The Dasnami Act and the Decline of Durga Puja in 19th-Century Bengal Between 1830 and 1840, Kolkata witnessed a noticeable decline in its once-grand Durga Puja celebrations. What had been an opulent display hosted by kings, zamindars, and wealthy families began to shrink in scale and number. The reasons behind this shift were rooted not only in economics but also in social, political, and religious tensions of the time. British Patronage and the Rise of Lavish Celebrations During the early colonial era, British officials frequently attended Durga Pujas organised by affluent Bengali families. These hosts viewed the pujas as opportunities to impress the British sahibs in hopes of receiving titles, favours, and administrative advantages. British guests were welcomed with elaborate feasts, entertainment, liquor, and dance performances. Over time, the festival became intertwined with colonial social culture, creating discomfort on both sides. Growing Tensions and Missionary Pressure Hindu ...

The Ayushya Suktas in the Atharva Veda are a collection of hymns and prayers dedicated to seeking blessings for longevity and well-being. These suktas are recited on various auspicious occasions such as caula (tonsure ceremony), upanayana (sacred thread ceremony), godana (gifting of cows), and other significant life events. The term "Ayushya" itself means "longevity" or "life span," reflecting the central theme of these suktas. It is a common desire among individuals to live a full and healthy life, often aspiring to reach the milestone of a hundred years. One notable aspect of these suktas is the prescription of certain rituals or practices believed to enhance longevity. For instance, in Atharva Veda Kanda 17, there is a reference to the "raksha sutra" or the "thread of protection." This thread is worn on the body as a protective amulet, with the belief that it can safeguard the wearer and help them attain a long life. Overall, t...

In Hindu religion, worship or propitiation of deities is known as aradhana. In Pre-Vedic times, the gods who were formally worshipped were Surya, Agni, Prajapati, Dhanvantari, Indra, and Vishvedevas. Adi Shankaracharya is said to have popularized sanmata, the worship of the six deities – Ganapati, Surya, Subrahmanya, Shakti, Vishnu and Shiva. The main Hindu deities who are worshiped under the panchayatanapuja are Vishnu (in several forms), Shiva, Durga, Ganesha and Surya. There can be five, ten, sixteen, eighteen, or sixty-four upacharas (ways) of worship. The most common is the one involving sixteen ways known as sodasha-upachara. First, the deity is invoked (avahana) and invited to be seated (asana). The deity’s feet are washed (padya) and an offering (arghya) consisting of eight ingredients – curds, whole grains of rice, ends of kusha grass, milk, durva grass, honey, barley grains and white mustard seeds mixed in water – is made. After water is sipped from the palm of one’s hand (...

Chapano Puja In 19 th Century Bengal – Forced Durga Puja A Peculiar Custom in Old Kolkata In 19th-century Kolkata, a curious and often troubling practice emerged during the Durga Puja season. Known as “Chapiye Deoya Pujo” or “Chapano Pujo” —literally meaning Forced or Imposed Puja —this tradition involved secretly placing a Durga idol at someone’s doorstep, compelling them to perform the festival rituals. Christian Missionary Intervention Christian Missionaries were baffled to see many British officers and their families participating in the Durga Puja celebrations. They were concerned and worried they got Durga Puja banned in 1840 in Kolkata. In 1840, the British government passed the "Dasnami Act," which prohibited the British and Hindus from participating in festivities, playing drums, or patronizing the pujas. As a result, the lavish pujas at the homes of Kolkata's rich were toned down. The British stopped attending, and as a result, the kings and landlords also sc...

Veer Tejaji, a revered folk deity in the vibrant state of Rajasthan, India, holds a significant place in the hearts of the people, both in rural and urban areas. The most important festival dedicated to this rural deity is celebrated on the 10th day of the waning phase of the moon in the Bhadrapad month, known as Bhadrapad Krishna Paksha Dashami tithi. Veer Tejaji festival 2026 date is from August 28 to September 11. The most important date is September 6. This festival marks the death anniversary of Veer Teeja Ji, a momentous occasion for his devotees. Born around January 29, 1074, in Kharnal, Rajasthan, India, to parents Ramkunwari and Tahar, Veer Teja is considered one of the major eleven incarnations of Shiva. His legend is steeped in folklore and tales of valor. The story goes that Teja met his demise in 1103, and the circumstances surrounding his death are both poignant and remarkable. According to the legend, Veer Tejaji faced a snakebite that ultimately led to his passing. ...

