Hindu auspicious days are looked for buying selling and various other purposes. Good dates in January 2021 in Hindu calendar given below are based on India Standard Time. The auspicious dates and time in January 2021 are good for house warming, joining job, starting work, buying car or house, moving into new rented home, registration of property, villa, house flat, birth, visiting, first visit, buy bike, buying flat, house, property, villa, etc. Hindu Good Days And Time In January 2021 January 1 good time after 1:40 PM January 5 good time after 5:00 PM January 6 January 7 January 8 good time till 10:45 AM January 9 good time after 12:35 PM January 10 good time till 10:45 AM January 14 January 19 January 20 good time till 1:10 PM January 21 January 24 good time till 10:00 AM January 25 January 27 January 28 good time after 1:10 PM Bad dates – These dates should be completely avoided  – January 11, January 13, January 15 and January 23, 2021. Cer...

Emoor Karthyayani Bhagavathi temple is located near Thonnurkara in Chelakkara Village in Thrissur district, Kerala. The annual festival in the temple is observed on Karthika nakshatra in Kumbham month. The temple festival is conducted by padijaremuri and kizhakkummuri. The main deity worshipped in the temple is Goddess Karthyayani. The Upa Devatas in the temple are Ganapathy and Nagarajavu. The deity was the kuladevata of Thottasseri Talachennar whose family was the Naduvazhi Pisharadi of the area. The family was famous for Kalari Vidya. There used to a Kalaripayattu school near the temple in ancient times. There is only one puja. There is a huge temple pond on the north side of the temple.

Agha was a general of Kamsa, uncle of Lord Krishna, and he was deputed to kill Child Krishna at Vrindavan. Aghasura also had a personal score to settle with Krishna as he was the brother of Putana. She was killed by Krishna when she attempted to give poisoned breastmilk. To fulfill his mission, Agha took the form of a huge snake and arrived at Gokul. After scanning the activities of Krishna and friends, the demon opened his mouth and stood still. Now the demon looked like a cave. Lord Krishna’s friends ventured into the demons mouth to play, thinking it was a new cave that they had not discovered. But little Krishna sensed the hidden danger and he was able to rescue his friends before the demon could close his mouth. Then a battle ensued between demon Agha and Krishna . Little Krishna easily overpowered the demon and killed it.

Ethanur   Maruti Bhagavati Temple is located at Ethanur village on Koduvayur – Alathur road in Palakkad district, Kerala. The main festival in the temple is observed for seven days starting with the second Thursday in Meenam month.   The main deities worshipped in the temple are Goddess Durga and Goddess Bhadrakali. Both the deities are worshipped in the same sreekovil. It is believed that Goddess Bhadrakali in the temple is linked to Kodungallur Bhagavathy. The name Maruthi for the deity because Goddess Durga in the temple is believed to have arrived here from Madurai. Five sisters who arrived from Madurai to the region are known as five muthis. Both the murtis in the temple were earlier made of mud. They were replaced with stone in 1966 CE.

Elavally Kavu Temple, also known as Elavally Durga Bhagavathi temple, is located at Elavally in Thrissur district, Kerala. The festival in shrine is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. Elavally Durga Bhagavathi Temple festival is observed on Aswathy nakshatra day in Kumbham month. Elavally Kavu Temple is one among the 108 Durga temples in Kerala. This is one of the important temples in ancient Kerala. The temple is referred to as Abhinavalathagramam in Mayoorasandesham. The main deity worshipped in the temple is Durga. She is also believed to be Vana Durga. The temple complex also has separate shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Sastha. Durga is worshipped in south; Shiva in the middle who faces west and Vishnu in the north face west. Bhadrakali is worshipped in southeast corner of Vishnu temple. The Upa Devatas in the temple are Saraswati, Dakshinamurti and two Ganapathys. Elavally Durga Bhagavathi Temple And Kakkassery Bhattathiri Kakkassery Bhattathiri was a famous sch...

