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Showing posts from January 10, 2023


Food Offering To Shukra – Venus God In Hinduism

Shukra, the Venus God in Hinduism, is one of the Navagrahas – the nine celestial bodies. The navagrahas are propitiated for overcoming bad luck in life and to solve horoscope related problems. Food offering or bhog or naivedya to Venus is part of the pujas and rituals. The details regarding flowers, food offerings, herbs, etc are found in the Matsya Purana. The main food offering to Shukra is ghee and cooked rice mixed together. Any sweet offering made from rice sprinkled with white or yellow flowers is the ideal bhog or naivedyam to Shukra Navagraha. The color associated with Shukra is white and yellow, the flowers offered are white lotus or any white color flowers and the main grain offering is rice and white beans. The other food offerings are plain cooked rice, rice mixed with white dry beans powder, figs, sugar, semolina and white color fruits.

Significance of Sugarcane in Pongal - Story Associated With Shiva

Ever wondered why is sugarcane an indispensable part of Pongal? Sugarcane symbolizes sweetness and happiness. But there is also a story associated with Shiva for the widespread use of sugarcane during Pongal. It is said that on a Perum Pongal day, Lord Shiva performed the miracle of feeding sugarcane to a stone image of an elephant in the Madurai Meenakshi Temple . Lord Shiva is known as Lord Sundareshwar in Meenakshi temple and there is a stone carving based on the event in the temple. Apart from sugarcane some of the other essentials during Pongal are turmeric tufts, koorai poo, Aavaram poo, banana leaves and mango leaves. Koorai poo is believed to keep evil away and so it is placed in front of houses. The neck of the Ponga panai (the vessel in which Pongal is prepared) is tied with fresh turmeric leaves. In some places, fresh tender green leaves of ginger are also used. The green leaves symbolize prosperity.

Khichdi Parv Importance In Hinduism - Khichdi Parv 2025 Date

The popular Makar Sankranti festival in India is known as Khichdi Parv in Uttar Pradesh and several parts of North India. Sankranti is also known as Khichdi. In 2025, the date of Khichdi Parv is January 14. The bathing and other rituals are observed from the morning of January 14. Puja and time to make offerings is morning during sunrise on January 14. People prepare special dish known as Khichdi and offer it to Surya – Sun God. Giving alms and making donations to poor on the day is highly meritorious. The most important ritual on this day is taking bath at Sangam in Prayag (Allahabad). The day is an important bathing day during Magh Snan. Millions of Hindus take a holy dip in the icy waters of Sangam at Prayagraj where the rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati flow together. Taking holy dip on this day is believed to help in attaining Moksha. Another highlight of the festival is the sharing of laddus made of Gur and Til (Sesame seeds). In some parts of North India, the fest

Eranhikkal Bhagavathy Theyyam – Story – Information

Erinjikkal Bhagavathy theyyam, or Eranhikkal Bhagavathy,  is a rare Mother Goddess theyyam performed during the annual theyyam – thira – kaliyattam festival in Kannur and Kasaragod region of Kerala. Erinjikkal Bhagavathy is a manifestation of Goddess Shakti (Durga or Bhagavathy). As per information, she is believed to the friend of Kannamangalam Devi. Erinjikkal Bhagavathy theyyam story is also associated with Vana Durga sankalpam in Kerala. The belief is that she made her abode under a erinji or elengi tree in the region. She is also believed to be the fierce form of Mahakali. The deity is offered prayers for peace, prosperity and good health. Erinjikkal Bhagavathy theyyam is a huge theyyam and she holds a sword and a shield. The theyyam is performed at Kasaragod Bankalam Kakkatt Panakkool Tharavad Erinhikkaal Bhagavathy temple, Azhikode Moonnunirath Vayalil Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy temple, and Kannur Kalliasseri Mangad Theru Eranhikkal Bhagavathy temple.

