In Odisha, the sacred decorative drawings in Hindu religion made on the ground are called jhodi chita and muruja. Jhodi Chita is made from thick liquid rice-powder (called ano in Odia) which becomes white after drying up. For drawing muruja, dry colors are used – rice powder for white, brick powder for red, turmeric for yellow and power of dry leaves for green. Jhodi Chitas are made for decoration generally within the premises, on doors or in other parts of the house, while celebrating festivals, performing religious ceremonies, or worshipping Goddess Lakshmi. Special drawings are made in which the feet of Goddess Lakshmi and her sacred symbols, lotus, conch and fish are necessarily drawn. These pujas are offered on Thursdays of Agrahayana (November – December) or Thursdays of Magha (January – February). Murujas are drawn between Sharad Purnima (October full moon day) and Kartik Purnima (November full moon day). In the month of Kartik, at the time of the worship of tulsi (sacred basil)

Bhishma Dwadashi is observed on the 12th day in the month of Magha (January – February) during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon). Bhishma Dwadashi 2025 date is February 9. The rituals is also known as Magh Shukla Dwadashi Tarpan and Shraddha. It is widely believed that Pandavas performed the last rites of Bhishma, the son of King Shantanu and Ganga in Mahabharata, on this day. Bhisma who was mortally wounded and was lying on a bed of arrows chose to leave the earth on the 58th day after the beginning of the Great War in Mahabharata. Bhishma was blessed with a boon that he can choose the day of his death. It is believed that he chose Magh Shukla Ashtami day to leave the earth and merge with Brahman. On the Bhishma Dwadashi day, Pandavas performed the last rites of Bhishma Pitamah on the banks of Ganga . There is a popular belief that offering Tarpan and Shraddha on the day to ancestors is highly beneficial. Some people also perform Tarpan in the name of

Kelan theyyam is a very rare theyyam performed in Kannur region of North Kerala during the annual theyyam thira kaliyattam festival. As per information, this is a male theyyam dedicated to a person who once lived in the region. Kelan theyyam story is that of kariyasthan or caretaker of Narikode Mana near Taliparamba in Kannur. Kelan Nair was highly efficient and was loved by everyone in the region. Due to his efficiency there was enormous agricultural produces and rice. He was loved by all the workers that worked under him. He was famous for his sense humor. One day evening Kelan Nair ventured into the paddy field and then no one saw him again. The next day morning someone found the short cane usually held by Kelan Nair on the paddy field. Soon there was all kind of evils in the region – trees started getting uprooted, plantains began to fall down, domestic animals started to make unusual sounds, wild animals appeared during noon at populated places… Astrologers were summoned and

Kizhakkankavu Bhagavathy Theyyam is a unique theyyam with a very tall or long headgear (mudi). This is a rare theyyam worshipped during the annual theyyam thira kaliyattam festival in Kannur region of Kerala. As per information, this theyyam is a manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti or Devi Durga Bhagavathy. As per Kizhakkankavu Bhagavathy theyyam story, She appears before a family member of an old tharavadu and she is given a worship place or aaroodam in the sacred grove in the eastern side of the house. A theyyam of the deity is performed annually to get her blessings and to keep her calm and quiet. It is believed that not giving her proper worship and respect will result in evils in the region. The theyyam is performed during daytime and has restricted movements due to its unusually long headgear. The theyyam is worshipped for peace, good health, wealth and for desire fulfillment. Kizhakkankavu Bhagavathy theyyam is performed from May 24 to May 25 at Chekkikkulam Maniyoor Sree

Yogi Ram Surat Kumar was a mystic from Varanasi who settled down at Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu. He is well known as Visiri samiyar – the ‘saint with a fan’. The Yogi’s association with the temple-tour of Thiruvannamalai was accidental but not without significance. This place also happens to be the seat of several other saints, the most notable being Maharshi Ramana, known all over the world as the Sage of Arunachal. Ram Surat Kumar was simplicity personified and led a life of austerity in the rigorous tradition of the ancient seers of the land. So long as he lived, the yogi went about his ways silently without fanfare and carrying with him as his worldly possessions a pair of palm leaf fans (joined together) and a coconut shell. He had a flowing white beard and wore a big green shawl. Born at Varanasi on December 1, 1915, Surat Kumar had spiritual inclinations even in his teens. He raised questions about birth and death and wanted answers from the learned pundits of the holy city.

