Kuan Rani temple, also known as Khua Devi temple, is built on a gentle slope by the Beas River in Mandi town, Himachal Pradesh. The story and history of the Khua Devi temple is associated with Princess Tara. The name Kuan Rani because the temple is in the shape of a well. Kuan or Khua means 'well' and Rani means princess. The temple is significant as devotees have to climb down into the inner sanctum sanctorum, where two triangular shaped shila or murti representing Princess Tara and Guru Padmasambhava are worshipped. Khua Devi Temple History It is believed that a king of Mandi punished his daughter, Princess Tara, for what he believed was an unholy alliance with Guru Padmasambhava, a Tantric master. They both were buried alive at the spot where the Khua Devi temple stands. When the king realized his mistake and came to rescue the princess, she had transcended into a higher realm as Goddess Tara Devi. The temple is a classic example of the intermingling of Buddhism a

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Baijnath Temple is located on the Pathankot-Chakki-Manali National Highway and is around 20 km from Palampur in Himachal Pradesh. It is believed that demon king Ravana in the Ramayana offered his ten heads to Shiva here. Shiva was pleased with the devotion of Ravana and decided to accompany him in the form of a Shivling to Lanka. Ravana carried the Shivling from the Himalayas but when he reached the area near Baijnath, he needed to answer nature’s call. Ravana handed the Shivling to a shepherd and went to answer nature’s call. The Shepherd could not carry the huge weight for a long time and he placed it down. This Shivling is worshiped in the Baijnath Temple. Ravana then started performing a very harsh and intense penance. Shiva did not appear before him. Then Ravana started cutting his tens heads. He made them as offering to Shiva in the Havan Kund or sacrificial fire. Shiva was pleased with the unwavering devotion of Ravana and blessed him with gre

Cooking oil falling down and spreading on the floor accidentally is considered inauspicious or bad in Hindu astrology. As per Hindu astrology and beliefs, falling of oil from hand and spreading on floor means there will be financial damage, stoppage of wealth or unexpected expenditure. Please note that such beliefs are only followed in some regions and not all Hindus follow them. Cooking oil falling down and spreading means Goddess Lakshmi is angry. It also indicates the arrival of Alakshmi in the house. Parihara - What to do if cooking oil spreads accidentally? Keep the house neat and clean. Give away all kinds of unwanted items. The first roti or important food prepared should be given to a cow or dog. Never allow beggars to go away from home without receiving alms. Donate yellow color fruits to children. Plant a fruit-bearing tree in the garden. If there is no space, plant the tree in an open free space and take care of it.

A small but important collection of quotes and teachings from Mahanirvana Tantra. In the lotus of my heart do I contemplate the divine intelligence, the Brahman without distinction and difference, who is the object of realization to even the creator, protector, and destroyer of the universe. Whom the yogis attain through meditation; who destroys the fear of birth and death; and who is existence, intelligence, and the seed of all the worlds; I bow down to that supreme Reality. Om. Peace. Peace. Peace. When we attain illumination (self-realization), all actions cease to function and all spiritual disciplines are no more needed. The highest worship is to think of oneself as Brahman; the second method of worship is the meditation on God; the third method is Japa, prayer, and glorification of God; and the last method is external, ritualistic worship. You have no form, even though with the help of Maya, you take on myriads of forms. You have no beginning, though you are the beg

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Wednesday, 24 March 2021 – It is Shukla Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 5:47 AM on March 24. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 5:39 AM on March 25. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on March 24, 2021 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Pushya or Poosam or Pooyam Nakshatra till 7:16 PM on March 24. Then onward it is Ashlesha or Ayilyam Nakshatra till 7:30 PM on March 25. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Push