Chuvanna Bhootham Theyyam – Story – Information

Chuvanna Bhootham theyyam is a rare theyyam associated with ghosts and supernatural beings worshiped in few kavu tharavadu and temples during the annual kaliyattam thira festival in Kannur and Kasaragod districts of Kerala. As per information, Chuvanna Bhootham theyyam is a Shiva Gana or Shaiva Bhootham. Chuvanna Bhootham theyyam is that of the supernatural being causing havoc in a region by disturbing the peaceful life of people by harming them and their farm animals. To appease and for peaceful coexistence the bhootham is given an aaroodam or worship place. A theyyam is performed annually to keep it calm and content. Chuvanna Bhootham theyyam is offered prayers to achieve peace and prosperity. The being is worshiped for good health of children and also for desire fulfillment. Some tantrics propitiate Chuvanna Bhootham to defeat enemies. Chuvanna Bhootham theyyam is performed usually at night and the theyyam paints the body red.

Kodi-k-kavai Of Umapati Sivam – Story

Kodi-k-kavai is one among the fourteen Siddhanta Shastras in Saiva Siddhanta literature composed by Umapati Shiva. It is a kind of poem on the temple flag in four stanzas in Tamil. According to the tradition (popular story), Umapati Sivam was one among the three thousand priests of Tillai (Chidambaram). Due to some misunderstanding with the rest of his colleagues, Umapati left Chidambaram and settled at Tiruvetkalam temple (Korravan Kudi). As per a popular story, a grand festival used to be celebrated at the temple of Nataraja at Chidambaram. To mark the commencement of the festival, it was customary to hoist the flag bearing the emblem of Nandi (bull), which is the Vehicle or vahana of Shiva, in the temple on the first day. However, when the priests tried to hoist the flag, it did not move upwards despite their sincere efforts. When they were disconcerted by this mishap, an oracle was heard that if Umapati Sivam was invited to the place, the flag would move up. The priests realized

What To Do On Makar Sankranti Day?

Makar Sankranti is associated with Surya (Sun God), so the best way to start the day is by reciting the Gayatri Mantra. Here is a look at what to do on Makar Sankranti. It is believed that Lord Surya visits his son Lord Shani on this day, irrespective of their difference in opinions. Therefore many people make it a point to visit their sons and buy them gifts. It is also a day to forgive past quarrels and start afresh. Simple food is the order of the day and many people prepare ‘khichdi’ on this day. Sweets and dishes made out of Sesame oil (Til) are served on this day. Sweets made out of Til is exchanged as mark of friendship. The symbolic meaning is to emulate the quality of Tilgul – to stick together even in adversity. Rice meal is the order of the day in Bihar , Jharkhand and is some parts of Uttar Pradesh. Throughout India Makar Sankranti is in a way associated with harvest. So people pray for a good harvest on this day. Cows - which is an integral part of agricult

Hanuman Theyyam – Story – Information – Anjaneyan Theyyam

Hanuman Theyyam, also known as Anjaneyan theyyam is performed in very few tharavadu, kavu and temples in Kannur and Kasaragod regions of Kerala during the annual theyyam, thira and kaliyattam festival. As per information, the theyyam is part of Daivathar or Sri Rama theyyam. Hanuman Theyyam story is that of his exploits from the Ramayana connecting it with a local place. The theyyam is offered worship for attaining peace and prosperity. Hanuman theyyam is propitiated for overcoming horoscope related problems and also to overcome fear of darkness and ghosts. Hanuman theyyam is performed at Andalur Kavu temple and at Kangol Vadassery Peringottu Illam temple.

Guru Karanavar Theyyam – Information – Story

Gurukaranavar Theyyam is the theyyam of a person who lived during olden times and attained the status of deity. The Guru Karanavar theyyam is performed as part of the annual thira kaliyattam theyyam festival in Kannur and Kasaragod districts of Kerala. As per information this is the theyyam of a respectable elderly person or head of family who attained divine status through piety and knowledge. Gurukaranavar theyyam story is that of a pious and learned person attain divine status and helping people to overcome numerous troubles. The person is given a place in worship places and is given a theyyam status as respect. Guru Karanavar Theyyam is performed at numerous sacred places including Kannur Paalayi Thokkilangadi Sree Porkali Bhagavathy Kavu, Kasaragod Adoor Sree Panichikavu temple, Kudukkimotta Puravur Edakkanambethu Kavu temple, Kannur Mahe Chalakkara Keezhanthur Bhagavathy temple and Mahe Pallur Chirukandothu Porkali Bhagavathy temple. The theyyam is worshiped for gaining knowled

