There are numerous big Shivlings in the world especially in India and Nepal. There are both natural Shivlings and manmade Shivlings. An under construction Shivling at the   Maha Mrityunjay Temple In Nagaon in Assam when completed will be 126-feet. This unique Shivling is located at Narasingh Kshetra at Puranigudam in Nagaon. Height – 126 feet Circumference – 56 feet The temple when completed can seat 5000 people. Nagaon Shivling Completed Picture Related Some of the biggest Shivlings in the world

Adoor Parthasarathy Temple is dedicated to Bhagavan Sri Krishna and is located at Adoor in Pathanamthitta District in Kerala. Adoor Parthasarathy Temple Festival 2025 date is from January 29 to February 7. The annual festival in the temple is held in such a way that the 10-day festival ends with Arattu on the Rohini Nakshatra day in Makaram month. Adoor Gajamela which is part of the annual festival is held on the concluding day on February 7, 2025. The annual temple festival is famous for elephant procession and Gajamela   (elephant pageantry). Popularly known as Adoor Gajamela, hundreds of people throng to the temple premises to witness this spectacle where in nine caparisoned elephants adorned in traditional Kerala style embellishments offer a unique display with Muthukuda and traditional temple music. The main highlight of the annual Gajamela is that the elephants get opportunity to compete with each other for the title ‘Gajaraja Pattam’ (King of elephants). Among the nine ele...

Shankara Mutt located at Thiruvidaimarudur in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, is famous for a rare Shivling. This Shivling has a hand and the sprouting of hand is associated with Adi Shankaracharya. The hand in the Shivling appeared to bless and give acceptance to the Advaita concept popularized by Adi Shankaracharya. As per local legend when Adi Shankaracharya was praying here a hand appeared from the Shivling and blessed Adi Shankaracharya by saying ‘Satyam Advaitam.’

Pulavanibham at Azhakiyakavu Temple in Palluruthy in west Kochi is held for a day on the last Thursday in Dhanu Masam. Pulavanibham 2025 date is January 9. Meaning – Pulavanibham - the pulaya community, who were mainly farm hands and crafters, and vanibham meaning commerce. Origin Of Pulavanibham Legend has it that a few kilometers miles away from the temple was a village of the pulayas. The village faced an smallpox epidemic of smallpox and dying villagers were directed to appease the angry goddess of Azhakiyakavu. But they could not enter the temple. A plea was made to the then Cochin Maharaja who granted permission to enter from the North side of the temple, on the last Thursday of Dhanu. The ancient one-day market was initially known as ‘ pulaya nercha .’ The main custom was of placing offerings, called thalams, in front of the goddess. Traditional dances such as Kollukali, Parichamuttukali and Mudiyattam were performed. Apart from the offering, Pulayas also brought hand...

Sage Patanjali, who shared the secrets of Yoga for the welfare of human beings in Kali Yuga, was an avatar of Adishesha, the serpent on whose coils Vishnu sleeps in the milky ocean. But did you know that Sage Patanjali learned yoga secrets from his mother. Once, Adishesha heard about the cosmic dance of Shiva from Vishnu. Adishesha was a devotee of Shiva and he too wished to witness the cosmic dance or Tandava of Shiva. Vishnu then informed Adishesha that Shiva will be performing the dance on earth. Vishnu asked Adishesha to take human form so that he can witness the cosmic dance of Shiva. Adishesha was then started looking for a mother on earth. She came across a powerful yogini Gonika who was performing intense penance dedicated to Shiva to get a son. Gonika was no ordinary human being she gathered wisdom throughout her life. She had learned the yogic practices and wanted a child who would pass it on to the human beings. While performing her morning prayers, Gonika...

The annual temple festival in the famous Achankovil Temple is held in Dhanu Masam (December). Achankovil Sastha temple is one among the five important Ayyappa temples in Kerala. Achankovil Temple festival 2024 date is from December 16 to December 25. Achankovil temple ratholsavam is on December 24, 2024. Arattu festival is on December 25. The annual temple festival is held in such a manner that the Arattu is observed a day before Sabarimala Mandala Puja. The ratholsavam is held two days before Mandala Puja. The most important event during the festival is the ratholsavam or therottam. Big chariot is pulled around the designated path in the temple. Pushpabhishekam on Revati nakshatra in Makaram month is another important event here. It is believed that this temple uses the largest number of flowers for Pushpabhishekam in South India. This is on January 17, 2024.

