Dhanteras is the one of the most auspicious day of Diwali, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm before two days of Diwali. This significant festival is also known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanwantari Triodasi. In the word ‘Dhanteras’ Dhan stands for wealth (Dhana) and Teras stands for the date 13th. On this festival, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is worshiped to provide prosperity and wealth. She is worshipped in the evenings when tiny earthen lamps are lit to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. The devotional psalms in praise of Goddess Lakshmi are also sung.
Dhanteras holds special importance for the people concerned with businesses, because to purchase precious gold, silver and metal articles on this day is considered very auspicious. It is believed that new precious metal is a sign of good luck, so people buy different items on this day. To celebrate this festival houses and business premises are decorated and beautifully colored. Entrances are made colorful with lovely Rangoli. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights.
Dhanteras mythology
According to the legend, once the sixteen years old son of king Hima was doomed to die by snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. This was predicted by the prince’s horoscope. On that particular fourth day, his young wife did not allow him to sleep. She laid all the ornaments and numerous silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband's boudoir. She lighted innumerable lamps all over the place and told many stories to him and sang songs through whole night.
In the mid night, when Yama, the god of death arrived there in the guise of a snake, his eyes got blinded by that dazzle of those brilliant lights and he could not enter the prince's chamber. So he climbed and sat on top of the heap of the ornaments and coins whole night and heard the harmonious stories and songs. In the morning he quietly went away. Thus the prince was saved by his young wife. Since then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of ‘Yamadeepdaan’ and small earthen lamps are kept burning throughout the night in the respect of lord Yama.
The legend of the Ocean Churning
According to another legend, which deals with the churning of the ocean, when the gods and demons churned the ocean of milk for the divine amrita (nectar), lord Dhanavantri emerged carrying a pot of the divine amrita on the day of Dhanteras. Lord Dhanavantri is considered an incarnation of lord Vishnu and physician of the gods. According to this legendary tale, the word Dhanteras is taken from the name Dhanavantri.
In countryside, cattle are decorated and worshipped by farmers. The cattle form the main source of their income. Cows are specially worshipped, as they are considered the incarnations of the Goddess Lakshmi.
Dhanteras 2010 Dats: Dhanteras 2010 date is November 3
Monday, October 25, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
Indian Festivals: Significance of Bhaiya Dooj Customs and Traditions
Bhaiya Dooj Festival: Indian history is replete with instances which speak of the rich Indian culture. Each and every festival celebrated in India has its own social and cultural importance. These occasions encompass the various customs and traditions which give India its beauty and charm. One of the many such festivals is Bhai Dooj. The name of this occasion comes from its association brothers and that it is celebrated on the second day after the new-moon (Amavasya), or Diwali day. This day is also the third day of the Kartik month, according to the Hindu calendar.
The basic theme behind the origin of Bhai Dooj festival is believed to be the safety of women. But, there are also several mythological narrations on which the various customs and traditions of Bhai Duj are based. Two most popular stories are mentioned below:
On the auspicious and delightful occasion of Bhaidooj, sisters apply tilak (a holy mark) on their brothers' forehead. They perform arti of their beloved and caring brothers and offer sweets to them, as well. Brothers also take pledge to keep their sisters safe and give them some gift or present reciprocating their gesture. Bhaiya Dooj is one of such amazing Indian festivals which are a true representative of the customs and traditions of India.
The basic theme behind the origin of Bhai Dooj festival is believed to be the safety of women. But, there are also several mythological narrations on which the various customs and traditions of Bhai Duj are based. Two most popular stories are mentioned below:
- It is believed that once Yamraj (the god of death) visited his sister Yami. His sister became very delighted to see him and applied a tilak on his forehead. At this, Yamraj became so happy that he announced that the person whose sister will apply tilak on his forehead on that day would become free from the fear of death and hell. From that day, the tradition of Bhai Dooj came into existence.
- Another mythological tale says that after killing the devil named, Narkasur, lord Krishna went to his sister Subhadra. The day on which lord Krishna visited his sister was the second day after the new-moon day, or the dooj day. Subhadra gave her brother a warm welcome by doing his arti, applying a tilak on his forehead, sprinkling flowers over him, and offering him sweets. From then onwards, it became a tradition and got fame as the Bhai Dooj festival.