Ponmudiyar – Tamil Poetess Of Third Sangam Period

Ponmudiyar was a Tamil poetess of the third Sangam period (500 BCE to 250 CE). There poems of Ponmudiyar were included in the book of collected poems called Purananuru, which belongs to the Ettuthokai group of books. Purananuru is a collection of 400 poems, written by 157 poets, vividly describing different aspects of the glorious pasts of Tami Nadu, including social customs, culture and traditions, the affairs of the state, the kings and their braver, etc. Among the three poems of Ponmudiyar, the first poem (number 299 of Purananuru) describes the war between two kings, citing how the horses of the king of the smaller kingdom, through given little but balanced food, fared better than the overfed horses of the king of the bigger kingdom. The second poem (number 310 of Purananuru) describes the heroism of a youth during a war, whose father had been killed in an earlier war. He dies in the war but was proud to have the arrow on his chest and not at his back. The poem also describes

Guru Daivam Theyyam – Story – Information

Guru Daivam theyyam is a very rare theyyam performed during the annual theyyam – thira – kaliyattam festival in Kannur and Kasaragod region of Kerala. As per information, this is the theyyam of a respectable person who attained divine status through piety and knowledge. Guru Daivam theyyam story is that of a pious and learned person attain divine status and helping people to overcome numerous troubles. The person is given a place in worship places and is given a theyyam status as respect. The theyyam is worshiped for gaining knowledge and for peace and prosperity. It is believed that this theyyam helps in recovering lost items and also in finding hidden treasure. This theyyam is performed at Kasargod Cheruvathur Kodakkad Sree Kotten Tharavad Devasthanam temple, Thalassery Ancham mile Erinhikkal Porkkali Bhagavathy temple and Kasargod Neeleswaram Palakkat Sree Puthiya Parambath Bhagavathy Kavu temple. This is a male theyyam and appears in a peaceful form.

Thiruvalluvar Day In 2025

Thiruvalluvar Day marks the birth anniversary of the immortal Tamil Poet-Saint Thiruvalluvar. He is the author of Kural or Thirukural, a poetic composition of great antiquity in Tamil Literature which can be termed as a treatise on the art of living a happy and peaceful life. In 2025, the date of Thiruvalluvar Day is January 15. It is believed that Thiruvalluvar wrote the Thirukural in the second century AD but there are also some scholars who believe that it was written in first century BC. Thiruvalluvar in Thirukkural diagnoses the intricacies of human nature and one will be captivated by his thorough knowledge of human psychology. Many of his insights on human mind are yet to be studied by modern psychology. His advices on various topics are sagacious and practical and are relevant in all times. Each new generation is attracted to his teachings in the Thirukural as it is not hampered by prejudice or dogma of any kind. The birth anniversary of Saint Thiruvallu

Ettamurthy Theyyam – Story – Information

Ettamurthy theyyam is a very rare theyyam that is performed during the annual theyyam thira kaliyattam festival at Kannur region of Kerala. As per information, this theyyam is that of a deity who helped a devotee to overcome a precarious situation. This a peaceful theyyam. Ettamurthy theyyam is that of a deity appearing before his devotee and showing his powers. The god was given a place in a kavu and a theyyam to commemorate the divine event. The theyyam blesses devotees with good health, peace and good luck. Ettamurthy theyyam is performed at Kannur Karivellur Koolikkavu Sree Vishnumurthy temple.

Dreaming Of Playing With Dog – Meaning

Dreaming of playing with dog is a good omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will realize the importance of simple moments in life. It also means spending time away from office or career. It means a period of happiness and no stress or tension. Dreams of playing with dog and it is an unknown dog means you will adopt a pet. It also means you trying to overcome a loss through loving a pet. Dream of playing with dog and you know the dog means you will take leave from work. It also means going on vacation or deciding to make a lifestyle change. Dreaming of playing with dog and you see other people means get together or function. It also means you will decide to change something very important in life. Dreams of playing with an unknown dog and you see opposite sex means you will try to impress someone with something you are totally ignorant about. It also means embarrassment.

