Festivals
Maa Kushmanda is the fourth form of the mother goddess and is worshipped on the fourth day of Navaratri. The meaning of the name ‘Ku-shm-anda’ is as follows: ‘Ku’ = a little; ‘ushma’ = ‘warmth’; ‘anda’ = ‘the cosmic egg’. Mother Goddess created the whole universe in shape of an egg called “Anda” with her little & light divine smile, so Maa Durga is named Kushmanda.… Read the rest
Festivals
The third facet of Goddess Durga is ‘Chandraghanta’, who is worshipped on the third day of Navaratri, for peace, tranquillity and prosperity in life. She has a ‘Chandra’ or half moon on her forehead in the shape of a ‘ghanta’ or bell. That is why she is called Maa Chandraghanta.… Read the rest
Festivals
Maa Brahmacharini is worshipped on the second day of Navratri and is the second form of Mother Goddess. Brahmacharini means one who practices devout austerity. She enlightens us in the magnificent embodiment of Durga with great powers and divine grace. In one hand she carries a Rudraksha mala and in the other hand she carries a Kamandal (water utensil).… Read the rest
Festivals
Navratri is a Hindu festival celebrated twice a year, in the months of Chaitra and Ashwin. It is dedicated to worshipping the divine feminine, the nine forms of Goddess Durga, known as the Navadurga. It is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm throughout India and by Hindus worldwide. During the nine nights of Navratri, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga, with each day representing a different aspect of the goddess.… Read the rest
Festivals
How many of us know about Lord Ganesha’s family? Lord Ganesha is more popularly known as a celibate however the scriptures that are dedicated to Lord Ganesha (the Ganesha Purana and the Mudgala Purana) provide information about his wives Siddhi and Buddhi (also called Riddhi). “Siddhi” means spiritual power and “Buddhi” means intellect.… Read the rest
Festivals
Kanya Puja or Kumari Puja is a significant ritual during Navratri and Durga Puja. It is held during the most important days of Navratri i.e. Ashtami and Navmi. This ritual involves worshiping girls aged between 6 and 12, symbolizing the Kanya Kumari.
Kanya Puja is an integral part of Devi Durga Puja and perhaps this auspicious puja was originally initiated in order to give girls due social status in the male dominated Indian social fabric.… Read the rest
Festivals
Did you know this year Navratri is a 10 day festival? Yes, that is correct . The festival started on October 1st and the last day of Navami will be celebrated on October 10th. The last time this happened was 16 years ago in the year 2000. Usually, Navratri is celebrated for 9 days and nights and the 10th day is celebrated as Dussera or Vijayadashami.… Read the rest
Festivals
Mayureshwar or more commonly known as Moreshwar is the avatar of Ganesha who was born to Shiva and Parvati in the Treta yuga, for the purpose of killing the demon Sindhu. This incarnation of Ganesha has six arms and a white complexion and sits on a peacock. Because Ganesha rode a peacock,he is known as Mayureshwar or Moreshwar (“Lord of the peacock”).… Read the rest
Festivals
Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birth of one of the most powerful incarnations of Vishnu, who we consider a leader, hero, protector, philosopher, teacher and friend all rolled into one. Krishna took birth at midnight on the ashtami or the 8th day of the Krishnapaksha or dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Shravan (August-September).… Read the rest
Mythology
Built by King Ratna Dev of the Kalachuri Dynasty, the Mahamaya Temple is one of the famous sacred pilgrimage centers of Hindus in Chhattisgarh state, India. Dedicated to the dual Goddesses Lakshmi & Saraswati, the temple is located in Ratanpur and is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas. Shri Mahamaya Devi Mandir is one of the most religiously-celebrated, architecturally superb and culturally rich temple of south-east India.… Read the rest