TALES FROM THE PAST

2021-10-02T00:27:00.008-07:00

ANEGUDDE SRI VINAYAK, UDUPI DIST. (KAR)

One of the seven 'Mukti Sthalas' of Karnataka (Parashurama kshetra). Anegudde is the combination of two words - Aane means Elephant and Gudde stands for hillock. Anegudde is also popularly called Kumbashi.

Once there was a severe famine in this area. So Maharshi Agastya started a yagna. A demon, Kumbhasur started harassing the Rishis. The Pandavas who were present in the region heard of this and sent Bheema to rescue the Rishis.

Ganesha blessed and gave a sword to Bheema to fight Kumbhasur. Bheema killed him and Ganesha murti was installed here and worshipped. The standing murti has four arms. Two of the arms are in Varada Hasta mudra. Bhaktas believe that Ganesha fulfils all wishes without fail.

2021-10-02T00:13:00.003-07:00

SRI SHANKARNARAYANA KSHETRAM, UDUPI DIST. (KAR)

Shankaranarayana is considered one of the seven Parashurama Kshetram created by Maharshi Parashurama. This is one of the rare temples where we can see the confluence of Shiva and Sri Vishnu.

It is also known as Kroda after Kroda Maharshi. Once, two demons Kharasura and Rattasura were harassing people. Maharishi meditated upon Shiva and Sri Vishnu together. Pleased with his meditation, the two came here as Shankaranarayana and killed the demons.

Here, the main deity is in the form of Udbhava Linga. The swayambhu lingam of Shiva and Narayana is one feet below the ground, inside the Garbhagudi. It is not possible to see the lingam. The Shankara Lingam is on the right and Narayana Lingam on the left.

While Shankara Lingam is round, Narayana Lingam is flat with foot prints of cow on it. These are believed to be that of Kamadhenu who dripped milk on the Lingam. There is water around Udbhava Linga at any time of the year. This holy water is called Suddhamrita Theertha.

2021-10-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

SRI SIGANDHUR CHOWDESHWARI KSHETRAM, SIGANDUR (KAR)

Here, Devi is also called Sigandureshwari because of the name of the place Sigandur. The murti of Devi was found 300 years ago on the banks of the holy Sharavathi River.

It is said that once a person called Sheshappa went for hunting near Sigandur and got lost inside the jungles. When he was resting below a tree, Devi came in his dream and asked him to build a shrine here. He told his experience to a Brahmin Duggajja and the two built a shrine.

People with land dispute and people who lose their valuables reach Sigandur for solution. It is said that more than 20,000 such cases have been solved here. People who want to safeguard their land from the thieves get a board from the shrine.

The board says “Shri deviya rakshane ide (meaning the land is safeguarded by the mother) and keep this board near the land. There is also a Bhoota Sthana here. It is said that Sri Veerabhadra in this Bhootada katte is taking care of security of Sigandhur.

2021-08-14T01:42:00.001-07:00

SRI SIGANDHUR CHOWDESHWARI KSHETRAM, SIGANDUR (KAR)

Here, Devi is also called Sigandureshwari because of the name of the place Sigandur.The murti of Devi was found 300 years ago on the banks of the holy Sharavathi River.

2021-06-29T01:18:00.001-07:00

SRI APATSAHAYESWARAR, ALANGUDI (TN)

Navgraha kshetram dedicated to Shiva and where Sri Dakshinamurthy is worshipped as Guru Bhagwan (Jupiter/Brihaspati). The shrine is renowned for its tri-glories, i.e. Moorthy, sthalam and theertham (Holy Water).

This place is believed to be the one where Shiva consumed the deadly poison (Ala Visham) that came out after samudra manthan. Hence, Shiva came to be called Apatsahayesvarar (One who defends from danger). Kshetram is believed to have been constructed by Amuthokar (a Shiva bhakt).

He was the minister of King Masukuntha Chakravarti and was beheaded as he refused to give half of his Punya (merit) to the King. On his death, the sthalam reverberated with the sound ‘Amuthokar’. Frightened King prayed to Apatsahayeswarar and was relieved from all Doshas.