Dreaming Of Playing Cricket – Meaning

Dreaming of playing cricket is a good omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means success or achievement. It also means freedom and joy and a period of tension free life. Dreams of playing cricket mean you will soon achieve your goal through teamwork. It also means you will get relief from a tough work or situation. Dream of playing cricket and you see other people around you means there will be happy occasion. You will get to be free with your friends or people you like. It also means you will get to hear happy news. Dreaming of playing cricket and you see strangers around means you will get to hear positive news. It also means defeat of your enemies. A team or something that you support will achieve victory. It also means glory and triumph as a fan of something. Dreams of playing cricket and you are searching for a particular person means someone important will be absent during a very important event in your life. Dream of playing cricket and you are getting

Eight Qualities Humans Should Possess – Kanchi Maha Periyava

The eight gunas or qualities that human beings should possess as per Kanchi Maha Periyava  are: daya, ksanti, anasuya, sauca, anayasa, mangala, akarpanya, asprha. Daya implies love for all creatures, such love being the very fulfilment of life. There is indeed no greater happiness than that derived by loving others. Daya is the backbone of all qualities. Ksanti is patience. One kind of ksanti is patiently suffering disease, poverty, misfortune and so on. The second is forgiveness and it implies loving a person even if he causes us pain and trouble. Anasuya is the name of the Sage Atri's wife. She was utterly free from jealousy and that is how she got the name which means non-jealousy. Heart-burning caused by another man's prosperity or status is jealousy. We ought to have love and compassion for all and ought to be patient and forgiving even towards those who do us wrong. We must not envy people of their higher status even if they be less deserving of it than we are and,

Dreaming Of Plucking Guava – Meaning

Dreaming of plucking guava is a good omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will be conscious about your health. It also means investing in fruit trees or a garden. The dream also means soon you will make positive changes to your lifestyle. It also means getting closer to nature and doing things that is healthy. Dreams of plucking guava and it is in an unknown place means you will stay away from city life in near future. Dream of plucking guava and then you are running away means you will do naughty things. It also means fun time with family or friends. Dreaming of plucking guava and you see another person in the dream means a financial or relationship related problem will soon be resolved. Dreams of plucking guava and it is a spiritual or religious place means  you will turn spiritual or try to escape from problems by taking refuge in faraway unknown places. Symbolically the dream means you need to explore news things. Do not be stagnant. The dream i

Dreaming Of Plucking Flowers – Meaning

Dreaming of plucking flowers is a negative sign as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you will be selfish and will not be ready to pay respect or recognize the hard work of others. It also means you not valuing things. Dreams of plucking flowers and you are happy means there will be social gathering or important religious function. Dream of plucking flowers and it is at an unknown place means going on vacation. Staying away from city life but not knowing how to behave in a new environment. Dreaming plucking flowers and you see other people in the dream means you will be part of a group and will do new activities. You will have a period of peace and happiness. Dreams of plucking flowers and you are not seen in the dream means something belong to you will be destroyed. It also means neighbors or family members not valuing your hard work and dedication.

Dreaming Of Playing With A Baby – Meaning

Dreaming of playing with a baby is a sign of hope and good luck as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means you can expect change of luck and a period of happiness and satisfaction. It also means desire fulfillment especially related to pregnancy and childbirth. Dreams of playing with a baby also means new member in the family. It is also associated with additional responsibilities but one you will be happy as there will be no regular stress and tension. Dreaming of playing with a baby and crying 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 playing with a baby and the infant is playing and laughing is a sign of upcoming positive changes in life. It also means you will be able to successfully face a new situation. Dream of playing with a baby by those who are hoping to get pregnant or adop

17 January 2023 Tithi – Panchang – Hindu Calendar – Good Time – Nakshatra – Rashi

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Tuesday, 17 January 2023 – It is Krishna Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth 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 12:36 PM on January 17. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 11:10 AM on January 18. Then onward (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on January 17, 2023 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time after 6:45 PM.  Nakshatra  – Vishaka or Vishakam nakshatra till 2:02 PM on January 17. Then onward it is Anuradha or Anusham or Anizham nakshatra till 1:14 PM on January 18. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Raja