Sankata’ stands for worries or problems. ‘Hara’ stands for elimination or removal.So observing Sankashta Chaturthi is believed to remove all obstacles and difficulties in one’s life.This vrata (fasting) is one of the widely performed fasting pujas in Indian household, mostly by women but not limited to them alone. Read More  

When a woman is pregnant and the stipulated rituals are performed, it is customary to invoke the river which is close to where the rituals are performed. Sages would have done penance on the banks of rivers, and it is hoped that the auspiciousness which would have accrued to the place on account of this, will confer benefits on the unborn child. The mantras are supposed to be recited to the accompaniment of the veena, said V.S. Karunakarachariar. The idea is that the music will help the foetus absorb the mantras. The mantras speak of God being the Master of the Universe.

Can a mantra register in the mind of a child? There is evidence to show that it can, as seen in the story of Prahlada. The asura Hiranyakasipu is away and has left behind his pregnant wife Kayathu. Indra, the king of the celestials, taking advantage of the absence of Hiranyakasipu, abducts Kayathu. Narada, p... Read More  

The wonderful conversation between Krishna and Arjuna that took place on the eleventh day of the bright fortnight of the month of Margasirsa (which usually falls in Nov-Dec) during the Mahabharata war is known as GITA JAYANTHI.  Incidentally, in the eleventh chapter of the Gita, Sri Krishna describes himself thus: "Among the months, I am Margasirsa." Therefore, this month is very apt to begin a study of the Bhagavad Gita. However, in this article, we will take a quick look at some practical hints the Gita... Read More  

Traditions, customs and rituals are a part of every wedding and the Tamil Hindu Wedding is no
different. Marriages in Tamil Nadu have ancient practices passed down generations, making them
unique and unparalleled.

A Tamil wedding is not very extravagant, though significant stress is laid on abiding by Tamil
traditions and customs. Preparations for the marriage ceremonies start months before. Once a
match is finalized, the families of the bride and the groom start arrangements right away. An
auspicious month for marriage is chosen, marriage date is fixed and a marriage hall booked.

Sumangali Prarthanai is performed a few days before the wedding da... Read More  

According to the Hindu tradition, life consists of mainly four stages(ashramas) namely, Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and Sanyasa. Grihastha ashrama is where a man and a woman come together, marry, and lead a life of oneness. Marriage, in any religion, has a lot of value and sanctity. In India, marriage is not just an event, it is considered as a sacred institution where an opportunity is provided for two people to grow from life partners into soul mates. Marriage is a social and spiritual responsibility and involves a sense of unity.

Andhra Pradesh has a rich and varied cultural heritage. In aspects of marriage, ... Read More  

Childless couples should chant the following mantras everyday a minimum of 108 times. You may also offer butter on betel leaf to Lord Krishna and Goddess Garbharakshambika. Only the couple should eat this butter as prasadam after chanting the mantras and offering pooja.

Garbharakshambika Mantra is specially for pregnant women, the prayer is for protecting the womb i.e., for safe pregnancy. Santana Gopala mantra is to be chanted by couples who seek progeny.Read More