God Photos: August 2014

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Saturday, August 30, 2014

Nine Days Of Navratri


Navratri are the nine secret days dedicated to Maa Shakti. These days are spend in the devotion of Maa Durga to attain her blessings. During Gupt Navratri, Hindu vedic scriptures, such as Shrimad-Devi-Bhagwad and Shri Durgasaptshati, are recited to invoke the Goddess Durga during prayers and worship rituals. Magh Navratri is celebrated to propitiate the Shakti and get blessed by the prosperity, knowledge and wealth.

Nine Days Of Navratri

First Day Of Navratri

Second Day Of Navratri

Third Day Of Navratri

Fourth Day Of Navratri

Fifth Day Of Navratri

Sixth Day Of Navratri

Seventh Day Of Navratri

Eighth Day Of Navratri

Nineth Day Of Navratri

Ninth Day of Navratri


Mata Siddhidatri

The Appearance Of Siddhidatri
The appearance of Goddess Siddhidatri is divine and heavenly. She is very graceful, pleasant and blissful. She is manifested with four arms. She holds Lotus, Shankh (Conch), Gada (Mace) and Chakra in her arms. She sits on a lotus and rides on a lion.
The Legend Of Siddhidatri
It is believed that Goddess Siddhidatri is capable of bestowing all the achievements in life. There are 8 siddhi (achievements) as mentioned in Markandaye Purana named Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakaamya, Ishitva and Vashitva.
Brahmavaivart Purana mentions 18 types of siddhi, named Anima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Mahima, Ishitva or Vashishtva, Sarvakaamvasayita, Sarvagyatva, DurShravana, Parkaayapraveshan, VaakaSiddhi, Kalpavrushatva, Shrishti, Samharkaransaamarthya, Amaratva, Sarvanyayakatva, Bhavana and Siddhi.
As narrated in ancient Hindu scripture "Devi Bhagvata Purana", Lord Shiva worshiped Shakti and was blessed with all Siddhi. After receiving all kind of powers, his half body became like the Goddess. Lord Shiva, due to his appearance as half man and half woman, is also known as Ardhanarishwara = Ardha (Half) + Nari (Female) + Ishwar (God) = The God, whose half body is in female form. The Blessings Of Siddhidatri
The glory of Goddess Siddhidatri is infinite. She is believed that she fulfills all kind of wishes of her devotees. It is believed that not only Manava (Human) but Deva (Gods), Danava (Demons), Gandharva, Kinnar (Beast), Yaksha (Demigods) also worship Goddess Siddhidatri for making their wishes fulfilled.
With the grace of Goddess Siddhidatri, the worshiper can attain all kind of achievements. It is believed if devotees worship her with full devotion and dedication, they get all aspect of achievements in life and nothing remains unattainable in the universe. Goddess Siddhidatri grants the energy and positive attitude to her devotees that they step on the path of success.

Eighth Day Of Navratri


Goddess Gauri

The eight manifestation of Goddess Durga is Maha Gauri, worshipped on the eighth day of Navaratri. Maha Gauri is a manifestation is of Goddess Parvati. When Parvati observed a hard sacrament to obtain Lord Shiva in the forest of Himalayas, she developed a dark complexion. When Lord Shiva accepted her great devotion, he washed the body of Parvati with water of “pure Gange”s or “Ganga” and her body regained its beauty. She came to be recognized as “Maha Gauri”, meaning “extremely white” and became prominent as the consort of Mahadev(Lord Shiva). Devi Gauri is bright, peaceful and calm and her beauty glows like sparkling White Pearl. She is depicted sitting on a bull (Vrishabha) and has four arms. Her right hand is in the pose of alleviating fear and her right lower hand holds a trident. She holds a ‘damaru’ (a small drum) in her right hand while the lower one grants boons to her devotees. Elucidation of her grace is infinite. Maha Gauri is the true Goddess of kindness and morality. Devotion toward Maha Gauri is truly beneficial and her worshippers are never returned with empty hands from sanctuary of Goddess Gauri. Her power is certain and instantly fruitful. As a result of her worship, all sins and sufferings of the devotee get vanished and he gets purified in all aspects of life. With the blessing of this deity, worshipper gets the divine perfection of Universe. She advocates her devotees toward the path of truth and purity. The devotees of Maa Gauri should devote her with full dedication and they attain loyalty and life-long relationships. Observing the fast, especially for unmarried girls and married woman, on Ashtami is really fruitful. The unmarried girls get blessed with the desired husband and married women enjoy peaceful, pleasant and long married life.

