is essential before embarking on a spiritual journey. The cleansing process involves keeping the mind and senses in control. You cannot correct the past mistakes but you can stop from repeating the mistakes. Ignorant and evil-minded people are all around. But they should not scare you away from seeing progress and hope. Such people are just difficulties and obstacles that we need to overcome. Wisdom, common sense and street smartness should be used to overcome such people. You are not defenseless. It is that you have been made in such a way by parents, education and society. Fight for Dharma. Dying for what you hold true is better than living a subservient life. Abhilash Raje

First Day Navratri Bhog – Food Offering on the First Day of Navratri

Bhog, prasad, or naivedya is the food offering to Gods and Goddesses in Hinduism. The first day Navratri bhog is offered to Goddess Shailputri. The food that is offered on day one of Navratri should be prepared using ghee and white in color. A devotee can also offer simple cow ghee or food prepared using ghee which is white in color . If the food is prepared using cow ghee then the person offering the bhog will get relief from illness with the blessing of Maa Shailputri. White colored food like kheer, chaval should be mixed with Ghee and offered to Goddess Shailputri.

Navratri at Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir

Navratri at Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir is huge. Thousands of devotees arrive during nine days and nights to the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple to have darshan of the powerful Mother Goddess. The temple and the premises are decorated with fresh flowers, which are brought from various states of India and from foreign countries. The pindi of the Mother Goddess, the entrance of the old cave, and pathway leading the cave are aesthetically decorated. Shath Chandi Mahayajna is performed during the period. Nine forms of Mother Goddess are worshipped during the period. The first day is dedicated to Maa Shialaputri. Special haven, pujas and rituals are held on Saptami, Ashtami and Navami – the seventh, eighth and ninth day of Navratri. On an average more than 50,000 devotees have darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi on the Trikuta Mountain. The number increases on Ashtami and Navami. During the 9-day Navratri period, more than 500,000 devotees have darshan of Mother Goddess here. Related

Symbolism In Arjuna’s Name Gudakesha

Gudakesha means ‘the conqueror of sleep’. All beings fall victim to sleep when it overtakes them. Such is the power of this factor in life. But this ‘bull among men’ (Arjuna) has disciplined himself in such a way that sleep would come to him only when he made a decision to sleep. When, where are and how long to sleep were all at his will. In addition to the self-mastery of this type, he is always a terror to the foes; he is the subduer of baseness within and without. A man of his caliber is not likely to beat a retreat. The name was used by Sanjay to describe Arjuna in Chapter II verse 9. After addressing the Lord of the senses (Hrishikesha – Bhagavan Sri Krishna) thus, Gudakesha, the terror of the foes, submitted to Govinda, ‘I shall not fight; and held silence. Source - The Bhagavad Gita by Swami Chidbhavananda

Which is the direction to do Navratri Prayers and Puja?

Many devotees have doubt regarding the direction to do Navratri prayers and pujas. So, which is the ideal direction for Navratri puja? The direction associated with Mother Goddess Durga is south. While offering Navratri prayers and puja our face should face south side. Another favorable direction is east. Our face should face east while offering puja to Mother Goddess Shakti. It is believed that a devotee attains peace and prosperity by offering pujas facing south.

Vastu Tip to Keep Mind Focused While Doing Puja in Home

Many people are not able to concentrate while doing pujas at home. Mind wanders here and there and thus many devotees are not satisfied with the puja. There is a vastu tip to keep mind focused while doing puja. Keep a sculpture in the northeast corner of the house. The sculpture should be hollow in the inside. Another option is to keep a pyramid in the northeast corner of the house. The pyramid should also be hollow in the inside. Keeping an indoor plant in the northeast corner is also believed to be beneficial. Related What is Shiva Yoga in Hindu Astrology? – Shiv Yog Meaning  

Shiv Temple in Dream – Meaning and Interpretation of Lord Shiva Temple in Dream

As per Hindu religion, seeing Shiva temple in dream will bring positive changes in life. The meaning of seeing Shiv temple is that the person will get relief from a major health problem.  In Hinduism there is an ancient scripture known as Swapna Shastra, which gives interpretation and meaning of various dreams. Those who have dream of Shiva Temple should visit a temple and make offering of water to Shiva. Seeing Snake of Shiva is also auspicious as it is a sign of future prosperity. Seeing the dream of Shiva temple and snake together means that, the person has the blessing of Nag Devata. Dreaming of praying in Shiva temple is a sign of good days ahead especially in matters of relationship. It also means good fortune and good relationship. The dream also means marriage. It is also a sign of good relationship with opposite sex. Dreaming of Shiva temple and Nandi means you can make some bold changes in your life and this will be good for your future. It also means a period of