Elayavoor Temple is a famous shrine located at Elayavoor village in Kannur district, Kerala. The annual festival in the temple is observed on Pooram nakshatra in Meenam month. The festival is dedicated to Upa Devata of the shrine Bhagavathy.  The temple is dedicated to Bharatha. The main deity is known as Sangameshwara. It is believed that Bharata is Sangameshwara. Bhagavathy had importance in the shrine until Bharatha was recognized in the temple. The main Upa Devatas in the temple are Bhagavathy and Sri Krishna (Trikottappan). Bharatha faces east and Sri Krishna faces west. Only one puja is offered to Sri Krishna daily. The annual Pratishta dina mahotsavam is held on Karthika nakshatra in Makaram month. Elayavoor Temple Timing Morning darshan timing is from 5:00 AM to 10:15 AM Evening darshan timing is from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM ഭരത സങ്കല്പത്തിലുള്ള മഹാവിഷ്ണുവും ശ്രീ ഭഗവതിയും ശ്രീ കൃഷ്ണനും ( വെണ്ണ കയ്യിലേന്തിയ അമ്പാടി കണ്ണൻ ) തൃക്കോത്തപ്പനും മഹാ ഗണപതിയും ഉപദേവതകള...

Elampally Madathil Dharma Sastha temple is located at Pallikkathodu Panchayat in Kottayam District. The 8-day annual festival is observed in such a manner that the Palli Vetta is held on Uthram Nakshatram in Kumbham month. The Sastha in temple faces east and one has to climb 18 steps to reach the temple. The shrine also has a connection with the famous Thiruvarppu temple. This is one among 108 Ayyappa temples mentioned in Thottam Pattu. It is known as Elanoor Kavu in Thottam Pattu. Story Of Elampalli Madathil Dharma Sastha Temple Elampally Desam belonged to Elampilli Kattumana Namboothiri. Madathil Nair who was a pramani of the region insulted and manhandled Elampilli Namboothiri. Elampilli could not tolerate this insult he gave all his wealth and property to Thiruvarppu temple and left for the Himalayas. Madathil Nair had remorse over the incident and built the Elampalli Madathil Dharma Sastha temple for sin redemption. The Thiruvabharanam in the temple was given by one Kall...

Elamkunnapuzha Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple is located at Elamkunnapuzha on the Vypin – Munambam road in Ernakulam district, Kerala. The 10-day annual festival in the shrine is observed in such a way that it ends with arattu on Karthika nakshatra in Vrischika month. The upper part of the murti of Subrahmanya in the shrine is made of Panchaloha and the down part is made of black stone (Krishna shila). The murti is nearly 6 feet tall and it faces east. This is a typical Kerala style temple with chuttambalam, namaskara mandapam, kodimaram, and two storey chathura sreekovil. There are also shrines of upa devatas. The Upa Devatas worshipped in the temple are Shiva, Ganapathy and Sastha. The murti of Subrahmanya or Muruga worshipped in the temple is believed to be an old murti of the famous Tiruchendur Murugan temple. Legend has it that when an old murti of Tiruchendur Murugan temple was damaged it was replaced with a new murti. The old murti was thrown into the sea. The old Vigraha floated...

Ernakulathappan Temple is a popular Shiva temple located in the heart of Ernakulam town. The 8-day annual festival is observed in such a manner that it ends on Thiruvathira Nakshatra in Makaram month. The annual Shivratri is an important festival in the temple. The highlight of the temple festival is kodiyettam, melam, ezhunellippu and arattu. Ernakulathappan Temple is one among the 108 Shiva temples in Kerala. It is believed that the deity in the temple used to face east but it was later change to west which is the present status. The position of the deity was changed to face Pazhayannur Bhagavathy temple belonging to Mattancherry Kottaram. Vilwamangalam   Swamiyar had decided the rules, rituals, pujas and regulations associated with shrine. It is believed that the Shivling in the Ernakulathappan Temple was installed by a Naga Sadhu – Naga Rishi who had come from north. There is also a belief that the Shivling in the temple is Keerthamurti which was worshipped by Arjuna. The...

