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Sawan, also known as <keyword id="22504686" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shravan" source="keywords">Shravan</keyword>, is one of the most auspicious months in the Hindu calendar. According to Drik Panchang, in 2024, Sawan begins on July 22 and ends on August 19. This year, Sawan will be observed for 29 days, featuring five Mondays, known as Sawan Somwars. These Mondays are particularly significant for devotees who observe fasts and engage in prayers dedicated to <keyword id="20013189" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lord-Shiva" source="keywords">Lord Shiva</keyword>. <h2>Significance of Sawan Month</h2>Shravan is considered the holiest month in the Hindu calendar and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that during this time, the cosmic alignment is such that divine energies are more accessible, and prayers reach the divine with greater potency. Devotees undertake various spiritual practices, including fasting, offering prayers, and performing rituals to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. The observance of Shravan Somwar, or fasting on Mondays, holds special significance as Mondays are considered sacred to Lord Shiva. <h2><keyword id="22484805" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sawan-Somwar" source="keywords">Sawan Somwar</keyword> Calendar 2024</h2>In 2024, the Sawan month will feature five Mondays, each marking a special occasion for devotees to observe fasts and participate in rituals. Here is the detailed Sawan Somwar calendar: July 22, 2024 - Sawan Begins (First Shravan Somwar vrat) July 29, 2024 - Second Shravan Somwar vrat August 5, 2024 - Third Shravan Somwar vrat August 12, 2024 - Fourth Shravan Somwar vrat August 19, 2024 - Sawan Ends (Last or Fifth Shravan Somwar vrat) <h2>Historical and Mythological Significance of Sawan</h2>The month of Shravan is steeped in mythology and historical significance. According to Hindu scriptures, several important events are believed to have occurred during this month: Samudra Manthan: One of the most famous legends associated with Shravan is the churning of the ocean, or Samudra Manthan, by the Devas and Asuras to obtain Amrit (the nectar of immortality). During this process, a deadly poison called Halahala emerged, which had the potential to destroy the universe. Lord Shiva consumed the poison to save the world, and it turned his throat blue, earning him the name Neelkanth. This act of selflessness is commemorated during the month of Shravan. Marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati: Another significant event celebrated during Shravan is the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to mythology, Goddess Parvati undertook severe penance during Shravan to win the love and affection of Lord Shiva. Pleased with her devotion, Lord Shiva accepted her as his consort, and devotees celebrate their union this month. That’s why it is considered very auspicious to undertake fasting every Monday of the month. Kanwar Yatra: The Kanwar Yatra is a significant pilgrimage undertaken by devotees, known as Kanwariyas, who carry water from the holy Ganges River to offer it to Shiva temples. This ritual is performed as an act of devotion and penance. <h2>Rituals practised during Sawan</h2>Devotees observe various rituals and practices during the month of Shravan to seek blessings from Lord Shiva: Fasting: Observing fasts on Sawan Somwars is a common practice. Devotees often consume only water or fruits and avoid consuming grains and cereals. Abhishekam: Performing Abhishekam, or the ceremonial bathing of Shiva Lingam with water, milk, honey, and other sacred substances, is a significant ritual. It is believed that offering Abhishekam pleases Lord Shiva and grants his blessings. Chanting and Prayers: Devotees chant mantras and prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva, such as the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and the Shiva Chalisa. Participating in Shiva Aarti (devotional song) is also common. Visiting Shiva Temples: Visiting Shiva temples and offering prayers is an integral part of Shravan observance. Many devotees undertake pilgrimages to prominent Shiva temples during this month. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="104016440" title="Discover the 7 most famous Shiva temples in India you must visit once" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2> </h2><h2>Puja Vidhi</h2>Devotees who are fasting on Sawan Somwar (Sawan Monday) should wake up early, take a bath, and put on clean, new clothes. Afterwards, they should clean their home and the temple or puja room. The worship of the Shivlinga can be done either by visiting a temple or performing the ritual at home. This involves performing Abhishekam (ritual bathing) of the Shivlinga, applying white sandalwood to Lord Shiva, and offering bhang, dhatura, and bilvapatra (leaves). They should then light a ghee lamp or diya, listen to the story about the Sawan Somwar fast, and perform aarti (a devotional song) for Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. It is important to perform the puja both in the morning and in the evening. <h2>Mantras you chant during Sawan</h2>1. Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat 2. Om Namah Shivay 3. Om Namah Parvati Pataye Har Har Mahadev The month of Shravan, or Sawan, holds immense significance in Hinduism as a period of intense devotion and spiritual practices dedicated to Lord Shiva. The observance of Sawan Somwars, fasting, and performing rituals are ways through which devotees seek the divine blessings of Lord Shiva. In 2024, with Sawan beginning on July 22 and ending on August 19, devotees have a special opportunity to deepen their spiritual connection and experience the divine grace of Lord Shiva. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/india/article/top-temples-to-visit-in-india-you-must-visit-atleast-once-in-a-lifetime/articleshow/109857477.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Top temples to visit in India you must visit atleast once in a lifetime</a>

Sawan 2024: Dates, somwar calendar, significance and rituals practised during Sawan

