Laxmi Narayan Mandir at Rourkela is located atop a small hill amidst sylvan surroundings. The temple has murtis of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. The shrine is situated in sector 24 of Rourkela city. Constructed in the year 1966, the temple is noted for its architecture. Three domes of the shrine are typical to temples found in other parts of Odisha. Special pujas are performed during Sankranti. Several devotees participate in the evening aarati - this is the most auspicious occasion here. Another Small but Important Shrine Panchu Mahadeva Temple at Budhakhol near Buguda in Odisha Panchu Mahadeva Temple is a cluster of five temples dedicated to  Lord Shiva  ( know more about the shrine here ) Another shrine dedicated to Ma Bhadrakali Ma Bhadrakali Mandir at Itkhori near Chatra in Jharkhand - it is widely believed that Sri Ram, Lakshman and Mata Sita resided in the area during their exile period in the Ramayana. ( know more about the shrine here )

Bhakta Kanakadasa (1508 AD to 1606 AD) is a mystic poet in the Haridasa tradition of Karnataka. The life history of this great leader of the Bhakti tradition is filled with adventures and miracles. He was also a revolutionary who led socio-religious movement against the caste system. But today he is famous for his Kirtanas, short songs, that unmask the hypocrisy in society. Birth He was born in the Dasa tribe at Kaginele in Dharward District, Karnataka. Kuruba community also claims him as their ancestor. Village Chief The popular belief is that he was the village chief of Bada and renounced worldly comforts because of losses in family and humiliation in battle. Education – Bhakti Vyasaraya, a contemporary of Purandaradasa, initiated him into neo-Vaishanavism. He was the greatest exponent of the Haridasa tradition in poetry and song, which characterized the medieval Kannada literature. He was a wandering mendicant and visited popular shrine of his period in Tirupa

The usual complaint is that it is very difficult to lead an inward life of contemplation amidst the rush and bustle of everyday life. But with earnestness and unshakable determination one is sure to succeed. Spiritual practice – japa, prayer and meditation – should play a very vital role in the lives of all. This is a sure way to peace despite all the hindrances that one has to face in daily life. Kanthimathi Nellaiappar Tirunelveli Sri Ramakrishna has said that a devotee should hold on to the feet of the Lord with the right hand and clear the obstacles of everyday life with the other. There are two primary obstacles to contemplative life. The first one is posed by personal internal weaknesses. One must have unswerving determination to surmount these. The second one consists of external problems. These we have to keep out, knowing them to be harmful impediments to our goal. – Swami Atmasthananda - was the 15th President of the Ramakrishna Mission

If you are looking to stay at Sabarimala in 2022 - 2023, then the best option is the room provided by Travancore Devaswom Board – that manages the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple . You will need to register online at the official website for accommodation. Payments too can be made online. You will need to upload your photo and details of id proof while registering. If the above link is not working you can try the new TDB link here . The problems It takes tons of patience to register online. You will need to make several attempts before you will succeed. The connection will be reset number of times. Attempt during early morning hours or around midnight for easy access.

Sanjaya was Dhritarashtra's charioteer in the Mahabharata. He was endowed with divine vision by Vyasa, which helped him narrate the incidents in the Kurukshetra to the blind king Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya was also lucky to have darshan of the Vishwaroopam of Vishnu, which he displayed to Arjuna while delivering the Bhagavad Gita. Sanjaya went on behalf of Dhritarashtra to find out about the welfare of Pandavas during their exile period. He also visited the Pandavas as a messenger just before the beginning of the Kurukshetra war. Sanjaya was not a mere charioteer, he was respected by all the characters in the Mahabharata. He used to warn Dhritarashtra about the consequences of endorsing the wicked deeds of Duryodhana. Sanjaya never abandoned Dhritarashtra. When the blind king went to the forest after the Great War in the Mahabharata, he followed his master. When forest fire engulfed them, Sanjaya did not leave the king. But when Dhritarashtra, pleaded with him to ge

Lotus in Hindu religion symbolizes creative power, fertility and abundance, prosperity and wisdom and much more. The symbolism of Lotus is Hindu in its origin. In Vedas, Lotus finds mention in the Sri Suktam in the Rig Veda. Pundarika and Pushkara, the white and blue varieties of Lotus, are mentioned in the Rig Veda. Lotus is equated with Sri, glory and beauty. It is also associated with Agni, Lakshmi and auspiciousness. The divine source of Lotus is found in the Brahmanas. Atharva Veda calls lotus a heart. Krishna Yajur Veda mentions the Lord in a divine slumber wearing lotus garland. Taittiriya Aranyaka narrates about the popular symbolism of Lotus appearing from the navel of Vishnu and Brahma sitting on it. Lotus is equated with ovary by the Garbhopanishad. Related Why Saraswat Brahmins Eat Fish?

