Uthrattathi Nakshatra Devata Ahirbudhanya – Meaning and Symbolism of the Sculpture In Hindu tradition, each of the 27 nakshatras has its own presiding deity. In South India these deities are called Athi Devatas or Nakshatra Devatas. They are mentioned in the panchang, which is the traditional almanac, and they are also drawn as small paintings in the printed almanacs. In many temples the Nakshatra Devatas are seen in sculpture form, sometimes in panels on the walls and sometimes in small shrines along the outer prakara, the circumambulatory path of the temple. The idea behind this is simple. Every nakshatra is a division of the sky, and the Vedic texts say that each division is governed by a divine power. The Taittiriya Brahmana and the Taittiriya Samhita list the nakshatras along with their devatas. So the sculptures and paintings are a visual form of what is already said in the Vedic literature. Ahirbudhanya, the Devata of Uttara Bhadrapada Uttara Bhadrapada, also called Uthrattathi ...

Like all other dualistic systems of worship, the tantric system of worship also makes use of a special type of symbol called Sri Chakra or Sri Yantra. The following is an account of the Sri Yantra from the Bhavanopanishad (Bhavana Upanishad) belonging to the Kadi tantras, the Kadi school of thought prevalent in Bengal. The word ‘yantra’ occurs frequently in all tantric contexts of worship. All dualistic forms of worship need an image, a symbol, or something like that. Since the ordinary aspirants need an object of adoration or worship, a gross form is made after the desired pattern of the worshipper thinking about the form of the worshipped. Thus there may be an innumerable variety of symbols depending on the mental make-up of individuals. Shaligram and Shivling are some such symbols. The tantric method of Shakti worship is represented by such a yantra called Sri Chakra or Sri Yantra. Sri Chakra is a beautiful piece of geometric figure representing the Divine Mother in her individual...

Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra (Purva Bhadra or Pooruruttathi) and Its Athi Devata Aja Ekapad In Hinduism, each of the 27 nakshatras has its own presiding deity. In South India, especially in the panchang and almanac tradition, these deities are called Nakshatra Devatas or Athi Devatas. Purva Bhadrapada, known as Pooruruttathi in Tamil and Malayalam, is the 25th nakshatra. Its Athi Devata is Aja Ekapad. The form of this deity is seen in temple sculptures, in paintings in almanacs, and sometimes in small shrines and panels around the outer prakara of a temple. Who is Aja Ekapad Aja Ekapad is an ancient deity mentioned in the Vedic texts. He is counted among the Rudras in many Puranic lists. The name has two parts. Aja means unborn, and Ekapad means one-footed. So the name itself tells us that he is the unborn one who stands on one foot. The Vedic hymns also connect him with the sky and with the energy that supports the heavens and the earth. In the Vedas he is often named together with Ahir...

Horanadu Annapoorneshwari temple is one of the rarest temples where the Goddess is offered Maha Mangal Aarti after her devotees have been fed. Generally, deities are first offered the naivedya or bhog and later it is shared with devotees. At Horanadu Annapoorneshwari temple, a complete three course vegetarian meal is served to devotees by Goddess Annapurna herself. The Adhishakthyathmaka Shri Annapoorneshwari Ammanavara Gudi is located on the banks of Bhadra River at Horanadu in Chikmagalur district, Karnataka. The popular belief is that the deity blesses a devotee peace, prosperity, good health and nourishment. It is widely agreed that a devotee who has the blessing of Goddess Annapurna will never grow hungry. The temple serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Prasada Bhojanalaya Hall. Breakfast usually comprises of poha (beaten rice made using turmeric) or khara bhat (a dish mixed with semolina, vegetables and spices. Sambar, rasam, mixed rice like puliyohara, vegetable c...