Mandy Hindus who wish to wear Rudraksha for various solutions to problems in life have many doubts. One such doubt is whether it is compulsory to tie knot in between each Rudraksha beads. No it is not compulsory to tie knot. There are no specific rules regarding tying knot. It is more of personal preference and convenience. Rudraksha gives you positive energy as long as you can keep your body and mind pure. This positive energy can be used to achieve success in worldly life and spiritual life. When the mind becomes impure or you keep your body unclean then Rudraksha will not have the real benefits.

Contentment is having a heart so full of God’s love, that nothing can penetrate it – not scenes or events nor other people’s behavior. As you sow, so shall you reap. The time to sow seeds of good karmas is now. We do what we think is right. What we think is right is often wrong. Whatever happens, happens for a reason. You may not know the reason, but it is always there. I am never alone. God is always with me. A burdened mind may snatch some fleeting moments of pleasure, but it cannot experience true happiness. Remaining light is the key to happiness. Creating quality thoughts brings happiness and lightness. Any love, or happiness, given to anyone always comes back. Unfortunately, we expect it from the same person. The quality of your thoughts and the feeling behind those thoughts have much more impact than your words. Happiness stays in the life of the one who has faith in the self. – Brahma Kumaris It is important that we engage with our values at ever...

 There are so many doubts regarding transactions especially financial, money and property on Amavasya. So, is it right to accept payment on Amavasya. No auspicious and new events are held on Amavasya as the day is dedicated to forefathers. So it is not right to accept payment on Amavasya. You can take the payment before noon on the 13 th day of the fortnight or else wait for another day and take the payment after Amavasya tithi is over. Chaturdashi and Amavasya tithi are avoided for taking payments.

 Aniyoor Durga Devi temple is located near Sreekaryam in Thiruvananthapuram. The 8-day annual festival in the temple is observed in such a manner that it ends with Arattu on the Karthika Nakshatra in Medam month. Aniyoor Durga Devi temple is believed to be one among the 108 Durga temples in Kerala. Baladurga is the main deity worshipped here. It is believed that a person in Thottathil Madam prayed to Goddess Durga for a child. Goddess Durga appeared before the man and it is the same form that is worshipped in the temple. The temple has round sreekovil and chuttambalam. The subsidiary deities worshipped in the temple are Ganapathy, Shiva, Sastha, Chamundi, Vishnu and Naga. It is believed that the two great reformers of Kerala, Chattampi Swamikal and Sree Narayana Guru first met in the temple and they had a conversation in the Althara in the temple. Chenkol thozhikal is an important ritual here. The ritual is in which children are brought to the temple before they turn one ...

The previous life of a person in Hinduism is known as purva janma. It is believed that the self undergoes repeated embodiments until it achieves salvation so there is a previous life connection. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna, “Many are the births you and I have taken” (IV – V). Here is a look at the meaning and importance of purva janma in Hindu religion.   The self with the subtle body (mind, pranas etc) is said to leave the gross body at death and, after experiencing the effects of actions (karma) in other worlds, get re-embodied (Bhagavad Gita Chapter IX). A few reasons are given for inferring purva janma. The young of all species start feeding soon after birth, leading one to surmise that they have had prior experience, which is possible only if there had been a previous birth. Again, if virtue and vice have positive and negative results, respectively, the question as to why the virtuous suffer and while the wicked prosper. It is explained that the...

Elephant in Hinduism is today mainly associated with Ganesha. The reason for holiness and importance of elephant in Hindu religion can be traced back to the Vedas. It was believed that a special breed of elephants called samaja was born during the recitation of the Sama Veda. Origin of Elephant in Hinduism as per Satapatha Brahmana As per Satapatha Brahmana, when the seven sons of Aditi, the divine mother, discarded the excess flesh of the deformed eighth son, Martanda, it became the first elephant. As per another scripture, the diggajas, or the elephants that protects the cardinal points, fell to the earth after being cursed by a sage. They were the first ancestors of the elephants on earth. Holiness of Elephant in Hindu Religion It is believed that various gods and goddesses in Hindu pantheon inhabit the various body parts of an elephant. Brahma is in the head, Kartikeya, Muruga, or Kartik is in the forehead, The sun and the moon are the eyes, Ganesha is in the ...

Vasakkal puja, or the main door puja of the new house, is an important puja performed during the construction of the home. So, how many Vasakkal to be installed at the puja? Usually only one Vasakal is to be installed at the puja. The main offerings on the day should be made to Ganapathy, Vishwakarma, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Saraswati, Lakshmi and Durga. Feeding cow, ants and other animals in the vicinity is highly auspicious. Special blessings should be taken from ancestors and Kuldevta. Birds and other animals that reside in the trees should also be offered food and their blessings should be taken. As wood used for the door is from trees, it will be good to ask for their forgiveness too.