Picture, photos or sculpture of chariots should not be placed in a Hindu home. This is a belief prevalent among certain Hindu communities. However, it is ignored by majority of Hindus as most Hindu homes do have the picture of Bhagavad Gita with Sri Krishna riding the chariot with Arjuna on it. So is it just another superstition. What is the reason for the belief? It is based on the belief that chariot or ratha was used for war from ancient times. Anything associated with war has negative energy. Therefore it is believed that such pictures, photos or sculptures will create rift in the family. There will be constant fights among family members and relatives and there will be no peace in the home. How far the belief is true? It is not true at all. Firstly, the chariot in Hinduism is a symbol. The symbol is used in Katha Upanishad in the Krishna Yajur Veda. The human personality is itself a ratha, which is on a yatra from beginningless time.  Imagine yourself to be the master o

Nobody knows your essence, worship forms which appear as your incarnations. (Vishnu Purana 1. 4. 17) Just as from an inexhaustible lake thousands of streams flow on all sides so also from Hari, sum of all reality, come forth countless incarnations. The seers, lawgivers, the gods, the human races, the lord of progeny all are parts of him. (Srimad Bhagavata Purana 1.3.26-27). Related I bow down to that Pure Consciousness Divine – a shoreless ocean of happiness, which is All-pervading (Vishnu), the Beloved of Shri, the all-knowing Lord of the Universe, assuming endless forms and yet ever-free, having an inscrutable power to become (apparently) the Cause of creation, maintenance, and dissolution of the universe. (Vakya Vritti) Desire is never satiated by enjoyment as fire, fed with oil, becomes the more intense. (Vishnu Purana) Those who do not know this entire world as consciousness in reality see it as material and drift in the ocean of delusion. (Vishnu Purana, 1.4.40) The

Gokuldham Temple at Goregaon East in Mumbai, Maharashtra is dedicated to Bhagavan Sri Krishna and the name of the mandir is Krishna Vatika Devasthan. Detail temple timings is given below. The main murti worshipped in the temple are that of Bhagavan Sri Krishna and Radha Rani. The temple has murtis of numerous gods and goddesses in Hinduism. Tirupati Balaji and Goddess Padmavati shrine in the temple hosts a numerous rituals and festivals based on Tirumala Tirupati Calendar. Other deities worshipped in the temple are Navgrahas, Goddess Durga, Khatu Shyam, Shirdi Sai Baba, Khatushyam, Shiva and Parvati. It is a well-maintained and neat temple. It is a good place to find some peace in the crowded and busy city like Mumbai. Gokuldham Temple Timings Morning Darshan time is from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM Evening Darshan time is from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Tulsidas, the saint poet and author of Ramacharitamanas, had vision, or darshan, of Hanuman at Benaras (Kashi – Varanasi). Tulsidas only wanted one boon from Hanuman that was to have darshan of Bhagavan Sri Ram. To help Tulsidas have darshan of Bhagavan Sri Ram, Hanuman took the form of a parrot. You can read the story below: Tulsidas was promised darshan of Bhagavan Sri Ram by Hanuman. To have the darshan, Hanuman asked the poet to visit Chitrakoot. However, when Bhagavan appeared before him, the great saint poet was unable to recognize him. During a fair at Chitrakoot, Acharya Tulsidasji was seated on the riverfront grinding sandalwood. He applied Tilak on the forehead of the devotees who came to the riverfront to worship and take holy dip. Bhagavan Sri Ram approached Tulsidas in the form of a young boy. The poet applied tilak on the forehead of the boy but did not recognize it was Bhagavan. The boy then takes some sandalwood paste and applies on the Tusidas’s forehead.