<ul><li>Maha <keyword id="8796437" type="AGENCY" weightage="20" keywordseo="shivratri-2020">Shivratri 2020</keyword> falls on Friday, February 21, 2020 </li><li>Maha <keyword id="110791" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shivratri">Shivratri</keyword> puja is highly beneficial and wins the blessings of Lord Shiva. </li><li>Read on to know the date, timings and puja procedure for Shivratri. </li></ul>Shiva is the most merciful gods of the holy trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Shiva is said to be the god of destruction who annihilates the universe at the end of creation. He is predominantly worshipped in the form of Linga, a sacred pillar-like structure. Shivling can be seen installed in the inner sanctum sanctorum of temples. Shivratri is the holy night and a highly popular festival in Hinduism dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Mahashivratri 2020 date and time This year, Shivratri falls on Friday, February 21, 2020. The Chaturdashi Tithi starts at 5.20 pm on Friday, February 21, 2020 and ends at 7.02 pm on Saturday, February 22, 2020. This is the period when Mahashivratri is celebrated. Shiv Puja for Shivratri can be performed on Friday, February 21, 2020 from 6 pm onwards culminating at around 6 am on Saturday, February 22, 2020. The auspicious Muhurat to perform the most important puja to Lord Shiva is Nishita Kaal from 24:08 to 25:00 pm on Friday, February 21, 2020. Shivratri and Mahashivratri Shivratri is observed on the fourteenth day (Chaturdashi) of the waning phase (Krishna Paksha) of the lunar month. Shivratri appears in the calendar month on month. However, there the two Shivratris in a year occurring in the months of Phalgun (February – March) and Shravan (July – August) are considered highly important. Among these two, the Shivratri that falls in the month of Phalgun (February – March) is called Mahashivratri. Mahashivratri is celebrated in a very grand manner as Hindus celebrate it at their homes and also in the temples. Maha Shivratri significance Shivratri is celebrated for many reasons. It is said Shiva and Parvati’s marriage took place on Shivratri. Yet another story says Shiva manifested as Linga on this day. There is one more mythological story that says Shiva performed his cosmic dance during Shivratri. Whatever be the reason, this holy night is dedicated to performing puja and worshipping Shiva in several ways. What to do on Shivratri During Shivratri, people observe fast and spend the whole night in the contemplation of the Lord while observing vigil and not falling asleep. Activities like singing the praises of Lord Shiva, listening to the glorious stories of Shiva, walking barefoot to the Shiva temple over long distances, visiting as many Shiva temples as possible in one night, and many other activities take place during Shivratri. Maha <keyword id="8803554" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="shivratri-puja-procedure">Shivratri puja procedure</keyword> In all Shiva temples, Shivratri puja takes place through the night. Shivratri puja can be performed at homes. If Shivling is available at home, one can douse it with water from the Ganges; rose water, sandalwood paste, turmeric, sacred ash, coconut water, panchamrit, honey, fragrant materials, milk, curd and others. The whole night can be divided into segments and holy bath can be performed. At the end of the puja, specially prepared dishes are offered to Shiva. Garlands, flowers, coconut, fruits, dry fruits, and others are offered to Lord Shiva. The puja concludes with an arati and distribution of prasad to the invitees and family members.

Maha Shivratri 2020 time, date, procedure you must know

<ul><li><keyword id="6704578" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Maha-Shivratri" source="Orion">Maha Shivratri</keyword>, the holy night is dedicated to worshipping Lord Shiva. </li><li>People celebrate Maha <keyword id="110791" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shivratri" source="Orion">Shivratri</keyword> by fasting, keeping vigil and doing pujas at homes and temples. </li><li>Here are the dos and don’ts for Shivratri you must know to celebrate it in the right way.</li></ul>Maha Shivratri is one of the major festivals in Hinduism dedicated to worshipping Lord Shiva. Shivratri falls in the month of Phalgun (February – March) on the fourteenth (Chaturdashi) day of the waning phase of moon (Krishna Paksha). This year Shivratri falls on Saturday, February 18, 2023. Here are a few dos and don’ts you must know to celebrate Shivratri in the right way and get the blessings of Lord Shiva in abundance. What you must do on Maha Shivratri <ul><li>If possible, observe a vigil on Shivratri. Do not sleep throughout the night and spend the night contemplating on spirituality. </li><li>Listen to stories of Lord Shiva, sing songs, chant mantras and meditate.</li><li>Visit Shiva temples. In most Shiva temples, a prayer is performed throughout the night. Participate in the nightly prayers.</li><li>If possible, you can also perform prayers and pujas at home. Start the puja after sunset on Shivratri and continue to do puja till the sunrise.</li><li>Offering Bilva leaves, white colour flowers, water from the Ganges, sacred ash, sandalwood paste, and milk to Shiva. It is considered auspicious.</li><li>At the end of Shivratri puja, donate Prasad, food, clothes and other items to the poor and needy.</li></ul>What you must not do on Maha Shivratri <ul><li>Unlike some other kinds of festivals, Shivratri is not meant for making merry and feasting. Contemplate on the Lord, visit temples, do Shiv puja at home and spend the time in spiritual activities.</li><li>Do not sleep during Shivratri if you are observing a complete fast. Stay vigil throughout the night and sing the divine glories and chant the mantras of the Lord.</li><li>Do not kill the time during Shivratri by watching movies or wasting time on gaming. Abstain from any kind of indulgence. Devote the time only to worship the Lord with full focus and devotion. </li><li>Never resort to falsehood and quarrels. Do not eat non-vegetarian food. Abstain from alcohol and any other kind of addictive stuff.</li></ul>

