There is a belief in Hindu astrology that eating a particular type of food can help in overcoming Mangal Grah Dosha difficulties in the horoscope (Janam Kundli). Those who eat spicy food and masala rich food will be attracting Mangal Graha. Mangal or Mars is the fiery planet in Hindu astrology. Angarak or red color is associated with this planet. Those people who are developing a taste for Katthal sabji (jackfruit sabji) and Sarsom ka sag (mustard greens) then it means you are attracting Mangal grah. Eating spicy and masala rich food will help in avoiding all kinds of Mangal grah problems. There will be progress and problems associated with a weak Mangal will be solved by eating Sarsomka sag and jackfruit sabji. This will help in achieving progress and new energy. There will be positive thoughts. But the above said food should be avoided if Mangal is located in the sixth, eight and 12th house. If Mangal is under the influence of bad grahas then also the above s...

Shani Jayanti is believed to be the day when Lord Shani made his first appearance. There is a popular belief and fear among Hindus that Shani creates obstacles in the life and creates numerous emotional, physical and financial problems. So, how to worship Lord Shani and get rid of the troubles is a constant question lingering in the minds of people who believe they are under the malefic influence of Lord Shani? There are numerous things you can do to propitiate Lord Shani. Shani Jayanti Mantra शं शनैश्चराय खद्योताय नमः Sham Shanaishcharaye Khadyotaya Namah Chant the mantra 108 times early in the morning after sunrise. This will help in solving all problems related to Shani in life. After chanting the mantra one should water peepal tree. Sitting chanting the mantra under the peepal tree is also meritorious. If Shani is causing financial problems in life, then one needs to chant the following mantra 108 times. This will help in solving money and debt problems. शं शनैश्चराय ...

Bhoga Lakshmi is the second form of Ashtavidha Lakshmi. She is usually consecrated inside the sanctum sanctorum, on either side of Lord Vishnu. This Lakshmi is sculpted either seated or in standing posture corresponding to the posture of Lord Vishnu. She is consecrated in threefold form, first in the form of Sridevi, second Bhudevi, and third is Nila Devi. Bhoga Lakshmi is today totally identified with Sridevi. Ashtavidha Lakshmi is the eight forms of Lakshmi in Vaikhanasa Vishnu temple, it is suggested that there are eight places in a temple where Goddess Sri can be consecrated and worshipped. According to Sage Bhrigu, Bhoga Lakshmi is consecrated to the right of Lord Vishnu inside the sanctum.  She is portrayed as: rukmabham – bright as the purest gold, kshoumambaradharam – attired in silken garment, sapadmavAmahastAm – holding a lotus in the left hand, uruprasaritadakshinahastam – the right hand on the thigh, kasyabaddhaghanastanim - chest fastened with a...

Grishneshwar temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one among the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. Grishneshwar Temple is a classic example of the never-say-die spirit of Hindus. Maharashtrian Hindus rebuilt the temple many times after it was repeatedly looted and destroyed by Muslim invaders. The shrine is also known as Ghrushneshwar Mandir or Ghrneshwar Jyotirlinga or Dhushmeshwar temple. History of Grishneshwar Temple The original temple was built in the very ancient times by the Rashtrakuta King Dantidurga. The place is also referred to by another name, ‘Kusumeshwar’, as appears in some ancient scriptures. Rashtrakuta king of the 8 th  century, built this huge and beautiful temple on the banks of Elaganga River, at the feet of Mahishadri in the village Verul. Krishnaraya rebuilt it around 750 AD. The temple was well maintained and repeatedly repaired until it was destroyed by the Sultans of Delhi in the 14th Century AD. Later Maloji Raje Bhonsle, grandfather of Shivaji...

Kshaya Masa is a special month in Hindu calendar and panchang. The calculation of it is based on tithi (the lunar day). A lunar month consists of, normally twenty-nine and half solar days. The month itself is divided into two halves called Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) and Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight), beginning with the new moon and the full moon, respectively. When a lunar month records no transition of the sun, it is called Adhika or Mala or Purshottam Masa and a lunar month is added to the calendar. On the other hand, when a lunar month records two solar transitions, that month is called Kshaya Masa and it is the expunged lunar month. According to Siddhanta Shiromani, the Kshaya Masa occurs in the three months from the lunar month of Kartika, while the Adhika Masa is the remaining eight months starting from phalguna to Ashwin. However, Kartika Masa can be an Adhika Masa or Kshaya Masa. Normally, the year which has a Kshaya Masa also has two Adhik Maas. But beyond the...