On the auspicious and delightful occasion of Bhaidooj, sisters apply tilak (a holy mark) on their brothers' forehead. They perform arti of their beloved and caring brothers and offer sweets to them, as well. Brothers also take pledge to keep their sisters safe and give them some gift or present reciprocating their gesture. Bhaiya Dooj is one of such amazing Indian festivals which are a true representative of the customs and traditions of India.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Lord Pashupatinath Temple: Mandsaur eight faced Lord Shiva
Lord Pashupatinath is the another form of Lord Shiva, situated in only two place in the world First Katmandu (Nepal) and Second in Mandsaur (India).
In India, Mandsaur is know for it’s religious culture and Lord Pashupatinath Temple, which is situated on the bank of sacred Shivna river. Lord Shiva with the eight faces is the main deity of the town in the form of lord Pashupatinath.
The 90 feet temple of Lord Pashupatinath was built in 1962 on the bank of Shivna river, The Eight faced Shiva Linga is placed in the temple. It’s height is7.25 feet, has eight face in tow part, upper and lower, every part has four face. Every face depict the four stage of life. It is the unique sculpture of lord Shiva Linga in the world.
In India, Mandsaur is know for it’s religious culture and Lord Pashupatinath Temple, which is situated on the bank of sacred Shivna river. Lord Shiva with the eight faces is the main deity of the town in the form of lord Pashupatinath.
The 90 feet temple of Lord Pashupatinath was built in 1962 on the bank of Shivna river, The Eight faced Shiva Linga is placed in the temple. It’s height is7.25 feet, has eight face in tow part, upper and lower, every part has four face. Every face depict the four stage of life. It is the unique sculpture of lord Shiva Linga in the world.
Lord Pashupatinath Linga Mandsaur
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple in rainy season
Satya: The Truth of LIE
Everyone in this mean world has been surrounded by their thoughts of well-being; they speak lies and then tend to hide them. Some do so, by a smile on their face and for some tears are the better options. This world is cruel, nothing more or less than that. A cute baby to wrinkling and pale faced granny, ‘lies’ is what we are talking about. Every person is a liar, but some lies are - SATYA, THE TRUTH OF LIE.
I know I am a liar. But what I always speak isn’t always a lie. Sometimes my lies are in the favor of my parents and sometimes they are in the favor of friends. But today I spoke in front of the mirror and felt so reprehensible that I couldn’t stop the one crying inside the mirror. And do you all know one thing, that Yes I have been given a mouth but there are NO APOLOGIES, I lie. “I haven’t been forgiven a single time I lied”. I was Sorry that I disrespected you. I was sorry, that didn’t come that day. I was sorry, that I called you on your phone, when you said, not to call. I was sorry, that I was a tear on your eye. I was sorry, that I was in fear when you cry. I was sorry, when I didn’t live up to your expectations. I was sorry; I didn’t wish you, on your Birthday celebrations. And I am Sorry, that I loved you more than you did, perhaps YOU DID NOT. My lies are not always for a bad motive though they later ought to be so (Oh god, what am I writing? Nail me on the wall). There is always a truth lies behind my lies.
