The huge Mukkuruni Vinayagar murti, in an imposing black stone, is worshipped on the pathway between Sundareswar and Meenakshi amman shrines in the Madurai Meenakshi Temple. There is an interesting story about how Mukkuruni Vinayagar murti was found and is worshipped in the famous Madurai temple. Mukkuruni Vinayagar Story The other gods used to make fun of the large belly of Ganapathi. To get rid of the large belly, Ganesha decided to do some physical work. He took the form of a young boy and appeared on earth. He approached an ardent devotee of his for some work. The devotee asked Ganesha to carry some goods to another place. He carried the goods to a cart and took it to the address and unloaded the cart. The devotee asked Ganesha what remuneration he wanted. Ganesha in the form of naive young boy did not know what to ask. So he asked for three kurunis of rice. Kuruni was a measurement used in ancient Tamil region of India. It is equivalent to today’s 10 kg. Three in tamil means

Swearing or oath is known as sapatha or shapath in Hinduism. It is also a vow to complete an action or achieve an undertaking. It is done by taking an oath or swearing on the name of someone or something. It is required to be taken in the name of truth by a Brahmin, in the name of vehicles and weapons by a kshatriya, and in the name of cows, seeds and gold by a vaishya. Others swear by the name of ill fate they may bring upon themselves in case of false declarations. Some others may be asked to hold a stick of fire placed on a leaf of the fig tree or enter water or touch the head of his son or daughter, while making an oath. Swearing can be done by holding the beads of holy basil (tulsi) or the water of Ganga in the hand, or in front of an idol of God, or by touching a Brahmin, a cow or fire. Instances of kings swearing in the name of their dear ones or ideals to complete a venture (like vanquishing a foe) or to offer their heads to the ishta devatas (favorite deities) in case of fai

Nadayil Bhagavathy theyyam is a rare powerful Mother Goddess theyyam worshipped in a few kavu, tharavadu and temples during the annual theyyam, thira, kaliyattam festival in Kasaragod region of North Kerala. As per information, this is a ferocious form of Goddess Bhagavathy. As per Nadayil Bhagavathi story, she appeared to defeat demons but her uncontrollable fury caused disturbance in the region. She had also given darshan to an ardent devotee. She was given a proper place of worship and a theyyam is performed annually to keep her calm and benign. Nadayil Bhagavathy theyyam has an aesthetically decorated headgear or mudi. She holds a sword and a shield. This form of Mother Goddess is worshipped for avoid incurable diseases especially contagious diseases like poxes. She is also worshipped for protection and to keep away wild animals from attacking farm animals. She is also propitiated for desire fulfillment. She is worshipped to defeat enemies and to keep away supernatural beings dis

Nayanar theyyam is a rare theyyam performed during the annual theyyam thira kaliyattam festival in Kannur and Kasaragod regions of Kerala. As per information, this theyyam is that of an important person of the region. Nayanar theyyam story is that of him performing courageous act. As per some stories, it is also of the theyyam of person who was fearless but at the same time causing disruption in the society. Nayanar theyyam is seen holding a vettukathi. The theyyam shows some anger towards the crowd. The theyyam does not have an elaborate dressing. Nayanar theyyam has a unique small headgear.

Muttil Chamundi theyyam is a rare theyyam performed in a couple of temples in Kannur and Kasaragod region of Kerala. As per information, the theyyam is a fierce manifestation of Devi or Goddess Durga Bhagavathy. The story of Moottil Chamundi theyyam is that of her appearing from a homa or yajna kunda (sacrificial fire) and appearing before the head of a prominent tharavad of the region. She protects the family from ill health and demons. She appears to protect livestock which are attacked by supernatural beings. To keep her calm and not to cause destruction she was given an aaroodam or worship place. A theyyam is performed annually keep her content and happy and to seek her blessings. A major highlight of theyyam is the mudiyettu or wearing of the holy headdress. It is believed that the deity fulfills the desires of devotees. She is also propitiated to defeat enemies and to get over evil eye and black magic. It is believed that she blesses devotees with good health by keeping away co

Muthappan Theyyam is a popular theyyam performed in many kavu, tharavadu and temples during the annual theyam thira kaliyattam festival in Kannur region of Kerala. As per information this theyyam is associated with the famous Parassinikadavu Muthappan temple. As per Muthappan story, once there lived a couple named Ayyangara Devan Namboodiri and Parvati Kutti (Padikutti in local dialect). They belonged to the Eruvasseri Aiyangara Illam near Payyavoor in North Kerala. The couple led an unhappy life as they did not have any children. To have a child, the couple intensely worshipped the Kirathamoorthy in Payyavoor. One midnight Kiratha Shiva appeared before Parvati Kutti and told her that she will be blessed with a child very soon. The next day she went to take bath in Eruvasheri River. She heard an unusual sound of anklet in the place. She took dip three times in the river. When she came out of the river, she saw a baby atop a rock moving his hands and legs and playing. She could not be