Sabudana as Vrat Food during Navratri – Health Benefits

Sabudana is an important food consumed by those devotees undertaking Navratri Vrat. The important health benefit of Sabudana is that it is a pure source of carbohydrate. It gives a quick dose of energy to people who are fasting. Other health benefits are: It prevents gas. Sabudana helps in boosting metabolism. It can help in curing indigestion. It helps in alleviating common stomach ailments. Sabudana Kheer helps in neutralizing body temperature. It must be noted that Sabudana does not have any nutritional value. Sabudana is extracted from the roots of cassava plant (tapioca). The tapioca root is dried and it is then powdered and converted into white pearls. It is widely used during various fasting in Hinduism. It is also an important ingredient in kheer and payasam. Related What Are The Food That Can Be Eaten During Navratri Fasting?

Navratri Jackets – Shrug or Koti Jacket

During the festival of Navratri (September – October), special multipurpose jackets are available in the market for babies, children, boys, girls, men and women. They are noted for its Kutch embroidery. The jacket for ladies and men are known as Navratri special shrug or koti. The Navratri jackets are like a waistcoat. It gives a designer traditional look and is mostly available in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Kutchi hand-made jackets are noted for its mirror works. The price of the Shrug or Koti depends on the material and embroidery work. The price of the kurti can range from 200 to 10,000/-.

Navratri Ashtami 2024 Date

Navratri Ashtami is the third day of Durga Puja celebrations and the eighth day of the Navratri festival. Navratri Ashtami 2024 date is October 11. The Chaitra/Vasant Navratri (March - April) Ashtami date is March 16. A fast is undertaken on the day majority of devotees. The day is also known as Virashtami and Maha Ashtami. Other important rituals on the day include: Mahanisha Puja, Astra Puja, Sandhi Puja and Kumari Puja. Legend has it that Goddess Kali appeared from the forehead of Goddess Durga to kill Chanda and Munda and Raktabija on the Ashtami day. On the day, 64 Yoginis and Ashta Nayikas – the eight consorts – of Durga are also worshipped. On the Navratri Ashtami day, Goddess Maha Gowri form of the Nav Durga is worshipped. The day also marks the beginning of Ayudha Puja – books and implements are kept for puja on the day. 

Itagi Mahadeva Temple in Karnataka

Itgai is a small village located in northern part of Karnataka and is famous for temples of the 12th and 13th century AD built by the Chalukyas of Kalyana. The most outstanding among the temples is the Mahadeva Temple built by Mahadeva, a minister of Vikramaditya VI in 1112 AD. The famous tourist center Hampi is around 70 km south. Badami is 80 km north of Itagi. The temple is dedicated to the Mahadeva form of Lord Shiva. The deity is worshipped in the form of a Shivling. The Mahadeva Temple is 36.60 m long and 20 m wide, with an only opening to the east. The temple has a sanctum sanctorum, passage, navaranga and an open mandapa. The navranga, which has entrances from north and south, has 26 pillars turned on a lathe. The pillars are noted for its intricate carvings. The outer mandapa has a set of 42 pillars. The ceilings have geometric designs and the doorways are noted for its floral designs. The niches on the outer walls have a miniature tower. The kirtikukha

Maa Durga Bengali Prayer – Simple Prayer Dedicated to Goddess Durga in Bengali

This Maa Durga Bengali Prayer begins with Om sarbamongal mongolaye Shivvey. It is a simple and very popular prayer dedicated to Goddess Durga. You can read the prayer in Bengali with English transliteration and English meaning. The prayer is chanted daily during the worship of Goddess Durga and during festivals like Basanti Puja, Navratri and the famous Durga Puja.

