HINDU TEMPLES IN PAKISTAN

PICS OF HINDUTEMPLES IN PAK

 Rohtas Fort, near Islamabad ,Panjab

Hinglaj Mandir or Nani Mandir, Hingol National Park, Baluchistan




Hindu Temple, Umerkot, Sindh
Hindu Temples, Tilla Jogian, Punjab
Sri Varun Dev Temple, Manora Cantt, Karachi, Sindh
Sadhu Bela Temple, Sindh
Katas Raj Temples, Chakwal, near Lahore, Punjab
Hindu Temple, Nagar Parkar, Sindh
Hindu Temples, Malot, Punjab

Hindu Temple, Chiniot, Punjab
Hindu Temple, Saidpur village, Islamabad, Punjab
Hindu Temple, Taxila, Punjab
Hanuman Statue, Lahore Museum


Hindu Temple, Thar
Hindu Temple, Thar

Hindu Temple, Lahore, Punjab

Hindu Temple, Thar

Hindu Temple, Sialkot, Punjab

Hindu Temple, Taxila, Punjab

Hindu Temple, Rawalpindi, Punjab

Hindu Temple, Mari-Indus, near Kalabagh, Punjab

Sri Badoki Temple, Gujranwala, Punjab

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INDIAN FAMOUS TOURIST PLACE RAMESWARAM TEMPLE

The famous Ramanathaswamy Temple is regarded as one of the most sacred shrines of Hindus in India. It is an honoured pilgrimage destination, which represents the southernmost of the 12 Jyotirlingams of India. It is considered as holy as Banaras. This famous Hindu temple situated on the Rameshwaram island is located off the Sethu coast of Tamil Nadu. The temple is noted for its close association with Ramayana and the legendary victory of Rama over the demon king Ravana.
This temple is a pious temple, keeping in mind its association with Lord Rama, a great Hindu legend and its grand structure. This huge temple on the island of Rameswaram can be reached via the Pamban bridge across the sea, it is famous for its long ornate corridors, towers and remarkable 36 Theerthams.
According to a legend, Rama worshiped Shiva in the form of a Shiva Lingam, while returning to Ayodhya. This lingam was made of earth by Rama's consort, Sita. It is also said that Hanuman was sent to bring an image of Viswanathar from Banares. Rama thought that Hanuman will be late in returning. Therefore, Rama is said to have offered worship at a pre-chosen auspicious moment to the Shivalingam. This lingam is referred to as Ramalingam.
The other Shivlingam brought here by Hanuman from Banaras is known as Viswanathar . This Shivalingam is also called Kasilingam and Hanumalingam. The Viswanathar Shivalingam is worshiped before offering prayers to Ramanathaswamy. It is also believed that Rama worshiped Tilakeswarar at Devipatnam on the route to Sri Lanka.

 The History of The Temple
It is said that the ancient shrine was placed in a thatched hut until the 12th century. Parakrama Bahu of Sri Lanka built the first ever masonry structure here. The Setupathy rulers of Ramanathapuram completed the rest of the temple. Some of the temple vimaanams are similar to the Vimaanams of the Pallava period. Much more was added to the temple between the 12th and the 16th centuries. The long corridor (3rd prakaram) dates back only to the 18th century. The Gandhamadhana Parvatam (hill) offers a panoramic view of the temple. Travancore, Ramanathapuram, Mysore and Pudukkottai kingdoms provided royal patronage to this famous Hindu temple.
 The Temple Architecture
The temple is sprawled over an area of 15 acres. It has huge gopurams, monolithic walls and a stupendous Nandi. There is a 4000 feet long pillar corridor with over 4000 pillars, considered the longest in the world. A unique feature about this corridor is that the rock used here is not found on the native island, it was brought in from elsewhere in Tamilnadu across the sea. The eastern Rajagopuram has a height of 126 feet and has nine levels whereas the western Rajagopuram is not as tall as the eastern one. The huge image of Nandi is about 18 feet tall and 22 feet in length.
The Gandamadana Parvatham
This hill on the Rameshwaram island, has a small shrine, consisting of imprints of Lord Rama's feet, which is worshiped here. A worth visiting site.
Theertham(Water Springs)
There almost 36 Theerthams here out of which 22 are in the temple. The water of these Theerthams are said to be therapeutic. A bath in these is regarded significant. The Agni Theertham refers to the ocean while the Koti theertham is located within the temple itself.