Muthala theyyam is a unique and rare theyyam performed during the annual theyyam thira kaliyattam festival in Kannur district of Kerala. As per information, this theyyam does not stand up and crawls like a crocodile around the temple or sacred place. As per Muthala theyyam story, this is the theyyam of Goddess Thripandarathamma. It is said that one day the pujari of Thripandaram did not arrive for daily puja. To avoid the non-performance of daily puja a crocodile brought to the temple a man named Adi Thoyadan, who was fishing in the river. Another version of the story has it that the pujari of the temple was unable to reach the shrine for lighting the evening lamp as the river was overflowing due to torrential rain. It is said that Thripandarathamma took the form of a crocodile and ferried the man across the turbulent river and the pujari was able to light the lamp. Muthala theyyam is offered prayers to overcome problems related to reptiles and snakes. The theyyam does not speak any

Dreaming of rubber shoes is a good omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will be traveling to a place famous for rains and rivers. It also means wet condition in the place you are residing. Dreams of rubber shoes and you are seen worried means you will decide to do something you had never done before. It also means flood or torrential rain in your region. Dream of rubber shoes and you see so many different colors of them means picnic or happy occasions. It also means desire fulfillment. Dreaming of rubber shoes and you see the weather is clear outside means water related problems in your house. It also means sudden problems in your home especially due to plumping failure. Dreams of walking with rubber shoes on a sunny day means you will decide to do things a bit differently to prove someone wrong or to garner attraction.

Dreaming of rubbing a pregnant belly is a sign of hope and good luck as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you can expect change of luck. It also means desire fulfillment. Dreams of rubbing a pregnant belly also means new member in the family. Dreaming of rubbing a pregnant belly and it is of someone else’s means there will be some kind of unexpected problems in life or you might be thrust with something you hate to do or detest. It also means disturbance and irritation. It is also a sign of lack of sleep in near future. Dream of rubbing a pregnant belly and you are laughing is a sign of upcoming positive changes in life. It also means desire fulfillment. Dream of rubbing a pregnant belly by those who are hoping to get pregnant or adopt is a positive signal. The dream is asking you to be positive and to remain determined. It also means you will have your desires regarding children fulfilled.

In this (path of yoga), O scion of the Kurus, there is but one-pointed determination. The thoughts of the irresolute, however, are diverse and unending. (Bhagavad Gita, 2.41) To them, ever steadfast and serving Me with affection, I grant the yoga of understanding (buddhi yoga), by which they come to Me. (Bhagavad Gita, 10.10) The man of steady intellect (dhira) should not swerve from his path even when oppressed by other creatures, knowing them to be under the sway of destiny; this is the lesson I have learnt from the earth. (Uddhava Gita, 2.37) There are two signs of knowledge. First, an unshakable buddhi. No matter how many sorrows, afflictions, dangers, and obstacles one may be faced with, one’s mind does not undergo any change. It is like the blacksmith’s anvil, which receives constant blows from the hammer and still remains unshaken. And second, manliness – very strong grit. (The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, 410) Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life – Think of it,

Dreaming of rubber ducks is a good omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means a period of no stress and no tension. It also means you will enjoy some lonely time. It also means traveling to beaches or places famous for lakes or ponds or rivers. Dreams of rubber ducks and you see children means desire fulfillment related to birth in the family. It also means traveling with children. Dream of rubber ducks and you see it taking place in a strange world means confusion in life. It also means you regretting not doing certain things at the right time. Dreaming of rubber ducks and you know the place means making life changes to avoid stress. It also means you will decide to give importance to little things in life. Dreams of rubber ducks and you wake up terrified or angry or crying means old incident or memories will haunt you. It also means unwanted fear about future. It also means you will develop a negative attitude towards everything.