Sree Dharma Sastha Temple is located at Erumely in Kottayam district, Kerala. The 10-day annual festival at Erumeli Dharmasastha temple is observed in such a manner that it ends with Arattu on the Uthiram nakshatra in Kumbham month. The main murti in the temple is Sastha how holds only an arrow in his hands. It is believed that the temple was built by Alampally Millakar (millam is a designation) who was an officer of Ranni Karthavu. It is said that Alampally who had once gone to Thiruvambady for participating the festival was insulted. To avenge the insult he decided to construct a shrine. As per the advice of an astrologer, Alampally was able to recover a Sastha Vigraham from the Pampa River. This murti was installed in the newly constructed temple. The Erumeli petta thullal to Sabarimala passes through Kochambalam which is located 500 meter from Erumely Sree Dharma Sastha temple. This temple was built to fulfill the desire of Puthanveetil Amoomma by her son Peruseeri Pillai.

Namaste is the form of greeting in Hindu culture. People greet each other by joining their palms – Namaste, Namaskar or Namaskaram. There is science involved in the form of greeting. The scientific reason of Namaste is associated with Yoga. In Yoga, joining the two palms is known as Anjali Mudra. The tips of our fingers are energy points. When doing Namaste we bring together the tips of our fingers. This results in energy flow from the nerves in the head and the upper part of the body. This makes a person calm and peaceful. Thus, he is able to greet a person with a calm and peaceful mind. Related Spiritual and Philosophy of Namaste

Swami Shankarananda is associated with the Chinmaya Mission. This is a collection of teachings and quotes of Swami Shankarananda. Wealth can be earned both ways religiously and non-religiously. However if earned non-religiously it will lead to sorrow and not joy. Irreligiousness leads to sin, which in turn leads to mental agitations and finally sorrows. The majority in the world do not understand the importance of religion. They get attached to selfishness and sensual attachments and tread the irreligious path. The harmful effects of irreligiousness are not perceptible soon. The easy path of materialism is attractive. Following the religious path one achieves material pleasures, fame and heaven. Wealth earned by following the religious path and after much effort, gives mental peace and joy. Joy is not in the sense objects rather it is in the peace of mind. All problems of mankind fall into two types. One which are materialistic whose solution are found in the material...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Thursday, 7 January 2021 – It is Krishna Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Ashtami tithi or the eighth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 12:37 AM on January 7. Then onward it Krishna Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 10:19 PM on January 7. Then onward it Krishna Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 7:57 PM on January 8. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on January 7, 2021 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Chitra or Chithirai or Chithira Nakshatra till 2:36 PM on January 7. Then onward it is Swathi or Chothi Nakshatra till 12:56 PM on January 8. (Time applicable in ...

Changamkari Dharma Sastha temple is located around 3 km from Edathua in Alappuzha district, Kerala. The 8-day temple festival is observed in such a manner that the festival ends with Arattu on Uthram nakshatra in Medam month. The main deity worshipped in the temple is Dharma Sastha. The deity is made from granite stone and it faces west. The temple is noted for carving on wood. An Arukola of a Manthrikan is also worshipped in the temple. It is believed that the temple has some kind of connection with Talavadi Anaprambal Dharmasastha temple and Thakazhi Dharmasastha temple.

Malayalam Calendar 2021 in pdf for free download is provided by the Deepika Newspaper, Janmabhumi and Kerala Kaumudi in Kerala. Mathrubhumi used to provide calendar free but they have stopped it. Malayala Manorama too does not provide the 2021 calendar online for free. The 2021 Malayalam calendar contains important festivals in Kerala and uses Malayalam language to mention Nakshatram and festival details. You can visit the newspaper website and download it here -  pdf calendar Deepika 2021 . You can download  Kerala Kaumudi Calendar 2021 in PDF format here at the website of the newspaper.   (you will  need to register to download the calendar) You can download Janmabhumi Calendar 2021 in PDF format for here at the website of the newspaper. (yet to be updated)  

