Lalitha Panchami of Navratri: Divine Power and Royal Tradition at Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Lalitha Panchami, observed on the fifth day of Navratri during the months of September or October, is a sacred celebration dedicated to Goddess Lalitha, a supreme manifestation of Goddess Shakti. At the revered Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple in Maharashtra, this day is marked by unique rituals that combine spiritual devotion, ancient temple traditions, and royal customs, reflecting the deep-rooted Hindu understanding of divine power governing both the cosmos and righteous rule. Navratri Lalitha Panchami festival at Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple 2026 date is October 15. Goddess Lalitha and Her Spiritual Significance Goddess Lalitha is revered as the embodiment of supreme beauty, wisdom, and dynamic energy. She is often understood as the presiding deity of the Panchabhutas, the five fundamental elements Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. Through this form, she governs creation, sustenance, and transf...

Masrur Temple is located around 36 kms from Kangra town in Himachal Pradesh. he main shrine today has murtis of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana found here during the excavation though it is believed to have been a Shiva Temple. A long meandering drive through the beautiful Kangra countryside leads to a rocky ridge atop which are perched a series of rock-cut temples. Hewn from an outcrop of sandstone nearly 52 m in length and 35 m in width, Masrur temples are outstanding examples of rock-cut architecture in North India. The large water tank facing the main temple is also cut out of rock and has perennial water source from some spring. It is believed that the temples were first built by Pandavas while they were travelling through these mountains. Locally called the thakurvara, the temples probably date to the 8th-9th centuries CE and originally comprised 19 temples of which only 15 are extant. Of these many were severely affected by the devastating earthquake of 1905 CE, in fact some even e...

Dreaming of dead bodies naturally has an important meaning and interpretation. It is warning that you are in wrong friendship and you should not be visiting bad neighborhoods and unknown places.   It is very common to people to dream about dead bodies as many of us are exposed to such scenes on news channels, entertainment channels, social media and movies. Dreams after watching such scenes have no meaning. Seeing dead bodies in dream also is a warning of an upcoming natural calamity like flood or earthquake. It is also a kind of warning about fire or some kind of serious accident involving large number of people. But if you find so many dead bodies and then the same people alive again it means that you will be honored. You will achieve fame. Here are several other possible interpretations of dream of dead bodies: 1. Symbol of Change or Transition Transformation : Seeing dead bodies in dreams can symbolize the end of something in your life, such as a phase, relationship, or hab...

Bhasma Aarti is the worship performed in Hindu temples especially dedicated to Lord Shiva with ashes. This is an important puja in many Shiva temples. It is another name for Mangala Aratrika, a term used in the manuals of worship. The importance of the ritual can be understood by the fact that Lord Shiva is known as Mahakala or the great destroyer. The sacred ash is the reminder of the fact that only the purest one, i.e, Lord Shiva, remains when everything in the world subsides. The most famous Bhasma Aarti is performed in the world famous Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. This is one of the Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Shiva. At the temple the aarti is performed early morning between 3:45 AM and 4:30 AM. Further, in Ujjain, Mahakala Linga is situated facing south i.e. worshipped as Dakshinamurti. This form of Shiva occupies a primordial position in tantric mode of worship which has been prevalent in Ujjain since the medieval ages. And this ritual itself is the reminder ...

Bansi Gopal temple, located in Chamba town in Himachal Pradesh, is dedicated to Bhagavan Sri Krishna and his murti in the sanctum sanctorum is shown playing the flute to his companion Radha Rani. The sculpture on the outer walls of the temple is intricate and attractive, and its construction is ascribed to the late 16th century ruler, Balabhadra Varman. The temple is under the jurisdiction of the Archeological Survey of India (ASI). The entrance gate of the temple depicts river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna standing holding a vase. The exterior the temple also has amorous sculptures. The exterior of the temple has various sculptures including that Surya, Harihara, Krishna with flute, Hanuman, Mahishasuramardini, Anantashayana Vishnu, three face Hanuman with faces of himself, a lion and a boar, Uma Maheshwara, Narasimha and Varaha.

Dreaming of dead father is considered good as per those who believe in dream interpretation. In Hindu religion there is an ancient scripture known as Swapna Shastra which gives interpretation and meaning of various dreams. It is believed that those who see dead father will soon achieve peace, progress and prosperity. Such people will also have the opportunity for new work. Dead father also appears in dream to warn about future accidents and illness. Some people believe that dead father comes in dream to warn children about future. You need to be careful with all your activities, new relationships and friendship. Dead father also appears in dream to help a person with difficult decision. You need to then think what father would have done in the difficult situation. Here are some more common interpretations of dead father dream: Grief and Healing : Dreaming of a deceased father may be a part of the grieving process. It can be a way for your subconscious to process the loss and co...

