Nila is the third consort of Vishnu. The first two are Shri (Goddess Lakshmi) and Bhudevi (Mother Earth). Information about Nila Devi is found in the Vedic hymn Nila Sukta. Nila pardons the mistakes and shortcomings of devotees. Nila symbolically represents Daya (compassion) and Kripa (Grace) aspects of Vishnu. Nila Sukta is chanted to propitiate Nila Devi. Those people who live in remorse and shame of sins committed get relief after chanting Nila Sukta. Andal who is worshipped in South India , especially in Tamil Nadu, is combined form of Bhudevi and Nila. Nila Devi is also addressed as Grithavati (intelligent and gentle), Mahadevi (chief goddess), Nappinnai (consort of Krishna ), Payasvathi (source of milk), Vishnu Patni (consort of Vishnu), Asha (All pervasive) and Manota (Worshipped in mind). Sage Bhrighu’s Prakeernadhikara suggests that on the left side of the main icon of Bhagavan Vishnu, an icon of Nila Devi must be consecrated.  Nila Devi is portrayed ...

Prathyangira Devi Temple is located at Ayyavadi near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. Goddess Pratyangira is an Ugra Avatar or powerful incarnation of Mother Goddess Shakti. The most important ritual at Ayyavadi Pratyangira Devi Temple is Nikumbala Yajna performed on no moon days. It is said that Bhagvan Sri Ram performed this yajna to overcome Ravana and Indrajith . Lord Shiva is worshiped as Agastheeswarar and Mother Goddess is also worshipped as Dharma Samvardini. Prathyangira Devi murti is black in color wears crescent moon on the head and she holds trident, pasa, damaru and is accompanied by Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswathi. Shiva’s manifestation of Sharabha is also worshipped in the temple. The belief is that Sharabha appeared to control the Narasimha avatar of Vishnu. Prathyangira Devi is believed to have appeared from the forehead of Sharabha. Nikumbala Yajna  Nikumbala Yajna performed on no moon days attracts thousands of devo...

Welding Research Institute (WRI) of the Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) recently repaired a centuries old ancient temple bell belong to the Poovanur Sathuranganathar Temple in Tamil Nadu. The bell weighs around 800 kg and was not in use for 70 years due to cracks on it. Such initiatives need to be encouraged as it helps in restoring our tradition and culture. The bell weighs 800 kg Thickness 80 mm Height 750 mm The crack on the bell was 350 mm long and 25 mm wide from the bottom because of continuous usage. The Hindu reports  Briefing about the complex repair welding process, Mr. Easwaran said: “The alloy bell which weighs about 800 kg is essentially made of brass with a thickness of 80 mm and a height of 750 mm and had developed a crack of 350 mm long and 25 mm wide from the bottom because of continuous usage. A special fixture and heating burner were developed and the bell was welded at a controlled temperature using special consumables and flux.”...

Spiritual Benefits of Having a Nose Piercing on the Right Side in Hinduism In Hinduism, body piercings, especially nose piercings, carry deep spiritual significance. Traditionally, nose piercings are seen as part of Ayurveda and Hindu customs, particularly for women, as a way to balance energy, promote good health, and enhance one’s connection with the divine. Piercing on the right side, specifically, holds specific symbolism and benefits, related to energy channels, or nadis , and their connection to the human body and spirit. 1. Connection to the Solar Energy (Surya Nadi) In Hindu belief, the right side of the body is associated with the Surya Nadi or Pingala Nadi , which is linked to the sun and masculine energy. A right-side nose piercing is said to balance the fire element in the body, promoting vitality, strength, and warmth. This piercing can help one access higher levels of consciousness and discipline. 2. Balancing Masculine Energy The piercing on the right side symbolizes th...

Pictures and idols of Lord Shiva depict him wearing snakes (cobra) prominently around his neck. Snake is known as ‘Nag’ or Naga and they hold a special place in Hindu religion. Snakes are worshipped in Hinduism. The snakes found on the body of Lord Shiva are considered to be his ornaments. The snake around Shiva’s neck symbolically represents the ego which ones mastered can be worn as an ornament. Coiled serpents also signify that Shiva is the master of time and energy. Images of snakes are often depicted as coiled around the Linga (Shivling). A five-headed snake forms a canopy over the Lingam . Snakes serve Shiva as his sacred thread, necklace, bracelets, bowstring and are occasionally found on his clothes. There are numerous symbolism attached to the snakes on Shiva. In some case, the snake around his neck symbolize the endless cycle of life and death. The other snakes found on him including in the form of girdle, armlets symbolize the eternal revolution of ages and th...

