The story of Gajasura Shiva was narrated by Sage Dadhichi to Daksha – who was conducting a yajna without paying respects to Shiva. The story was meant to quell the ego and pride of Daksha Prajapati. The story of Shiva and elephant demon Gajasura (Nila) begins with the demon performing rigorous penance. The name of Gajasura was Nila. Pleased with the rigorous penance of Gajasura, Brahma gave him several boons. He got the most important boon indestructibility except by Shiva. With boons like longevity, untold wealth and unfathomable strength, Gajasura became arrogant and attacked the three worlds. He subjugated the demigods, saints and other divine beings. His rampage was unstoppable. When he attacked earth, people ran and took refuge at the Manikarnika Temple in Kashi (Varanasi). Gajasura soon attacked the temple and people ran into the sanctum sanctorum and clung to the Shivling. When Gajasura attempted to storm into the sanctum sanctorum, a blazing light eman...

Lingai Mata Mandir is located in the dense forest on Jharkhand – Chhattisgarh border and here Bhagavan Shiva is worshipped in female form. Lingai Mata Mandir Location  The temple is located at Alor (Allur) Village in Farasgaon Tehsil of Bastar district in Chhattisgarh, India. The Alor village is located around 8 km west of Farasgaon – one has to climb a mountain to reach the village. The temple is around 2 km from Alor Village on a small hilltop. Lingai Mata Mandir The temple is located on a cave in the mountain. The entrance to the cave is very small and one has to sit or crawl to enter the cave. Inside the cave nearly 25 to 30 persons can sit and meditate. The natural Shivling worshipped in the temple is found among the stone in the cave. People living in the area states that Shivling is growing slowly. Now the Shivling is around 2 feet in height. Lingai Mata Mandir Opens Only For One Day in a Year Lingai Mata Mandir opens on a Wednesday after Bhadr...

Hindus of Tripura worship god in various forms including fire, water, forest and earth. The most important festivals have a perfect amalgamation of Hindu and Tribal cultures. Here are some of the importance festivals of Tripura in northeastern India. Garia Puja Garia Puja is the biggest tribal festival of Tripura and it is observed in April. It is held in honor of Garia Baba, a saint revered amongst the tribes of Tripura and nearby states. In the Garia festival, two big statues, each seven feet high are made of bamboo. One of them has no hands while the hands of the other are tied with strips of cloth. Garia Baba worship goes on continuously for seven days. The followers of Garia Baba lead a life of celibacy during the festival. At the end of seven days, the cloth strips tied to the hands of one of the statues are taken off and distributed amongst the people. The statues are immersed in a river at the end of the festival. Sweetmeats are prepared after imm...

Praying for good exam results in Hinduism involves seeking blessings from specific deities and performing simple, respectful rituals to cultivate focus, wisdom, and clarity. Let’s look at an approach that includes simple prayers, suggested attire, practical puja steps, ideal deities, and modern-day tips. 1. Ideal Deities for Success in Exams Ganesha : Known as the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom and intellect. Always worshipped first. Saraswati : The goddess of knowledge, music, arts, and learning. Praying to her brings clarity, memory power, and insight. Dhanvantari : The god of health, especially helpful if stress or health issues are affecting studies. Mookambika, Sharada, and Kamakshi : Different forms of Saraswati worshipped for focus, intuition, and knowledge in South India. Shiva : Known as the "Adi Guru," the first teacher. His blessings can help with concentration and mental clarity. Vishnu : The protector deity, who ensures well-being and overall succes...

Tripura has a rich cultural heritage of different tribal communities, besides Bengali and Manipuri communities. Folk music and dances of Tripura are based on the different dance forms of the tribal communities. Music is mainly an accompaniment to dances and the musical instruments are made from bamboo and metal scraps. The musical instruments include flute, sarinda, drums, simple stringed instrument made of bamboo known as lebang and bamboo cymbals. Songs are mostly drones or chants, the livelier ones are for livelier occasions; they tell of the simple lives of the tribes, their hobbies, activities and hopes. Music and Dances of Tripuris Tripuris, the largest of the tribal community, entertain Garia deity for seven days with songs and dance. This is performed in April month for a good harvest. During the monsoon season, hordes of colorful insects called lebang visit the hill slopes in search of seeds sown over the hills. This is an occasion for merriment for the youth. While...