Dreaming of rubber bands is a good omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means if you are ready to show flexibility in your approach you will achieve success. It also means you can take risk and this will soon result in good results. Dreams of rubber bands and you see a lot of them means you will be doing lot of packing or there will be happy occasions in near future. Dreams of rubber bands and they are broken or stuck together means you will misjudge a situation. It also means doing things that you have no knowledge about. It also means greed or unwanted desires clouding your intellect. Dream of rubber bands and you see different colors means you will think differently and achieve success. It also means desire fulfillment related to buying something. Dreams of rubber bands and it is hurting you means you will be careless and this will result in accident or physical damage. Flexibility and adaptability: Rubber bands are known for their flexibility and ability to

Dreaming of rubbing someone’s feet is both good and bad sign as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will get opportunity to help someone in distress. It also means your timely action will give relief to someone. Dreams of rubbing someone’s feet and you are unhappy in the dream means you will be forced to do things that you do not like. It also means getting into uncomfortable situations. Dream of rubbing someone’s feet and if it belongs to opposite sex means sexual desires. It also means getting attracted to kinky things. Dreaming of rubbing someone’s feet and you see symbols of authority means you will go out of the way to impress someone. It also means being submissive to get your things done. Dreams of rubbing someone’s feet and you are seen happy means you will achieve success through shortcuts. You will also do illegal things to achieve your goals.

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Friday, 7 April 2023 – It is Krishna Paksha Pratipada tithi or the first day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Pratipada tithi or the first day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 10:01 AM on April 7. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Dwitiya tithi or the second day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 9:45 AM on April 8. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on April 7, 2023 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Chitra or Chithirai or Chithira nakshatra till 1:23 PM on April 7. Then onward it is Swathi or Chothi nakshatra till 1:43 PM on April 8. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Chitra or Chi

Sapta Bhumika is the seven stages in the process of liberation in the Yoga system. Bhumika means ‘a stage in a process’. The first stage is shubhechha (auspicious desire). The second is vicharana (discussion with learned and the adept). The third is tanumanasi (suppression of physical sensual passions). The next stage is sattva patti (attainment of sattva quality). The fifth stage is named asamsakti (non attachment of the mind to sensuous objects). The sixth is padartha bhavini (introspection of the truth). The final stage is turiya (fourth stage of Absolute or negation of diversity and experience of unity). These seven stages are inter-related and form a chain. First, there is a desire to know something nobler than the ordinary life. Naturally, one seeks the guidance of learned and experienced seniors. Their guidance leads to the weakening of passions. As a result, the sattva quality (purity as against passion and passivity) becomes strong. The natural consequence is non

Hatkeshwar Jayanti is an auspicious day observed by the Nagar Community residing mainly in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh in  India . Hatkeshwar is Lord Shiva. Nagars observe the day Lord Shiva appeared on earth in the form of Hatkeshwar Shivling as Hatkeshwar Jayanti Day. In 2025, Hatkeshwar Jayanti is on April 11. The festival is also known as Hatkeshwar Patotsav and it is celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Chaudas, the fourteenth day during the waxing phase of moon in Chaitra month. It is the date of incarnation of Lord Hatkeshwar. The highlight of the festival includes Satsangs, procession and Mahaprasad. Once creation came to a stand still, everyone went to Shiva to find a solution. Shiva asked them to worship him in the form of a Shivling. Brahma created a Shivling made up of gold, i.e Hatak. This shivling was called Hatkeshwar. The glory and greatness of this manifestation of Shiva is found in the Nagar Chapter of Skanda Purana. You can read the story of Hatkeshwa

Muthachan Daivam Theyyam is a rare theyyam seen during the annual thira kaliyattam theyyam festival mainly in Kannur region of Kerala. As per information, this is the theyyam of a person who had lived in the region and the story is based on folklore. Muthachan Theyyam story is that of the deity helping the region, a family through his selfless action and becomes a daivakaru or holy person. The person is given a worship place and theyyam is performed in his remembrance annually.  Muthachan Daivam is a calm theyyam and is friendly towards the people. It has a unique headgear and appearance. It is believed that the theyyam attained the status of deity due to his piety and after had darshan of Goddess. Muthachan daivam theyyam is performed annually at Karivellur Koolikkavu Sree Vishnumurthy Temple (December 23 to December 24 in Kannur district.

Hema Saraswati was a renowned 13 th century Assamese poet. He was the one of the first and oldest poet of Assamese literature. Hema Saraswati lived during the reign of Durlabhanarayana (1300 CE), the king of Kamatapur (Assam). He was the son of Rudra Sarasvati or Pashupatia and was patronized by this king, and lived in his court. Prahladacaritra was the first kavya (poem) of Hema Saraswati and it is believed to be the very first literary work in Assamese. In this work of a hundred verses, he describes the story of Prahlada and his father Hiranyakashipu and mentions that it was drawn from Vamana Purana. In Prahlada Charitra, he highlights the devotion of Prahlada to Bhagavan Vishnu and the latter’s incarnation as Narasimha to protect his devotee. In this work, he also praises his patron and king. The bigger and more famous poem of Hema Saraswati is the ‘Hara Gauri Samvadha’, consisting of about nine hundred verses and based on several Puranas. This work reveals more maturity and

Murikanjerikelu Theyyam is a rare theyyam seen during the annual thira kaliyattam theyyam festival mainly in Kannur region of Kerala. As per information, this is the theyyam of a person who had lived in the region and the story is based on folklore. Murikanjerikelu Theyyam story is that of the deity helping the region, a family through his selfless action and becomes a daivakaru or holy person. The person is given a worship place and theyyam is performed in his remembrance annually.   Murikanjerikelu Theyyam ( മുരിക്കഞ്ചേരികേളു തെയ്യം ) is a calm theyyam and is friendly towards the people. It has a unique headgear and appearance.