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Hindus upset over trivialization of their gods in an Hollywood TV episode

Hindus are upset over the depiction of their gods in “Hammer of the Gods” episode in the “Supernatural” TV series reportedly aired on April 22 and say that such trivialization of their sacred deities was disturbing.
Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that Lord Ganesh and Goddess Kali were highly revered in Hinduism and such absurd depiction of them with no scriptural backing was hurtful to the devotees. Ganesh and Kali were meant to be worshipped in temples or home shrines and not to be thrown around loosely in reimagined versions for dramatic effects in TV series.
Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, asked the producer EW Network and director Rick Bota to issue a public apology and urged them not to reimagine Hinduism concepts and deities in the future to advance the commercial or other agenda.
Hindus welcomed Hollywood and other entertainment industries to immerse in Hinduism but taking it seriously and respectfully and not just for indecorous showing of Hindu symbols and concepts to advance their selfish agenda. Casual flirting sometimes resulted in pillaging serious spiritual doctrines and revered symbols and hurting the devotees, Rajan Zed pointed out.
Zed argued that Hinduism was the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly. No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed at; Zed said and added that inappropriate use of Hinduism concepts and symbols was not okay.
Meanwhile Bhavna Shinde of Forum for Hindu Awakening has described it as inappropriate and denigration and a Hindu leader of Trinidad Devant Maharaj said that he was deeply offended.
According to reports, in this episode, Winchesters are shown kidnapped by a group of gods, including Ganesh and Kali and held hostage, who want to use Winchesters as bargaining chips. Kali is relegated to escaping with Winchesters in their car to get away. Kali sits on the lap of angel Gabriel who guards her with his angelic blade. Devil turns Ganesh into a stain on the wall. Its cast includes Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Rekha Sharma, Keith Dallas, etc.
Supernatural is a series of CW Network which was formed as a joint venture between Warner Bros. Entertainment and CBS Corporation. The CW is America’s fifth broadcast network and claims to be the only network targeting women 18-34.
In Hinduism, Lord Ganesh is worshipped as god of wisdom and remover of obstacles and is invoked before the beginning of any major venture. Goddess Kali, who personifies Sakti or divine energy, is considered the goddess of time and change.

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Hindus, who protested Love Guru

Hindus, who vehemently protested against his 2008 release “The Love Guru”, have wished good luck to Mike Myers on his upcoming venture “Austin Powers 4″ as long as he assured not to denigrate Hinduism in his future movies.
Acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, who led the protests against “The Love Guru” for lampooning Hinduism, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that ksama (forgiveness) was one of the main virtues of Hindu ethics.
If Myers visited a nearby Hindu temple, paid his obeisance, expressed remorse, and assured not to denigrate Hinduism in his future movies, Hindus would not only absolve him but might also pray for his success in his future ventures if asked, Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, added.
Zed further said that although Myer’s temple visit would not undo the damage done to the community, but it might help heal the wounds somewhat of apparently disturbed Hindu populace of the world, who numbered around one billion.
Zed also suggested Myers to seek some spiritual wisdom as ancient Hindu scripture Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord) said: Nothing in this world purifies like spiritual wisdom.

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Kathmandu's Pashupatinath Temple is Nepal's most important Hindu temple, and one of Kathmandu's main tourist sites.

One of the holiest Hindu temples on the Indian subcontinent, Pashupatinath is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva as his manifestation Pashupati, the Lord of Animals. Pashupatinath stands by the sacred (but badly polluted) Bagmati river in the eastern part of Kathmandu. While Kathmandu’s Buddhist sites Swayambhunath and Boudhanath are world-famous, the majority of Nepal’s residents are Hindus, and Pashupatinath is an important Hindu pilgrim destination.

Facts About the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu

The exact origins of Pashupatinath are shrouded in legend and myths. There has apparently been an ancient Shaivite temple on the site (a temple devoted to Shiva) long before the present temple structure, which is said to date back to the era of King Bhupalendra Malla in the 17th century. Following a centuries-old tradition, priests in this temple come from South India, and used to be recruited with the consent of the King of Nepal. After the abolition of monarchy in Nepal there have been protests demanding appointment of Nepali priests.The centerpiece of the temple is a beautiful pagoda-style structure with golden roofs and silver-coated doors. The pagoda is decorated with woodcarvings representing Shiva’s wife Parvati, their son Ganesha and other Hindu gods. Inside the temple is a shivalingam, Shiva’s phallic symbol. The lingam in this temple is chaturmukha, or four-faced statue. On the entrance to the temple stands a statue of Shiva’s bull, Nandi.

