Nataraja Gold Plated Idol

Nataraja is the representation of dancing Shiva. It has many meanings and interpretations both in artistic and philosophical levels. It is a symbol of the flow of cosmic energy. Shiva is the God of dance. His dance symbolises the energy of creation and destruction, which is balanced well enough and that makes living possible with all good possibilities. Each and every detail in the idol represents many aspects of human life and universe. The presence of Nataraja is a reminder of many meanings. The notable feature of Shiva is the blend of his extreme features which make a balance. He is both the creation and destruction, he is the calmest while meditating and wildest when anger. Nataraja idol is a symbolic representation of many meanings in a single piece of art.

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Kollur Mookambika Temple

The Kollur Mookambika Temple at Kollur, Udupi District in the state of Karnataka, India, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Mookambika Devi. There are bus services from Udupi and Mangalore to Kollur at regular interval.

Shankaracharya and Mookambika

There is also a myth relating to Shankaracharya and the temple. It is said that Shankaracharya offered deep prayers to goddess Saraswathi and she appeared before him, he requested to her to come along with him to the Kerala , where no temple was devoted to her. She accepted on one condition that, she will follow him, and he should guide her to Kerala. He just guided her way to Kerala, making sure of her presence by listening to the tinkling of anklet. But when it stopped, he paused to peep at her to know whether she is following him. But this made, Devi to stop near the banks of the river, Sauoparnika, as per the condition.

 Mookambika Vilakku- Blessed by Priest

Here lies the significance of Mookambika Vilakku which has the effect of bringing home blessings of Devi Mookambika. The speciality of this lamp is that each piece of this lamp is blessed by the main temple priest who does Pooja for Devi. Devi herself is the amalgamation of the power of all the thirty-three Crore  Devas.

To lit Sree Kollur Mookambika Aishwarya Deepam is a way to bring in the auspicious energy and vibrancy of Devi’s presence. Mookambika Vilakku aka Sree Kollur Mookambika Aishwarya Deepam is a beautiful piece of art worth keeping and gifting, which ensures prosperity, blessing and security to the devotees.

Celebrities at Mookambika Temple

Many celebrities including Yeshudas visit this famous shrine regularly, to get the auspicious blessing of Mookambika Amma. The mother Goddess is said to bless the devotee with power, knowledge and fame. Mookambika Vilakku is owned by many of the celebrities  , as it is considered to be auspicious and also as a blessing, as every piece of the lamp is blessed by the temple priest himself. 

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How to Observe Sabarimala Ayyappa Mandala Vratham?

Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala is the most popular pilgrim center , which is known for the rituals and traditions followed in a strict manner to safeguard the sanctity of the deity and temple premises. Sabarimala Fasting (Vratham)  is observed for 41 days.

What is Sabarimala Vratham?

 Vratham is the word for fasting. Fasting is not only about refraining from eating certain food but also about control over many other activities. During these days, devotees eat only vegetarian food.

41-day Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple Vratam

Usually, vratham has to be observed for 41 days before going to Sabarimala. It is advised to observe Vritham throughout the Mandala Kalam which begins on Vrishchikam 1st and ends on 11th or 12th of Dhanu,  according to the traditional Malayalam Calendar. vratham is a method to cleanse thoughts and actions before going to Sabarimala temple.

How to Observe Sabarimala Mandala Vratham?

 Once you have decided to visit Sabarimala temple. Then you should follow strict vratham.

Vratham is a spiritual cleansing of your body and mind,

1. The person going to Sabarimala should take bath twice a day

2. Care should be taken to have only vegetarian food.

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Nightingale's Bhagavad Gita - Signature Edition

Bhagavad Gita, book of wisdom is a blessing to mankind. It is a book of knowledge, the content was imparted to Pandava prince Arjun by Lord Krishna when he was confused and acted weak when he was bond to confront his duties. Gita contains solutions for all the issues faced by Mankind. In this era of emotional commotion and competition, Gita makes more sense than ever. It is a guide to understand and rectify human weakness and follies. Reading and chanting Gita can create immense impact on the reader. It is a way to understand restless human mind, duties, karma, knowledge, action and salvation moreover it has solutions to rectify human errors. It is the book of knowledge. 

Dimensions:

L*H*D - 680 X 447 X 275 mm

Net Weight : 14.6 kgs

• Paintings by G.L.N Simha done on the basis of Chitra Sutra of Vishnudarmottara Purana
• Nightingale’s Signature Edition
• Ideal as Official gift
• Eco friendly materials are used in the manufacturing.
• Book comes in a beautiful box with art work
• Beautifully made unique stand for holding
• Bhagavad Gita Book mark with a tassel

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Durga Puja: Must Known Facts About the Grand Festival

India is a land of festivals. There are hundreds of festivals celebrated in extravaganza throughout the year. Some festivals are local festivals, while others are celebrated throughout the country. One of the most important festivals is Durga Puja, which is celebrated throughout India at the same time in different names.

Durga Ma

The term Durga means ‘The Invincible’ and also the term has another meaning ‘not easily approachable’. Durga is considered as the embodiment of pure energy of Gods. She herself is the supreme power ‘Adhiparasakthi’, each and every part of her body is made from the energies of different male Gods. She as a whole is the combination of all furious powers of all male Gods.

Durga is the epitome of power combined by Trimurti; Durga took avatar for annihilating evil and to free the universe from the clutches of dark power and violence. There are several interesting stories intertwined with Durga avatar.

Durga Puja

Durga Puja is the worship of Durga in her various forms. Durga Puja is known by different names and Durga pooja is celebrated in different ways - Navaratri, Durga Ashtami, Maha Navami, Saraswati Puja, Dussehra, Ramleela , Akalbodhan and Vijayadashami.
There are five Navaratri, of these Shardiya Navratri is the most important.

