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In Hindu Iconography, Lord Shiva is most often depicted as a meditating ascetic or as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer. The reclining (Sayana) form of Shiva – showing the Lord at rest – is extraordinarily rare. While Vishnu is frequently represented in a reclining pose on Adishesha, Shiva is almost never shown lying down. Yet, the small village of Surutapalli in Andhra Pradesh is home to a unique temple where Shiva himself reclines on Goddess Parvati’s lap.  The Legend Behind Sayana Shiva at Surutapalli  The reclining form of Shiva at Surutapalli is deeply tied to the mythological of the Halahala poison from the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean of milk). As gods and...

Andal (also called Goda or Kothai) is a celebrated Tamil Alvar saint, renowned as the only female poet-saint in the Sri Vaishnava tradition. In tradition, she is regarded as an incarnation of Bhumi (the Earth Goddess) and Lakshmi (Vishnu’s consort). From her earliest days, Andal’s life was infused with love and devotion. Raised by the great devotee Periyalvar in Srivilliputtur, she grew up absorbed in Vishnu devotion, and her story exemplifies pure, unwavering bhakti (devotion) to the Lord. Andal’s life is a testament to the power of love and devotion – her journey from an ordinary village girl to a divine bride is a timeless...

Karthigai Deepam is a prominent Hindu festival celebrated in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November–December). It marks the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival is celebrated with the lighting of oil lamps (deepams) in homes, temples, and streets, symbolizing the removal of ignorance and the awakening of wisdom. In Tamil Nadu, the grandest celebration occurs at the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Thiruvannamalai, where a massive sacred flame is lit atop the hill, representing Lord Shiva's divine light.  Click here to know more about Karthigai deepam festival Download Karthigai Deepam Wishes Images here, share them with your...

When we think of a calendar, we usually imagine a simple chart of dates. But in India, calendars are so much more. They are cultural guides, spiritual companions, and planning tools—often called Panchangam or almanacks. These calendars don’t just tell you the date; they tell you how to live in harmony with time, tradition, and the universe.  A Calendar That Connects Tradition and Daily Life  Walk into any Indian household, and you’ll likely find a colourful wall calendar featuring gods, temples, or festival scenes. These calendars are not just décor—they are daily guides. They show festival dates, fasting days, lunar phases (such as Pournami, Amavasya, and Ekadashi), and even...

Vaikunta Ekadasi, one of the most sacred and widely celebrated festivals dedicated to Lord Vishnu, holds deep spiritual and astronomical significance. Every year, millions of devotees across India, especially in South Indian temples like Tirupati and Srirangam, eagerly await this day when the celestial “Vaikuntha Dwaram” — the Gate to Heaven — is opened for devotees to enter and seek divine blessings.  However, if you’ve noticed that in 2025, Vaikunta Ekadasi falls on January 10 and December 30th, you might wonder why it differs from previous years, sometimes appearing in December, and occasionally even skipping a year altogether. Let’s understand the...