Kandalloor Puthiyavila Vadakkan Koickal temple is located near at Puthiyavila Kandalloor near Kayamkulam in Alappuzha district, Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy. The 10-day annual festival in the temple is held in Kumbha Masam (February – March) and it coincides with the Kumbha Bharani day. Another festival in the temple coincides with Meena Bharani day in Meena Masam (March – April). The sankalpam of Bhagavathy here is that of Goddess Parvati. The upa devatas worshipped in the temple Shiva, Goddess Bhadrakali, Sastha, Naga Devatas, Khandakarna, Yakshi and Brahmarakshas. The main specialty of Vadakkan Koyikkal temple is that the sreekovil or main temple is two stories. Goddess Parvati the main murti is placed in ground floor and Mahadeva Shiva is placed on the 1st floor. Kettukazhcha is celebrated on 9th and 10th day of the annual festival. Caparisoned elephants, melam, traditional performing art forms of Kerala and various other rituals and pujas are part of t...

Ranna Puja, observed on September 16 annually, is closely linked to Goddess Manasa, the serpent goddess. It is believed that Manasa Puja is performed on the very last day of the month of Bhadra in Bengal. Here is a look at the popular story of Ranna Pujo in Bengal . According to legend, long ago in Bengal there lived a merchant who had seven wives. One evening, all seven went to bathe in a pond near a forest. In that very forest lived the Ashta Nagas—eight serpent deities—who had taken the form of fish after a forest fire forced them to seek refuge in the pond. The merchant’s youngest wife noticed these fish, caught them with her towel, and took them home. She kept them alive in a pot filled with water. The next morning, she was astonished to find that the fish had turned into snakes. Instead of being frightened, she lovingly cared for them. Eventually, the snakes decided to visit heaven and tell Goddess Manasa everything that had happened. They asked her to bless the kind young wife....

Thillai Thiruchitrakoodam: Where Bhagavan Vishnu Stays Inside the Chidambaram Temple - Govindaraja Perumal Temple - Story The Govindaraja Perumal Temple, also called Thiruchitrakoodam, is in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. It is inside the big complex of the Thillai Nataraja Temple and is built in Dravidian style. Bhagavan Vishnu is worshipped here as Govindaraja Perumal, and his consort Lakshmi as Pundarikavalli Thayar. This temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the holy places of Vishnu praised by the Alvar saints in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham. These hymns were composed between the 6th and 9th centuries CE. The Story of Dhilli and the Thillai Forest According to the Sthala Purana, there was a demoness named Dhilli. She did severe penance to Bhagavan Vishnu with full devotion. Pleased with her tapas, Bhagavan gave her a boon. She asked to become a sacred forest, and her wish was granted. She became the Thillai grove, and because of this the place got the name Thillai. Even today...

Dreaming of my son is a positive sign as per dream interpretation and meaning. The dream means you will realize the value of your son or he will make you proud. It also means you will hear happy news about your son. Dreams of my son and you are happy in the dream means your son will achieve success or make family name proud. It also means some function related to your son. Dream of my son and you are not seen in the dream means you will not be able to be by the side of your son when he needs you most. It also means unable to attend an important day of your son. Dreaming of my son and he is angry in the dream means your actions might cause some kind of harm to your son. It also means you forgetting or unable to keep a promise made to your son. Dreams of my son and you are angry or shouting at him means she might cause some problems to you. It also means he might bring shame or disrepute to the family. Here are some more potential interpretations of my son dream: 1. Parental Concer...

Dreaming of my teacher is a good omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will need to be more attentive and work hard for success. It also means you will get opportunity to visit your old school or meet old teachers. Dreams of my teacher and she is seen teaching you means you will be profited from an important lesson taught by your teacher in near future. Dream of my teacher and it is at an unknown place means you will regret not taking the advice of elders. It means you will face difficulties in a decision that you took against the advice of elders. Dreaming of my teacher and there is anger or arguments means you will have to stand up against people in authority. It also means teachers causing damage to your plans. Dreams of my teacher and you wake up happy means success and new admission. It also means you will complete your studies successfully. Dreaming of a teacher, especially one from your real life or a symbolic figure, can have several interpreta...