1. Vasanta Navaratri: March–April
2. Ashad Navratri :June–July
3. Sharad Navaratri: September–October
4. Pausha Navaratri: December–January.
5. Magha Navaratri: January–February

Durga Puja or Navratri is a worship of Goddess Durga in nine forms in nine nights. Durga festival is celebrated not only in India but also in neighboring countries.
Devi is worshiped in three different forms of Durga, next three days as Lakshmi and the last three days as Saraswathi. The 10th day is called Vijayadashami.
The best part of Navratri festival is that throughout India the same festival is celebrated at the same time in different ways.

Bomma Kolu : In south India, it is celebrated differently, platforms or stairs are made of wooden plank or a metal stand is fixed and it is arranged with dolls and idols of Gods and different figurines. Special pujas are conducted for 9 days, and it is also a period of family and friends to gather in the evening for pujas and bhajans. Bomma Kolu celebration usually happens in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.

Durga puja is celebrated differently in North India.The main hub of Durga Puja is West Bengal where the Puja is observed with great fervor. Durga Ma is worshiped in different forms on each day and mantras are chanted. The full glory of Durga is on the eighth day called Mahashtami. In West Bengal, Durga Puja is vividly organized and Pandals are made which are elaborately decorated with flowers and they have special themes.

In Kerala, it is associated with Saraswathi puja. Saraswati Puja is the 9th day of Navratri . Kids are initiated to the world of letters on this day. This day is also celebrated as Ayudha Puja, Saraswathi Puja or Mahanavami day

The 10th day is celebrated as Vijayadashami. Books, musical instruments and equipment are kept for worship and on Vijayadashami evening they will be taken back from Pooja and used. Dusshera is celebrated on the 10th day as a day of triumph of good over evil.

Myth Behind Navratri Celebration:

A demon,Mahishasura performed penance with great dedication and he obtained the boon to not get killed either by man or God. Shiva granted the boon, which made the Asura  arrogant and he wanted to rule the heaven. He created problems and unleashed a reign of terror. He initiated a further attack on heaven which made the Gods assemble for finding a remedy to get rid of the nuisance of Mahishasura.

A solution  was found by creating Durga and  amalgamating the powers of all the Male Gods. She tried to kill Mahishasura but he kept hiding by disguising himself for 8 days and on 9th day Durga was able to find him and slayed his head. This is the myth behind the Navaratri. Navaratri symbolizes the victory of knowledge over ignorance.

There are nine forms of Durga.

1.) Śailaputrī is the daughter of the Himālayas represents strength, courage and composure
2.) Brahmachāriṇī is one who observes the state of celibacy doing penance recognition of your true nature.
3.) Chandraghaṇṭā is one who bears the moon in her necklace alertness
4.) Kūṣmāṇḍa the creator of the universe creativity
5.) SkandaMātā is The mother of Skanda, Kārttikeya, born out of her powers skills, innocence, courage and compassion
6.) Kātyāyanī is The daughter of sage Kātyāyana, who incarnated to help the Devashealthier relationships
7.) Kālarātrī is black as night, destroyer of Kālī dynamism through deep rest
8.) Mahāgaurī is the wife of Lord Shiva, doing great penance wisdom
9.) Siddhidātrī is the provider of Siddhis, giver of mystic powers perfection and enlightenment

Navaratri 2016 Starts From Oct 2 to oct 11 of 2016.

All You Need to Know About Kerala Onam Festival

Onam is the state festival of Kerala which is celebrated by one and all . It is celebrated by Malayalis irrespective of their location.
There is no religious difference for celebrating Onam and it is celebrated with a special feel by Keralites living all over the world.
Onam is a harvest festival. Onam celebrations in the past were very much related to agriculture. Harvest marks the season of prosperity and abundance.

It is a 10 days celebration, of this four days, are important.

Onam Myth.

Onam myth is very well known and it is related to Asura King Mahabali who started to attract the attention of Devas . His good rule was based on welfare and they began to feel jealous of him as they were worried of a place in earth becoming better than heaven, they prayed to Mahavishnu to get rid off Mahabali , and that wish was granted by Mahavishnu. He took the avatar of a dwarf Brahman - Vamana, and he asked grant of three feet of land to Mahabali. Mahabali granted land with pleasure to Vamanan. With first two steps , Vaamanan who grew up in size measured land and heaven and when he couldn't find a place for his third step, Mahabali advised him to place it on his head. Impressed by Mahabali’s generosity Vamanan offered Mahabali the kingdom of Patala( underworld). He accepted that with pleasure, on one condition of allowing him to visit his beloved people once a year. Onam is the festival of welcoming the ancient ruler Mahabali.

Features of Onam Celebration

Attapookalam : Pattern on the floor made of different types of flowers is called Attapookalam. There are several patterns and colours. It is considered as the symbol of welcoming Mahabali

Onam Sadhya: Onam signifies get together of family and friends. It is also the time for delicious cuisine. Onam Sadhya is special for the rich vegetarian cuisine. 26 different types of food items are served on a plantain leaf.

Onamkoodi

The speciality of Onam is the ambience of freshness it creates. New clothes are bought. Onam is a big shopping fest also. Usually, traditional dresses are worn. The traditional Kasavu saree and Mundu give a rich touch to the celebration.

Thiruvathira Dance
A celebration won't be complete without music and dance. It is the main element that enriches the festival and brings it to full bloom. Girls and ladies form a circle and they dance maintaining the pattern

Ona Kalikal
There are many playful games related to Onam. Many fun filled games a like kayyamkali, Ambeyyal and Attakalli are played with joy and cheers in this season .