Ayodhya in India and Ayutthaya in Thailand are separated by about 3,500 kilometres in two different countries, but it is Bhagavan Sri Rama which binds these two nations and its people together. Bhagavan Sri Rama is central to the people of both the countries. The kingdom of Siam (Thailand) was established in the first half of the 13th century. Ayutthaya, around 70 kilometres north of Bangkok, became the most important city and capital of the kingdom of Siam. The word Ayutthaya has its roots in Ayodhya, the birthplace of Bhagavan Sri Rama. Ayutthaya indicates the influence of Hinduism in the region and is associated with ‘Ramakien’, the Thai version of The Ramayana. King Ramathibodi is said to be the first king of the kingdom of Ayutthaya and had named this city. The name of King Ramathibodi also shows the influence of the Ramayana. It is said that Royal rituals were based on Hindu Vedic scriptures and the Royal household adopted the religious-political ideology that had been embo...

The story of Sri Krishna and kind tailor happened when Sri Krishna and Balarama were visiting Mathura for the first time on the invitation of King Kamsa. Balarama and Sri Krishna walked like lions along the streets of Mathura and people of Mathura showered flowers upon them. A tailor on the streets of Mathura felt great devotion towards Sri Krishna and Balarama. He approached the two young boys and gave them new clothes having different colors and designs. He begged the boys to accept his gifts. Sri Krishna and Balarama accepted the humble gift and dressed themselves in the splendid attire gifted to them. The two young boys shone like two you elephants of white and blue complexion arrayed for a great festival. Bhagavan Sri Krishna was pleased with the humility and devotion of the tailor. He blessed the tailor that he will become a rich man and will have a peaceful happy and prosperous life. Krishna also blessed him that he will attain Vaikunta after his death.

The Bhaishajya Suktas found in the Atharva Veda represent a treasure trove of ancient wisdom regarding diseases, their causes, and potential cures. These texts exhibit a profound understanding of health sciences, which is why the Atharva Veda is often regarded as the precursor to Ayurveda, the science of health and longevity in Indian tradition. In some classifications, Ayurveda is even listed as an Upaveda or subsidiary of the Atharva Veda. Within these suktas, numerous prayers for health and longevity are expressed, reflecting a deep reverence for the preservation of well-being. Additionally, the detailed descriptions of various parts of the human body demonstrate an intimate knowledge of human anatomy, further emphasizing the advanced understanding of the ancient seers. The diseases mentioned in these texts encompass a wide range of ailments, including fever, leucoderma, leprosy, jaundice, diabetes, dropsy, skin disorders, ear, nose, and throat troubles, bone fractures, heart di...

Atidesha, in the context of Vedic sacrifices, holds significant importance as it allows for the extension or transference of details from one ritual to another. This principle is often employed in Vedic sacrifices to streamline the performance of similar rites and ensure consistency across different rituals. The concept of atidesha involves two key elements: the prakriti and the vikriti. The prakriti refers to the model or archetype sacrifice that contains all the intricate details of the ritual, while the vikriti is the derived or secondary sacrifice that adopts many of its details from the prakriti. There are two primary methods through which atidesha is provided: through vacana (Vedic text) or nama (name). When a Vedic text explicitly states that the details of a particular sacrifice are to be filled in from another similar sacrifice that has already been described, it is atidesha by vacana. On the other hand, when two rites share similar names, the details of one can be derived...