A collection of thoughts and quotes on Ram Navami. Rama means ‘Sarveshu Ramante Iti Ramah’ – that which revels in everyone of us, the pure light of consciousness, the Atman, the Self, the Atma–Rama. This spiritual essence in us can come out only as a son of Dasaratha, one who has conquered all the ten indriyas – five Jnanendriyas and the five Karmendriyas. (Swami Chinmayananda) ..be it man, woman or ‘one lacking the characteristics of both’ or for the matter of that, any living being whatsoever, of the animate or the inanimate world, he who adores Me with all his being, giving up all guile is supremely dear to Me.. (Uttara Kanda, Doha 87, Lord Rama says) The essential principle behind all of Sri Rama’s actions, the value that He cherished the most, was ‘Dharma.’ He said that He could give all else, for the sake of Dharma. Even Maricha, His enemy said that He was the embodiment of Dharma (ramo vigrahavan dharmah). Dharma is what integrates and creates harmony – within ou

Mulavannoor Bhagavathy theyyam is a rare powerful Mother Goddess theyyam worshipped in a few kavu, tharavadu and temples during the annual theyyam, thira, kaliyattam festival in Kasaragod region of North Kerala. As per information, this is a ferocious form of Goddess Bhagavathy. As per Mulavannoor Bhagavathi story, she appeared to defeat demons but her uncontrollable fury caused disturbance in the region. She was given a proper place of worship and a theyyam is performed annually to keep her calm and benign. Mulavannoor Bhagavathy theyyam has an aesthetically decorated headgear or mudi. She holds a sword and a shield. This form of Mother Goddess is worshipped for avoid incurable diseases especially contagious diseases like poxes. She is also worshipped for protection and to keep away wild animals from attacking farm animals. She is also propitiated for desire fulfillment. She is worshipped to defeat enemies and to keep away supernatural beings disturbing peaceful life in the family.

Dreaming of buying a jeep is a good omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will achieve success and there will be opportunity for adventure. It also means desire fulfillment and happiness especially related to vehicle. The dream also suggests journey and change of luck. Dreams of buying a jeep are also associated with unexpected gain of money or getting ancestral wealth or luck in lottery or games. Dream of buying a jeep and you are seen driving it means you will soon have a positive relationship with opposite sex. It is also associated with physical relationship and new friends. Dreams of buying a jeep and you are not seen in the dream means missed opportunity. It also means you will be late for something important. The dream is a warning sign that prejudice and anger might block you from achieving wish fulfillment. Dreaming of buying a jeep and you are seen unhappy or dejected means trouble due to a recent investment. It also means you not agreeing wi

Dreaming of buying costume jewelry is a good omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will be attending parties or functions or shows. It also mean friendship or relationship with people who are famous or in the world of glamor. Dreams of buying costume jewelry and you are seen with friends means happy occasion and fun time. Dreams of buying costume jewelry and you seem to be unhappy or thinking means you will waste money one worthless things. It also means you will buy something and later realize that it has no value. Dreaming of buying costume jewelry with family members means you will be honored or a wish of yours will be fulfilled. It also means opportunity to show your talent. Dream of buying costume jewelry and you are seen fighting or arguing means you will realize that you are being sold duplicate things. It also means realizing before getting cheated.

You are the Imperishable, the Supreme, the One to be known. You are the supreme Refuge of this universe. You are the ever-unchanging Guardian of the Eternal Dharma. You are, I know, the ancient Being. (Bhagavad Gita Chapter XI – Verse 18) Arjuna in his vision sees the Deity possessed with infinite forms and attributes. But that vision is so illuminating that he perceives (through the power of faith) even the attributeless Deity referred to in this verse. He sees Bhagavan as the Imperishable, beyond time and change, the One object, the One to be known by all seekers of freedom. You are that Knowledge in which everything is known. You are the supreme Refuge of the universe, the unchanging Guardian of Religion. The universe is safe because it rests in You; as long as You are, the universe will be; and dharma, or religion, is also safe. It may be partly hidden for a time, but You are its undying Guardian. Your eye is ever watchful and therefore dharma can never be entirely destroyed. I

