Madan Dwadasi, or Madana Dvadasi, is associated with Hindu God Kama, the god of love. For some Hindu communities the day is associated with Lord Shiva. Madana Dwadasi 2023 date is April 3. It is observed on the 12 th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Chaitra month (March – April). The twelfth, thirteenth and fourteenth day of the waxing phase of moon of Chaitra month is dedicated to Hindu God Kama. Lord Shiva is also worshipped during the period. These days are auspicious to Hindu communities that associate the legend of Holi festival with Shiva burning Kama by opening his third eye. Shiva Burning Kamdev a Great Sacrifice Kamdev was chosen to kindle the feeling of love in Lord Shiva who had entered into a deep meditation after the death of Goddess Sati. Kamdev knew that Lord Shiva was endowed with a fiery sight and disturbing him from his meditation is inviting death. But he performed the act so that the world that had gone lopsided with Shiva e

Tirumala – Sacred Foods of God is a praiseworthy and unique attempt to understand and share the knowledge of prasads offered in the world famous Tirupati Balaji Temple. The book is published by Lustre Press/Roli Books and is written by AV Ramana Diskhitulu and Kota Neelima. The seven different sections in the book give a deep insight into the various rituals followed in the Tirupati Temple with importance given to the naivedyams or food offering and explanations from the Agama Shastra. “Food offerings require good harvests, which in turn, require high agricultural activity. The food after it is offered to God, is distributed among assembled devotees irrespective of caste, creed, gender, age and social status” AV Ramana Diskhitulu (Molecular Biologist and Archaka of Sri Venkateshwara) There is a customary introductory chapter with information on the Venkatachala Hill, the Outer Temple and Inner Temple. But what surprised me here is a couple of pages dedicated to dos and don

Krishna Pushkaram is held once in 12 years and is conducted in places through which the Kaveri River flows especially at Talacauvery, Srirangapatanam and Srirangam. Kaveri Pushkaram 2017 dates are from September 12 to September 23, 2017. This pushkaram is held when Jupiter enters Tula Rasi (Libra). The main ritual includes taking holy dip in the Kaveri River. A Pushakaram takes place once in 12 years when Jupitar (Brishaspati) enters a particular zodiac. There are total of  12 rivers where Pushkaram  takes place. The most famous is the Godavari Pushkaram. The ritual of pushkaram is more popular in Andhra Pradesh. The important places to take bath during the Kaveri Pushkaram are Talakaveri, Bhagamandala, Kushalnagar, Srirangapatna, Mandya, Krishnarajasagara Dam, Shivanasamudra, Bannur, Narasipura, Talakadu, Mudukuthore, Muthathi, Kanakapura in Karnataka Mettur, Bhavani – Thirunana, Pallipalayam, Erode, Kodumudi, Velur, Srirangam, Thiruvaiyaru, Thanjavur, Swamimalai, Ku