Atikricchra, which translates to 'extremely difficult,' is a rigorous penance prescribed in the dharmashastras and puranas for the expiation of sins in Hinduism. Within the category of prayascittas, or expiatory rites, Atikricchra stands out as one of the most demanding. It is classified as a kricchra, a type of penance that entails significant hardship and difficulty for the individual performing it. This particular expiation requires a twelve-day observance and is believed to cleanse the practitioner of sins, excluding those categorized as 'mahapatakas,' such as killing innocent beings, incest, or theft of rightfully earned possessions. For mahapatakas, the expiatory rite is entering fire and committing suicide. During the twelve-day period, the individual is subjected to strict dietary restrictions and ascetic practices: First Three Days: The practitioner is allowed only one morsel of food each morning. Second Three Days: The intake is reduced further, permitti...

Siddheshwari Temple, located on Bidhan Sarani near College Street, is crowded with devotees all year round. The temple was established in 1703 AD by Udaynarayan Brahmachari. Udaynarayan himself was a Tantric practitioner. Kolkata had not yet truly become 'Kolkata.' Most parts of Sutanuti-Gobindapur were covered in a blanket of water and jungle. In that dense jungle, Udaynarayan built a Kali idol with his own hands out of clay, who is still worshipped as Goddess Siddheshwari. Devotees know this 'awake' (powerful/living) temple as Thanthania Kalibari. Sri Ramakrishna And Coconut Water And Sugar (Daab And Chini) Offering In The Temple In his early life, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa used to visit this temple often to have darshan of the Goddess. He would sing songs to please the Goddess. Even later, after settling down at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, he did not forget the old Goddess Siddheshwari. He would come to this temple and offer prayers on specific occasions. I...

The Atiratra, an important Vedic ritual in Hinduism, holds significance as one of the seven forms of the Somayaga sacrifice. The seven forms of Somayaga are: Agnistoma, Atyagnistoma, Ukthya, Sodasin, Vajapeya, Atiratram and Aptoryama. The term "Atiratra" literally translates to "that which extends beyond a night," indicating its duration spanning more than a single day and night. Within the spectrum of Vedic sacrifices, Athirathram stands out for its elaborate procedures and ancient origins, with references dating back to the Rig Veda (7.103.7). As the sixth in the series of Somayaga, Atiratram is believed to be a modification of the Agnistoma ritual. It encompasses various intricate rites and ceremonies, each imbued with symbolic and spiritual significance. Some of its essential features include: Chanting of Stotras and Sastras: Participants recite 29 stotras and 29 sastras, with additional recitations conducted during the night in four rounds. These hymns and...

Dreaming of sauce is a good omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. Dream of sauce might represent a desire for nourishment or fulfillment in your waking life. It could symbolize a need for emotional or physical nourishment. Dreams of sauce might indicate a desire to add more creativity or zest to your life or current projects. Sauce can represent emotions or emotional expression. Depending on the type of sauce and your feelings about it in the dream, it could symbolize passion, intensity, or even anger. Sauce dream could symbolize the need to blend different aspects of your life or integrate various parts of yourself. Depending on your relationship with food, dreaming of sauce might represent indulgence or guilt associated with eating habits or lifestyle choices. In some contexts, sauce can have sensual connotations, symbolizing sexuality or desire. Dreaming of sauce could represent a longing for intimacy or physical connection. The specific type of sauce in your dream could hol...

Bali, often referred to as the "Island of Gods," stands as a cultural and spiritual gem with its numerous temples that not only serve as places of worship but also play a pivotal role in preserving the rich cultural heritage and fostering social cohesion. These temples are not merely physical structures dedicated to deities; they are integral to the island's identity and its people's way of life. The Hindu temples in Bali serve multifaceted purposes beyond the traditional act of worshipping gods. One of the central concepts that encapsulates the essence of Balinese life is the Tri Hita Karana. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of harmony and balance in three fundamental connections: human connections with other humans, humans with nature, and humans with the creator. The Tri Hita Karana concept in Bali Hinduism is considered the cornerstone of Bali's prosperity, promoting well-being and social coherence. The intricate design and artistic expressions fo...