Seventh Day Of Navratri



The seventh manifestation of Mother Durga, worshipped on the seventh day of Navrartri, is Goddess Kalratri. She has a dark complexion, tousled hair and a valor posture. Having three eyes that shine intense and bright and dreadful flames originating from her breath; she is often depicted sitting on a donkey as she rides on “Gadarbh”. She is admired with name “Kalratri” because she represents herself as a death of “Kaal” appeared like a dark night for demons. She is also addressed with the name ‘Kali Maa’. Her huge red eyes, open red tongue and a sword in the hand fiercely demolish devils and devils. She holds a thorn-like weapon in her left upper hand which is made of iron and there is a dragger in the lower left hand. Her raised right hand holds a sparkling sword in her right hand battle all evil and always seems to grant boon to all worshippers while her right lower hand is in the pose of alleviating fears. Her upper right hand is in “Var Mudra” and lower right hand is in “Abhay Mudra”. According to a legend, Goddess Kalratri demolished the demon Raktabeej. It is believed that it is only Goddess Kalratri who could slay the extreme torment of devil Raktabeej. No one was able to kill Raktabeej as even one drop of his scattered blood used to form another embodiment of Raktabeej and the scattered blood produced other billions of Raktabeej. Maa Durga incarnated herself in Kalaratri and kept a Patra (vessel) to keep and imbibe entire blood of Raktabeej. Her severe violent appearance while destroying Raktabeej and other demons hugely petrified all organisms of the world. But still, she is a kind Goddess for her great devotees. However the appearance of Maa Kalratri is so dreadful but her grace is generous toward her devotees. She eliminates any kind of terror in the life of her devotee and assures them with the freedom from fear and sufferings. Hence, she is also known as ‘Shubhamkari’ – one who does well. Worshipping Maa Kalaratri gives abundant fruitful result to her devotees. With her grace, devotees get power, position and renowned status. She protects her devotees against evil influence of demons and wrong people. Worshiping her devotees get complete protection and long life. Maa Kalratri is worshipped to destroy suffering of evil influence from the life

Sixth Day Of Navratri


Goddess Katyayani

The sixth manifestation of Goddess Durga worshipped on Navratri Shasti is ‘Katyayani’. The goddess is known as Katyayani because she was born to Sage Katyayan.
According to a legend, there was a sage named Kat. His son “Katyayana” observed a hard penance and long austerities to receive the grace of the Goddess Durga. Kata was very famous and renowned in the ancestry of saints. The Goddess was pleased with the hard penance of Maharishi Katyayana and took birth on the earth in the form of the daughter of Sage Katyayana on Dakshin devils in accordance with his desire on Krishna Chaturdashi to protect the devas from the demons and devils. Sage Katyayana had the first privilege to worship her, so she was also named Katyayani after him. Katyayana worshiped her for three days on Shukla Saptami, Ashtami and Navami. On the tenth day i.e. on Vijadashami she killed Mahishasura and freed all the gods from his atrocities.
Goddess Katyayani eliminates all the troubles and sufferings from the life of her devotees. The devotee feels a strong sense of enlightenment by worshipping her. The pooja of Mata Katyayani ,observed with devotion and faith, leads to the attainment of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha.

Fifth Day Of Navratri





Goddess SkandaMata
The fifth manifestation of the goddess Durga worshipped on Navratri panchmi is ‘Skanda Mata’, the mother of Skanda Kumar or Lord Kartikeya Lord Kartikeya was chosen by devtas as their commander in chief in the war against the demons. She usually holds Lord Skanda in his infant form and a lotus in her right hand which is slightly raised upwards. She has four arms, three eyes and a bright complexion, depicted seated on a lotus flower in her idol and therefore is called as Padamasani. The left arm of the goddess is in a pose to grant boons with grace to her devotees. Skandmata is the daughter of Himalaya and is also worshipped in the form of Parvati, Maheshwari or Mata Gauri.
Legend says that once a great demon Tarkasur did extreme penance. He pleased Brahmaji with his devotion. When Lord Bhrama appeared – he asked for a boon to become immortal. Brahmaji told him that no one can escape death as it is already destined for everyone who takes birth on this earth Goddess SkandaMata.
The fifth manifestation of the goddess Durga worshipped on Navratri panchmi is ‘Skanda Mata’, the mother of Skanda Kumar or Lord Kartikeya Lord Kartikeya was chosen by devtas as their commander in chief in the war against the demons. She usually holds Lord Skanda in his infant form and a lotus in her right hand which is slightly raised upwards. She has four arms, three eyes and a bright complexion, depicted seated on a lotus flower in her idol and therefore is called as Padamasani. The left arm of the goddess is in a pose to grant boons with grace to her devotees. Skandmata is the daughter of Himalaya and is also worshipped in the form of Parvati, Maheshwari or Mata Gauri.