I know I am a liar. But what I always speak isn’t always a lie. Sometimes my lies are in the favor of my parents and sometimes they are in the favor of friends. But today I spoke in front of the mirror and felt so reprehensible that I couldn’t stop the one crying inside the mirror. And do you all know one thing, that Yes I have been given a mouth but there are NO APOLOGIES, I lie. “I haven’t been forgiven a single time I lied”. I was Sorry that I disrespected you. I was sorry, that didn’t come that day. I was sorry, that I called you on your phone, when you said, not to call. I was sorry, that I was a tear on your eye. I was sorry, that I was in fear when you cry. I was sorry, when I didn’t live up to your expectations. I was sorry; I didn’t wish you, on your Birthday celebrations. And I am Sorry, that I loved you more than you did, perhaps YOU DID NOT. My lies are not always for a bad motive though they later ought to be so (Oh god, what am I writing? Nail me on the wall). There is always a truth lies behind my lies.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Lakshmi Paintings: Goddess of wealth & Fortune
Lakshmi Paintings: Goddess Lakshmi is called the goddess of wealth and fortune depict thousands of paintings in thousands time. People worship goddess Lakshmi on Deepawali Festival specially. Lakshmi is the wife of Lord Vishnu. During the churning of sea goddess Lakshmi emerged in the sea than god Vishnu married with Lakshmi.Goddess Lakshmi is called the goddess of wealth. She gives the blessing of wealth and prosperous. All paintings are courtesy of Art of Legend India
Goddess Lakshmi Paintings Gallery:
Goddess Lakshmi Paintings Gallery:
Lakshmi Painting
Goddess Lakshmi Painting
Lakshmi Painting
Lakshmi Paintings
Friday, September 17, 2010
Lord Vishnu: Paintings of Hindu God Vishnu Gallery
Lord Vishnu is one of the greatest and preserver Hindu god depict in thousands of paintings in thousands time. Thousands of devotees are worshipped in different form of God Vishnu. Lord Vishnu has tenth incarnation. Ninth incarnations have become in ancient age and various paintings have made on it. Last and tenth incarnation of lord Vishnu is remain . It will called Kalki. All the paintings are courtesy of Art of Legend India
Lord Vishnu Paintings and Pictures Gallery
Lord Vishnu Paintings and Pictures Gallery
Boar Incarnation of Lord Vishnu painting
Turtle Incarnation Of Lord Vishnu Painting
Dwarf Incarnation of Lord Vishnu Painting
Fish Incarnation of Lord Vishnu Painting
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Hindu Festivals and Auspicious Days in October 2010
Dates of Auspicious Days and festivals in October 2010, which is associated to Hinduism (Hindu Religion). All the Auspicious dates based on major Hindu calendars and Indian Standard Time (IST), which is used in India.
October 2010 - Hindu Festivals and Auspicious Days.
October 1 – Jitiya Vrat
October 4 – Ekadasi Fasting – Indira Ekadashi
October 5 – Pradosh Fasting
October 7 – Mahalaya – Amavasya – Pitru Paksha Shradh Ends
October 8 – Ashwin month begins in Gujarat, Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
October 8 – Navratri Begins – Kalash Sthapana – Ghatha Sthapana
October 12, 2010 – Lalita Panchami
October 13, 2010 – Durga Puja Sashti
October 13, 2010 – Muruga Sashti Fasting
October 14, 2010 – Durga Puja Saptami
October 15, 2010 – Durga Puja Ashtami – Durga Ashtami
October 16, 2010 – Mahanavami – Ayudha Puja (Navratri ends)
October 17, 2010 – Vijayadashami – Dasara
October 18, 2010 – Ekadasi Fasting – Pashankusha Ekadasi
October 18, 2010 – Aipasi Month Begins in Tamil Calendar
October 18, 2010 – Thulam Month Begins in Malayalam Calendar
October 19, 2010 – Kartik Month begins in Bengali Calendar
October 20, 2010 – Pradosh
October 22, 2010 – Kumar Purnima – Sharad Purnima – Kojagari Purnima
October 23, 2010 – Purnima day ends
October 23, 2010 – Kartik Month Begins in Hindu calendar in North India
October 23, 2010 – Kartik Snan begins
October 26, 2010 – Karwa Chouth
October 26, 2010 – Angarak Ganesh Chaturthi fasting
October 30, 2010 – Ahoi Ashtami
October 2010 - Hindu Festivals and Auspicious Days.