Mantreshwara is the god of mantra in Kashmir Shaivism. Tantras are monotheistic; gods are aspects of the Supreme Deity and are generated by His Shakti. Each deity has two forms, the visualized and the sonic, that is, mantra. The sonic or mantra form is closer to the Ultimate Reality and is more potent. The Supreme God himself has a sonic form, nada, which is the transcendent matrix of all languages and of all realities. Mantras if practiced according to the tantric precepts, bring the desired results to the utterer. Each and every matrika (a, aa, etc) represents divine energy. The entire range of the knowable is divided into two classes, the acceptable and the avoidable. The acceptable are Shiva, Shakti, Vidyesahas, mantra, Mantreswara and the jivas. The avoidable are impurity, nescience, actions, maya and the world produced by maya (Malinivijayottara Tantra, 1.15f). Success in the sphere of the matter and self is provided by the right discernment of the acceptable and th...

Chakkamkulangara Shiva temple is located at Tripunithura in Ernakulam district, Kerala. The 8-day annual festival is observed in such a way that it ends on Thiruvonam Nakshatra with arattu in Kumbha Masam. The festival usually coincides with the Mahashivaratri festival. There is no utsava bali in the temple. The main deity in the temple is Shiva, worshipped in the form of Shivling. The deity faces west. There are three Sheeveli in the temple. Ganapathy and Sastha are the Upa Devatas. The shrine was an important temple associated with Shakthan Thampuran.

Saubhagya Shayana Vrat is observed in Chaitra month. It is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, who is worshipped in the form of Lalitha, giver of bliss and emancipation. It can be performed by both men and women. Saubhagya Sayana Vrat 2025 date is March 31. The importance of this Vrata is mentioned in the Matsya Purana. It is believed by some communities that Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married on this day. After early morning bath and purification, one should offer prayers to Ganesha. Shiva and Goddess Pravati is worshipped on the day with mantras, flowers, incense and Prasad. A single meal is taken on the day. Pujas are performed in the morning and evening. The fasting ends on next day morning. Some devotees perform the Vrata on the third day of the waxing phase of moon in all Hindu lunar months. Saubhagya Sayana Vrat is observed on Chaitra Shukla Paksha Tritiya tithi or the third day during the waxing phase of moon in Chaitra month.

Ashwin Masam is the seventh month in a traditional Hindu Kannada calendar followed in Karnataka. Kannada Ashwayuja Masam 2025 is from from September 22 to October 21. Popular festivals in a Hindu calendar year like Navratri, Vijaya Dashami, Dasara, Kojagari Vrata, Naraka Chaturdashi and Diwali are observed in this month. Other auspicious days include Govatsa Dwadashi, Yama Tharpanam and Kedara Gowri Vrata. Pradosh Fasting Dates  in Ashwayuja  Masam are:   Shani Pradosh – October 4 Shani Pradosh – October 18 Ekadasi Fasting dates in Ashwayuja  Masam are: Pashankusha Ekadashi – October 3 Rama Ekadashi – October 17 Sankashtahara Chaturthi Vrata  dedicated to Ganesha is on 2025 is on October 10 – Moonrise or Chandrodaya is at 8:438 PM – Indian Standard Time. Kannada Ashwin Month 2025 Shukla Paksha and  Krishna  Paksha Kannada Ashwin 2025 Shukla Paksha (Waxing phase of moon) is from September 2...

We are not puppets controlled by a god. This very thought that there is someone who controls our life is a wrong notion. It is ignorance. Our never-ending desires, fear and attachment are the reason for us becoming puppets. We are controlled by our desires, fear and attachments. When we realize this and take the necessary steps, we are no longer puppets. ............. We all get emotionally unbalanced; there is nothing to be ashamed of it. However, if we are not able to regain our balance quickly then we have a problem. When we live in the world, we are sure to be emotionally disturbed. There are innumerable ways in which a person can be disturbed mentally. The moment this happens, we need to tune our mind towards the spiritual channel in us. An angry and emotional mind takes only wrong decisions, it only utters words that hurt and cause harm, and it only does those physical actions that are to be never performed. Breathe in and out. Close the eyes and remember the people whom y...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Wednesday, 6 January 2021 – It is Krishna Paksha Ashtami tithi or the eighth day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Saptami tithi or the seventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 2:49 AM on January 6. Then onward it Krishna Paksha Ashtami tithi or the eighth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 12:37 AM on January 7. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on January 6, 2021 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Hasta or Hastam or Atham Nakshatra till 4:12 PM on January 6. Then onward it is Chitra or Chithirai or Chithira Nakshatra till 2:36 PM on January 7. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnatak...

