In Puri Jagannath Temple, Bhagavan Shri Jagannath along with Balabhadra and Subhadra adorn different ‘beshas’ (dresses or forms) at different times of the year. The Nagarjuna Besha is unique since it occurs once in several years. In Nagarjuna Besha, Bhagavan Jagannath and Bhagavan Balabhadra take on the form of warriors. Nagarjuna Besha commemorates the killing of Sahasrarjun by Parashurama. When Is Nagarjuna Besha Observed? It is observed in those years where the ‘panchaka’, the last five days of the holy month of Kartika, is observed for six days. It means that instead of five there will six tithis starting from Ekadashi to Purnima in Kartik month. The besha is observed on the day on extra tithi or the extra day during the Panchaka. A servitor-cum-artisan of Puri Jagannath temple is assigned the task of preparing the Nagarjuna costumes of Jagannath and Balabhadra. The servitor begin the work following the ‘besha anukula puja’. Thermocol, cloth, zari and bamboo sticks we

Trikandiyur Shiva temple, also known as Thrikkandiyur Mahadeva temple, is located at Trikkandiyur, around 2 km south of Tirur in Malappuram district, Kerala. The Shivling pratishta here was done by Parashurama. The darshanam of Trikkandiyoor Shiva is towards east. The temple has a Gaja Prishta Sreekovil (sanctum in the shape of the back side of an elephant). The Upa Devatas worshipped in the temple are Ganapathy, Parashurama, Vishnu, Anthimahakalan and Vettaikaran. Ambala Kulangara Bhagavathi located near the temple is believed to be the daughter of Shiva. Ezhunnallathu by elephants are not allowed in the temple as there is Parashurama prathishta. The 8-day annual festival concludes with arattu on Karutha Vavu or no moon day in Thulam month. During the festival, Shiva goes in procession to Bhandara Kavil temple. The Goddess worshipped here is believed be the wife of Shiva. Shiva returns at night itself but enters the temple early morning after the performance of punyaham ritual

On the fourth and final day of Chhath Puja, the Chhath Sooryodaya Argh (prayers and puja to rising sun (Surya) in the early morning hours) is performed. Devotees repeat the rituals performed on the third day evening for rising sun. Chhath Sooryodaya Argh in 2023 is on November 20. Men and women who are undertaking the Chhath fast take a ritual bath in a nearby river, pond or sea and offer prayers to Surya. Devotees offer ‘Argh’ to rising sun (Lord Surya) along with ‘soop.’ ‘Argh’ and ‘soop’ are offerings and consists of flowers, fruits, bananas, sprouted grains, dry coconut, sugarcane, white radish, sweets and khajuri. The offering is made to Surya by standing in knee-deep water. The Chhath puja fasting comes to an end after the puja. The offerings made to Surya are shared as Prasad and the Chhath Puja comes to an end.

A story from Tulsi Ramayana clearly indicates that power only corrupts the impure mind. In the Tulsi Ramayana, Bharata agreed to rule Ayodhya only as a regent during the exile period of Bhagavan Sri Ram. He then came to meet Sri Rama at Chitrakuta. Lakshman doubted Bharata’s motive and thought that since he had gained a powerful position, it must have gone to his head and he would want to defeat Sri Ram and make the kingdom his forever. Assuming that Bharata had become corrupt, Lakshmana wanted to fight with him; but Sri Ram told Lakshmana that power only corrupts those who are impure in mind and those who have never associated themselves with holy people. But Sri Ram added, Bharata himself is such a great saint that he does not need to have satsanga or company of holy people. Other people will be purified just by living near him. Source – Hindu Culture – An Introduction by Swami Tejomayananda ~ page 28

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Thursday, 18 November 2021 – It is Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi tithi or the fourteenth day during waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi tithi or the fourteenth day during waxing or light phase of moon till 11:33 AM on November 18. Then onward it is Purnima Tithi or the full moon day till 1:18 PM on November 19. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on November 18, 2021 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Bharani nakshatra on the entire day on November 18 and till 1:38 AM on November 19. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Bharani nakshatra on the entire day on November 18 and till 1:30 AM on November 19.