Maha Shivratri 2023 dos and don’ts you must know to celebrate it in the right way

<keyword id="22682573" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hariyali-Teej-2024" source="keywords">Hariyali Teej 2024</keyword> is a colourful and important Hindu festival celebrated during the monsoon season. It takes place on the third day of the bright half of the month of Sawan. This festival marks the union of Lord Shiva and <keyword id="19896518" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Goddess-Parvati" source="keywords">Goddess Parvati</keyword>. The festival is celebrated with great excitement, especially in North India, including places like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Bihar. The way people celebrate and the traditions they follow can differ in each region. On this day, married Hindu women fast and pray for their husbands' well-being. <keyword id="727402" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hariyali-Teej" source="Orion">Hariyali Teej</keyword> usually takes place two days before Nag Panchami. On Shukla Paksha Tritiya. In 2024, according to the Gregorian calendar, it will be observed on Wednesday, August 7. <h2><keyword id="22039638" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hariyali-Teej-2024-date" source="Orion">Hariyali Teej 2024 date</keyword> and timing</h2>Hariyali Teej 2024 date: Aug 7, 2024(Wednesday) Tritiya Tithi Begins: August 6, 2024 (Tuesday) 07: 52 pm Tritiya Tithi Ends: August 7, 2024 (Wednesday) 10:05 pm <h2>Hariyali Teej 2024: Rituals and Traditions</h2>Attire: On Hariyali Teej, women wear new clothes, often in green, which symbolises prosperity and growth. They also wear traditional bangles and put henna on their hands, a common practice during the festival. Sindhara: A special tradition of Hariyali Teej is giving "Sindhara." Sindhara is a gift package sent by the parents of a married woman to her and her in-laws. It usually contains homemade sweets, Ghewar, bangles, and henna. This gift highlights the bond between the woman and her family and adds to the festive atmosphere. Swing Decoration: A key part of Hariyali Teej is decorating swings, called "jhoolas." Women decorate these swings and enjoy swinging on them while singing traditional Teej songs. Worship and Prayers: On this day, women worship Goddess Parvati and pray for the well-being and long life of their husbands. The rituals include fasting and visiting temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. <h2>Puja Vidhi for Hariyali Teej</h2>People clean and sanitise their homes thoroughly, then decorate them with flowers. They set up a Shiv Lingam and idols of Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva, and Lord Ganesha for worship. The deities are honoured with a sixteen-step ceremony, and the Puja lasts all night. Women observe a strict fast called Nirjala Vrat, where they don't eat or drink anything all day. Both married and single women take part in this fast. Married women do this to pray for their husbands' well-being, prosperity, and long life, as well as for their families. Unmarried women fast in hopes of finding a good husband and having a happy marriage. After 24 hours, when all the rituals are done, they finally drink water. <h2>History of Hariyali Teej</h2>According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Parvati underwent intense penance and meditation for many years to win Lord Shiva's love and devotion. Goddess Parvati went to the Himalayas to show her deep love and made a Shiva Lingam out of sand. In her previous lives, she had given up all worldly things and survived on dry leaves to win Shiva's love. Impressed by her dedication, Lord Shiva accepted her as his wife, and their union is celebrated on Hariyali Teej. The festival symbolises marital bliss and the devotion of wives towards their husbands, reflecting the ideal of a harmonious and loving marriage.

Hariyali Teej 2024: Everything you need to know about date, timing, puja vidhi and history

