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Showing posts from September 15, 2017


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