Kanifnath is one of the nine nathas (nine gurus) who promoted the ancient sect known as Nathapantha. Information about the life of Kanifnath is found in Nathalilamrita. He was the son of the Kshatriya king of Bhadradesha, Surath. His mother’s name was Bhamini. The son was born to the couple with the blessings of Guru Jaladharnatha, also known as Hadipa in Punjabi. When Kanifnath grew up to adulthood, he renounced the mundane world and began wandering with his preceptor, Jalandharnath. The sect established by Kanifnath was more akin to those of Tantra, one sect of which is known as Vamamarga. The core of this sect is based on the worship of Shakti (female divinity). There is a very interesting episode that explains the spread of this sect in Bengal. When Kanifnath’s Guru, Jalandharnatha, during his pilgrimage, reached Bengal, the king’s mother, Mainavati, was so inspired by him that she became his disciple, and urged her son, King Gopichand to respect the wandering saint. Instead of

Ollukkara Shiva temple, also known as Olluthrikkovil, is located at Ollukkara in Thrissur district, Kerala. The main murti worshipped here is Shiva in the Shivling form. A unique aspect of the temple is that Garuda, the vahana of Vishnu bhagavan, is consecrated behind the Shivling in the same sreekovil. Olluthrikkovil Shiva is towards west. The Garuda worshipped in the temple is swayambhu. Vishnu Bhagavan has separate shrine here. There is another Shiva worshipped in the temple, which belonged to Perattupuram Mana. In ancient times, the temple was an Othambalam (veda dhyanam was held here). Due to this reason, there are no festivals in the temple. There is a pond on the west side of the temple. The pond has a cave on its northern banks. It is said that a holy person used to mediate here in olden days. The temple belongs to Mele Perumpadappu, Keezhe Perumbadappu, Thuppam Thazhathu Perumpadappu, Vellani, Kizhakethadam and Padinajarethadam illams. These families were together kn

Varuthini Ekadashi is observed during the waning phase of moon in March/April. In 2023, the date Varuthini Ekadasi is April 16. It is believed that observing Varuthini Ekadasi will make a person fortunate, prosperous and helps in redemption of sins and in attaining moksha. The greatness of this Ekadasi fasting was narrated to Yudhishtira (the eldest of Pandavas) by Lord Krishna and is mentioned in the Bhavishyottara Purana. Ekadasi fasting is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of waning and waxing phase of moon in a traditional Hindu calendar. Varuthini Ekadasi Mantra Om Varahaya Namah ॐ वराहाय नमः Importance of Varuthini Ekadasi Varuthini in Sanskrit means protective armor or that which protects. Varaha form of Bhagavan Vishnu is worshipped on this Ekadasi. Certain things should be completely avoided on the day and this includes oily food, food made using oil, gambling, sleep during day, smoking, eating paan, alcohol, using neem or babul to c

Do not sit idle, after success and progress. We are never done. We need to keep refreshing and reinventing. Those who sit idle in the shadow of success will soon find the shadow disappearing and harsh sun beating down on their head. Change does not mean you should throw away the past. Bulldoze old tradition and methods. Our tradition and our past is the base on which we can progress. Do not completely break away from the past. Passion, which is not properly channeled, is dangerous. Passion with purpose can make positive changes. To make a difference we need to think out of the box and do things that are different and make things that are helpful and important. Every aspect of our life should have a purpose. There should be a sense of purpose in life. To progress, we need to make bold, tough and painful decisions. www.hindu-blog.com Abhilash

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Tuesday, 26 April 2022 – 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 3:38 AM on April 26. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 2:04 AM on April 27. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.  Good – Auspicious time on April 26, 2022 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Satabhisha or Sadayam or Chathayam nakshatra till 6:30 PM on April 26. Then onward it is Purva Bhadrapada or Pooruruttathi nakshatra till 6:05 PM on April 27. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and sou