Dedicated Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the Neyyattinkara Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is an ancient shrine in Trivandrum District in Kerala. The temple is around 20 km south of Trivandrum city. Unnikannan or the baby form of Sri Krishna is worshipped in the temple. Legend of Ammachi Plavu One of the Travancore kings, Marthanda Varma, was surrounded by his enemies. A boy appeared from nowhere and showed Marthanda Varma a spot to hide. It was inside the hollow trunk of a jackfruit tree. Later Marthanda Varma realized that the boy was Lord Krishna. The king then decided to build a temple dedicated to Sri Krishna near the Ammachi Plavu. The shrine was built in 1755. The Ammachi Plavu is now preserved inside the shrine. The main murti worshipped in the form of baby Sri Krishna holding butter in both hands. The murti faces west and is made of Panchaloha . The subsidiary deities worshipped in the shrine are Ganesha, Sastha and Nagaraja. Neyyattinkara Sreekrishna Swamy Temple is a...

Padmamalini is one among the numerous names of Goddess Lakshmi . The name is found in the Moksha Dharma Parva of the Shanti Parva of Mahabharat. Goddess Lakshmi narrates her story to Indra in the chapter of Mahabharata. Padmamalini because she emerged from lotus which was fully bloomed by the rays of the sun. The name also means one who wears garland made of lotuses. It is believed that initially Padmamalini resided among daityas or demons as they then had clean habits and good moral behavior. But when all forms of corruption set in the daitya society she abandoned them.

 Faith, or "Shraddha" in Hinduism, holds a profound spiritual significance. It serves as a powerful force that shapes not only an individual’s spiritual journey but also impacts physical, mental, and social well-being. The Hindu tradition emphasizes faith as essential for personal growth, connection with the divine, and fostering harmony in society. Let’s explore 12 spiritual benefits of faith in Hinduism, along with practical day-to-day applications, its broader importance, and specific mantras that can support this journey. 12 Spiritual Benefits of Faith in Hinduism Deepening Connection with the Divine Faith helps to deepen one's connection with the divine, making it easier to seek guidance, find peace, and feel a direct relationship with deities. It opens the heart to God's presence and fosters devotion (Bhakti). Clarity of Purpose Faith in Hinduism leads to a clear understanding of one’s life purpose or "Dharma." It guides individuals toward fulfilling...

Hastamala was one of the first four disciples of Adi Shankaracharya. He is believed to be the son of Prabhakara of the Mimamsa School and lived at present day Gokarna in Karnataka. He is considered to be jivanmukta, liberated while living in the body. Legend has it that as a child, Hastamala could not speak and was considered dull-witted. Once on a pilgrimage, the child slipped into water. A yogi who happened to witness this revived the child by entering into his body. When Adi Shankaracharya visited Gokarna, Hastamala’s father took him to the great teacher. Shankara asked boy who he was. The body suddenly recited twelve beautiful verses, saying that he was but pure consciousness with no distinctions. The twelve verses deal with the nature of reality. It is known by the names of Haptamalaka Shloka, Vedanta Siddhanta Dipika and Viveka Manjari. Adi Shankaracharya wrote a commentary on it and it is known as Hastamalakiyam. Shankaracharya accepted the child as his disciple...

Binikei Pitha is a shrine located amidst dense forest at Binikei near Athamallik in Angul District in Odisha. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Binikia or Binikei. The temple is on banks of Mahanadi River and is around 25 km from Athamallik. The history of Maa Binikei Temple is vague. There are no proper historical records. Some scholars believe the present shrine was constructed during the 19th century. It is believed that the murti was recovered during the 9th century AD. The Murti or Idol of Goddess Binikei worshipped here is a fierce one. She is seen as standing on a man. She also holds the body of another man. Thus the murti symbolizes destruction of evil and protection of devotees. She removes darkness caused by people practicing Adharma. She upholds righteousness by protecting those who practice Dharma. She is also worshipped by Tantrics. Thus the temple is also a Tantric center. The important festival observed here is Dol Yatra during Holi Period in March....