Dreaming of sauna is a positive sign as per dream meaning and interpretation. Dream of a sauna may indicate a need for relaxation or a desire to escape from the stresses of daily life. It could be a sign that you need to take some time for self-care and relaxation. Dreams of sauna may symbolize a desire for purification or cleansing in your life, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual. It could suggest a need to release toxins or negative energy. It may also represent a desire for more intimacy or connection in your relationships. It could also symbolize a need to socialize and spend time with others. Sauna in dream may indicate a need to reflect on your thoughts and feelings or to take some time for introspection. Saunas are typically hot and steamy environments, which can symbolize passion and intensity. Dreaming of a sauna may represent a desire for more passion or excitement in your life, whether it be in your relationships, career, or personal pursuits. Dreaming of a saun...

One can realize God through intense renunciation. But the soul must be restless for Him, as restless as one feels for a breath of air when one’s head is pressed under water. A man can see God if he unites in himself the force of these three attractions: the attraction of worldly possessions for the worldly man, the husband’s attraction for the chaste wife, and the child’s attraction for its mother. If you can unite these three forms of love and give it all to God, then you can see Him at once. ... ‘The other day I told you the meaning of bhakti. It is to adore God with body, mind, and words. “With body” means to serve and worship God with one’s hands, go to holy places with one’s feet, hear the chanting of the name and glories of God with one’s ears, and behold the divine image with one’s eyes. “With mind” means to contemplate and meditate on God constantly and to remember and think of His lila. “With words” means to sing hymns to Him and chant His name and glories. ‘Devotion as ...

Keeping Ganpati at Home in Hinduism The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is a cherished occasion for bringing Lord Ganesha's idol into homes, symbolizing the removal of obstacles and the bestowing of wisdom and prosperity. Hosting Ganpati at home is not just a ritual but a practice steeped in faith, devotion, and discipline. Preparations for Keeping Ganpati at Home Select an Idol : Choose a Ganpati idol made of eco-friendly materials like clay to honor environmental values. Ensure the idol’s trunk curves to the left (Vamangi) for easier rituals. Sacred Space : Identify a clean, elevated, and quiet area in your home. The northeast corner (Ishan Kon) is the most auspicious direction. Decorations : Adorn the space with flowers, rangoli, and lights. Include sacred symbols like the swastika, Om, or lotus. Positioning the Idol Direction : Place the idol facing the east or west for auspiciousness. Seating Position : Ensure Ganesha is seated and grounded firmly, symbolizing stabili...

Dreaming of sausage dogs is both positive and negative sign as per dream meaning and interpretation. Dream of sausage dogs may represent your desire for companionship or your appreciation for the loyalty of those around you. Dreams of sausage dogs may indicate that you need to adopt a similar attitude towards your own endeavors. Depending on the context of the dream, sausage dogs could represent feelings of being overwhelmed or pressured. Perhaps you feel like you're being chased or hounded by responsibilities or obligations. Sausage dogs dream could symbolize a need for more playfulness and spontaneity in your life. Due to their phallic shape, sausage dogs could also represent sexuality or sensuality in dreams. This interpretation would depend heavily on the specific details and emotions of the dream. Loyalty and companionship:  Sausage dogs are known for their loyalty and friendliness, so they could represent positive relationships in your life or a desire for such connect...

Observing the Environment in Hinduism: A Holistic Perspective Hinduism deeply reveres the environment, seeing it as a manifestation of the Divine. The natural world is considered sacred, and environmental care is an integral part of dharma (duty). By exploring its symbolism, rituals, mantras, and stories, we can understand Hinduism's profound guidance for environmental conservation. 1. Importance of Observing the Environment in Hinduism Interconnectedness : Hindu philosophy emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life. Concepts like Prakriti (nature) and Purusha (spirit) highlight that the environment and humans are interdependent. Divine Presence : Elements of nature, such as rivers, trees, mountains, and animals, are seen as embodiments of the Divine. Protecting them is akin to worshipping God. Sustainability : The Vedas and Upanishads stress the need for balance and harmony with nature. Exploitation is discouraged as it disrupts the cosmic order ( Rta ). 2. Symbolism in Natur...