October 1 – Jitiya Vrat
October 4 – Ekadasi Fasting – Indira Ekadashi
October 5 – Pradosh Fasting
October 7 – Mahalaya – Amavasya – Pitru Paksha Shradh Ends
October 8 – Ashwin month begins in Gujarat, Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
October 8 – Navratri Begins – Kalash Sthapana – Ghatha Sthapana
October 12, 2010 – Lalita Panchami
October 13, 2010 – Durga Puja Sashti
October 13, 2010 – Muruga Sashti Fasting
October 14, 2010 – Durga Puja Saptami
October 15, 2010 – Durga Puja Ashtami – Durga Ashtami
October 16, 2010 – Mahanavami – Ayudha Puja (Navratri ends)
October 17, 2010 – Vijayadashami – Dasara
October 18, 2010 – Ekadasi Fasting – Pashankusha Ekadasi
October 18, 2010 – Aipasi Month Begins in Tamil Calendar
October 18, 2010 – Thulam Month Begins in Malayalam Calendar
October 19, 2010 – Kartik Month begins in Bengali Calendar
October 20, 2010 – Pradosh
October 22, 2010 – Kumar Purnima – Sharad Purnima – Kojagari Purnima
October 23, 2010 – Purnima day ends
October 23, 2010 – Kartik Month Begins in Hindu calendar in North India
October 23, 2010 – Kartik Snan begins
October 26, 2010 – Karwa Chouth
October 26, 2010 – Angarak Ganesh Chaturthi fasting
October 30, 2010 – Ahoi Ashtami
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Hindu Goddess Paintings: Kali, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Durga Paintings
Hindu Goddess paintings from India, is painted by master artist of goddess Kali, Lakshami, Saraswati, Durga etc. All paintings of Goddesses is collected form various famous site and courtesy of their respective owner Art of Legend India [dot] com.
Hindu Goddess Kali, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Durga Paintings Gallery.
Hindu Goddess Kali, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Durga Paintings Gallery.
Goddess Lakshmi Painting
Goddess Lakshmi Painting
Goddess Kali Paintings
Goddess Kali Painting
Goddess Saraswati Painting
Goddess Saraswati Painting
Goddess Durga Painting
Hindu Paintings: Gods and Goddess Paintings Gallery
Hindu paintings nicely painted by Indian master artist. This paintings Gallery of Hindu Gods and Goddess is collection from various famous sites. All the paintings are courtesy of their respective owners.
Hindu Paintings Gallery of Hindu Gods and Goddess from famous sites.
Hindu Paintings Gallery of Hindu Gods and Goddess from famous sites.
Dwarkadhish Paintings
Child Krishna Paintings
Hindu Trinity Paintings
Sai Baba Paintings
Narad Muni Painting
Friday, September 10, 2010
Durga Puja: Popular Hindu Festival of India
Durga Puja is one of the popular annual Hindu festivals, which is celebrated with great joy all over India, especially West Bengal in worship of Goddess Durga. It is also known as ‘Navratri’, the festival of nine nights. It is the worship of Shakti or divine power. This great festival is devoted to Goddess Durga, who is the manifestation of absolute power. She is the mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya.According to Hindu calendar, Durga Puja is celebrated during the month of Aashwin (September – October). This is the time when the weather is at its best in India. Durga Puja schedule falls on the first 9days of the month of Ashwin. It is also celebrated as a major festival in Nepal and in Bangladesh where 10% population is Hindu. It is believed that Goddess Durga, visits her native land with her whole family for 10 days. The period of Durga Puja is considered the most auspicious period of the year. Various types of religious programs are organized during this period.
Legend of Durga Navratri festival is mentioned in many scriptures including Ramayana, Devi Bhagavatham and several Puranas. Durga Puja is celebrated to symbolize the victory of good over evil. On this festival, people belonging to all religions, get together and celebrate it. Celebration of Durga Puja is mentioned in many Indian scriptures including Ramayana, Devi Bhagavatham and several Puranas. It is also presumed that the practice of worshipping Goddess Durga began in Bengal from the 12th century onwards. It has become more of a cultural festival than a religious one. On the occasion of this festival, people decorate their homes; buy new clothes and other things. During the period of the festival, devotees of Goddess Durga fast and they break their fast after the celebration of the festival. After the ten day celebration, the idols of the Goddess are immersed into water with great devotion.