New Delhi, July 10 (IANSlife) The fifth month of the Hindu calendar is called 'the holy month of Shravan', known to be a conduit for conveying natural and tremendous healing energies by invoking 'Lord Shiva'. This divine and pious month is known to be a sacred month devotionally dedicated to 'Lord Shiva' and depicted as the wielder of power and sovereignty and his consort the 'Goddess Parvati' is 'Shakti' embodying the active dynamic energy of Shiva. Together they bring "creative destruction" -- for the sole purpose of regeneration, transmutation and spiritual transformation. As per the mythology, the auspicious act of 'Samudra Manthan' - war between Gods and demons took place in this holy month which emphasized upon the importance of Lord Shiva consuming the poison from the churning of the ocean to save the entire mankind from evil destruction; and stored it in his throat. Taking this story as an epitome of relaxing mankind from the high malefic effect, during this month appeasing the 'Shivling' symbol of 'Lord Shiva' which radiates immense energy, one can salvage and rescue themselves from the deadly curses and complexities of life. Worshipping Lord Shiva not only brings in a concrete support within one to tackle their battles but also helps to liberate them from the miseries in life. This month is an ideal time to grow tranquility, good health and get Divine blessings by performing austerities. According to the Hindu ancient culture, the Shravan constellation is visible in the sky; hence the name is appropriate for the month. This month is consecrated with the phenomenal energies of 'Lord Shiva' as the cosmic energies are spontaneously supercharged with Shiv tattva (Shiva elements) which can help master the art of consciousness by purifying one's mind, body, spirit and the environment we live in. It is essential to rejuvenate our home during 'Shravan' - Shravan symbolizes "purity, consciousness and knowledge". Practicing rejuvenating rituals during shravan in our life is the gateway to immense purity, abundance and provides relief from reverberating negative energies within ourselves and in our environment. Hence, one must definitely keep the house neat and clean to remove negative energies accumulated in the form of dust. It is believed that "Goddess Lakshmi" prefers to reside in a house that has kept clean, not just physically but energetically also. During the time of pandemic, wholesalers and florists had to close their doors and people avoided to buy flowers and other pooja samagri; however, worship does not mean just rituals or is limited to rituals, people can do these 9 holistic rituals to rejuvenate their home. Materials which are mentioned are available online. Many online store retailers that had to quickly build a fast delivery connect amid the crisis. "Smudging with Sage" - It has been one of the oldest rituals for energetic cleansing of a space or someone's aura. You can choose a Monday every week to smudge the entire house with Sage or any other herb or holy wood like Palo Santo. "Wind Chimes or Tibetian Singing Bowl" - Sound vibrations are a powerful way to clear the energy of a room and raise its energetic vibration. Healing sounds can break apart dense or heavy energy that is lowering the energy in your home. With the lovely winds in Shravan month, make use of wind chimes to bring in beautiful sounds in your home. You can also use a singing bowl to create a healing effect with gentle vibrations that can be felt on both a physical and spiritual level. "RAKUNA Zibu symbol" - To help eliminate any kind of negativity from the space. Just draw it by hand on a post-it note &amp; stick in every room. "Healing Crystals" - Gridding your home using black tourmaline crystals is also a great option to protect yourself from any external negative energies. Since unmarried girls fast for having a good husband during this period, healing loving energies of Rose Quartz can also be harnessed. This crystal also helps in finding a good partner. "Using Diffusers" - Using a diffuser with sandalwood essential oil and camphor is also a beautiful experience given that sandalwood is so closely associated with the Shravan Shiv pooja rituals. Ash Gourd - On New Moon days, it is a widespread practice to worship an Ash Gourd and then hang it at the entrance of the home. New Moon energy is helpful to start something fresh &amp; make intentions for the future. And Ash Gourd has immense Praan Shakti and it absorbs any negative energy from entering your home. "Incenses" - Pooja rituals are common during Shravan month. Burning a natural incense is helpful in clearing out the negative energies. Make sure the incense you are burning is natural &amp; not chemically treated. Also incense sticks made of bamboo sticks are not good to burn. Burning bamboo releases bad gases. Best is to burn natural cow dung dhoop or battis for purification &amp; an aromatic experience. "Sea Salt" - Place sea salt in all corners of the room in a container or on the floor. Let it absorb the negativity for 1-2 days &amp; then trash that salt away. Salt is a natural cleanser. "Manifest a Wish" - If you are looking to manifest your wishes during this auspicious month, then you can harness the energy of the bay leaf. You can write your intention on a whole bay leaf, hold it in your hands &amp; visualize it happening in front of you. Feel it with all your senses and then burn the bay leaf using a candle or diya, there by submitting your wish/intention to the Universe to manifest. (Kuhoo Gupta, Healer and Founder of The K Junction) (IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) --IANS Kuhoo gupta/tb/

9 Tips to Rejuvenate your home during Shravan

Mumbai, The Central Board of Film Certification has cleared "Oh My God 2" (<keyword id="12310621" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="OMG-2" source="Orion">OMG 2</keyword>) with "a few modifications" following which the movie will release on its scheduled date of August 11 with an 'A' certificate, said an insider on Tuesday. The film, starring <keyword id="2823" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Akshay-Kumar" source="Orion">Akshay Kumar</keyword> and Pankaj Tripathi, was reportedly stuck with the censor board for over two weeks. "There are no cuts in the film; only a few modifications, which the makers discussed with the censor board members. "For a UA certificate, the committee was asking for a lot of cuts. The makers didn't want to compromise with the sanctity of the film. So they chose to go with an Adults certification but keeping the integrity of the film intact and also adhering to and respecting the norms of the censor board," the insider said. According to CBFC, 'UA' certification means children below 12 years of age can watch a film under parental guidance. An 'A' certificate means adults (aged 18+) can publicly watch a film. "OMG 2" features Tripathi as a devotee of believer in Lord Shiva named Kanti Sharan Mudgal and Kumar in the role of Lord Shiva. The film is billed as a spiritual sequel of "OMG - Oh My God!", which released in 2012. Presented by Viacom18 Studios, "OMG 2" is produced by Cape of Good Films and Wakaoo Films. The film is written and directed by Amit Rai, and also stars Yami Gautam.

