Special Kubera Lingam Worship at Jambukeswarar Temple: Significance, Rituals, and Symbolism The Jambukeswarar Temple, located in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, is a revered pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva. Among its many divine aspects, the temple is famed for housing a unique Shivling known as the Kubera Lingam. This sacred lingam is believed to have been consecrated by Kubera, the god of wealth, making it a focal point of devotion for those seeking prosperity and spiritual upliftment. The temple’s association with wealth and abundance has made the worship of the Kubera Lingam particularly significant, especially during the special abhishekam (ritual bathing) conducted on Aani Purnima, the full moon day in the Tamil month of Aani (June–July). Special Kubera Lingam worship at Jambukeswarar Temple on Aani Purnima day in 2026 is on May 31. The Jambukeswarar Temple and Its Spiritual Legacy The Jambukeswarar Temple is one of the five major Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu associated with t...

The Jambukeswarar Temple, located in Thiruvanaikaval near Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu, is one of the most prominent and revered Shiva temples in India. Known for its deep spiritual significance, intricate architecture, and unique rituals, the temple is one of the five major Shiva temples associated with the five elements, representing water (Neer in Tamil). Among the many sacred rituals performed at this temple, the Annabhishekam ritual holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. Annabhishekam Ritual 2026 at Jambukeswarar Shiva Temple is May 1. The Tradition of Annabhishekam Annabhishekam, which translates to “ablation with cooked rice,” is an elaborate and spiritually significant ritual dedicated to Lord Shiva. In this ritual, the Shiva Lingam is adorned and entirely covered with cooked rice. Traditionally, this ritual is performed on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November). However, at the Jambukeswarar Temple, the Annabhishekam is uniquely condu...

Thirupunkur Shiva Temple, widely revered as Sivalokanathar Temple, stands as a beacon of spiritual heritage and cultural devotion in the heart of Tamil Nadu. Nestled in the quaint town of Thiruppungur, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here in his exalted form as Shivalokanathar, while Goddess Parvathi is venerated as Soundarya Nayaki. The temple not only serves as a pilgrimage center but also plays host to a rich tapestry of festivals and rituals that reflect the deep-rooted traditions of the Tamil community. Sivalokanathar temple Vaikasi Visakam brahmotsavam 2026 date is May 30. Vaikasi Visakam Brahmotsavam Undoubtedly, the most prominent festival celebrated at the Thirupunkur Shiva Temple is the 10-day Vaikasi Visakam Brahmotsavam. Falling in the Tamil month of Vaikasi, this grand festival is marked by vibrant processions, elaborate decorations, and the continuous chanting of hymns and devotional songs. Devotees throng the temple to witness the ceremonial ...

Vaikasi Moolam Festival at Achalpuram Shiva Temple: A Divine Confluence of Faith, History, and Devotion Nestled in the heart of Tamil Nadu, the Shivaloka Thyagar Temple—popularly known as Achalpuram Sivan Koil—stands as a timeless monument of spiritual heritage. This ancient shrine, dedicated to the swayambhu (self-manifested) form of Lord Shiva, is not only a sacred site for devotees but also a living repository of divine legends and hallowed rituals. Among its many celebrated events, the Vaigasi Moolam Festival holds a particularly illustrious place in the hearts of the faithful. Observed annually on the Moolam (Moola) nakshatra day in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June), the festival commemorates the divine wedding and the final, transcendent union of the revered Saint Tirugnana Sambandar with Lord Shiva. Vaikasi Moola festival 2026 date is June 1 The Sacred Legend of Thirugnanasambandar At the center of this festival’s narrative is the legendary figure of Tirugnana Sambandar, one...

The Aani Thirumanjanam festival, celebrated in the Tamil month of Aani (June–July), is one of the most significant and grandly observed festivals at the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple in Tamil Nadu, India. Aani Thirumanjanam Festival at Chidambaram in 2026 is from June 12 to June 22. The Chariot festival is on June 21 and Aani Uthiram Darisanam is on June 22 This ten-day-long celebration is dedicated to Lord Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, and is marked by elaborate rituals, processions, and an awe-inspiring chariot festival. Thousands of devotees from different parts of the country flock to Chidambaram to witness this divine spectacle and seek the blessings of the Lord. Significance of Aani Thirumanjanam Aani Thirumanjanam holds immense religious and spiritual importance, as it is believed that Lord Nataraja grants darshan to his devotees in an elaborate Maha Abhishekam on this day. The festival represents the divine dance of Shiva, the cycle of creation and destruction, and the eternal rhy...

