Top 10 Ideas For Best Christmas Decorations

Paper Cups With Sequel Light

Socks Stuck To Shirt

Newspaper Perfect Gift Wrapper

Flower Pot Turned Reindeer

 Beer Bottles Can Be Turned To Perfect Decor Lamps

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Newspaper Wreaths

Bottle Art

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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 . 

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Chingam 1 - KERALA

Chingam is the first month of Malayalam Calendar.

1. Malayalam Calendar is a solar calendar.
2. Chingam signals the start of a new year.
3. Chingam month is from August 17 to September 16 (2016)
4. There are twelve months in Malayalam Calendar.
5. Chingam, Kanni, Thulam, Vrischikam, Dhanu, Makaram, Kumbham, Meenam, Medam, Edavam, Midhunam, Karkidakam are the twelve months.

1. Kollam Era was established in 825 CE.
2. Onam is observed on the month of Chingam. 
3. There are two  new years  in  Malayalam Calendar - Vishu and Chingam. Chingam is considered as the first month of traditional Malayalam Solar Calendar, while Vishu is the first month of Zodiac Calendar. 
4. Considered as the most auspicious month and it is also the time of festivity.

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Sri Krishna Jayanthi Festival

Krishna Janmashtami is an annual celebration commemorating the birth of Krishna. It is celebrated on the 8th day of Bhadrapada month (August). Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva couple when they were imprisoned by Devaki’s brother, Kamsa.

 This year, Krishna Janmashtami falls on Thursday, August 25, 2016.

 

 Name Krishna is derived from Sanskrit word Krsna , which means "dark" or "dark blue.

 

 Krishna is considered as an incarnation of Vishnu.

 

•  Krishna was born as the 8th child of Devaki-Vasudeva couple. All the first 7 infants were killed by Kamsa. Mathura is considered as the birthplace of Krishna. 
• Krishnashtami is also known as Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Saatam Atham, Sree Krishna Jayanthi. 
• Hindus celebrate Krishna Janmashtami by fasting, worshiping Krishna and by performing Pooja.
• There is a game like ritual related to this occasion. It involves making a human pyramid and breaking an earthen pot of curd tied at a height.

 This ritual is most popular in Maharashtra.

Bring home the beautiful idol of Krishna on this special occasion to make the festival more alive. 

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Ganesha Statue Brings Positive Energy and Wealth for Your Home

Happiness, prosperity and good health are the basic essentials of calm and peaceful life. Ganesha is one among the most popular Hindu Gods. The Lord Ganesha is worshipped before initiating any ritual and also before starting any new venture. Idols and images of Ganesha are very popular and in demand even outside India. The Ganesha image with the elephant countenance and pot belly is a wonderful artwork also. The aesthetic sense of Ganapathy's image invokes curiosity and wonder of an art lover. At the same time, the devotion with which Ganapati is worshipped is the most significant aspect.

Ganesha at a Glance

Ganesha has many names. He is known as Vinayaka, Pillayar, Lambodara, Mahodara. He is considered as the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. He is brother to Lord Karthikeya. He is the lord who brings success, prosperity and removes obstacles. It is a routine in Hindu homes to worship Ganesha before starting anything , including cooking. It is considered that worshiping Ganesha can ward off ill luck and can bring positive favorable energy.


Different types of Ganesha Idols

There are different kinds of Ganesha idol, which is made of different materials which have different connotations and also there are thirty-two types of representation of Ganapathy.

Silver Ganesha - For Fame and Publicity

Wood Ganesha- Good health, long life and success

Clay Ganesha - Success, Removes obstacles

Brass Ganesha - Prosperity and Joy

Rules to Follow When Placing Ganesha Idols in a Home

While keeping the idol of Ganesha at home, one should be careful about the location. While placing it one should try to avoid the below-mentioned position for sure.

1. Not under the staircase.
2. Not to face house entrance so the back of idol faces the rest of house.
3. It is not ideal to keep inside the bedroom.

While installing Ganapathy for worship one should follow certain rules.

• Should find idol which is not taller than 18 cms.
• Should not buy idols which have its trunk turned towards the right , because they have to be worshiped with special rituals and daily poojas has to be performed . some it is necessary to make sure only those who can do the Pooja’s without any interruption should only buy this idol at home.

What Ganesha Idol Symbolizes?

 (image: orangecarton dot com)

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Top 10 Things a Keralite should know about Karkidakam

• Karkidakam month is the last month of traditional malayalam solar calendar.

• Karkidakam month  is from July 16 2016 to August 16 2016

• Malayalis follow a tradition of Ramayanam recital in this month. It is part of inculcating discipline in one’s life.

• The movement of sun towards south begins during this month called dakshinayanam.

• Special health care is observed.