Ayilyam Ootu is observed on the Ayilyam Nakshatra day (Aslesha Nakshatra) in a traditional Malayalam month in temples in Kerala. The puja is dedicated to Nagas or Snakes. Nagas are propitiated on the day for curing skin diseases and for childbirth in the family. It is also performed for removing various Naga Dosha. The ritual is also known as Valliya Ayilyam. The ritual is performed in all important Naga Temples and also in temples that have Nagas as important subsidiary deity. Ayilyam Ootu is gaining popularity these days as many people are suffering from infertility and they find relief after performing the ritual. 

Resting is not laziness or idling away. It is recuperation. Rest is equally important as work because it recharges our energy. It is the way to refresh our life – make it fresh and bright. Few thoughts on the importance of rest: There should be enough sleep and rest during a day. It should not be less or more. Both overindulgence and deprivation are harmful. Night is for sleeping and day is for working. Rest is a gift after a great labor not for sloth. The hours of sleep needed varies from person to person. One needs to find out the exact time needed for recuperation. Going to bed early and getting up early should be the mantra. The best time to do important works, study, write…etc is early morning hours. Those who sleep daily for more than eight hours should attempt to reduce it. The easiest way is to reduce it by minutes. Wake up 5 minute early daily and soon you will be able to adjust the number of hours. During daytime, take small breaks as this will energize you. Drink

The story of Dhanurdasa and Sri Ramanujacharya is associated with the famous Sri Ranganatha temple at Srirangam in Tamil Nadu. The story narrates about the futility of the fascination of physical beauty. It was the Brahmotsavam festival at Srirangam Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple. Hundreds of men and women had gathered to see Sri Ranganatha go on a procession seated on the shoulders of Garuda, his ratha. The Lord came out led by priests chanting the mantras, devotees singing His glories and musicians creating a wonderful melody. In the vast gathering, everyone had their eyes focused on the Lord and His consort Mother Lakshmi. But amidst them walked a handsome, strong man holding a big umbrella over the head of a beautiful, large-eyed young lady, Hemamba. Sri Ramanujacharya noticed the young man who had eyes for nothing but the beauty of his woman. The Acharya sent for him and asked what he saw in the woman that made him forget the world and walk happily without shame or fear of

Kankabhisheka in Hinduism literally means showering of gold coins on an individual as an honor or as a part of a religious rite. The ritual is performed either by directly showering gold coins over a person or by pour water over the coins placed in a sieve above the head of the person. When is it performed? It is mainly performed with Sathabhishekam – a ceremony observed when person has witnessed one thousand full moons. Some communities observe it when a person completes his/her 80th birthday. Kankabhisheka ritual is also performed by disciples to honor pontiffs, teachers and scholars. The coins used in the ritual are used for educational and charitable purposes. Why is it performed and the benefits? It is believed that the ritual confers prosperity and longevity on the recipient. The ritual is equal to taking holy dip in Ganga River, visit teerthas, practicing chandrayana or giving alms. The rite has the capability for elevating ten generations of ancestors in

Understanding the nature of god based on teachings from Hindu religion. Our understanding of God begins by thinking of him as a person or as multiple life forms or as a living organism capable of anything. He sits somewhere doing his job without a break. Many get to learn about this nature of God from parents, relatives, and teachers or through religion. This understanding of God remains with majority of people until they depart from the world. Some questions this form of God and turn atheist. Lucky few go deeper into the world of Vedanta and realize that this understanding of God is limited. The God that sits somewhere and fulfills our desires is the creation of our imagination. In this thought, God is male or female. God is like us humans. So as a philosopher once said, if horses were to create God then God would be like a horse. So how do you describe this God? Silence. It cannot be described. Some say it has the luster of 1000 suns. Some say it is smaller than the smalle

Unchecked tongue causes lot of troubles and misunderstandings. Much of our troubles can be avoided if we confine our speech. Quite often, our words cause pain to others, such words should be avoided. Our topic of conversation should be limited to the essential. Be in the company of people who are spiritually inclined. Even while discussing spiritual matters one should be devoid of ego. One should keep an account even while speaking so that we do not invite troubles or cause pain to others. www.hindu-blog.com Abhilash