Alangudi is surrounded by 3 holy rivers-Cauvery, Kolidam and Vennaru. Fifteen theerthams are around this kshetram. Amrita Pushkarani encircling the Kshetram is very famous. Chakra theertham in front of the shrine is believed to have been created by Sri Vishnu’s Chakra.

2021-06-29T01:13:00.004-07:00

SIRSI MARIKAMBA DEVI, UTTAR KANNADA DIST. (KAR)

Also known as Doddamma (elder sister of all Mariammas). Marikamba of Sirsi is both Mari (terror) as well as Maremma (savior). She is terror in anger & Mother in love. That is why she is called Marikamba.

There was a man by the name of Asadi/ Basava. He used to attend a fair at the neighboring village. Once, he was harassed by some men due to his poor status. So he did not go to the fair. Instead, he stayed in his village Sirsi and prayed to Devi.

One night, he had a dream where Devi Kali informed him about her presence in a tank at his village. When the tank was searched, people found a box with parts of murti. The different parts were assembled together and since then Sirsi Devi became popular in the region.

The kshetram has extremely striking murals in ‘Kaavi’ art. It is an art form of the Konkan region of coastal Karnataka. This stunning art involves creation of patterns in red colour against a white background. Marikamba rathyatra is one of the biggest Car festivals in Karnataka.

2021-06-27T00:55:00.007-07:00

SRIKANTESHWARA KSHETRAM, NANJANGUDU (KAR)

Srikanteshwara is the biggest kshetram in Karnataka. The name of the town is derived from this kshetram dedicated to Shiva known here as Nanjundeshwara. The Dodda Yaathre festival here attracts thousands of devotees.

During samudra manthan, poison emerged from the ocean. To prevent the poison from spreading across the universe and to destroy it, Shiva came to the rescue and drank it. Devi Parvathi then held his throat tightly to prevent the poison from spreading to the rest of his body.

The poison remained in his throat, making it blue in color. So Shiva is also called Neelakantha (blue-throated). Nanjanagud literally means the place where Nanjundeshwara (Prabhu who drank poison) resides. Nanjundeswara is also described as one who cures diseases of his bhaktas.

The Shiva Linga is believed to have been installed by Rishi Gautam. This Shiva Linga was also worshipped by Maharishi Parashurama to get cleansed from the sin of beheading his mother. The confluence of rivers Kapila and Gundlu (Kaundinya) is called Parasurama Kshetra.

2021-06-27T00:49:00.000-07:00

SRI KANTESH HANUMANTHA, KADARAMANDALAGI (KAR)

KANTESHA means Prabhu full of brightness. Here, Sri Hanuman appears with a front face and sparkling eyes. Earlier, the village was also called KANTESHPURI on the name of Kantesha Hanuman.

Several thousands of years ago, Hanuman lived in this village. He once saw the Sun and mistaking it to be a fruit, began flying towards it. Since then, this village came to be known as Kadara Man Dalagi. (Kadar means rays, mandala is cluster of rays).

It is believed that King Janmejaya had set up the shrine to get rid of his difficulties. There is a small pond on the right side of the kshetram where Teppotsava (Float festival) is celebrated. Kanaka Dasa has praised Sri Kantesha in his various poetic compositions.

Kanaka Dasa was the first devotee to popularize the power of Kantesha. It is said that once Kanaka Dasa was deeply wounded in a battle. To seek blessings, he visited Tirupati but Sri Venkatesha appeared in his dream and advised him to see Kantesha first before seeing him.

2021-06-27T00:28:00.004-07:00

KURUDAMALE GANESHA, KOLAR DIST. (KAR)

Place with one of the largest Ganesha murti which is about 13 foot high and made of saligram. The kshetram itself is built of a single rock without any foundation.

It is believed that the murti was established here in Satyug by Tridev (Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh). In Treta yuga, same murti was worshipped by Sri Ram before war with Ravana. Later, in Dwapara yug, Krishna and the pandavas worshipped here.

Local belief is that Maharshi Koundinya comes to this shrine and offers prayers daily. It is also said that small 'ball of lights' glide over the surrounding areas and reach the shrine during Ratha Sapthami. People believe Devas carry these lights to worship Ganesha.

People visit here before commencing a new job or any new work. It is believed that if a person with pure heart prays here to Ganesha, his wish would be granted. Another speciality is that no matter how far you stand and view, the murti only grows bigger and bigger.

2021-06-27T00:20:00.005-07:00

SRI BANASHANKARI AMMAN, BANGALORE

Located in Southern Bangalore, this is one of the most popular places of worship in Bangalore City. Devoted to Devi Banashankari, this shrine is visited specially during Rahukala which is believed to be an unfavorable time.

Somanna Shetty, a great devotee of Devi, brought this murti from Badami’s Banshankari Amma Kshetram. It is said that many years ago, three ladies visited this shrine and requested the pujari to conduct puja for them. Since it was the inauspicious rahu kaal, the pujari refused.

However, upon their insistence, he conducted the puja. When he returned with prasadam, the ladies vanished. This made the people believe that they were none other than the Devi herself. Since then, the people perform poojas here during the Rahukaal.

People use lemons as a diya. Lemons are cut from the centre and their pulps are removed, for pouring oil in them. It is strongly believed that Devi removes all the troubles from the life of her devotees during the Rahukala although it is considered inauspicious for any pooja.

2021-05-11T09:00:00.002-07:00

SRI CHENGALAMMA DEVI, SULLURPET, NELLORE (AP)

Chengalamma Devi was, initially, called Tenkali (Dakshina Kali). The left portion of Devi depicts Parvati, right portion Saraswati and central portion Sri Mahalakshmi, hence called Trikale Chengali.

During 10th C, few villagers found Devi murti while swimming in Kalangi river. They could not move the murti from its place. Next day, they noticed that the murti was positioned straight. After performing poojas, they could lift the murti and they carried it to the present place.

While villagers were trying to build door for the shrine, Devi appeared in their dream and told them that she was there to bless her devotees at all times and hence they should not build any door. The next day, the villagers found that the doors has become a tree.

So the villagers decided to keep the shrine open for 24 hours. The murti of Devi faces the sea. Devotees come to witness Chengalamma Jatara in huge numbers. ISRO scientists visit this shrine for the blessings of Devi before launching any satellite.

2021-05-11T08:51:00.004-07:00

SURYA NARAYAN SWAMY, ARSAVALLI, SRIKAKULAM (AP)

One of the oldest Surya kshetra in India. It is a Panchayatana shrine (with Suryanarayana, Shiva-Parvati, Vishnu, Ganesh and Indra) Believed to have curative powers. It’s original name was Harshavalli (Abode of Joy)

Once, Indra went to meet Shiva. He tried to force his entry at a time when Mahadev was with Devi Parvati. Nandi who was standing as dwarapalaka, kicked Indra. This left Indra wounded and senseless. Indra,then, had a dream that worshipping Surya would cure his wounds.

Indra found this murti of Surya at Arsavalli where he prayed and got relief. Here, Surya is with his consorts-Usha, Chaaya and Padmini. The base has Mathara and Pingala as dwarapalakas. At the top, Rishis Sanak and Sanandana are holding an umbrella.

The shrine is built such that the sun’s rays are focussed on the feet of the murti twice a year in March and September for a few minutes in the early hours of the day even when 5 entrance gates are closed. The main festival celebrated here is Ratha Saptami.

2021-05-10T04:58:00.000-07:00

KADRI MANJUNATHESHWARA,MANGALURU (KAR)

Kadri Manjunatha is believed to be the oldest Shiva Shrine in Mangaluru. It also has tanks with natural springs and laterite caves known as Pandava Caves. The Kadri Hill has the biggest centre of Natha Pantha (cult) in South India.

After defeating and ending Kshatriyas, Parashurama donated all land to Kashyap. He, then, meditated upon Shiva. Shiva told Parashurama that he would incarnate as Manjunath and asked him to meditate at Kadalivana (today’s Kadri).

Parashurama visited the new land and found a Kadalivana (plantain field) and one Rasakoopa (well). Shiva appeared in that Rasakoopa and later Vishwakarma created a shrine. Ma Parvathi also settled here and Saptakoti Mantras settled here as Sapta Teerthas (7 ponds).

