The Holi festival at Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is observed 4 days before the actual Holi festival. It is observed on the Rangbhari Ekadasi. In 2023, the important date of Holi Festival at Kashi Vishwanath Temple is March 3. The popular belief is that on Shiva goes to bring home Goddess Parvati on this day. In many regions in North India Rangbhari Ekadasi is of great significance in regard with the Holi festival. Rangbhari Ekadasi is observed on Phalgun Shukla Paksha Ekadasi or the 11 th day during the waxing phase of moon in Phalgun month. Thousands of people participate in the procession held on the day.

Gambling was common in ancient India and it is mentioned in the Rig Veda. It was considered unethical. Gambling with dice (aksha) was very common during the Vedic period. A gambler was known as kitava in the Vedas and he was shunned by the society. There are numerous stories of downfall and repentance of gamblers in Hindu scriptures. About 150 nuts of a large tree called Vibhitaka (Terminalia Bellerica) was used in the ancient game of dice. In Rig Veda Sukta (10.34), a gambler laments the misery he has brought upon himself and his family by his inability to resist the temptation of dice (X. 34, 1-14). The gambler describes how he drove away his devoted wife when he was drawn to a game of dice. He was detested, and then deserted by all. Vedas give various small stories and experience of gamblers. A gambler refers to himself as a cheat. Though he declines to go with his friends for the game, the sound of the dice lures him and he goes there “like a courtesan to the destinat

There is a popular belief among certain section of Hindus that chanting Brihaspati mantra will help in getting job. Many people have been able to achieve their wish of job after chanting the Brihaspati mantra. Brihaspati Mantra For Job बुद्धिभूतं त्रिलोकेशं तं नमामि बृहस्पतिम्।। Budhibhootam Tilokesham Tam Namami Brihaspatim How To Chant Brihaspati Mantra For Job? The mantra should be chanted on Thursday Wake up early in the morning just before sunrise. Take bath and wear yellow color dress. Offer prayers to Ganesha in the mind. Then offer prayers to Vishnu and Lakshmi Sit facing northeast. Bring the image of Brihaspati Dev in the mind. Light lamp, agarbatti, yellow flowers, yellow chandan and yellow color banana. Offer prayers. Chant the mantra 108 times keep count on a chandan mala. Perform this puja for next 21 Thursdays. Feed the banana to a cow after puja.

Bhasma or sacred ash applied by Shiva devotees should be prepared only from the woods of certain trees. Bhasma or ash of any tree should not be used. There are seven trees plus cow dung from which sacred ash can be prepared. Golden rule is that no tree should be cut for preparing Bhasma. Twigs, leaves and branches that have fallen down on its own should be used for preparing the sacred ash. The seven tree woods for preparing bhasma are: Bilva Tree Shami Tree Peepal Palash (flame of forest) Bargad (Banyan tree) Amla (gooseberry) Ber (jujube, Indian plum, Regi pandu) Gobar or from cow dung The twigs, dried fallen stems and branches should be collected and burned to make the sacred ash. The burned ash should be cooled in the hearth itself.  The best day for making bhasma are Monday, Pradosh day and Shiv Chaturdashi day.  Mantra To Be Chanted While Making Bhasma Om Aghorabhyo Atha Ghorebhyo Ghor Ghorgrebhya Sarvatha sarva sarvabhyo Namaste Astu Rudra

Betel leaf is an important offering in Hindu religion, especially during pujas and rituals. It is considered beneficial and efficient as per Hindu astrology. The leaves are associated with Navgraha Budh – planet mercury. Betel leaf is offered during Hindu pujas because it is holy and all the important deities in Hindu pantheon are present in the betel leaf. It is one among the eight auspicious items in Hinduism. The leaf is put in the water used to bathe murtis (idols) of gods and goddesses in temples, house puja rooms, and sacred places. The leaf is also used to pour liquids during puja, especially on the murtis. It is an indispensable part of all important pujas and rituals performed at home. It is also an essential item in various tantric pujas. The betel leaf used for pujas and offering should fresh. Torn, broken, old, rotten and dried leaf should not be used. Benefits of Betel Leaf Offering in Hindu Religion In some regions, people keep betel leaf

Sree Rama Devi Amma  (1911 – 1978) - This is a collection of quotes and teachings of Sri Rama Devi Amma. The best way to know a Guru is through teachings. Be a lover of God and you will not lack anything. All miseries come from want of faith in Truth. A man of faith is the strongest one. So throw away this sense of identification with a body and a finite personality, through reflection, through force of faith, through love of the Cosmic Power, through strength of identity with the Self. Within the sphere of mental life, characterized by thoughts and imaginations, desires and delusions, the discovery of the divine nature is impossible. When the mind is stilled into the depth of profound silence, the latent divinity shines forth as the hidden sun emerges from behind the overhanging clouds. Silence is therefore the most appropriate condition of mind in which the mind can receive the transforming touch of the Divine. They say, forget the world and God will appear before you.