'OMG 2' receives 'A' certificate from CBFC after a few modifications

Take on a spiritual journey across the diverse landscapes of India and explore some of the most revered temples that stand as testaments to the country's rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted spirituality. From the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the serene shores of the southern coast, India is adorned with temples that attract devotees and tourists alike. Here's a comprehensive list of some of the top temples you must visit in India. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Best Temples to Visit in India" comment="subhead" text="Best Temples to Visit in India"><keyword id="19017694" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Best-Temples-to-Visit-in-India" source="Orion">Best Temples to Visit in India</keyword></cmsannotation> <ul><li><keyword id="52191" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vaishno-Devi" source="Orion">Vaishno Devi</keyword> Temple</li><li>Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib)</li><li>Meenakshi Temple</li><li><keyword id="11923178" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jagannath-Temple" source="Orion">Jagannath Temple</keyword> </li><li>Kashi Vishwanath Temple</li><li>Tirupati Balaji Temple</li><li>Ram Mandir</li><li>Badrinath Temple</li></ul><cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Vaishno Devi Temple - Jammu and Kashmir" comment="subhead" text="Vaishno Devi Temple - Jammu and Kashmir">Vaishno Devi Temple - Jammu and Kashmir</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="1" msid="109857529" hostid="261" sizebytes="1397766" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Ascending the Trikuta Mountains, pilgrims seek divine blessings at Vaishno Devi&amp;#39;s abode&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Located in the Trikuta Mountains, Vaishno Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi. Pilgrims undertake a challenging trek to reach the temple, seeking blessings from the divine Mother Goddess. How to Reach: The nearest airport is Jammu Airport, and the nearest railway station is Katra Railway Station. From there, pilgrims can trek or take ponies/helicopter rides to the temple. Deity: Goddess Vaishno Devi <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) - Amritsar, Punjab" comment="subhead" text="Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) - Amritsar, Punjab">Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) - Amritsar, Punjab</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="2" msid="109857546" hostid="261" sizebytes="1266431" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Golden serenity reflects in the sacred waters surrounding Harmandir Sahib&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>A symbol of Sikhism's spiritual and historical significance, the Golden Temple is a breathtaking architectural marvel. Surrounded by the sacred Amrit Sarovar, the temple complex exudes tranquillity and welcomes people from all walks of life. How to Reach: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar is the nearest airport, while Amritsar Junction is the nearest railway station. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Meenakshi Temple - Madurai, Tamil Nadu" comment="subhead" text="Meenakshi Temple - Madurai, Tamil Nadu">Meenakshi Temple - Madurai, Tamil Nadu</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="3" msid="109857567" hostid="261" sizebytes="2281791" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Intricate carvings tell stories of devotion within the halls of Meenakshi Temple&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Meenakshi Temple is an architectural masterpiece dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, a form of Goddess Parvati, and her consort Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva). Intricate carvings, towering gopurams (gateway towers), and vibrant sculptures adorn this temple, drawing devotees and art enthusiasts alike. How to Reach: Madurai Airport is the nearest airport, and Madurai Junction is the nearest railway station. Deity: Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva) <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Jagannath Temple - Puri, Odisha" comment="subhead" text="Jagannath Temple - Puri, Odisha">Jagannath Temple - Puri, Odisha</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="4" msid="109857580" hostid="261" sizebytes="1722299" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Rath Yatra&amp;#39;s grandeur illuminates the skies above Jagannath Temple&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Situated in Puri, Odisha, Jagannath Temple is renowned worldwide for various reasons. Each year, the Ratha Yatra festival celebrates Lord Jagannath and his siblings, drawing people from across the globe to witness this grand event. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple features a majestic kitchen where meals for the deity are prepared daily. It's a fascinating sight to behold! The temple's significance lies not only in its religious importance but also in its cultural and historical value. Visiting this iconic temple offers a glimpse into India's rich traditions and devotion to its deities. How to Reach: Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport, while Puri Railway Station serves as the nearest railhead. Deity: Lord Jagannath (Krishna), Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Kashi Vishwanath Temple - Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh" comment="subhead" text="Kashi Vishwanath Temple - Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh">Kashi Vishwanath Temple - Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="5" msid="109857592" hostid="261" sizebytes="1050391" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Shimmering gold adorns Kashi Vishwanath, a beacon of spirituality on the Ganga&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Kashi Vishwanath Temple stands on the banks of the Ganga River in Varanasi, known as the cultural capital of India. It's a sacred site dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple's tower shines with 800 kg of gold, showcasing stunning architecture. The temple attracts devotees and tourists alike, offering a glimpse into India's rich spiritual heritage and architectural splendour. How to Reach: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi is the nearest airport, and Varanasi Junction is the nearest railway station. Deity: Lord Shiva (Kashi Vishwanath) <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Tirupati Balaji Temple - Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh" comment="subhead" text="Tirupati Balaji Temple - Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh">Tirupati Balaji Temple - Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="6" msid="109857620" hostid="261" sizebytes="1903496" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Devotees climb to divine heights seeking blessings at Tirupati Balaji&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Tirupati Balaji Temple, also known as Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, is one of the wealthiest and most visited temples globally. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, the temple atop the Tirumala Hills welcomes millions of devotees every year who seek the blessings of the divine Lord. How to Reach: Tirupati Airport is the nearest airport, and Tirupati Railway Station serves as the nearest railhead. Deity: Lord Venkateswara (Vishnu) <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Ram Mandir - Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh" comment="subhead" text="Ram Mandir - Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh">Ram Mandir - Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="7" msid="109857670" hostid="261" sizebytes="1359518" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Ram Mandir stands as a symbol of faith and unity in Ayodhya&amp;#39;s sacred soil&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>The newly inaugurated Ram Mandir in Ayodhya holds immense significance in Hinduism. Built at the birthplace of Lord Ram, this grand temple complex is a symbol of faith and devotion for millions of devotees worldwide. Its magnificent architecture and spiritual ambience make it a must-visit destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. How to Reach: The nearest airport is Ayodhya Airport, and Ayodhya Dham is the nearest railway station. Deity: Lord Ram <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Badrinath Temple - Badrinath, Uttarakhand" comment="subhead" text="Badrinath Temple - Badrinath, Uttarakhand">Badrinath Temple - Badrinath, Uttarakhand</cmsannotation> <div type="image" title="8" msid="109857695" hostid="261" sizebytes="1836239" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Amidst Himalayan peaks, Badrinath Temple offers solace to seekers of the divine&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div>Badrinath Temple, located in Uttarakhand, attracts devotees with its beauty and spiritual significance. It's one of India's four Char Dham pilgrimage sites and a stunning destination. To see Badrinath, plan your visit between April and November because heavy snow makes winter travel impossible. This temple is famous as one of the Vishnu <keyword id="21535692" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="temples-in-India" source="keywords">temples in India</keyword>. How to Reach: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, and Rishikesh Railway Station is the nearest railhead. From there, travellers can take buses or taxis to reach Badrinath. Deity: Lord Badri Narayan (Vishnu) Whether you seek spiritual solace, cultural immersion, or architectural marvels, India's temples offer a profound and enriching experience for travellers. Plan your pilgrimage or leisurely visit to these sacred sites and immerse yourself in the spiritual vibrancy of India's temple heritage. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Frequently asked questions" comment="subhead" text="Frequently asked questions">Frequently asked questions</cmsannotation> 1. What is the significance of the Char Dham pilgrimage, and which temples are included in it? The Char Dham pilgrimage holds great spiritual importance for Hindus, as it encompasses four sacred sites: Badrinath, Dwarka, Puri, and Rameswaram. Pilgrims believe that visiting these temples will wash away their sins and lead to spiritual liberation. 2. Are there any dress codes or etiquette rules to follow when visiting Indian temples? Yes, many temples in India have dress codes and etiquette guidelines. Visitors are usually required to dress modestly, covering their shoulders and legs, and remove their shoes before entering the inner sanctum. Additionally, maintaining silence and refraining from photography in certain areas are common etiquettes observed in temples. 3. Are there any specific rituals or ceremonies that visitors can participate in during their temple visit? Yes, many temples offer rituals and ceremonies that visitors can participate in, such as aarti (prayer ceremonies), prasad (offering to the deity), and abhishekam (ritual bathing of the deity). These rituals provide devotees with an opportunity to connect spiritually and seek blessings from the divine. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/india/10-most-famous-and-beautiful-temples-in-delhi-that-you-must-visit-once/slidelist/102716646.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">10 Most famous and beautiful temples in Delhi that you must-visit once</a>