The story of Shakambari Devi and Demon Durgamma is found in the Sri Devi Bhagavatam and Chandi Saptashati. The story is that an asura named Durgamma did tapas for 1,000 years to get a boon from Brahma by which he appropriated all the Vedic powers and knowledge of Vedas and sages. As a result, all yajnas, pujas, chanting of Vedic hymns ground to a halt. On account of the reign of terror unleashed by the arrogant Durgamma, water sources dried up leading to severe famine on earth for 100 years. All living beings including sages, humans, gods and goddesses realized that only Mother Goddess Shakti could save them and prayed to her for deliverance from misery and suffering. The ever benevolent and compassionate Goddess Durga appeared as Shakambari Devi and created water and vegetables and fruits form her body for the hungry and thirsty living beings. She also caused rains to facilitate good crops and harvest. She then killed Durgamma and rid the world of his menace. God...

The male – female auspicious symbols in Hinduism is known as Mithuna and from time immemorial it is connected to Shiva, the cosmic male and his Shakti, eternal feminine. In ancient fertility rituals male-female pair used to copulate in the field to ensure bumper crop. Fertility of humans is transferred to nature and vice versa. Hence in Indian art male-female couple, Mithuna, in various stages of intimacy is considered auspicious. All kinds of Tantric sadhanas are based on this principle. Upanishads state that Ananda or bliss itself is Brahman, the supreme godhead. Coming together of male and female is ultimate symbol of bliss, hence of Brahman, the god of gods, Mahadeva. Male and female together is the source of bliss or ananda for both physical and spiritual.

Kaalan or Kalan in Malayalam is the god of death. He is the same as Yama or Yaman or Dharmaputra. The god of death in Hindu religion in Kerala is described as having a scary body and ferocious body. He puts an end to all living beings in the universe. Kaalan concept is fearful and inauspicious for those who believe that death is fearful and painful. Father of Kaalan is Vivasva and his mother is Samja (daughter of Vishwakarma). He has two sisters – Yami and Yamuna – and a brother – Shani. Wife of Kalan is Dumorna. Kaalan is the lord of south. His body color is green and wears red color clothes. He has a limb on one leg. His vehicle is male buffalo (Pothu). He sits atop the buffalo holding pasha (rope) and danda (royal stick). Sometimes instead of the stick he holds mace (gada). Kaalan resides in a huge palace known as Kalichi and it has 1000 pillars. In the palace, he sits on a throne known as Vicharabhu. The palace is guarded by two huge and ferocious dogs with four eyes. The lieutenan...

Thoughts on incarnation or avatar by Sri Ramakrishna. It is compiled from The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna There is only One without a second. The Vedas speak of It as ‘Om Sachidananda Brahma’, the Puranas as ‘Om Sachidananda Krishna’, and the Tantra as ‘Om Sachidananda Shiva.’ From that one Om have sprung ‘Om Shiva’, ‘Om Kali’, and ‘Om Krishna’. The Incarnation (Avatara) is the play of the Absolute as man. Do you know how the Absolute plays as man? It is like the rushing down of water from a big roof through a pipe; the power of Satchidananda—nay, Satchidananda Itself—descends through the conduit of a human form as water descends through the pipe. God’s play on earth as an Incarnation is the manifestation of the glory of the Chit Shakti, the Divine Power. Brahman alone is real and the world illusory—that is reasoning. And everything but Brahman is like a dream. But this is an extremely difficult path….That is why God incarnates Himself as man and...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Tuesday, 5 January 2021 – It is Krishna Paksha Saptami tithi or the seventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Sashti tithi or the sixth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 4:47 AM on January 5. Then onward it Krishna Paksha Saptami tithi or the seventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 2:49 AM on January 6. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on January 5, 2021 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time after 4:57 PM.  Nakshatra  – Uttara Phalguni or Uthiram Nakshatra till 5:38 PM on January 5. Then onward it is Hasta or Hastam or Atham Nakshatra till 4:12PM on January 6. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south R...

Chenganamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple is located at Parapuram near Pattambi – around 3 km from Ollur on Karakkad road – in Palakkad district, Kerala. The main festival in the temple falls on the Karthika nakshatra in Vrischikam month. Another important festival in the temple is Navratri. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga who is worshipped as Bhagavathy. The temple is also one among the 108 Durga temples in Kerala. The deity faces west. The Upa Devatas in the temple are Sastha, Shankaranarayanan, Shiva, Venna Krishnan, Brahmarakshas and Nagas. There is also a second Sankaranarayanan prathishta in the temple. The deity in the temple is the Paradevata of Kallur Mana, famous as the mantravda family.

Chakkamkulangara Sree Dharmasastha temple is located at Thalore in Nenmanikkara Village on Thrissur – Kodakara road in Thrissur district, Kerala. The annual festival is observed on the Punartham nakshatra in Meenam month. Various temples in the region participate in the Chakkamkulangara Sastha Punartham festival. The temples include Chathakudam Sastha, Chittichathakudam Sastha, Thaikkattussery Bhagavathy and Idakunni Bhagavathy. A procession of all the deities along with Chakkamkulangara Sastha takes place on the day. Other festivals in the temple include Navratri in Kanni Masam and Desha Vilakku during Mandala Kalam in Vrischikam month. This is one of the 108 temples mentioned in the Thottam pattu. The Sastha worshipped in the temple is Brahmachari. The deity is worshipped in a square sreekovil. The deity faces west. Eyes made of silver and gold are offered in the temple for early cure of eye-related diseases. Chakkamkulangara Sastha also participates in the Arattupuzha po...

Nilambur Vettakkorumakan temple is located at Nilambur in Malappuram district, Kerala. The annual festival in the temple is known as Nilambur pattu utsavam. The annual festival begins on Dhanu 20 and ends on Dhanu Masam 25. Vettakkorumakan is believed to be the son of Shiva and Goddess Parvati in the form of Kattalas or forest dwellers. There is another belief that the murti is Vettaikaran – the Keeratha form of Shiva. Vettakkorumakan is the paradevata of Nilambur Kovilakam. The deity faces east. The Upa Devatas in the temple are Ayyappan, Shiva and Bhagavathy. The temple was famous for elephants in the past. The world famous Guruvayoor Kesavan was given by Nilamboor Kovilakam – nadaykirittuka.

Sankaranarayana Swamy temple is located at Navaikulam in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala. The 10-day annual festival begins on the Uthrattathi Nakshatra in Medam month with kodiyettam. The temple festival begins with flag hoisting and ends with Arattu on the last day. Devotees get to have darshan of the murti atop a caparisoned elephant during the festival. Usual temple rituals are observed during the festival. The shrine is decorated with plantain and coconut flower during the occasion. Temple arts, dance, music and cultural programs are performed during the 10-day festival. The murti or vigraha in the temple is nearly 6 feet tall and is the combined form of Shiva and Vishnu. The deity faces east. The Upa Devatas in the temple are Ganapathy, Sastha, Yakshi, Naga and Bhagavathi. This is one of the most popular Sankaranarayana Swamy temples in Kerala along with Payyanur Ramanthali Sankaranarayana Temple.

There is an interesting legend about the origin of Rudra in Aitareya Brahmana. One day Prajapati, out of intense passion, made love to his own daughter taking the form of a deer. All living beings hated his act of Prajapati. But as he was the first man no one had the strength and courage to oppose or punish Prajapati. But the anger in the living beings amalgamated into a single ferocious form. It was called Rudra. The living beings asked Rudra to put an end to the Adharma of Prajapati. Rudra shot an arrow at Prajapati and killed him. After this incident, Rudra became the lord of the forests and animals. He also ventured out of his favorite places, the forests and cremation grounds, to put an end to those living beings that performed Adharma.

