Vettakkorumakan Temple at Nilambur in Kerala is dedicated to son of Shiva (Kirata murti) and Goddess Parvati. The shrine is located on the banks of Chaliyar River and is near the Nilambur Bus Stand. The main deity worshipped in the shrine is Vettakkorumakan. He is also referred to as Lord Sastha or Shasthavu. The subsidiary deities in the shrine are Ganapati, Goddess Bhagavati and Nagas. Nilambur Vettakkorumakan Temple is a classic example of Kerala Style Architecture. The shrine is famous for the six-day festival called the Nilambur Pattu Utsavam which is held in Dhanu Masam (December – January). Nilambur Vettakkorumakan Temple Pooja and Darshan Time Morning Darshan - 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM Evening Pooja Time - 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM

A Comparison Between Shamans of Himachal Pradesh and Velichappadu in Kerala Shamanic traditions in India, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and Kerala, have played a vital role in shaping the spiritual and cultural landscape of these regions. In Himachal Pradesh, shamans are commonly referred to as ‘Gur’, ‘Mali’, or ‘Ghanita’ , while in Kerala, they are known as ‘Velichappadu’ (literally, the revealer of light). Despite the geographical and cultural distance between these two regions, both traditions hold deep spiritual significance and share certain similarities, though their practices, roles, and status differ in many ways. 1. Role and Significance Shamans of Himachal Pradesh : The Gur, Mali, or Ghanita in Himachal Pradesh serve as mediators between the divine and the human world. They enter trances during festivals or rituals, believed to be possessed by local deities such as Devtas or Devis , who communicate through them. Their primary role involves healing, protection, and offer...

Goddess Purnagiri is a manifestation of Mother Goddess Shakti. She is associated with Tantra. As per Hevajra Tantra, Purnagiri is one of the important Peetahs and Mother Goddess is worshipped here as Goddess Purneshwari. Legend has it that Lord Shiva was carrying the body of his dead wife Sati around the world. There seemed to be no end to Shiva’s anger and grief. This led to an imbalance in the universe. Finally, Lord Vishnu decided to decimate the body of Sati with his Sudhrashana Chakra. He cut the body of Sati into 51 pieces. Her arms and leg fell at Purnagiri and she came to be known as Goddess Purnagiri. Maa Purnagiri is worshiped for peace, prosperity, protection, good agriculture, healthy children, early cure of diseases and for victory over enemies.

Hingula Temple is dedicated to Mother Goddess Hingula also known as Hinglaj Mata, or Hingulei or Hingulaksi. The shrine is located at the Gopal Prasada Gada village in Angul District in Odisha. There is also an equally important murti (idol) of Lord Jagannath in the temple. It is believed that Goddess Hingula arrived with King Nala and King Gajapati at Gopal Prasada Gada – they were on their way to Puri. Mother Goddess decided to stay at Gopal Prasada Gada. Goddess Hingula has no other form except fire and she is linked with the Agni Kona (South East direction). For worship, there are murtis of Goddess is in various sizes in the shrine. There is also the utsava murti which is carried around during festivals. The most important ritual and festival in the shrine is held on the Bishnu Damank Chaturdashi, which falls on the fourteenth day of the bright phase on the moon in the month of Chaitra (March – April). Numerous festivals are organized through the year at the shrine. F...

Hinduism and Maasai mythology both offer profound insight into the spiritual and cultural fabric of their respective societies, but they are fundamentally different in their origins, practices, and modern-day relevance. Here's a detailed comparison covering various aspects such as history, key differences, similarities, worship and prayers, their role in modern life, and their future outlook. 1. Historical Background Hinduism: Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest religions, dating back over 4,000 years. It originated in the Indian subcontinent and has evolved through various stages of development influenced by ancient scriptures like the Vedas , Upanishads , Mahabharata , and Ramayana . It is a highly structured religion with multiple deities, philosophical schools, and complex rituals. Maasai Mythology: The Maasai people, indigenous to Kenya and Tanzania, have a mythology rooted in their pastoralist and semi-nomadic lifestyle. Their spiritual beliefs are based around Enkai (or E...