• Almost a decade back it was a season of heavy rainfall, so there were severe scarcity of food grains and agricultural products. So this month was called as panja karkidakam.

• It is advised to take healthy traditional food like kanji during karkidakam month.

• Karkidakam month is a month of spiritual and physical rejuvenation for Malayalis.

Why Agnihotra a vedic ritual is significant today? - Devotional Store

Agnihotra is a fire ritual which is performed twice a day. It is a Vedic ritual, performed during the ancient period. During the Vedic period, there were many rituals which were performed with utmost care and precision to invoke the energy of nature. It is considered that it is essential to purify the spiritual and physical pollution aggregated around a human being. Agnihotra is performed in relation to this purpose.

As part of daily routine, many rituals were performed during the vedic period. It was for the physical and mental well-being. Rituals were performed with care and it was very scientific. It has many rules, that has to be performed without making any errors to get the result. The main aim of performing such kind of rituals are to establish a cosmic bond with the power of nature and human. It is a way of connecting the soul and mind to the energy sources of nature.

Ashumath’s Agnihotra is an innovative method to bring the goodness of age-old tradition to the present generation in all its glory, at the same time without much complexities and difficulty. Agnihotra kit has PURE (panacea ultimate for rousing energy) which in turn has two components. Pure Pyramid which is made on the basis of Vedic calculations and Panacea ultimate which is a mixture of several herbs and powder. Panacea Ultimate has to be burned in Pure Pyramid and that releases smoke which can cleanse the air and also mind-body. Daily combustion of Agnihotra can create a protective layer around your habitat.

Significance of Agnihotra Kit

• It is the best possible way to cleanse your spiritual environment and also it helps in the goodness of health.
• The age old traditions are really valuable and they are significant because of the depth of scientific understanding it has.
• Nature is the ultimate source of energy , it is the healer of all kinds of wounds- physical , mental or spiritual
• The nature-friendly way of life gives peace, happiness, and prosperity
• The age old traditions are based on the experiences of many generations who inhabited this world before us. So it should be observed with much respect.
• To enjoy the goodness of tradition in the most convenient way is really an asset.

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How Maraprabhu is related to Vastu Shastra and How it brings good luck to your home?

Vastu Shastra:

Vastu is a science of architecture. The term Vastu means dwelling place. Vastu Shastra is based on energy from different sources like sun, water, lunar, light, magnetic and wind energy. These energies are significant and they have an influence on human beings. The impact of these energies has a significant role in human life. But it usually remains unnoticed.
Human life is part of this wonderful universe. The life of human beings is balanced by various energies of nature. The influence of energy on human beings affects the life and feelings of human beings. The way energies act differs from place to place, depending upon the location of the place. Vasthu Shastra is a detailed study about these energies and the impact it has on the people.
Vastu analyzes five elements of nature and its interplay. The way it acts on different locations varies. The balancing of this energy is a way to balance human life and emotions. Giving considerable significance to Vastu and building structures can give better energy movement and can help in bringing positive energy and happiness.
Vasthu and Idols

Vastu manifests through idols and symbols also. Idols are symbols of something which has great significance. They are not just piece of art but it has many significance but they are also a channel of good energy. One such idol is Maraprabhu. It is a symbol of devotion, radiant health. Maraprabhu has an interesting myth and history related to it.

Maraprabhu Myth

Melpathur and Poonthanam were great scholars who were devotees of Guruvayoorappan. They were contemporaries too. At the same time Melpathur was well versed in Sanskrit and he wrote in scholarly language. At the same time Poonthanam also wrote in layman language. Once Poonthanam was reciting Sanskrit slogan and there happened a mistake while reciting. He wrongly recited as ‘Padmanabha Marabrabha ‘which means God of trees, hearing this Melpathur openly laughed at him. To sooth and support poonthanam , Guruvayoorappan intervened as a celestial voice and said, ‘ I am also Maraprabhu ‘.

Features

Maraprabhu is the world’s largest terracotta idol in the world. it was inaugurated by former Kerala Chief MInister. K. Karunakaran. The sculptor of this huge terracotta is P.V. Ramachandran.The sculptor is considered as the embodiment of all the medicinal plants in the world. It is strongly believed that the idol is very effective in curing ailments which remained incurable after years of treatment. The very sight of the idol itself is considered to emit immense energy that can relieve sickness.

Significance

The idol is made of clay and it is a representation of man and earth. The energy that emanates from Maraprabhu will harmonise the human mind and stir inner consciousness. The Maraprabhu idol is located in the sreevalsam complex of guruvayoor. It is constructed using herbs and ghee by labours who worked hard for several months.
Having an idol of Maraprabhu is bringing home all the peculiar cosmic radiance of Guruvayoor Maraprabhu. It is a pleasure to make Maraprabhu idol available for purchase through Devotionalstore.