Lord Vishnu incarnated as Lord Rama to destroy the demons on earth headed by Ravana. The first demon that Lord Rama killed in the epic Ramayana was Tataka or Tadaka. In fact, she is a demoness or rakshasi. Who was this Tataka? The villains in Hindu mythology too have a good past and a reason for their present villainous activities. Similarly, Tataka was a wife of a good ‘yaksha’ before becoming a demoness. Sage Vishwamitra narrates the story of Tataka to Lord Ram. Tataka was the daughter of a powerful ‘yaksha’ named Suketu. ( Yakshas are supernatural beings – some good some evil. ) Suketu had no sons and therefore he performed intense austerities. Pleased with him Lord Brahma appeared before him. But instead of sons, Brahma granted Suketu a daughter with the strength of thousand elephants. Suketu did not complain and brought up his daughter Tataka like a son. She grew up into a beautiful woman and was married to Sunanda. And the couple had a son named Maricha. ...

Kripa – Kripacharya – is one of the important persons in the Mahabharata. Story of the birth of Kripa is found in the Agni Purana. He was the son of Rishi Sharadvan and celestial nymph Janapadi. Although Sharadvan was born in the lineage of saints, he was more interested in Dhanurveda (science of archery). To show his deep interest some scriptures states that he was born with bow and arrow. An expert archer from a young age, Sharadvan did intense penance in the forest to learn all the nuisances of archery. Keeping his bow and arrow nearby he performed Tapas to get blessings from the Trimurtis. As the intensity of the penance of Sharadvan increased, Indra, King of Devas, felt threatened. He saw Sharadvan as a potential threat to his throne and status. To break the penance, Indra deputed celestial nymph Janapadi. She enticed Sharadvan in numerous ways but found on success. Finally she succeeded but just for a moment – Sharadvan lost his senses for a moment but he immediat...

Hindu Goddess Mahamaya is generally a form of Goddess Shakti – more closely associated with Goddess Durga and Goddess Kali. The Sanskrit word Maya has two important meanings – one is measurement and another is extraordinary or supernatural power and also illusion. So the term Mahamaya is an attempt by human mind to capture – unimaginable qualities of Goddess Shakti – like she is matter, she is energy, her various forms, creation, sustenance and destruction. Sadly no human word is powerful enough to capture the true form of Goddess Shakti and it can only be known through self realization. The Devimahatyma states that Goddess Mahamaya appeared from the energy of all Gods. When she was given weapons to destroy Mahisha she became Goddess Durga. There are temples dedicated to Goddess Mahamaya in Jammu and Kashmir , Kerala, Gujarat , Assam ... in fact in almost in all regions in India . The form of Mahamaya worshipped varies from region to region but closely resembles one or ...

Swami Adbhutananda  (not known - 1920) was a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Do you know what happens to one who keeps holy company? If one actively pursues holy company, one develops right understanding, cultivates faith, and devotion to God. Jealousy and hatred go away. Bad feelings subside due to the exchange of spiritual ideas between the devotees. Also, a noble attitude prevails. An intense desire for japa and dhyana arises as well. Association with the holy is the means to become holy. There is a saying, ‘Holy association is like living in Kashi’. Everyone wants to understand the result of holy company in just a day. Can that be understood in a day? Holiness accumulates little by little and becomes large; then only can people recognize and understand it. All the Avatars have taught: ‘Associate with the holy.’ Genuine sadhus always keep themselves busy for God realization. It is very difficult to have devotion and faith to God. Withou...

Story of Sarabhanga Rishi is found in the Aranya Kanda of Ramayana. The meeting between Sri Ram and Sarabhanga Rishi takes place in the Dhanka forest. When approaching the ashram of Sarabhanga Rishi, Shri Ram, Mata Sita and Lakshman notices a glorious chariot standing in air and driven by green horses. Sri Ram understood that it was Indra, the king of Devas, who had arrived on the chariot. Indra had come to take Sarabhanga Rishi to the Brahmaloka but the Rishi had refused to leave the ashram. The pious soul was waiting for the arrival of Sri Ram. When Indra left Sri Ram entered the ashram of Sarabhanga Rishi. The sage then narrated about the arrival of Indra and how he refused to go with him. Sarabhanga Rishi had earned Brahmaloka through intense tapas and austerities for several years. The Rishi wanted to gift his Tapa Shakti to Sri Ram. But Bhagavan refused it stating that He should earn it for Himself. Sri Ram wanted a dwelling place in the area. Sarabhan...