Sant Lal Das Ji (1540 – 1648 CE) was a 16th century saint of Rajasthan. He was born in a poor family of the village of Dholi-dub in Rajasthan in 1540, he earned his livelihood by chopping wood. Sant Laldas was initiated into the spiritual lore by Faqir Gadan Chisti. At the holy Faqir’s bidding, he came to the village of Bandholi and built a cottage on the hill Simha Shila. His devotion to God and forthrightness inspired many to become his disciples. As Sant Lal Das opposed the evil practice of both Hinduism and Islam, people of both communities leveled false allegations against him. So he shifted to the village of Todi and then to Nahroli and Rasgan finally settling down in the village of Nagla, where he spent the remaining forty years of his life. Here too, allegations continued to be hurled at him, but some of his ardent disciples never forsook him. Laldas Ji remained a householder and had two sons and a daughter. Teachings of Sant Lal Das Ji in the form of hymns have been gath

Bhunda Festival at Nirmand in Himachal Pradesh is held once in 12 years. The festival is held at the famous Ambika Devi temple here. The festival is attended by people from all the nearby regions. Deities from various temples in the region also arrive at Ambika Devi temple to participate in the festival. Only during the Bhunda festival is the Parashurama murti brought out of its usual, secluded resting place – the temple. Brahmins enter the dark room without light and clothes, to gather the murti and any other objects if they find. Each time, therefore, Parashurama murti is accompanied by different set of ritual objects, ranging from a Trimurti silver mask to a bronze ring and even a delicate hand fan. An unfortunate theft in 1982 resulted in the loss of some of these objects, but the temple caretakers still claim that the underground cellar is full of fabulous articles and ancient artifacts. On the last of day of Bhunda festival, the water vessel of Parashurama is filled from a spring

All danger is perceived. Ever walked cautiously so that no insect gets on your feet? No, at least, not in human habitations. One might do that in a forest with no defined pathways. Generally, we do not care about the numerous insects that surround us. Because, we do not perceive any threat.  However, that may not be the case with the person we confront while on a walk. For all we know, that person could pose a larger threat to our lives and property than a miniscule member of our ecosystem. So, that is decided.  Yes, most of our threats are perceived. That is why most people are more afraid of air travel than walking on a road with busy traffic. Though statistics tell us that travel by air is the safest mode of transport and that a large number of accidents happen every year on our roads, most of us feel jittery in an aircraft. That is because of perception. .......................................................... We act based on what we believe to be true. The end

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Wednesday, 13 October 2021 – It is Shukla Paksha Ashtami tithi or the eighth day during waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Saptami tithi or the seventh day during waxing or light phase of moon till 1:48 AM on October 13. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Ashtami tithi or the eighth day during waxing or light phase of moon till 11:41 PM on October 13. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day during waxing or light phase of moon till 9:51 PM on October 14. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on October 13, 2021 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Purvashada or Pooradam nakshatra till 2:48 PM on October 13 . Then onward it is Uttarashada or Uthradam nakshatra till 1:34 PM on October 14 . (Time applicable in north