A collection of thoughts of Sri Shuddhaanandaa Brahmachari All beings on earth and the myriad of universes are eternally connected to the Divine Source. Each plant, each animal, each natural element, each human being, is a sublime manifestation of Divine Life, an exquisite incarnation of Divine Beauty and Divine Love. We have no separate existence outside of God. When we do our duty without clinging or grasping the results, and only to please the Divine, then our life is filled with nectar-like grace. We easily give up our selfish, narrow will. We know the limitations of our separate existence and individual will. As a fruit drops off the tree on its own once it is fully ripe, so also humble spiritual practices and intense faith in God ripen the ego fully. It drops by itself. The dropping away of ego and enlightenment happen simultaneously. There is no time gap! Additional Information: The Ripening of the Ego and the Dropping of the Self in Hinduism The analogy of a ripe f...

The story of Purushamriga and Bhima is found in Tamil folklore. Purusha Mrigas are short statured half man half animal divine beings who are devotees of Mahadev Shiva. They are found on the walls of major Shiva temples in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu. Pandavas decided to perform the Rajasuya Yagna in Indraprastha. Yudhisthira, the eldest of the Pandavas asks, his four brothers to take the blessing of neighboring kingdoms. During his journey, Bhima, the second of Pandava brothers, meets Bajrang Bali Hanuman. After a short interaction, Hanuman plucks out three strands of hair from his tail and gives it to Bhima and reminds him that he will need them during his journey. Bhima then arrives at the kingdom of Kuber and there in a garden he spots a Purushamriga. Only a true devotee of Mahadev Shiva can see a Purushamriga. Bhima invites the Purushamriga to the Rajasuya Yagna and asks him if he would guard the entrance of the Yagna. Purushamriga but told Bhima that he moves at th...

Parikrama or Pradakshina refers to circumambulation of sacred places like fire, trees and plants in Hindu tradition. It is walking around in a circle as a form of worship. Pradakshina is done around Tulsi plant and Peepal tree also. Parikrama means “the path surrounding something” in Sanskrit and is also known as Pradakshina (“to the right”) representing circumambulation. Different Types of Parikrama or Pradakshina Atma Pradakshina: After completion of vrata or daily pooja, atma pradakshinam is to be done. In this type of Pradakshina, we go around ourselves, The significance is that the ego which goes round like a whirlwind will be destroyed. Paada Pradakshina: In this type of Pradakshina, devotee must walk around the temple. Danda Pradakshina: In this type of Pradakshina, devotee must take a step to do Sashtanga Pranama, again take another step and do Sashtanga Pranama (Sa ashta anga means Eight parts of the body touching the ground). Angapradakshinam : In this...

Sat really implies an uncreated existence which is imperishable, timeless and all-pervading, and is the very ground of all other apparent being. Sat is Existence, not limited by any systems, structure or substance. It is wholeness, devoid of divisions, immanent and permanent. Advaita indicates that this beingness or sat, the unseen metaphysical principle underlying creation, is the bedrock of existence. It proclaims that this uncreated and all-pervading existence is essentially the same, both at microcosmic and macrocosmic gradations. Pure Being is Existence. Existence includes the phenomenal and the transcendent. Advaita posits the concept of pure Being as Atman in the individual human being and Brahman as universal consciousness. The essence in a person and the essence in the Universe are one and the same – and it is ‘“Brahman” the Universe has come of “Brahman” and will also return to it.’ Agnostics are bound to assert that this sat is merely an idea in abstraction that bea...

Karthigai Deepam is the light festival observed in Karthigai Masam (November – December) in Tamil Nadu. A prasadam prepared during the occasion is the Pori Urundai. Pori means puffed rice. The Ingredients The preparation is made using jaggery and puffed rice. To add to the taste some people add crushed fried groundnut, fried gram and finely chopped coconut. Cardamom powder and dried ginger powder enhances the taste. The Preparation To make the preparation, firs jaggery is heated in a vessel and the impurities are removed. Then a little water is taken in a thick-bottomed vessel and heated. The jaggery is added and is stirred without a break. Thick syrup is made. The thickness should be as such that when dropped in cold water it should not dissolve. You should be able to roll it into a small ball. To this syrup,  all the above mentioned ingredients are added. They are then mixed well. When the mixture cools, apply ghee to the palm and roll it into round balls...