Narayana Gayatri ( നാരായണ ഗായത്രി ) is a powerful mantra dedicated to Bhagavan Vishnu. This mantra is ideal of beginners in spiritual world. It is widely believed that worshipping Bhagavan Vishnu with unwavering devotion will help in removing all kinds of problems in life. You will also achieve success in all aspects of life. Here is the Narayana Gayatri in Malayalam lines or lyrics to be chanted daily for achieving peace and prosperity in life. It also chanted for auspicious and for profit in business. It is also chanted for achieve moksha and self realization. നാരായണായ വിദ്മഹേ   വാസുദേവായ ധീമഹി   തന്നോ വിഷ്ണു പ്രചോദയാത്     The mantra is to be chanted in the morning during sunrise and then again in the evening after sunset. The mantra should be chanted 108 times. The person chanting the mantra should have single-minded focus and should meditate on Bhagavan Vishnu with four hands and in standing posture.

In Jainism, Pudgala denotes ‘matter’ or ‘material objects’in general. Matter possesses color, flavor, odor and touch. Sound is considered not as a quality but as a mode of it. Matter is not created but is indestructible and real. It is real, independent of the perceiving mind. The basic character of pudgala (in Jain religion) is ‘that which can be experienced by the five senses.’ The second definition of pudgala denotes the dynamic conception of reality. The definition is derived from the etymology of the compound word pudgala (pud combination and gala disassociation). The ultimate constituent of matter is anu (the atom). The atoms are all of the same kind yet they can give rise to an indefinite variety of things. Even the four elements – earth, water, fire and air are divisible and have a structure. By developing the respective characteristics of odor and flavor, the atoms become differentiated and thus the material world is divided, though the atoms are not different from one anoth

A person of demoniac nature is referred to as Rakshasa in Hindu religion. There is no Satan concept in Hinduism because all beings appear and disappear in the Supreme Being or Brahman. Symbolically and in Puranic stories both demons and gods have the same source of origin. The Amarakosha (1.1.11) considers demons or rakshasas as divine beings, more than just human beings. They can be born out of yoni (womb of woman). Amarakosha (1.1.160) gives the following synonyms for the word rakshasa – feeding upon corpse, consuming flesh, drinking blood, crusher or shatterer, moving at night, of a spotted or variegated color, the son of Nikasha, a king of evil spirit or demon, a class of beings born of demerit, offspring of Nirrti and Nairrta (goddess of death and calamity), fiend or evil spirit and demon, evil being, a war-like race, guardian or protector. They are very often referred to in the Vedic literature as interacting with human beings, who are to be guarded and protected against th

Kodakketti Daivathar theyyam, also known as Kodikkethi Daivathar theyyam, is a male theyyam performed during the annual kaliyattam thira theyyam festival in Kannur region of Kerala. As per information, this is a rare theyyam and appeared to help people of the region. Kodakketti Daivathar theyyam story is that of Him performing several miracles and show his supernatural powers. This theyyam is noted for its huge headgear and he holds a cane. The theyyam is performed early morning hours. Kodikkethi Daivathar theyyam blesses devotees with peace and prosperity. He is also worshipped for spiritual strength and to overcome enemies. Kodikkethi Daivathar theyyam is performed at around 7 AM on November 1 at Taliparamaba Naduvil Ayyappa-Vanadurga Temple Vanadevatha sthanam in Kannur district of Kerala.

Kodoth Chamundi theyyam is a rare theyyam performed in a couple of temples in Kasaragod region of Kerala. As per information, the theyyam is a fierce manifestation of Devi or Goddess Durga Bhagavathy. The story of Kodoth 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 contagious dis

Konginichal Bhagavathy Theyyam is a rare theyyam performed during the annual theyyam kaliyattam and thira festival at Kannur region of Kerala. As per information, this theyyam is the manifestation of Adi Parashakthi (Mother Goddess). As per Konginichal Bhagavathy theyyam story, She appears to protect her ardent devotees and she is given a worship place or aaroodam. A theyyam of the deity is performed annually to get her blessings and to keep her calm and quiet. This theyyam is performed during day time and is noted for its unique mudi (divine head dress). This is a ferocious theyyam and holds sword and shield.  Konginichal Bhagavathy theyyam is worshipped for achieving success and to conquer various fears. She blesses her children with peace, prosperity and fertility. She is also worshipped for good health and to keep away contagious diseases. The theyyam is performed at Payyannur Alakkad Konginichalkkavu temple annually from February 9 to February 12 in Kannur.