Top temples to visit in India you must visit atleast once in a lifetime

<ul><li><ul><li>Cultural diplomat and author <keyword id="182794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amish-Tripathi" source="Orion">Amish Tripathi</keyword>’s new book <keyword id="14079627" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="War-of-Lanka" source="Orion">War of Lanka</keyword> sold six and a half million copies within two weeks of launch. </li><li>War of Lanka also saw India’s first Metaverse launch for a book, where an augmented reality filter was uploaded on Instagram for users. </li><li>India has become wealthier post 1991 and the emergence of ‘real’ India is inspiring films based on myths, says Tripathi. </li></ul> </li></ul>From the time he left his banking job to become a full-time writer in 2011, Amish Tripathi has attempted to give Indian deities human-like attributes through his take on myths. In his books, deities get angry, make human mistakes and even poke fun at each other. Director Shekhar Kapur, who is making a web series on Tripathi’s <keyword id="810431" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shiva-Trilogy" source="Orion">Shiva trilogy</keyword>, called him ‘India’s literary popstar’. Tripathi’s first trilogy on deity Shiva became the fastest-selling book series in Indian publishing history. His most recent book ‘War of Lanka’ has already sold six and a half million copies and is currently under reprint. What makes his books popular is not just the content but also his marketing hooks. He roped in marketing agency Think WhyNot to launch an augmented reality filter on Instagram for the ‘War of Lanka’. Custom merchandise or making the first music album in Indian publishing history for ‘The Oath of the Vayuputras’ – the third book in his Shiva Trilogy – are some other marketing examples. The author of seven books encapsulating the stories of Ram, Raavan, Sita and Shiva, Tripathi talks to Business Insider India about topics ranging from the importance of myths to the impact of the pandemic on the publishing industry. Currently serving as a cultural diplomat as head of the Nehru Center in London, Tripathi also shares his take on the real India. <keyword id="14491960" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="UK-Prime-Minister-Rishi-Sunak" source="Orion">UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak</keyword> invited you to 10 Downing Street, how was the experience? Oh, it was very nice. It was a small get-together in 10 Downing Street, a celebration of Diwali. He had got people from the local Swami Chinmaya Mission to read a prayer. We did a proper lighting of the lamp with traditional rituals. It was also very nice to see so many native White British and other communities in attendance, celebrating a Hindu/Jain/Sikh festival with warmth and happiness. It's been almost a month since War of Lanka has been released. How has the response been? I will be honest. Prior to the launch of the book, I was a little nervous, quite nervous, actually, for various reasons. One, it was a completely new publisher and a new relationship. Secondly, Harper just had a few months post the contract signing to get the book out in the market. To bring the book out in just three-four months is difficult… I thought they did a very good job. Third was the pandemic, which had hit the publishing industry badly, and many bookstores and publishing houses had shut down. Since the distribution itself was shrinking, sales would be difficult. Lastly, since I also have a diplomatic job in the UK, I did not have that much time for the book tour. Normally, my book tour would spread out over three-four months, but now I only had three-four weeks; and I had to cover 14 cities across India in that time. But despite these constraints, War of Lanka is breaking records. It is selling even faster than Raavan: Enemy of Aryavarta. And all my previous book sales have also shot up. I can’t thank my readers enough for their consistent love and support. I am curious to know why you haven't written about Hanuman, a Shiva incarnation, especially after having dedicated separate books to Ram, Ravan and Sita? I might take that up actually. Lord Hanuman is a very fascinating character and represents loyalty, having a code and staying true to it, no matter what. That's what makes him worth respecting and worshiping. There is a separate spin-off story in mind that I have for Lord Hanuman. And one I hope to take up after some time. There will also be a story on Guru Vashishta and Guru Vishwamitra and how their relationship turned from friendship to enmity. People say youngsters don’t read as different forms of medium are competing for attention. Why do you think your book has struck a chord with the readers? Is it because of your standout marketing techniques as with a metaverse launch of the book? The metaverse campaign was very innovative, yes. And I am very grateful to Sangram Surve and his Think WhyNot agency for putting this together in association with Meta. Also, I think this assumption that the youth don't read is, frankly, a judgmental approach. The idea that today’s youth have low IQ, low attention spans, and only want to entertain themselves with flaky things is just plain silly. One person can have different tastes. I like thought-provoking movies like Schindler’s List or Inception, but I also like the suspension-of-brains movies of Salman Khan. The youth are like that as well. By the way, a vast majority of my readers are young. Second when it comes to marketing, social media has made word of mouth very powerful. The opinion of critics matters little now as compared to a decade ago. There are movies that are very well marketed that have been super flops. And a movie that had almost minimal marketing spends, like Kantara, was a massive hit. At the heart of it all, it has to be a good product, be it a movie or a book. If it's not a good product, no matter how much marketing you do, it's not going to work. If there is no depth in the movie or the book, if there's nothing to talk about, then word-of-mouth will be poor. A cult book has to be thought-provoking and initiate conversations. I myself tried the AR filters on Instagram and I came out to be on Raavan’s army. It would interest you to know that while many modern Indians think Raavan is Tamilian or Lankan, this may not necessarily match up to ancient texts. When you study ancient texts or folk traditions, it is revealed Raavan was born close to Delhi, a little ahead of Noida. One of the oldest temples of Raavan is situated there. He was not the original ruler of Lanka. The original ruler was Kubaer. Raavan deposed Kubaer and took over Lanka. Will you be venturing into writing about any other epic like Mahabharat? I do have various