This prayer in pdf format is the Sani Bhagavan Mantra and it is in Tamil. This prayer is chanted by those people having bad Shan in their horoscope. Astrologers are of the opinion that chanting prayers dedicated to Shani will help in removing all bad influences of Shani. You can download it for free. Link – Shani Prayer in Tamil in pdf 

Shaktipeeth are holy places associated with the Mother Goddess Shakti and spread over various parts of the Indian subcontinent. They are popular pilgrim centers. But what is the exact number of Shaktipeeths? Is it 51, 52, 72 or 108? Shaktipeeth on earth are those spots where a part of Mata Sati’s body fell after she performed self-immolation at the infamous Daksha Yajna. As per Devi Purana, there are 51 Shaktipeeths on earth. As per Devi Bhgavad Purana, also mentions about 108 Shaktipeeths. Devi Gita mentions about 72 Shaktipeeths. Tantra Choodamani mentions about 52 Shaktipeeths. The most popularly accepted number is 51 as mentioned in the Devi Bhagavatam. Of the 51 Shaktipeeths, there is no proper knowledge regarding 4 Shakipeeths. They are  Ratnavali Shaktipeeth,  Kalmadhav Shaktipeeth,  Lanka Shaktipeeth and  Panchasagar Shaktipeeth. Ratnavali is associated with shoulder of Mata Sati. The belief is that Maa Sati’s shoulder fell here. Kalmad

Skanda, popularly known as Muruga, Kartik, Subrahmanya and Shanmugha, is the son of Shiva. But there is a story that suggest that Skanda is the son of Agni. As per this legend Skanda is the son of Agni and Goddess Svaha. Legend has it that Agni was enamored by the beauty of the seven wives of Sapta Rishis or the seven sages – Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadhvaja, Vishvamitra, Gauthama, Jamadagni and Vashishta. Goddess Svaha was worried that Agni would end up doing something stupid and would end up getting cursed by the Rishis. Goddess Svaha then took the form of the seven wives of Saptarishis and made love to Agni, her husband. Skanda was born to Goddess Svaha after this incident. It must be noted that in the story of Skanda as son of Shiva, it is Agni who carries the fiery semen of Shiva to Ganga who deposits in the forest and where Skanda is born as six babies looked after by Krittika Nakshatra. The six babies are later joined together by Goddess Parvati. Thus in all

Sri Krishna Janmashtami or Sri Krishna Jayanti is mainly celebrated in Lord Krishna or Vishnu temples. Hindu spiritual organizations conduct numerous programs like discourses, dramas and processions on the day. A fasting is observed on the previous day by some communities in North India. But this is not followed by majority of people. If you plan to celebrate or perform rituals at home on the day, the ideal method will be to recite the mantra ‘ Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya. ’ This can be done while performing pujas or throughout the day. Pujas involve offering flowers and performing Arati. Reciting or listening to Srimad Bhagavata Purana or Bhagavatam is highly auspicious on the day. Some devotees observe fast and spend time in temples or listening to discourses. The main worship in temples takes place at midnight when Lord Krishna was born. It must be remembered here that Lord Krishna is happy with anything that is offered to him in true devo

The 16th century Venkatachalapathy Temple at Krishnapuram Village in Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, is noted for its unique intricately carved stone sculptures. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkatachalapathy (Venkateswara) with his consorts Sri Devi and Bhu Devi on either side. Situated about nine km from Tirunelveli town, currently the temple and around 40 sculptures are in a dilapidated condition due to lack of maintenance. V Krithiga writes in expressbuzz.com about the present condition of the temple: The Veerappa Naick Mandapam situated north of the temple has two beautifully-carved elephants at its entrance. The six pillars at the mandapam exhibit `Puranic’ scenes with dexterity. Another unique feature of the temple is the musical pillars that produce interesting sound, when tapped.  Some of the rare sculptures such as Arjuna with a flowing beard performing penance with a bow and an arrow in his hands, a princess and a prince being abducted by a