The world loses its danger and poison when the mind becomes illumined. Then death is conquered and life is conquered and eternity is attained. When we are in possession of knowledge no harm can come to us, for we realize that though the body may be subject to many things, the soul remains unaffected. The soul has tasted immortality and is at perfect rest. Until we have found out this royal secret and mystery, we are restless, seeking here and there. As Sri Ramakrishna said, ‘The bee buzzes as long as it is not sitting on a flower. It becomes silent when it begins to sip the honey.’ In another place Sri Ramakrishna said, ‘With the divine Knowledge of Advaita (non-duality) in you, do whatever you wish; for then no evil can come out of you.’ If we touch everything with jnana, the sting will go out of everything and the entire universe will become a place of bliss. And again, ‘First rub your hands with oil and then break open the jackfruit; otherwise they will be smeared with its stick...

Dreaming of my sister is a positive sign as per dream interpretation and meaning. The dream means you will remember good old days and get nostalgic. It also means you will hear happy news about your sister. Dreams of my sister and you are happy in the dream means your sister will make family proud. It also means some function related to your sister. Dream of my sister and you are not seen in the dream means you will not be able to be by the side of your sister when she needs you most. It also means unable to attend an important day of your sister. Dreaming of my sister and she is angry in the dream means your actions might cause some kind of harm to your sister. It also means you forgetting or unable to keep a promise made to your sister. Dreams of my sister and you are angry or shouting at her means she might cause some problems to you. It also means she might cause damage to your personal relationships. Dreaming of a sister, whether it’s your actual sibling or a symbolic figure...

Dreaming of my sister giving birth is a good omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means happiness in the family. There will a new member in the family. It also means you will soon have additional responsibilities in life. Dreams of my sister giving birth and you wake up terrified or angry means an unmarried sister might cause shame to the family. It also means you will need to show patience and proper understanding. Dream of my sister giving birth and you see other family but you are not seen in the dream means you will not be able to witness and important event in the life of your sister. Dreaming of my sister giving birth in an unknown place and it is filled with dangers means she will face some trouble in near future. It is a warning sign and you should show more interest in her life and try to keep in touch with her. Dreams of my sister giving birth and there is violence or too much blood means health issues to sister or trouble in her married life. Dreamin...

Dreaming of my soul leaving my body is a good omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will become spiritually aware. It also means you will soon realize the futility of the body. You will also start thinking about that which is immortal. Dreams of my soul leaving my body also mean you will face near death experience. Dream of my soul leaving my body and you wake up terrified or crying means you will face a series of problems in life and the problems will tempt you to commit suicide. The dream also means you will face accidents. Dreaming of my soul leaving my body and you are happy in the dream means you will gather mental strength through proper understanding of life. It also means you will decide to give up certain aspects of life that was adding no value to your life. Dreams of my soul leaving my body and you see other people in the dream mean your absence will cause problems to your family members. It also means you will be part of some kind of traged...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Monday, 7 November 2022 – It is Shukla Paksha Chaturdashi tithi or the fourteenth day during the 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 the waxing or light phase of moon till 3:58 PM on November 7. Then onward it is Purnima tithi or the full moon day till 3:53 PM on November 8. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on November 7, 2022 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time till 4:16 PM.  Nakshatra  – Revathi nakshatra till 12:55 AM on November 7. Then onward it is Ashwini or Aswathy nakshatra till 1:08 AM on November 8. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Revathi nakshatra till 12:04 AM on November...

Ksheerabdi Dwadasi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Ksheerabdi Dwadasi 2026 date is November 21. It is observed on the 12 th day of the Shukla Paksha, or waxing phase of moon, in Kartik Month. Tulsi plant is worshipped on the Ksheerabdhi Dwadashi day. Dhatri Havan and Tulasi Kalyanam are observed on the day. A legend associated with the day suggests that after Chatur Masa, Srihari Vishnu wakes up on the Ekadasi day and visits the people on earth on the Ksheerabdi Dwadasi day. Tulsi plant and Amla Tree are worshipped on the day. The day is also the first day of Tulsi Vivah Puja in many regions. Ksheerabdi Dwadasi is also dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and she is worshipped along with coins on the day. The Prabodhini Ekadasi fast which began on the previous day ends on the morning of Ksheerabdi Dwadasi. There is a widespread belief that Srihari Vishnu who goes to sleep on Ashada Shukla Paksha Ekadasi wakes up on Kartik Shukla Paksha Ekadasi. He then f...

