Majestic Temples of India

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.

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.

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

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.

Srinivasa who resides at Saptha Giri (Seven Hills) सप्तगिरि वासा श्रीनिवासा Tirumala Venkateshwara Swamy resides at Saptha Giri ( 7 hills). The Seven Hills where Perumal resides are Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabhadri, Narayanadri, and Venkatadri. Details👇 The Seven peaks of Tirupati represents 7 heads of Adhisesha Vrushabadri : Hill is the home of Nandi, Paramashiva's Vahana. Once there lived an Asura Vrushabhasura, who fought with Shiva who was defeated & he requested Paramashiva to name the hill after him which is Vrushabadri Anjanadri : Anjana Devi did tapasya here & Hanuman was born after vayu deva gave her divine fruit. Neeladri : Whoever donates hair here are blessed by Neela Devi as a wish received from Mahavishnu for offering her own hair. Giving our hair is the symbol of leaving our ego. Garudadri : Mahavishnu instructs Garuda, his Vahana to reside here. Seshadri: Hill is named after Adhisesha. When Vayu & Sesha had a fight, Vishnu asked ...

Why is Vada Mala offered to Anjaneyar? यत्र यत्र रघुनाथ कीर्तनम् तत्र तत्र क्रितमस्त कान्जलिं बष्पावरी परीपूर्णलोचनम् मारुतिं नमश्च राक्षस अंतकम् Wherever Sri Rama nama are sung, with teary eyes Hanuman will be there hearing all. Maha Periyava has explained the importance of Offering Vada Malai. Once Paramacharya of Kanchi Mutt was asked about the significance of Vada Malai to Anjaneyar. Why Anjaneyar is adorned with Vadai which is made of Urud dhal. Maha Periyava replied that when Hanuman was a child, he went to catch the Sun with his hand. At that time Rahu, was also nearing Sun during eclipse time. Hanuman, vayu Putra won against Rahu & thus Rahu promised that whoever worship Hanuman with food made of Urud dhal will get relieved from Rahu Doshas, also Rahu is like a serpent therfore Offering made in garland pleases him more. Jai Hanuman

Gita Jayanti परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम्‌ । धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे ॥ Gita Jayanti is celebrated on Ekadasi tithi in the Shukla Paksha of Margashirsha month. It is on this day Shri Krishna gave Geethopadesha to Arjuna during Mahabharata war. During the war when Arjuna sees his own relatives and Guru on the opposite side he becomes reluctant to fight the war. Shri Krishna who is the charioteer of Arjuna advices Gita at that time. Krishna advices on what constitutes right action, proper understanding & the meaning of life & nature of Divine. Also devotion is the path towards self recognition. Reading Bhagavad Gita solves all problems of our life, teaches importance of self control also do our Karma without any desire. There are 700 verses in 18 adhyay. Visada Yoga, Sankhya Yoga, Karma Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Vairagya Yoga, Abhyasa Yoga, Paramahamsa Vijnana Yoga, Vibhuti Yoga, Visvarupa Darsana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Ksetra Vibhaga Yoga, Gunatraya Vibhaga Yog...

Here is the story behind Statue of Maraprabhu situated at Guruvayur                                               Once during Sandhya time Poonthanam Namoodiri, a great devotee was reciting Vishnu Sahasranamam. Melpathur Bhattathiri was praying there yo Guruvayurappan. Suddenly Poonthanam recited "Padmanabha Maraprabhu" Instead of "Padmanabha Amaraprabhu"- Amaraprabhu means whose devotee can never be destroyed. Who himself is immortal. Maraprabhu means which can be destroyed like a tree. Poonthanam understood his mistake and sat with his head down while all others laughed at him. That time from inside the temple a voice was heard saying I am also Maraprabhu, what Poonthanam told is perfectly right. With remembrance to this story statue was constructed here in Guruvayur.

Triprayar Ekadasi Utpanna Ekadasi/ Krishna Ekadasi Ekadasi tithi in the Krishna Paksha of Margashirsha month is called as Utpanna Ekadasi. In Kerala Ekadasi of Vrishchikam month is celebrated as Triprayar Ekadasi, in Triprayar Temple. Also called as Krishna Ekadasi, Ekadashi is said to have appeared on Margashirsha month from Mahavishnu to eliminate asura Murasura. Due to which this Ekadashi was named Utpanna Ekadashi. Taking vratham this day, one will attain Moksham with relieved with all the doshas. Triprayar Ekadasi Triprayar Shri Rama Temple is situated on the bank of river Theevra also called Purayar. Thus the place got the name Thirupurayar, later became Triprayar. Rama Vigraham at Thriprayar has four arms with Panchajanya, Sudarsana, Kodanda & a garland. Triprayar Ekadashi, one of main festival here is observed on the month of Vrishchikam. On the Ekadasi day, Shri Rama is taken in procession accompanied by twenty-one elephants. The temple along with 3 other temples of Laksh...

Why should we whisper in Nandi's Ear first Do you Know ? In Shiva temples before worshipping Shiva, we should pray & ask permission of Nandi first. Nandi always sits there & prays before Mahadev. There is a story behind of why we should whisper in Nandi's ear first. Once Parvati Devi lost her memories and due to this Mahadev wad very much worried. Mahadev along with Devi Parvati immersed themselves in prayers for peace of mind and Nandi also joined them. That time an asura Jalandharan came and took Maa Parvati away from Mahadev. Bhagwan who was in deep prayers didn't knew this. Devas who knew this conveyed the news to Ganesha to inform Mahadev. Eventhough Ganesha tried to woke Mahadev, he failed. Atlast Ganesha thought of a plan, he told everything to Nandi who was sitting straight to Mahadev. Nandi conveyed everything he heard to Mahadev. Atonce Mahadev woke from Tapasya and brought Devi back. From that day this practice is followed by all Devas and it is being tr...

Vaikom Ashtami Vaikom, Kerala Vaikathashtami is celebrated at Vaikom Mahadeva temple of Kottayam, Kerala, which is observed on Ashtami of Malayalam month of Vrishchikam. It is on this day Paramashiva along with Parvati Devi gave Darshan to Vyagarapada Muni. This place was thus called as Vyagrapadapuram which later came to known as Vaikom. Muruga ( Udayanapuram) who came after destroying Tarakasura is welcomed by Paramashiva (Vaikathappan) here. Vaikathappan is not offered any special poojas or Neivedyam on this day as it is said that Paramashiva observes vratham for his Son's ( Muruga) Victory. He waits for his Son's arrival after victory. Later, Muruga from Udayanapuram Temple arrive after defeating Tarakasura. Paramashiva welcomes his son in a grand manner. Later after all rituals Udayanapurathappan returns which is very emotional. Vaikathashtami is 13day function in which 12th day is Ashtami. Om Namah Shivaye

  Why should we light a Diya / Deepam daily? दीपज्योतिः परब्रह्म दीपज्योतिर्जनार्दनः । दीपो हरतु मे पापं दीपज्योतिर्नमोऽस्तुते ॥ Deepam not only removes the darkness from home but also from our mind & purifies us. The ghee/ Oil & the flame signifies Devi Lakshmi of Wealth. The brightness of the flame resembles Devi Saraswati, who bestows us with education and knowledge. The heat from the flame signifies Devi Durga, who burns away and destroys all evil. Lakshmi Devi enters home only in Diya lit houses. Lightning Deepam fills Positive energy at our home. Agni (one of Pancha bhoota) is the purest element because it never looses its purity when compared to other elements of Air, Water, Earth & Sky. After lighting Deepam in pooja room, one Diya should be kept near tulasi plant. दीपज्योतिर्नमोऽस्तुते