Vidyapati (1352–1448), popularly referred as Maithil Kavi Kokil (the poet cuckoo of Maithili), was a Maithili poet and a Sanskrit writer. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and composed several poems on Shiv Bhakti. As per a famous story in the region, Shiva appeared as Ugna, the servant, and served Vidyapati. Ugna Temple in Madhubani is dedicated to this divine incident.   Shiva was very much pleased and impressed by the devotion and poems of Vidyapati. One Shiva decided to appear at the house of Vidyapati as his servant. When Shiva appeared as Ugna and asked for a job in the house, Vidyapati denied it saying that he was not financially in a position to pay him. Shiva told him that he did not need any money and all that he needed was food for his service. Vidyapati agreed and Shiva became his servant. During a summer season, the poet along with his servant Ugna traveled to the court of the king of the region. Due to intense heat, Vidyapati was thirsty. He c

Tuft of hair on head in Hinduism is known as Shikha. Males keep a tuft of hair at the rear end of their head. In religious parlance, it also refers to the hair grown in four other parts, namely, the two eyebrows, and on the two arms between the wrist and elbow. These five parts of body, with hair growing on them go by the name of panchasikha. The name is jrsikha if the last mentioned (the two arms between the wrist and elbow) are eliminated. In ancient India, every male used to maintain the tuft as a custom. Subsequently, with the admixture of culture and civilization, only priestly class used to maintain it, since its possession was imperative while worshiping in the temple or in the house. Every Hindu is expected to have the tonsure, and there is a prescription that the tuft must be of the size and shape of cow’s hoof. Even when hair is to removed from all over the body, the tuft will remain. It is also held that the tuft of hair formed a protective centripetal element gua

Takshak Puja is dedicated to the king of Nagas. It is observed on Nag Panchami day in Shravan month and also on the fifth day of the Shukla Paksha in Magha month (January – February). Takshak Puja 2023 in Shravan month is on August 21. Special pujas are offered to Takshak on the day. He is the king of Nagas and pujas that are offered to him are part of the Nag Panchami puja. The most famous incident involving Takshak is His becoming a worm and entering an apple and getting into the palace of Parikshith which was built in the middle of the sea. He then bit King Parikshith and killed him to fulfill a curse.

Raghavendra Aradhana in 2023 is the 352nd Aradhana Mahotsava of Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy. It is the day when Guru entered Brindavan. Shri Raghavendra Swamy, a 16th-century saint, and Guru, advocated Vaishnavism and popularized the Dvaita philosophy of Madhvacharya. The Raghavendra Aradhana 2023 will be held at Mantralayam on August 13. Thursday, August 31:   Poorva Aradhane  Friday, September 1:   Madhya Aradhane Saturday, September 2:  Uttara Aradhane  Meaning of the term Aradhana for Raghavendra Devotees -  Aradhana is the day when Raghavendra Swamy entered the Brindavan for his Samadhi. They do not like to use the words death anniversary . Raghavendra Swami Aradhana is the day when Rayaru entered Brindavana alive and he is continuing there for about 700 years.  Most mutts and organizations associated with Sri Raghavendra Swamy around India will be observing the Aradhana. It begins with the Poorva Aradhana. It is annually observed on Shravan Krishna Paksha Dwit

Snakes (Nagas or Sarpam) are an intricate part of Hindu tradition. The teachers of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) saw Earth as a large family and knew the importance of each animate and inanimate in Nature. They realized that for human beings to exist peacefully and prosper on earth it is necessary to respect and give space to plants and animals. Nag Panchami is dedicated to showing respect to snakes, the guardians of Earth. Today, Nag Panchami is reduced to a ritual. We no longer value snakes and their important role in nature. We have occupied their space at will and find them to be the most unwelcome creature. But on Nag Panchami we pray to them for miracles. To solve issues and fulfill desires. The greatest miracle that Snakes performed was that they played a crucial role in the ecosystem. They protected the grains that are the main source of food for human beings by keeping the population of rodents in check. Nag Panchami in Hindu tradition is dedicated to the import

This is a quiz based on Naga Devatas – the snakes or serpents in Hindu Tradition. Majority of the questions on Nagas are from Puranas and temples. The quiz might not be simple like the earlier ones. The main aim of it is to introduce the reader to different stories of Nagas in Hinduism. Please note that the quiz is an embedded file and is hosted on another website. If there are any corrections please post it on the comment section or send it on the email address – hindublog @ gmail.com HB Quiz Nag by ProProfs Please Do Attempt Earlier Quizzes Quiz on Hindu God Shiva Ramayan Quiz – A Quiz on Hindu God Ram Hanuman Quiz – A quiz on the life of Hindu God Hanuman A Quiz on the Narasimha Incarnation of Lord Vishnu

Swasti Mantra, also known as Swastik Mantra, is an important mantra in Hinduism. The most important benefit of chanting Swasti Mantra is that it helps in desire fulfillment, ushers in auspiciousness, positivity and profit. Swasti Mantra Lyrics Hindi ॐ स्वस्ति न इन्द्रो वृद्धश्रवाः। स्वस्ति नः पूषा विश्ववेदाः। स्वस्ति नस्तार्क्ष्यो अरिष्टनेमिः। स्वस्ति नो बृहस्पतिर्दधातु ॥ ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥ Om Swasti Na Indro Vrdhshrava Swasti na pusha vishvaveda Swasti nastakshoyo arishtnemi Swasi nao Brihaspatirdatu Om Shanti Shanti Shanti The mantra should be chanted during sunrise and during sunset. The mantra can also be chanted in the beginning and end of any puja and worship at home. It is auspicious and meritorious to chant the mantra while performing daily prayers at home.