Among the Nine Durgas, Maa Shailaputri is considered to be the first manifestation of Goddess Durga. She carries the trishul and lotus in her hands. Her vehicle is Bull and Nandi. History of Goddess Shailaputi According to the narration, her birth has been described in scriptures like Shivapurana and Devi Bagvaatam Maa.

Brahmacharini is the second form of Navdurga. In this form, Durga is two-armed, clad in white and carries a rudraksha mala and sacred Kamandalu. She is in a highly pious and peaceful form or is in meditation. This form of Durga is related to the severe penance undertaken by Sati and Parvati in their respective births to attain Lord Shiva as husband.

Chandraghanta is the third form of Navadurga. In this form, Durga is 10-armed and rides a tiger. This is a terrible aspect and roaring in anger. This form of Durga is completely different from earlier forms and shows when provoked, she can be terrible or malevolent.

Read More

Kushmanda is the fourth manifestation of Goddess Durga. She is adored and worshipped on the fourth day of Navaratri. She dwells in the abode of Sun God. That is why her hue and splendour is as brilliant as the sun itself. It is her splendour that pervades every plant and creature of this universe. All the ten quarters are illuminated by her divine refulgence.

In this form, Durga is four-armed and rides on a lion. She carries a lotus, a kamandalu and a bell. Her one hand is in blessing posture. Skandamaata is the fifth manifestion of Goddess Durga. She is worshipped on the fifth day of the Navaratri. Her son Kartikeya is also called Skanda. So, she is called Skandamaata or the Mother of Skanda.

In this form, Durga is four-armed and she carries a sword, shield and lotus. One hand is depicted as giving blessing. She rides a lion.Mother Katyayani is worshipped as the sixth manifestation of Goddess Durga. She is adored on the sixth day of the Navaratri.

Kalaratri is the seventh form of Navadurga. In this form, Durga is four-armed and rides a donkey. She carries sword, trident and noose. With one hand she blesses. In this form, she is dark and repulsive in appearance. She is cruel and excited. This is the violent and dark side of Durga.

In this form, Durga is four-armed and she rides on a bull or a white elephant. She carries a trishul and damaru. Two hands are in blessing posture. She is pure and believed to have been in the form of Maata Parvati when she did penance to get Shiva as her husband.

In this form, Durga is seated on a lotus and is four armed. She holds a lotus, mace, discus and book. In this form Durga removes ignorance and she provides the knowledge to realize Brahman. She is surrounded by Siddhas, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Demons and Gods who are worshipping her.

Aadi Masam or Aadi is the fourth month in Tamil Calendar and is termed auspicious by many, as the whole month is filled with devotion and many Special Occassions. In 2024, the Aadi Masam begins on July 17 and ends on August 17.  

Aadi Perukku also known as Pathinettam Perukku is a very significant festival observed during the Tamil month of Aadi. This festival is observed on the 18th day during the Tamil month of ‘Adi’ that corresponds to the months of mid-July-mid-August, as per the Gregorian calendar.

Read More

Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya (born Subramanyam Mahadeva 18 July 1935 – 28 February 2018) was the 69th Shankaracharya Guru and head or pontiff of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham.

Independence Day, one of the three National holidays in India (the other two being the Republic Day on 26 January and Mahatma Gandhi's birthday on 2 October), is observed in all Indian states and union territories.

Kanchi Maha Periyava, the 68th Jagadguru of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham

Read More

Dattatreya Jayanti is also known as Datta Jayanti, which celebrates the birthday of Hindu God Dattatrya (Datta) who is a combined form of the powerful trinity, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

Vaikashi Shukla Chaturdashi is celebrated as Narasimha Jayanti. Lord Narasimha was the 4th incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

On Narasimha Jayanti Day Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Narasimha, a half lion and half man, to kill Demon Hiranyakashipu.

Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti is observed on the 5th day during the waxing of the moon in the month of Vaisakha (April – May). In 2024, the date of Adi Shankaracharya Jayanti is April 25. Scholars differ regarding the period in which Adi Shankara lived but his birthday is celebrated annually on the same day

Akshaya Tritiya is one of the most important days in Hindu calendar. It is observed on Shukla Paksha Tritiya i.e. the third day during bright half of Vaishakha lunar month in Hindu calendar.

Tamil Puthandu, also known as Puthuvarusham or Tamil New Year, is the first day of year on the Tamil calendar. The festival date is set with the solar cycle of the lunisolar Hindu calendar, as the first day of the Tamil month Chithirai.

Panguni Uthiram is an important day for Tamil Hindus. It is observed in Panguni month when Nakshatra Uthiram or Uttara Phalguni prevails.