Non-Hindus are not allowed into the main temple. In June 2009 new areas of the temple complex were opened to tourists, and the entrance free to foreign tourists was doubled to Rs500 (approximately US$6.50).

Tips for Visiting the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu

The fascinating and colourful temple area provides the visitor a very different experience than Kathmandu’s Buddhist sites. The temple is always busy with orange-robed saddhus, who travel to Pashupatinath from around Nepal and the Indian subcontinent. During the Maha Shivaratri festival in February Pashupatinath stays open all night for its famous Shivaratri celebrations that attract large crowds of saddhus, pilgrims, devotees and tourists.

Bathing in the Bagmati river is considered auspicious, and there are ghats on the banks of the river for bathing as well as for cremation of bodies; Pashupatinath is also a popular cremation place. Visitors should be discrete and considerate when taking photographs here, especially during cremations. Morning and sunset are the busiest time in Pashupatinath and good for observing activities in the temple and the ghats.

Non-Hindus can try to get a view of the main temple from across the river, and there are several other interesting temples and shrines around the area on both sides of the river.

The easiest way to get to Pashupatinath is by taxi, but there is also a tempo stop nearby. Tempos connect Pashupati to central Kathmandu as well as to Boudhanath, which is just two kilometers away, and also easily reached from Pashupatinath by walking.



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SRI VENKATESWARA TEMPLE PITTSBURGH USA

Sri Venkateswara Temple (S. V. Temple) is located in Penn Hills, an eastern suburb of Pittsburgh, PA, USA. It is one of the earliest traditional Hindu Temples built in the United States.
Sri Venkateswara Temple organization was established on Aug 7, 1975. Assistance from Tirumal Tirupathi Devasthanam (TTD) for construction of the temple was requested on Sept 11, 1975 and granted on the same day. On June 30, 1976 ground breaking was performed and was followed by pratisthapana on Nov 17, 1976. Daily worship is being performed continuously ever since.S. V. Temple was constructed at a cost of several millions of dollars with donations raised from devotees in U.S.A and several countries. Most donors were first generation Indian immigrants seeking to maintain ties with their mother culture.

Structure
Plans for Sri Venkateswara Temple were designed and planned by Sthapathy Ganapathi working at engineering cell of endowments department, Andhra Pradesh, India, on Aug 2, 1973. Sri Venkateswara Temple, Sri Tayar (Lakshmi) Temple, Sri Andal temple are their design, which is different from Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh, India. Click here for floor plan
Agama
A Hindu Temple is constructed according to the Agama Sastras (Temple manuals) in the image of the human body. The two sides of the temple represent the hands, and the top of the Temple represents the head. The deity Venkateswara (Lord of Venkata, and a representation of Vishnu) rests in the innermost recess called the Garbhagraha (sanctum sanctorum). The S. V. Temple at Pittsburgh follows the temple texts known as Pancharatra Agama which consists of 108 samhitas (collection).
Archa Roopam
The Agama state that Narayana, the eternal Divine Being, should be worshipped in the Archa Roopam (iconic form) in temples and homes. Hindu devotee believes that divine power has manifested itself in the murti (icon/idol). Major religious events like Kumbhabhishekam are performed to re-energize the Murti with Divine Power, which can either be diluted or lost due to transgressions committed unknowingly by the priests or the worshippers. Worshipping the Archai Avatara as Hari gives the devotees access to God and His Power.
Priests
Rules of Agama require a temple priest to serve and act as an intermediary between the worshipper and God. The Vaishnava Temple priests are referred to as Bhaktacharya, Bhattacharya or simply Bhattar. They come from families with Temple priesthood as their traditional occupation, and learn their skills from a young age. All the daily and weekly rituals are performed by the priests. Special occasions such as Kumbhabhishekam require additional priests, who are then invited from other Temples in the United States and India.

Worship
Several types of religious services performed at the Temple: Archana, Abhishekam, Sathyanarayana Puja, Kalyana Utsavam, Homa and many others which are published under "Services", "Programs & News" menu items in this website.

