Tvastr, the Nakshatra Devata of Chitra: Sculpture, Symbolism and Meaning In Hindu tradition, the sky is not just a collection of stars. Each of the twenty seven nakshatras is linked to a devata who rules over it and shapes its influence. In South Indian panchang and almanac practice, these are called nakshatra devatas or athi devatas. The fourteenth nakshatra, Chitra, which is also spelled Chithira or Chithirai in Tamil usage, has Tvastr as its athi devata. Where Nakshatra Devatas Are Seen The nakshatra devatas are shown in temple sculptures and in painted pictures printed in almanacs. In temples, they are sometimes carved on panels, and sometimes they are given small shrines around the outer prakara. This placement is not accidental. Devotees who walk around the temple can see these forms and remember that the movement of time and stars is under divine order. The almanac paintings serve the same purpose in the home, where families check the daily nakshatra before starting any ausp...

Kottila Puthiya Bhagavathi Kavu temple is located at Kottila Athiyadam near Ezhome, in Kannur district, Kerala. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, Goddess Chamundi and numerous other deities. The annual theyyam thira kaliyattam festival is held for three days in Malayalam Vrischika Masam – Vrichikam 25 to Vrichikam 27 (December 10 to December 12). The important theyyams that can be witnessed at Kottila Puthiya Bhagavathi Kavu temple are Bhadrakali theyyam, Gulikan theyyam, Puthiya Bhagavathy theyyam, Vishnumoorthi theyyam, Veeran theyyam, Raktha Chamundi theyyam and Veera Kali theyyam. The temple has a chathura sreekovil or square sanctum sanctorum for the main deity. The roof of the shrine is decorated with traditional motifs. There are other small square sanctums in the temple compound. Certain deities are worshipped atop square platforms and under trees. The important pujas and rituals are observed on Sankranti day as per Malayalam calendar.

Avidhava Navami Shradh is observed on the ninth day of the annual Pitru Paksha fortnight and is dedicated to women who died before her husband. Avidhava Navami Shraddha 2026 date is October 4. Avidhava Navami Shradh rituals and rites are strictly followed by widowers. The rituals performed on the day vary from region to region and from community to community. In the rituals, instead of gods from Hindu pantheon, demigods like Dhurilochan whose eyes remain half closed are invoked. Dhuri means smoke and lochan means eyes; their eyes remain half closed due to smoke. In some regions, the Shradh rituals are not performed on the day. Instead food or meal is offered to the married woman’s soul. Some people also feed a Sumangali (married women) on the day. You can find details of how the ritual is performed in Karnataka in this article.

Hinduism is a diverse and ancient religion that encompasses a wide range of beliefs, practices, and philosophies. It is not a monolithic faith, and its relationship with science varies depending on how individuals and communities interpret its teachings. Here are some key points to consider regarding the relationship between Hinduism and science: Compatibility with Science: Many aspects of Hinduism can be seen as compatible with science. Hinduism has a rich history of philosophical inquiry and has produced texts that discuss various aspects of the natural world and human existence. Some of these texts, such as the Vedas and Upanishads, contain elements of cosmology and metaphysics that can be interpreted in light of scientific understanding. Ancient Scientific Contributions: Hindu civilization has a long history of scientific achievements, particularly in the fields of mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. For example, the ancient text known as the "Sulba Sutras" contain...

Sarangapani Temple Kumbakonam: Where Bhagavan Vishnu Came to Marry Komalavalli Sarangapani Temple is in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. People also call it Thirukudanthai or Kumbakonam Koil. It is dedicated to Bhagavan Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the holy temples of Vishnu sung by the twelve Alvars in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham. It stands on the bank of the river Kaveri and is counted among the Pancharanga Kshetrams, the five sacred Ranga temples along the Kaveri. Here Bhagavan is worshipped as Sarangapani, which means "the one who holds the bow (Sarangam) in his hand". The Test of Sage Bhrigu The story starts with a question among the Devas. Who is the greatest among Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva? They asked Sage Bhrigu to find the answer. First he went to Brahma, who did not give him attention. Then he went to Shiva, who also did not notice him. At last he reached Vaikuntha, the Ocean of Milk, to see Bhagavan Narayana. Bhagavan knew the sage was coming, but he pretende...

Nahai Khai is the first day of three-day Jivitputrika Vrat or Jitiya Fasting observed by mothers for the well being of their children in North India, especially in Bihar . In 2026, Nahai Khai ritual is on October 2. Women eat the last food on Nahai Khai day before the beginning of the Jitiya fasting on the next day. The food is taken after proper purification of the body. The last food can be taken during any time of the Saptami day (seventh day of the waning phase of moon in Ashwin month (Bhadrapada in other regions). Jivitputrika Vrat or Jitiya fasting is observed on the eighth day – Ashtami day (October 3, 2026). The fast ends with the Paaran ritual, the time of time of Paaran ritual is the beginning of the ninth day – Navami day - Time of Paaran in 2026 is at 7:29 AM on October 4.

