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Showing posts from January, 2024

Ganesh Jayanti

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Ganesha Jayanti is the birthday of Lord Ganesha and is been observed on the fourth day in the month of Magha known as Magha Shukla Paksha Chaturthi. It is also called  Tilkund Chaturthi, and Varad Chaturthi.It is mostly observed in Maharashtra. There is a difference between Ganesh Jayanti and Ganesh Chaturthi. On this Lord Ganesha is worshiped with Shodashopachar Puja, An image of Ganesha is made from Turmeric powder or Sindhoor powder and it is worshipped. The idol is immersed in water on the fourth day. Food prepared from Til (sesame) is consumed on the day. Special Pujas are performed in Ganesha Temples. 2024 Date: February 13.

Hatkeshwar Mahadev Mandir – Raipur

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  Hatkeshwar Mahadev Mandir is located in Raipur of Chhattisgarh State. It is on the banks of the River Kharun. Hatkeshwar Mahadev is an incarnation of Lord Shiva and he is Swaymbhu here It is one of the oldest temples in Raipur The temple’s architecture is unique, with walls decorated with interesting carvings that depict stories from Hindu mythology. There is also an old Shiva temple dedicated to Kashivishveshvara and a Swaminarayan temple on the temple premises. The outside of the temple is decorated specially. Pictures of scenes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are on the temples’ outer walls. Besides this, there are also several pictures. The temple wall has carvings of different animals, dancers, and musicians. The complex of temples is very big. In the inner sanctum, there is a Shiva Linga. Maha Shivaratri, Holi and Shravan Month are the most celebrated here Temple Timings 6.00 am to 10.00 pm Nearby Temples Bhuteshwar Mandir – Sri Jagannath Temple ...

Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple – Karamadai

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  Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple is located in Karamadai town in Coimbatore district of Tamilnadu State Lord Ranganatha Swamy is the Presiding deity and Goddess Ranganayaki is the consort of Lord Ranganatha Swamy It is one of the 108 Abhimana Kshetram of Lord Vishnu This temple was built in Dravidian style of architecture This temple has a 7 tier Rajagopuram As per Hindu legend, the place was once a forest with Karai trees. A tribe named Kottariyar inhabited the region, whose main profession was herding cattle. One day a herdsman found that his cow was not giving him any milk and emptied all its milk in an anthill. He dug up the anthill, but was astonished to see blood coming out of it. After spiritual advise of a priest named Vedavyasabhattar, a temple was erected around the anthill. Vishnu is said to have appeared in the dreams of Pitchu Mandarayar, one of the inhabitants. As per a modern legend, a British general was trying to build a railway line bisecting the temple. ...

Tirumala: Ratha Saptami on February 16

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  Shukla Paksha Saptami in the holy month of Magha is known as Ratha Saptami or Magha Saptami and it is believed that Sri Surya Deva starts enlightening the whole world on this auspicious day and is considered the birthday of the deity and hence also known as Surya Jayanti. This year Ratha Sapthami occurs on February 16 and Tirumala is getting ready to host the mega-religious event making elaborate arrangements for the multitude of visiting devotees. On a single day, the processional deity of Sri Malayappa Swamy takes out a celestial ride on Seven carriers from dawn to dusk blessing the devotees.   The Vahana Seva commences with the Suryaprabha Vahanam between 5:30 am and 8 am(with the first rays of Sun falling on Sri Malayappa Swamy fixed at 6:40am)   Chinnasesha Vahanam between 9 am and 10 am   Garuda Vahanam between 11 am and 12noon   Hanumantha Vahanam between 1 pm and 2 pm   Chakrasnanam between 2 pm and 3 pm Kalpavruksha...

Special Days at Tirupati Sri Kodanarama Temple in February 2024 Date

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  TTD is organizing several special festivals at Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple in February. The following are details: * February 3,10,17,24 – all Saturdays Abhisekam for main idols of Sri Sitaramaa and Lakshmana in the morning and Unjal Seva, Tiruveedhi Utsavam and Asthanam in the evening. *    February 9: On the occasion of    Amavasya, Sahasra Kalashabisekam in the morning and Hanumanta Vahana Seva at night. * February 21: On Punarvasu Nakshatram Sri Sitarama Kalyanam and Procession of Swamy and Ammavaru utsava idols up to Sri Ramachandra Pushkarani, Unjal Seva and    Asthanam in the evening. * February 25: Kupchandrapeta Utsava on Pournami day.