Dreaming of sausage rolls is both good and bad omen as per dream meaning and interpretation. Dream of sausage rolls might symbolize a desire for nourishment, both physical and emotional. It could indicate a need for comfort or a longing for simpler, more satisfying aspects of life. Dreams of sausage rolls could symbolize a desire for pleasure, intimacy, or indulgence in life's simple pleasures. Sausage rolls dream could also represent creativity and the ability to combine different elements to create something satisfying and whole. Just as sausage rolls consist of various ingredients wrapped together, this dream might symbolize your ability to integrate different aspects of your life or personality. Dreaming of eating or craving sausage rolls excessively might suggest feelings of guilt or overindulgence in waking life. It could be a subconscious reflection of concerns about unhealthy habits or behaviors. Such dreams could also symbolize a desire for social connection, celebration, ...

Dreaming of Jupiter and Saturn together is both positive and negative sign as per dream meaning and interpretation. Dream of Jupiter and Saturn may symbolize a balance between the desire for expansion and the need for discipline in your life. It could be a sign that you're seeking to expand your horizons or pursue new opportunities, but you also recognize the importance of staying grounded and disciplined in your approach. Dreams of Jupiter and Saturn may suggest a need to find balance and harmony in your life. You may be striving to reconcile conflicting aspects of yourself or seeking equilibrium between different areas of your life, such as work and personal life, or ambition and relaxation. Dreaming of these two planets together may indicate a recognition of both the opportunities and obstacles on your path. It could be a reminder to stay optimistic and focused on your goals, even in the face of difficulties, or to approach challenges with patience and perseverance. Jupiter And ...

Tithi in Panchang – Hindu Calendar on Wednesday, February 7 2024 – It is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day during the waning or dark phase of moon in Hindu calendar and Panchang in most regions. It is Krishna Paksha Dwadashi tithi or the twelfth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 10:30 AM on February 7. Then onward it is Krishna Paksha Trayodashi tithi or the thirteenth day during the waning or dark phase of moon till 9:01 AM on February 8. (Time applicable in all north, south and eastern parts of India. All time based on India Standard Time.)  Good – Auspicious time on February 7, 2024 as per Hindu Calendar – There is no good and auspicious time on the entire day.  Nakshatra  – Mool or Moolam nakshatra till 3:06 AM on February 7. Then onward it is Purvashada or Pooradam nakshatra till 2:21 AM on February 8. (Time applicable in north, south and eastern parts of India).  In western parts of India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, nor...

"Atirudra" (also written as Atirudram or Ati Rudra, is a significant ritual in Hinduism aimed at mitigating the effects of sins through elaborate recitations of the Rudra hymn, which is found in the Taittiriya Samhita (4.5) of the Yajur Veda. The Rudra hymn consists of eleven stanzas beginning with the words "namaste rudra manyava" and is also known as Rudradhyaya. This hymn is revered for its potency in appeasing Lord Rudra, a manifestation of Lord Shiva associated with fierce aspects and transformative energies. The ritual of Ati Rrudram involves a progressive increase in the number of recitations of the Rudra hymn. Reciting the Rudra once is termed as "avartana." When recited eleven times, it's known as "Ekadasini." If the Ekadasini is repeated eleven times, it's termed as "Laghu Rudra." Eleven repetitions of the Laghurudra constitute the "Maharudra." Finally, the culmination of this progression is the "Atiru...

Sarvajna Muni (16th century CE) is a shaivite saint poet and is known as Sarvajna Kavi and Sarvajna Murti in Karnataka. Nothing is known about his place of birth or parentage. He calls himself ‘son of Shiva.’ His original name is also not recorded, because Sarvajna is his insignia; it only occurs as the last word in his Kannada poems. Sarvajna (all-knowing) might have been his title or name. His poems have tripadi (three lines), and they speak of the four purusharthas (values) of life. His poems are also called Sarvajna Vachana, because vachana is a kind of poetic prose or blank verse employed by the Shivasaranas, like Basavanna, Prabhulinga, and Akkamahadevi of the 12 th century CE. The writings of Sarvajna are unique. Besides being literary, they carry the religious experience and knowledge of the writer. Sarvajna Muni traveled widely and met different kinds of people, varying in culture and religion. As he puts it succinctly, he learned something from everyone and became Sarvaj...