When keeping idols of Hindu gods and goddesses in home and shops there are few things, you need to take care of. Idols in puja area, or at the sacred place, in house and business establishments is meant to create positive energy. Positive energy helps in alleviating all forms of troubles. Certain types of idols should be avoided. Here are the dos and don’ts regarding the placing of idols of Hindu gods and goddesses for puja purpose. The backside of the idol should never be visible while performing prayers and puja. The backside of the idol should be covered properly. Two idols of the same god or goddess should not be worshiped in the puja area. This might result in constant fights at the place. Broken idols and torn paintings, pictures and photos should not be used for worship. Broken and torn murtis of Bhagavan should be buried. They should not be abandoned or thrown into rivers or lakes. The murtis used for worship should always be in blessing posture. The face should be happ

Jyotiba Temple Kolhapur is dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma and Jamadagni. The temple is located northwest of Kolhapur on a hill named Panhala. Jyotiba Temple Timings in details is given below. Please note that the darshan time will change during festivals and rituals. The opening and closing time will change when there is graham (eclipse) or important puja. Jyotiba Temple Kolhapur Timings Morning Darshan begins at 5:30 AM Most days there are no breaks. Evening Darshan ends at 9:30 PM. The ideal time to visit the shrine is morning or evening. Other Tips on Visiting the Temple The climb on the hill can be tiresome for old people. The temple is around 12 km away from Kolhapur town on the way to Panhala fort. The shrine is around 20 kms from the famous Mahalaxmi Temple. People smear kumkum here therefore one need to be careful about dress and eyes. The adulterated kumkum can cause problems to eyes. The temple is crowded during Sundays. Related Chaitra Jyoti

As per Hindu religion, Earth is mother – Bhu Devi. We stamp on her. There is a mantra to be chanted daily after waking up and before putting our feet on earth. It is like asking the forgiveness of Mother Earth. One should wake up just before sunrise and chant the mantra. The mantra is: समुद्रवसने देवि पर्वतस्तन मंडिते।  विष्णुपत्नि नमस्तुभ्यं पादस्पर्श क्षमस्व में।। One need to always be thankful to mother earth for nourishing us. Earth, in which lie the sea, the river, and other waters, in which food and cornfields have come to be, in which lives all that breathes and that moves, may she confer on us the finest of her yield. Earth, in which the waters, common to all, moving on all sides, flow unfailingly, day and night, may she pour on us milk in many streams, and endow us with luster. (From the Atharva Veda - Hymn to the Earth - Bhumi-Sukta) May those born of thee, O Earth, be for our welfare, free from sickness and waste, wakeful through a long life, we shall

In the Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna tells Arjuna that ‘the insatiable fire of desire’ is the constant enemy of wise men. With the senses, mind, and intellect as its formidable stronghold, desire deludes the jivatman by eclipsing its wisdom. Desires for sense objects deepen the jivatman’s bondage to the phenomenal world. The Lord, therefore, advises Arjuna first to discipline the senses, and then to destroy desire. (Bhagavad Gita) Only one or two who are absolutely free from desires would attain their liberation. (Holy Mother Sarada Devi) No matter how much sadhana you practice, you will not realize the goal as long as you have desire. (Sri Ramakrishna) But can we truly give up all mundane desires? And how do we give them up? Scriptures and saints declare that one can get rid of desires by the power of one’s self-effort and the grace of the guru and the Lord. Holy Mother reassures us, ‘Yes, one can give up desire. That is why one is supposed to practice japa, meditati

Kamba Ramayana is the Tamil Version of the Valmiki Ramayana but with original poetic touches of Kamban, the Tamil poet who wrote the epic in Tamil. Here are some of the striking difference between Kamba Ramayana and Valmiki Ramayan. More Poetic indulgence, similes and great idyllic beauty can be found in Kamba Ramayana.  The journey of Dasaratha to Mithila for alliance is described in two shlokas in Valmiki Ramayana. Kamba Ramayana dedicates four chapters to the journey. In Valmiki Ramayana, Ravana carries Mata Sita on his left hand. In Kamba Ramayana, Ravana pull out the entire hermitage along with Sita and carry it to Lanka. She stayed in the same hermitage, which was originally built by Lakshmana during her captivity in Lanka. Guhan is given prominence as is shown as epitome of Bhakti in Kamba Ramayana. Guha is the name of the hunter-chieftain who helps Sri Ram during his exile. In Valmiki Ramayana, Mata Sita is kidnapped by Ravana to avenge Surpanakha’s insult a

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. So which food should be offered to Lord Vishnu as Bhog or Prasad. A person seeking the blessing of Bhagavan Srihari Vishnu, should offer yellow color food. The best offering is jaggery, yellow color dal (yellow color lentil), and Ladoo. Another offering is milk mixed with kesar. The best day to make food offering to Lord Vishnu is Thursday. The food should be offered during morning or evening puja and should be taken away when the puja is completed. It should be then distributed as Prasad among family members, relatives, friends and neighbors. It is believed that those people who make food offering to Lord Vishnu will not face problems in life. There will be no delay in different aspects of life. It is highly auspicious to make food donation of the same food items. 

