--> Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from June 15, 2018


Ishta Purtam – Two Types of Pious Acts in Vedas – Yajna and Charity

Ishta Purtam is a compound word used in Rig Veda and Upanishads to denote the performance of sacrifices and other rituals ordained in the texts. Ishta is the results of yajna and rituals which are not visible but have to be believed in (ishta). Purta consists of acts useful to the public like digging tanks and wells, feeding the poor and doing other acts of charity (purta) helpful to society. According to the doctrine of transmigration developed in the Upanishadic period, there are two distinct stages. The former is the earlier Vedic view of recompense in the next world. The later theory relates to the path of knowledge and meditation leading to Brahman (the supreme truth). The former is the way of pitra-yana (the forefathers), while latter is the way of deva-yana (the gods). Ishta Purtam In Chandogya Upanishad Chandogya Upanishad (V.10) states that those who perform charitable deeds or undertake such public works as the digging of wells follow after death the way of t

Ochira Kali In Kerala - Oachira Temple Festival Near Kayamkulam

Ochira Kali is a unique ritual held at the famous  Oachira  Parabrahma Temple in Kerala. This temple is also known as the Dakshina Kashi (Kashi of South). Oachira Kali 2024 date is June 15 and June 16. Ochira Kali is a mock battle between two groups through the marital art of Kalaripayattu – they recreate the battles fought more than 300 years ago on the paddy fields of Oachira by the then Kayamkulam King and Venad King. The ritual involves display of Kalaripayattu – the martial art of Kerala. Different groups representing different villages show their expertise in the marital art on the two fields set up for Ochira Kali. The warriors that participate in the ritual undergo a 41-day vrat. Before the start of the Oachira Kali, the presiding deity in the temple, Lord Shiva is taken out in a procession on the Vrishabha Vahana. The warriors that are participating in the ritual follow the procession. The procession ends on the field where the mock fight and the display o

Shani Dev is Not Black in This Temple at Indore – He Wears Sindhoor 16 Shringar

A unique Shani Temple is located at old Indore (juna Indore area) in Madhya Pradesh. Unlike other Shani temples, the murti of Shani Bhagavan worshipped here is not black but he wears Sindhoor Shringar. The Shani murti worshipped here is of divine origin - Swayambhu. The Shani murti is formed out of black stone but here He is adorned with 16 shringar. Instead of sesame oil, Shani Bhagavan here is anointed (Abhishek) with water and milk. He is also offered different kinds of seasonal fruits. In the morning, the murti (idol) of Shani Bhagavan is bathed in water and milk. Then 16 different types of beauty process are performed. He is then offered fragrant flowers and fruits. He wears ornaments, crown, and costly, colorful and beautiful dresses. During certain important dates in the temple like Shani Amavasya, Shani Jayanti etc, it takes nearly 6 hours to get the murti ready for darshan. The temple is believed to be more than 700 years old. The rituals in the temple