--> Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from October 18, 2020


Dasara Balada In Odisha – Durga Puja Dedicated To Bullocks – Cows

Dasara Balada is observed during the Durga Puja period in certain regions of Odisha. It is dedicated to bullocks, cows and other domesticated animals. This unique ritual is observed in Bishnupur and Arnapal areas in Bhadrak District in Odisha Bullocks, cows and other domesticated animals arrive in herds on the day. The animals are decorated with peacock feathers and tinkling bells. The horns are covered with beautiful covers. The backs of the animals are covered with clothes. Numerous other decorations are added by the owners of the animals. The farmers fast during the seven days of Durga Puja and the animals are also not taken out for work. They are pampered and given variety of food. The most important rituals is held on the Dasara day (Vijayadasami – the Durga immersion day). On the day, ropes, posts, halters of animals are worshipped. Prayers are offered to bullocks and cows. The animals are then taken to Durga Puja area for worship. The animals are garlanded in th

About Devi Mahatmya – Saptashati – Chandi Patha

Devi Mahatmya which means the glory or the majesty of the Devi, extols the greatness of Durga in 700 Slokas. It is found in the Markandeya Purana – Chapter 81 to 93. As it consists of 700 hymns, Devi Mahatmyam is also known as Durga Saptashati. Also referred as Chandi Patha or Candi Path, it details the exploits of Mother Goddess in her three major forms – Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati, which symbolically represents strength, wealth and wisdom. Devi Mahatmya is daily read in temples dedicated to Durga and is read by devotees during Navratri. All the narrations associated with Durga in different regions follow Devi Mahatmya. In Devi Mahatmya, Shakti the female energy is the principal deity – ultimate source of all creation – Brahman the core concept of Sanatana Dharma is realized in female form. In the first part of Devi Mahatmya, Mahakali or Yoga Nidra, is the power that causes the deep sleep of Vishnu on the waters of the cosmic ocean prior to

How Many Times Can We Visit Sabarimala In A Year?

This is an important question asked by many devotees of Hariharasudhan Ayyappa. As you might be well aware that the temple remains continuously open annually only for two months starting from November 16 to January 20. At other times you need to make the visit during the 5 day pujas held in the beginning of a Malayalam month that is around 15 to 19 of every month. Apart from this you can also visit the temple when there is the 10-day Vishu puja (April 10 to April 18), the yearly festival (March) and during the Thiruvonam puja. How many times can we visit Sabarimala in a year? The answer is you can visit any number of times you want when the temple is open. There is no restriction regarding the number of visits. There are staunch Ayyappa devotees who visit the temple every month. Some devotees visit during month in which they have some special puja. Some devotees visit in alternative months. 

We have to sacrifice the thought that we sacrificed – Jagadguru Sri Maha Periyava

We have to give. That is sacrifice, keeping all things to ourselves and enjoying them is only temporary happiness. But if instead of keeping these belongings to ourselves, we give them away, that itself gives supreme bliss. After giving away the things, if the thought ‘I have given this’ is kept in the mind, this ego will destroy the spiritual elevation obtained by the sacrifice and charity. We have to sacrifice, more importantly, we have to sacrifice the thought that we sacrificed. Teachers are those who use what they have learnt to make a living. Others are involved in professions which are mostly unrelated to their studies. Teachers should understand their subjects before teaching – only then can their students effectively comprehend the subject themselves. Unbridled tongue often leads to misunderstandings and troubles. If our speech is confined to topics spiritually beneficial to us, and if we avoid speaking words likely to cause pain to others, much of our trouble