Fourth Day Of Navratri



Goddess Kushmanda Kushmanda, the fourth manifestation of Goddess Durga, is worshipped on the Navratri Chaturthi. She is considered to be the creator of the universe. Her name comprises of “Ku-shm-anda” meaning “the cosmic egg.” The fourth day of Navratra also marks the beginning of worshipping MahaLaxmi. Legend says that Lord Vishnu was able to start the creation of the universe when Devi Kushmanda smiled and moved away. She created the whole universe when there was no existence of any creation and there was eternal darkness in every direction. She signifies that form of Durga, which is the source of all. Devi Kishmanda is also known as “Ashtabhuja” as she is often depicted holding weapons, rosary etc in her eight. In her seven hands she holds kamandalu, bow, arrow, a jar of nectar, discus, mace and a lotus. In her eighth hand she holds a rosary which blesses her devotees with the Ashtasiddhis (8 types of studies or Wisdom sources) and Navniddhis( 8 types of wealth). She sits or rides a lion who personifies “Dharma”. Her hand holding nectar of jar provides her devotees with long life and good health. he devotees of Mata Kushmanda should perform the puja with pure, calm and dedicated mind.In Sanskrit, “Kushmand” means pumpkin and Devi Kushmanda liked the sacrifice of pumpkin and hence this is the other reason that she is addressed with the name of Kushmanda. It is said that the Devi Kushmanda formed the universe in the shape of an egg with her little divine smile like a flower which blossomed with a bud, thus giving light to the universe through her heavenly smile. The Devi resides on the core of the Sun and hence controls the functioning of Surya Loka. She has a glowing face and her body shines with golden colour complexion. Mata Kushmanda removes all hindrances from and eliminates all the ailment and sorrows from her devotee’s life. The name, strength and health of the devotee is improved by worshipping her.

Third Day Of Navratri



Devi Chandraghanta
The third manifestation of Goddess Durga is Devi Chandraghanta. She has a ‘Chandra’ or half moon on her forehead in the shape of a ‘Ghanta’ or bell and therefore is addressed as ‘Chandraghanta’. She personifies peace, serenity and prosperity in life of her devotees. The goddess has a golden colour skin and reflects a charming bright personality. Having three eyes and ten hands holding ten types of swords, weapons and arrows, she is frequently depicted seated on a Lion. She is the advocator of bravery and possesses great strength to fight in the battle against demons as the dreadful sound of her bell terrifies all the demons and danavas and keeps the negative energy away. It repels all the troubles from the devotee’s life. The saints are contented with her looks and worship her with the chant of mantras. Devi Chandraghanta blesses her devotees and followers to achieve respect, fame and glory and one can attain spirituality and spiritual delight by worshipping her. Her idol symbolizes a position in which she is ready to go for war thus embodying the strength and bravery and her devotee becomes brave and fearless like a lion by worshipping her. The rituals to be observed while worshipping Goddess Chandraghanta are very simple. The devotee should worship all the Gods, Goddesses and Planets in the Kalash and then the family members of the Goddess are to be worshipped which includes Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya and Goddess Saraswati, Laxmi, Vijaya, Jaya etc and should be concluded by worshipping Devi Chandraghanti followed by praying to Lord Shiva and Lord Bhramaji.

Second Day Of Navratri



Maa Brahmacharini
The second form of Maa durga is Goddess Brahmacharini. She is depicted as pious women or Sannyasin, who mediates and likes simplicity. Lets known the Navratri Puja rituals to please this form of Maa durga. Goddess Parvati was a great Sati and tapsavi. In order to get Lord Shiva as her husband she did severe penance and performed hard austerity. This unmarried meditating form of Maa Parvati is worshipped as Goddess Brahmacharini. • She personifies love and loyalty. • Mata Bhramacharni is store-house of knowledge and wisdom. • It is believed that Lord Mangal, the provider of all fortunes, is governed by Goddess Brahmacharini. • Begin a tapsavi, she believes in simplicity and get impresses by simple offerings. • She is also known as Devi Yogni and Devi Tapsvini.
Appearance of Maa Brahmacharini
Maa Brahmacharini is depicted as walking bare feet in jungle. She is in form of a sanyasini hence She carries Jap Mala in the right hand and Kamandal in the left hand. Her most adorned ornament is Rudraksha.
Bhog for Maa Brahmacharini
As maa lived a simple life full of penance she like simple thing. Just offer sugar and fruits to Maa Brahmcharini and please her. You can offer prasad at KAnya kumari shaktipeeth. Kanya kumari is a place where Maa is worshiped as Sanyasini. It is said that before getting married to Lord Shiva Maa Parvati spent 1000 years in deep penance. She lived a extremely simple life and had survived on diet of flowers, fruits and leafy vegetables. She followed strict fast, slept on floor. Due to her great devotion, immense love, and hardship she finally got married to Lord Shiva.