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BOLI TEMPLE

What the Balinese do not understand or what is strange to them, e.g. a spring or big tree, is holy. As a holy place it has to have a temple or at least a shrine. A Banyan tree, because it is so large and awes the people, is holy and one sees always a shrine under it, where people can make offerings to the spirit of the tree.Near a spring there is always a shrine and more often than not such a spring becomes the place where the deities go for a cleansing bath.A whole temple is built around the holy spring of Tirtha Empul at Tampaksiring, a spring of fresh water bubbling up all the time that awes the people so much.
A Balinese compound has always the house temple inside and a guardian shrine outside. The Bale Banjar (community hall) has a temple, a bathing place has a temple or at least a shrine.
There are temples especially built to house the Barong, a mythical animal considered very holy by the people.
All lakes in Bali have temples. In such temples Dwi Danu, the lakes Goddess, is worshipped and since a lake is a water reservoir the members of the subak go there to ask for water in case of a drought.For Baruna, the sea God, the Balinese build the Pura Segara, the Sea Temple, a place for purification ceremonies, because the sea although full of demonic forces also has purifying forces. If there is no temple the people just sit on the sand and pray to God Baruna, and ask him for purification.Two days before the Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, there are purification ceremonies all over South Bali. The purpose of all this is that the New year is really begun with a new clean slate. Tools, men and deities all are purified.

Every county has its own national (county) temple and Bali has three:
1. Pura Besakih on the slope of Mount Agung,
2. Pura Ulun Danu Batur at Batur Karanganyar in the county of Bangli and
3. Pura Gelgel at gelgel in the county of Semarapura.

All these three temples are called Pura Gumi, the People’s temples. People from all over Bali go to these temples to worship. Besakih temple is the biggest where every clan has its temple and every group of nobility has its own “pedarman” temple. In it there is the Tri Purusa, there shrines on a common pedestal, where everyone goes to pray before or after he goes to his own temple in the Besakih complex.The Tri Purusa is for Brahma, the Creator, Wisnu the Maintainer and Siwa the Destroyer and Mahadewa another name of Siwa. Siwa and Mahadewa sit in one Padmasana. One can distinguish the seats of the Trinity to the colors of each God; red is for Brahma, black for Wisnu, white if for Siwa and yellow is for Mahadewa.
So a piece of red cloth is hung around the shrine for Brahma, a black cloth is wrapped arount that of Wisnu and around the shrine of Siwa and Mahadewa are wrapped two pieces of cloth, a white and yellow one. Red means fire, black is prosperity, white is purity and yellow is for holiness.Beside ordinary shrines, structures with one roof of alang-alang, tall grass, there are merus, high structures with odd numbered roofs of “ijuk”, the fiber of the “jaka” palm.A Meru is a seat of the a mountain deity or an ancestor. The merus of the temple of Besakih are for ancestor and those of Taman Ayun are for mountain deities. Our deities have ranks. For the highest ranking is a meru of 11 roofs, the highest number and the lowest is three.
In the temple of Taman Ayun, Mengwi one see a structure of two roofs of ijuk. This is now a meru, but a plain shrine. According to their rank a deity sits in a meru of three, five, seven, nine or eleven roofs.
There are two cycles in Balinese can choose from dedicates of inaugurate temples of building, i.e. the time cycle of twelve lunar months and another one of 30 weeks of seven days. Of the lunar month year full moon or dark moon is chosen; full moon is chosen to inaugurate Pura Desa or and Pura Puseh; new moon is used to dedicated Pura Dalem.The days of the Wuku (week) year is also used to dedicate temples, but they are mostly used for public as well as family religious ceremonies. For everything the Balinese do there must be a good day. For that they consult a priest who is versed in deciding what day is good for what.

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AKSHAYA TRITIYA ' THE GOLDEN DAY'

Hindus believe in the theory of "mahurats" or auspicious timings in every step in life - be it to begin a new venture or making an important purchase. Akshaya Tritiya is one such momentous occasion, which is considered one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu Calendar. It is believed, any meaningful activity started on this day would be fruitful.
Once a Year
Akshaya Tritiya falls on the third day of the bright half of Vaishakh month (April-May), when the Sun and Moon are in exaltation; they are simultaneously at their peak of brightness, which happens only once every year.
Holy Day
Akshaya Tritiya, also known as "Akha Teej", is traditionally the birthday of Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. People conduct special Pujas on this day, bathe in holy rivers, make a charity, offer barley in a sacred fire, and worship Lord Ganesha & Devi Lakshmi on this day.
The Golden Link
The word "Akshaya" means imperishable or eternal - that which never diminishes. Initiations made or valuables bought on this day are considered to bring success or good fortune. Buying gold is a popular activity on Akshaya Tritiya, as it is the ultimate symbol of wealth and prosperity. Gold and gold jewelry bought and worn on this day signify never diminishing good fortune. Indians celebrate weddings, begin new business ventures, and even plan long journeys on this day.




