Majestic Temples of India

Shri Siddhivinayak Temple Mumbai, Maharashtra Siddhivinayak Temple is located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. Temple was built by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil. Also called as Navsacha Ganapati or Navasala Pavanara Ganapati, Ganesha bestows with every genuine wish of devotees. Deaubai Patil who was childless built this temple so that Ganesha will grant children to all others who suffer without a child. Ramakrishna Jambhekar Maharaj, once buried two vigrahas in the front of the presiding ganesha as per orders of his guru. It is said that after 21 years, a tree grew at that spot with a swayambhu Ganesha in its branches. Ganesha’s forehead has third eye here & seen with Riddhi and Siddhi. Devotees strongly believe that whatever we whisper in mushak's ear that wishes are sure to be granted

Bhimashankar Temple Pune, Maharashtra One among the 12 Jyothirlingas, Bhimashankar Temple is located at Pune, Maharashtra. Story says that there lived an asura named Bhima who lived with his mother Karkati here. He was son of Kumbharkarna. Being angry with Mahavishnu for killing his father he started doing tapasya to Brahma Deva. Pleased with tapasya Brahma Deva gave him immense power. Bhima started to torture everyone and one day imprisoned a Shiva Bhakt, Kamrupeshwar & ordered him to worship him instead of Mahadev. Kamrupeshwar refused to do so & Bhima raised his sword to destroy the Shivalinga. Mahadev appeared & reduced him to ashes. The place where Shiva manifested himself is the spot the Shivalinga is believed to be now. Many modifications of the temple are done by Maratha rulers.

Mahashivaratri : कथा Today is the auspicious Shivratri, vratham is undertaken to get blessings of Mahadev. Here is a story from SHIVA MAHAPURAN which explains importance of Shivratri. There lived a hunter who was very cruel. He was roaming in the jungle in search of animals. It was Shivratri day & he climbs at the top of a tree carrying water & waited for his prey. The tree which he climbed was Bilva. After some time he heard sound of a deer. When he tried to catch it some leaves from tree & water fell down in Shivalinga which was under the tree. The deer begged for mercy & asked him to let her go and meet her kids last time. The hunter agreed. After sometime, another deer came & again water & bilva fell on the shivalinga. That deer also asked him to give sometime. This happened many times. Each time, he unknowingly shivalinga abhishekam. After sometime, all the deer came back & hunter was overjoyed. At that moment, Mahadev appeared & blessed him & h...

Divine Wedding of Mahadev & Ma Parvati It is stated that it was today the divine wedding took place of Mahadev and Parvati Devi. Parvati Devi was the daughter of Himavan, as the daughter of Parvat Raja the name Parvati. From childhood itself Parvati was very stern in marrying Paramashiva. Everyone discouraged her saying Mahadev resides with bhootganas and basma all over his body. But Parvati Devi decided to perform tapasya to marry Shiva. Mahadev decided to test her devotion. Shiva disguised himself, came before her and tested her devotion. Atlast Shiva was convinced & decided to marry Devi who was reincarnation of Sati Devi. Mahavishnu comes as Parvati Devi's brother and does her Kanyadaan.

Badrinath Temple Badrinath, Uttarakhand Badrinath Temple dedicated to Mahavishnu is considered as the most holiest place for Hindus. Situated on the banks of Alaknanda River, temple is one among 108 Divya Desams, part of Char Dham & Chota Char Dham. Situated in Nar Narayan mountain, it is said that Mahavishnu did Tapasya here in intense heat of Sun & Mahalakshmi transformed herself to Badri tree to give him shade. Pleased with Lakshmi, Vishnu named the place Badrikashram. Adi Shankaracharya found the Salagrama Vigraham from Alaknanda and did Prathista here. It was here Pandavas along with Draupadi climbed Swargarohini of their last Pilgrimage.

Shani Shingnapur Temple Ahmednagar, Maharashtra Shani Shingnapur Temple of Shani Dev is said to resolve every Problem of a Devotee. Temple is called Jagrut Devasthan meaning Shani resides in the temple. Located in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, Shani Dev is said to be Swayambhu here protecting his devotees. During flood a huge block of rock was found & on the same day village head had a dream of Shani Dev. It is said that Shani instructed about his appearance to protect the village. When villagers tried to test, blood oozed from rock. Thus was temple constructed here. None of the house have doors here as Shani has instructed to do so to keep village under his drishti.

Banke Bihari Temple Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh Banke Bihari temple, Vrindavan is one of the powerful & blissful temples of Shri Krishna. Worshipped as a small child here, bells are not used to wake Krishna in morning. Brajwasis wakes Kanha gently like a child. It is said that Thakurji visits Nidhivan at midnight daily. Once princess of Rajasthan came to worship Thakurji. She was very much attracted towards Krishna & wished to take him home. With tiery eyes she looked Thakur ji, pleased with her Love, Thakurji followed the princess. Poojari searched for missing murthy & found safe with princess. Accepting everyone's request finally Thakurji returns to the temple. From that day a curtain is placed in between devotee & Krishna to break intensity of feeling towards his devotee. One who stares at Krishna will lose themselves towards him..