Sri Dnyaneshwari Jayanti is observed in Bhadrapad month. It is believed that Dnyaneshwari was written and completed on the day. It is the first and the most popular Marathi commentary on the Bhagavad Gita. Sri Dnyaneshwari Jayanti 2026 date is October 2. Dnyaneshwari continues to be read and discussed in Maharashtrian homes and its translation into various languages continues to inspire millions of people around the world. During the time of Sant Dnyaneshwar, the great teachings of Sanatana Dharma were considered to be the prerogative of certain castes and sects. Jnaneshwar unleashed a silent revolution against the religious monopoly and orthodoxy of the narrow-minded priestly class. Sant Dnyaneshwar was amongst the first to use the local language of Marathi to spread and demystify the message of the Bhagavad Gita. He popularized the teachings of Sanatana Dharma and took it to the common man. Sri Dnyaneshwari Jayanti is annually held on Bhadrapada Krishna Paksh...

Kottyan Veedu Tharavadu temple is located at Puthur near Kozhummal near Payyanur in Kannur district, Kerala. The shrine is dedicated to Oyolath Bhagavathy and numerous other deities. The annual theyyam thira kaliyattam festival is held for five days in Malayalam Vrischika Masam – Vrichikam 25 to Vrichikam 29 (December 10 to December 14). The important theyyams that can be witnessed at Kottyan Veedu Tharavadu temple are Oyolathu Bhagavathy theyyam, Raktha Chamundi theyyam, Pacheni Bhagavathy theyyam, Guru Daivam, Vishnumoorthi theyyam, Karanavar theyyam, Paradevatha theyyam and Puli Kandan theyyam. The temple has a deerkha chathura sreekovil or rectangular sanctum sanctorum for the main deity. The roof of the shrine is decorated with traditional motifs. There are other small square sanctums in the temple compound. Certain deities are worshipped atop square platforms and under trees. The important pujas and rituals are observed on Sankranti day as per Malayalam calendar. ഒയോളത്തു ഭഗവത...

Nittadukkam Tharavadu Devasthanam temple is located at Kakkat in Kasaragod district, Kerala. The shrine is dedicated to numerous deities that are worshipped in Kavu, sacred places and tharavadu in the region. The annual thira kaliyattam theyyam festival is held for two days in Malayalam Vrischika Masam – Vrichikam 25 to Vrichikam 26 (December 11 to December 12). The important theyyams that can be witnessed at Nittadukkam Tharavadu Devasthanam temple are Kulichu thottam, Pottan Theyyam, Paradevatha theyya, Vishnumoorthi theyyam, Maniyottu Chamundi theyyam, Padarkulangara Bhagavathy theyyam and Gulikan theyyam. This is a privately owned tharavdu kshetram (ancient family temple). Certain deities are worshipped within the tharavadu. There are other small square sanctums in the temple compound. Certain deities are worshipped atop square platforms and under trees. The important pujas and rituals are observed on Sankranti day as per Malayalam calendar.

Pallikkara Palarekizhil Vishnumoorthi temple at Pallikkara near Nileshwar in Kasaragod district, Kerala. The shrine is dedicated to Vishnumoorthi (Narasimha Avatar). The annual theyyam thira kaliyattam festival is held for four days in Malayalam Vrischika Masam – Vrichikam 25 to Vrichikam 28 (December 11 to December 14). The important theyyams that can be witnessed at Pallikkara Palarekizhil Vishnumoorthi temple are Poomaruthan theyyam, Puliyoor Kannan theyyam, Padarkulangara Bhagavathi theyyam, Cheralath Bhagavathy theyyam and Vishnumoorthi theyyam. The temple has a chathura sreekovil or square sanctum sanctorum for the main deity. The roof of the shrine is decorated with traditional motifs. There are other small square sanctums in the temple compound. Certain deities are worshipped atop uncovered square platforms and under trees. The important pujas and rituals are observed on Sankranti day as per Malayalam calendar.

