Ravana, the demon King of Lanka in epic Ramayana, is always portrayed in the negative. For majority of the people, he is the villain and demon who is ultimately killed by Lord Ram. But there are also several positive traits to the character of Ravana, which is worshipped by certain communities in Hinduism. For centuries, there is a tradition of worshipping Lankadipathi, the king of Lanka, by the people in Kolar District of Karnataka during the harvest festival. One of the positive traits in Ravana’s character was his unfathomable devotion for Lord Shiva. The people of Kolar District celebrate and worship this particular aspect of Ravana. Lord Shiva is popularly referred as Ishwara in this region because he is here known mainly as Gangadhareshwara, Ramalingeswara and Markandeshwara. A procession of a ten-headed idol of Ravana along with an idol of Shiva and the village deity takes place in the annual harvest festival procession. Interestingly, there is also a temple dedi

There is lot of fear among many Hindus regarding Surya Grahan (Solar Eclipse) and Pregnancy. Most people want to know about precautions to be taken during Surya Grahanam. The only precaution that you should take is that you should never look at the Sun directly during the Grahan. As a clear cut solution, ancient seers in Hinduism recommend pregnant women remain indoors during Grahan. The mantra chanted during the period is the Santana Gopala Mantra. Astrological Surya Grahan Viewpoint Now for those of you believe in astrology, there is a ‘punya kala’ when the Surya Grahan is visible. And people observe fasting during this period. If the Grahan is not visible in the particular region, there is no ‘punya kala’ and there are no restrictions. There is no restriction in moving around if there is no Surya Grahan in your region. Surya Grahan Ayurvedic View Point Some traditions in Hindu religion ask pregnant women to sit or lie down on a mat containing Darbha

If one passes through Maharashtra – especially through Pune to Pandharpur – one might come across a group of people walking with saffron flags and women carrying Tulsi sapling on their head. This group is known as a Dindi – a unit of warkaris. Warkaris are followers of Lord Vithal, who travel from various parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and other parts of India to the Pandharpur Temple. A Dindi might consist of a few devotees or even thousands. Each Dindi is led by a Veenakari – one who has the Veena. Others in the group play Veena, cymbals and Pakhwaj. Women in the group hold a Tulsi sapling on the head. A Dindi travels from native village to Dehu, Alandi and Pandharpur. During the annual Pandharpur Yatra thousands of Dindi follow the various Palkhis. Dindi also goes to Dehu, Alandi and Pandharpur in Magh, Ashada and Kartik months as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar followed in Maharashtra. It must be noted here that Dindi

Quotes and Teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati – founder of Arya Samaj. Justice and mercy differ only in name. When the fruit is given in accordance with the actions – Karma, then it follows that sins are never forgiven. In life, there is no retirement. Where there is no peace, there is no limit to sufferings. The soul pervades the body and God pervades the soul. Swami Dayanand Saraswati Teachings On Satya or Truth Truthfulness is the harmony of thought, word and deed. A person who resolves to stick to the truth (Satya) at all costs, steadily rises in virtues.  When his virtues raise his reputation and prestige, he becomes all the more a devotee of truth. This devotion to truth becomes an unerring source of power and greatness. There is no higher happiness than the contemplation of Satya. My sole aim in criticizing the views of others is to arrive at the Truth.