The other side of Taj Mahal. Incredible India.
Prambanan Temple – Indonesia
Prambanan Temple is said to be the most beautiful Hindu temple in the world. It is the biggest temple complex in Java with three main temples dedicated to the three great Hindu divinities, Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, the symbols of Trimurti in Hindu belief.
According to the history, Rakai Pikatan, a Hindu prince from Sanjaya Dynasty, who had married into the ruling Buddhist Sailendra monarchy built all the temples in the Prambanan archaeological park in the 8th century AD. In its original form, the temple complex contained over 250 large and small temples. The temple compound was expanded by successive Mataram kings with the addition of the hundreds of perwara temples around the central temples. It served as the royal temple of the Kingdom of Mataram for its religious ceremonies and sacrifices. However, in the 10thcentury the temple was largely abandoned because the Mataram dynasty moved to East Java. It then collapsed during a major earthquake in the 16th century.
Also locally known as Roro Jonggrang, legend has it that the 1,000th statue of the temple was the statue of a slender virgin lady named Roro Jonggrang, who turned into stone by a young and powerful man named Bandung Bondowoso after her attempt to thwart Bondowoso’s effort in building a thousand temples and two wells in one night for the lady failed. Bondowoso was in love with Roro Jonggrang and asked her to marry him. However, Roro Jonggrang was full of hatred because Bondowoso killed her father; hence she tried to refuse his proposal by asking him a seemingly impossible task. As a man who had unseen troop of spirits, it was easy for Bondowoso to finish the task. After nearly a thousand temples had been built, Roro Jonggrang asked the villagers to pound rice and to set a fire in order to look like the morning had broken. This way, the spirits had no choice but left before completing the last one temple. Bondowoso realised that the lady had cheated him so he turned Roro Jonggrang into the 1,000th statue. This is a very interesting folklore that local people love to share.
PRAMBANAN, Beautiful Hindu Temple in the World
Prambanan Temple or Temple of Loro Jonggrang is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia, which was built in the 9th century BC. This temple is dedicated to Trimurti, the three main Hindu gods Brahma as the creator god, Vishnu as the preserver god, and the god Shiva as the destroyer. Based on the inscription Siwagrha original name of this temple complex is Siwagrha (Sanskrit which means ‘house of Shiva’), and indeed in garbagriha (main hall) This temple sits a statue of Shiva Mahadeva three meters high which shows that in this temple of Lord Shiva are preferred. This temple is including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, and one of the most beautiful temples in Southeast Asia. The architecture of the building is tall and slender shape in accordance with Hindu architecture in general with the Shiva temple as the main temple has a height reached 47 meters towering over the center of the complex cluster of temples are smaller.
Lord Shiva
Shiva is considered to be the unique of all Hindu gods. Lord Shiva is the godhead who is always in deep meditation in the Kailash Mountain of the Great Himalaya. Shiva is the god of all and also closely related to Shakti- Parvati who is the daughter of Himavaan. There is no Shakti without Shiva and no Shiva without Shakti. Both two are closely related to each other.
Lord Shiva is considered as the Supreme Being representation. In the Hindu Trinity, he is the third element and other two members are Lord Vishnu- the protector and Lord Brahma- the creator. Shiva is only responsible for life cycle maintenance as the destruction and recreation cycle is in a circle always.
Shiva can be seen in many faces, as destroyer, creator and preserver. Lord Shiva contains both evil and good. He is really free of inhibitions, protector of the down trodden, moody and has the complete power to changes the destiny laws. Lord Shiva is also known as God of Kindness and Mercy. Devotees get protection from all evil with the help of Shiva blessings. He always blesses his all followers with peace, knowledge and grace. Start chanting Om Namah Shivay for Healthy & Prosperous life.
Shiva is also known as mahadeva and 100 of other name is the popular god for hindu. lord Ganesha and lord kartikeya is two children of shiva and parvati. Lord shiva is popular in central asia There are 113 popular name of lord shiva.
According to the Hindu Priests, Shiva can destroy this world with his third eye within a second. His symbol of the phallus and Lingam shows his great power.
Lord Shiva
Lord Shiva is also known by many other names such as Shiv Shankar, Shivji, Sadashiva, Shiva, Siva, Mahadeva, Mrityunjay and more.
Shiva (Sanskrit: Auspicious One) is one of the main deities of Hinduism that is worshipped as the paramount lord by the Shaivaite sects of India.