S ignificance of Hanuman Chalisa Hanuman Chalisa is a beautiful Hymn written by Tulsidas ji, which narrates Bhakti of Hanuman towards Shri Ram, his commitment, sacrifice with Shri Ram in Heart. There are 40 verses which if chanted will relieve from all Obstacles & also effect of Shani Dosha. Those who are affected with adverse effects of Shani are supposed to recite chalisa 8 times on Saturday. These 40 verses if recited in 40 days, every prayers will be answered. It is believed that Tulasidas ji wrote Hanuman Chalisa from prison where he was kept for 40days. Reading Hanuman Chalisa all the negative energy will be removed from house, grants all success & one will get rid of nightmares as it says भूत पिशाच निकट नहीं आवे महावीर जब नाम सुनावे

Dhurva Charitram Dhruva Charitram is a beautiful story from Srimad Bhagavatam which explains importance of Bhakti. King Uttanapadan had two wives Suruchi & Suniti. Suniti's son was Dhruva. One day Dhruva wished to sit in his father's lap but Suruchi stopped him & told to meditate on Mahavishnu to take rebirth as her child to sit in King's lap. Worried Dhruva, according to his mother's advice went to meditate on Mahavishnu. On his way Narada Muni adviced mantra ऊं नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय. Dhruva started to chant the mantra with immense devotion & Mahavishnu himself came before Dhruva & touched his cheek with Counch. Dhruva recited hyms called Dhruva Stuti pleasing Vishnu. Vishnu blessed Dhruva that he will become a wise ruler and later he will attain Dhruva Padam. Anyone who reads this will obtain all good qualities in life also develop devotion towards Bhagwan.

Why is Ganesha offered Modak ? Once Mahadev visited Atri Muni & Anasuya Devi's ashram with Parvati Devi & Ganesha. Shiva asked Anasuya Devi to serve him food feeling hungry. However Anasuya informed that, only after satisfying Ganesha's hunger Shiva will be served food. Shri Ganesh was served food & he ate everything, but was not feeling his stomach full. Anusuya Devi then served him a little piece of sweet, Ganesha ate it & let a loud burp indicating his stomach is full. Parvati Devi was surprised & asked Anasuya what was that sweet which filled Ganesha's stomach. When she learnt it was Modak, Devi expressed blessed that those who offer Modak to Ganesha will be always be protected by Ganesha & all the wishes will be fulfilled.

Bhishma Ashtami Today 8/02/22 Bhishmacharya, who waited for Uttarayanam left his mortal body this day... King Devavratha of Kuru clan was fondly called Bhishmacharya. On the 8th day of Shukla Paksha of Magha month is called Bhishma Ashtami. Tarpanam is offered to Bhishma Pitamaha by everyone including those who have parents. Bhishma had a wish of Icha Mrityu, he waited 58 days in the bed of arrows waiting for Uttarayanam & left to heavenly abode. From today, Ashtami, Navami, Dashami, Ekadashi & Dwadashi are called as Bhishma Panchakam. Before leaving, Bhishmar revealed Vishnu Sahasranamam to Pandavas. Mahat Stotra of Mahavishnu was available to the world only because of Bhishma. In this respect Tarpanam & Sahasranama Parayanam is done today.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple Situated in Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath temple is one among 12 Jyothirlingas. Sacred place where Mahadev is worshipped as Vishwanath "Ruler of the Universe". City was unaffected during Maha Pralay. Mahadev protected the city with his Trishul. Present temple was built by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar. Kashi is called as Moksha Nagari, whoever worships Mahadev attain Moksha. Temple stands on the Western bank of river Ganga. Famous Ganga Aarti is performed daily at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Aditya Hridayam आदित्य हृदयं पुण्यं सर्वशत्रु विनाशनम् जयावहं जपेन्नित्यम् अक्षय्यं परमं शिवम् Aditya Hridaya Strotram is advised by Agastya Muni to Shri Rama inorder to defeat Ravana. Stotra is mentioned in Yudha Kandam of Srimad Ramayanam. Shri Rama was very fatigue before war & Agastya Muni gave Aditya Hridayam as Updesham. Stotra is dedicated to Surya Deva who grant victory to all. Agastya Muni enlightens Rama saying that Stotra has the power to eliminate all enemies & bestow victory. Rama prayed to Surya Deva & felt energetic to fight with Ravana. Evil vanishes from life who keeps the Sun in Heart. The sun is the soul of all that is dynamic and static. सूर्य आत्मा जगतस्तस्थुषश्च

Vasanth Panchami सरस्वती नमस्तुभ्यम् वरदे कामरुपणी विद्यारम्भं करिष्यामि सिद्धिरभवतू में सदा Fifth day of the auspicious month of Maagh is celebrated as Vasanth Panchami. Devi Saraswati is worshipped today whose blessings will give enormous knowledge. Also known as Saraswati Puja this marks arrival of the spring festival. Saraswati Devi is worshipped using yellow flowers Maa Saraswati was born on this day when Brahma Deva sprinkled water from Kamandalu. Vasant Panchami is also known as Shri Panchami and very significant for Vidhya Aarambha, introducing young Children to education.

