Significance of ‘Vishu Kani’

vishukani

Half of the success is assured if your start is good. This is exactly the same principle behind the Vishu Kani for the Malayalees. For the year coming up ahead, everyone would like a good start and this they do on Vishu, a major festival of Kerala, which usually falls on the 14^th of April. ‘Kani’ is the first thing you see, and ‘Vishu Kani’ is the first thing you see on ... Read More  

How to Celebrate Tamil New Year (Chitrai Thirunazh)

Chithirai Thirunazh, marks the first day of the Tamil and Malayalam calendar. Being a Palakkad Brahmin, I’ve had the privilege to enjoy the best of both worlds. The preparations for Chithirai Thirunazh, start with the Chariot festival. Having spent a majority of my childhood vacations at Madurai, I’ve witnessed many such festivities. The 8^th day of Chithirai is known as ‘Digvijayam’, and on this day, a flag is hoisted. Two days after this, ‘Meenakshi Kalyanam’ takes place, and finally, a long procession called ‘Azhagar Aathula Erangardhu’* is celebrated with pomp and ostentation. On 14^th evening, the Vishukani is set up. This primarily consists of a bowl of rice adorned with fruits (traditionally, Mangoes, Pineapple ... Read More  

Panchangam

‘Ugadi’ or ‘Samvatsaradi’ marks the beginning of a new Hindu lunar calendar ( mostly celebrated by the people of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka ). The word ugadi is formed by the joining of Yuga ( age ) and Adi ( beginning ). It is said that Lord Brahma started the creation on this day. Ugadi falls on the “Chaitra Shuddha Padyami” of every year. It is celebrated with a lot of pomp, especially in South Indian states. “Ugadi pacchadi” ( ugadi chutney ) is... Read More  

Shani Shinganapur

The presiding deity of Shinganapur, Sri Shaneshwara or Lord Shanidev- the personification of the planet Saturn is worshipped with utmost reverence and devotion by multitudes of people from all over the world. The spectacle of the deity in black stone is overwhelming. A unique aspect of this place is, that no temple structure houses the Shanidev. There is only a simple platform on which stands the swaya... Read More  

Kuchanur Sani Bhagavan

Kuchanur, a small village near Chinnamanur in Theni district, as does Thirunallar, has a separate temple for Lord Saniswara, unlike other places where He is part of the Navagrahas.

Legend has it that King Dinakaran who once ruled Kalinganadu with Mani Nagaram as capital incurred Sani Bhagwan’s wrath for 7-1/2 years. Dinakaran’s son Chandiravadanan on coming to know of it through an astrologer went to a dense forest and sat on a penance in the midst of Senbagam, Sandalwood and Kongu trees near the bank of Surabi river to invoke the blessings of Lord Saniswara to set his father free f... Read More  

Sri Viswaroopa Adhivyadhihara Bhaktha Anjaneyaswami Temple

I am a resident of Nanganallur, Chennai and this place is widely known because of the aforementioned Anjaneya temple. What makes the temple unique is its 32 feet idol of Lord Anjaneya, carved out a single rock! Anjaneya, considered a healer and strength giver, is worshipped world over, and this shrine, due to its architectural grandeur, has attracted a large number of tourists ever since its establishment in 1989.

What are the features of this temple?

As you enter the massive doorway, , you have to make a <... Read More  

Parassini Kadavu, Kannur

Parassini Kadavu

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