One of the major ritual of the pooja on the Ganesh Chaturthi is the ‘Patri pooja’ At least 21 different plants (up to 108) “Patri” are typically used. The list of plants used may differ slightly from one region to another – locally available medicinal plants are used. Let us explore the stories and benefits behind the ‘Patri’ Pooja. Mythology The story on garika puja (Dhurvayugmam) goes like this. Yamadharmaraju had a son by name […]
The gods and goddesses in Hindu mythology travel in supersonic speed on animals and birds. Different gods have different vahanas (animal vehicles). The literal meaning of the word ‘vahana’ is ‘that which carries, that which pulls’, But lord Ganesha has a tiny mouse as ‘Vahana’ which made him butt of many jokes of elephant riding a mouse, but how did a tiny mouse become the Vahana of the Ganesha is an interesting story – read […]
Ganesh Chaturthi : Six Interesting stories of Ganesha Every year, Hindus across the country celebrate the birth of their beloved elephant-headed God Ganesh in the fourth day of Bhadrapada month of the Hindu calendar. Revered as the remover of all obstacles, countless songs, stories and imagery celebrate him as one of the most popular deities in Hindu mythology. But there are some really interesting stories associated with the Lord on the eve of Ganesh Chathurthi […]
Andhra Pradesh : TTD to build Sri Venkateswara Temple in Amaravathi Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam (TTD) officials, led by Joint Executive officer P Bhaskar, recently made a presentation to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on their plans to develop a temple dedicated to Sri Venkateswara Swamy over 25 acres of land in the state’s upcoming capital Amaravati. While putting forward the proposal, the officials said the temple would be built along the lines of the […]
Celebrating Janamastami in India : More Than Just A Festival Lord Krishna is one among the Dasavatar of Lord Vishnu according to Hindu mythology. Right from his birth till the end of his avatar, Lord Krishna has been a flamboyant and ever scheming God who had worked his way for the benefit of world’s benefit as well as to help in truth succeeding over the evils in the society. Janamastami or Krishnastami, as it is […]
Lord Krishna: A God of All times! It is always very difficult to brand Lord Krishna. He is not just an incarnation or avatara of Lord Vishnu, but he has been the key to many people in their lives and as incarnated for their needs. Lord Krishna for the sake of the global well-being, took different forms and has been helping the people in need. He is the God for the downtrodden and needy. From […]
This fortnight Religion World is taking you to the tour of breathtaking Parambanan Temple in Indonesia. Parambanan is a world Heritage site and is built in the 10th century, this is the largest temple compound dedicated to Shiva in Indonesia. This is the most famous and also the most magnificent of Central Java’s temples or more precisely complex of temples. Situated about 15 kilometers from Yogyakarta, the top of the main shrine is visible from […]
It is hard to miss the towering Ayyanar statues that dot the rural landscape of Tamil Nadu and serve as colourful backdrop in many South Indian films. This week Religion World takes you on the colorful ride to the history of Ayyanar, the most popular and powerful security guard in South India. Ayyanar Ayyanar is possibly the most popular Village God who guards every village in South India. Almost all his temples would be […]
International Religious News Updates (4th Week of August) Vatican : Pope visits two Mothers on his return to Rome Pope Francis visits both the Basilica of St Mary Major and the Church of St Augustine on Monday morning, after returning from his 24th Apostolic Journey to Ireland. Pope Francis returned to Rome after his two-day Apostolic Journey to Ireland to participate in the IX World Meeting of Families. On Monday morning, as is his custom, […]
Know How India Celebrates Raksha Bandhan Nobel Prize winner and India’s most respected as well as highly regarded poet, author, painter Rabindranath Tagore has written a wonderful poem that explains the purpose of Raksha Bandhan and it is all the more meaningful. Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore invoked the spirit of Raksha Bandhan to espouse the cause of Hindu- Muslim unity. “The love in my body and heart For the earth’s shadow and light Has stayed over […]
Raksha Bandhan & Indian Mythologies The country’s festival of love and security is Raksha Bandhan. Popularly known as Rakhi festival which is celebrated with much fervour across north India and has also spread to south India over the last five decades. The festival celebrates the bond between brother-sister and emphasizes on the fact that brother is there not just to share love to his sister but also provide the much-needed security. Raksha Bandhan is a […]
Onam is an annual Hindu festival with origins in the state of Kerala in India. It falls in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam, which in Gregorian calendar overlaps with August–September. Onam is the official state festival of Kerala with public holidays that start four days from Onam Eve. In fact Onam celebrations last for ten days, Festivities of Onam continue for ten long days. Of all these days, most important ones are the first […]