Devotees often find Goddess Mariamman in the form of only her head. The popular story behind this tradition goes like this: Jamadagni was a great rishi. Renuka, the beautiful daughter of Varma Raja, married the rishi. They had four or five sons (there are differences in the number in various references; and differences in the names too). Thannuva, Anula, Viswavasu, Parashurama by one account; Vasu, Viswavasu, Brihudhyanu, Brithwakanwa, Bhadra Rama by another; Som, Ruthu, Turvasu, Megh, Parashurama by yet another. Whatever the list, the last son was Parashurama. One day, Renuka was collecting water from the Ganga. As she was looking at the water surface, she saw the reflection of a gandharva flying through the skies. Attracted by Renuka’s beauty, the gandharva named Chithrasena kept circling the same area. Attracted by the gandharva’s image repeatedly floating on the water surface, Renuka thought for a second – ‘How handsome he is!’ Jamadagni immediately knew of the inc...

Madhukari is an ancient social system in Hinduism that supported students in their education. From ancient times in Hindu religion, students have been expected to support themselves. In the Gurukula system, they used to help the guru in agricultural activities, but in the later period, when the guru (teachers) started living in cities and towns, the students had to find a way to support themselves. The system of Madhukari was one such way out. Etymologically, madhukar means black bee, an insect collecting nectar by visiting flowers one after the other. Similarly, a student was expected to go from house to house and gather food. Katyayana in Apararka (867 – 873 AD) defines Vidyadhana as that income from knowledge which has been earned while living on somebody else’s support. There were two types of madhukari – the one called ‘dry’ (uncooked food items like flour or rice grains) and the other called ‘wet’ (cooked food). Further, it was convention that a student should...

Happiness and knowledge happens during the journey. Once we reach the destination, we just rest. To drop the ego all it takes is a genuine smile. Choose words wisely, because tomorrow we may have to eat them. When we harbor bitterness and hatred, happiness moves farther away. Silence, calmness and gentleness are the ways to tame a mind constantly swayed by ego. Love is the medicine to cure all wounds caused by ego, anger, bitterness and hatred. Do not be stingy in appreciating goodness. Appreciation nurtures goodness. It is contagious. It catches on. When we accept the good in others, it becomes an inspiration for all. Take and have only what is essential. Anything in excess creates a bulge. It deforms and corrupts the entire system. Hatred begins when we are unable to accept a person for what he/she is. True love is without conditions and borders. Not all things are in our control. When we are ready to accept this, we have subdued anger and frustration....

Chandra Grahan 2021 dates based on Hindu calendar – India Standard Time. There are two lunar eclipses – Chandra Grahan – in 2021. The Chandra Grahan on May 26 and November 19, 2021 are observed in India but not visible as it takes place in afternoon and evening. Detail dates of all Chandra Grahanam in 2021 with time and map are given below: Chandra Grahan on May 26, 2021 - Total Lunar Eclipse (Visible In India) It takes place in India too (not visible as it is in the evening) The moon will be covered starting from 3:15 PM on May 26 to 6:22 PM on May 26. Total Lunar Eclipse Time in India is from 4:39 PM on May 26 to 4:57 PM on May 26. Mid Eclipse is at 4:49 PM Hindu Panchangam have marked this graham and all rituals will be followed including closure of temples. Visible in East Asia, Australia, Pacific and South America. (You can get complete detail of this grahan here ) Chandra Grahan on November 19, 2021 - Partial Lunar Eclipse (Visibl...

The full moon day in the Tamil month of Karthigai is observed as Vishnu Deepam by Lord Vishnu devotees (Vaishnavites). Vishnu Deepam is celebrated by lighting bonfire known as Sokka Panai in Vishnu shrines. In 2025, the date of Vishnu Deepam is December 3 (for some communities it is on December 4). The day is popularly known as Karthigai Deepam – when all houses and temples will be decorated with oil lamps after sunset. The reason for the festival is based on Lord Vamana (Lord Trivikrama ) incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vamana sending King Bali to the underworld is the basis of Vishnu Deepam. It is said that the two steps of Lord Vamana are the Uttarayan and vernal equinox. And the third step which sends Bali to the underworld is the autumn equinox. The bonfire lit on Vishnu Deepam remembers this event. Vishnu Deepam is also observed as Yanai Pandigai by some communities in South India .

