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Showing posts from March 9, 2018


Greatness of Ganesh Murti (Idol) Made of Neem Wood

Ganesh murti (idol) made of neem wood is considered highly auspicious. It is believed that keeping Ganesha murti made of neem wood in home helps in ushering in prosperity, peace and happiness.  The murti can be worshipped in Puja room on all days. Taking the blessing of murti before leaving house will help in successful trips. Red colored flowers are offered to Ganesh Murti made of neem wood. The murti is kept at home to alleviate fear of ghosts and evil spirits. Durva Grass should be offered on both the Chaturthi in a month. On Sankashti Chaturthi modak should be offered. A main branch of the neem tree should be used to carve the Ganesh murti. The entire tree should not be cut. Before cutting the branch, permission should be taken from the plant and from the birds and other animals residing in the branch. If there are bird nests, then the branch should not be cut. Related Shwetark Ganesha - Idol of Ganesha from Aak Plant

Alathiyur Temple Timings – Alathiyur Hanuman Temple Darshan Timings

Alathiyur Temple is located around 7 km from Tirur Railways Station in Malapuram District in Kerala. Alathiyur Hanuman Temple darshan timings are given in detail below. Please note that the temple timings will change during important rituals and festivals. The temple will remain closed 9 hours before graham or eclipse. Alathiyur Temple Timings – Morning Temple opens at 6:00 AM First morning puja - 6:15 AM - 7:00 AM Food offering to Hanuman - 7:00 AM - 09:00 AM Special Aval or Beaten Rice Offering – 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM Other offerings from – 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Darshan is allowed from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM Alathiyur Temple Timings – Evening and Night Temple opens at 5:00 PM Deeparadhana – 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM Temple closes at 7:00 PM Special Offerings ¼ Pothi (25 Nazhi) Kuzhacha Avil – beaten rice offering (1 Naazhi is around 200g) ½ Pothi (50 Nazhi) Kuzhacha Avil 1 Pothi (100 Nazhi) Kuzhacha Avil There is also a 1 naazhi Kuzhacha Avil offering

Samudra Manthan and Sage Durvasa – The Story

The story associated with the reason for performing Samudra Manthan, or churning of ocean, is associated with Sage Durvasa. This story is found in the Vishnu Purana. Sage Durvasa once received a flower garland which had a unique fragrance. While roaming through the forest with the garland, Durvasa came across  Lord Indra (king of demigods)  who was sitting atop his white elephant Airavat. The Sage gifted the garland to Lord Indra and he placed it on the head of Airavat. Airavat wanted to know the reason for the unique fragrance and using his trunk he tried to get the garland. But unfortunately the garland fell down and the elephant stamped on it. Durvasa happened to see this and he thought it was done purposefully to insult him. He thought that Indra has gone arrogant with wealth, power and prosperity. Durvasa cursed Indra to become pauper. The curse proved to be fatal and Indra lost all his glory. The Devas thought that the Asuras will take advantage of their preca

Pichhwais – Decorative Temple Hangings behind the idol of Krishna at Nathdwara

Pichhwai or Pichwai is a decorative cloth hanging hung behind the idol of Shrinathji (Lord Krishna) at Nathdwara in Rajasthan and other shrines of the Pushti Marga. Pichhwais are changed depending on the festival or occasion and a different painting is placed behind the idol. This traditional art is no longer limited to the devotional circle and nowadays Pichhwai wall hangings and Pichhwai pillows are used in living rooms. In the strict spiritual sense, the painting is a highly enthusiastic expression of love for Lord Krishna and plays an important role in the festivals of the Vallabhacharya sect. During the darshan of Shirnathji, the Pichhwais behind the idol evoke a specific mood. The favorite theme in these paintings is the immortal Radha Krishna scenes from Vrindavan along with gopis. Other important themes include royal processions on elephants, courts scenes, horse rides and camel rides. The paintings are noted for its intricate detailing of jewelry, clothin

Shubha Labha and Ganesh – Why we write Shubh Labh along with the Image of Ganesha

It is a practice to write Shubha Labha along with the image of Ganesha. Shubh is ‘auspiciousness’ and Labh is ‘Profit.’ The two words are mainly written by traders, business men, shopkeepers etc on account books and in front of the shops. Some Hindu cultures consider Shubh and Labh as the sons of Ganesha. In some Hindu traditions, Ganesh has two wives named Riddhi (material wealth) and Siddhi (intellectual and spiritual wealth). Ganesha has two sons named Shubh and Labh in Riddhi and Siddhi. Symbolically, the story indicates that when Ganesha is worshipped with devotion. He blesses his devotees with prosperity and intellectual wealth. Apart from the story of these two sons – there is another popular story which states that Goddess Santhoshi Mata is the daughter of Ganesha .