Sant Kabir Jayanti is observed on the Purnima or full moon day in the month of Jyeshta (May – June) as per traditional calendar. In 2026, the date of Sant Kabir Jayanti is June 29. It is believed that Sant Kabir Das was born on this day. The birth anniversary of Sant Kabir is observed in India and around the world. Meetings, satsangs, and recital of Sant Kabir’s poems are held on the day. Sant Kabir was a revolutionary saint and poet and religious reformer who refused the tag of a particular religion by accepting all religions and by propagating that the same Supreme Being appears in all religions. Kabirdas called himself the child of Lord Ram and Allah. He is believed to have lived during the 15th century AD. A weaver by profession, Sant Kabir wrote numerous poems extolling the greatness of the oneness of the Supreme Being. He was able to weave simple philosophical thoughts into his Dohas which were easily digestible by the common man who was always kept aloof by the s...

Ganga Dussehra, also known as Maa Ganga Dashahara, is a 10-day festival dedicated to Goddess Ganga (River Ganga or the Ganges ). In 2026, Ganga Dussehra festival date is from June 15 to June 24. Ganga Dussehra 2026 date is June 24. The festival is celebrated during the first ten days of the Jyeshta Month (May – June) – the first 10 days during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon). It is believed that Goddess Ganga touched the earth on the 10th day of the Shukla Paksha of Jyeshta. Legend has it that King Bhagirath performed intense austerities to bring down Ganga on to earth so that his ancestors are relieved of their sins. Finally, Ganga descended from heaven and Lord Shiva held Her in his matted locks so that the power of Goddess does not destroy the earth. She then traveled to earth purifying all that she touched. Numerous ceremonies are held on the occasion including pujas, prayers, and other rituals. In recent years, with human greed destroying and polluting...

Mahesh Navami is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva and is mainly observed by the Maheshwari Community. Mahesh Navami 2026 date is June 23. The day is also observed as Mahesha Jayanti. The popular belief is that the ancestors of the Maheshwari community were saved by Lord Shiva. The Navami is observed on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in the month of Jyeshta as per traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India . Mahesh is another name of Hindu God Shiva. Maheshwaris are a business community. Legend has it that from a village near Jaipur in Rajasthan more than 50 men had gone on hunting along with the Royal party. The hunters accidentally ventured into an ashram and disturbed the tranquility and peace there. The sages there cursed the hunters and turned them into stone. The wives of the unfortunate hunters prayed to Lord Shiva for the removal of the curse. Lord Shiva agreed to rescue them provided they stopped hunting and involv...

Vat Purnima fasting is observed by married women for the well being of their husbands in certain parts of India . The fast is based on Savitri Satyavan legend in the Mahabharata. Vat Purnima 2026 date is June 29. The Vrat is observed during Poornima (Full moon) in the month of Jyeshtha and is more popular in Gujarat and Maharashtra . In some regions it is a three-day Vrat. For those people who observe the traditional three-day Vrat in India , Vata Purnima Aarambh (Begins) on June 27, 2026 and ends on June 29. Prayers and pujas are dedicated to Vat Vriksha (Banyan Tree) and Savitri. Most people now fast only on the main ritual day that is on the Poornima day. The ritual is also known as Peepal Pujan. The main ritual on the day includes tying of the red or yellow thread around the banyan tree and fasting from sunrise to sunset. It must be noted that Vat Savitri Amavasya Vrat is observed during the Amavas (No moon day) in Jyeshta month and this Vrat is more popular ...

Raja Sankranti is a three-day festival dedicated to girls and women in Odisha. Odia Raja Sankranti festival 2026 date is June 15. It is a three-day festival and the first day is known as Pahili Sankranti (June 14, 2026). The festival also welcomes the impending monsoon season and people do not indulge in farming. Mother earth is given three days rest. The third day of the festival is known as Basi Raja (June 16, 2026). A major highlight of the festival is the special swings prepared for women and girls on huge banyan trees in villages. Numerous different types of swings are prepared for the festival. Women indulge in merry making and swinging on all the three-days. Women do not perform any puja and do not visit temples during the period. There is a popular belief that the three-day period of Raja Sankranti is meant for unmarried girls who will be getting married in the coming year. Women are seen in colorful dresses and well-groomed on all the three days. The fe...