Sidh Nath Temple at Baijnath in Himachal Pradesh is located around 500 meters from the famous Baijnath temple. The 13 th century temple stands at the western end of the Baijnath town in the center of the busy market. Sidh Nath temple is built in pancharatha plan and has a square mandapa. The sanctum sanctorum or the garbha griha enshrines a Shivling. There are also many other murtis in the temple. The Shikhara of the temple resembles that of Baijnath except it consists of seven horizontal units. Belonging to the same period as the Baijnath temple, it is ornamented with floral and geometric designs in addition to sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. The temple is similar in its arrangement both in its interior and exterior to that of the main Baijnath temple. The temple faces east and consists of a square sanctum and mandapa. The sanctum is surmounted by a curvilinear shikhara topped by amalaka and divisible into seven bhumi amalakas. The mandapa stands on four round pillars...

Bhalei Mata temple, also known as Bhadrakal Bhalei Mata Mandir, is located at Bhalei village, around 30 kms from Chamba town, in Himachal Pradesh. Following the Ravi River on the road to Chamba town one passes the Chamera dam. A detour of about 14 kms across the barrage leads to the Bhalei Mata temple. At an altitude of over 1,100 m, the temple has breathtaking views of the river below. Bhalei Mata murti, is carved out of black stone, is believed to have been found through a dream revelation. The shrine is dedicated to the Bhadrakali form of Mother Goddess Shakti. Bhalei Mata Temple History Raja Pratap Singh, who ruled in the 16 th century CE, dreamt that the Devi wanted him to excavate a site approximately 3 kms from Bhalei, where he would find her image. Indeed a murti was unearthed, but on reaching Bhalei village the murti could not be lifted. This was taken as a sign that the Devi wanted to reside here, and accordingly a temple was built at the spot. In 1973, the murti of Bh...

In Hinduism, Sanjivani Vidya Mantra, containing 56 Aksharas (syllables), is a blend of Gayatri Mantra and Shiva Mrityunjaya Mantra. This great mantra was used by many ancient rishis and rulers. It is said that this mantra was meditated upon by Shukracharya first.  Sage Vishwamitra, Sage Vasishta, Sage Parashara, Sage Atri, Sage Jamadagni, Shri Anjaneya were the other rishis who practiced this mantra. Nandi Bull At Ramappa Temple, Palampet, Warangal - Telangana It is also believed that Ravana of Ramayana used to chant this mantra daily. As per some practitioners Sanjivani Vidya Mantra should never be chanted without proper initiation by a poper Guru. Sanjivani Vidya Mantra In English Om tryambakam yajamahe Om burbhuvassuvha tat savithur varenyam Om Sugandhim pushti vardhanam Om bhargo devasya dhimahi Om urvarukamiva Bandhanat Om dhiyo yo nah prachodayat Om mrityor mukshiya maamritat Sanjivani Vidya Mantra In Hindi ॐ त्रयम्बकम यजामहे।   ॐ भूभुर्वस्सुवः...

Swami Sunirmalananda – a monk of Ramakrishna Order - talks about the current state of education in India It is ignorance to think that with university degrees, we become more mature. Nowadays every locality has many postgraduates and several doctorates. And about exams, the less said the better. What is more, they say certificates are being sold for money. We have doctors and engineers, doctorates and postgraduates – almost in every family. Of course, there are definitely many hardworking and sincere students and they greatly contribute to others’ well being. However, the fact remains that many modern qualified individuals are not really as qualified as their degrees show. Therefore, the world remains what it is. Ramappa Temple, Palampet, Warangal - Telangana Despite having so many qualified individuals, perhaps we hardly get an opportunity of dealing with mature people in our lives. The tragedy of the whole thing is, such immature people think they are mature because of t...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Wednesday, 7 April 2021 – It is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 4:39 AM on April 7. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 4:07 AM on April 8. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on April 7, 2021 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Shravana or Sravana or Thiruvonam Nakshatra till 5:01 AM on April 7. Then onward it is Dhanishta or Sravishta or Avittam Nakshatra till 5:11 AM on April 8. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north K...