Pitru Paksha period (the waning phase of moon in September – October) is considered to be a highly meritorious period for making offering to dead ancestors, parents and relatives. One of the important stories associated with Pitru Paksha is related to Karna of the Mahabharata. The Origin of Mahalaya Shradh starts with the charity that Karna performed on earth. Karna was known as Dhanveer – one who performed the greatest of the charities. So when he died and reached heaven the great charity that he had performed in his lifetime was returned in hundredfold. But sadly Karna did not get any food in the heaven – all he got was gold and silver. This was because he had not done any food charity. So he prayed to Lord Yama for forgiveness. Yama advised him to go back to earth for fourteen days and perform food charity. For the next fourteen days, he fed the poor and offered oblations of water. On his return to the heaven, he received food in plenty. These fourteen days c...

Athiyadam Puthiyakavu temple is located on Sreestha, Medical College Road at Athiyadam near Pariyaram, in Kannur district, Kerala. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, Goddess Chamundi and numerous other deities. The annual theyyam thira kaliyattam festival is held for three days in Malayalam Vrischika Masam – Vrichikam 25 to Vrichikam 27 (December 10 to December 12). The important theyyams that can be witnessed at Athiyadam Puthiyakavu temple are Bali theyyam, Gulikan theyyam, Vishnumoorthi theyyam, Kundor Chamundi theyyam, Kurathi theyyam and Vdakkathy Bhagavathi theyyam. The temple has a chathura sreekovil or square sanctum sanctorum for the main deity. The roof of the shrine is decorated with traditional motifs. There are other small square sanctums in the temple compound. Certain deities are worshipped atop square platforms and under trees. The important pujas and rituals are observed on Sankranti day as per Malayalam calendar.

Thirukudanthai Sarangapani Temple: Iconography and Symbolism of Bhagavan Vishnu Sarangapani Temple is also called Thirukudanthai or Kumbakonam Kovil. It is a Hindu temple of Bhagavan Vishnu in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. This temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, which are praised in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by the twelve Alvar saints. It stands on the bank of river Kaveri and is counted among the Pancharanga Kshetrams, the five sacred Ranga temples of Bhagavan Ranganatha along the Kaveri. The Mulavar: Aravamudan The main deity is Aravamudan, a stone image of Bhagavan Vishnu. He is shown in uttana sayanam, a posture of semi-reclining, lying on his back, on Adisesha, the divine serpent. The image has two arms only. In Hindu teaching, Adisesha is the support of the whole creation and also the bed of Bhagavan. The serpent represents time and the endless cycle of the universe. The reclining form shows yoga nidra, a state of calm awareness, where Bhagavan is at rest and yet fully in contr...

Dreaming of rotten fish is a warning sign as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will have to face a bad situation in life especially because you did not do the right thing at the appropriate time. It also means forgetfulness resulting in unwanted work and embarrassment. Dreams of rotten fish and it is your house or in your refrigerator means food related problems. It also means bad purchase or forced to leave home suddenly when the fridge is filled with perishable items. Dream of rotten fish and you are happy means sudden reversal in life will make you think negatively. Dreams of rotten fish in the open means sudden environmental problems in your region. It also means witnessing an unexplainable phenomenon. Dream of rotten fish and you are seen angry or sad means someone will deliberately try to harm you using bad fish products. Enemies might throw foul smelling things into your home. Dreaming of rotten fish and you are seen arguing means you will be chea...

Dreaming of rough sea waves is a bad omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will soon face huge problems and they will be beyond your imagination. It is a warning sign and asking you to stay away from evil and illegal things. Dreams of rough sea waves and you are happy is a sign of giving up or enjoying rough things. It also means participating in dangerous sports or activities. Dream of rough sea waves and you are going towards it means suicidal tendencies. It also means relationship or other life problems. The dream is asking you to keep your calm and wait for the problem to settle down. All rough sea waves will settle down soon. Dreaming of rough sea waves and you see other people means vacation or holidays going wrong. It also means natural calamity or things changing dramatically in quick time. Dreams of rough sea waves and you are getting battered in it is you boldly facing problems. You can expect some damage in near future but you will survive i...

The Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Hindu epic Mahabharata, contains numerous teachings on various aspects of life, including forgiveness. Forgiveness is an essential theme in the Bhagavad Gita, and it is presented in the context of dharma (duty), self-realization, and spiritual growth. Here are some key teachings on forgiveness from the Bhagavad Gita: Forgiveness as a Virtue: In Chapter 16, Verse 3, Bhagavan Krishna describes forgiveness as a divine quality: "Fearlessness, purity of heart, perseverance in acquiring wisdom and in practicing yoga, charity, subduing one's senses, performance of holy rites, study of scriptures, self-discipline, straightforwardness..." Forgiving Enemies: The Gita encourages individuals to forgive even their enemies. In Chapter 16, Verse 3, it mentions forgiveness as one of the virtuous qualities that lead to divine nature. Freedom from Anger: In Chapter 16, Verse 12, it is stated that one who is free fro...

