Truth and Facts : Mythology

Located on the banks of the Hooghly River, the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple is one of the most popular places of worship not only in Kolkata but all across eastern India. The temple was founded by Rani Rashmoni in 1855, a philanthropist and an ardent devotee of goddess Kali. The presiding deity of the temple is Bhavatarini, an aspect of goddess Kali. The 19th century mystic sage and reformer Ramakrishna Paramhansa and his wife Sarada Devi were associated with this temple for a major part of their lives. A Divine Place: The temple is built in the traditional ‘nava-ratna’ or the nine spires style following the Bengal School of Architecture. The three-storeyed south facing temple has nine-spires in the upper two storeys. It stands on a high platform with a flight of stairs. The idol of Bhavatarini standing on Lord Shiva is securely housed inside the garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum). Both the idols are placed on a thousand petal-lotus flower made of pure silver. Opposite the main temple, a ro...

Durga Puja, or the annual celebration of Hindu goddess Durga, is one of India’s grandest festivals . It is a multiple-day celebration varying from 6 days in some parts of the country to 10 days in others. In most of Northern India the festival is celebrated as Navratri (nine nights). Regardless of these variations, the last four days of Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami and Vijay Dashami, are particularly important and accordingly celebrated with much splendor around the country. Origin and History The first grand worship of Goddess Durga in recorded history is said to have been celebrated in the late 1500s. Folklores say the landlords, or zamindar, of Dinajpur and Malda initiated the first Durga Puja in Bengal. According to another source, Raja Kangshanarayan of Taherpur or Bhabananda Mazumdar of Nadiya organized the first Sharadiya or Autumn Durga Puja in Bengal in c. 1606. The origin of the community puja can be credited to the twelve friends of Guptipara in Hoogly, West Benga...

Situated on the banks of the holy river Shipra in Ujjain , the Mahakaleshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the most famous shrines in the country. The presiding deity of this ancient temple is the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, a Swayambhu , meaning a self-originated Linga. It derives strength from itself, and the need to infuse powers by performing the mantra shakti is not necessary. Temple Architecture: The gumbaj or the pinnacle of the temple has intricate and beautiful carvings, and it adds to the majestic beauty and enhances its divinity. This ancient monument finds a mention in the Puranas, and it proves that fact that it has been in existence since time immemorial. The idol of Mahakaleshwar is known to be dakshinamukhi, which means that it is facing the south. This is a unique feature, upheld by the tantric shivnetra tradition to be found only in Mahakaleshwar among the 12 Jyotirlingas. The idol of Omkareshwar Mahadev is consecrated in the sanctum above the Mahakal shrine...

India is a roller coaster ride with scenic locations, mountains, beaches, adventurous spots and rich flora and fauna. Apart from this, India is an extravagance of culture, beliefs and mysteries. In this Land of Wonders, every place either has a History or a Mystery. One such place well known for Mysteries is the Mehandipur Balaji Temple in Rajasthan. The Mystery of Exorcism Mehandipur Balaji Temple is a Hindu temple situated in Dausa district of the state of Rajasthan, dedicated to Lord Hanuman (the god of strength). The mighty Hindu God is also famously known as Balaji, hence the name of the temple. Many devotees believe that this place is bestowed with magical powers and hence this pilgrimage site stands witness to thousands of devotees flocking every day to get exorcised find relief from Black Magic. It is believed to provide the best counter-curse to weld off ghosts and evil spirits. The Legend of Mehandipur Balaji The shrine located at the temple has three deities who are mainly w...

Ravana is remembered as a demon king with ten heads and twenty hands. According to Hindu mythology, Ravana kidnapped Sita whom Rama defeated and killed in a battle at Lanka. The real name of Ravana is Dasamukha. His parents were Visravasa and Kaikasi. Technically, Ravan was Brahma's great-grandson. Ravan's father was the famous rishi, Visravas, who himself was a son of Prajapati Pulastya, one of Brahma's ten 'mind-born' sons. Ravan’s father Vishrava had two wives Ilavida and Kaikesi. Ilavida was the daughter of the great rishi Bharadwaja who was impressed with Vishrava. A scholar par excellence, Vishrava earned great powers through Tapasya, which in turn, earned him great name and fame amongst his fellow Rishis. Now Ilavida gave birth to a son, Kubera, the Lord of Wealth and the original ruler of Lanka. Ravana is depicted as the king of Rakshasas. He is said to have ten heads. But not many people know that he was not born with ten heads. Let's unravel the myster...