In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is regarded as the representation of the Supreme Being. He is known as the third element in the Hindu Trinity(Trimurti), the other two members being Lord Brahma – the creator and Lord Vishnu – the protector. Shiva is the destructive form of the Almighty. As the cycle of destruction and recreation is always in a circle, Shiva’s primary responsibility is maintaining the life cycle. Scholars say, as the Mahakaal, Shiva destroys and dissolves everything into nothingness but as Shankara, he also reproduces that which has been destroyed and dissolved. His symbol of Lingam or the phallus represents this reproductive power.
Lord Shiva is also considered to be the most unique of all Hindu gods and also the God of all. A great ascetic, Shiva is the only godhead who is forever in deep meditation, totally absorbed in contemplation in His abode, Kailaasa Mountain in the great Himalaya. Lord Shiva is also said to be inseparable from Shakti – Parvati the daughter of Himavaan – Haimavati. There is no Shiva without Shakti and no Shakti without Shiva, the two are one – or the absolute state of being.
Shiva is often shown with many faces, as creator, destroyer and preserver in total command of the cosmos. He contains both good and evil. He is moody, free of inhibitions, easy to please, protector of the down trodden, and has the power to alter the laws of destiny. Thus, it is Lord Shiva is known as the God of mercy and kindness. He protects his devotees from all evil that are always around us. He blesses his followers with grace, knowledge and peace.
There is a reason Shiva is called ‘The Devo ke Dev-Mahadev’. The tranquil-looking lord can turn into a destroyer, and can also be a bholenath. He has multiple shades to his personality, and is one god who can truly teach us the wisdom to live life.
9 unknown facts about Diwali
Diwali or Deepavali is an ancient festival of India which is celebrated by Hindus. On this auspicious festival, the Hindu FAQs will share many posts related to this festival, its significance, the facts and stories related to this festival.
Diwali diyas and rangoli
So here are some stories related to what is the significance of diwali.
1.Goddess Lakshmi’s Incarnation: The Goddess of wealth, Lakshmi incarnated on the new moon day (amaavasyaa) of the Kartik month during the churning of the ocean (samudra-manthan), hence the association of Diwali with Lakshmi.
2. The Return of the Pandavas: According to the great epic Mahabharata, it was Kartik Amavashya when the Pandavas appeared from their 12 years of banishment as a result of their defeat in the hands of the Kauravas at the game of dice (gambling). The subjects who loved the Pandavas celebrated the day by lighting the earthen lamps.
3. Krishna Killed Narakaasur: On the day preceding Diwali, Lord Krishna killed the demon king Narakaasur and rescued 16,000 women from his captivity. The celebration of this freedom went on for two days including the Diwali day as a victory festival.
4. The Victory of Rama: According to the epic Ramayana, it was the new moon day of Kartik when Lord Ram, Ma Sita and Lakshman returned to Ayodhya after vanquishing Ravana and conquering Lanka. The citizens of Ayodhya decorated the entire city with the earthen lamps and illuminated it like never before.
5. Vishnu Rescued Lakshmi: On this very day (Diwali day), Lord Vishnu in his fifth incarnation as Vaman-avtaara rescued Lakshmi from the prison of King Bali and this is another reason of worshipping Ma Larkshmi on Diwali.
6. Coronation of Vikramaditya: One of the greatest Hindu King Vikramaditya was coroneted on the Diwali day, hence Diwali became a historical event as well.
7. Special Day for the Arya Samaj: It was the new moon day of Kartik (Diwali day) when Maharshi Dayananda, one of the greatest reformers of Hinduism and the founder of Arya Samaj attained his nirvana.
8. Special Day for the Jains: Mahavir Tirthankar, considered to be the founder of modern Jainism also attained his nirvana on Diwali day.
diwali at golden temple -The Hindu FAQs
9. Special Day for the Sikhs: The third Sikh Guru Amar Das institutionalized Diwali as a Red-Letter Day when all Sikhs would gather to receive the Gurus blessings. In 1577, the foundation stone of the Golden Temple at Amritsar was laid on Diwali. In 1619, the sixth Sikh Guru Hargobind, who was held by the Mughal Emperor Jahengir, was released from the Gwalior fort along with 52 kings.
Shukravar Vrat Katha
In Hindu religion, each day of a week is dedicated to a particular God or Goddesses. Friday or Shukrawar is dedicated to Shakti – the Mother Goddess in Hinduism – and Shukra or Venus.