Swami Sivananda answers the real and true goal of all prayers, pujas and rituals. Desire fulfillment, materialistic gains, victory over another are not the true goal of prayers. The true goal of prayers, pujas, rituals, chanting, sacrifice, fasting are: Purify the mind and the heart. Conquer the cravings and passions. Control the senses. Discipline the thoughts and the sentiments. Cultivate noble qualities. Fill yourself with lofty divine virtues – a the Daivi-Sampatti. Be truthful, pure, compassionate, honest and contented. Live a life of unblemished spotless character, simplicity, austerity, devotion, piety and worshipfulness. Rejoice in the happiness of others. Get rid of envy, jealousy, petty-mindedness and rivalry. See god in all beings. Feel His divine presence everywhere. Remember Him constantly. Repeat His name always, and in all conditions. Do good acts constantly. Lead a life of goodness. This is the essence of all Sadhanas and Religions -...

Matangi Devi is one among the Dasa Mahavidyas and she is the ninth Goddess among the 10 Mahavidyas. She is associated with tantric siddhi and vashikaran. Below is Goddess Matangi Puja Vidhi and benefits of performing the puja. Matangi Devi Puja Benefits Matangi Devi is associated with Tantra Kriyas. She is associated with magic and Indrajal. She is the custodian of the complete knowledge of Tantra.  She is the Goddess associated with all forms of sound, music and fine arts. Those wishing to excel in the field of fine arts need to worship her. She is also associated with Sidh Vidya. She is also associated with Vashikaran and Sammohan Vidya. Those wishing to get the attention and sexual favors need to propitiate her. Matangi Puja Vidhi She should be propitiated on Shukla Paksha Tritiya or Navami Tithi – third or ninth day during the waxing phase of the moon. The puja can be performed in the morning, during the pradosh period or at midnight. After taking bath, k...

This article is aimed at understanding the Ashtadasa Shakti Peethas in Hindu religion. Shakti Peethas are spots on earth where parts of Goddess Sati’s body fell when it was cut into pieces by Vishnu on request from Sati Herself. This was to stop Shiva was carrying the body around the universe and lamenting the death of Sati which created imbalance in the universe and this was causing havoc and destruction of the universe. As per Hindu Puranas, there are 51 Shakti Peethas. But there is another concept of Shakti Peethas known as Ashtadasa Shakti Peethas or the 18 Shakti Peethas. The origin of the 18 Shakti Peethas is the same as 51 Shakti Peethas the difference is only in number. This particular concept is only popular in some regions especially in Andhra Pradesh. The 18 Shakti Peethas are: Trincomali ( Sri Lanka ) Sankari Devi – Groin fell here Kanchi (Tamil Nadu) Kamakshi Devi - Back Pradyumna or Chotila ( Gujarat ) Sri Srunkala Devi - Stomach Mysore (Karnataka) ...

Nishkraman Sanskar is an important Vedic Sanskara associated with a new born baby. In the Nishkramana Samskara, the child is taken out of the house for the first time. The parents of the child invoke the panchabhoota – earth, water, space, air and fire. Worship is also offered to the Surya (Sun God) and Chandra (moon god). The child is then shown the sun and later at night the moon for the first time. Nishkraman Sanskar is one among the 16 Sanskars or sacraments in Hinduism. It is strictly followed by many Hindu communities. The importance of Nishkraman Sanskar is mentioned in the Atharva Veda. Nishkraman Sanskar is performed at two months if the child is healthy. Some people wait for 3 months or 4 months. 

Yoga Lakshmi is associated with Lord Venkateswara worship and therefore the information about this form of Goddess Lakshmi is mostly related to Tirupati Balaji Worship. For worshipping Goddess Sri or Lakshmi in a Vaikhanasa Vishnu temple, it is suggested that there are 8 places in a temple where Goddess Sri can be consecrated and worshipped. Yoga Lakshmi is one among the eight goddesses in these particular eight Lakshmis. Yoga Lakshmi is embraced on the right bosom of Lord Vishnu in the form of a mole called ‘Srivatsam’. This form of Lakshmi must be sculpted a little above the right bosom of the icon of Lord Vishnu during the murti sculpting (making or idol) or bimbaniramana process. If it is not possible to carve the icon of Yoga Lakshmi during this murti making process, Sage Bhrighu’s Prakeernadhikara suggests that Goddess Lakshmi in Yoga Lakshmi form can be consecrated later, but it must be done based on the measurements of the main icon of Lord Vishnu and it must be made wit...