We all have a weakness and this is created by nature to cause our downfall – to open the exit doors from the world. This weakness can be jealousy, over indulgence, avarice, anger, lust, fear, ego, greediness, power, alcohol, superiority complex, inferiority complex, overeating, possessiveness, unwanted attachment to a particular thing, passion etc… A weakness is not always associated with negative qualities. Even positive qualities, which are in excess and without logic, can cause problems. Love, obsession with studies, things, power, success, name, fame…fear of failure etc are also form of weakness. Anything that is too much is a weakness. Ultimately, this weakness causes our downfall. Our success and happiness in the world depends on our ability to keep our weakness in control. If you take a close look at the life of some people, you will realize that death or their failure in life is due to their weakness. If we become a slave of our weakness then it will wreck havo

The image of Goddess Kali is full of hidden symbolism.  Her dark colour represents the infinite. The name Kali refers to her colour, which is black, and represents the infinite. But it also refers to time. That itself gives us a clue to her function, because time, space, and causation are all processes of maya, the great illusion. Time, as we all know, truly is the all-destroyer. Nothing in this world can escape from destruction due to time. Her three eyes represent knowledge of the past, present, and future. Kali has four arms, representing the dualities of this world. Her two right arms represent the benign aspect. She bestows fearlessness and boons with those. While her two left arms, holding a sword and a severed head, and most of the rest of her, represent the terrible aspect. Here we have her function of causation — creating and destroying, as well as of the dual experience in this world. Everything comes from her and everything dissolves back into her. Her red to

Betal Gufa is a miracle cave in Sundar Nagar in Mandi District, Himachal Pradesh. It is located on the Sita Ki Pahadi (a mountain named after Mata Sita in the Molwadi area of the place). Earlier it seems the cave used to drip ghee. If people made a wish for ghee or utensils, it used to be fulfilled. There is a stream flowing inside the cave and this produces a musical sound. The water flows through the mouth of the cave and it is noted for its sweetness. The cave is believed to be more than 150 feet in length and around 15 feet in height. Idols and images of Hindu gods and goddesses are found in the cave. Earlier, whenever there was a marriage in the area. The head of the house used to take a puja thali to the cave and ask for desi ghee and utensils required for preparing food for marriage. Next day morning the head of the house used to find the required ghee and vessels in front of the cave. After marriage, the vessels are placed in front of the cave and next day morning th

The three basic text of the Vedanta school of thought is referred to as Prasthana – Traya. They are Upanishads Bhagavad Gita and Brahmasutra Brahmasutra of Badarayana is a treatise on the nature of Ultimate Reality and Truth (Brahman) as propounded by the Upanishads. Brahmasutra is also known as Vedanta Sutra and Sariraka Sutra. Bhagavad Gita forms part of the Bhishma Parva of the Mahabharata. It is in the form of a dialogue between Arjuna and Sri Krishna. Today, Bhagavad Gita is like the Bible of Hindus. It also contains the teachings found in the Vedas. The vast knowledge of Vedas is condensed in eighteen chapters. Upanishads are part of the Vedas and they are the basis of all philosophical teachings in Hinduism. The great Rishis who searched for answers to disturbing questions like who am I, Where did I come from? , Where will I Go? Is there a return?... etc poured out their thoughts in the Upanishads.

Bhagavad Gita is the essence of the Vedas. It contains all the scriptural teaching in Hinduism. A great saint said All the Upanishads are the cows, the Lord Himself is the milker, Arjuna, the calf and those of purified understanding are the drinkers of the milk, the supreme nectar of the Gita. For the soul there is neither birth nor death at any time. The soul is unborn, eternal, ever-existing and primeval. The soul is not slain when the body is slain. The soul can never be cut to pieces by any weapon, nor burned by fire, nor moistened by water, nor withered by the wind. You have a right to perform your prescribed duty, but you are not entitled to the fruits of the action. Never consider yourself to be the cause of the results of your activities, and never be attached to not doing your duty.