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BUDDHA PURNiMA

Buddha Poornima, which falls on the full moon night in the month of Vaisakha (either in April or May), commemorates the birth anniversary of Lord Buddha, founder of Buddhism. Notwithstanding the summer heat (the temperature routinely touches 45 degrees C), pilgrims come from all over the world to Bodh Gaya to attend the Buddha Poornima celebrations. The day is marked with prayer meets, sermons on the life of Gautam Buddha, religious discourses, continuous recitation of Buddhist scriptures, group meditation, processions, worship of the statue of Buddha. The Mahabodhi Temple wears a festive look and is decorated with colourful flags and flowers. The Chinese scholar, Fa-Hien has recorded celebration of this festival.
It is an important to give a summarized description on the Buddhist festivals in India, especially in the main places of worship. The principal annual ceremony for all the Buddhist is the Vaisaka Purnima known in Sri Lanka as Wesak festival and in India as Buddha Jayanti. Vaisaka Purnima day is fixed by the full-moon day of the month Vaisaka, which falls in May. Like all other Buddhist festivals it falls according to the Lunar year. It was of this day of the year, according to the year.
He attained Supreme Enlighten or Buddha hood, beneath the Bodhi-tree at Boddha Gaya. Forty-five years later at the age of eighty, he finally passed away in Parinivana on the same day of the year at Kushinagar. Vaisaka Purnima is celebrated especially in Boddha Gaya, Lumbini and in Kushinara as they are the holy places that were connected with the blessed ones birth, enlighten and the Parinirvana. Buddhists in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Tibet, China, Korea, Laos, Vietnam, Mongolia, Bhutan, Cambodia, Nepal, Japan and quite a number of western Buddhists participate 'Vaisaka' Purnima Day religious activities in a festive mood. Sarnath the capital of Buddhism too celebrates Vaisaka Purnima day in a grand way.
The great Buddhist festival 'Vaisaka' ,although is an occasion for rejoicing doesn't encourage hectic gaiety and abandon. The happiness that the Buddhists feel when they are celebrating it is a tranquil, peaceful joy. The festival has its gay side as well. In most of the Buddhist countries the villages, roads, streets, temples and houses are brightly illuminated with color Lanterns, electric lights and colorful decorations.

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Festivals of India 2010

Indian Festivals celebrated by varied cultures and through their special rituals add to the colours of Indian Heritage. Some festivals welcome the seasons of the year, the harvest, the rains, or the full moon. Others celebrate religious occasions, the birthdays of divine beings, saints, and gurus (revered teachers), or the advent of the New Year. A number of these festivals are common to most parts of India. However, they may be called by different names in various parts of the country or may be celebrated in a different fashion. .....
May (Vaisakha/Jyaistha ):
The fifth day of the year May is named after the Greek Goddess Maia who is a deity of fertility. Hindu months Vaisakha and Jyaistha correspond with the same period. It is the time when flowers emerge and crops begin to sprout.
It is said that the dew of May has magical properties and if anyone washes his/her face with it, then the person’s complexion will improve all through the year. This dew will make the skin spotless.
May is the month of great celebrations. May 1 is celebrated as Labor Day in most of the countries. The celebration is carried out across the borders to fight for the eight hour day and is holiday for workers or laborers
Mother is worthy of worship in every religion. She has always been praised of her dedication and dotting attitude. Mother’s day gives an opportunity to offer gratitude to their lovely mother. The position of sun, moon and Jupiter make Akshaya Tritiya an auspicious day for marriages. The day also brings in prosperity and good luck to everyone as believed by Hindus.
The birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism is celebrated as Buddha Poornima with great enthusiasm by Buddhists. Many important days as festivals and birthdays commemorate in the months like World Laughter Day, World Red Cross Day, Technology Day, International Day of Families, World Telecommunication Day, Guru Sankaracharya Jayanti, Anti-terrorism Day, Narad Jayanti etc.



