வலைப்பதிவுகள் — Lord Shiva

Karthigai Deepam 2024 Date and Timing: Karthigai Deepam 2024 falls on Friday, December 13. The Karthika Nakshatram timings are as follows: Start time: December 13, 7:50 AM End time: December 14, 5:47 AM After the vibrant celebration of Diwali, the next festival to light up South India is Karthigai Deepam, a time filled with devotion, love, and the warm glow of oil lamps. Known as the Festival of Lights in South India, Karthigai Deepam is a celebration that honors ancient traditions, spirituality, and cultural vibrancy. The festivities begin on the day of Bharani Nakshatra and reach their grand culmination on...

Ardhanarishvara, a unique and profound concept in Hindu mythology, represents the union of the divine masculine and feminine energies. This composite form, combining Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, symbolizes the harmonious balance between male and female principles, transcending gender and celebrating the unity of opposites. Here, explore the story, symbolism and cultural significance of Ardhanarishvara form  The origin of Ardhanarishvara  The story of Ardhanarishvara finds its roots in Hindu mythology, particularly in the Shiva Purana and Skanda Purana. According to scriptures, Goddess Parvati, in her devotion to Shiva, yearned to experience complete oneness with her consort. She felt that despite...

The practice of using sacred ash, or Vibhuti (Thiruneeru), is a tradition rooted in spiritual wisdom and devotion. For many, it is more than just a ritual—it’s a source of strength and a pathway to divine blessings. This ancient practice has been praised in countless hymns and devotional texts, including Vinayagar Agaval, Thiruppugazh, Divya Prabandham, and Thiruvasagam. But what makes sacred ash so special, and how does it connect to these sacred offerings? Let's explore the significance of Sacred ash or Thiruneeru and how it continues to inspire faith and positivity.  A Symbol of Divine Blessings in Saiva Tradition  The...

Shiva, "The Destroyer" in the Hindu Trimurti, plays a vital role in the universe's cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. In Shaivism, he is the Supreme Lord—a meditative Yogi on Mount Kailasa, a devoted husband to Parvati, and the father of Ganesha and Kartikeya.  Shiva's forms are diverse and symbolic: Nataraja, the cosmic dancer who creates and destroys; the naked ascetic who renounces worldly attachments; the beggar who crosses social boundaries; Bhairava, the fierce guardian with a dog; and Ardhanarishvara, embodying the perfect balance of male and female energies. He is both an ascetic and a symbol of fertility, wielding power...

Embarking on a pilgrimage to Tiruvannamalai during the festival of Karthigai Deepam is a journey into the heart of Tamil Nadu’s spiritual heritage. This ancient festival, one of the oldest in the region, is a profound celebration of the triumph of light over darkness, honoring Lord Shiva in his form as the embodiment of fire. The central focus of this celebration is the Arunachalesvara Temple, also known as the Annamalaiyar Temple—a sacred site that has drawn countless devotees from all over the world, seeking blessings and spiritual renewal.  What to Know About this temple?  The Arunachalesvara Temple in Tiruvannamalai holds...