In many regions in India during Hindu marriage, salt is given as a gift to the bride and it is taken to her new home. Sabut namak or rock salt is given to the daughter by parents. She takes it to her husband’s home. Salt is associated with auspiciousness and this is the main symbolism. It is believed that bad luck will hesitate to enter the house in which rock salt is used and it helps in maintaining peace and prosperity. The salt carried by the bride helps in alleviating poverty as she is bringing the blessing of Goddess Lakshmi. There will be unity and love among family members and this will help in the progress of the household. It helps in keeping negative energy out. Salt should be added to the water used to clean the house – while mopping the house. This helps in keeping out negative energy. Related Custom of Breaking Fasting with Salt less Food in Hinduism –Alavana Vrata

Each state in India has developed its own distinctive styles, techniques, and designs, which are known by local or state names. The inspiration often comes from Hindu religion and the local flora and fauna same is the case with the Embroidery of the state of Rajasthan. Here is a look at Rajasthani embroidery and Hindu influence. In Rajasthan, each place has its own distinctive style of embroidery. A specialty of Rajasthani designs is the depiction of birds such as peacocks, and animals such as horses, camels, elephants and lions. The Jat women of Sikar and Jhunjhun embroider the motifs of birds and animals on their skirt borders, while women of the same community in Bikaner embroider their thick woolen shawls by employing double-running stitches to create patterns similar to bandhani – a popular method of imprinting multi-colored design by the know tie and dye process. The Mev tribals in Alwar employ the chain-stitch and embroider their wraps predominantly with ...

Garudeshwar Shivling is worshipped in Kashi and was installed by Garuda, the vehicle of Bhagvan Vishnu. Garuda and his mother Vinita were enslaved by Kadru and her naga sons. But Garuda rescued his mother from slavery after a tough struggle. Story of Shiva as Garudeshwar is found in Skanda Purana . Later Vinita told Garuda that she might have performed some bad deed in her past life to suffer the life of a slave. To get redemption from sins of past life, she wished to visit Kashi and offer prayers to Shiva. Garuda took his mother to Kashi and there installed a Shivling and performed intense austerities. Pleased with devotion of Garuda, Shiva appeared before him and told him that his mother had got redemption. Shiva also told that Garuda, the dutiful son, will become the vehicle of Bhagavan Vishnu in future. Shiva then blessed Garuda that the Shivling he installed will be known as Garudeshwar and those who worship it will be blessed with knowledge to attain self re...

 In Hinduism, praying for good luck is a spiritual practice that combines devotion, intention, and rituals to seek blessings from deities associated with prosperity, wisdom, and fortune. Many deities embody these qualities, and performing puja (worship) to them with sincerity can invoke positive energies. Here’s a detailed guide on how to pray to bring good luck, along with specific mantras, prayers, ideal gods or goddesses, clothing suggestions, and practical advice for modern times. 1. Key Deities for Good Luck and Prosperity: Ganesha: The remover of obstacles, worshipped at the beginning of any new endeavor. Lakshmi: The goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune. Kubera: The god of wealth, often invoked with Lakshmi. Krishna: Known for his blessings in happiness, love, and success. Saraswati: The goddess of wisdom and knowledge, invoked for success in studies and arts. Jagannath: An incarnation of Vishnu, believed to grant good fortune and protection. Shiva: Worshipped f...

Tulsi plant is an essential holy item in a Hindu home. Eight names of the Tulsi are chanted in the morning and evening for auspiciousness, good luck, peace and prosperity. Eight Names of Tulsi Vrinda Vrindavani Vishwapujita Vishwapavani Pushpasara Nandniya Tulsi Krishna Jeevani As per Hindus scriptures, Tulsi is symbol of purity, holiness and the presence of divinity. The Tulsi that are worshipped at home include Krishna Tulsi and Rama Tulsi. Eight Names of Tulsi in Mantra वृंदा वृंदावनी विश्वपूजिता विश्वपावनी। पुष्पसारा नंदनीय तुलसी कृष्ण जीवनी।। एतभामांष्टक चैव स्त्रोतं नामर्थं संयुतम। यः पठेत तां च सम्पूज्य सौश्रमेघ फलंलमेता।। Benefits of Chanting Eight Names of Tulsi Daily It is chanted for a happy married life. It is chanted for peace and happiness in the family. It is chanted for good health and for the long life of family members. There is a belief that worshipping Tulsi daily will help in keeping out all kinds of negative...