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CHANDANOTSAVAM

Thousands of devotees thronged the temple of Lord Varaha Lakshmi Nrusimha Swamy, the presiding deity of Simhachalam, on Monday, even as the authorities and staff were engrossed in preparations for the annual ‘Chandanotsavam’ on May 8.
The original form of the Lord can be seen only on that day as the sandal paste covering on the idol is removed and special prayers are offered before a fresh coat of sandal paste is applied. Over a dozen temple staff was seen scraping the sandal sticks to prepare the paste.
In all, 32 employees are involved in the preparation of sandal paste for the past five days. Some 500 kg of sandal paste will be used to cover the idol in four instalments. The old sandal covering will be packed in sachets and sold to devotees
“Chandanotsavam is the most important festival at the temple. Thousands of devotees, not only from the city and State but also from other States participate in the festival to worship the Lord in His original form,” says chief priest Mortha Seetharamacharyulu.
The temple has been witnessing unprecedented rush during the last three days.
Women with babies in their arms were seen standing in the queue lines on Monday braving the hot and humid weather. Three days before the ‘Chandanotsavam’, water from the ‘Jaladhara’ is poured over the old sandal coating to soften it so that it could be scraped and removed from the idol.
Long queues were also seen praying at the ‘Kappasthambam’ on the precincts of the temple, which is believed to fulfil the wishes of devotees.

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THE WELL REPUTED TELUGU DEVOTIONAL MAGZAINE INAUGURATED BY GADE VENKATAREDDY

The Telugu Devotional monthly magzaine Devlayalu launched by the Endowment minister at his Secretariate chamber. the guests Presented in inauguration function are bodulluri ramarao Ex MLA, OSD Chandhrashkarreddy,Devalayalu Editor Anand and CEO& Chief Reporter RaghuRamireddy. In that occasion The minister Gade 'said' In Presentdays the devotional touch increased in human beings. To fullfill the human beings devotional fellings " The Devalayalu" devotional magziane emerged in to the society.

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Ashwini Nakshatra Characteristics

Ashwini or Ashvini (or Ashwathi in Malayalam), is the first Nakshatra of the 27 nakshatras in Hindu astrology. Ruled by Lord Ketu (Kethu), Ashwini Nakshatra Ashwini is governed by the Ashwins, the twin horsemen. Ashwini Kumara, the horse headed celestial physicians, is the deity of this asterism. With the spread from 00 to 13020 min, this star falls in the zodiac sign of Mesha, which is ruled by planet Mars. Ashvini is signified either by the head of a horse, or by honey and the bee hives.

General Characteristics of Ashwini Nakshatra
Here are some of the main characteristics of Ashwini naskshara. Persons born in this Ashwathi Nakshatram are of noble characters. They are aggressive; possess good business skills and leadership qualities. These people are very active, tend to serve others, be truthful, and obtain all comforts. Though there may be a gap in educational life, it could be completed due to their dedication. People of Ashvini Nakshatras are blessed with good family and children.
A person moves quickly and easily if he is born when the moon is in Ashvini. He has an attractive personality, be handsome, bright and intelligent. The natives of Ashwini are highly energetic and their greatest strength lies in the speed with which they get the things done. Other important qualities for those born in this star are meticulous, prosperous, obedient, and philosophical.


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Hindu Festivals Calendar April 2010

Here is the Hindu Festivals calendar for the month of April 2010. The calendar includes major festival dates and auspicious days in April. Some of the major festivals which falls in the month of April 2010 . The detailed calendar is given below.

13th April 2010- Baisakhi - Punjabi New Year Festival

14th April 2010-Amavasya – (Chaitra Amavasi or Adhik Vaishakh Amavasya),Chithirai Vishu or Puthandu (Tamil New Year)
Mesha Sankranti 2010 -Maha Vishuba Sankranti – Mahavishuva Samkranti, Goru Bihu
15th April 2010-ishu 2010 Kerala zodiac New Year or Malayalam astronomical New Year,
Bengali New Year – Naba Barsha or Poila Baisakh 2010,
Rongali Bihu or Bohag Bihu 2010 – Assam New Year.
16th April 2010-Gosain Bihu 2010 (Third day of Assamese New Year celebrations),
Chithirai Brahmotsavam Festival at Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
20th April 2010-Shasti Vratham
21st April 2010-Budhashtami
24th April 2010-Kamala Ekadashi or Padmini Ekadasi 2010,
Thrissur Pooram 2010 – Trichur Pooram
25th April 2010-Ekadashi ,Koodalmanikyam Temple or Kudal Manikkam Temple Festival
26th April 2010-Pradosha Pooja – Soma Pradosh or Chandra Pradosha Puja
28th April 2010-Adhik Vaishaka Purnima,Swathithirunal Jayanti

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Sampath Narasimha

When Sri Madhvacharya visited Badarinath, he was presented eight saligrama shilas known as 'Vyasa mushti', by Sri Vedavyasa devaru. Six of these saligramas are presently being worshipped in this maTha.