Kheer Bhawani Mela, also known as Kheer Bhawani Yatra, is the annual festival held at the temple of Mata Kheer Bhawani in Tulla Mulla village in Jammu and Kashmir . Kheer Bhawani Mela 2026 date is June 22. It is observed on the Ashtami day during Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in Jyeshta month (June – July). The shrine is also referred as the temple of Ragnya Bhagwati and is noted for a unique holy spring whose water changes its color. Khir Bhawani Yatra celebrates the discovery of the holy spring by a pious Brahmin. For some, the festival celebrates the arrival of Mata Ragnya (Khir Bhawani) to the valley. Legend has it that the idol of Goddess Bhavani was brought to Tula Mula Village by Lord Hanuman from Lanka after the epic battle in Ramayana. The idol of Goddess Bhavani was worshiped by Ravana and he had got the idol after intense austerities. Once Ravana was defeated by Lord Ram, Goddess asked Hanuman to shift her from Lanka. The name Khir Bhawani come...

Dhumavati Jayanti is believed to be the day when Goddess Dhumavati, a fearsome aspect of Goddess Shakti appeared on Earth. Dhumavati Jayanti 2026 date is June 22. It is observed on the eighth day of the Shukla Paksha or waxing phase of moon in the month of Jyestha. Dhumavati is the seventh Mahavidya among the 10 Mahavidyas. Dhumavati Jayanti Mantra ॐ धूं धूं धूमावती देव्यै स्वाहा:॥ Om Dhum Dhum Dhumavati Devayai Swaha Dhumavati is associated with all things that are inauspicious. She is believed to appear during cosmic dissolution. Some scholars are of the view that she is the void that is there before creation and after destruction. As per Padma Purana, Dhumavati is the elder sister of Alakshmi, the Goddess of misfortune and unluck. It is believed that she appeared during the Samudra Manthan or churning of ocean but her behavior is opposite of Lakshmi Maa who also appeared during the churning of ocean. She resides on the Peepal tree. Dhumavati is depicted a...

Aranya Sashti is observed on the sixth day of the waxing phase of moon in the month of Jyeshtha (May – June) as per traditional Hindu calendar. Aranya Sashti 2026 is June 20. It is dedicated to the forest God and also to Goddess Sashti and Kartikeya. There is a popular belief that those who observe Aranya Sashti will be blessed with children. Women observe a partial fast on the day and perform pujas in a forest or under Kadamba Tree. Goddess Shasti is worshiped on the day and offerings are made on a traditional hand-fan. Women only eat fruits on the day. In some regions, women tie a thread around the wrist. The prayers that are offered on the day are the Aranya Suktam from Rig Veda. In western parts of India , a cat along with Goddess Shasti is worshiped on the day. Legend has it that once a married woman stole food and blamed it on a cat. To take revenge, the cat stole all the children that the women gave birth and placed them in a temple dedicated to Shasti. Finally, ...

Jamai Shasti is dedicated to the son-in-law and is observed mainly in Bengal . It is observed on the sixth day during the Shukla Paksha (Waxing Phase of moon) in the month of Jaishto (May – June) in Bengal . Jamai Sashti 2026 date is May 22. In many regions, Goddess Sashti is worshipped on the day for the well being of the children. 'Jamai' means son-in-law and 'Shasti' is the sixth day in a fortnight in a traditional Hindu calendar. Sons-in-law are invited and honored on the day by the in-laws and is social custom in Bengal . Mother-in-laws cook special dishes especially Hilsa fish on the day. The son-in-law is traditionally welcomed to the house and a yellow thread is tied on the wrist. He is given gifts and in return he gifts the mother-in-law. Then a sumptuous dish is served which mainly includes vegetarian and fish dishes. The significance of Jamai Sashti lies in fostering harmony and unity within the family and honoring the relationship bet...

Rambha Tritiya, or Rambha Teej Vrat, is observed mainly in North India on the third day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in the month of Jyeshta (May – June). In 2026, the date of Rambha Tritiya is June 17. The day is dedicated to the Apsara Rambha who had emerged from the ocean during the famous Samudra Manthan – Churning of ocean. She is worshipped on the day by women of some Hindu communities in North India . Rambha, the Apsara, who symbolically represents womanly loveliness and amiability, is one of the 14 gems that came out from the ocean during Samudra Manthan or Churning of Ocean. In some regions, Rambha Tritiya is equated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. She is propitiated by offering wheat, grain and flowers. The beauty aspect of the goddess is that is worshipped on the day. In some regions prayers are also offered to Mata Sati. Rambha Mantra रं रं। रम्भा रं रं देवी   Rm Rm Rambha Rm Rm Devi Benefits of Offering Puja and Wo...