Dreaming of car accident is very common and it should not be ignored. The straight forward meaning of car accident is that you will be facing unexpected problems in life or some kind of financial damage. Today it is very common to see dreams of car accident as many people see such things in real life or on television. Dreaming of car accidents after witnessing an intense incident does not have any value as it is just a mere extension of what happened during the daytime. The dream to have a meaning it should happen naturally not under influence of daytime activity. Seeing people dying or blood or broken body parts after car accident means that you will need to be careful about your activities and avoid any kind of unwanted activities. Seeing two cars colliding or car colliding with another vehicle means you will get into fight with unknown people. Seeing you driving and meeting with accident means you need to be careful while using vehicle. Seeing another person driving and yo...

Hindu literature offers an eight fold classification of a heroine as lover. The classification portrays the heroine in different situations, expressing different feelings, sentiments and reactions towards her lover. The category is based on romance and sexual relationship and does not look into various other aspects. The eight types of heroines based on love are: Abhisarika – one who boldly goes out to meet her lover. Kalahantarita – one who repents her hastiness in quarreling with her lover which has resulted in their separation. Khandita – one who is angry with her lover for causing disappointment. Prositapatika – one who is suffering in the absence of her beloved, who is away on a long journey. Svadhinapatika – one who is proud of the loyalty and love of her husband or lover. Vasakasajja – one who is preparing for the arrival of her beloved, by adorning herself and her surroundings to provide a pleasant welcome to her lover. Virahotkanthita – one separated from her lover and yea...

Manikaran located at an altitude of over 1,800 meter is famous for its hot springs. The story of the origin of the hot springs is associated with Sheshnag and the earrings of Goddess Parvati. Legend has it that Goddess Parvati and Shiva were engaged in amorous sport in the modern Manikaran area. Maa Parvati lost and earring in the river. From deep within its waters, Sheshnag found the jewel but refused to return it. Goddess Parvati was provoked and she threatened the destruction of the universe. A group of Devas (demigods) rushed to and begged Sheshnag to return the earring. The thousand-hooded serpent relented sending a fountain of boiling water carrying the earrings into the sky. Goddess Parvati recovered her ornament, and the hot water continued to flow. The hot sulphur springs of Manikaran are said to cure a variety of diseases. The water is used by pilgrims to cook rice.

Lakamma Temple at Gola Village, Alanda Taluka, in Gulbarga District in Karnataka is unique for several reasons. An important offering here is footwear (chappals). People tie garlands made of footwear on a neem tree in front of the temple. Another unique aspect of the temple is that the priest in the temple is from the Muslim community. People get their wishes fulfilled after offering chappals to the deity. People of the region believe that Goddess Lakamma move around the village wearing footwear and protect them. Yet another unique aspect of the temple is that the head of the deity worshipped in the temple is hidden underground. Devotees can only see the backside and the legs of the Goddess.

Dreaming of coconut needs to be interpreted in several layers. Simple meaning of seeing a coconut is that there will be good things happening in life. Seeing coconut falling down and breaking means that you will be able to solve a big problem that has been troubling you for a while. You might have thought the problem was hard to solve but you will soon find an easy solution. Seeing opened coconut without the green or brown covering means that you will be exposed or a secret of yours will be revealed. Seeing coconut being broken with iron, axe, or other similar things or stone means that you will meet with accident. Seeing coconut falling on someone or something means that you will be witness to a crime or accident. Seeing several coconuts together means that you will be going on a vacation with a large group of people or you will participate in a big event involving a crowd.  Here are some more common interpretations of coconut dream: Nourishment and Sustenance : Coconuts...

Shringa Rishi Temple, also known as Rishyasringa Temple, is located at Banjar, 60 kms from Kullu, in Himachal Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to famous Rishyasringa Rishi of Ramayana. Banjar lies on the banks of the Tirthan River, one of the largest and most beautiful tributaries of the Beas River. Shringa Rishi temple is at Bagi Village in Banjar. The temple has a four roofed, pagoda style shrine dedicated to Rishyasringa Rishi. The sage is known across the world for performing the yagna that gave Dashratha his four sons, one of whom was Bhagavan Sri Rama. The wooden temple has several stone and brass images and it is believed that the Rishi himself comes here every May, when a grand fair is organized and Gurs communicate with the Rishi. Another tradition dictates that the Rishi visits Jamlu Devata temple at Malana once in every 12 years and hosts a grand feast.