The qualities attributed to Bhagavan Sri Rama in Hindu philosophy serve as timeless principles that individuals can emulate in their lives and within their families. Integrity in Life: Bhagavan Sri Rama is often revered for his unwavering commitment to righteousness and truth. Emulating integrity involves being honest and maintaining moral and ethical principles in all aspects of life. It requires a steadfast dedication to doing what is right, even in the face of challenges and temptations. Forgiveness with Strength and Bravery: The ability to forgive is a sign of inner strength and courage. Bhagavan Sri Rama's forgiveness towards those who wronged him, such as Ravana, showcases the power of forgiveness combined with strength. Embracing forgiveness allows individuals to release negative emotions, promoting inner peace and fostering positive relationships. Sincerity and Humility: Sincerity in actions and humility in demeanor are virtues that Bhagavan Sri Rama exemplifies. Pra...

In Hinduism, the practice of fasting and mantra repetition holds significant importance and is believed to be a means of attaining spiritual growth, inner peace, and even material fulfillment. The mantra "hram hrim sah," also known as Mahashveta, is associated with the Sun and is considered powerful when chanted on Sundays. The Sun, in Hinduism, is often regarded as a symbol of vitality, strength, and divine energy. Fasting on a Sunday while reciting this mantra is believed to enhance the efficacy of the practice. The idea behind this is rooted in the alignment of cosmic energies and the belief that certain mantras resonate more strongly on specific days. Sunday, being associated with the Sun, is considered an auspicious day for the worship of Surya, the solar deity. Chanting the Mahashweta mantra is thought to invoke positive energies, bring about personal transformation, and fulfill one's desires. The repetition of mantras is seen as a way to focus the mind, purify ...

 Apunya is the fruit of bad or improper deeds in Hinduism. Every human being is observed to undergo, the experience of opposites in life, called the dvandavas in yoga, such as sukha and duhkha (pleasure and pain); usna and sita (hot and cold); kathora and mridu (hard and soft); prapto and aprapti (achievement and failure); labha and hani (gain and loss) and so on. Punya and papa (merit and demerit) and also form a set of opposites which are encountered in life by all of us. It is said in Yogasutra of Patanjali (IV:7) that various deeds we perform in life are of three kinds: punya karma or shukla karma (meritorious deeds), krishna-karma (black deeds), and ashukla akrishna karma (neutral deeds). All deeds except the punya karma are called apunya karma in Yoga. Patanjali has explained that every karma done by us bears its fruit in this or the next birth (II: 12-14). Pleasurable fruits arise out of punya karmas, while apunya karmas result from pain and sorrow (II:12). These karmas ...

In Odisha, the Kartik month holds immense significance, particularly during its final five days, known as 'Panchuka.' These days are revered as the holiest in the month, with households across Odisha observing them with deep devotion in pursuit of spiritual tranquility. During this time, people refrain from consuming non-vegetarian food and avoid dishes containing onion and garlic. Some devout followers undertake a stricter observance known as 'Habisha.' The devotees who observe the Habisha ritual is known as Habishyalis. 'Habisha' is regarded as the most auspicious ritual of the Kartik month, and those who adhere to its rigorous guidelines are referred to as 'Habisialis.' According to tradition, Habisialis partake in only one meal a day, consumed in the afternoon before sunset. They either rely on the Mahaprasad from the Jagannath Temple for their sustenance or prepare their own meals adhering to the strict dietary restrictions of Habisha, which exclu...