Mythology associated with Durga Puja
This auspicious festival recalls the power of female Shakti symbolized by the Goddess Durga who killed demons to reestablish peace and sanctity on earth. Worship of Goddess Durga is based on myths where Durga symbolizes the divine power. According to the Indian mythology, once upon a time, Mahishasur, the leader of demons, was given a boon by Lord Brahma that no man or deity would be able to kill him but a woman can kill him. He was very pleased with this boon as he thought that no woman in the three worlds would fight with him. Armed with the powers of the boon, he created havoc in the universe and killed people mercilessly. He with his army invaded heaven and defeated the king of Gods, Indra. All the Gods, including Brahma, Vishnu etc became powerless. Finally, the gods came together and contributed their individual energy to form ‘Shakti’ to kill Mahishasur. Thus Goddess Durga, a beautiful woman with ten arms riding on the lion, emerged. She possessed the unique individual powers of ten deities, which were symbolized by her ten arms.
Fully grown and armed by the gods, beautiful Goddess Durga was named "Kattyani" as she is born in the ashram of sage Kattyana. When Mahishasur saw Goddess Durga, he attracted towards her and decided to marry with her, but Goddess Durga put a condition that, if he defeated her in the battle then she would marry with him. He accepted the challenge and a fierce battle took place between Mahishasur and Goddess Durga. She fought with Mahishasur for nine days and nights and on the tenth day, Mahishasur was killed. The nine nights became renowned as Navratri, while the tenth day was called Vijaya Dashami. It is also believed that, Ravana was also killed by Lord Rama on Vijaya Dashami. Hence, Durga Puja is the celebration of victory of Goddess Durga. She killed Mahishasur therefore, she is also known as Mahishasurmardhini.
Legend of Durga Navratri festival is mentioned in many scriptures including Ramayana, Devi Bhagavatham and several Puranas. Durga Puja is celebrated to symbolize the victory of good over evil. On this festival, people belonging to all religions, get together and celebrate it. Celebration of Durga Puja is mentioned in many Indian scriptures including Ramayana, Devi Bhagavatham and several Puranas. It is also presumed that the practice of worshipping Goddess Durga began in Bengal from the 12th century onwards. It has become more of a cultural festival than a religious one. On the occasion of this festival, people decorate their homes; buy new clothes and other things. During the period of the festival, devotees of Goddess Durga fast and they break their fast after the celebration of the festival. After the ten day celebration, the idols of the Goddess are immersed into water with great devotion.
Mythology associated with Durga Puja
This auspicious festival recalls the power of female Shakti symbolized by the Goddess Durga who killed demons to reestablish peace and sanctity on earth. Worship of Goddess Durga is based on myths where Durga symbolizes the divine power. According to the Indian mythology, once upon a time, Mahishasur, the leader of demons, was given a boon by Lord Brahma that no man or deity would be able to kill him but a woman can kill him. He was very pleased with this boon as he thought that no woman in the three worlds would fight with him. Armed with the powers of the boon, he created havoc in the universe and killed people mercilessly. He with his army invaded heaven and defeated the king of Gods, Indra. All the Gods, including Brahma, Vishnu etc became powerless. Finally, the gods came together and contributed their individual energy to form ‘Shakti’ to kill Mahishasur. Thus Goddess Durga, a beautiful woman with ten arms riding on the lion, emerged. She possessed the unique individual powers of ten deities, which were symbolized by her ten arms.
Fully grown and armed by the gods, beautiful Goddess Durga was named "Kattyani" as she is born in the ashram of sage Kattyana. When Mahishasur saw Goddess Durga, he attracted towards her and decided to marry with her, but Goddess Durga put a condition that, if he defeated her in the battle then she would marry with him. He accepted the challenge and a fierce battle took place between Mahishasur and Goddess Durga. She fought with Mahishasur for nine days and nights and on the tenth day, Mahishasur was killed. The nine nights became renowned as Navratri, while the tenth day was called Vijaya Dashami. It is also believed that, Ravana was also killed by Lord Rama on Vijaya Dashami. Hence, Durga Puja is the celebration of victory of Goddess Durga. She killed Mahishasur therefore, she is also known as Mahishasurmardhini.
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