Yamadeepdaan, also known as Yama Deepam, Yam Deep Puja and Yam Deep Daan, is the first day of Diwali celebrations in North India and Gujarat . It is also known as Dhanteras . Diyas (lamps) are lit all night and these lamps are dedicated to Yam or Yamraj, the god of death.Yam Deep Puja 2023 date is November 10. In some regions, lamps are lit for the ancestors and floated down a river or pond on the day. Story of Yamadeepdaan Pooja Legend has it that a 16-year-old son of King Hima was destined to die on the fourth day of his marriage due to a snake bite. A girl agreed to marry the unlucky prince knowing his ill fate. The young bride was confident of her spiritual wealth and decided to save the prince. On the fourth night, after their marriage, she refused to let him sleep. She collected all her jewellery, ornaments, and also the gold and silver coins in the palace and placed them in a heap at the entrance of door. Then she lit innumerable Diyas (lamps) all ove

Kartik month (October – November) is one of the auspicious months in Puri Jagannath Temple. The last five days of the month starting from Ekadasi to Purnima is highly auspicious in the Puri Temple. The three deities (Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra) appear in different Beshas (dress or clothes) during the last five days of Kartik month. Lakshmi-Narayana Besha This Besha is also known as Thiakia Besha. It is done on the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Kartik Month. It is stated that the worship of Lakshmi and Narayana has gained popularity in Jagannatha consciousness, since the visit of Ramanuja, the great religious preacher to this holy land of Shri Kshetra Puri. Lakshminarayan Besha of Bhagavan Jagannath was during end of 12th century or the beginning of 13th century. It is believed that Thiakia Besha, Bankachuda Besha, Dalikia Besha, Adikia Besha and Raja Beshas of the deities were introduced during the sojourn of Shri Nimbarkacharya at Srikshetra, Puri, i.e. during the per

Chamba district and Pangi in particular, in Himachal Pradesh, is known for its fountain stones, almost as sacred as Hindu temples. Often elaborately carved and dedicated to Varuna, the Hindu god of water, seas, rivers and oceans. They are also erected in memory of the dead; many of the stones are dated – thus providing invaluable clues to historians. Dhadya, near the Padar border, has a quaintly carved fountain stone. It is decorated with numerous images, including Ganesha, Varuna, a horseman, birds, snakes and animals – and is among the region’s most well preserved fountain stones. Situated about 11 kms from Sach village in the ‘romantic Sechu glen’ is the region’s largest found stone, measuring 2X2.2 m. Its three rows of carvings depict various gods, including Shiva, Varuna, Indra, Ganesha (seated uncharacteristically, on a lion), Skanda, Vishnu and several river goddesses, including Ganga, Yamuna, Jhelum and Indus (Sindhu).

Diwali celebrations in Gujarat  and parts of Rajasthan begin with Vagh Baras. It can be considered as the first day of Diwali celebrations of Gujarati people. In 2023, the date of Vagh Baras is November 9. Cows and other domestic animals are worshipped on the day. It is also the last day of transactions in the financial year for businesses and those who maintain account books. Vagh Baras is also known as Govatsa Dwadashi and Guru Dwadashi. Vagh during Diwali also refers to clearing of all financial deals and debts. New transactions begin only from Labh Pancham day . At Nathdwara, Navneetpriyaji (Lord Krishna) appears newly dressed before the devotees on the day. Temples and sacred places are decorated beautifully on the day in all places. You may also like to read How to do Lakshmi Puja during Diwali?

If an egg is broken by an outside force, life ends. If broken by an inside force, then life begins. Great things happen from the inside. A beautiful saying – universal truth – core of Hindu Teaching I actually wanted to end this post with the above quote as it explains everything but I cannot because short articles are considered thin content by search engines.  We always complain about problems and obstacles in life. Patience, empathy, earnestness, and single-mind focus can blow away even the biggest problems in life. Sandgrouse — pointy-tailed relatives of pigeons — live in some of the most parched environments on earth in Africa. To satisfy the thirst of newly hatched chicks, male sandgrouse bring water back to the nest by carrying it in their feathers. They travel nearly 200 kilometers daily to get water for the young ones. They have to overcome the intense heat and predators. Sometimes it is even difficult to find a water hole. But still they succeed in getting w

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Tuesday, 2 November 2021 – It is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day during waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day during waning or dark phase of moon till 8:34 AM on November 2. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Trayodashi tithi or the thirteenth day during waning or dark phase of moon till 7:13 AM on November 3. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on November 2, 2021 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Uttara Phalguni or Uthiram nakshatra till 9:56 AM on November 2 . Then onward it is Hasta or Atham nakshatra till 9:14 AM on November 3. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajast