Kamakhya Temple: Story Of A Bleeding Devi

Kamakhya temple is a famous pilgrimage situated at Guwahati, Assam. The temple is located on the Nilachal hill in Guwahati at about 8 kms from the railway station. The Kamakhya temple is dedicated to the tantric goddesses. Apart from the deity Kamakhya Devi, compound of the temple houses 10 other avatars of Kali namely Dhumavati, Matangi, Bagola, Tara, Kamala, Bhairavi, Chinnamasta, Bhuvaneshwari and Tripuara Sundari.

Mythical History

The temple of Kamakhya has a very interesting story of its origin. It is one of the 108 Shakti peeths. The story of the Shakti peeths goes like this; once Sati fought with her husband Shiva to attend her father’s great yagna. At the grand yagna, Sati’s father Daksha insulted her husband. Sati was angered and in her shame, she jumped into the fire and killed herself. When Shiva came to know that his beloved wife had committed suicide, he went insane with rage. He placed Sati’s dead body on his shoulders and did the tandav or dance of destruction.

To calm him down, Vishnu cut the dead body with his chakra. The 108 places where Sati’s body parts fell are called Shakti peeths. Kamakhya temple is special because Sati’s womb and vagina fell here.

The Name ‘Kamakhya’

The God of love, Kamadeva had lost his virility due to a curse. He sought out the Shakti’s womb and genitals and was freed from the curse. This is where ‘love’ gained his potency and thus, the deity ‘Kamakhya’ devi was installed and worshipped here.

Some people also believe that the Kamakhya temple is a place where Shiva and devi Sati had their romantic encounters. As the Sanskrit word for lovemaking is ‘kama’, the place was named Kamakhya.

The Bleeding Goddess

Kamakhya devi is famous as the bleeding goddess. The mythical womb and vagina of Shakti are supposedly installed in the ‘Garvagriha’ or sanctum of the temple. In the month of Ashaad (June), the goddess bleeds or menstruates. At this time, the Brahmaputra river near Kamakhya turns red. The temple then remains closed for 3 days and holy water is distributed among the devotees of Kamakhya devi.

There is no scientific proof that the blood actually turns the river red. Some people say that the priests pour vermilion into the waters. But symbolically, menstruation is the symbol of a woman’s creativity and power to give birth. So, the deity and temple of Kamakhya celebrates this ‘shakti’ or power within every woman.

Lord Vishnu Saligrama’s

Lord Vishnu (Krishna) Saligrama – Saligrama is also Known as Saligramam sila,Saligramamam,Saligram,Salagram or Saligrama. Saligrama is  Lord vishnu himself found only in stone form(murthy form in kaligandaki river in nepal),this page includes the details info ,collection of saligrams.

Introducation 

Saligrama is Supreme Avatar of Lord Vishnu in Form of Holy Stone named as Saligrama.All Sacred Saligrama Stone is Found only in Gandaki River,Nepal.While Worshipping Saligrama,Tulasi leaves is offered to Saligrama(lord vishnu),Tulasi devi is offered as Signifying Goddess Lakshmi.

In Hindu Devotee house mostly Nepal and India,Tulasi vivaha or Literally known as  ’Tulasi Marriage Ceremony’ is Celibrated  with Saligramam is conducted- sort of Kalyanotsavam for Saligrmam and Tulasi.

The Sacred Gandaki river where Saligramam stone is Found and Collected for Worship is also known as Krishna Gandaki or kali gandaki river which lies in Mustang district in Near Muktinath temple. Nepal Where saligrama is found is Home of Lord vishnu and mostly hindu Populous country.

Related Questions – Saligramam or Saligrama sila

1 – Which other Colours does saligrama stone is Found ? Is Saligrama only Black Stone?

No ,Saligrama sila Stone is Found in Any Colours but mostly 99 % percent as Black Colours in Appearance. White Colours are Rare. Black Colours Saligrama is also Scared  and Rare but worshipped by mostly all Devotee. Red Colours Saligrama is not Worshipped in house and we should not worship red Saligramas.

2 – Where is Saligrama available or Found?

- Except Gandaki River  in Muktinath Nepal ,Saligrama sila stone is not found in other Place.

3 –  Does it have the symbol of sudarshana chakra or Marks as well as  other holy Symbol of lord vishnu? 

- Yes mostly Saligrama sila is found in appearance with Sudarshana chakra but Some Saligrama have naturally golden colours marks,different holes,Crystal etc which are rare in nature.Saligrama is also found in shape of sankha,Chakr,Gada,Padma which are lord vishnu four hands, four weapon or symbol carried by lord vishnu in each hand.

4 – What is Hindu Religious Story Behind having Chakra in Saligrama or Marks lines?Is Saligrama is found only inside water? 

- According to Hindu Religious Scripts. Lord Vishnu Himself Said ’Hey BishwaKarma you Make My Saligrama Beautiful Design and Chakra’. From that Time Lord Bishwakarma came in Gandaki river and started making beautiful design,Chakra in Saligrama.It is said that Lord bishwakarma is present in Gandaki river in Form of Insect name as Bajrakeeta(water insects).

Lord Bishwakarma is also Known as God of Artitects,God Engineer ,Designer,Hindu God of Artitecture,God of Furnitures etc. Saligrama is found in Chakra and beautiful marks. Saligrama is mostly found inside Gandaki river where as some in bank of Gandaki river. There is no any Religious story behind on this but Scientifically when water in gandaki river flows hugely ,Some Saligrama move in bank of river.Saligrama inside Gandaki river is consider as very auspiciousness and Good in Comparing to Outer saligrama of Bank of river where different views of devotee is seen. But Spirtually all saligrama is lord vishnu(krishna) ,Saligrama donot have any fault on this.

5 –  Is it a fact that more and Less number of chakras in a Saligrama represnet its significance ?What are Saligrama holes?

Yes ,Saligrama Having One chakra is sudarshan where as 2 chakra is consider as narayan(lord vishnu),3 chakra saligramam- achyut saaligrama – lord achyut sri krishna appears as 3  chakra shaligram,4 chakra is God janardhan Saligrama,5 chakra is God basudeva(krsna) Saligramas. According to some script ,A Saligrama with 7 holes and 14 chakras is known as Ananta Padmanabha Murthy. 2 holes and 4 chakras is Narayana Murthy and so on. All the Murthys are of the same power.But only more than 12 chakra is Ananta.

6 – Where can we Read Some articles on Hindu Religious Script? What is Dwarka Sila and Saligrama sila difference?

- We Can read about Saligrama in all 18 Purans under different contexts. There is some small mythology book found in religious shop where we can read some topic about Saligrama . Only 18 puran and Shastra Described Saligrama Clearly .Only Expert Guru and priest also can described the value and details  of Purana shortly. 

Dwarka sila is Lord Krishna himself. Dwarka sila is found in Dwarka river in india where as saligram is found in nepal,Kali Gandaki river. Dwarka sila is white in appearance where as saligrama in black. It is said that while worshipping Saligrama if any body keep dwarka sila,it is consider as Auspiciousness and can please lord vishnu easily.There is no any thing remain.

7 – Which Saligramam should Madhwas should worship? Can Madhwas can worship big Saligrama?

Abnormal sizes Saligrama should be kept in the Temples/Mutts etc. The size recommended for the puja in the house is smaller Saligramam which can be accommodated in the closed fist.We should not worship abnormal saligrama in house.

8 –  Does We should do daily abhiseck or Snan (Holy Bath) to Saligrama? 

- Yes it is recommended to Bath(snan and abhiseck) Saligrama daily . If Someone who doesnot bath Saligramam should worship saligrama daily or by best we should  try to snan daily . We should also bath which is very good day to bath Saligrama is  in lord vishnu day in week ,every lord vishnu fasting day and special day of month,year etc.

9 – What are types of Saligrama? What are different name of Lord Vishnu Saligrama?

There are different names of saligrama and name of lord vishnu saligrama,which are classified by holes,chakra ,different marks etc. which are describe below -

Types of Saligramam are as follows

1. Lakshminarayana Saligrama, 2. Pradhyumna Saligrama, 3. Aniruddah Saligrama, 4. Vasudeva Saligrama,5. Sankarshana Saligrama(Balaram),6. Narasimha Saligrama,7. Lakshmi Narasimha Saligrama. 8. Hayagriva Saligrama, 9. Sudarshana Saligrama, 10. Gadadhara Saligrama,11. Madhusudana Saligrama,12. Lakshminarayana Saligrama,13. Lakshmijanardhana Saligrama,14. Vamana Saligrama,15. Sridhara Saligrama,16. Raghunatha Saligrama,17. Damodara Saligrama,18. Rama Saligrama,19. Rajarajeshwara Saligrama,20. Anantha Saligrama,21.Kurma Saligrama,22.Parshuram Saligrama,23.Varaha Saligrama,24. Krishna Saligrama,25.Buddha saligramam,26. KalkiSaligrama,27.Purshottam Saligrama,28.Santhana Gopal Saligrama ,29.Laddu Gopal saligrama,30.Trivikrama Saligrama.

Others name of lord vishnu(krishna) Saligrama sila

Ananta saligrama sila, Matsya Saligrama,Anirudha Saligrama,Narasimhadeva Saligrama,Chaturmukhi Saligrama shila,Damodara Saligrama,Narayana Saligrama,Devi shaligrama,Padmanabha saligrama,
Gadadhara Saligrama,Paramesthi saligramas,Ganesha Saligrama,Pradyumna Saligramam,Gopala Saligramam,Purushottama Saligramam,Garuda saligramam,Sankarsana saligrama,Hayagriva saligrama,Shesha saligrama, Shivalinga saligram shila,Hiranyagarbha saligrama,Ratna Garva Saligrama,Hrishikesha shaligrama shila ,Sudarsana saligramam,Kapila saligrams,Vaikuntha shaligram,Keshava saligrama sila,Krishna Saligramam,Vishnu-panjara Saligrama murthy,
vishnu saligrama, Yogeshvaran shaligram shila.

10 – What are Benefits and Boon attain by saligrama ?

- Saligrama is lord vishnu himself,One can please and make happy god vishnu if even touch and Darshan Saligrama sila in life.Saligrama worship pleases god vishnu(krishna) and all God/Goddess.

Vaishnava worship the Saligrama the most sacred stone for six values of life, i.e. Righteous living, Wealth, Protection, good health, pleasures and Spiritual happiness. They used to worship Saligrams i.e. Vishnu in an abstract form i.e., God without form as a ‘Saligrama’. The use of the Saligrama is similar to the use of ‘Lingam’ as abstract symbol of Lord Shiva. The Saligram is found in river Gandaki near Muktinath in Nepal. According to the Vaishnava and hindu devotee the Saligrama is the “dwelling place of Lord Vishnu” and any one who keeps it, must worship it daily. He must also adhere to the strict rules such as not touching the Saligrama without bathing, never placing the Saligram on the ground, avoiding non-vaishnavaite (or non-satvic) food and not indulging in the bad practices.

The Lord Krishna himself mentions the qualities of saligram to ‘Yudhishtra’ in the Mahabharta. Most of the Shaligrama are considered auspicious, some are very sacred, while others are considered to bring good luck, money, peace, sons and so on.

The temples can use any kind of Saligrama in their rituals. The place where the Saligrama stone is found is itself known by that name and is one of the 108 sacred pilgrimage places for the ” Vaishnavas” of South india and ‘Muktinath divya desam ,Nepal’ .In fact such is the auspiciousness of this place that the Puranas mention that any stone from Nepal is equally sacred to Saligrama.

As per Skanda Purana, Padma Purana and other epics, the worshipper of Shree Saligrama knows no  fear and is blessed to attain all desirable things, worldly comforts, good wife, good sons, good health, immense wealth, peaceful environment prevails in his surroundings and he gets immense protection against all evil forces. His all anxieties, mental tension goes off and all ambitions are fulfilled Even the water that has just touched the Saligrama Shila becomes Amrit” and by drinking it “man” is relived of all diseases. Worshipping of Saligrama helps in meditation and attainment of spiritual liberation.One will attain Baikuntha dham(home of lord vishnu) after life circle if some one care and worship saligrama sila ritually and devotionally there is no doubt on this.

11 – What are Puja method or Worshipping process and Mantra of Saligrama?

 - Saligrama pooja process and mantra can be viewed on Mantra and Puja Vidhi.

Shaligram mantra – Puja Method

Importance/Benefits of Shaligram Worship (Pooja)

“Shaligram Shila  Pujan –  Skanda Puran”

In Gandaki river,lord Vishnu appeared as Saligram Form(Rupa) and in Narmada River Lord shiva is appeared as Narbadeshwor form.So both of them appeared naturally,not man made.Shaligram sila bhagwan Vishnu is is mainly worshipped in 24 forms but Sada shiva bhagwan shiva only one form. In Gandaki Smooth river where Shaligram is Originated and Found,attaining that holy place and human beings who drinks water of that river attain Brahma Pad. Shaligram found in gandaki river worship provide boon of pure and holiest,godly human beings of world.Those human beings is also compared and named as Yogishwor.Bhagwan Vishnu Pujan,Dhyan,worship and stotra destroy all type of sin.So Saligram sila puja is done of lord Vishnu whose importance is undescribable and holy.Because in Shaligram there is directly residence of Shree Hari.

 

In Chaturmasya Day,Offering Fruits,Naibedh,flower, and water to bhagwan saligrama is consider as very  best and holy.In this Day Saligram provide all pure and pabitram.Any where saligram sila bhagwan Vishnu is worshipped,upto five miles lord Vishnu make very pure and godly in that place.There will be no any negative thing and bad luck.Any place where Lakshmi pati bhagwan shaligram pujan is done,there that pujan is only very fortunate,great meditation, and that is only best moksha(Salvation). Where Dakshinabarti Shankh,Laxmi narayana Swarupa shaligram sila,Tulasi plant,Krishna sar mriga and gomati chakra of dwarka is worshipped , in that place victory(bijay),Lakshmi,Vishnu and Mukti. These four things will Present and Reside there enternally. Bhagwan Laxmi narayana (Salagram) worshipper  human beings is very much holy and godly from which they will get freedom at immediate time.Bhagwan Vishnu Dhyan and Mantra Destroy all Sin(Pap). Tulasi and shaligram together worship is very good ,shaligram tulasi pujan help to get boon of freedom of rebirth.We should try worship lord Vishnu with many things as much.He is only preserver of whole world.

So while worshipping Sri salagrama in home and temple Guru god vishnu mantra(initated mantra) ,krishna mantra,and various god vishnu Sanskrit name,mantra is chanted.

God vishnu (Salagrama) Mantra

1 – “Om namo vagvate vasudevaya nama”

2 – “Hare krishna Hare krishna krishna krishna hare hare hare ram hare ram ram ram hare hare “

Few main mantra of Salagrama shilas-

1 -om anantaya Nama

2 – Om keshavaya nama

3 – om Bishnwya nama

4 – om Sataya nama

5- om Muktichetrasagovindaya nama

6 – om gandakinayakaya nama

7 – om shivastutaya nama

8 – om salagramshilarupaya nama

9 – Om shree Damodaraya namah

 

Shaligram Mantra – Chanted by God Sri Yudhitira to Lord Hari.

I am Chanting  this Shaligram strotra matra in front of Lord Narayana and in sitting in good position.(In Kush Asan) .

Yudhistira asked  - “Shree Dev Dev devesa Devarchanamutamam Tat sarbam srotaumichhami Bruhime Purushotamam” /- Sanskrit verse

English Verse – My lord Purushotam, I request you know the saligram significance

God Hari Replied to Child Yudhistira – Bhagwan Ubacha(From God mouth) - 

Sanskrit Verse-“Gandakyam Chotare Tire Girirajshchya Dakshine !Das Yojan Vistirnam Mahachhetra Vasundhara-

“Saligramo Vabet Devo Devi Dwara Bati Vabet Uvayo Sangamo Yatra Mutistratrana Sansaya  - “Saligramo Sila Yatra Yatra dwara Bati Sila Uvayo Sangamo Yatra Mutistratrana Sansaya 

English Verse – Child Yudhistir “Himalaya is situated in the bank of river Gandaki. In the south of Beautiful Himalaya a big and beautiful My Holy land is situated where you can find shaligram sila . This is the place where Devi Dwarabati begins and End being Narayani. This place is called Mukti Chektra.

God Hari Further said – Sanskrit Verse - “Ajanma Krita Papanam Prayaschitam Ya – chati Saligram Silawari Paphari Namastute - “ Akal Mritu Haranam Sarvabyadhi Binasanam Vishu Padodakam Pitwa Shirasha Dharyamyaham - “Sankha Madhya Sthitam Toyyam Vramitam Keshavopari - Angalagnam Manukshanam Bramha Hatya Dikam Dayat .

English Verse - Shaligram Remove all Sin done in past Life.Those who worship shaligram as lord hari washes his sin such as brahmahatya. Worshipping shaligram donot get untimely death and diseases. Drinking Sankha chakra gadha padma bathed shaligram water purify all our body and washes mistake.

“Snano Dakam Piben Nityam Chakrankita Sirot Vabam

Partkshallya Sudham Tatoyam Bramha Hatya Byapohati

Sanskrit verse - “Agnistomasahasnani Vajapaya Satanicha

Samyak Phalama Bapnoti Visnornai Vedya Vakshina.

English Verse - The person who do snan(wash) saligram with chakra everyday get rid of sine like Bramahatya and if he drinks such water daily gets the equal boon of thousand of havan and yagya of Lord Vishnu.

Sanskrit Verse - “Naivadyayuktam Tulsim cha Misritam Vishesta Pada Jalen Vishnu

Yoshnati Nityam Purato Murari Prapnoti Yazya Uta Koti Pundyam “

English Verse- Those who worship Shaligram tulsi together,those who offer tulsi to shaligram attain boon of doing 1000 charity of cow and yagna.

Sanskrit Verse - Khandita Sphutita Viina Vandi Dakdhya Tathi Va Cha

Saligram Sialyatra Tatra Dosho Na Vidyate

English Verse - Except damage and broken Sila all silas are good to worship.

Sanskrit Verse - Namantra Pujanam Naiva Natirtham Na cha Bhabanaa

Na stutir Na uppachars cha Saligram Silar cha ne //12//

Bramha Hatya Dikam Papam Manobak Karya Sambhamam

Shirgram Nachyati Tatsarvam Saligram Silrchana//13//

English Verse - With out worship, with out offering any sweets or with out any pilgrims only chanting this saligram mantra is enough to wash away sins and fulfillment of all desire.

Sanskrit Verse - “Nanabarna Mayam Chiva Nana Bhogena Vestitam

Tathavarprasadena Laxmi Kantam Balamhayam

“Narayanorbhabo Dev Chakramadya Cha Karmana

Tathavarprasadena Laxmi Kantam Balamhayam

English Verse - There are various kind of size and shape of saligram in which Lord Vishnu is situated in different incarnation.

Sanskrit - “Krishane Sila Taneyatra Susmam Cakram Cha Drisyate

Saovagyam Santatim Dhatye Sarva Sakshaym Dadhaticha

English Verse-Good Luck increases and gets satisfaction from children in every aspect by worshipping shaligram black in color with little chakras.

Sanskrit - Vashu Devschya Chinhani Distwa Papai Pramuchyate

Sridhar Sukare Bame Harivbarnatu Disyate

“Varaha Rupenam Devam Kurmangai Rapi Chinhitam

Gopadam Tatra Dissheta Varaham Vamanam Tatha

“Pitavarnam Tu Devanam Rakta Varnam Vayabhaham

English Verse -Person who gets the chance to look Vahudev sila he became free from sins. Shreedhar, Sukar,Vam, Harivarna,Varaha, Kurma and lots of other type of saligram are available. some Saligram has marking of cow feet and Narshimha Avtar.

Sanskrit Verse - Narashinho Vawet Devo Mokshadam Cha Prakrititam

Sankha Chakra Gada Kurma Sankho Yatra Pradisyate

Sankha Varnaschya Devanaman Vame Devaschya Lakshanam

“Damodarm Tatha Sthulam Madhya Chakram Pratisthitam

Purna Dwarena Sankrina Pita Rekha Cha Drischyate

“Chhatrakare Vabet Rajam Vartule Cha Mahasreeya

Chipite Cha MahaDukham Sulagretu Ranam Dhrubam

English Verse -Yellowish Shaligram is very auspicious as Lord himself but reddish shaligram is consider fearful and dangerous. Sankha, Cakra, Gada, Kurma are printed on saligram. Saligram with Sankha (conch) sign is considering Vamrup of lord Vishnu, where chakra in the middle is consider as Damodar saligram. Saligrams of different shapes round, umbrella shape which has white lines is available; worshiping this kind of saligram gives wealth and reputation in society. Flat shape shaligram create sorrow in family and saligram with sharp front side create war and tension in family

Sanskrit Verse - “Lalate Shesha Vogastu Siropari Sukanchanam

Chakrakanchanavarnanam VamaDevaschya Lakshnam

Vamaparbe Cha Bai Cakre Krishna Varnas tu Pingalam

Laxinarshimhadevanam Prithak Varnastu Drisyate

English Verse- Shaligram which have chakra round the head or in forehead and rest parts is clean and smooth is very auspicious and consider as Bamdev sila. Yellowish or black in left side with chakra is consider as Laxmi Narshimha sila.

Sanskrit Verse - Lamboste Cha Dalidram Syat Pingale Hani Revacha

Lagna Cakre Vabet Baydhir Bidare Maranamdrubam

English Verse -Worshipping long shape sila create poverty, and saligram having lagna chakra creat measures diseases even death.

Padom Dakamcha Nirmalyam Mastake Dharayet Shada

Sanskrit Verse -Visnor Dristam Vakshitabyam Tulsi Jal Misritam

Kalpa Koti Sahasrani Vaikunthe Basate Sada

English Verse -Person who offer Tulsi leaf while worshipping saligram gets salvation and can stay at Vaikuntha(Place where Vishnu live) for million years.

Sanskrit Verse-Saligram Sila Vinur Hatya Koti Vinasanam/

Tasmat Sampujayet Dhyatwa Pujitam Chapi Sarvada

Saligram Silas Trotram Yah Pathecha Dijotam

Sa Gakshet Parmam Sthanam Yatra Lokeshworo Hari

Sarva Pap Binir Muktwa Vishnu Lokam Sa Gashati

English Verse -Therefore always worship saligram, enchant saligram stotra which is very beneficial for mankind. We can get higher post on Vishnu Lok for doing so.All sins will be destroyed and gets Vishnulok from worshiping the saligram.

Sanskrit - Dusovataro Devanam Prithak Varnastu Disyate

Ipsitam Labate Rajyam Vishnu Pooja Manukramat

Kotyohi Vramhahatyanamgamyagamya Kotaya

Ta Sarva Nasamayamti Vishu Nai Vidya Vakshanat

Vishno Pador Dakam Pitwa Koti Janmaghanasanam

Tasma Dasta Gunam Papam Ghumou Vindupatnat

English Verse -There are various types of description available for Lord Vishnu’s ten incarnation therefore Lord’s incarnation Shree Saligram’s worship, Prayer and drinking water wash away sins of million lives and get prosperity, wealth and reputation so Saligram should be worship.

“Eti Sri Vishotra Purane Sree Saligram Silastotram Sampurnam!!

 

Shaligram puja Method – Saligram worship Bidhi(Process)

Related question – How to perform or do shaligram shila puja?

Shaligram – Simple Ritual Shaligram  shila puja

Panchamrit pua -Preparation for worship (Purvanga -karma)
1- Prepare Madhuparka or Panchamrit consisting of five ingredients; milk,Curd,ghee,honey, and sugar.Mix and makes creamy.
2- Fills in the abhisecka bowls with milk,yogurt,honey,sugar,ghee.
3- Collect some tulasi leaves ,nice flowers, and grind chandana mixed with Saffron and camphor.
4-Fill bathing and puja pots with fresh water for aachamana,arghya,padya and visesa arghya.Those who are not initated ,who donot know any brahmin or any mantra should chant krishna and lord hari in initiatal stage. 
5 – Make a fruit and sweet offering plate consisting of 3 varieties of fruits and 5 varieties of sweets and food.

6 – Salagrama Daily panchamrit and panchagavya bath  is done daily.Other Form of puja to please lord hari is described below. please read more below for learning requirement in shaligram shila puja.

 

While worshipping in Home Daily – Preparation for Worship

 

- Please purify and clean the worshipping puja room in first stage.

- Offer the diya,Incenses(Dhup) and stotra to all god who are presence with lord hari.

- Please bath salagrama from holy water or pure water as water must be in Copper materials.chant god vishnu mantra.

- Offer dress or initatlize salagrama in asana after snan.

- Offers naivethi(Sweet) and tilak to lord ganesh,lord hari and krishna. Please chant one of the salagrama or god vishnu mantra along with offering,mantra.

- Offer bell and shankh.

- Chant god vishnu and all god who all are presence with lord hari.

 

Shaligram Tulasi Puja

Among different puja for lord vishnu,Festival in hinduism,Tulasi shaligram Wedding is one of the main ceremony festival. This marriage provide Inviolate Good luck. Hence,Hindu women complete this fasting day with full Studiously and  devotion.

5 Famous Hindu Temples in America

Temples have been built since ages and many new ones open their doors every year. The number of temples in U.S. has been rising over the past few years. Here is a list of five prominent Hindu temples in the U.S.

Ganesha Temple

Ganesha Temple located in Flushing, Queens is run by the Hindu Temple Society of North America. It is one of the most renowned and biggest Hindu temples in America and has a member count of around 20,000. Apart from the daily services offered, an active community centre is also run by the temple authorities which conduct formal classes, lectures and programmes, focusing on the practice of religion, philosophy, culture, arts and music. The temple was opened before the general public in the 1970’s and traditional events and religious events hosted here attract people from all over the country. A major part of this magnificent and impressive construction was built in India and then imported to America for reconstruction. Dozens of stone icon of Hindu deities made manually adds to the beauty of the monument.

Shiva Vishnu Temple

Shiva Vishnu Temple is a south Indian style temple situated in Broward County, South Florida. Dr. Ganapati Sthapati, an eminent temple builder and architect from Chennai gave guidelines for the construction of this Dravidian style temple. The construction began in the year 1999 with the help of 12 architects from Mahabalipuram. Two new buildings are there in the temple complex and the front building has two Raja Gopurams (entrance towers) and two Vimana Gopurams (towers) above each of the main Shiva and Vishnu Garbagrahas (Shrines).

The temple is spread across a vast area of 6200 Sq Feet and the architectural style of the shrine belongs to Chola, and Pallava dynasty period (10th century) for Shiva and Parivar shrines, and Vijayanagara dynasty period (12th century) for Venkateshwara and Parivar shrines.

The other deities include Lord Ayyappa, Goddess Saraswathim, Lord Muruga, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Krishna, Lord Ram, Lord Ganapathi and Lord Anjenya.

Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) temple in Aurora

Sri Venkateswara Swami ( Balaji) Temple situated in Aurora is one of the first Hindu temples to be built in the United States. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a representation of Vishnu and it is constructed on 20 acres of land, which was donated by Indian American families. Lord Balaji, Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiv & Godess Parvathi are the other deities in this temple. Mutaiaistapathy, a famous specialist on Hindu temples worked with an architect from Chicago, Subash Nadkarni for several months for the construction of this beautiful shrine.

“The design of this temple is an excellent blend of ancient shilpa shastras and modern architectural technology,” says Sudhir Ghanta, who has been involved with the shrine right from the beginning, reports Rediff. “It also serves as a model for many temples that have come up in recent years and are being built now.”

Sri Lakshmi Temple in Ashland

Sri Lakshmi Temple located in Ashland is spread over an area of 12 acres and it was built in the 1980’s.  Rajagopuram of the temple at a height of 50 feet from the ground is an attractive feature of the temple and the construction took two years; with the guidance of Muthiah Sthapathi. Various daily poojas, festivals, shloka classes, culture/Indian-languages classes, etc are conducted by the temple authorities. . Temple includes deities of Sri Maha Ganapati, Sri Mahalakshmi, Sri Venkateswara, SriNataraja ,Sri Subrahmanya, Sri Hariharaputra, Garuda and Navagraha.

Malibu Hindu Temple

Malibu Hindu Temple is located in the city of Calabasas in California and is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. The temple which was built in the year 1981 is owned and operated by the Hindu Temple Society of Southern California. The construction of the shrine is inspired by traditional south Indian style.

 

 

 

Biggest Religious Events in the World

People tend to be religious in many things, inheriting the culture that they have adopted from their parents, and other ancestors. These religious events are a part of our character, as a person and an individual that appreciates the value of the mundane, and exalts the divine. Even though the celebrations are focusing on different aspects of religion from one culture or nation to another, their respect and reverence to deity binds them as one. Let us see the biggest religious events being celebrated in the world by many nations.

Navratri

This is a major Hindu festival that literally means “nine nights”. This is a few of the festivals in the world that is celebrated four times a year. Worshipping the Divine Mother is the main theme of this event, which is usually done at the beginning of spring and autumn. The celebration is divided into three days, adoring the various aspects of the gods and goddesses.

 Krishna Janmashtami

This religious event is being celebrated by many of the Hindu people in respect to the avatar god of Vishnu, Krishna and his birth. This is when Rasa lila is being played to portray the life of Krishna, and showing his fun filled youthful days. Dahi Handi is another story, but brings out the mischievous side of him, which is being portrayed by groups of young men, forming a pyramid to break a high-hanging pot of butter.

 Setsubun

Blooming cherry blossoms all over, with people sharing meals together on a picnic setting, looking at the majestic view of Mt. Fuji on some places. This is how Setsubun has been pictured in the minds of many people all over the world. This celebration marks the welcoming of spring, apart from the cold and chilly season of winter. They offer their prayers in a Shinto temple for good luck and fortune. Throwing beans all over the place is their way of warding evil spirits away.

Pentecost

Literally interpreted as the “fiftieth day”, the celebration of Pentecost is a reminder of the giving of the Ten Commandments, fifty days after the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. It is also celebrated at the time when the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ had received the endowment of the Gift of the Holy Ghost through the tongue of fire that symbolized its presence. It also denotes of the “Birthday of the Church” after the Savior’s Ascension into heaven.

 

Ramadan

This is the month of fasting where Muslims are abstained from eating, drinking, smoking, love making, and even engaging in worldly pursuits, during the hours of the day. This is done for Allah, and for showing their sincerity and submissiveness to his will. It teaches patience, humility, and spirituality to the Muslim people. This is the best time where their relationship with Allah is even closer.

 Diwali

Known to be as the “festival of lights”, Diwali unifies Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism, in celebrating one event, even though they have different reasons on why and how it is celebrated. At this time, lamps are lit to show that good reigns over evil. All the celebrants wear new clothes and share treats with family members and friends.

Chinese New Year

Celebrated by the world’s most populous people, the new moon experienced on the new lunar calendar is the mark of this very colorful, lively, and religious celebration. Fireworks in the sky symbolize of the flourishing of the heavens, and firecrackers are used to ward of devils so that people will not have bad luck. They also buy certain food, such as mooncake to emphasize stickiness or bonding in the family, or round fruits signifying good fortune.

 Easter

Known as the day when Jesus Christ has risen from the dead, after the third day he was crucified on the cross, Easter is about the standing witness that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. There were also other adaptations of its celebration, where children find painted eggs or thinking of the Easter bunny.

Hajj

This is the only religious event in the world that has the most number of visitors, pilgrims, and passage seekers from all the corners of the earth. Whether it may be a Muslim member in Indonesia, or somewhere in the United States, they will find a way to earn money for a ticket to get to Mecca at least once in their lifetime, or every time if they have the financial means to do so. It is celebrated on the 8th to 12th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.

Christmas

This special holiday is celebrated on the 25^th of December in many countries all over the world. This day is so revered that many nations have taken this holiday, even crossing the boundaries of other cultures. It has been a worldwide celebration of the birth of the Savior, even Jesus Christ, in the city of Bethlehem. This is celebrated with the exchanging of gifts, the sharing of family dinner, and other cultural adaptations, such as Santa Claus and Frosty the snowman. This is every kid’s favorite religious event.

Related articles

• Krishna Janmashtami (boston.com)
• Dahi Handi Celebrations in Mumbai Leave 205 Injured (Video) (dailypicksandflicks.com)