Bheemana Amavasya or Bhima Amavasya Vrata observed in Karnataka on the Amavasi (new moon day) in Ashada month is based on an unparalleled devotion of a young girl for Lord Shiva and Parvati. Women and girls conduct special puja on the day for a happy and prosperous life and for the wellbeing of brothers and husbands. The popular story, or Katha, associated Jyoti Bheemeshwara pooja is known as Bhagirathi Nadi Hogi. Legend has it that once a Brahmin couple decided to travel to Kashi to pray to Lord Shiva. But they had a daughter, a young girl, and the couple was not ready to take her with them as they did not want to risk her life. The journey was long and they were not sure whether they will make it safely. So the Brahmin couple decided to leave the young girl with their elder son. The elder son was married and they left the daughter with him and said that if they did not return he should get her married. The parents did not return after a year and the brother an...

When Vishnu was born as Sri Ram in Ayodhya as son of Dasharatha, Shiva was eager to have a glimpse of the child form of Vishnu. Dasharatha was protective of child Rama and did not allow strangers near him. Shiva takes various forms of Sadhu, astrologer, singer etc to enter palace but is denied. Finally he takes the form of a Madari, a man who entertains people on the street with a monkey. Legend has it that the monkey that danced for Shiva was Hanuman. Shiva twirls his hourglass-shaped drum and hanuman dances entertaining the crowd. The news of the monkey and the street performer reaches the palace and they are invited to play for the princes. Sri Ram sits on the lap of King Dasharatha and watches the performance. Shiva as Madari is in a blissful state on seeing Vishnu in child form. He twirls the drum ecstatically and dances with the monkey. Related Parashu the Divine Weapon of Parashuram and Shiva

Jangama in Kannada Virashaivism – Lingayat Sect is a wandering mendicant. Jangama is a Sanskrit word and it means a “moving object.” As per Veerashaivism, jangama is a wandering monk who preaches morality and religion. Today, many of them have abandoned the nomadic lifestyle and have settled as priests of their respective community. He lives on alms obtained through charity. Three Different Types of Jangama As per Viragama, a jangama is one who is free from worldly attachments, burdens, restrictions, limitations, sensuality and impurities. Depending on their mode of living and religious order, Veerashaivism makes a distinction of jangama. They are categorized into commoner, the special one and wandering monk. A samanya or commoner is a householder and he is settled in a particular place. A Vishesha or the special one is an unmarried monk who conducts religious ceremonies and heads a mutt. He is also known as pattadadevaru. A wandering monk with no at...

Gudiya Festival is mainly observed in Shravan month mainly in rural areas in Uttar Pradesh. Gudiya festival 2025 date is July 29. On the same day Nag Panchami festival is also organized. As part of the Gudiya Festival, children beat up cloth-made dolls. But this practice has been stopped as it indirectly cultivated violence against women. Today in many regions, baby dolls are kept on swings and people swing it.  Women sing folk songs and apply mehndi on hands. People also indulge in kite flying (patang baazi) on this day.  Gudiya Festival: A Unique Rural Celebration in Uttar Pradesh The Gudiya Festival, primarily observed in the Shravan month, is a vibrant and culturally significant celebration in the rural areas of Uttar Pradesh. Coinciding with Nag Panchami, this festival is deeply rooted in local traditions and customs, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's cultural fabric. Historical Significance and Evolution Historically, the Gudiya Festival involved a ...

Praying for a loving relationship, like a girlfriend, in Hinduism can be done through worship, prayer, and the intention of creating a bond that is not only about romance but also about mutual respect and spiritual growth. In Hindu tradition, praying to divine couples such as Radha-Krishna, Shiva-Parvati, and Lakshmi-Narayana aligns with this purpose, as these deities represent love, harmony, and partnership. Below is a guide with suggested deities, mantras, puja steps, and practical tips for those seeking a girlfriend with respect to Hindu values and traditions. 1. Ideal Gods and Goddesses to Worship for Love and Companionship Radha-Krishna : Represent eternal love and devotion. Worshiping Radha and Krishna is ideal for those seeking a true, heartfelt relationship. Shiva-Parvati : Known as the divine couple who complement each other. Praying to them can help you find a partner who balances you. Lakshmi-Narayana : Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and Narayana (Vishnu) are the embodi...

One of the most amazing forms of Shiva and Parvati is that of the Ardhanarishvara – half-man and half-woman. It is laced with symbolism. There are also numerous stories associated with the appearance of Ardhanarishvara. One of the most popular stories is the one associated with Sage Bhringi disrespecting Goddess Parvati by worshipping only Shiva. Sage Bhringi was a great devotee of Shiva but he refused to accept Mata Parvati as a Goddess. He never offered prayers to Mata Parvati and this infuriated her as she was the Shakti – the female energy. The sage performed circumambulation of Shiva daily but ignored Parvati. Despite Her protests, Sage Bhringi continued to worship only Shiva. To teach the arrogant Sage a lesson, she abandoned him. The Sage had not realized that Goddess Parvati is also Annapurna – the one who nourishes all living beings. The sage deprived of Mother’s support became weak and thin. Soon he could not even stand. The benign Shiva could not abandon his...