Below is a collection of quotes, sayings, teachings and wise words of wisdom from the abhangs of Sant Tukaram Maharaj. Today is the famous Tukaram Beej in Sri Kshetra Dehu, Pune, Maharashtra. Pride of caste has never made any man holy. I have been in tune with the infinite, and psychic dispositions take time to emerge. I am filled with spiritual pride and cannot control my limbs. Another voice speaks through me, and happiness and sorrow have lost their difference. I can hardly find words to describe my ecstasy to people. They may wonder at it and say this is impossible. Both my exterior and interior are filled with divine bliss. Vishnu’ servants have no caste, the Veda’s science so decrees. The shell of the coconut is hard, but the inside is excellent. In accordance with this, remember, that purity inside is what we aim at. The jackfruit has a thorny rind, but it is sweet within. The sugarcane is hard and black without but it is well flavored and sweet within. Our food...

This post has two articles one on why going forward is most important in life and another a story from Africa - I exist because we exist. One moonlit night, a drunken man decided to cross a river. At the river bank he stepped into an empty boat, sat down at the oars and started rowing. He rowed and rowed all through the night. At dawn a great surprise awaited him. Despite rowing with all his might, the boat had not moved an inch! Kasi Viswanathar Temple Gopuram At Tenkasi - Tamil Nadu   He had forgotten to raise the anchor!! Many of us similarly seek to sail across the ocean of samsara unaware of the anchors weighing us down and hindering our progress. Going forward is most important in life. Every moment we either evolve or degenerate. Every day, we either go forward or go backward. There is no station of rest. Source - Vedanta Kesari Editorial March 2017 I Exist Because We Exist - Story There is a popular African story. An anthropologist once invited children from an A...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Tuesday, 6 April 2021 – It is Krishna Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 5:39 AM on April 6. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 4:39 AM on April 7. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on April 6, 2021 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time till 2:10 PM.  Nakshatra  – Uttarashada or Uthradam Nakshatra till 4:31 AM on April 6. Then onward it is Shravan or Sravana or Thiruvonam Nakshatra till 5:01 AM on April 7. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan...

Dreaming about cockroaches is a negative sign and bad omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will be facing numerous problems in future although they might be small but they can give you sleepless nights. Dreams of flying cockroaches is warning sign that laziness and casual attitude of yours will result in sudden troubles. It also means embarrassment and health problems. Dream of cockroaches moving in your body means enemy activity will increase. It also means pest infestation or natural calamities. Dream of cockroaches and you see it moving out of mouth or other parts of the body means death in the family or of someone you know. It also means sudden and unexpected problems in life. Dream of cockroaches and you see other people  means you are making bad friendships which will destroy you without your knowledge. The dream of cockroaches in toilet or in dirty places means you will be seeing weird things or you be part of disgusting things in real life. ...

Shantanu in his previous birth was Mahabhisha. The story of his previous birth too is associated with Goddess Ganga and this is an important turning point in the Mahabharata. Shantanu is the father of Bhishma Pitamaha and he later married Satyavati. Pandavas and Kauravas belong to the lineage of Shantanu and Satyavati. Mahabhisha was a pious man and due to his merits, he was able to go to heaven in his physical form. Here he enjoyed all the luxury including the company of heavenly maidens and Sura, the wine of gods. One day Goddess Ganga visited heaven. A slight breeze ruffled her garments and her upper body was exposed. All Devas, demigods, looked down out of respect. But Mahabhisha was spellbound and he kept staring at Ganga. Ganga too enjoyed the attention of Mahabhisha. Indra, the king of Devas who is always insecure and jealous, was angry at the blatant display of lust and cursed both of them to return to earth. He told Ganga that she would get the ent...

Santoshi Mata chalisa is chanted on Friday by Hindu devotees especially in North India. Below is the Santoshi Mata chalisa lyrics in pdf in Hindi. How to Chant Santoshi Mata Chalisa Chanting the Santoshi Mata Chalisa involves reciting a devotional hymn dedicated to Santoshi Mata, a revered goddess in Hinduism known for providing peace and contentment. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to chant the Chalisa: Preparation: Cleanliness: Take a bath and wear clean clothes. Sacred Space: Choose a quiet, clean place for chanting, ideally in your home temple or a serene corner. Altar Setup: Place an image or idol of Santoshi Mata on an altar. Light a diya (lamp) and offer fresh flowers, incense, and prasad (usually jaggery and gram). Timing: The best time to chant is early in the morning after bath or during evening prayers. Fridays are particularly auspicious for Santoshi Mata worship, but daily chanting is beneficial. Chanting: Sit comfortably with a calm mind. Begin with a short meditati...