Much later, Kadri became a buddhist centre and after that the Natha pantha. The Jogis of Jogimutt still reside here and worship Manjunatha. The place has a natural spring called Gomukha. It is said that water flows in it from Ganga in Kashi, hence called Kashi Bhagirathi Tirth.

2021-05-09T07:47:00.007-07:00

SIRSI MARIKAMBA DEVI, UTTAR KANNADA DIST. (KAR)

2021-05-09T04:06:00.005-07:00

SRI VARAHA NARSIMHA, SIMHACHALAM, VIZAG (AP)

One of the 32 Narsimha Kshetram of Andhra. It has a unique form of Narsimha, appearing like a shivlingam It is said that Narsimha’s fierce nature is soothed by worshipping him with Varaha, considered a peaceful deity

The shrine is believed to have been constructed by Prahlada. With time, it crumbled. In Treta yuga, King Pururava was passing from here in his vimana. The vimana was attracted to this place by a mystic power. When the place was unearthed, the deity was found.

Pururava’s wife, Urvashi, had a dream that the deity should remain covered in sandalwood paste for the whole year except on Akshaya Tritiya. This practice has continued till date. The mukhya mandap here, has a pillar kappam stambham believed to possess curative powers.

Chandanotsava/ Chandan Yatra is the most important festival celebrated on Akshaya Tritiya. The sandalwood paste is removed from the moolavar deity and nijarupa darshan (original form of deity) for twelve hours of the day are done by devotees.

2021-05-09T03:23:00.000-07:00

WHY DOES SHIVA WEAR SNAKES AROUND HIS NECK

The serpent on Shiva’s neck represents the endless cycle of birth and regeneration. Also, snake represents ego. Shiva uses this ego as an ornament because it doesn't find space within his body. Ego is powerless before Shiva.

The three snake coils around Shiva's neck depict future, present and past. It highlights that Shiva is Independent of time and controls time. By wearing the snake, Shiva gives us the assurance that no evil can touch or destroy us once we surrender to him and seek his protection.

The snake also stands for the power of kundalini, which is described as a coiled serpent lying dormant in the muladhara chakra of all human beings and descends upwards when one starts the spiritual journey and becomes increasingly divine oriented.

Skanda, Padma and Matsya Purana mention that once Shiva gathered all the poisonous things in the world and made ornaments from them for Ma Parvati. Thus snakes took form of different ornaments. Shiva is worshipped as Nagesh in Nageshwar Jyotirlinga, Gujarat.

2021-05-09T03:01:00.005-07:00

BANNARI AMMAN, SATHYAMANGALAM (TN)

Bannari Amman Kshetram is dedicated to Mariamman, known as the goddess of Rain. This divine place is located at the foothill of Thimbam. Bannari Amman is a form of Shakti. The murti is swayambhu (self-manifested).

Some 300 years ago, cowherds used to leave cattle here for grazing. One day, a cow was seen shedding her milk under a Vengai tree. Next day also, the cow did the same thing. Villagers removed the thickly grown grass and found a sand-hill and Swayambu Linga near it.

It is believed that a deity protected traders from Kerala who travelled through this place to Mysore. Fascinated by the beautiful surroundings, she decided to stay here to protect devotees. A shrine was built and Bannari Mariamman is worshipped here since then.

Bannari Amman is the only shrine that faces the south direction. Instead of Vibhuti and Kumkuma, Bannari soil is given to the devotees. The Kundam festival (fire walk on heated charcoal) is most famous here.

2021-04-17T09:20:00.009-07:00

SRI DURGAPARMESHWARI, KATEEL (KAR)

Kshetram is situated on an islet, in the middle of sacred river Nandini. Kati means Centre and Ila means Earth. Durga Parameshawri is a powerful incarnation of Devi Parvathi.

A demon, Arunasura, lived in this area. He was blessed with a boon that he could not be killed by any man, woman or by a 2 or 4-legged creature. To end him, Parvati took the form of a beautiful woman (Mohini) and teased him to anger. Angry Arunasur tried to kill Devi Parvathi.