Shivling connects a devotee with the Supreme Being – Lord Shiva. Here is a brief idea on how to worship the Shivling at home? There are no fixed rules of worship. You can be always flexible while performing the Shiva Lingam Puja. Shivling Puja At Home Essential Items Shivling (small) Water Five liquids (milk, honey, sugarcane juice, water, rose water or any other that is available locally) Flowers Regular puja items like diya, camphor, incense, agarbatti. The Shivling The lingam is the symbol of Lord Shiva and the lingam puja helps the devotee in understanding Lord Shiva. The Lord cannot be described but still we say he is without a beginning and an end and is without a form. It is difficult for a devotee to understand this formless nature. Therefore Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Jyotirlinga before Brahma and Vishnu. The Lingam thus is a symbol of Lord Shiva. Each Lingam puja, step by step, takes the devotee to the eternal truth – that he/she is part of the Supreme

Kamadeva, the Hindu God of love, is also known as Manmatha as he came out of Brahma’s mind. He holds a flowery bow in his hand known as Pushpadhanva. He also has five arrows in his quiver. The names of the five arrows of Kamadeva are: Lambini Tapini Dravini Marini and Bodhini. The five arrows are made of five flowers. They are: Lotus (aravinda) Ashoka Jasmine Nilotpala (blue lotus) Malayaja (sandalwood flower) The job of the arrows is to entice passion and love. It is nature's secret of procreation and freshness.

There is a unique and extraordinary temple dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi in Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. The murti or idol of Laxmi Ma changes its color three times. Sunrays also fall on the murti during sunrise. The temple is located in the Adhartal area in Jabalpur and the shrine is known as Pachmatha Temple. Short History of the Temple The original temple was constructed during the reign of Rani Durgavati of the Gondwana during the 16th century AD. The temple is located near the famous Adhartal Talab. Sri Yantra The four walls of the sanctum sanctorum are noted for Sri Yantra. It is believed that during ancient time, the temple was an important center of Tantric Puja and worship. Due to this reason, the shrine attracts a huge crowd during Amavasya or no moon day. During sunrise, the rays of sun fall on the feet of the murti of Goddess Lakshmi in the temple. Goddess Lakshmi Idol Changes its Color Three Times The murti of the Goddess Lakshmi in the templ

Man is, indeed, a born questioner. As children, we are generally full of questions and curiosity. Children are, thus, bubbling with energy and enthusiasm to know. As we grow up, however, we begin to lose—thanks to our social conditioning—this capacity to question. Curiosity begins to wane and through the various experiences that we undergo, we accumulate some ‘knowledge’ and assume that we know all. The more people advance in years, the more they seem to lose the capacity to question, and instead they develop an attitude of self-righteousness and complacence. People become ‘satisfied’ with life and its possibilities, which is nothing but utter carelessness and laziness to undergo the hardships involved in seeking answers to higher and deeper issues of life. They become mechanical and insensitive. But fortunately this insensitivity is not final and irreversible. Suffering and pain awaken man’s inner capacity to question. After many experiments and experiences, he stops blam

Vishnu and His avatars are one of the most popular forms of Supreme Truth worshipped in Hinduism. Hindu God Vishnu is a living god. Understanding Lord Vishnu is easy for a bhakta or devotee but he is a puzzle for the scholar and the non-believer. He continuously makes His presence felt in the world through His avatars. Puranas, Mahabharata and Ramayana are full of stories of Vishnu. ‘The world originated from Vishnu; it is in Him that the world exists as a harmonious system; He is the sole sustainer and controller of the world, and in truth, the world is He.’ (Vishnu Purana I, i, 35) Vishnu, also known as Narayana, is mentioned in the Rig Veda, the earliest of the known Hindu scriptures. The Supreme Truth in whom the universe appears and disappears is not easy to fathom for a common mind. Vishnu is the easily understandable and the most approachable face of the Supreme Truth in Hinduism. Avatars of Vishnu are more popular than Him – like Sri Ram and Sri Krishna. Bhakti or de