In Hinduism, Mahalakshmi is the supreme Mother Goddess and is believed to be the root of all creations. The popular Hindu Goddess Lakshmi who is the goddess of wealth, auspiciousness and fortune is only an attribute of Mahalakshmi. There is a difference between Lakshmi and Mahalakshmi. But today both forms mean the same for majority of the people. Mahalakshmi as Supreme Mother Goddess is similar to Durga and this form is mentioned in Tantric texts and is popular in western India , especially in Maharashtra . As per some school of teachings, there is a difference between Lakshmi and Mahalakshmi. Popular image of Goddess Lakshmi Difference Between Lakshmi and Mahalakshmi Mahalakshmi is the Supreme Mother Goddess. Goddess Lakshmi is an amsha avatar or a manifestation of Mahalakshmi. The form of Mahalakshmi is impossible to imagine or comprehend. To help devotees, worship and offer prayers, Mahalakshmi took the form of Goddess Lakshmi. Mahalakshmi is the Mother with

Japa is the repetition of a mantra or a word or a combination of words done with the intention of realizing the Supreme Being in Hindu religion. To keep count of the repetition of the mantra, a prayer garland is used and this is known as Japamala. Japa mala is the rosary in Hinduism Usually a Japamala consists of 108 beads – the number 108 is of great significance in Hinduism .  In Japamala, all the beads are of same size, except one bead which is known as ‘meru.’ When the mantra is repeated the devotee counts it on the bead and the count is automatically kept when the fingers reach the ‘meru.’ When the fingers reach the ‘meru’ the counting is done by turning back as the ‘meru’ should not be crossed. Japamala is usually made from Tulsi, sandalwood, rosewood, or Rudraksha . There are also malas made from precious and semi-precious stones.

Vinayaka Chaturthi Puja Vidanam and Mantras in Tamil is provided by Sumadhwa Seva website. It is highly helpful for people performing Ganesha Chaturthi puja at home. It contains puja procedure, mantras and other details in Tamil in pdf format. Link – Vinayaka Chaturthi Puja Vidanam in Tamil You will need pdf reader installed to download or read the puja procedures.

Tantra, or the practice of ‘sacred sexuality,’ is becoming very popular in the West today. Do you think these teachings offer an authentic spiritual path? Swami Chidananda Saraswati answers in detail on the topic of Tantra and Tantric Love in Hinduism and clears lot of misunderstandings and misinformation. No, I do not think that these teachings offer an authentic spiritual path. Why? Because of human frailty, human weakness. The human mind is so made that it always takes the path of least resistance. It always wants the easy way. Tantra is an approach to God through all types of sense enjoyment. Everything is offered to God and so everything becomes sanctified; nothing is profane. One enjoys sense satisfaction and sees it also as part of God's bliss. There is a view, and it has something to it, that while in all human experiences duality persists – there is an ‘I am enjoying this object’ feeling – that in the ultimate sexual experience between a truly loving male, int

Millions of people bath in the River Ganga, or Ganges , during Kumbh Mela, Magh Mela and on other auspicious days? But rarely have we heard about the breakout of a major epidemic like Cholera or other waterborne diseases. Industrial waste and human waste is dumped into Ganga at several points but Ganga continues to amaze everyone with its purifying power. So what is the science behind the extraordinary power of Ganga ? And does science have the all the clues to the purifying properties of Ganges ? In Hinduism, there is frequently a connection between mythology and science. Hindu scriptures say that bathing in Ganga purifies the sins of this birth and previous birth. Ganga Ma, or Mother Ganga, is a Goddess in Hinduism. Puranas and epics extol her greatness and she descends to the earth from the matted locks of Lord Shiva. A dying Hindu’s last wish is to have a few drops of Ganga water. Hindus have always believed that River Ganga has extraordinary power and it prevents disea

The Agamas are important Hindu Scriptures and can be termed as guidelines for worshipping the Supreme Being. ‘Agama’ in Sanskrit means attaining knowledge. There are different schools of agamas dealing with Shiva, Shakti and Vishnu worship. Pancharatra Agama is one of the most important Vaishnava Agamas and it considers Lord Vishnu as the Supreme Being and the path to liberation. According to the Pancharatra Agama the Supreme Being has five aspects Para – the transcendental form Vyuha – the form at the time of creation Vibhava or Avatara – the form during incarnations Antaryami – the form present in all animate and inanimate Archa – the image form in temples A devotee can worship the Supreme Being or Brahman in any form. And all the paths ultimately lead to Brahman.