Sashti fasting is observed on the sixth day of the waxing or light phase of moon, Shukla paksha sashti tithi, in each month of Bengal. The fasting in Bhadra month is known as Jhinge Shashti or Chapara Shashthi. Here is the famous story associated with this particular Sashti. Once upon a time in some land, there lived a merchant. He had a flourishing household. There was no shortage of wealth. He had three sons, and each son had a child. Altogether, the house was always filled with joy. But as it happens—when a person has wealth and happiness, the vapor of pride rises within them. So it did in the mind of the merchant. One day he thought, “With so much property, why should my wife and daughters-in-law go to someone else’s pond to perform the Shashti rituals?” No sooner thought than done—he hired people and began digging a pond in front of his house. One day passed, then two, then three. A whole month went by. Time came again for the Shashti vow. The pond had become deep—so deep it...

Chandan Yatra holds deep cultural and religious significance in the state of Odisha, particularly in the Vaishnavite temples. The festival, spanning 42 days and divided into two parts, Bahara Chandan and Bhitara Chandan, is a vibrant celebration that resonates with symbolism and meaning. Summer Solution Symbolism: The festival begins on Akshaya Tritiya, marking the onset of intense summer in the region. The use of Chandan, or sandalwood paste, and water during the rituals symbolizes a solution to the challenges posed by the intense summer heat. Just as these elements are traditionally used to cool people, the deities are also treated in the same manner, reflecting the belief that the divine beings share similar experiences and needs as humans. Bahara Chandan and Bhitara Chandan: The festival's division into two parts adds depth to its observance. Bahara Chandan involves the deities leaving the temple for rituals, creating a connection between the divine and the external world...

There is a Brahma temple located near the world famous Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar in Odisha. This unique small temple is surrounded on all sides by water. Usually, no deity is worshipped inside this temple. However, during the 42 days Chandan Yatra festival, this temple gains prominence, as the reflective deity of Bhagavan Lingaraja pays a visit here on boat. The legends of Ekamra (Lingaraj Temple) tell a captivating tale of Lord Brahma's connection to the coronation ceremony of Lingaraj in Ekamra Kshetra. According to the lore, during the coronation ceremony where Lingaraj was appointed as the soul of the universe, Lord Brahma graced the occasion. However, when the locals requested Lord Brahma to stay in Ekamra permanently, he couldn't agree to it. Instead, he made a divine promise to return every year for the Rukuna Ratha Jatra (End of March or April) and serve as the charioteer for Lord Lingaraj. In commemoration of Lord Brahma's annual visit, the Brahma Temple was...

Jhalkari Bai, born into a courageous tribal family in the small village of Jhansi on November 22, 1830, left an indelible mark on history through her exceptional bravery and unwavering commitment to the cause of Indian independence. Jhalkari Bai Jayanti is annually observed on November 22. In 2025, it is the 195th birth anniversary of Jhalkari Bai. From a young age, she displayed remarkable courage, as exemplified by an incident where she fearlessly confronted a cheetah while returning from the forest, showcasing her indomitable spirit. Her life took a significant turn when her audacity caught the attention of Rani Laxmi Bai, the queen of Jhansi, who recognized Jhalkari Bai's potential. Impressed by her acts of bravery, Rani Laxmi Bai appointed her as the commander of the women's army. As the First War of Independence unfolded in 1857, Jhalkari Bai played a crucial role in leading a daring escape when the British forces besieged Rani Laxmi Bai, enabling the queen to continue ...

Dreaming of standing in dirty water is a warning sign as per dream meaning and interpretation. Dream of standing in dirty water may symbolize emotional turmoil, confusion, or unresolved feelings. Standing in it could suggest that you are currently navigating through difficult emotions or situations in your waking life. Dreams of standing in dirty water might represent a sense of uncertainty or ambiguity in your life. You may be facing unclear circumstances or struggling with decisions that lack clarity. The dirty water could symbolize negative influences or toxic aspects in your surroundings. This might indicate a need to identify and eliminate harmful elements from your life. Standing in dirty water dream might reflect inner conflict or a sense of being emotionally stuck. It could be a sign that you need to address inner issues and find a way to cleanse or resolve them. Your dream may be highlighting a situation in your life where you are having difficulty seeing things clearly or gai...