One of the most important Vrat or Upvaas (fast) on the day is dedicated to Santhoshi Matha (an incarnation of Shakti) & Maariamma. The fasting is also known as ‘Solah Shukravar Vrats because a devotee fasts for 16 consecutive Fridays. White color is given importance on Friday.
Another deity that is propitiated on the day is Shukra, who is known to provide joy and material wealth. The period of Shukra in one’s astrological chart is considered to be most productive and luckily period.
Worship of Shakti – Durga, Kali and other forms – on Friday is considered highly auspicious. Shakti temples in India attract large number of devotees on this day.
Devotees wear white colored dress on this day. The fasting on Shukravar begins at sunrise and ends with sunset. The person fasting only partakes in the evening meal. White colored food like kheer or milk is the most preferred.Fast is kept for various reasons which include removal of obstacles, for a child, happy family life etc.
There are numerous stories associated with Shukravar. In almost all the stories, Lord Shukra or Venus is dishonored in the beginning and the devotee later realizes his/her folly through numerous untoward incidents. Then the devotee realizes the mistake and propitiates Shukra and is finally rewarded.
Guru Shukracharya
The planet Venus is known as Sukra in Vedic astrology. In astrology, the planet of Venus is considered to be the guru of demons. As a God Shukra is the Guru of Asuras. According to Hindu scriptures, He was born as the son of Rishi Brighu and his wife Ushana. The feminic natured Shukra is a Brahminical planet. He was born on Friday in the year Paarthiva on Sraavana Suddha Ashtami when Swathi Nakshatra is on the ascent. Hence, Friday is known as Shukravaar in Indian languages especially Sanskrit, Hindi, Marathi , Gujarati and Kannada. He went on to study Vedas under rishi Angirasa but he was disturbed by Angirasa’s favouritism to his son Brihaspati. He then went to study under rishi Gautama. He later performed penance to Lord Shiva and obtained the Sanjivani mantra (a hymn that can revive the dead). During this period Brihaspati became the Guru (Preceptor) of the divine people Devaa. Out of jealousy, Shukracharya decides to become the Guru of Asuras. He helps them achieve victory over the Devas and uses his magic to revive the dead and wounded Asuras.
So Jupiter, or Brihaspati, the guru to the Devas, sends his son Kaca (brightness) to study under Sukra.
Sukra has a beautiful daughter Devayani (way to the gods), and she is quite taken with Kaca. Now, the Asuras know what Kaca is up to, so like all good demons they kill him. Devayani, of course, grieves for him and tells father, so Sukra repeats the mantra and Kaca comes back to life. Then the demons kill Kaca again.
Once again Devayani complains, and once again Sukra repeats the mantra and Kaca come back to life. Undeterred, the demons go about killing Kaca and Sukra keeps resurrecting him. So the demons get a particularly demonic idea and this time they kill Kaca and grind him up into a fine powder and put him in Sukra’s wine. Sukra drinks the wine, Devayani begins her grieving, and in response Sukra repeats the mantra, but this time he has a stomachache as Kaca speaks from inside him. At last the demons appear to be happy.
But, they ironically bring about the very thing they were trying to prevent, for Sukra reveals the mantra of immortality to Kaca, so when Kaca tears himself out of Sukra’s body he will repeat the mantra and raise Sukra from the dead.
In one story, Lord Vishnu is born as the Brahmin sage Vamana. Vamana comes to take the three worlds as alms from the asura King Bali. Lord Vishnu wanted to deceive the King Bali who was the grandson of the great ing Prahlad, in order to help the Devas. The sage Shukracharya identifies him immediately and warns the King. The King is however a man of his word and offers the gift to Vamana. Shukracharya, annoyed with the pride of the King, shrinks himself with his powers and sits in the spout of the vase, from which water has to be poured to seal the promise to the deity in disguise. Lord Vishnu, in disguise of the dwarf, understands immediately, and picks a straw from the ground and directs it up the spout, poking out the left eye of Shukracharaya. Since this day onwards , the guru of the asuras has been known to be half blind.
Sukra bestows long life, wealth, happiness, children, and property and good education. He is the Guru for Asuras. Well learned in Neeti Sastras follower of such sastras and one who dispenses justice, Sukra is considered a beneficial Devata. He blesses the devotees with power to control one’s Indriyas (Sense organs) and enables the devotee to obtain fame and name.
