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 Bhadrapad

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

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

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 contr

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 T

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

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. Prepa

Dwi Mukhi Ganesha is especially worshipped to get relief from Ketu related problems in horoscope or janam kundli. Many Hindus believe that worshipping two-face Ganesha changes luck and ushers is prosperity. A rare Dwi Mukhi Ganesha is worshipped in the famous Chintamani Ganapati Temple in Mandasur, Madhya Pradesh. The two faces of Ganesha faces the opposite direction. Red color dress adorns the murti. The color tone is blue-green. He has four hands holding ankush, pasha and gold filled kumbh. One hand is in Varad mudra. The nakshatra associated with Dwi Mukhi Ganesh is Shravan. When Chaturthi falls on Monday, the day is dedicated to Dwi Mukhi Ganesha. Benefits of Offering Prayers to Ganesha Solution to mental problems. Financial problems will be solved especially legal issues related to wealth. All fight and problems in home will be solved. White color flowers are offered to Dwi Mukhi Ganesha. Chawal kheer or rice payasam is offered as Prasad or bhog.

Bilva leaves, or the Belpatra, are an important item while worshipping Lord Shiva. But it is difficult to get unbroken and fresh bilva leaves. So now, people have started using Silver Bilva Patra and Mala. Here are the benefits and how to do puja with silver bilva leaves? Benefits of Silver Bilva Leaves Silver Bilva leaves have all the benefits of offering natural leaves. It is believed that the presence of silver bilva patra will make sure that there is positive energy in the house. It is believed that offering water and silver bilva patra daily will help in sin redemption. Reusing the same bilva patra is helpful to nature too. How to do puja with Silver Bilva Leaves? When Shiva puja is done at home, after offering water, silver bilva leaves should be offered to Shiva. The silver bilva leaves should always be kept neat and clean. After the puja the leaves should be cleaned properly and kept in a safe place. It should not be taken out or shared with others

Banjara teej is a nine-day ritual and festival observed by Banjara community especially in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Maharashtra. Banjara Teej in 2025 begins on August 8. The festival ends on August 15 on Sri Krishna Janmashtami day. The main ritual during the period is the sowing and growing of wheat saplings in a small basket made of bamboo. This basket with growing wheat shoots is known as Teej. It symbolizes prosperity. Young girls who participate in the ritual pray to Lord Sevalal for their well-being. During the nine day rituals, groups of young girls sing and danced with the teej on their heads, seeking prosperity for the village and the community. On Janmashtami day, the Teej is carried on the traditional phuliagan on the head of the girls. The girls, who reach nearby river or pond singing songs, immerse Teej in the water. Banjara Teej begins on Shravan Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi Tithi and ends on Shravan Krishna Paksha Ashtami Tithi as per tradi

Coconut, or nariyal, is known as Shrifal in Hindu pujas and rituals. There is an interesting story regarding Shrifal in Hinduism. Legend has it that once Lord Vishnu appeared on earth from Vaikunta to bless those who followed Dharma. He arrived on earth with Goddess Lakshmi Coconut Tree and Kamadhenu (the divine cow) Sri means Goddess Lakshmi and therefore coconut is the fruit of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. As the tree arrived on earth with Vishnu and Lakshmi it came to be known as Shrifal. Related Symbolism of Coconut Shell Bowl of Hindu Gods and Saints  Symbolically Kamandalu in Lord Brahma’s hands suggest that water is life and is the physical element that caused the whole creation to exist. ( read more ) Cowrie Shell Mala and Rosary Cowrie shell mala, or Kauri bead necklace, is considered auspicious by Hindus and has a place in Hindu religious ceremonies and it is believed to represent Goddess Lakshmi. ( read more ) Curse of Mata Sita – The R

Many people find it difficult to understand Hinduism because of the numerous deities, scriptures and schools of thought. The difficulty is primarily due to the popular concept of God – that there is a God sitting somewhere up in the heavens and controlling the happenings on earth. In fact majority of Hindus too believe in a ‘God sitting above’ but the sole difference that a Hindu can choose a personal God or Gods from the numerous deities in the Hindu pantheon who are all the representative of the Supreme Being – Brahman. Hinduism, the real name Sanatana Dharma, should be understood step by step. The confusion arises when people directly jumps into the various schools of thought and scriptures or by forming an opinion by standing in the outskirts. There is only one Supreme Truth called by different names. It is present in all animate and inanimate. All birth and death are the result of this Supreme Truth. We are born into this state of Supreme Bliss. But soon this Supreme