Magha Gupta Navratri 2024

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Magha Navratri , also known as  Gupta Navratri , is nine days period dedicated to the nine forms of Shakti or mother Goddess. It falls in the month of Magh during January or February. Magh Navratri, which is less known in most places, is mainly observed in North Indian states like Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.  It is observed during Shukla Paksha in the month of Magh for nine days from Padyami to Navami. It is important for Sadhakas It is believed observing this Navratri an individual free from injuries or danger Goddess Durga also bless them with health, wealth knowledge, and Prosperity. Things to do Must take an early bath Goddess Durga is worshipped during these days Must perfom Puja to Durga Devotees offer Bindi and bangles to the goddess Devotees observe fasting. Must read stories relating to Goddess Dates 2024  : February 10 -  Ghatasthapana, Shailputri Puja Brahmacharini Puja February 11  –  Brahmacharini Puja Feb...

Mauni Amavasya

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  Mauni Amavasya occurs on the 15th day of the dark fortnight of Magh (January-February). Mauni is derived from the Sanskrit word Mauna which means silence. A person who practices silence is known as a Mauni. Amavasya refers to the day in a month when one sees the new moon.  On the day of Mauni Amavasya the Sun and the Moon are present in the Zodiac sign of Capricorn which would give the highest spiritual merit. Mauni Amavasya is considered auspicious if it falls on  Monday, and the selection is always greater if it is Kumbh Mela that year. It is known as Chollangi Amavasya in Andhra Pradesh and Darsj Amavasya elsewhere in India. According to Puranas Manu Rishi had appeared on the Mauni Amavasya day. It is also believed that it is on Mauni Amavasya that the world was created. This day is considered highly auspicious of Kumbh Mela, Large number of devotees will take a bath in Triveni Sangam (where Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswathi m...

Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple – Polur

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  Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple is at the top of   Sampathgiri hills in Polur of Tiruvannamalai district of Tamilnadu State. Lord Narasimha Swamy is the presiding deity of this temple, who is Swayambhu here Goddess Kanagavalli Thayar is the consort of Lord Vishnu It is one of the 108 Abimana Kshetram of Lord Vishnu Sampathgiri in Sanskrit means Mountain of Wealth. In the Hill, there are two distinct water streams. There are two: Brahma Theertham at the top of the hill and Pulasthiyar Theertham at the bottom. At the foot of the hill sits the Anjaneyar shrine, and it takes 840 steps to go to the hill temple. Two great Rishis Performed severe penance on this hill towards Lord Narasimha. Lord was pleased and gave 1 mango to both of them. Both the Rishis fought for the mango and Pulasthriya Rishi cut Kolasthriya Rishi's hands. Even after this incident, Kolasthriya Rishi continued his worship for 1 Mandalam (48 Days). After this incident, Lord Narasimha Appeared Swa...

Ratha Saptami at Arasavalli Temple

  Ratha Saptami is celebrated on Magha Suddha Saptami. It is also known as Surya Jayanti. It is believed that from this day Sun rays will change and becomes healthy Spring season will start during this festival Arsavalli is one the most important temple for Lord Surya Bhagavan in the world. Special rays and vibrations are supposed to be present on the temple premises. On this day having darshan of the lord is blessed with health and wealth On this day devotees can experience Nija Rupa darshan of the Lord. Special Pujas and Abhishekam take place. 2024 Date: February 16.

Tirumala: Important days in February 2024

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  The details of the special festivals to be celebrated in February in Tirumala are as follows.   •    Aradnotsavam of Sri Purandaradasa on 9th February.   •    Thirukachinambi Utsavarambha on 10th February.   •    Vasanta Panchami on 14th February.   •    Rathasaptami on February 16.   •    Thirukachinambi Sattumora on 19th February.   •    Bhishma Ekadashi on 20th February.   •    21st February is the year of Sri Kulashekaralwar Thirunakshatra.   •    Kumaradhara Teerthamukkoti, Magha Poornami Garudaseva on 24th February.

Tiruchanur Temple: Ratha Saptami on February 16

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  TTD is organizing the parade of  Sri Padmavati on seven Vahanams on the day of Ratha Sapthami on February 16 to bless devotees from morning to night. The vahanas include Surya Prabha, Hamsa, Aswa, Garuda, Chinna Sesha, Chandra Prabha, and Gaja Vahana. In the evening Snapana Tirumanjanam for utsava idol of Sri Padmavati will be held at Sri Krishna Mukha Mandapam. Because of the fete, TTD has canceled the arjita Sevas of Lakshmi puja, Kalyanotsavam, kumkumarchana, break Darshan, Unjal Seva, and Sahasra Deepalankara Sevas on the day, Koil Alwar Thirumanjanam on February 13  Because of the Ratha Sapthami fete, the temple cleansing program of Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam will be held on February 13.