ideas. Let's see where life takes me. There is a fifth book that will join the Shiva Trilogy and the Ramachandra series called the <keyword id="15501176" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rise-of-Meluha" source="Orion">Rise of Meluha</keyword>. But that will be released many years later. Is there a reason why Sita was portrayed as aggressive and militant in your book Sita-Warrior of Mithila? Was this because it has been written from a male perspective? There is a difference between being militant and being strong. Goddess Durga is not militant but she is strong. The image of Goddess Sita in the minds of modern urban Indians is largely inspired from a 1980s television series. In the original Valmiki Ramayana, Sita is portrayed in a much stronger form. And in the Adbhut Ramayan, also credited to Valmiki ji, Sita Maa is the one who kills the elder, more powerful Raavan. In ancient times, Indian women were seen as powerful with their own agency. We had women who ruled large empires like Rani Prabhavatigupta and Rani Rudramadevi. We had women Rishis (roughly the equivalent of Abrahamic prophets and messiahs). We even had women who founded universities. Frankly, our ancestors would be disappointed at how badly we, in modern India, treat women. We have been hearing about the Shiva trilogy for quite some time now. Is it expected soon? These are early days as we just started work on it. So let's see how it comes out. But we'll make announcements in the future. Coming to Indian cinema, there has been a shift in the portrayal of stories. Films are being inspired by myths like in Adipurush, Thank God, Ram Sethu, Ponniyan Selvan. Why do you think there is such a shift? Post 1991 India has become wealthier and the emergence of the real India is inspiring the demand for such stories. There is a real India that was always there, just that they didn't have money to form a big market. That is the India outside of the elite areas of our big cities. This is an India that is very deeply rooted in our ancient traditions and culture. And now, there are many citizens from the real India who have now risen because of economic growth over the last 30 years. A recent IMF report had said over 450 million Indians have been pulled out of poverty just in the last 10 years. And economic growth is creating a new consumer class. Smaller budget movies are making more money than big Hindi film movies because I think in many ways, Telugu, Kannada and Tamil movies are more rooted in the real India. This is something perhaps the Hindi film industry will pick up overtime. A Hindi film producer told me an interesting analysis. He felt that perhaps the Hindi film industry had become too elitist – he used the term ‘focused on Pali Hill, and South Mumbai and also perhaps, London &amp; New York’. He said that we should forget that there is a real India outside of Pali Hill and South Mumbai. And that is the main market for Indian movies. What does real India mean to you? Perhaps those who are more comfortable in Mangalore or Varanasi than in London, I think that's the real India. So, someone like you or me… My family’s roots are in Kashi and I was born in Mumbai; so I know English, Hindi, and some Marathi. But I can go to a Lord Shiva temple in Thrissur, Kerala. And I’ve been there actually, four-five years ago. I don’t understand Malayalam, but my books, by God's grace, do well in Malayalam. There were many out there who recognized me because many of them had read my books. But we couldn’t communicate well with each other because most of them there didn’t know English or Hindi, and I didn’t know Malayalam. And yet, when we started chanting and praying to Lord Shiva, we felt connected. I felt at home. That to me is the real India. Where we feel at home. Now, we may also get along with Western people, but essentially, where is home for us? For me, the real India is home. You began your journey as a writer in 2010. How has the scene of Indian publishing and marketing changed since then? This is the best and worst of times. Earlier the definition of bestseller was selling 5,000 to 10,000 books. Today a bestseller should sell at least 40,000 to 50,000 copies. There are some authors whose books sell in the hundreds of thousands. And few, such as Chetan and me, who are lucky enough for our books to sell in the millions. But on the negative side, GST has really hit the industry. I have myself appealed often to the government if they could give some relief on this, because we are a very tiny industry. Books have a positive impact culturally but in terms of revenue, we are very small. Second, piracy is hurting us a great deal. Many bookstores are suffering hard times as well because rental costs have shot up and piracy has hit them. Books in terms of price to space ratio are not as high as compared to jewelry or mobile phones, so high rental costs often make bookstore unviable. How do you think mythology is relevant in today's society? Indians often confuse myth with mithya or untruth. The Indian word for it would be Itihas or Kavya or Purana. The English word myth comes from the Greek word mythos, which means a story hiding a philosophical truth. I try to explore philosophies that I think are worth learning. Rather than making it a pedantic nonfiction philosophy textbook, if you try and bring it across through a story, you might have a greater chance of having an impact. There are various philosophies from our ancients that are worth learning. There is a line which I love, Ati Sarvatra Varjayet i.e. extremism of any kind should be avoided. But if you see the western approach, it is almost like extremism should be followed, always. For example, in the West, fighting for women’s rights gets translated into hatred for men. How's that good for society? I try to explore many of these philosophies through my books. What are the choices that we make? You will find that cultures which celebrate myths tend to be much more wise and liberal, intuitively liberal. You have celebrated devotees of both Vishnu and Shiva in your books. How do you strike a balance between the two? This so-called competition between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu is relatively modern. The Indian way is we are comfortable with multiple truths and we realise that the source is unity. One of the thousand names of Lord Vishnu listed in Vishnu Shahasranaam, which is chanted by many Vaishnavas (devotees of Lord Vishnu) regularly, is Shiva. On the other hand, many Shaivites (devotees of Lord Shiva) know the 1008 names of Lord Shiva that are listed in many of the found in the Shaivite puranas. And one of the names listed for Lord Shiva is Vishnu. So they are One and the Same. This competition is more between unwise devotees and should be avoided.