Nalpathaneeswaram Sree Mahadeva temple is located at Panavally, around 11 km from Cherthala, in Alappuzha district, Kerala. The annual festival in the temple begins with Kodiyettam on Uthrattathi Nakshatra and the festival ends on Thiruvathira nakshatra day in Kumbha month. Kathakali is the most important art form performed during the festival in the temple. All Kathakali performances in the temple should end with Keeratham Katha. The temple is also known as Nalpathaneeswaram Keerathamurti Temple. It is believed that the temple was originally owned by 48 illams and therefore the name Nalpathaneeswaram (Nalpatheyettu means 48 in Malayalam). Another belief is that this is the 48th Pratishta of Kharamuni in Kerala. There is doubt among believers that whether the Pratishta in the temple was performed by Kharamuni or Parashuram. Shiva worshipped in the temple is the Keerathamurti form. The deity faces east. The deities Ganapathy, Durga, Bhagavathy and Nagayakshi have separate sree...

Bhagwan Dattatreya is the powerful combined avatar of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. He is the god worshipped in this age (Kali Yuga) for solutions to worldly problems. Below is the Datta mantra for money. The mantra should be chanted 108 times daily in the morning just before sunrise.  Datta Mantra for money is: ॐ द्रां दत्तात्रेयाय नम : Om Dram Dattatreyaya Namah The person chanting the mantra should wear white color clothes. Feeding animals especially cow and dogs daily is highly meritorious and makes the chanting of the mantra effective. The mantra should be chanted for 41 days without a break. Women can chant the mantra even during their monthly periods.

Chengal Bhagavathi temple is located at Kanjoor Village, 3 km from Kalady, in Ernakulam district, Kerala. The 10-day annual festival is observed in such a manner that it ends on Uthram nakshatra in Meenam month with arattu. Chengal Bhagavathi temple is one among the 108 Durga temples in Kerala. The main deity worshipped in the temple is Goddess Karthyayani who is dressed up like a Kattala Stree (ferocious forest woman). She holds conch in one hand and an unknown weapon in another hand. The deity faces east. The Upa Devatas in the temple are Shiva, Ganapathy, Sastha and Parambathu Bhagavathi.

Gandhavati Ghat is the spot where Gandhavati River joins Shipra River. The ghat and the river is an important holy spot in the region. Some of the important temples located on Gandhavati Ghat are Kameshwar, Dudheshwar, Karkateshwar and Bighna Nayak Ganapati. The three Shiva temples – Kameshwar, Dudheshwar, Karkateshwar – are part of the 84 Shiva Temples in Ujjain. An important kund known as Anang Kund is located in the ghat area. The place attracts hundreds of devotees during the Kumbh Mela. Vittal Pandarinath Temple in Ujjain Vittal Pandarinath Temple is a small but unique temple located within the world famous Mahakaleshwar Temple complex in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India. The shrine is exactly located near the corridor of the Lakshmi-Narasimha Temple in the complex. The temple is unique because Lord Vittal is seen along with Rukmini and Radha. Garuda the bird is also part the main murti worshipped in the temple. A mask of Aatal and Patal can also be seen in th...

Chengannur Mahadeva temple is located in the heart of Chengannur town in Alappuzha district, Kerala. The first eighteen days of the festival is known as Cheriya Utsavam or small festival.  The annual temple festival is observed for 28 days – starting from the Thiruvathira Nakshatra in Dhanu to Thiruvathira Nakshatra in Makaram month. The festival ends with Arattu on the Thiruvathira Nakshatra in Makaram month. Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped in the same sreekovil here. Shiva is worshipped in the east side and Goddess Parvati in the west side of the same sanctum sanctorum. Although Shiva is the main murti in the temple, prime importance is given to Goddess Parvati. Shiva faces east and Parvati faces west. The murti of Devi in the temple is made of Panchaloha. It is believed that worshipping the Goddess will help in curing diseases, depression and mental health issues. People who are possessed by spirits find relief after offering prayers here. The Upa Devatas in the...