To Reach The Rose You Need To Go Through The Thorns

Never label a person because labels rarely stick for a long period. They always peel off. No person is eternally good or eternally bad. Situations force people to behave in a particular manner. An atheist can burn a believer tomorrow. An ordinary person can become a rebel. Instead of labeling a person, empathize with the person. Life today can be summed up as regular doses of happiness and regular doses of misery. Both these doses of happiness and misery depend on external factors. Change the direction in which you seek happiness. Instead of the external direction, take the internal direction. If the search is genuine, then you will find something, which is better than temporary happiness. Leaving a secure but boring environment or job in search of an exciting one often ends in tragedy. This is because when you were in the boring environment, you always thought the exciting one was a bed of roses. But roses have thorns too. To reach the rose you need to go through the thorns. A

Nimbu Mirchi In Front Of Homes And Shops – Reason - Is Hanging Nimbu Mirchi Superstition?

Nimbu Mirchi tied on the doorways of shops, business establishments and Hindu homes is a common sight in India. But why is it hung on the door? Is Nimbu Mirchi Superstition? Nimbu Mirchi tied on a thread are hung outside the door to keep away Alakshmi, or Jyestha, who is considered inauspicious. Alakshmi is the sister of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of fortune and prosperity. But Alakshmi brings poverty and misery. Alakshmi likes sour, pungent and hot things. Therefore shopkeepers, merchants and people tie nimbu mirchi on the doorways of their shops and homes so that Alakshmi will only come up to the door and eat her favorite food and satisfy her hunger and leave without entering the shop or house. It is believed that after consuming nimbu and mirchi, Alakshmi loses her urge to enter the house or shop. She will turn around without casting her malevolent eye. Is Nimbu Mirchi Superstition? Yes, it is a superstition if you are non-believer. For a believer it gives hope and

Jwalaji Temple Timings in Himachal Pradesh – Opening Darshan and Closing Time at Jwalamukhi Temple

Jwalaji Temple at Kangara in Himachal Pradesh is famous for the eternal burning of flames. Opening Darshan and Closing Time at Jwalamukhi Temple in detail is given below. Please not that there will change in timings during Chaitra Navratri (March – April) and Sharad Navratri (September – October) and other important temple festivals. The temple will remain closed during eclipse or graham. The temple is open from 4:30 AM to 10:30 PM without a break. Important Aartis are at Mangal Aarti – 5:00 AM Noon Aarti – 12:00 PM Evening Aarti – 7:00 PM Last Aarti - Evening 10.00 PM

12 names of Hanuman ji in English and Hindi – Chant It for Change of Fortune

Hanuman is known by numerous names but there are 12 names of Hanuman, which are considered highly auspicious. Below is the 12 names of Hanuman ji in English and Hindi with meaning and explanation. Chanting the names helps in attaining peace and prosperity. Those who regularly chant it have seen change in their fortune. A person should chant the mantra after waking up from sleep and before going to bed. The 12 names are together known as Dwadasha Namavali. It is mentioned in several Puranas. 12 names of Hanuman ji in English Hanuman Anjanisunu (son of Anjani) Vayuputra (son of Vayu) Mahabal (blessed with unimaginable strength) Rameshta (favorite of Sri Ram) Phalguna-sakha (Friend of Arjuna of Mahabharata) Pingaksho (he whose eyes are brown) Amitavikram (one who performs incredible feats) Udadhikramana (the ocean crosser) Seetashokavinashini (one who alleviated the sadness of Mata Sita) Lakshmanprandata (One who saved the life of Lakshmana) Dashgriv-Darpaha (One

Sri Yantra Mantra

The deity associated with Sri Yantra is Goddess Tripura Sundari. Below is the Sri Yantra Mantra and a short note on when and how to chant the mantra. The mantra is to be chanted after placing the Sri Yantra in a sacred spot in the house or shop. Sri Yantra Mantra ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं कमले कमलालये प्रसीद प्रसीद श्रीं लीं श्री ॐ महालक्ष्मये नम : । Om Sri hreem Sreem Kamale Kamalalye Prasida Prasida Sreem Leem Shri Om Mahalakshmaye Namah When to buy or make Sri Yantra The best day to buy or make Sri Yantra is when there is Ravi Pushya Yoga, Guru Pushya Amrut Yoga, during Navratri and Diwali. The Yantra can also be made on Pushya Nakshatra day. How to Chant the Mantra? While chanting the mantra one should imagine the form of Goddess Tripura Sundari. To chant the mantra one can use rudraksha mala or kamal gatta mala. The mantra should be chanted 51 or 108 times. Sri Yantra Mantra can be chanted during Chaitra and Sharad Navratri. Another auspicious day