Amaravila Rameswaram Sri Mahadeva Temple is located near Neyyattinkara on the Amaravila – Dhanuvachapuram route in Thiruvananthapuram District.  The annual festival in Amaravila Rameswaram Sri Mahadeva Temple is held in such a way that the 10-day festival ends with Arattu on the Thiruvathira Nakshatra day in Dhanu month. Another important festival observed in the temple is Mahashivratri. On this day Pongala is offered to Goddess Parvati. The temple is famous for pitru tarpanam on Karkidaka Vavu in Karkidakam month (July – August). Karkidaka Vavu observed on Amavasya day is the annual Shradh Pitru Tarpan day in Kerala. Amaravila Rameswaram Sri Mahadeva Temple Facts The temple is located on the banks of Neyyar River in Kollayil Village. This is one among the 108 Shiva temples consecrated by Parashurama. This is the southernmost Shiva temple consecrated by Parashurama. There is also a belief that the murti of Shiva worshipped here was installed by Bhagavan Sri Rama. The murti worshipp...

Adoor Mahalingeshwara Temple is located at Delampadi village in Kasaragod District. The annual festival in the temple is known as Meena Sankrama Utsavam. It is observed from 27 day of Kumbham month for 5 days. It is believed that Arjuna received Pashupatastra in this temple. The abhishekam is not performed to the main deity in the shrine who is known as Mahalingeshwara. It is performed on another vigraha. The sanctum sanctorum here is three tiered and is known as gaja prishta sreekovil. Vishnu, Ganapati, Rakteshwari, Kinnimani are the subsidiary deities. Three time puja is held in the shrine and the main offering is Kadalipazham. Rudrabhishekam is very important in the temple.

 Adukathu Temple is a Durga temple located at Malom – Balal near Kasargod in Kerala. The annual festival in the temple is observed from Medam 8 for three days. Navratri in September – October is another important festival in the shrine. The unique aspect of the shrine is that the deity is in the form of Kannadi Bimbam (Mirror Murti). Kshetrapalaka in the temple has equal importance as the main deity. The subsidiary deities worshipped in the temple are Chamundi, Ayyappa and Gulikan. Please note that another famous Mahishasura Mardini temple in Kasargod District is also known as Adukathu Bhagavathy temple or Adukalathu Bhagavathy temple and this temple is famous for Amakullam or a pond with tortoises.

Thirumangai Alvar is the last of the 12 Alvar saints of South India, they are the very famous poet saints in Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism. He was also known as Naalu Kavi Perumal. There are four types of poets: Asu kavi — the spontaneous poet; madhura kavi — one whose verses are pleasing; vistaara kavi — one whose poetry is elaborate chitra kavi — one whose words come together to form an image. Thirumangai Alvar could compose in all four genres and was, therefore called Naalu kavi Perumal. His Thiruvezhukoottrirukkai, in praise of Lord Aravamudhan, the deity of Kumbakonam, falls in the category of ratha bandham, and it is because of this work that he is considered a chitra kavi. In this work, he uses words that represent numerals, to form a chariot. He uses the numerals in ascending and descending order to build the ratha of words. Thirumangai Azhvar’s ratha of words, can be represented in a figure as a ratha with seven decks. He cleverly describes and praises ...

The weight of the silver kada for astrological benefit should be between 7 grams and 41 grams. If you are making silver kada then opt for 7, 21, or 41 grams. Another option is 108 grams. The silver kada for mental and physical strength should be of 108 grams. The kada for financial solutions and money related matters should not be less than 40 grams. The kada for love and other relationship matters should between 15 grams and 25 grams.

Narayana Temple is located at Udaipur village which is around 8 km from Chamba town in Himachal Pradesh. The temple is small but fascinating and noted for its carvings. The temple is built in memory of Raja Udai Singh and his brother Lakshman Singh, both of whom were assassinated at Udaipur by court officials. The shrine has a Devi flanked by the king and his brother. Within the shrine is a stone slab, sometimes identified as a Sati stone commemorating the women who died with the king. The carvings on the walls of the temple are remarkably well preserved. The greatest attraction of the temple is its pastoral setting straight out from a rural cinema.

Ganesha murti or vigraha (idol) can be brought to home during any time of the year but on a specific date. So, which is the best time to bring Ganesha home? The best time to bring Ganesha home is on Tuesday, Chaturthi tithis in a month and during Ganesh Chaturthi. The time should be Pradosh Kaal – 1.5 hours before sunset. You can also bring Ganesha home when there is Swathi Nakshatra present. Another good time to bring Ganesha home is from 12:00 PM to 12:40 PM on all days of the week except Wednesdays. Always bring permanent Ganesha home made using metal or clay. The murti brought during the annual Ganesh Chaturthi festival should be made of clay.

