Blogs — Lord Shiva

Lord Shiva, the supreme god in Hinduism, is often depicted with distinctive features such as his matted hair, the serpent around his neck, and the third eye on his forehead. Among these iconic attributes, one of the most striking is his blue throat, which has earned him the name Neelkanth (the Blue-Throated One). This unique characteristic is linked to a fascinating and profound story in ancient Hindu scriptures.  The Churning of the Ocean – Samudra Manthan  The gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) were always fighting for control of the universe. They decided to work together to find Amrita, the nectar that...

Kasi Vishalakshi Devi, one of the most revered deities in Varanasi, holds immense spiritual significance. Known as the “Goddess with Wide Eyes,” she is a manifestation of Goddess Parvati. The Vishalakshi Temple in Varanasi is among the 51 Shakti Peethas and attracts millions of pilgrims each year. This sacred site is part of the revered triad of temples, which includes Kanchi Kamakshi, Madurai Meenakshi, and Kasi Vishalakshi.  Historical Significance  The origins of the Shakti Peethas are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. According to legend, Goddess Sati, the first consort of Lord Shiva and the daughter of Daksha Prajapati, self-immolated in protest...

The 12 Jyotirlingas are among the most sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, spread across India. These temples are revered not just for their spiritual significance, but also for their rich history and association with numerous myths and legends. Devotees believe visiting these sacred places can lead to moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death) and bring divine blessings, protection, and fulfillment of wishes What is a Jyotirlinga? A Jyotirlinga is a sacred representation of Lord Shiva, appearing as a column of divine light ("Jyoti" means light, and "Linga" symbolizes Lord Shiva). According to Hindu scriptures, these Jyotirlingas manifest when...

The story of Ganga Avataran, or the descent of the sacred river Ganga to Earth, is one of the most revered legends in Hindu mythology. It symbolizes divine grace, purification, and the fulfillment of a great king’s penance. This mythological tale is deeply rooted in the epic Ramayana and Mahabharata and various Puranas.  The Story of King Sagara and the Descent of River Ganga  King Sagara, a noble ruler of the Ikshvaku dynasty, decided to perform the Ashwamedha Yajna (horse sacrifice ritual) to prove his power and authority. However, Indra, the king of the heavens, became jealous and stole the sacrificial...

Sani Maha Pradosham is a highly revered and significant occasion in Hindu spirituality, observed to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. This auspicious event occurs when Pradosham, a special period for Lord Shiva, coincides with a Saturday (Sani), associated with Lord Sani (Saturn). Pradosham time on Saturdays is said to remove all sins and accrue great merit, bringing all kinds of prosperity.   Why is it Important?  Every month, the 13th day of the waxing and waning moon phases is known as Thirayodasi Tithi, and the period from 4:30 PM to 6 PM on these days is called Pradosham. When Thirayodasi...