Along with the Vyasamushtis, Sri Vedavyasa devaru also gave Madhva a Narasimha saligrama, which is said to be very powerful. Madhvacharya placed this Narasimha saligrama in a box (sampuTa), along with 22 Lakshmi Narayana shilas and 5 Vyasamushti shilas. (only one Vyasamushti shila is worshipped outside the box)
Although the Narasimha saligrama is worshipped daily, it is always kept inside the box, except for bathing. Only the maThAdhipati of this maTha can open this box and touch the saligrama inside. Nobody else is allowed to see this Deity. If the peeThAdhipati of the maTha becomes sick, then on those days only the pooja rights of this saligrama goes to the swamiji of Sri Pejavara maTha in Udupi.

The first maThAdhipati Sri Vishnu teertha is said to be still residing in the forests in Kumara hills nearby where he is performing tapas. He sometimes returns to the maTha to perform puja to the Samputa Narasimha. Many devotees have heard the sound of bells inside the garbha-griha late at night when the temple is locked !
The second maThAdhipati of this maTha was Sri Aniruddha teertha (also a direct disciple of Sri Madhwacharya). During his time, King Ballala Raya of the Hoysala Dynasty stole the box containing the Narasimha saligrama.
Desiring to see the Deity, he hired four blacksmiths to forcibly open the box. Unfortunately, when they tried, they all died on the spot. The king also tried to open the box by having an elephant stand on it - the result was that the elephant also died immediately.

Because of this great offense, King Ballala Raya felt a great burning sensation within his body, and it was only when he returned the Samputa Narasimha to Sri Aniruddha teertha and obtained his blessings that he was relieved from his malady.

It is also believed that Sri Vishnu teertha had in fact carried the Samputa Narasimha saligrama (with the box) along with him to the forests, and sent back the same through the Kumara Dhaara river, upon request by Sri Aniruddha teertha.
Along with the saligamas, there are a number of other Deities, which belonged to previous pontiffs of the maTha, including a Laksmi-Narasimha Deity and Deities of Vittala, Rukmini and Satyabhama.

The present maThAdhipati is Sri Vidyaprasanna teertha swamiji, and he runs an educational institution at a place called biLinele.




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Sri Sode MaTha

The 6th maTha among the Udupi aShTa maThas is the Sode maTha. Two great yatis of all times have adorned the peeTha of this maTha. They are Sri Vishnu teertha and Sri Vadiraja teertha.

Sri Vishnu teertha was the first peeThAdhipati of Sode maTha. He was the younger brother of Sri Madhwacharya in poorvAshrama. He is still said to be alive and performing tapasya at the Kumaradri hills near Kukke Subrahmanya. In distant future he is supposed to revive the Tatvavaada philosophy once again, which by then would have become extinct. For this same purpose Sri Madhwacharya is believed to have preserved his sarvamoola granthas on copper plates, and buried them in a place called Kadtila or Setutila. Incidentally, Sri Vishnu teertha is also the founder of Kukke Subrahmanya maTha.

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DWARAKA MAHOTSAVALU STARTS NEXT MONTH


Sri Venkateswara Swami Vari Devasthanam is a religious shrine that is located in a small village, by the name Dwaraka Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh. Dwaraka Tirumala falls under the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh, India. The village is exceptionally famous for its holy shrine dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara. Dwaraka Tirumala is near to Eluru (the head quarters of West Godavari District) that lies at a distance of 40 kms. However, one can easily reach Dwaraka Tirumala by taking tourist buses or by hiring taxis throughout Andhra Pradesh.

This highly revered shrine is regarded as the miniature form of 'Tirupati' or 'Chinna Tirupathi'. Actually, the temple was named after the great saint 'Dwaraka', who took the initiative to place the idol of Lord Venkateshwara. Dwaraka (Saint) did strict penance on 'Valmikam' (ant hill) to bring the self-manifested idol of Lord Venkateswara to this place. In fact, the village derived its name from the same temple. Sri Venkateshwara is regarded as 'Kaliyuga Vaikuntha Vasa', who is the dispeller of all worldly charms and attractions.