Ramlala is Lord Rama as a small boy. Sri Ramakrishna use to see Ramlala. Sri Ramakrishna told his disciples about his vision of Lord Rama: I actually saw – just as I see you before me – that Ramlala accompanied me dancing, now preceding, now following me. Sometimes he importuned to be carried in my lap. Again, when I took him on my lap, he would by no means remain there. He would go down to run hither and thither, collect flowers in thorny jungles or go to the Ganga to swim and splash water there. I said over and over again, ‘My child, don’t do that, you will get blisters on your soles if you run in the sun; do not remain in water so long, you will catch cold and get fever.’ But he did not give ear to my words, however much I might forbid him. Unconcerned he went on with his pranks as if I was speaking to someone else. He would sometimes grin and look at me with his two eyes, beautiful like the petals of a lotus, or carry on his pranks with a vengeance. He would pout b...

Azhakam Devi temple is located at Kodakara in Thrissur District. The shrine is one kilometer south of Kodakara. The Ayyappan vilakku festival is held on the first Saturday of Dhanu Masam. This is a Durga temple and it is believed to be one of the 108 Durga temples in Kerala. The small temple belonged to the Azhakathu Mana. Othu Uttu with Yajur Veda was performed in the shrine in olden days.

Yanai Pandigai is observed on the full moon day (or Purnima) in Karthigai Masam in Tamil Nadu. Yanai Pandigai 2025 date is December 4. The ritual lasts for three days. In the ritual, small elephants are made of clay and are decorated as per Vaishnava traditions and are arranged for puja on Kartik Pournami. Apart from the clay elephants, small elephants made of gold, silver, bronze, wood etc are also displayed. In the first year after wedding, Yanai Pandigai festival is observed elaborately with Arathi to the new bride in husband’s home. The legend associated with Yanai Pandigai is associated with Gandhari and Kunti of Mahabharata. Gandhari, mother of Kauravas, performed Yanai Pandigai to the royal elephants and gold elephants to show her might and influence. She purposefully did not invite Kunti, mother of Pandavas, for the ceremony. Kunti was saddened by this behavior of Gandhari. Arjuna who came to know about this brought Airavata (Indira’s white elephant) to ...

Surya Grahan 2021 in India (Solar Eclipse dates) based on Hindu calendar and panchang – India Standard Time. There are two solar eclipses in 2021 - Surya Grahanam - June 10 and December 4, 2021. Both the eclipses are not visible in India. Detail dates of Surya Grahan in 2021 are given below: Solar Eclipse on June 10, 2021 (Annular) (Not Visible In India) Surya Grahan on June 10 is not visible in India. This Grahan is not followed in India and temples will not be closed as per tradition. All rituals for Hindus living in North America and Europe including holy dip, charity should be completed before the Grahan ends. Those Hindus who perform fasting need to start it before 9 hours of the beginning of the eclipse. This Grahan is mainly visible in North America, Canada, Greenland and Russia. Solar Eclipse on December 4, 2021 (Total Eclipse) (Not Visible In India) Surya Grahan on December 4 is not visible in India. This Grahan is not followed ...

Kakshivanta was a great vedic sage and he was frequently mentioned in Rig Veda and other Vedic scriptures. Kakshivanta’s epithet Pajriya (Rig Veda I.116.7; 117, 6) indicates that he was from a Pajra family. In the entire Vedic literature, except in one mentioned along with Dirghatamas (VII.9, 10), he is not connected with any sage anywhere. The descendents of Kakshivanta are called Pajras. In Brihaddevata, Kakshivanta appears as the son born of a female slave named Usij. He had a miraculous birth from the Kakshi (armpit) and hence got his name Kakshivanta. In one of the hymns of Rig Veda (I.126), he is shown to celebrate his patron prince Svanaya Bhavya, who dwelt on Sindhu (Indus), and bestowed magnificent gifts on him.  The list of narasamas (praises of heroes) in Sankhayana Srautasutra (XVI. 4, 5) also mentions Kakshivanta Ausija in honor of Svanaya Bhavayavya. He obtained a maiden named Vrichaya as his wife in his old age (Rig Veda VI.51, 13). He appears to ...