Adhirangam Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple – Adhi Thiruvarangam

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  Adhirangam Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple is located in Adhi Thiruvarangam in Sankarapuram Taluk in Kallakurichi district of Tamilnadu State. It is one of the 108 Abhimana Kshetras of Lord Vishnu Sri Ranganatha Swamy is the presiding deity who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Rangavalli Thayar is the consort of Lord Vishnu Ranganatha Perumal is believed to have appeared to King Mahabali and the Alvars at the temple's site. This temple was built in Dravidian style of architecture The five-headed snake Adisesha is sported as an umbrella for the presiding deity made of stucco. The sanctum also houses the image of Sridevi near his head and Bhudevi near his foot. The festival deity, Rangarajan along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi are also housed in the sanctum. A mace made of silver is located near the arm, and the image of Garuda is seen in a praying posture near the presiding deity's foot. The granary is one of its kind as in other temples like Srirangam, Jambukeswarar Temp...

Sri Veetrirundha Perumal Temple – Veppathur

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  Sri Veetrirundha Perumal Temple is located in Veppathur Village in the Thiruvidaimarudur taluk in Thanjavur district of   Tamil Nadu State. It is one of the 108 Abhimana kshetram of Lord Vishnu It is worshipped by many Vaishnava Acharyas Sri Veetrirundha Perumal is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu Goddess Neela Devi and Bhu Devi are the consorts of Lord Vishnu Veetrirundha Perumal the “Seated Lord” It is said that Lord Rama, on his travel in the jungle to locate the whereabouts of Sita took rest in this place with Neela Devi and Bhooma Devi offering solace with a palm fan.   Thus, in this ancient temple, Veetrirundha Perumal offers darshan with the two consorts, Neela Devi and Bhooma Devi on either side. This temple was built in 850 CE by Pallavas and later renovated by many other Kings. How to reach the Temple 10 km from Kumbakonam 49 km from Thanjavur

Shattila Ekadasi

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Shattila Ekadashi, also known as Sattila Ekadashi or Tilda Ekadashi, is observed usually in January during the waning phase of the moon. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Shattila Ekadashi is performed on the 11th day in the month of Magh, in North India and Paush, in other regions, as per the traditional Hindu calendar. The name Sat-Tila has been derived from ‘til’ which means sesame seeds that are donated to the poor and hungry. The devotees also consider it highly auspicious to bath in water mixed with sesame seeds. They also offer oblations by mixing water with sesame seeds to their dad ancestors. Once, Lord Krishna appeared disguised as a poor mendicant wearing torn clothes begging for food on Shattila Ekadashi day. The rich woman agreed to give food but only after the mendicant mentioned his gotra. Nonetheless, the mendicant continued to beg for food. Angrily, the rich woman placed a rolled ball of clay in the begging pot of the mendicant. He blessed her and left. To the woman’s surprise...

Rahu Ketu Pooja Timings – Sri Kalahasti

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  According to Hindu Astrology, Rahu and Ketu indicate the two points of the crossing point of the ways of the Sun and the Moon. They move around the divine circle. The way that obscurations happen when the Sun and Moon are at one of these focuses offers the fantasy of gulping the Sun. Rahu is one of the nine well-known astronomical bodies in Indian texts. Rahu is a shadow entity, unlike the other eight bodies. It is the one that causes eclipses and is also believed to be the king of meteors. Rahu represents the ascension of the moon in its precessional orbit around the earth. According to some accounts in Hindu mythology, Ketu belongs to Jaimini Gotra. Whereas Rahu is from Paiteenasa Gotra. Thus both are totally different entities having distinct characteristics but are two parts of a common body. Ketu is generally called as a “shadow” planet. It is believed that it has a tremendous impact on human lives and the whole creation as well.   The Rahu is female and Ketu ...

ISKCON Temple – Newdelhi

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  Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, popularly known as the ISKCON Temple is located at Hare Krishna Hills in the East of Kailash area of New Delhi. This temple was built in the year 1998 This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. The architecture of the temple is a fine example of artistic splendor with Shikharas standing at a height of 90 m. The central prayer hall has three shrines dedicated to Radha-Krishna, Sita-Ram, and Guara-Nitai respectively. The interiors of the temple have been beautifully decorated with works of Russian artists depicting the various phases of life of deities like Radha-Krishna and Sita-Ram. Another attraction of the temple complex is the museum that exhibits multimedia shows of the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. Janmashtami festival is celebrated at a grand level at this ISKCON Temple. Timings 4.30 am to 12.30 pm 4.15 pm to 9.00 pm Daily Schedule 4.30 am – Mangala Arati 5.15 am – Meditation 7.15 am – Darshan Ar...

Qualities of a Vaishnava

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  A person who has total devotion to Lord Vishnu is called a Vaishnava. He is truthful, kind and forgiving by nature. He engages himself in austere penance and refrains from any kind of violence. He wears a Tulsi bead on his neck and puts on a tilak. He is well-versed in sacred texts like the Vedas, Puranas, etc. The mere sight of a Vaishnava is enough to liberate a sinner from all his sins. Feeding a Vaishnava bestowes virtue equivalent to feeding thousands of ordinary Brahmins.