A few teachings with explanation from Advaita Bodha Dipika by Sri Karapatra Swami All is absolute, pure, infinite consciousness, non-dual, supreme intelligence, the self-existent Self or Brahman. Maya or illusion, the powers of veiling and projection are inherent powers in Brahman. These powers manifest an apparent but unreal universe. It is unreal because it was not before manifestation and will not be after dissolution. Therefore it is likened to a dream in the supreme intelligence or mind of Brahman. Thus the apparent universe is but an appearance based on Brahman. It does not exist apart from Brahman. Source – article titled Is Life A Dream? By Alan Jacobs in May 2016 edition of Prabuddha Bharata. --- The statement ‘it is unreal because it was not before manifestation and will not be after dissolution ‘ is a concept or idea that suggests something is unreal because it exists only within a certain framework of manifestation and dissolution. This concept could be interpre...

Talakaveri is the source of Cauvery River. Talacauvery is located around 5 km from Bhagamandala. Talakaveri Temple is a small shrine at the source of Cauvery River and it can be approached by walking or through motorable road from Bhagamandala. Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shivling worshipped in the temple belonged to Bhaganda Maharshi. Legend has it that Sri Bhaganda Maharshi did severe penance to appease Lord Subramanya and Lord Shiva. Lord Subramanya blessed the saint and the place, named the area as Skanda Kshetra, and manifested in the form of a murti (idol). She saint continued his penance; pleased with the worship Lord Shiva blessed Sri Bhaganda Maharshi and assured him of his divine presence in the place. Sri Bhaganda Maharshi installed a Shiva Linga, invoked in it the divine presence of Lord Shiva, and worshipped it. Since the Shivling was installed by Sri Bhaganda Maharshi it became popular and known as Sri Bhagandeshwara. The shr...

Fasting, known as "Upavasa" in Hinduism, is an ancient practice that holds deep spiritual significance. Fasting for 24 hours is a way to purify the body, mind, and soul, while deepening one's connection with the divine. It is a tool for self-discipline, spiritual growth, and attaining clarity. Fasting is believed to free one from physical indulgences, redirecting the focus towards the inner self and the universe. 12 Spiritual Benefits of Fasting Purification of Body and Mind : Fasting helps cleanse the digestive system and detoxify the body, which aligns the body with its natural rhythms. This physical cleansing also leads to mental clarity, helping one remain focused on spiritual pursuits. Increased Self-Control and Discipline : Abstaining from food teaches self-restraint and self-discipline. This improves one’s ability to control desires and habits, making the mind sharper and more focused. Spiritual Awareness and Introspection : Fasting fosters a sense of detachment f...

At the end of the 18-day Kurukshetra war in the Mahabharata, Duryodhana lost all his brothers and important warriors including Bhishma, Drona and Karna. Duryodhana died the death of a coward as he ran away from the battlefield. The story of the death of Duryodhana is found in the Sauptika Parva Chapter 9 of Mahabharat. During the fag end of the Kurukshetra war, despair and fear gripped Duryodhana. He fled on foot and hid himself in a big lake called Dwaipayana. The Pandavas soon found out the hiding place of Duryodhana and reached the spot. The Pandavas taunted Duryodhana to come out and fight. Duryodhana replied that they can have the country for themselves, and he would retire to forest. Pandavas told Duryodhana that they did not want the kingdom as a gift from him but would fight and regain it from him. Duryodhana agreed to come out and fight provided he was allowed to fight with a single person at a time. Yudhisthira agreed and told him that he could fight with ...

Overcoming Lack of Energy to Exercise in Hinduism: Solutions, Practical Approaches, and Spiritual Inspiration In Hinduism, the mind and body are deeply intertwined, and energy is seen as both a physical and spiritual force. The lack of energy to engage in physical activities like exercise can stem from mental, emotional, or even spiritual imbalances. However, through daily practice, prayer, and mindfulness, you can overcome this energy blockage and find both the motivation and physical strength to exercise regularly. Below are practical approaches, spiritual inspiration, and mantras from various Hindu deities that can help. Spiritual Solutions and Practices 1. Invoking the Energy of Hanuman Hanuman is a symbol of physical strength, courage, and devotion. His devotion to Lord Rama made him the perfect example of tireless energy and willpower. Worshipping Hanuman can help you channel his unstoppable vigor to overcome lethargy. Mantra for Strength and Energy : "Om Hanumate Namah...