Jataka Chandrika is a short but famous book on astrology credited to famous poet Kalidasa who wrote Raghuvamsam and Shakuntala. There are several commentaries on Jataka Chandrika by different authors. Jataka Chandrika text contains four chapters and deals with the basics of astrology like – Royal combinations Death inflicting periods Bad or good time segments. The author has divided the twelve bhavas (stellar houses) into six groups Trikona (houses 5 and 9) Kendra(houses 1, 4, 7, and 10) Trisadya (houses 3, 6, 11) Netra(houses 2 and 12) Astama Lagna The planets (lords) are treated as shubha (auspicious) or ashubha (inauspicious), and also as saumya (good) and papi (bad) in a general sense. Five planets, namely, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn, own two houses, and their twin lordships decide their subhatva (goodness) for a lagna (nativity). Trikona lords are always shubha, while trisadya lords are always ashubha. In the case of Kendra lords, papi...

A collection of teachings from  Vichar Sagar  of Nishchal Das (1791-1863) I am that undiluted Infinite Bliss that is eternal, self-effulgent, and all-pervading substratum of name and form; which the intellect conceives not but which conceives the intellect. Of the nature of an infinite ocean am I and like its waves are Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh, Surya, Chandra, Varuna, Yama, Shakti, Kubera, and Ganesh. The gracious omniscient Ishvara, conditioned by adjuncts, who becomes the object of meditation of sages is also reflected as an illusion in me. Just as a rope appears as a snake when the knowledge of the former is absent, and the latter disappears with the knowledge of reality, similarly this world [of names and forms] disappears when the realization of ‘I am He’ dawns. That Rama [without attributes], whom the pious sages worship without motive in order to attain enlightenment, is my Self. Whom then may I salute?

The annual 14-day festival in the famous Trichambaram Temple is noted for Thidambu Nritham. The utsavam begins on the 22nd day of Kumbha Masam with the ceremonial flag hoisting (kodiyettam) and comes to end with Koodipirial ritual on 6th day Meena masam. Trichambaram Utsavam 2025 date is March 6 to March 20. The main event during the festival revolves around the arrival of Balarama from another temple of partaking in the festival and finally his departure.  On the first day, the image of Lord Balarama (elder brother of Bhagavan Krishna) is brought to the temple in a grand procession from nearby Dharmakulam temple. The festivals days are marked by the performance of the religious dance, Thidambu nritham, in front of Pookoth Nada in the temple. On the thirteenth day of annual festival, Pallivetta (holy hunt ceremony) takes place and the next day the ceremonial bath (aarattu) takes place. Finally, the heart touching Kootti Poriyal ceremony (March 20, 2025) happens, which represe...

Sighra Phala in Hinduism refers to the geocentric positions or longitudes of the planets. Sighra Kendra and Sighra phala are used in geocentric calculations of planets and indicate true anomaly and correction, respectively. Sighra Kendra is the angle subtended by the planet to the line joining the Earth and the Sun and is equal to the heliocentric longitude of the planet minus the heliocentric longitude of the Earth. Inantar means elongation and sighra kama is the angle made by the geometric radius vector of the planet to bhu chal trijya (initial line of the Earth). Sighra Kendra is the sum of sighra phala will be the difference between sighra Kendra and inantara. Inantara will also be equal to the difference between half sighra Kendra (C) minus the angle subtended by a parallel line of sighra Kendra (B). Hence sighra phala will be the sum of half sighra Kendra and the above angle B. This correction is true for superior planets (Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn), and for i...

Hariyupiya is a place mentioned in Rig Veda (VI.27.5). The hymn carrying the word Hariyupiya runs as follows: “Indra killed the survivors of Varasikha in order to help Chayamana. When Indra slew those of Vrcivant’s at front of Hariyupiya, the others behind dispersed in fear.” Sayana says Hariyupiya was either a river or a city. However, if taken as a river, the expressions “at the front and at the back” are difficult to explain and interpret. We never come across the front or the back of a river mentioned in this way. Usually, the banks of a river are mentioned. Therefore, Hariyupiya here most likely stands for a city of the name and not a river. This argument is strengthened by the fact that in the next hymn a city named Yavyavati has been mentioned. According to Sayana, Yavyavati is the name as Hariyupiya. However, if that is the case, then there seems to be no reason for changing the name of the city in the very next verse. Besides, the purpose of the hymn is to descr...

Rudraksha started out as a spiritual tool for devotees to attain concentration. But the bead is so powerful that it has been found to solve various problems in life. So, is Rudraksha useful in stopping the quarreling between wife and husband? Many devotees have this doubt. Using 7 mukhi natural Rudraksha is helpful in solving relationship issues. Especially those related to wife and husband. The Rudraksha should be worn by the person wishing to solve the issues. It should be worn on Monday evening just before sunset. Along with Rudraksha the person should also try to realize what his or her faults are and make honest attempt to correct them. Rudraksha is powerful tool that will bless you with positive energy.