The story of Khir Bhawani (Goddess Shyama) and Hanuman is found in some versions of Ramayana. Legend has it that Ravana to increase his powers propitiated Shiva by doing intense austerities. To gain more strength, Shiva asked Ravana to appease Goddess Shyama, an incarnation of Goddess Shakti.  Ravana offers intense austerities for several years and Goddess Shyama agrees to reside at Lanka. With the presence of Goddess Shyama, Ravana becomes more powerful. Goddess Shyama resides at Lanka with thousands of nagas. Ravana defeats all his enemies and conquers heaven during this period. There was no one as powerful as Ravana. The demon king then kidnaps Mata Sita But Goddess Shyama disagrees to Ravana kidnapping Mata Sita. When Sri Ram arrives at Lanka to rescue Mata Sita, Goddess Shyama decides to abandon Lanka. She requests the help of Hanuman to carry her and nagas from the Island . Hanuman carries Goddess Shyama and nagas on his back and reaches the Himala

In Hinduism, mountain is a place where the divine resides and therefore a living symbol and a source of strength. The thousands of hill shrines and several revered mountains are a testimony to the fact that Hinduism is deeply rooted in Nature. The most famous mountain in Hindu religion is the Mount Kailash in Tibet , the abode of Lord Shiva. Thousands of Hindu temples are located on hill tops like the Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple , Amarnath Cave Shrine, Vaishano Devi Shrine and Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple . Mount Meru is the center of the world in Hindu religion and it acts a pivot for the three worlds. Himavan is the mountain god in Hindu mythology and is the father of Goddess Parvati. Mount Mandara was used as a churning pole to churn the ocean to get amrit (Ambrosia). Puranas and epics are filled with legends associated with various mountains in Himalayas , the Vindhyas, the Satpuras, the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats . The Markandeya Purana

Talk about Sun Temple in Odisha, the first thing that comes to our mind is the Sun Temple in Konark. But there are two other (even more) sun temples in Odisha. One is in Buguda in Ganjam District and another is at Palia in Bhadrak District. The Sun Temple at Buguda is made out of wood and is sometimes referred as the Wooden Konark. The temple is also known as Biranchi Narayan Temple. But poor maintenance and other natural causes have pushed the temple on to the verge of collapse. Lack of funds and lack of people with knowledge to repair the 18 th century temple are two main impediments in protecting the structure. Dedicated to Surya The temple is dedicated to the Sun God and is popularly known as the Biranchi Narayan temple. There is a belief that the idol is the lost idol of Konark’s  Sun   Temple . Apart from the five-foot main murti (idol), the temple has two small replicas of the main idol made from copper and wood. The main murti (idol) of Biranchi Naray

If you are performing Gowri Ganesh Puja or Gouri Habba at home and are looking for puja procedure, mantras and other details in Kannada, then the Sumadhwa Seva website has uploaded a pdf document on How to do Swarna Gowri Vratam. It contains all mantras and puja procedures associated with Gowri Habba. Link – Gowri Ganesh Puja Details in Kannada You will need pdf reader installed to download or read the puja procedures. Related How to perform Gowri Ganesh Puja at home?

Ganapati Puja Vidhanam in Kannada for Vinayaka Chaturthi is presented by the Sumadhwa Seva website. It contains details about performing Ganesh Chaturthi puja at home and other details in Kannada. The puja details have uploaded as a pdf document. It contains all mantras and puja procedures associated with Ganapati puja and clears most of the doubts. Link – Ganesh Chaturthi Puja Details in Kannada You will need pdf reader installed to download or read the puja procedures. Related How to perform Ganesh Chaturthi Puja at home? in English

An interesting article in Cybernoon by Ruby Lilaowala, a well known columnist and writer, discusses Persian words in Hinduism especially in the Pre-Vedic and Vedic period. The article talks about similar words in Rig Veda and Zend Avesta and the Persian influence on various terms used in the Vedas. Some of the important inferences in the article The word ‘Hindu’ is a Persian word coined by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century B.C. to describe people who lived beyond the Sindhu River ( Indus ), which was the eastern boundary of the ancient Persian Empire . The Persians were not able to pronounce ‘S’ and Sindhu ( Indus ) became Hindu. ‘Hoama’ in Zend Avesta became ‘Homa’ in Rig Veda. ‘Shudra’ in the Hindu caste system is from Persian ‘Hatoksha’, people who joined Persians on their travels. ‘Vaishya’ caste in Persian language was ‘Vastrayosh’, cattle herders. Persian ‘Veeg’ for seed became Sanskrit ‘beej.’ ‘Ratheshwars’ were Persian warriors and this in Sanskrit bec