Aghamarshana Suktam is from the Rig Veda and it is believed that chanting this mantra will relieve one of all impurities and usher in light. Agham means all that impurities that keep truth out and Marshanam means to destroy or to alleviate. Aghamarshana Suktam is the 190th suktam in the 10th mandala of Rig Veda. This sooktam was composed by Aghamarshana Rishi. Aghamarshana Suktam is not a mantra that performs miracles or clears sins in a second. It is a mantra that helps a person to understand his true nature. This mantra is chanted during evening prayers. Some people chant the Suktam before taking bath as they believe it washes away sins.  This belief is because Aghamarshana Suktam is dedicated to Varuna, the Lord of the waters.   A Quote from Aghamarshana Suktam    That Supreme Light which projected Itself as the universe like a soaked seed which sprouts – I am that Supreme Light. I am that supreme light of Brahman which shines as the inmost essence...

The Bhai Dooj festival falling after Diwali is highly auspicious at the Ratangarh Mata Ka Mandir and Kunwar Maharaj Temple in Datia in Madhya Pradesh. The twin shrines are around 60 km from Datia and Gwalior. In 2025, Bhai dooj is on October 23 Kunwar Maharaj is believed to be the brother of Ratangarh Mata. Ratangarh Mata Shrine is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is located deep inside forest on the banks of Sindh River. Kunwar Maharaj Temple is around 5 km from Ratangarh Mandir. It is believed that those offering prayers in the shrine will get relief from poisoning.

One who works in devotion, who is a pure soul, and who controls his mind and senses is dear to everyone, and everyone is dear to him. Though always working, such a man is never entangled. (Bhagavad Gita, 5.7) Kusum Sarovar in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh A person in the divine consciousness, although engaged in seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, eating, moving about, sleeping and breathing, always knows within himself that he actually does nothing at all. Because while speaking, evacuating, receiving, or opening or closing his eyes, he always knows that only the material senses are engaged with their objects and that he is aloof from them. (Bhagavad Gita, 5.8-9) One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the results unto the Supreme Lord, is unaffected by sinful action, as the lotus leaf is untouched by water. (Bhagavad Gita, 5.10) Bhagavad Gita – Chapter Five Verse 7 – 8  – 9 – 10 

Ballal Vinayak is the form of Ganesh worshipped at Pali in Maharashtra, which is one among the Ashta Vianayaka Temples in Maharashtra . The name Ballal Vinayak is the result of a boon given by Ganesha to child Ballala whose unwavering devotion resulted in Ganesh appearing to rescue him. Ganesha promised Ballal that from then onwards his name will be taken before him. The murti worshipped is also known as Ballalesvara Vinayak and Ballala Vinayaka. Ballal Vinayak represents strength. Legend has it that young Ballala was an ardent devotee of Ganesha. He and his friends used to worship Ganesha. Once Ballal and friends went to forest and worshiped a huge stone murti of Ganesh. The parents of other children complained to Ballal’s father that his son was making their children lazy by always worshiping Ganesha deep in forest. Fed up with constant complaints, Ballal’s father went to forest and found Ballal and his friends in deep meditation. Seeing Ballal’s father approaching ...

Annamurti is a manifestation of Hindu God Vishnu and is associated with food. This form of Vishnu is similar to the Annapurna incarnation of Goddess Shakti (Maa Parvati). In this manifestation, Vishnu is the god of kitchen and food. Annamurti form of Vishnu has two arms. On hand holds a ball of rice and another hand holds payasam (sweet or kheer prepared using rice, sugar and milk). Murti (idol) of Annamurti is found in the famous Srirangam Temple in Tamil Nadu in India. At Srirangam, he is the presiding deity of the kitchen in the temple.