Festivals
In Vaastu Shastra it’s believed that the home itself is a living being, which negative forces can inhabit and take shelter inside during vacancy – even if the home is brand new. Griha Prabesh Puja or Housewarming ceremony is about respectfully acknowledging these entities and purifying the space.… Read the rest
Festivals
According to Hindu mythology, the first time Shiva did the Tandava Nritya was on Maha Shivratri. Lord Shiva prevented the end of the world by performing this act of devotion.
Maha Shivaratri commemorates the day Shiva united with Mount Kailash and the celebration of his wedding to the Goddess Parvati. Shiva is highly regarded in the yogic tradition, not as a deity, but as the Adi Guru—the first ever Guru from whom the yoga science descended.… Read the rest
Festivals
Dhanteras is the first day of celebration of the five-day long festival of Diwali. On Dhanteras, Lakshmi – the Goddess of wealth, is worshiped to provide prosperity and well being. It is also the day for celebrating wealth, as the word ‘Dhan’ literally means wealth and ‘Tera’ comes from the date 13th.… Read the rest
Festivals
Vijayadashami or Dussehra marks the victory of Lord Rama, Lord Vishnu’s avatar, over Ravana, the demon king with ten heads. The celebrations are conducted between September and October, which falls on Ashvina month’s tenth day. It is when a full moon appears and is often known as shukla paksha or bright fortnight and co-occurs with Navratri or festivals of nine nights. … Read the rest
Festivals
On the day of Ram Navami, Lord Rama, the seventh manifestation of Lord Vishnu, took on human form in the kingdom of Ayodhya. He possesses half of Lord Vishnu’s divine characteristics or is the ardha ansh of Vishnu.
Ram Navami, also known as Vasant Navratri or Chait Durga Puja, occurs on the ninth day of the month of Chaitra.… Read the rest
Festivals
The Fourth day is of Diwali festival is Padwa or Govardhan Puja or Bali Pratipada. This day is also known as Varshapratipada which marks the coronation of King Vikramaditya. Vikaram-Samvat(Hindu Calendar) started from this Padwa day.
Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja is celebrated on this day. Govardhan is a small hillock in Braj, near Mathura and on this day of Pratipada people build cowdung hills, decorate them with flowers and worship them.… Read the rest
Festivals
Devi Siddhidatri is the ninth form of Goddess Durga. She is worshiped on the ninth day of Navratri. Siddhidatri has supernatural healing powers. In the beginning of the universe Lord Rudra worshiped Adi-Parashakti for creation. It is believed that Goddess Adi-Parashakti had no form. The supreme Goddess of Power, Adi-Parashakti, appeared in the form of Siddhidatri from the left half of Lord Shiva.… Read the rest
Festivals
Spellbinding, mesmerizing whitish look of Durga is Maha Gauri. Goddess Maha Gauri is the eighth form of Devi Durga and one of the graceful Goddesses among Nav Durga. She is worshipped on the eighth day of Navaratri. Her power is unfailing and instantly fruitful. Her beauty glows like gleam of white Pearl.… Read the rest
Festivals
The most ferocious appearance of Durga is in the form of Maa Kaalratri. Devi Kaalratri is the seventh aspect of Durga and Worshiped among Navdurga. She is worshiped on the seventh day of Navaratri. She is believed to be the most violent Devi among Navdurga. She has dark Krishna (black) complexion and her appearance is extremely fearful.… Read the rest
Festivals
The fifth aspect of the Mother Durga is known as ‘Skanda Mata’ – the mother of Skanda or Lord Kartikeya, who was chosen by gods as their commander in chief in the war against the demons. Maa Skandamata is the leader of the army of Gods. Being the mother of powerful deity Kumar Karthikeya, She is glorified with the name Skanda Mata.… Read the rest