Rukmi, the brother of Rukmini, wife of Sri Krishna did not participate in the Mahabharata war. He along with Balarama (elder brother of Sri Krishna) were the two important warriors of the era who did not partake in the 18-day Kurukshetra war. Rukmi did not participate in the war because he was rejected by Pandavas and Kauravas. Who was Rukmi and His Weakness Rukmi was the son of King Bhishmaka and the ruler of Vidarbha. His downfall was his boastful character. Arjuna Rejects Rukmi For the preparation of the impending war, Arjuna visited Krishna at Dwarka. Rukmi who was present there thought that Arjuna desperately wanted the help of Krishna because he was afraid of Kauravas. Rukmi told Arjuna that he had a great bow in his possession which was blessed by the Devas and with him, on his side, Arjuna need not worry about the end result of the war. Arjuna did not like the boastfulness of Rukmi. The brother-in-law of Krishna had indirectly hinted that Arjuna was afraid of

We are all familiar with the ten-headed Ravana in Ramayana. But there is a story of Ravana with thousand heads in the Adbhuta Ramayana - Shakti Tantric version of Ramayana. The thousand-headed Ravana is the brother of Ravana that Sri Ram killed in the Valmiki Ramayana. Smile of Mata Sita Thousand-Headed Ravana was the king of Pushkara Island. As per Adbhuta Ramayana, when Sri Ram kills ten-headed Ravana, all the Rishis praised Him. Mata Sita only smiled. When Sri Ram wanted to know why his killing of Ravana did not impress Mata Sita, She mentions about the thousand-headed Ravana. Sri Ram Fights Thousand-Headed Ravana Sri Ram immediately departs to the Pushkara Island to fight the brother of Ravana. But in the battle, Sri Ram is pierced by an arrow of thousand-headed Ravana and he falls unconscious. Fierce Form of Mata Sita Mata Sita then assumes the fierce form of Mother Goddess Shakti. From Her appears a thousand matrikas (mother goddesses) and they create havoc in t

Vayu Mudra is one of the important mudras in Hinduism. Practicing mudras have numerous benefits especially health related. They are good for both body and mind as per Hindu scriptures. Vayu Mudra is practiced by bending the index finger against the upper portion of the thumb. The thumb is pressed lightly on the index finger. The other three fingers are extended in a relaxed manner. Health Benefits of Vayu Mudra includes Relief in breathing problems Control of flatulence. Sensation of fullness and relief to body parts Helps in controlling the shivering of hands Relief to gout, sciatica and rheumatism. Relief to throat and head related illnesses. 

Jatoli Shiva Temple at Jatoli near Solan in Himachal Pradesh is believed to be one of the tallest Shiva Temples in the world. The temple is located atop a hill and is around 7 km from Solan town. The temple structure is inspired by the Dravidian architecture of South India. It is an ornate temple with four Shikharas. The main shikhara (vimana) of the temple is 111 feet high. Legend has it that Lord Shiva had appeared on the spot where the present temple is constructed. Later a Siddh Baba (wandering monk) came and performed penance here. The temple was constructed based on his instructions. The Shivling worshiped in the temple is found in a cave in which the Siddha Baba used to meditate. The temple attracts a huge crowd during Shivratri. The other auspicious days include Monday, Pradosh, and Chaturdashi. Shravan month is observed with great enthusiasm here.

It is impossible to find the eternal in that which is changing. Just as it is impossible to roll the sky like a skin or a cloth, so also it is impossible to become joyful and ever satisfied, not knowing or realizing the atman, which is eternal and indestructible in nature. Interestingly, the very term for ‘world’ in Sanskrit is ‘that which is ever changing’ (‘samsara’—sam sarati iti samsara). Life is part of this samsara or phenomenal world. We have got into this world of impermanence, i.e., we are born and naturally experience all the travails, trials and changes life carries with it. But then this life should not be spent off in these vain pursuits; we should seek the Permanent, the Eternal and that is what makes for truly fulfilling life. Only when there is some purity of mind, some selflessness dawning in the mind that man begins to ask these questions and seek the truly permanent. The path to seeking the eternal, however, starts from where we are — feeling, feeling the n