Jalaram Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Shri Jalaram Bapa (1799-1881 AD) one of the greatest saints of modern era. Jalaram Jayanti 2026 date is November 16. Shri Jalaram Bapa used to feed people and this was his main spiritual and devotional Sadhana. Echoing the great teaching of the Vedas, Shri Jalaram used to say that by feeding hungry people I am feeding Narayana – the great teaching of Sanatana Dharma which says that all animate and inanimate rise and merge in the Supreme Being. Shri Jalaram was born on the seventh day of the waxing phase of moon (Shukla Paksha) in Kartik Month (October – November) in Virpur in Saurashtra in 1799 AD. The mass feeding that Shri Jalaram started is known as Sada Vrat and is still continued by his disciples. Today, Shri Jalaram Bapa has devotees around the world and they practice the Sada Vrat.

Shatabhisha (Sadhayam, Chathayam) Nakshatra Devata Varuna: Meaning of His Form in Hindu Art In South Indian panchang and almanac, each nakshatra has its own devata. These are called Nakshatra Devatas or Athi Devatas. The word Athi means presiding, so Athi Devata is the presiding deity of that nakshatra. The devatas are shown in temple sculptures and also as small paintings in almanacs. Sometimes they are seen in temple panels or carved in small shrines around the outer prakara of the temple. The purpose of these images is not only decoration. The sculptors followed the rules of the Shilpa Shastras and Agamas, so that every form gives a clear message to the devotee. Hindu art is a way of teaching dharma to common people, who may not read the scriptures. One look at the image tells about the power, duty and nature of the devata. Shatabhisha Nakshatra and Its Names Shatabhisha is the 24th nakshatra. It is also called Shatataraka, Satabhisha, Sadhayam in Tamil and Chathayam in Malayalam. T...

Dhanishta Nakshatra Athi Devata Vasu – Meaning of the Sculpture and Its Symbolism In Hindu tradition, each of the 27 nakshatras has one presiding deity. These deities are called Nakshatra Devatas or Athi Devatas. The concept is very important in South Indian panchang and almanac. Many almanacs even show the devata of each nakshatra in the form of a small painting. In some temples, the same devatas are carved on panels or kept in small shrines along the outer prakara. The devotee who walks around the temple can see them and remember that the heavenly bodies are not just stars, they are divine forces connected with human life. Dhanishta or Avittam and Its Devata Dhanishta, known as Avittam in Tamil and Malayalam, is the 23rd nakshatra. Its Athi Devata is Vasu. The word Vasu means wealth, and it also means one who dwells or gives shelter. In Vedic texts, the Vasus are a group of eight deities connected with the natural elements like fire, earth, wind, sky, sun, moon, stars and water. The ...

A 369-foot-tall Viswas Swaroopam Shiva Statue at Nathdwara in Rajasthan is  now the tallest statue of Mahadev Shiva in the world. The statue has been constructed by Tat Padam Sansthan. Installed on a hilltop over an expanse of 51 bighas, the statue is styled in a posture of meditation, and is said to be visible from 20 kilometers away. Lifts, stairs, and hall are part of the structure. Three thousand tonnes of steel and iron, 2.5 lakh cubic tonnes of concrete and sand have been used in its construction, which took 10 years to complete. The copper-coloured statue has been coated with zinc alloy to protect it from rain and sun. Related Top 5 Tallest Shiva Murtis (Statues or Idols) in the World Top 10 tallest Hindu God Murtis (Statue or idol) in the World Top 5 Tallest Hanuman Murtis (Idols or Statues) in the World Tallest Shivling in India - Naturally Formed

One of the most important pujas during Chhath festival is the Chhath Sandhya Argh – the evening prayers dedicated to Lord Surya which is observed on the third day of Chhath Puja. In 2026, Chath Dala Evening Puja is on November 15. Men and women who are undertaking the Chhath fast worship the Sun God and take a ritual bath in a nearby river, pond or sea. Popular Chhath songs and bhajans and Chhat pooja prayers fill the entire area. Ritual regional folk songs are also sung on the occasion. Chhath Sandhya Argh is mainly performed along the banks of Ganga River and Koshi in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, other parts of eastern India and Nepal and attracts millions of devotees. The entire family accompanies the person who has undertaken the fasting to the riverbank. Chhath Sandhya Argh attains a carnival atmosphere. Besides the worshipers, there are elders, friends, family, onlookers and numerous volunteers to help the people. Some of the songs and bhajans that are rendered ...