Dreaming of rotten teeth falling out is a bad omen and warning sign as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will face problems in life due to past actions of yours. Dreaming of rotten teeth falling out should be seen a sign of big problems in life. You will need to remain calm and avoid taking risks after seeing the dream. Dreams of rotten teeth means premature aging or health issues that make you look weak and aged. Dream of rotten teeth falling out and you see your partner abandoning you means relationship problems in near future. It also means not doing the right thing at the appropriate time will cause problems in future. It also means ignoring important health habits resulting in embarrassment and huge problems. Dreaming of rotten teeth falling out and you are arguing with family members means problems in family life and someone might leave you forever. It also means old wounds will resurface. Dreams of rotten teeth falling out and there is blood means t...

In Hinduism, the concept of the "Divine" is central to spirituality, belief, and practice. Rooted deeply in scriptures, rituals, and philosophy, the "Divine" represents both the ultimate reality and a personalized source of wisdom, power, and love. The idea of the Divine encompasses the sacred presence of gods and goddesses as well as the abstract, formless absolute reality known as Brahman. Let's expand on this concept, covering its meaning, importance, symbolism, mentions in scripture, and practical benefits in modern life. 1. Spiritual Meaning of the Divine in Hinduism The "Divine" in Hinduism is multi-layered, encompassing both Saguna Brahman (the Divine with form, as in deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Durga) and Nirguna Brahman (the formless, all-encompassing absolute). The Divine is considered the ultimate truth, the source of all existence, and the force of unity behind all life. Spiritually, recognizing the Divine is recognizing one’s own hig...

Dreaming of rotten meat is a warning sign as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will have to face a bad situation in life especially because you did not do the right thing at the appropriate time. It also means forgetfulness resulting in unwanted work and embarrassment. Dreams of rotten meat and it is your house or in your refrigerator means food related problems. It also means bad purchase or forced to leave home suddenly when the fridge is filled with perishable items. Dream of rotten meat and you are seen angry or sad means someone will deliberately try to harm you using bad meat products. Enemies might throw foul smelling things into your home. Dreaming of rotten meat and you are seen arguing means you will be cheated and you will realize it only later. Dreams of rotten meat and you see worms etc. means you will witness something weird. It also means having to deal with unexpected things. Dream of rotten meat and you are happy means sudden reversal in...

Dreaming of rotten tomatoes is a bad omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will be disappointed with something that you had bought. It also means getting an unpleasant surprise. Dreams of rotten tomatoes means you witness something weird and fishy. It also means dealing with things that stink. The dream also means a single mistake will spoil all your reputation and hard work. It also means sudden food emergency or something you had planned related to food going wrong. Dream of rotten tomatoes also means bad investment. It also means you will go after something just by its looks. It is a warning sign. Dream of rotten tomatoes and you are not seen in the dream means you will have a lucky escape from a scandal or embarrassment. It also means someone will attempt to cheat people using your name. Dreaming of rotten tomatoes and it is splashing all over you means you will face allegations and embarrassments. It also means you will have to do lot of explanati...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Saturday, 7 October 2023 – It is Krishna Paksha Ashtami tithi or the eighth day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Ashtami tithi or the eighth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 10:21 AM on October 7. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Navami tithi or the ninth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 11:46 AM on October 8. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on October 7, 2023 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Ardra or Arudhara or Thiruvathira nakshatra till 12:57 AM on October 7. Then onward it is Punarvasu or Punarpoosam or Punartham nakshatra till 2:46 AM on October 8. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa,...

Hara Saba Vimochana Perumal Temple Idols and Their Meaning Hara Saba Vimochana Perumal Temple is in Thirukandiyur, a village near Thiruvayaru in Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Bhagavan Vishnu and is built in the Dravidian style. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, and it is praised in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the collection of Tamil hymns sung by the Alvars between the 6th and 9th centuries CE. Here Bhagavan Vishnu is worshipped as Hara Saba Vimochana Perumal, and Mahalakshmi is worshipped as Kamalavalli Nachiyar. In Hinduism, an idol is not just a statue. According to the Agama Shastras, a murti becomes a divine form after the ritual of pranapratishtha, when the presence of Bhagavan is invited into it. So every image in this temple should be understood as a way to connect with the Divine. The Mulavar: Hara Saba Vimochana Perumal The main deity, also known as Balinathar, is a stone image of Vishnu. He stands in the sthanaka posture and has four arms, carrying His spe...