Maya Beej Mantra is associated with the Goddess Bhuvaneshwari Devi form of Goddess Durga. The mantra becomes powerful when a person chants it during the Navratri Vrat and Puja. It is believed that the mantra helps a person overcome all forms of money related difficulties. Through the mantra a person can attain wealth, vehicle, home and property. The beauty of the mantra is that it helps in pleasing Goddess Bhuvaneshwari Devi instantly. Sphatik Mala (mala with crystal or glass beads) should be used to chant the mantra. Rose color flower should be offered to Goddess Bhuvaneshwari before chanting the mantra. Wearing rose color dress is considered highly beneficial. The mantra should be chanted 108 times. Maya Beej Mantra ह्रीं Hreem Beeja mantras are very short but highly powerful. It should be used judiciously. Related Ten Incarnations of Vishnu and the Ten Shaktis or Mahavidyas of Each Avatar

Shri Ram Stuti is a popular prayer dedicated to Bhagavan Sri Ram. The prayer extols the glory of the Maryada Purushottam Avatar of Hindu God Vishnu. This is a pdf version of the prayer in Hindi. There are a couple of versions of Shri Ram Stuti. This particular one is one of the most popular versions. Chanting this prayer is highly meritorious and helps in attaining peace and prosperity. Link - Shri Ram Stuti in Hindi in pdf. Benefits Of Chanting Sri Ram Stuti Chanting Sri Ram Stuti, a devotional hymn in praise of Lord Rama, can provide numerous benefits, both spiritual and psychological. Here are some of the key benefits: Spiritual Benefits Inner Peace and Calmness : Reciting the stuti helps in calming the mind and soul, bringing about a sense of inner peace. Divine Connection : It fosters a deeper connection with Lord Rama, enhancing one's spiritual growth and devotion. Karmic Cleansing : Chanting with sincerity and devotion is believed to cleanse past karmas and help in

Polala Amavasya is observed on the Amavas (No moon day) in Shravan month in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and parts of Karnataka and Orissa. Polala Amavasya 2025 date is August 23. It is dedicated to Goddess Poleramma who is the protector of children. Mothers observe Polala Amavasya Vrata for the welfare of their children. Goddess Poleramma is quite similar to the Goddess Shitala worshipped in North India . The popular belief is that the Goddess protects children from various diseases, especially chicken pox. Monsoon rains are at its peak during the Shravan (July – August) month. Diseases spread quickly and those most vulnerable are children. The prayers are meant to keep children healthy. Special pujas and rituals are held in Poleramma temples.

Quotes and Quotations from Yoga Vasistha. He is a happy man whose mind is inwardly cool and free from attachment and hatred and who looks upon this world like a mere spectator. He who has understood well how to abandon all ideas of acceptance and rejection and who has realized the consciousness which is within the innermost heart – his life is illustrious. When pots are broken the space within them becomes unlimited. So also when bodies cease to exist the Self remains eternal and unattached. Nothing is born. Nothing dies. It is Brahman alone appearing illusorily in the form of the world. Arise and accept an antidote to ward off old age and death; it is the knowledge that all wealth and prosperity, all pleasures and enjoyments are harmful to us unless devoted to the good of others; if not, they tend only to sicken and enervate our frames. Burdensome is the scripture to the person who has no discriminating sense. Burdensome is wisdom to the one who is swayed by attachment. Burdens

Ashtabandham is the mixture of eight materials that are used to fix the Murti (image or idol) of a Hindu deity in the sanctum sanctorum of a temple or at sacred place. Astabandam is performed to the main murti in a temple or to those idols of Hindu deities that are fixed permanently. Eight different items form part of the mortar that is used in Ashtabhandam. The eight items that are part of Ashtabandham are: Powdered conch Powdered Terminalia Anjana (Kadukka) Powdered Chenchalyam or gum secreted from country pine Powdered gravel rock Powdered river sand Powdered dry phyllanthus Emblica – Amla or gooseberry tree Powdered kolarakku or country lac Cotton used for making sacred thread These eight items are mixed to make a thick solution that is used to fix the murti. You may also like to read Flag Staff in a Hindu Temple Components of Panchaloha idol What is an Ashtadhatu idol?