Varth Katha – I
Once there was an old woman. She used to observe Friday fasts regularly. She worshipped Shukras idol. She gave holy dips to the idol and offered best food to it as bhoga. One day she decided to go on a pilgrimage. But how could she leave the house? Who would give holy dips to Shukras idol? Who would offer bhoga to it? She conveyed her anxiety to her sons wife. Her sons wife, that is her daughter-in-law was not a religious lady. She wanted to get rid of her mother-in-law for some time. She agreed to worship Shukras idol in her absence.
The old lady felt happy and left on the pilgrimage. Her daughter-in-law being what she was, after taking her bath would squeeze a few drops of water from her wet saree and considered it as a dip for the idol. She would prepare best dishes in her mother-in-laws absence and place some crumbs or remains before the idol as bhoga. Even this was heavy for her. One day she decided to get rid of the idol. She put it in a waste paper basket and threw it on a heap of garbage.
A wise lady passed by. She noticed Shukras bright idol lying on the garbage. She picked it up with great respect and brought it to her house. She gave it holy dips and offered best bhoga. She also observed fast in the name of Shukra. The lady became very rich. On the other hand, the old womans family became poorer and poorer. The family could hardly make both ends meet.
The old lady returned from her pilgrimage. She noticed the changed conditions of the family. She asked the daughter-in-law, Where is the Shukras idol? The daughter-in-law kept mum. She repeated the question, but the lady would not speak. She repeated her question for the third time. The daughter-in-law replied, I was fed up with Shukras worship. I had no time to spare. I threw it on a heap of garbage some weeks ago. The old lady was astonished at the reply. She went to the garbage heap and searched for the idol, but hod to return disappointed She decided to go from door to door to enquire about it.
She knocked at the door of a rich lady and said, Have you seen my Shukras idol? The rich lady gazed at her from head to foot and said, Are you insane? Why did you throw the idol on the garbage? You have no regards for deities. You should be punished for it. The old lady narrated the whole story to the rich lady and felt sorry for her daughter-in-law. The rich lady said, If it is so I shall return the idol to you. Lord Shukra has blessed me with health and wealth. I do not want to keep others things with me. Take back this idol with full respect.
The old lady brought back the idol and placed it at the worshipping dias. She observed Shukras fasts as a penance. Lord Shukra again blessed them with health and wealth. The family enjoyed a happy life again thereafter.
Shani Shingnapur
Shani Shingnapur is a village in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Situated in Nevasa taluka in Ahmadnagar district, the village is known for its popular temple of Shani (Saturn). Once upon a time Shingnapur is also famous for the fact that no house in the village has doors, only door frames. Despite this, no theft is reported in the village. Villagers never keep their valuables under lock and key. Villagers believe that the temple is a “Jagrut devasthan” (lit. “alive temple”), meaning that the god here is very powerful. They believe that god Shani punishes anyone attempting theft.
As per a legend , It is said that long long ago there were floods and one idol came floating in the flood. It was struck to a Bari tree. After the reducing of flood water when cowherds went near Panas Nala, they saw the big stone boulder in the branches of tree. They were surprise to see it. With the lot of hesitation, they poked the idol with their sticks and stone started bleeding. The cowherds saw this injury. With the scared, they ran away. They came back to the village and told their elders about what they saw. Listening to all this, villagers went to that spot where the stone was found. They were also shocked to see it. They could not decide what to do of this stone. At last they all returned to their homes by deciding that they would think tomorrow on this.In the same night, when all villagers fell asleep, God Shani dev appeared before one villager in dream and said, “I am Shanidev. Whatever you & your villagers saw yesterday is true. Let me from that place and install me in the village.” On the next day, devotee told the villagers what he heard in the dream. Listening to this entire, villagers went to that place where stone was found. They tried to lift idol but they could not succeed. They tried all day but they could not move a bit. At last people returned back to their homes. In the night when villagers were sleeping, again god Shanidev appeared in front of same devotee in dream & said, “I will move from that place only when the people who move me from there are of the real relation of maternal uncle and nephew.”Next morning devotee told the villager about his dream. And villagers did according to the dream. At that time many people tried to their best to install the idol in their own field, but the idol would not budge from there at all. At last the statue placed where it stands today in open ground.
Devotees generally wear a saffron-coloured attire and have a head bath in the holy water close to the temple before entering it. There is no priest to perform the pooja. The pooja is carried out in the form of offering Pradakshinams – of going around the idol a couple of times, chanting specific prayers such as Shani gayathri and slokas. Devotees also perform Abhishekam with water and oil.