Dakshayani is one among the numerous names of Mother Goddess Shakti. Goddess Sati is known as Dakshayani. She is known by the name because she was the daughter of Daksha Prajapati. Goddess Sati had married Shiva against the wishes of her father Daksha. Daksha once planned to perform an important yajna. He invited everybody but Shiva and Sati was not invited. Sati considered this as an insult. Sati wanted to find out why Mahadev was not invited to the yajna. Shiva advised Her against going to an uninvited yajna. Dakshayani ignored the warning of Shiva by telling him that she need not need an invitation to visit her father's house. Shiva gave permission to Sati to attend the yajna. Dakshayani and her aide, Somanandi, and countless Ganas set out from Kailash. Upon reaching the yajna spot, Dakshayani greeted her father. But She was insulted by Daksha. An arrogant Daksha asked her to return quickly to her half-naked husband living in the cremation ground. Dak...

Kanyakumari Temple is a renowned temple in the ancient and famous Hindu pilgrimage town of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Kanya Kumari – the virgin goddess (kanni Kumari) and is locate at the southern tip of India. The place is also known as Cape Comorin, where three seas meet – Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea. Kanyakumari Temple on the seashore is situated inside a walled rectangular enclosure, in the center of which is the main sanctum sanctorum.  The Goddess in the sanctum faces east and holds a garland in her right hand. Radiant Nose Ring During ancient times, the radiant nose-ring Goddess Kanyakumari wears served as a beacon light to sailors at sea. This temple was constructed before 3000 years by Parasurama Avatar of Vishnu and then renovated by one of the kings of Pandya Dynasty. It is believed that Goddess Bhagavathy stood here as a spinster and she killed the demon Banasuran on Vijayadasami. Kanyakumari Temple ...

The ten incarnations or ‘Dasa Avatara’ of Lord Vishnu is an extraordinary recording of the evolution of human life and advance in human civilization. In Hindu religion, the three main deities are Lord Brahma, Vishu and Shiva. Brahma creates, Vishnu protects and Shiva destroys - three faces of Mother Nature. Lord Vishnu descends on Earth to uphold dharma and to cleanse the Earth of evil. So far, Lord Vishnu has appeared nine times on Earth and the tenth, kalki, is expected. The sequence of appearance of Lord Vishnu on Earth is in tune with the evolutionary theory. In fact, the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu is an amazing recording of the advancement of human civilization. All this was recorded by Hindu sages thousands of years before Christ. The first incarnation or avatar of Lord Vishnu was in the form of a fish and is known as ‘Matsya Avatar.’ It has now been confirmed by Science through various experiments that the first life forms evolved underwater. The sec...

Praying for a job or career success in Hinduism combines devotion, intention, and positive action. In Hindu tradition, deities associated with knowledge, skill, prosperity, strength, and success are revered for job-related prayers. Here are some meaningful practices, simple prayers, mantras, and puja steps that you can follow to seek blessings for career advancement and job success. 1. Ideal Deities to Worship for Career and Job Success Vishwakarma : The divine architect, creator of skills and craftsmanship. Worshipping him can be beneficial, especially for those in technical, engineering, or creative fields. Saraswati : Goddess of wisdom and learning. Ideal for students, educators, writers, or any career involving knowledge. Lord Vishnu : Known as the preserver and protector, praying to him can bring stability and sustenance in one's career. Lord Ganesha : The remover of obstacles, ideal to worship before any endeavor. Lord Krishna : Representing diplomacy and strategic success, h...

Bheema Ammavasi or Bheemana Amavasya Vrata is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati and is observed by women in Karnataka. It takes place on the Amavasi or non moon day in the month of Ashada. Also referred as Jyoti Bheemeshwara Vratam, the ritual is observed for the well being of the male members in the family.  How to observe Bheemana Amavasya Vrata? Requirements A pair of mud kalikamba lamps representing Shiva and Parvati or picture of Shiva and Parvati or Silver lamps. Dough balls or Kadubus with coins hidden in them (Bhandara). Thembittu lamps or traditional lamps Turmeric roots Yellow thread Nombu sacred thread (usually made instantly or bought) Cotton Local flowers Betel leaves Betel nuts bananas Unbroken coconut Fruits All things needed for the Puja are arranged. There are no strict rules you can always substitute things. House is cleaned and decorated, especially the Puja area. Fried things are not prepared on the day. P...