Swami Nirmalananda (1924 – 1997) of Vishwa Shanti Niketan Ashram. Swamiji lived a quiet life but his decision to enter into prayopavesa (fast to death) was made into an issue by secularists. What is Prayopavesa? And Why It is Not Suicide? There is a world of difference between prayopavesa and suicide.  Suicide is a violent form of voluntary sudden death, inflicting pain to the body. It's born out of dejection and disorientation of mind. It's escapist in nature.  Prayopavesa is a nonviolent, spiritual form of voluntary, slow dissolution of the body. It is done in quest of communion with Him after fulfilling one's responsibilities in full. The extinction of life progresses very slowly. To ensure slow, painless and conscious dissolution, the fasting progresses in stages. Swami Nirmalananda Teachings and Quotes Wisdom to me is not a set of words, but freshness and emptiness of the mind. Empty the mind by self-observation, self-awareness and inner attent

Visiting Shiva Temples in Shravan month is highly auspicious especially on Mondays (Somvar) in the month. Sawan Parikrama in Agra is the circumnavigation of four temples on foot for about 50 kilometers. The four temples are Rajeshwar Temple , Kailash Temple , Balkeshwar Temple and Prithvi Nath Temple . The Shravan Parikrama at Agra is held on the second Monday of Sawan month as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India . Thousands of devotees join in the walk to these four temples. Those participating in the walk also undertake a fast on Mondays. The four temples are decorated and special pujas are conducted. Related Importance of Shravan Somvar

Shiva Sayana Vrata, or Shiva Sayana Chaturdasi, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is observed on the 14th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Ashada Month. In 2025, Shiva Sayana Chaturdashi and Vrata begins on July 9. Some Hindu communities believe that Lord Shiva goes into yoga nidra (sleep) during the Chaturmas period, the four holy months in Hinduism, on Shiva Sayana Chaturdashi day. The Shravan month begins two days after Shiva Sayana Chaturdasi and this is one of the most auspicious periods to perform rituals and pujas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The popular belief is that Shiva during the period of four months destroys all sins and helps devotees in the path of Moksha. It is believed that Shiva ushers in peace and prosperity. A legend suggests that the Lord ties all sins with Jada (hair) and sleeps on a tiger skin. In some regions, Shiva Shaynotsav and Shiv Dolotsav are organized during the period. Shiva Sayana Chaturdashi is quite similar to th

Nagashwer Mahadev Mantra is chanted to achieve all forms of pleasure in life. The prayer is also chanted to achieve immeasurable wealth. Nagashwer Mahadev is one among the Jyotirling form of Shiva. In this form, Shiva is associated with Nagas or snakes. Nageshwar form of Shiva is worshipped widely in western parts of India especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra.   Nagashwer Mahadev Mantra ह्रीं नागेश्वराय नमः शिवाय ह्रीं॥ Hreem Nageshwaraya Namah Shivaya Hreem When to Chant the Nagashwer Mahadev Mantra? Panchami Tithi – Fifth day of a lunar fortnight as per Hindu calendar. Highly auspicious when Panchami Tithi falls on Tuesday. How to chant Nagashwer Mahadev Mantra? Chant the mantra during pradosh period – an hour before sunset. Chant the mantra facing south. Wear white or blue color clothes. Light lamp us chameli oil. Perform dhoop using Gugal. Offer red color flowers. Offer Sindhoor. Offer sweet made using milk. – Later share it with family memb

Vadiraja (1480 – 1600 AD) is one of the outstanding Acharyas who belongs to both Vyasa and Dasa Kuta. Vadiraja has composed many devotional songs apart from his classic works in Sanskrit like ‘Yuktimallika.’ His Venkatesa Mangalashtak in Sanskrit is very alluring and popular and is sun on all ceremonial occasions. In it, Poet Vadiraja presents a graphic word picture o the Divine form of the Lord directly seen through his eyes apart from the description of his glory as sung by Vedas and Puranas. With rare felicity of poetic expression, the ardent devotee and the gifted poet in Vadiraya, appears to outshine the logician and philosopher in him. Venkatesa Mangalashtak Lord Venkatesa has two wives – Sridevi and Bhudevi. Brahma, husband of Saraswati is his son, Shiva who has moon on his head as jewel is his grandson. Lord of serpents (Sesha) is his resting abode; all the demigods (Devas) are his attendants. Garuda is his chariot and the entire universe is his residence. He is the