She turned herself into a rock. Arunasura broke the rock open to see an army of gigantic and furious bees flying towards him. Maa in the form of a bee (Brahmara) stung him to death. Later on, Rishis worshipped Maa Brahmaramba and pleaded her to bless in her Soumya Roopa.

Owing to their prayers, Goddess Parvathi took the form of Parameshwari and stands in Kateel to bless and protect the world from the evil forces. There is a huge rock before leading up to the shrine. It is called Rakteshwari-the rock form took by Devi before killing the demon.

2021-04-17T08:14:00.008-07:00

STORY OF KANNIKONNA: THE FLOWER OF VISHU

Kanikonna is the state flower of Kerala. The lovely yellow flowers are used in Vishu to adorn the Kani. Their bright yellow colour symbolises Surya that represents ever flowing grace and auspiciousness.

Once, a village landlord employed a pujari to do pooja in the mandir. Every afternoon, the pujari used to sleep in the mandir front yard after pooja. His little son used to play around. No one knew that Unni Krishnan (child krishna) used to come out and play with the child.

One day, Krishna gave his waist belt which was full of golden bells to the boy for playing. The landlord saw the golden waistbelt of Krishna in the hands of the boy. He accused the pujari’s son of stealing the ornament. The pujari beat his son and threw the waist belt.

The chain got stuck on a tree and the tree suddenly bloomed with yellow flowers.These flowers are called as konna poo which are even today offered to Krishna in the vishu kani because it pleases him and reminds us of his love for the small boy.

2021-04-17T08:03:00.006-07:00

IRINGOLE BHAGAWATHY MANDIR, ERNAKULAM (Ker)

The cruel King Kamsa killed Devaki’s new-borns one by one. As he tried to kill the 8th one, the baby rose up and beams emanating from her body fell on earth. The place where the beam fell was called 'Irunnol' that later became Iringol.

The trees n undergrowth are never removed as it is said that Devas descended on Earth to pray to Devi and became trees and plants in the grove Another belief is that Rishi Trinabindu did tapasya in these forests. He was disturbed by child Hanuman so much that Rishi cursed him.

The curse was that Hanuman would forget his infinite strength. Vayudev, Hanuman’s father, came to the forest when he heard the curse. All trees started shaking except the one on which Hanuman sat. That tree is believed to be here and worshipped as ‘Valiya Ilavu’

On Vayudev’s request, the Rishi said that Hanuman will be reminded of his powers by Jambavan when Sri Vishnu would take birth as Ram. He also blessed Hanuman that so long as Ram’s name stays in the universe, Hanuman will stay a 'Chiranjeevi'.

In the Mandir, the Devi changes from Saraswati in the morning to Vanadurga in the afternoon and later in the evening becomes Bhadrakali. Unlike other mandirs, here only female elephants participate in the mandir festival.

2021-04-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

SRI KUMARIAMMAN, KANYAKUMARI (TN)

Created by Maharshi Parasurama and also one among the 108 Shakthi Peethas in the world. The name Kanyakumari stands for Kanya(Virgin) and Kumari(girl). Devi took this form to vanquish the demon Banasura

Once, Banasura(grand son of Mahabali) obtained a boon from Shiva that he could be vanquished only by a virgin. So, Devi took the form of a kumari and started meditating with the desire to marry Shiva at Suchindram. Pleased Shiva fixed the midnight hour for marriage with Devi.

Devarshi Narada knew that the marriage would end the chance of killing Banasura. So, he assumed the form of a cock and crowed. Shiva returned back to Suchindram thinking that it was dawn. Angered, Devi cursed that all food and articles meant for wedding turn into sand and shells

When Banasura heard about Devi’s beauty, he tried to take her by force. Devi, then, killed him and granted the wish of Devas to remain there always protecting them. The murti of Devi stands with a rosary in hand. Her diamond nose-ring is said to be visible even from the sea.

Once an ancient mariner mistook it for a lighthouse and sailing towards it, his ship wrecked upon the Kanya Kumari rocks. In order to prevent such a tragedy from happening again, the eastern door of the shrine is opened only on five special occasions throughout the year.