Bhartruhari , Hindu philosopher and grammarian of 6 th century, is noted for his famous philosophical works – Niti Shataka, Shrinagara Shataka and Vairagya Shataka. He is also the author of the famous Vakyapadiya. There is a very interesting story regarding the birth of Bhartruhari. There once lived a learned Brahmin named Govinda Swami. He became the student of all the important Gurus of his time and gathered knowledge from all. But he remained dissatisfied. He felt there is more to learn. Therefore, he took a journey to find out a Guru who was the abode of all knowledge and who could satisfy all his doubts. During his journey, he came across a brahmarakshas (a ghostly apparition) in a forest. Govinda Swami soon found out that the brahmarakshas was in his earlier form a learned man. He had not shared his knowledge with anyone. Therefore a knowledge seeker cursed him that he will take the form of a brahmarakshas and will be relieved of the curse only when he shares his know

Lanka Podi is a unique ritual held at Sonepur in Subarnapur District of Odisha. Children recreate the scene of Hanuman burning Lanka on the day. It is observed annually on the Bhadra Amavasya as per traditional Hindu calendar in Odisha and is also known as Sapta Puri Amavasya. The ritual traces its roots to 8th century. In 2024, Lanka Podi date is September 2. Small Terracotta statues of Hanuman are wrapped with clothes and leaves and are mounted on wheels. The tails of statues are wrapped with old clothes and is then dipped in kerosene and set on fire. The statues are then paraded through the streets with the tail burning symbolizing Hanuman running around burning Lanka. The statues are finally taken to nearby Somalai Temple and broken. Some people place the statues on rooftop as guardian deity. The legend and ritual takes place from the belief that Sonepur was Lanka, the golden city of Ravana . On a small island near Sonepur on River Mahanadi there is a temple of Lanke

Bathing of Murtis (idols) of Hindu Gods in sea, rivers, lakes, ponds and other water bodies is an important ritual during annual temple festival in many Hindu Temples in South India . This ritual is popularly known as Arattu or Snanam. The popular Chakra Snanam during Brahmotsavam at Tirupati Balaji Temple is typical example of the ritual. It is believed that during the ritual the deity performs Amrita Varsham. Devotees are allowed to take bath along with the deity in some temples. It is also believed that when a deity takes holy dip in the water, Akasha Ganga makes its presence felt in that particular water. The deity during the ritual is bathed using turmeric, powders of various grams, gold and Ashtagandha. For the bathing ritual, the utsava murti, or the murti that is carried around for rituals, is used. The priest takes the utsava murti into water and takes dip three times. The murti is then place on a raised platform near the water body and pujas ar

Puranas are filled with numerous stories regarding the origin of Lord Ganesha. The most widely accepted birth of Lord Ganesh is that he was created by Goddess Parvati. But there are also some Puranas that suggest that Ganesha is the Maanasika Putra (mind born) son of Lord Shiva. The reason for the different stories regarding the birth of Ganesha is explained in the Shiva Purana. It states that Ganesha originated in different ways in different Yugas (Hindu era) and each time there was a need for him to appear. Origin of Ganesha as the Mind Born Son of Lord Shiva happened when the Devas (celestial beings) approached Lord Shiva and asked for help to escape from Asuras (Demons). Shiva agreed to help them. And he meditated. Soon from his mind appeared a child with the head of an elephant holding a trident in one hand. This was Ganesha who immediately instilled confidence in all those present. Goddess Parvati took the child in her lap and said to the assembled that no human or

Delivering a lecture on Bhakti Yoga, the Vice-president of Indian Academy of Yoga, Prof IM Gupta said that the Bhakti Yoga has a scientific background. The lecture titled ‘Bhakti Yoga: An Analysis with a Scientific Backdrop Based on Bhagavad Gita’ was delivered at the Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) in BHU in Varanasi . The following points are excerpts of the lecture from Hindustan Times Bhakti Yoga, the inevitable and logical culmination of all other forms of yoga — karma yoga, gyan yoga and dhyan yoga — the different pathways recommended for the elevation of human form in its various facets, has a scientific background. Energy in scientific term is required by all living creatures for their subsistence and activity. The primary source of all energy in nature is the Sun, a manifestation of Lord Himself. The plant kingdom (green plants) alone has the means and ability to convert Sun’s energy into food for subsequent use through the process of photosynthesis.