Pancha Devi Importance of Panch Devi is mentioned in Shiva Puran. When Brahma Deva found difficulties doing Srishti, Mahadev appeared before him. Parmatma took two forms Purush & Prakriti. Prakriti is maya of Shiva. Prakriti is divided into 5 forms called Panch Devi Panch Devi's are Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Gayatri & Radha. Ma Durga is Bhaghavati herself. Lakshmi Devi, who protects together with Mahavishnu. Saraswathi Maa from whom every type of knowledge is achieved. Gayatri, Maa of 4 vedas, Radha, who is with Krishna always

Gajendra Moksham नारायणाखिलगुरो भगवन् नमस्ते Gajendra Moksham from Srimad Bhagavatam. Gajendra who in previous birth was King Indradyumna a great Vishnu Bhakta. When Gajendra went to pond a Makar caught him in leg. In his Helplessness Gajendra called Narayana with a Lotus in hand. Hearing Gajendra's prayer Narayana rushes in his Garuda Vahan and saved Gajendra. Here, Gajendra is signified as human & Makar as cycle of Pap & Punya. Ultimate surrender to Bhagwan will attain everything. Here Lotus is termed as Moksha.

8 Siddhi of Hanuman अष्ट सिद्धि नव निधि के दाता, असवर दीन जानकी माता These are 8 Siddhis obtained worshipping Hanuman अणिमा महिमा चैव लघिमा गरिमा तथा प्राप्तिः प्राकाम्यमीशित्वं वशित्वं चाष्ट सिद्धयः Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Ishatva & Vastava. These are 8 Siddhis called Ashta Siddhi also known as Brahma Pradana Siddhi

Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu Panchamukhi (5) faced Hanuman, is situated at a distance of 2km from Ramanathaswamy Temple. Hanuman revealed 5 faces here such as Hanuman, Narasimha, Adi Varaha, Garuda & Hayagriva. During Ramayana war, Ravana sought help of Ahiravan, king of Patal Lok to attack Rama. Ahiravan disguised himself as Vibhishana took Rama & Lakshmana to Patal loka. Ahiravan could be killed only by extinguishing 5 lamps at same time which was in 5 directions. Hanuman took Panchamukha Anjaneya Avatar, destroyed Ahiravan & saved Rama Lakshmana. Floating stones are seen in temple tank, which was used to construct Sethu Bandanam from Rameswaram to Lanka.

Namdev Chi Payari (The step named after Namdev) Namadwar Story of First Step in Pandharpur Temple is named after Namdev.. An ardent Bhakt Namdev is a great Saint & an ardent bhakt of Pandharpur Panduranga. As a child once his mother asked Namdev to do Naivedya to Bhagwan. Namdev does offerings and waited for Vitthal to take. He keeps praying and requests God to come in person and accept the offering. Namdev started to cry holding Lotus feet of Vitthal to accept the offering. Moved by his innocence and Bhakti Vitthal arrives and had the Prasad. Vitthal welcomed Namdev to Vaikuntam with him. But Namdev requested Vithoba to stay as a step in the temple so that each of the devotee will step on him & dust of their feet will fall on him. That Ultimate Bhakti which refused Vaikuntam was highest than ever. Panduranga accepted & blessed Namdev with his wish. Thus the first step of the Shri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir in Pandharpur is called Namdev Chi Payari.

Kapaleshwar Mahadev Temple Nashik, Maharashtra Kapaleshwar Mahadev Temple is located in Panchavati, Nashik of Maharashtra. Situated near Godavari River & Ramkund this is a famous Shiva Temple & unique because Nandi Maharaj will not be seen here. Story goes about when Brahma Deva had 5 faces. Four faces used to worship God. But one face always used to do speak evil. Mahadeva separated that face and due to this he got Brahma hatya dosham. To get rid of dosha, Shiva travelled all places but he could not find a way. When he went to Someshvar, a calf not only told what to do but also took him here. That was Nandi who guided Mahadev. He asked Shiva to bath in Ramkund to get relieved from doshas. Therefore Mahadev treated Nandi as his Guru here and forbidded Nandi to sit before him as a mark of respect.