Dreaming of buying junk food is both positive and negative sign as per dream interpretation and meaning. The dream means you will have a wish fulfilled especially related to food. It also means traveling away from home and depending on fast food or packeted food. Dreams of buying junk and eating means you will soon get opportunity to be with friends or people you like. It also means you will show boldness to do something you like. Dream of buying junk food and you are not seen in the dream means you will be frustrated as you will be stuck with some matter in near future. You will not get any free time and you will be too busy. Dreaming of buying junk food and you are seen excited in the dream means fun and happiness. It also means meeting someone or doing something you like after a long time. There will be relief from a health issue. Dream of buying junk food with unknown people or unknown location means you will not know what to eat in a new location and you will be frantically

Dreaming of buying leather jacket is a good omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will achieve success and there will be opportunity to travel. It also means independence and doing things that you always wanted to do. Dreams of buying leather jacket and you are all alone means fulfilling a secret desire. Dream of buying leather jacket and you look terrified or sad means you will do something that you know is against the law or rules of society. It also means harboring illegal ideas. The dream also means doing something and then regretting it. Dreaming of buying leather jacket and you see friends means happiness, joy and fun time. It also means staying away from home. Dreams of buying leather jacket in an unknown place means you sudden transfer or relocation. It also means moving to a place that is having different weather from your current place. Dream of buying leather jacket and it is torn or not of your size means you will act without thinking. It

Dreaming of buying jam is good omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. Dream of buying jam means you will have success and happiness but it will be short lived. It also means fluctuating fortune. Dreams of buying jam and you see them spread all over you means happiness, fun and partying. It also means sudden problems related to food and you have to depend on packaged foods. Dream of buying jam and you see other people in the dream means joyful occasion. There will be get-together or you will attend functions. It also means meeting of people you had not seen for a long while. Dreaming of buying jam and you are playing with it or throwing at someone is a sign of fun going out of control. It also means you will remember past incidents and this might cause problems in the present. Dream of buying white color jam suggests return of someone back to your life. Dream of buying green color jam means new opportunity and better luck. Dream of buying red color jam means accident or

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Thursday, 6 April 2023 – It is Purnima tithi or the full moon day in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Purnima tithi or the full moon day till 9:44 AM on April 6. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Pratipada tithi or the first day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 10:01 AM on April 7. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on April 6, 2023 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Hasta or Atham or Hastam nakshatra till 12:32 PM on April 6. Then onward it is Chitra or Chithirai or Chithira nakshatra till 1:23 PM on April 7. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasthan), Hasta or Atham or Hastam nakshatra till 12:42 PM on April 6. Then onward it is Chitra or Chithirai or Chi

In many stories associated with Goddess Kali or Bhadrakali in Kerala, her mount or vehicle or vahana is a Vedalam. As per these stories, Goddess Bhadrakali appeared from the third eye of Shiva to annihilate demon Darikasura. She chose a Vedalam (Vethalam) residing in the Kailash Mountain as her vahana. When Goddess Kali asked Vedalam whether he will be able to carry her, the Vedalam replied that he is capable of carrying her and her entire army on his back. The Vedalam was in a state of perpetual hunger for thousands of years and Goddess Kali promised him that he will be served the heart and liver of the demon at the end of the war. Vedalam carried Goddess Bhadrakali to the fort of the demon. The Goddess was blessed with eighteen different types of weapons by Shiva. An unimaginable and never before seen war was fought between the demon and the Goddess for seven days. The demon lost the strength of an elephant at the end of each day of the battle. On the eighth day, Goddess Bhadrakali

 In Hinduism, mukti is liberation from worldly bondages and suffering. As per Hindu philosophy, birth is considered as bondage (Bhagavad Gita II.51). Therefore, when one is liberated from the endless cycle of births and rebirths, a person attains mukti. According to Advaita Vedanta, liberation is of two types – jivanmukti and vedehamukti. Avidya (nescience or delimited knowledge) is the root cause of the world. Liberation is to become free from the clutches of avidya. Jivanmukta is emancipation during one’s lifetime. Videhamukti is deliverance through a release from the body. In Vasihnava philosophy, mukti is four kinds – salokya, samipya, sarupya and sayujya. When a sadhaka (aspirant) dwells in the same world as God, it is called salokya. Samipya means staying close to God. In sarupya mukti, the aspirant acquires equality in power and all the divine attributes of God (Chandogya Upanishad II.20.2). Ultimately, one attains intimate union with God, the sayujya kind of liberation.