Kapileswara Temple, dedicated Lord Shiva is located at the foot of Tirumala hills in Tirupati and has a scenic waterfall called Kapila Tirtham. It is a tradition that before worshipping Lord Venkateswara at the Tirupati Balaji Temple, devotees must worship Lord Kapileswara. Shiva, as Kapileswara, is the Kshetra Palaka of Tirumala Hills. The main deity, Sri Kapileswara Swami, presents Himself in the form of a magnificent Linga in this cave like rock shrine. The Shivling is seen facing the Tirumala Hills. There are many other smaller shrines within the temple complex. The word Kapila means ‘one who enjoys bliss.’ Lord Shiva is the epitome of eternal bliss and everlasting enjoyment of spiritual awakening. Thus, whoever worships Sri Kapileswara, with utmost devotion and dedication, will attain Kaivalya moksha. Sri Kapileswara at Kapila Tirtham symbolizes the transcendental sojourn from mortal world to immortal abode. Story of Kapileswara Temple in Tirupati Sage Ka

When Shankaracharya decided to enter ‘samadhi,’ Sudhanva, the foremost disciple of Shankara, requested that the essentials of his teaching may be summarized and given to them. Shankaracharya then said the Dasa Shlokas, or Ten Verses, which elaborated the omniscience, omnipotence and omnipresence of Brahman – the core concept of Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma). It contains the basic teachings of Adi Shankaracharya. The five elements do not express my real nature; I am changeless and persist forever.  I am above castes and creeds. I am seen when ‘maya’ is removed, and do not need concentration or worship as shown in Yoga Sutras.  I have no parents, I need no Vedas as proclaimed in the scriptures, no sacrifices, no pilgrimages. I am the eternal witness.  All the teachings of various religions and philosophies do not reveal my true nature and are but shallow views of my deep being.  I pervade the whole universe and am above, in the middle and below, in all directions.  I am co

At Kalpeshwar Temple in Uttarakhand, Hindu God Shiva is worshipped as Jateshwar. The matted locks or hair of Shiva is worshipped in this temple which is part of the Panch Kedar Yatra.  Kalpeshwar is the last visited shrine during the pilgrimage to five temples of Shiva in the Kedarkhand region. This is a cave temple. The trek to Kalpeshwar is steep from Helang, which is around 102 km from Rudraprayag. Kalpeshwar Temple has the naturally appeared swayambhu jata or hair of Shiva in the shape of a protruding rock. In the temple premises there is a small stream which emerges out of a rock and water collects in a rocky depression to form the Amrit Kund or Nectar pond. This temple in Panch Kedar yatra is open throughout the year, unlike other temples which are closed during hard winter season (November to March). Legend has it that Indra worshipped Shiva here after he lost Indralok or heaven due to a curse of Sage Durvasa. Indra regained his position soon wit

Manimahesh Yatra is a pilgrimage to the sacred Manimahesh Lake in the Bharmour Region of Chamba District in Himachal Pradesh. Manimahesh Yatra 2024 begins on August 26 ends on September 11. The holy Kailash Peak – the abode of Lord Shiva – is reflected on the still waters of the oval-shaped Manimahesh Lake . A four-faced marble Shivling is worshipped here. When is Manimahesh Yatra Observed? The pilgrimage is undertaken annually on the Sri Krishna Janmashtami and ends on Radhashtami. The official yatra commences with the start of ‘Chhari’ from the  Lakshminarayan   Temple  in Chamba town. The state government of Himachal Pradesh conducts the yatra. Many devotees undertake the pilgrimage during July to September. Those devotees who prefer to avoid the crowd undertake the journey in May, June and October. But this does not have the government support. Importance of the Yatra The first rays of the sun in the early morning hours reflect on the Kailash peak here. The brill