First Day Of Navratri




Mata Shailputri
Mata Shailputri is a daughter of ‘Parvata raju’ (mountain king) – Himalaya / Himvanth. She is the first among nine avatars of Durga and worshiped on the First day of Navaratri . In her previous birth, she was ‘Sati Bhavani Mata’, the daughter of King Daksha. Mata Shailputri, also known as Parvati got married with Lord Shiva. On the first day of Durga Navratri, Paravathi Devi she is worshipped. Mata Shailputri holds a ‘Trishul’, a weapon, in her right hand and a lotus in her left hand. She rides on bull. She has pleasant smile and blissful looks.

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Laxmi Narayana Temple Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh




LAKSHMI NARAYAN TEMPLE The Baijnath & Laxmi Narayan Temple is the site for Hindu pilgrimage from the ancient days in Himachal Pradesh. This Temple in Himachal Pradesh is also magnificent works of architecture. The temples are the centers of attraction for the visitors and tourists. They are also associated with ancient legends. The Baijnath temple is located in the Bias valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is a temple that had been dedicated to Siva Vaidyanatha meaning the Lord of the physicians. The architecture of the temple of Baijnath is fascinating. It stands out from all the other temples in the locality. The Laxmi Narayan Temple is one of the oldest temples and also the largest one, situated in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. There are six temples that are situated in the complex of the Laxmi Narayan Temple. These six temples are situated from north to south. They are dedicated to Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu. Some of the temples located in the complex are the Shiva temple, Gauri Shankar temple and Radha Krishna. The Laxmi Narayan Temple was constructed in the tenth century. The Shikhara style of architecture is evident from the temples situated in the complex. The rulers of Chamba took care to maintain these temples. Each of the rulers also contributed to the construction of the different parts of the temples. The ancient legends presume that Raja Sahil Verma built the temple of Laxmi Narayan Temple. The temple is kept for the tourists and the devotees from 6 am to 12.30 pm and from 2.30 to 8.30 pm. The Baijnath and Laxmi Narayan Temple in Himachal Pradesh is the recognized Religious Place of India.

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Lord Shiva Panch Akshar Stotras





Om Namo Narayana,

Om Vande Shambum umapathim sura gurum vande jagatkaranam,

Vande pannaga bhooshanam mrugadharam, vande pasoonaam pathim

Vande surya sasanka vahni nayanam, vande mukunda priyam,

Vande bhaktha janasrayam cha varadam, Vande shivam sankaram.

I salute the great God Shambhu, Who is the consort of Uma, (whose consort is Uma), Who is the teacher of devas, I salute the cause of this universe, I salute who wears snake as ornament, Who caries a deer in his hand, (who wears the hide of a deer) I salute the Lord of all beings, I salute him who has sun, moon and fire as eyes, I salute him who is dear to Mukunda, I salute him who is the refuge of his devotees, Who is the one who gives them great status, (boons) And I salute Shiva and Shankara.

Nagendra Haaraaya Thrilochanaaya

Bhasmaanga Raagaaya Maheshvaraaya

Nityaaya Suddhaaya Digambaraaya

Tasmai Nakaaraaya Namah Shivaaya

I offer my humble salutations to Lord Mahesvara - who has a garland of serpents around the neck; who has three eyes; whose body is covered with ash (vibhuti); who is eternal; who is pure; who has the entire sky as His dress and who is embodies as the first letter Na.

Mandaakini Salila Chandana Chaarthitaaya

Nandeesvara Pramatha Naatha Mahesvaraaya

Mandaara Pushpa Vahu Pushpa Supoojitaaya

Tasmai Makaaraaya Namah Shivaaya

I bow to Lord Mahesvara, who is embodied as Makaara (letter Ma), whose body is anointed with holy waters from the river Ganges and sandal paste, who is the sovereign king of the Pramatha (victor of Pramatha) Ganas and who is adorned with innumerable divine flowers such as Mandaara.

Shivaaya Gauri Vadana Aravinda

Sooryaaya Dakshaadhvara Naashakaaya

Sree Neelakantaaya Vrisha Dhvajaaya

Tasmai Shikaaraaya Namah Shivaaya

I offer my salutations to Lord Shiva, who is the resplendent sun for mother Gauri`s lotus face, who is the destroyer of Daksha`s sacrificial ritual, who is the blue necked Lord (due to the Haalahala poison which He agreed to consume), whose banner bears the emblem of a bull (who rides a bull) and who is embodied as the letter Shi.