Raavan was born in Delhi, a little ahead of Noida: Amish Tripathi

Dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, the <keyword id="453325" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="sabarimala-temple">Sabarimala temple</keyword> is located in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. One of the most popular pilgrim sites and thronged by a huge inflow of devotees from all over the world, this centuries old temple boasts a lot of interesting facts including the following, which you might not know. The Lord killed the demoness Mahishi in this place Mythology says this place is where the Lord killed the demoness Mahishi. Incarnating from the powers of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, Ayyappa killed the demoness Mahishi at this place. Mahishi was the sister of Mahishasura, the demon who was earlier killed by goddess Durga. Number 18 is the highlight of this temple There are 18 steps leading to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. These 18 gold plated steps of Sabarimala have a deep religious and spiritual significance. Also, Sabarimala is located amidst 18 hills of mesmerizing natural beauty that are found clad with green vegetation. Austere life for 41 days The devotees of Lord Ayyappa observe a strict kind of austere life for 41 days before visiting the temple. The main aspects of life during this period include celibacy, vegetarian diet, avoiding the cutting of nails and hair and sleeping on the floor without comforts. It is said that this practice exists for more than 1,500 years. The preparatory phase to visit the temple also has a strict dress code that requires the devotees to wear black or blue or saffron colored dresses. The devotees wear some garlands made of Tulsi plant beads in their necks and Vibhuti and sandal paste on their foreheads. Connections with Islam Sabarimala has strong connections with Islam as there is a temple dedicated to Vavar, a Muslim Sufi saint. Though the exact history of Vavar is not known to us, mythology says he assisted the local prince who came in search of the Sabarimala temple a few hundred years back. There is a mosque dedicated to Vavar in the vicinity of the temple. The temple has an official song Every day before the closing of the temple, a melodious song that has 108 words set in 8 stanzas is recited in front of the main deity. This song was composed by Srinivasa Iyer who sang this song in front of Ayyappa for many years. The name of this place has its roots in the Ramayana During the times of Ramayana, there lived an ascetic woman named Sabari in this region. She was doing a strict penance for several years only to see Lord Sriram. Finally Ram visited her and accepted her humble offerings. The hill got the name Sabarimala after this historical character. Holy bath with ghee is highly auspicious to the main deity The holy bath given to the main deity is called as Neiyyabhishekam. This is done with the ghee carried to the temple by the devotees who observe fasting and use emptied coconut shell to carry the ghee to the temple bundled in the same color cloth that the devotees wear during the 41 days austerity period before visiting the temple.

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