Maharana Pratap Jayanti is annually observed in Hindu lunar month of Jyeshta. It is the birth anniversary celebrations of one of the greatest warriors in India who took on the Mughal rule in India . Maharana Pratap Jayanti 2026 date is June 17. Maharana Pratap (9 May 1540 – 29 January 1597) successfully defeated Mughal army and freed a large part of Rajasthan from Mughal rule. His battles against Mughal ruler Akbar are even today remembered for it ferocity and tactics used. Maharana Pratap was the only Rajput ruler who had not become a vassal of the Mughal Empire. Several treaty options with Mughals were turned down by the powerful Rajput ruler as he found them all as being subservient. Akbar’s army defeated the army of Maharana Pratap at the famous battle of Haldighati. But in a famous counterattack, the fierce warrior defeated the Mughals and recaptured the kingdom with the help of Bhils, a tribe in the region. The great warrior died in 1597 during a hunting ex...

Shani Jayanti is believed to be the day when Lord Shani, one of the Navagrahas made its appearance on Earth. In 2026, the date of Shani Jayanti is May 16. In Western parts of India it is marked on May 26. Shani is feared by those people who believe and follow astrology, as Shanaishchara has the capacity to create malefic influence on the horoscope and thus in their life. Shani Jayanti Mantra शं शनैश्चराय खद्योताय नमः Sham Shaneshcharaya Kadyotaya Namah  Chant the mantra 108 times on the day. On Shani Jayanti day, people perform special pujas at Navagraha Temples or in Shani Temples. Those Hindus having Saturn cycle or Shani cycle or Sade Sathi in their horoscope perform special pujas like Shani Yagya or Homa. Some devotees observe a fast (fasting or upvaas) on the day and the rules observed are similar to Shanivar Vrat or Saturday Fasting. This is a blessing posture of Shani worshipped in  Thirunallar shani temple. Darshan of the murti is consider...

Bhadrakali Jayanti is believed to be the day when Goddess Bhadrakali incarnated. Bhadrakali Jayanti 2026 date is May 13. It is observed on the eleventh day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of moon) in Jyeshta month. The Jayanthi day gains even more auspiciousness when it falls on Tuesday and the Nakshatra is Revati. The day gains even more significance when it falls after Kumbh Mela. Legend has it that Bhadrakali appeared when an angry Shiva upon hearing about Sati’s death pulled his hair and threw it down. From it appeared Bhadrakali. There are numerous stories regarding the origin of Goddess Kali. Devotees wear black clothes on the day and offer coconut water to Goddess Bhadrakali. Murti of Mata is also bathed with milk, sugar etc. The prayers begin at noon. Belief is that prayers offered on the day will help in overcoming horoscope problems and various graha doshas. Another belief states that prayers offered on the day will help in fulfilling 11 desires. In som...

Tirumala Jyeshta Abhishekam is an important ritual observed in the world famous Srivari Tirupati Balaji Temple. It is observed in the Telugu Jyeshta month. Srivari Jyeshta Abhishekam 2026 dates are from June 27 to June 29. Highlight of the Tirumala Jyeshta Abhishekam Lord Venkateswara will give audience to devotees in various armors during the occasion. Diamond Armor – June 27 Pearl Armor – June 28 Gold Armor – June 29 This is the only period when devotees can have darshan of the original murti of Lord Venkateshwara without any adornments. Jyeshta Abhishekam – Why and What The ritual is essentially meant to protect the original murti of Lord Balaji. It is believed that the murti suffers minor damages due to the various daily rituals. To solve this problem, Jyeshta Abhishekam has been performed strictly as per tradition since 1990s. Bhrigu in his Prakirna Adhikara ordains that spicy oils should be offered to Vishnu, the Lord of Lords, on the Full Moon day of the r...

Snana Poornima, or Deba Snan Yatra, is an important ritual before the world famous Rath Yatra at the Puri Jagannath Temple . Snana Purnima 2026 date is June 29. Snana Purnima is bathing ceremony of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra – the deities worshipped at the Jagannath Temple . The ceremony is held in traditional style and grandeur and is a much anticipated ritual. On the day of the Snana Poornima ceremony, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are escorted out of the Ratnasimhasan from the sanctum sanctorum of the Puri Jagannath temple early in the morning. Movement of the Deities Out of Sanctum Sanctorum for Snana Purnima The deities are brought to the Snan Bedi (bathing altar) amidst chanting of mantras and to the sounds of drums, cymbals, bugles and ghantas. This is known as the Dhadi Pahandi procession. This is located in the outer courtyard of the temple complex just behind Meghanda Prachira on the north-eastern si...