Sanctum Sanctorum
The main shrine encompasses the sanctum sanctorum where the self-manifested deity of Lord Venkateshwara is placed. This idol is visible till the bust and the lower part is regarded as to be immersed in the Earth. The sacred feet of the Lord, are known to be worshipped in 'Patala'. The full-scale idol of Lord Venkateshwara stands at the back of the main image. It is believed to have been placed by Srimad Ramanuja, a great social reformer of the 11th century.

The main idol is the smaller one, which is said to be the benefactor of 'Moksha' (salvation). The full-scale idol represents Dharma (Religion), Artha (Meaning) and Kama (Worldly affairs). The 'Tiru kalyanotsavam' is the major festival that is observed in Dwaraka Tirumala Temple. The festival for the self-manifested idol (small idol) is celebrated in the month of "Vaisakha", while for the installed idol is celebrated in the month of "Aswayuja".

In the temple complex, there are many shrines that are dedicated to different forms of the God. Amongst all of them, Sri Swamyvari Temple, Anjaneya Swamyvari, Sri Garuda Swamivari Temples, Deeparadhana Temple and Alwar Temples are truly worth-visiting. Statues of Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya and Sage 'Dwaraka' inspire the awe of the onlooker with their mastery of sculpture.

Legend
Dwaraka Tirumala Temple is supposed to be an ancient shrine that traces its origin in Kruta Yuga. As per the Brahma Purana, Aja Maharaja (Grandfather of Lord Rama) worshipped Lord Venkateshwara intended for his marriage. On his way to the 'Swayamvaram' of Indumati, he crossed the temple of Dwaraka. However, he didn't stop to pay homage to the Lord. Indumati (Grandmother of Lord Rama) garlanded him, yet he had to face a combat with the Kings. He apprehended that the combat was plunged on him, since he overlooked the temple on the way. On realizing, Aja Maharaja pleaded to Lord Venkateshwara to forgive him and the combat was stopped.

Architecture
The temple has been renovated several times. The splendid structures like Vimana, Mantapa, Gopura and Prakara are accredited to be made by Dharma Appa Raoa (1762-1827). Various golden ornaments and silver vahanas were gifted by Rani Chinnamma Rao (1877-1902) of Mylavaram. The structure of the temple is a magnum opus of South Indian architecture.

The main Rajgopuram (spire) comprises five storeys and faces the southern direction. The other three 'gopurams' are embracing the three other sides of the temple. The Vimana is made out in the Nagara style. The old Mukhamantapa is renovated and extended to go well with the contemporary requirements. The entire spacious complex has been tiled with sandstone. A variety of trees adores the site with their soothing appearance.

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LEPAKSHI THE FAMOUS ARCHITECTURAL BEAUTY

Lepakshi Temples Andhra Pradesh Lepakshi is actually a small village that is situated in the east of Hindupur, which falls under the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. This settlement is famous for its artistic temples, which date back to the 16th century. A striking specimen of the Vijayanagar style of architecture is the Lepakshi Temple. It has a huge complex where three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Virabhadra are to be found. Lord Virabhadra is the wrathful form of Shiva, the patron deity of the Nayak rulers.

The temple has a central pavilion, embracing all the three shrines. This pavilion is further connected with an intermediary hall and a hall for ritual dance. A large open court that is accessible from the east surrounds the main hall. Lepakshi Temple perhaps houses the largest monolithic structure of Nagalinga in India. Another exquisite statue of Lord Ganesha captures the attention of everyone, especially when people enter the second interior court.                                              

The interiors boast of impressive sculptures in half-relief on the granite pillars. The carvings represent dancers, drummers and divine musicians. Here, you can see Lord Brahma playing drums, celestial nymph Rambha dancing and Lord Shiva engaged in 'Ananda Tandava'. In the intermediary hall, there is a frieze that depicts geese with lotus stalks in their beaks. The flawless carvings adorn the entire temple perpetually, all of them done with the minutest of details.
Most celebrated for its splendid paintings, Lepakshi Temple has a colossal painting of Virabhadra in the central hall. In the 'Hall of Dance', one can trace eight panels, depicting Puranic legends on the ceiling. Most of the paintings and murals have been devastated by the ravages of times. Lepakshi is a notable store of expertise, which is on the brink of extinction. In concise terms, the temple is a work of art that certainly deserves a visit.

During the month of February a 10 day long celebration including the car festival is conducted in the temple. During the festival Lepakshi is packed with pilgrims from all over the country.

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