Mahalaxmi Vrat Katha in Hindi and English – Story of 16 Day Goddess Lakshmi Vrat

Mahalaxmi Vrat Katha is based on an incident supposed to have happened in the Mahabharata. Story of 16 Day Goddess Lakshmi Vrat is listened to by women performing the puja. You can read the story in Hindi and English below: Mahalaxmi Vrat Katha Gandhari, the queen of Hastinapura and mother of Kauravas, decided to perform the 16 Day Goddess Lakshmi Vrat. Gandhari performed the vrat and offered food to the royal elephants to show her might and influence. She purposefully did not invite Kunti, mother of Pandavas, for the ceremony. On the main puja day, the 100 Kauravas made a beautiful life-size clay elephant and placed in the middle of the palace courtyard. All women in the palace went to attend the puja of Gandhari. Kunti was saddened by this behavior of Gandhari. Arjuna who came to know about this brought Airavatha (Indira’s white elephant) to earth, through a ladder made of arrows. On hearing about the arrival of Airavatha, all the women abandoned Gandhari’s puja an

Where To Keep Money Safe In House As Per Hindu Religion? - Direction - Location - Position

As per people who believe in Hindu astrology and vastu, there is a particular position in the house to keep money safe and jewelry. The money safe should be place in the south in such a way that the door opens towards north. North is the abode of Kuber as per Hindu tradition. On a Thursday, take a yellow color cloth and put five yellow color cowry (Peeli Koudi), little bit of kesar or saffron and a gold coin in it and place it in the money safe or almara along with money and ornaments. Peeli Kawdi is associated with Goddess Lakshmi - लक्ष्मी ( पीली ) कौड़ी . The cloth should be changed on Akshaya Tritiya. It is also auspicious to keep metal artifact or pictures of gods or other decorations made of metal on the north wall on to which the money safe is facing. Dripping water in home is like dripping of money. All taps should be properly closed. There should be no wastage of water. The house should always be kept neat and clean to attract the blessing of Goddess Lakshmi.

Kattil Mekkathil Devi Temple Timings

Kattil Mekkathil Devi Temple is a unique shrine dedicated to Mother Goddess Bhagavati at Ponmana, near Chavara in Kollam District, in Kerala. Kattil Mekkathil Devi Temple Timings is given in detail below with morning and evening opening and closing time. The temple time will be extended during important rituals and festivals. There will be time change during Grahanam or eclipse. Kattil Mekkathil Devi Temple Timings Morning Darshan Time 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM Evening Darshan Time 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM The most important time to have darshan is during the deeparadhana in the morning and evening time. During Malayalam Vrishchikam month (November – December), there are special rituals in the shrine. During the first twelve days of Vrischikam month people can put up kudil (traditional tent) and sit in Bhajanam in the temple premises. Special boat service (Jangar) is available to reach the temple.

Powerful Kali Mantra – Goddess Kali Mantra for Desire Fulfillment

The mantras associated with Goddess Kali are powerful and should be used carefully by a devotee. Kali is kind mother and unimaginable fierce fury of nature – she can bless or destroy. Here is a Goddess Kali Mantra for fulfillment of desires. This eight letter Kali Mantra is highly powerful. The Mantra: क्रीं क्रीं क्रीं क्रीं क्रीं स्वाहा Kreem, Kreem, Kreem, Kreem, Kreem, Swaha. A person should always maintain the perfect balance of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. Every aspect of life should be governed by Dharma – (loosely defined as righteousness – there is no correct word to define Dharma in English). Why Mantras are Ineffective in the Present Age? Most mantras are ineffective in the present age because the devotee does not follow Dharma. The devotee is the slave of the senses. Control of the senses is essential for the success of any mantra. When Should Kali Mantra be Chanted? The mantra should be chanted on Ashtami, Navami and Amavasya (eighth, ninth a

Chemistry during the Vedic Age

Concepts of chemistry were found during the Vedic age. The remarkable expositions of Nyaya Sutra of Gautama and Vaiseshika Darshana of Kanda explain about the use of chemistry during the Vedic period. Metallurgy was highly developed during the Vedic age. The people of the era had the knowledge of casting and forging of metals. Utensils, vessels, armors, tools and ornaments were made from metals and alloys. High quality swords were made during the period and this suggests the people of the Vedic age had the knowledge of iron extraction from ores, smelting and other metallurgical process. Gold, silver, copper, lead, tin and alloys such as bronze and copper-tin are mentioned in the Vedas. Vedic Hindus had the knowledge of tanning of hides and making using of natural vegetable coloring material for dyeing. Rig Veda also mentions about the technique of fermenting – especially of soma juice and barely. Curd and other items from milk were produced using fermentation. Manu