One of the holiest places considered for performing Pinda Daan and Pitru Paksha Shradh – the annual rites and rituals for dead ancestors, parents and relatives – is the Vishnupad Temple at Gaya dedicated to Bhagavan Vishnu. The popular belief is that Bhagavan Sri Ram and Mata Sita performed Pitr Paksha Shraddh and Pind Daan for King Dasharatha at Vishnupad  Temple on the banks of Falgu River . Falgu River is one of the tributaries of Ganga River and the  Vishnupad  Temple which has the footprints of Bhagvan Vishnu attracts nearly half-a-million devotees during the Pitru Paksha Shradh in Ashwin month (September – October). Legend has it that Vishnupad Temple was endowed with the power to cleanse devotees of their earthly sins by Bhagavan Vishnu. Therefore it is believed that funeral ceremonies and Shraddha rites performed here will help the dead ancestors achieve moksha. The Pitru Paksha rituals at Gaya Vishnupad Temple are held on the ...

Madhyashtami is observed annually during the Mahalayam fortnight which falls before Ashwin Navratri (September – October). It is an important day during at Gaya. This fortnight is popularly known as Pitru Paksha Shradh. Madhyashtami 2026 date is September 3. This day is chosen by those people who do not perform paksha mahalyam – rituals on all 15 days. Observing one day Shradham is known as Sakrun Mahalayam. Sakrun Mahalayam is in addition to the Amavasya Shradh, which should be performed by all people. The importance of Madhyashtami is that one need not worry about tithi, vara, Nakshatra and other doshas and can perform the ritual.

Kunnummal Vishnumoorthi temple is located at Kunnummal near Kottacheri Kanhangad in Kasaragod district, Kerala. The shrine is dedicated to Vishnumoorthi (Narasimha form of Maha Vishnu). The annual theyyam thira kaliyattam festival is held for six days in Malayalam Vrischika Masam – Vrischikam 25 to Vrischikam 30 (December 11 to December 16). The important theyyams that can be witnessed at Kunnummal Vishnumoorthi temple are Vishnumoorthi theyyam, Kara Gulikan and Raktha Chamundi theyyam. This is a typical Kerala style temple with a square sanctum sanctorum or chathura sreekovil for the main deity. Laksmi Narasimha form is worshipped here. There are separate shrines for upa devatas. Narasimha Jayanti in Vaishaka Masam (May) is of importance in the temple. Thulabharam ritual is performed in the temple.

In Vivekachudamani, Adi Shankaracharya gives the qualities of the person eligible for the knowledge of Brahman in the following verse. He alone is qualified to seek Brahman who has discriminating wisdom to recognize real and illusory or eternal and transient, whose mind is turned away from all enjoyments, who possesses tranquility and the kindred virtues and who feels a longing for liberation. The purpose of spiritual knowledge is the awakening of the self and the transformation of life itself. The ancient spiritual wisdom of Hinduism has come down to the present time through an unbroken succession of competent persons with the requisite qualities and virtues. Every spiritual discipline has a set of qualities and virtues to determine the eligibility of an aspirant to achieve its goal. In Vedanta philosophy, the following four fold perseverance has been prescribed in order to become person eligible for the knowledge of Brahman, which covers the need of most of the disciplines. Dis...

Narampady Shree Umamaheshwara temple is located at Narampady on the Badiadka – Mulleria Road in Kasaragod district, Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Uma Maheshwara (Shiva and Goddess Parvati). It is widely believed that those who are facing problems in their marriage will have it solved at the earliest. Girls and boys who wish to get married offer prayers here and their wishes are fulfilled soon. The murti worshipped here is unique. The front of the murti it is Shiva and the back side is that of Goddess Parvati. In a single Shila both the murtis are carved. The temple has an east facing chathura sreekovil. There is a Shivling in the main shrine. The upa devatas worshipped in the temple are Ganapati and Devi. There are also Nagas and other deities. The temple has a gold-plated kodimaram (flag pole), balikkalu, chuttambalam and namaskara mandapam. There are sculptures and Hindu motifs and symbols on roof and walls of the shrines. Special pujas are held on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sa...

Kavugoli Vishnu temple is located at Kudlu in Kasaragod district, Kerala. The shrine is dedicated to Bhagavan Vishnu, Shiva and other deities. The temple is note for its sculptures and wooden panels. There is a beautiful Dashavatar wooden panel in the temple. The temple gives equal importance to Shiva and Vishnu. There are several upa devatas in the temple including Ganapathi and Devi. The shrine has a chathura sreekovil facing east. There is a namaskara mandapam and chuttambalam. Subsidiary deities are worshipped atop square platforms and under trees. Some of the deities are exposed to the elements. There are two sreekovils here and the walls and roof of the sanctum are decorated with traditional Hindu motifs.