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Showing posts from September 4, 2018


The Healing Power of Rudraksha

Numerous researches have proved that the Rudraksha has powerful electromagnetic properties. The bead has the capacity to send special electrical impulses to certain brain centers and this is the reason attributed for the healing power of Rudraksha. The structure of a Rudraksha bead is quite similar to that of the brain. The capacity of the bead to send electrical impulses varies with its number of faces. The impulses can regulate heartbeat, stress levels, blood pressure, and hypertension. It has the capacity to absorb excess body heat and balance the physical energy. The bead also alleviates depression, mood disorders, anxiety and mental disorders. It also helps in developing intense concentration while meditating. Ayurvedic texts talk about the curative properties of Rudraksha. The pulp of Rudraksha fruit is highly helpful in curing epilepsy and mental illness. The powdered seed relieves common cold and hypertension. In some cultures, newly born babies are given a

Temple of Brahma in Andhra Pradesh – Sri Chaturmukha Brahmalingeswara Swamy Temple – Brahma Murti Carved on Shivling

Temples dedicated to Brahma are very rare. Sri Chaturmukha Brahmalingeswara Swamy Temple at Chebrolu in Guntur District in Andhra Pradesh is one such rare temple. The temple is unique as murti of Brahma is here carved on a Shivling. At Sri Chaturmukha Brahmalingeswara Swamy Temple , Brahma is worshipped along with Shiva. The temple was built around 200 years ago. Legend has it that Brahma was cursed by Bhrugu Maharshi that he would not be worshipped on earth.  So there is no separate individual shrine for Brahma, instead four faces of Brahma are carved on the four sides of the Shivling worshipped here. Except for the temple at Pushkar in Rajasthan, there are no famous temple dedicated Hindu God Brahma. ( Why there are no famous temples dedicated to Brahma? ) The Hindu reports  This is a beautiful temple situated in the midst of a tank surrounded by two small temples of Lord Siva towards the east and west and that of Vishnu in the north and south and

Shaktism in Nepal – Worship of Mother Goddess in Hindu Religion in Nepal

Nepal is a well-known center of tantric worship and an important seat of Shaktism. The main teachings of Shaktism found in Nepal are in the form of dialogues between Shiva and Durga Bhavani (Goddess Parvati). Tantrism and Shaktism were widely prevalent and practiced in Nepal during the medieval Malla period. Thousands of manuscripts associated with Mother Goddess Worship are found in the museums, temples, sacred places and in the homes of priests. These ancient manuscripts extol the dominance of Shaktism in the country during the medieval period. Ancient Tantric texts in Nepal belong to three branches of Tantra – Shaiva Shakta and Buddhist. Mother Goddesses Worshipped in Nepal Even today, Tulja Bhavani and Guhyakali are generally invoked along with Lord Pashupatinatha (Shiva). This is a continuation of Mother Goddess worship from ancient times. Other goddesses worshipped are Lakshmi, Mahavidya, Saraswati, Kali, Parvati, Sati, Devi, Ishwari, Kumari, Yogini an

Sama Pancham

Sama Pancham is a unique ritual observed mainly in Gujarat in the Bhadrapad Month (August – September). Women and farmers observe certain rituals on the day. In 2024, the date of Sama Pancham is September 8. On the Sama Pancham day, people cook and eat only Sama grains. When is it Observed? The ritual is observed on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Bhadrapad Month. How is it Observed? On this day, farmers and people associated with agricultural activities cook and eat Sama – the seeds that a kind of wild grass. Women observe on the day rituals associated with Rishi Pancham. Some women avoid performing religious rituals on the day and indulge in the singing of bhajans.

Mangala Aarati – Red color water-based Arati in Tamil and Kannada Culture

Mangala Aarati in South India involves swirling a red-colored liquid during festivals and rituals and also to welcome newly wed couples, important persons and relatives. This ritual is mainly performed in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The red-colored liquid is waved in a salver, or flat vessel, and is performed to ward of evil forces and absorb jealous vibes. The ritual is also performed during Grih pravesh, wedding and upanayanam. Please note that Aarati is usually referred to the swirling of lamps before a deity. Mangala Aarati is specially performed during Varalakshmi Vratam to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. It is also performed after functions, important pujas and ceremonies to ward off evil. The red color solution for Mangala arati is prepared using turmeric, gypsum or Kumkuma. Water is added to the mixture of turmeric or gypsum to give a red color. The popular belief is that turmeric represents Goddess Lakshmi, and gypsum represents Goddess Sar

Duryodhana Temple in Kerala - Malanada Temple of Duryodhana - Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanada Kadampanad - Edakkad

Duryodhana, the eldest of the Kauravas and the main villain in the Mahabharata, is worshipped in certain temples in India . Temples exclusively dedicated to Duryodhan are very rare, the reason being his evil deeds against the Pandavas. One such rare temple dedicated to Duryodhana in South India is the Malanada Temple in Kollam District in Kerala. The temple is located around 17 km from Karunagappally on National Highway 47. The shrine is known as  Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanada Devaswom Kadampanad -  Edakkad. The annual festival in the temple is held in Meena masam (March - April). Legend has it that Duryodhana who was searching for the Pandavas during their exile got lost in the dense jungle here. A weary and tired Duryodhana was picked up by people of the Kurava community and they provided him food and shelter. In return, Duryodhana is believed to have helped the community. ദുര്യോധനൻ ഈ ക്ഷേത്രത്തിലെ ആരാധനാമൂർത്തിയായതിന് പിന്നിൽ ഒരു ഐതിഹ്യം ഉണ്ട്. പാണ്ഡവരുടെ വനവാസകാലത്ത്

Swami Ranganathananda Quotes

Swami Ranganathananda (1908-2005) was the 13th President of the Ramakrishna Order of India. Swami Ranganathananda Quotes is a collection from variou sources including books and magazines. Differences are only on the surface, at the sensory level. Deep down there is perfect unity. Do a whole day's honest work, then sit and meditate; then resign yourself to God. Otherwise, the meditation has no meaning or value. Meditation at the end of an active day, filled with good deeds, has meaning, and is rewarding. Socio-political ideologies uninspired by high moral and spiritual values tend to nourish the lower self of man from which proceed selfishness and intolerance, violence, and war. The first object of every religion is to check and discipline this lower self of man. A citizen should have a sense of national responsibility. It is only when these two values – freedom and responsibility – come together that the individual becomes a citizen, a true grihastha (hou