Hiranyakeshi Grihya Sutra – Vedic Rituals Associated with Homes

Hiranyakeshi Grihya Sutra is the 19th and 20th chapter of Srauta Sutra. It is believed that these Vedic rituals were composed between 800 BC and 300 BC. The text is also known as Satyasadha Grihya Sutra. Hiranyakeshi Grihya Sutra text deals with rituals pertaining to the house hold fire. The text is credited to Satyasadha Hiranyakeshi The first portion of the sutra is associated with: Upanayana (ceremony of initiation) and  the rituals of marriage. The other matters dealt the in the sutra are: Simantonnayana (ritual performed during a woman’s first pregnancy) Pumsavana (a rite performed in order to beget a health child) Jatakarma (writing the future and destiny of the child immediately after childbirth) Namakarana (naming of the child) Paka Yajna a minor rite associated with household fire is also mentioned. There is a section referred to as Sesha Sutra in the text. It consists of eight sub divisions. Rituals observed in daily life are mentioned in the form of aph

Uses and Benefits of Sindoor in Hindu Religion

Sindoor in Hindu religion is widely associated with married women. They wear it between the partitions of hair for the long life of their husbands. Here are some of the other uses and benefits of Sindoor in Hindu religion. Swastik symbol made using sindhoor mixed with saraso ka tel (mustard oil) in front of the house keeps out negative forces. Shubh Labh symbol made using sindhoor mixed with saraso ka tel (mustard oil) in front of the home gets the blessing of Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. Shani Bhagavan will keep away from a home, if swastika symbol is made using sindhoor and til ka tel (sesame oil). Shani bless such a house with prosperity. Negative energy is also kept out by Shani Bhagavan from such homes. It is highly beneficial to have a Hindu symbol drawn in front of the home using Sindhoor.

Himari Ganga Temple in Padhar town in Mandi District, Himachal Pradesh

Childless couples are blessed with a child after offering prayers at the famous Himari Ganga Temple in Padhar in Mandi District, Himachal Pradesh. A small pond is formed near the temple from a water source that rises in the Gogar Dhar Mountain range. The small rivulet is known as Himari Ganga and the deity worshipped here is the Hurang Narayan. The popular belief is that taking a holy dip in the waters of Himari Ganga will help the childless couple in begetting children. Taking the holy dip on the 20 th day of Bhadrapad month is considered highly meritorious. A big fair is held during the period in the shrine. Fruits, flower, and akhrot (walnuts) are offered to the pond in the temple. Barren women spread their dupatta in the pond; and if a flower, fruit or akhrot floats into their dupatta then they are sure to have a child in the coming year. People also take bath in the holy river to get rid of skin diseases. Prayers are offered to Goddess Himari Ganga and Hurang

Chausath Yogini Mantra – A Powerful Mantra dedicated to 64 Yoginis Worshipped in Tantric Hinduism

As per Tantric Hinduism tradition, the 64 Yoginis (Chausath Yogini) served Goddess Kali and the Bhairav form of Shiva. Yoginis were part of the battles waged by Goddess Kali to restore Dharma. You can a powerful mantra associated with Chausath Yogini below: ॐ ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं श्री काली नित्य सिद्धमाता स्वाहा । ॐ ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं श्री कपलिनी नागलक्ष्मी स्वाहा । ॐ ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं श्री कुला देवी स्वर्णदेहा स्वाहा । ॐ ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं श्री कुरुकुल्ला रसनाथा स्वाहा । ॐ ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं श्री विरोधिनी विलासिनी स्वाहा । ॐ ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं श्री विप्रचित्ता रक्तप्रिया स्वाहा । ॐ ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं श्री उग्र रक्त भोग रूपा स्वाहा । ॐ ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं श्री उग्रप्रभा शुक्रनाथा स्वाहा । ॐ ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं श्री दीपा मुक्तिः रक्ता देहा स्वाहा । ॐ ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं श्री नीला भुक्ति रक्त स्पर्शा स्वाहा । ॐ ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं श्री घना महा जगदम्बा स्वाहा । ॐ ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं श्री बलाका काम सेविता स्वाहा । ॐ ऐं ह्रीं श्रीं