Dreaming of buying dog is both good and bad omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means positive changes in life, return of someone back into your life and get together. Dreams of buying dog and you are seen sad in the dream means depression or rejection. It also means broken relationship and you will try to mend it by adopting a pet. Dreaming of buying dog from an unknown place suggests transfer or moving to a new place suddenly and not knowing what to do. It also means loneliness or forced change of house or location. Dream of buying dog and you are unhappy or crying means you will be forced to take up something that you do not like. It also means you will be doing something that you have no interest. Dream of buying dog and you see different types of dog suggest positive change and desire fulfillment in life. It also means getting into a new hobby or doing something meaningful in life. Dreaming of buying dog and the dog is always barking or is dull means yo

Dreaming of buying donuts is a good and positive sign as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means desire fulfillment, positive change in life, new job or better career options and happy occasion in the family. It also means spending time with people you love. Dreams of buying donuts and it is falling from your hand means misfortune or a happy occasion turning into a dreadful event. Dream of buying colorful donuts is sign of marriage or new relationship. It also means new friendship and visiting places associated with food. Dreaming of buying donuts from an unknown place indicates you will move away from current location and will be happy with the new place. Dream of buying donuts and you are crying or sad means someone will go away from your life temporarily. The dream also means you will have to go away leaving friends and family for something better in life. Dream of buying donuts and you are not seen in the dream means someone else will make important decisions

What then is this universe? Where has it come from and where does it go when it disappears in the state of Samadhi? The universe is an illusive creation. Maya is the great magician who produces all these worlds, as the magician produces illusive sights of persons and objects when we come under his hypnotic spell. But even this is a vision very hard to attain, and a consciousness so grand, so sublime that only the most spiritual can attain it. As from one lump of clay, many various objects can be made, and every one of those objects is only clay, not different from the original lump except for name and form, even so from our Atman, from our Spirit, has emerged this whole universe. It is not different from the Atman except for name and form. The Atman seen through maya, caught as it were in the net of name and form, becomes the universe. God, the Spirit, our own true Self, enclosed in name and form, becomes man, beast and all that exists. Name and form are but ignorance, only a dream

Dreaming of buying drinking water is both good and bad as per dream interpretation and meaning. The dream of buying drinking water mean you will have to stay outside home for a considerably long time in near future. It also means spending time under sun or in a hot region. If you are happy in the dream means that you will get opportunity in near future to come out of old problems. Your name will be cleared. There will be sin redemption and you can start a new life. Dreams of buying drinking water and you are scared or threatened or unhappy means you will get into some kind of trouble. The dream is a kind of warning to avoid unwanted friendship and illegal activities. Dreaming of buying drinking water and you see family members happy means it is a sign of hope, progress and freshness. It also means picnic and vacation. Dream of someone else buying drinking water and you are just witnessing it means you will meet a person or will have an incident in near future which will change your

Dreaming of buying dry fish is a negative and warning sign as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream means sudden social and economic problems in your region. It also means you facing unexpected financial difficulties. Dreams of buying dry fish also mean natural calamity or lack of fresh produce in your region in near future. Dream of buying dry fish and you are happy means you will experiment with a new cuisine. It also means you dropping your inhibitions and trying out something new. It also means making friends with people outside your community or circle. Dreaming of buying dry fish and the place is strange and unknown to you means staying far away from home and unable to decide on what to eat. It also means sudden changes causing havoc in your life. Dreams of buying dry fish and you see it changing color means food poisoning. It also means food related problems causing harm to your daily routine.

Dreaming of buying dresses is a positive sign as per dream meaning and interpretation. The dream is associated with new friends and better future. The dream is asking you to mingle with people and develop new connections and positivity. Dreams of buying new dresses also mean upcoming functions or marriage. Dream of buying dresses also suggests happy occasions in life, new relationship, functions, travel and meeting of someone special. It is also a sign of success. Dreaming of buying dresses and you see huge bag etc is associated with some kind of journey and positive challenges in life. It means change of place or the way you make money. Dream of buying dresses and you are walking alone is a reminder to you to get your wishes fulfilled and it is the right time. Dreaming of buying dresses and walking in them in a shop or some other place is a sign that you need to get your act quickly and work on your desires and dreams. The time is apt now and it might not be so good later on.

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Tuesday, 31 January 2023 – It is Shukla Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day during the waxing or light phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Shukla Paksha Dashami tithi or the tenth day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 2:14 PM on January 31. Then onward it is Shukla Paksha Ekadashi tithi or the eleventh day during the waxing or light phase of moon till 3:18 PM on February 1. 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 31, 2023 as per Hindu Calendar – Good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Krittika or Karthika or Karthigai nakshatra till 1:13 AM on January 31. Then onward it is Rohini nakshatra till 2:36 AM on February 1. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, north Karnataka and south Rajasth