Realization through one’s will power is known as Iccha Upaya in Kashmir Shaiva philosophy. It is also known as Shambhavopaya. The realization depends on the will power of the person. Self-realization is here attained through the mere exercise of the will power. All other experience and methods are considered secondary in Iccha Upaya. Meditation, contemplation, physical exercises are not part of Iccha Upaya. Absorption in Shiva consciousness happens to that person who has freed himself from the clutches of the sensory pleasures through intense awakening of his/her own. In this there is identification with Shiva without any meditation or thought process. One attains identification with Shiva through intensive orientation of will power. The universe and all animate and inanimate in it are not at all different from me. Characteristics of Iccha Upaya are the state of universal love and unity with all living forms. Related Origin of the Word Hindu

Pure, eternal joy and peace are to be found only in union with the Atman. Our ignorance debars us from that union, but the dim, confused longing for happiness remains. So we are driven to seek it in the external world. We are forced to accept wretched substitutes and to try to persuade ourselves that they are genuine and valid. Instead of eternity, we cling to what seems relatively enduring. Instead of purity, we value what seems relatively pure. Instead of true happiness, we hold to what seems temporarily pleasant. But our satisfaction, also, is short-lived. The strongest tower falls, the most beautiful flower withers in our hands, the clearest water turns brackish and foul. Ignorance has betrayed us, as it always must. Yet, as we turn sadly away, our eyes fall upon some new object of sense attachment and desire. And so the hopeless search goes on. Source - Book titled - Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Swami Prabhavananda, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, p.75

Among the Vedic mantras, the most important mantra is Gayatri Mantra. Here is a brief explanation on how and when to chant Gayatri mantra. ॐ भूर्भुव :  स्व :  तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं   भर्गो   देवस्य   धीमहि   धियो   यो   न :  प्रचोदयात् Om bhoor bhuvah svah. Tat savitur varenyam bhargo devasya deemahi dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat How to Chant Gayatri Mantra? One needs to wake up early in the morning and do the purification of the body by taking bath. Equally important along with body wash is to remove all forms of negativities from the mind like hatred, anger, jealousy etc. If you are not in a position to take bath then you can wash your hands and legs with water and use a wet cloth to clean the body. You should always wear fresh and clean clothes while chanting the mantra. The mantra should be chanted while looking at the sun. You should sit in a comfortable position. Those who are unable to sit on the ground can sit on a chair etc. Those sitting on the ground s

Bhadeshwar Nath Mandir is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located atop a hillock near Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur, Bihar. The temple is around 7 km from Kahalgaon. One has to climb more than 100 rock cut uneven stairs to reach the shrine. Bateshwar Nath temple is on the banks of Ganga River. The place is highly auspicious because River Ganga flows northward here. Atop the hill, one first has the sight of a huge murti of Nandi. There are eleven Shivlings in the shrine. Therefore the temple is also known as Ekadash Mahadev Baba Hadishwar. The temple is unique for the presence of Goddess Parvati with Shiva. One of the Shivling is in Arhanarishwara form. There are three caves atop the hill. The eleven Shivling are found in one of the caves. The most auspicious period here is the Shravan month. Special rituals and pujas are held during the period. One can also see numerous murtis of gods and goddesses strewn on the hill. Archaeological Survey of India Site and Rising Water Leve

Shri Padmavathi Ammavari Karthika Brahmotsavam is observed in Kartik Month. Sri Padmavathi Ammavari Temple at Tiruchanur is dedicated to Sri Padmavathi Devi, the consort of Lord Sri Venkateswara. The temple is around 5 km from Tirupati Balaji Temple . Goddess Padmavati is an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Tiruchanoor Brahmotsavam 2023 date is from November 10 to November 18. Schedule of Tiruchanoor Sri Padmavathi Devi Brahmotsavams Day 1 Morning - Dwajarohanam Night - Chinna Sesha Vahanam Day 2 Morning -Peddaseshavahanam Night - Hamsa Vahanam Day 3 Morning - Muthyapu Pandiri Vahanam Night - Simha Vahanam Day 4 Morning - Kalpavriksha Vahanam Night -Hanumanasana Day 5 Morning - Pallaki Utsavam Night -Gaja Vahanam Day 6 Morning - Sarva Bhoopala Vahanam Night -Garudavahanam Day 7 Morning - Suryaprabha Vahanam Night -Chandraprabhavahanam Day 8 Morning - Rathotsavam Night -Ashwa Vahanam Day 9 Morning - Pancha