2021-04-17T07:48:00.001-07:00

SOMVATI AMAVASYA: TODAYVRAT STORY

Amavasya falling on Monday is Somvati Amavasya. It is said that if a man is suffering from a prolonged disease, his wife can fast on this day n circumambulate a peepal tree as a ritual, praying for his recovery and prolonged life.

Once a Rishi told a brahmin that his daughter did not have the line of marriage in her hand. So she should try to please Sona, a washerwoman, of nearby village. If Sona applies Sindoor from her head on the head of the Brahmin’s daughter, her problem would be solved.

The girl started going to Sona’s house early morning and finish all household work before Sona got up. One day, Sona found out the truth and pleased by her humility, she applied sindoor on the girl’s head. That very moment, Sona’s husband died. That day was Somvati Amavasya.

Sona went to a peepal tree she worshipped daily. As she had nothing to offer, she picked some bricks and circumambulated around the tree praying for her husband’s life. By Shiva’s grace, his life was restored Married women, thus, fast on this day for wellbeing of their husbands.

2021-04-17T07:43:00.009-07:00

SREE POORNATHRAYEESA MANDIR, KOCHI (KER)

First among 8 royal Mandirs of erstwhile Kochi Kingdom. Sri Poornathrayeesa/ Vishnu is sitting under the shade of five hoods of Ananthan, whose folded body acts as the throne. Also called Santhana Gopala Moorthy (Saviour of infants).

It is said that the murti of Sri Poornathrayeesa was given to Arjuna by Vishnu, when Arjun sought his help to give rebirth to the ten children of a brahmin. Arjuna along with the ten children and the murti returned in his chariot and handed over the children to the brahmin.

Arjun then sent Ganesh to search a place for installing the murti. He was attracted by the holiness of Poornavedapuram (now Tripunithura), and tried to occupy the place for himself. However, Arjuna moved him to the southern side of the Mandir and installed the murti.

He then plucked some mustard seeds from surrounding fields and lit a lamp in front of the murti. Devotees consider the evershining “Valia Vilakku” here as the oil lamp lighted by Arjuna. Burnt oil of this traditional lamp possesses great medicinal value.

Poornathrayeesa is also known for his elephant love. More than 40 elephants participate in his Vrishchikotsavam and most of the elephants are sent for the utsavam without a money return expected by the elephant owners as Poornathrayeesa is considered to be elephant lover.

2021-04-17T07:31:00.004-07:00

SRI VADAKUNNATHAN, THRISSUR (KER)

One of the oldest and largest Shiva kshetram of Kerela and first among 108 Shiva Mandirs set up by Parashurama. Adi Shankaracharya is said to have been born to Devi Aryamba and Shivaguru after years of prayer to Vadakunnathan.

It is believed that Shiva and Parvati came here at the request of Parashurama but disappeared suddenly. Parashurama saw a radiant light emanating from a Lingam at the base of a huge banyan tree. This place is the Mula sthana where Shiva manifested himself in the form of a lingam

The daily Abhisheka of Shiva with Ghee covers the shivlingam making it invisible. The ghee doesn't melt even in scorching summers. A portion of the ghee, after Abhisheka is given back to the devotees as it is believed to have miraculous power to kill all the diseases.

Famous Thrissur Pooram is conducted in the premises of Sri Vadakkunnathan. Murtis from the nearby mandirs are brought here in grand processions. They offer their tribute to Shiva and leave for their respective kshetrams.

2021-04-04T03:31:00.002-07:00

WHAT IS ADITYA HRIDAYAM STOTRAM

आदित्य हृदयं पुण्यं सर्वशत्रु विनाशनम् । जयावहं जपेन्नित्यम् अक्षय्यं परमं शिवम् ॥

This sacred stotram is in the Yuddha Kanda of Maharshi Valmiki's Ramayana. It was recited by Brahma Rishi Agastya to Shri Ram before war with Ravana.

Relentless search for Sita had left Rama fatigued and stressed. This Stotram was meant to calm him and provide him with mental and physical strength to face the enemy on the battlefield.

This stotram is a tribute to Suryadev and seeks his blessings. During testing times, the Stotram acts as an immune and morale booster for the body and the mind. It helps a person regain lost confidence, and helps him/her focus on her goal.