Dates of important upcoming festivals and fasting associated with Hinduism in December 2020 – based on major Hindu calendars and Panchang used in India. The festivals, Vrats and ritual days are based on Indian Standard Time (IST). Hindu Vrat – Fasting - Festivals December 2020 December 1 – Margashirsh Month/Aghan Month begins in North India calendars  December 3 – Sankashti Ganesh Chaturthi Vrat moonrise time is at 8:29 PM December 7 – Kal Bhairav Ashtami December 10 – Utpanna Ekadashi Smarta Vrat December 11 – Utpanna Ekadashi Vaishnav Vrat December 11 – Triprayar Ekadashi in Kerala December 12 – Shani Pradosh Vrat December 13 – Shiv Chaturdashi Vrat – Monthly Shivratri Fasting December 14 –Amavasya – Somvati Amavasya as it is Monday December 15 – Margashirsh month begins in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Goa December 16 – Dhanu Masam begins in Malayalam Calendars December 16 – Margazhi Masam begins in Tamil ...

Be a lion, be a lion, break the cage and be free! Take a big jump and the work is done! (Swami Turiyananda, a direct-disciple of Sri Ramakrishna). Indeed, down the ages, men of God have always given the call for love, compassion, and spiritual courage. But somehow, we, the people on the street, have chosen to be deaf and we continue to live in our multi-layered cages: the cage we are born with – body, mind, ego, and samskaras; the cage we have constructed for ourselves – identities born of relationships with people, ideas, things, and places; and the cage forged for us by the world – situations, and circumstances.   The consequence of living in these cages are violence, debased sense gratifications, and false sense of happiness and goodness. The irony is that most of us do not even recognise the cage as an imprisonment. We accept our condition as a natural state of life and are happy to enjoy the ‘freedom’ of pacing around in the cage! We spend our energies in poli...

Thrissilery Shiva Temple is located around 8 km from Mananthavady in Wayanad District in Kerala. The main Vazhipadu in the temple is Rudrabhishekam Dhara and Swayamwar Pushpanjali. Thrissilery Shiva temple festival 2025 date is March 28 to March 30. The annual festival is observed is observed from Pururuttathi Nakshatra to Revathi Nakshatra in Meenam month. The annual three day festival concludes with Kalasham on the Revathi Nakshatram day. Another important festival observed in the temple is the Chuttuvilakku on Dhanu 17 annually. This is held on January 1, 2025. Another important festival in the temple is the annual Shivratri. Thrissilery Shiva Temple Facts The Shivling worshipped in the temple is swayambhu. There is a Ganpati Murti (vigraham) in front of the sanctum sanctorum. Goddess Parvati is represented here in the form of a peedam. Another important deity worshipped in the temple is Jala Durga. Her separate shrine is found in the temple compound outside the nalambal...

Azhikulangara Bhagavathi temple is located at Mudappallur in Vandazhi village, Palakkad District, Kerala. Azhikulangara Bhagavathi Temple festival 2025 is from May 22 to May 24. Mudappallur Vela is on May 22. The annual festival vela is held on the eighth day of Edavam Masam. Ezhunellippu is on Edavam 9 and Thalpolli is on Edava Masam 10. The 41-day Kalamezhuthu is another important ritual here. It begins in the end of Meena Masam and ends on the 8 th day of Edava masam. In 2025, this is from April 12 to May 22. The Kalamezhuthu is held by Kallattu Kuruppanmar. The festival in Azhikulangara Bhagavathi temple is famous Kanniyar Kali. The festival is famous for elephant procession and traditional music like Thayambaka.

Ada is unique food offering (prasadam or naivedyam) in temples in Kerala and in certain temples in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Ada in Kerala temples is prepared using finely grounded rice flour. This flour is then made into a paste. Another method is by soaking rice and then grinding them to a paste. The rice flour paste is then spread on banana or turmeric leaves or vatta ella along with coconut and jaggery. It is then steamed or roasted to make ada. There are many different types of ada. Ada is an important naivedya to Ganesha in many Ganpati Temples in Kerala. It is an important offering in many temples and sacred groves in coastal Karnataka and Kerala. It is an important preparation during the Pooram Vrat observed in Meena month in North Kerala. During Sarpabali ritual, Ada without jaggery is prepared as an offering to the Nagas or serpents.