வலைப்பதிவுகள் — Temple

Nestled atop the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam, Kamakhya Temple stands as one of the most revered Shakti Peethas in India. Dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, a powerful form of Shakti, this ancient temple is not just a place of worship but also a unique symbol of feminine divinity, fertility, and mysticism. Pilgrims, tantric practitioners, and devotees from across the world visit Kamakhya to seek blessings, perform rituals, and witness its centuries-old traditions.  Special Significance of Kamakhya Temple  Sakthi Peedam – According to legends, when Goddess Sati immolated herself, Lord Shiva carried her body in grief. Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra cut her body into 51 parts, which fell across...

Tamil Nadu is home to several revered shrines of Lord Ayyappan, also known as Dharma Sastha, where the devotion and rituals reflect the same sanctity as those found in Sabarimala, Kerala. Many of these temples feature Kerala-style architecture, sacred 18 steps, and gold-plated flagstaffs, symbolizing purity, devotion, and divine discipline. Let us explore five such prominent and divine Ayyappan temples in Tamil Nadu — from Chennai to Coimbatore and beyond — known for their architecture, traditions, and spiritual significance.  1. Sri Ayyappan Temple, Anna Nagar, Chennai The Sri Ayyappa Seva Samajam Temple in Anna Nagar is one of Chennai’s most visited Ayyappan temples....

When one thinks of Lord Ayyappa, the sacred hills of Sabarimala instantly come to mind. However, Kerala — the land deeply woven with legends of Dharma Sastha- is home to several other ancient and equally powerful Ayyappan temples that reflect his many divine forms. From the childlike Bala Sastha of Kulathupuzha to the householder Grhastha Ayyappa of Achankovil, each temple represents a unique facet of Lord Ayyappa’s divine journey. These shrines are not only spiritual landmarks but also rich repositories of Kerala’s architectural heritage, age-old traditions, and healing legends.  In this first part, let’s explore five of Kerala’s most revered Ayyappa temples (other than Sabarimala) — each with its own charm, ritual practices, and deep-rooted mythology.  1. Achankovil Sree Dharma...

In Hindu cosmology, the Panchabhootha (पञ्चभूत) refers to the five fundamental elements—Earth (Prithvi), Water (Ap), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), and Ether or Space (Akasha)—that compose all matter. The concept is ancient and profound: these five elements are regarded as the basis of all cosmic creation. The Vedas explicitly declare that the material world is formed by these elements. Even in modern Hindu philosophy, such as Yoga and Ayurveda, the human body and the universe are seen as made of the same five “gross” elements. Thus, in traditional Hindu thought, every object, body, and ecosystem contains the Panchabhootha, reflecting the unity between the microcosm (individual) and the macrocosm (universe).  Panchabhootha in the Hindu Scriptures  Ancient Hindu scriptures recount the primacy of the five elements in the...

The Pancha Sabha, meaning “five halls,” are five sacred temples in Tamil Nadu where Lord Shiva, as Nataraja (the cosmic dancer), is believed to have performed his magnificent Tandava dance. Each temple has a unique Sabha (hall) named after its primary material, such as gold, silver, copper, and more. In Shaiva tradition, Shiva’s five dances are:  Urdhva Tandava at the Ratna Sabha (Gem Hall) in Thiruvalangadu Ananda Tandava at the Kanaka Sabha (Golden Hall) in Chidambaram Sandhya Tandava at the Rajata Sabha (Silver Hall) in Madurai Thiru Tandava at the Tamra Sabha (Copper Hall) in Tirunelveli Tripura Tandava at the Chitra Sabha (Hall of Paintings) in Courtallam (Kutralam)   These sacred halls are celebrated in the Tevaram hymns and symbolize the union of art, spirituality, and divine grace.  Thillai Nataraja Temple – Chidambaram (Kanaka Sabha) ...