Vasishta Kumbhodbhava Gautamaaya

Muneendra Devaarchita Sekharaaya

Chandraarka Vaishvaanara Lochanaaya

Tasmai Vakaaraaya Namah Shivaaya

I prostrate before the God of Gods, who is worshipped and prayed to by great sages such as Vashishta, Agastya and Gautama, whose eyes are sun, moon and the fire and who is embodied as Vakaara (letter Va).

Yajna (Yaksha) Swaroopaaya Jataadharaaya

Pinaaka Hasthaaya Sanaatanaaya

Divyaaya Devaaya Digambaraaya

Tasmai Yakaraaya Namah Shivaaya

Prostrartions to the sacred Lord who is the Yaksa incarnate, whose hairs are long and matted, who holds Pinaaka (trident) in His hand, who has the entire sky as His attire and who is embodied as the letter Ya.

Panchaaksharam Idam Punyam

Yah Pateh Shiva Sannidhau

Shivaloka Mavaapnothee

Shivena Saha Modate

Lord Shiva Famous Temples

Lord Shiva With Mata Parvati

Lord SHiva Beautiful Wallpapers Gallery

Beautiful Place Rishikesh Image Gallery


Lord Krishna -Balram Mandir Vrindavan Latest Images


Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Importanace of Ganesh Chaturthi


Ganesh Chaturthi also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi is one of the important Hindu festivals celebrated throughout India with a great devotion. This day is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Lord Ganesh is the symbol of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated on Shukla Chaturthi of the Hindu month of Bhadra (generally falls between August and September). This festival is celebrated by Hindus with a great enthusiasm. People bring idols of Lord Ganesh to their homes and do worship. The duration of this festival varies from 1 day to 11 days, depending on the place and tradition. On the last day of the festival the idols are taken out in a colorful and musical procession and immersed traditionally in water. As per Hindu mythology Lord Ganesh is considered as “Vigana Harta” (one who removes obstacles) and “Buddhi Pradaayaka” (one who grants intelligence). This festival is very important for students, they worship Lord Ganesh to illumine their minds.

Monday, August 4, 2014

How To Do Shivlinga Pooja At Home


Shivling or Shiva lingam connects a devotee with the Supreme Being – Lord Shiva. The lingam is the symbol of Lord Shiva and the lingam puja helps the devotee in understanding Lord Shiva. The Lord cannot be described but still we say he is without a beginning and an end and is without a form. It is difficult for a devotee to understand this formless nature. Therefore Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Jyotirlinga before Brahma and Vishnu. The Lingam thus is a symbol of Lord Shiva. Each Lingam puja, step by step, takes the devotee to the eternal truth
that he/she is part of the Supreme Being.

Worshiping Shivling at Home - Rules of Worshiping Shiva Lingam
Before starting the Puja, the devotee takes a bath and wear freshly washed clothes. Hymns praising Lord Shiva or the mantra ‘om namaha shivayaa’ are repeated to create a mood for worship. Then, the devotee sits in front of the lingam and blows conch or ring bells. This indicates the beginning of the Puja.
First it is the panchamrit abhishek

The libation of five holy liquids over the lingam. The libation can consist of any five of the following – water from river Ganga, honey, sugarcane juice, milk, yogurt, ghee, seawater, coconut water or milk, fragrant oils, rose water or other precious liquids. Usually, only milk of cow is used. While pouring the liquid, om namah shivaya is uttered. Some devotees utter the Lord’s name 108 times and some 1008 times. There is no fixed rule.
After the panchamrit abhishek, the lingam is cleaned with water from Ganga. (This is might not be possible always so just normal water.) After this the lingam is smeared with sandalwood paste and is decked with flowers.
Water and sandalwood paste is used to keep the lingam cool, as Lord Shiva is always in a highly inflammable state. In some Shiva temples, cooling liquid constantly drops from pot hung above the Lingam.Next, sweets, coconut and fruits are offered to the Lord. Camphor and incense are lit and ‘arati’ is conducted.
Some devotees fan the lingam and sing praises of the lord.
Finally, ringing of bells or blowing of conch indicates the end of Puja. White ash (vibhuti) is rubbed on the forehead and it is also distributed. Fruits, sweets and coconut are distributed as ‘prasad.’


Shiva Panch Akshar Stotras

Lord Shiva 108 Names

Lord Shiva Famous Temples

Lord Shiva With Mata Parvati

Lord Shiva Beautiful Wallpapers Gallery