Thiruindalur Parimala Ranganathar Temple: Meaning of the Idols Thiruindalur is a small town in Tamil Nadu, and it has a famous Vishnu temple called Parimala Ranganathar Perumal Temple. This temple is also known as Indalur. Here, the idols are not only for seeing. In Hindu belief, an idol is a form through which Bhagavan accepts the worship of devotees. Every part of the idol, like the hands, the weapons, the posture, has some meaning, and this temple is a very good example for understanding this. The Mulavar: Sugandha Parimala Rangan The main deity, Sugandha Parimala Rangan, is a stone image of two-armed Vishnu in the reclining posture, called sayana. The special thing here is that Bhagavan carries the chakra and the shankha even while He is lying down. Because of this, He is called Vira Sayana, which means the reclining posture of a warrior. In many other temples, the reclining form shows rest and yoga nidra. But here, the weapons show that Bhagavan is resting and also always alert t...

Dreaming of my reflection is both positive and negative as per dream meaning and interpretation. Those who have dreamed of my reflection will soon face some kind of soul searching incident. It also means someone might blatantly point out to you your problems and bad things. Dreams of my reflection also means you will get opportunity to come out clean. It also means you will be able to restart your life in a different way. Dream of my reflection and you wake up thoughtful or confused means you are doing something wrong or illegal and this will cause hardships for you. Dreaming of my reflection and you wake up terrified or sad means you will have to deal with bad luck and break in relationship. Dream of my reflection and someone forcibly disturbs it means you enemies will try to harm you. Dreams of my reflection and you wake up happy means you will get good opportunity in near future to prove you worth. It also means you will get the idea to solve a perplexing question. Here are ...

Dreaming of my roaches is an indication of goodness and positivity in future as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream is considered good as there will be financial and property gains in future. There will be decision regarding ancestral wealth and luck in lottery or games. Dreams of my roach (hair) are associated with desire fulfillment. Dreaming of my roaches moving on floor is a sign of good days ahead especially in matters of relationship. Dream of my roaches and you are cutting them means you will have to give up something you loved. Dreaming of my roach and you are playing with them or combing means you will make some bold changes in your life and this will make you more empowered. The dream also means you might meet someone whom you wished to meet in life. It is also a sign of relationship with opposite sex. Dreaming of my roaches and seeing the face of the person means you will have your sexual desires fulfilled. The dream is a sign for you to prepare mentall...

 There is a story that indicates that knowledge is a safeguard against all dangers. In days of yore there was a demoness who lived on the northern slopes of the Himalayas. Her name was Karkati. She was of fearful appearance and of gigantic stature. She lived in the sky but at any moment she could come to earth and assume form there. She was afflicted with an insatiable appetite and being a demoness she fed only on human beings. Living thus for many years, she began to reflect on her evil ways and she repented. Then she went to the interior of the Himalayas and there performed religious practices for one thousand years. After that, her mind became purified. While she was thus engaged in spiritual practices with an illumined mind free from attachment and repulsion, Brahma appeared before her and asked her the object of her wish. Karkati replied, ‘O Brahma, you favour your devotees who contemplate you and praise you. Your servant wishes for Brahmajnana.’ Much pleased, Brahma gra...

Dreaming of red eyes is a warning sign as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means anger, fights and physical attack. It also means you will be watched by people with evil intentions. It also means you your enemies will be active. Dreams of red eyes and if you realize it is yours then it means you will get angry at someone. It also means some kind of health issues related to eyes in near future. Dream of red eyes and you wake up terrified and crying means you will be chased by people in an unknown place. It also means you should avoid night travel, walking lonely or visiting deserted places. Dreaming of red eyes and you know the eyes or recognize the person means you need to avoid getting into confrontation with the person. It also means an acquaintance or known person will cause damage to you physically. Dreams of red eyes and you are seen running in the dream means bad luck. It also means you will not get the right results in near future. It also means failure and ...