--> Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from April 13, 2018


Vishu: Items needed for Vishukani and How to arrange Vishukanni

Vishukani, or Vishukkani, is an assortment of auspicious things that is viewed when one opens one’s eyes on the day of Vishu festival. ‘Kani’ means ‘that which is seen first.’ And Vishukani, that which is seen first on Vishu, is an indispensable part of this Kerala festival. Vishu is the Zodiac New Year in Kerala. The list of auspicious items varies from region to region and most often depends on the availability of the item. How to arrange Vishukani? Ashtamangalyam , eight auspicious things, are a must for Vishu. This includes: A large vessel called Uruli made of panchaloham – five metals - or normal Uruli or clean tray. Tamboolam - Betel leaves Akshatam – a mixture of rice and turmeric Dharu cheppu – Kumukumam in a small container Grantham – Book usually Bhagavad Gita Darpanam – Mirror usually Aranmula kanadi Ambaram – Cloth – A nice clean traditional Kerala mundu (Kodi mundu) Kramugam: Betel nut The Ashtamangalyam is common in the arrangement

Upendra Form of Lord Vishnu

Upendra is one among the numerous forms of Vishnu. In this form, Srihari Vishnu is associated with his Vamana form. In the Upendra form, Vishnu has four hands. He holds Gada (mace) and Shankh (conch) in his right hands. In his left hands, he holds Sudarshana Chakra (discus) and padma (lotus flower). As Upendra, he is the brother of Indra, the king of Devas (demigods). He takes the form to help the demigods maintain dharma on earth. Worship of this form of Srihari Vishnu frees living beings from rebirth. He blesses his true devotees with liberation and frees them from worldly sufferings. In the Gayatri Mantra, he is the governing deity of the letter ‘co.’ He is also the lord of the east corner. He is worshipped with plantain and coconut. He dwells in the tongue of the His devotees who follow dharma.

Goddess Lakshmi – Make These Offerings on Friday to Get Wealthy

There is a belief among many Hindus that making certain specific offerings to Goddess Lakshmi on Friday will help in becoming wealthy. It is already predicted in the Puranas, that money will be the driving force in Kali Yuga – the present age as per Hinduism. Here are the offerings that one should make on Friday to get the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and become rich. Offering flowers on Friday to Goddess Lakshmi is meritorious. The flowers, which have a good smell, should be offered to the Goddess. Feed a cow with green grass on the day. Offering water to birds and animals earns the blessings of Maa Lakshmi. Offer Jasmine perfume (attar or ittir) to the Goddess. It is said that when this is done with unwavering devotion even the poorest of the poor will become rich. Offering Chandan on Friday will help in attaining prosperity. Offering perfume and rose water to Goddess in a temple on the Friday that falls during Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in a Hindu month wi