Sri Rama was born on Navami, the ninth day of the month of Chaitra, in the fourth quarter of the Punarvasu star. The birth of Sri Rama is celebrated as Ramajanmotsava. The birth of the Lord as purnavatara was to annihilate Asuras and restore dharma in the world. Though born in an affluent family, Rama lived and practiced dharma as a common man. He taught with his actions and not merely by his words

(Ugadi, Samvatsaradi, Yugadi) is the New Year's Day for the Hindus of Karnataka Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana states in India. It is merrily seen in these locales on the primary day of the Hindu lunisolar schedule month of Chaitra. This normally falls in March or April of the Gregorian date-book. 

Holi is an essential spring celebration for Hindus, a national occasion in India, a provincial occasion in Nepal and different nations. To numerous Hindus and some non-Hindus, it is a perky social occasion and a reason to toss shaded water at companions or outsiders jokingly.

Shivaratri, or Mahashivratri, is the night of Shiva and one of the most auspicious days dedicated to Lord Shiva. The day and night is for devotion and prayer to Siva. Maha Shivratri is the day when prayers and worship are given more importance. There is no fun or merrymaking as in other Hindu festivals.Always remember that the origin of Shivratri is traced to a hunter who was an ardent Shiva Bhakta.

Read More

Sri Shankara Vijayendra Saraswathi (born March 13, 1969 as Sankaran in a village called Thandalam, Tiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu) is the 70th Shankaracharya (guru and head or pontiff, Peetadhipathi) of the Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, a Hindu religious institution.

Thaipusam or Thaipoosam falls in the Tamizh month of Thai on Star of Pusam, The word Thaipusam is a blend of the name of the month, Thai, and the name of a star, Pusam. This specific star is at its most elevated point amid the celebration.

Republic Day respects the date on which the Constitution of India became effective on 26 January 1950 supplanting Dominion status offered by British Regime.

Thai Pongal is a standout amongst the most critical celebrations celebrated by Tamil individuals in the Indian province of Tamil Nadu, the Indian Union Territory of Puducherry, and the nation of Sri Lanka, and additionally Tamils around the world, incorporating those in Malaysia, Mauritius, South Africa, United States, Singapore, Canada and UK.

The most wonderful month in the Tamizh logbook! Master Krishna says that he is the period of Margazhi from which one can envision the magnificence and sacredness of this current month.

The world famous Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala remains continuously open only during the famous Makaravilaku – Mandala Puja season (November – December – January). In 2023, the date of opening of the Ayyappa Temple for Mandalam season is November 17.

Read More

The contribution of Saint Thyagaraja, one of the Trinities of Carnatic music, has been immense not only through his compositions but also through his Sishya Parampara, who have preserved and enriched the true tradition of classical music.

He was born in what is now Tiruchuli, Tamil Nadu, India. In 1895, an attraction to the sacred hill Arunachala and the 63 Nayanars was aroused in him.

Sri Chandrasekharendra Sarasvati, the 68th Peethadhipati of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti pitha, was pre-eminent among the realised souls, a true brahmavadin, whose grace is felt even now by inumerable devotess across the world. he 122nd jayanti of this "Walking God", who adorned the pitha for 87 years is to be celebrated on 2nd June.

Lord Shiva is supposed to have taken the form of the 'Arunachala hill' in Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu.

Skanda is a popular Hindu deity especially among Tamil Hindus. Lord Skanda is son of God Shiva and Goddess Parvati. In south India, Skanda is considered as the younger brother of Lord Ganesha.

Read More

What is puja? Puja is idolization. Puja is the practice of honouring the creator, a spirit, or any other aspect of the divine through chanting, singing, meditating, and other forms of ritual behaviour. Making a spiritual connection with the almighty is an essential component of puja for the Hindu devotee.

Deepavali, a festival of lights is one of the biggest and most anticipated festivals of the year in India. The name Deepavali reminds of crackers, sweets, new clothes and tasty food moreover it is not just one day festival but a five day celebration with a lot of lights and participation in the family that brings unity and joy.

This day is celebrated in the honor of the birthday of the Father of the nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi or Bapuji.

Vaikunta Ekadasi is one of the most important Ekadasi . Ekadasi is an auspicious day dedicated to Bhagvan Srihari Vishnu and falls on the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight in traditional Hindu calendar. In 2023, the date of Vaikunta Ekadasi is January 2, 2023

Krishna Jayanthi, one of the biggest festivals celebrated all over India. Birth of Shri Krishna is considered as descending of Lord Vishnu himself on Earth. Krishna is known for his mischievousness, romantic lover, saviour of Dharma, author and narrator of one of the greatest Indian scriptures BhagavatGita.

Ganesh Chaturthi / Vinayagar Chaturthi commemorates the birthday of Lord Ganesh. On this day, beautiful handcrafted idols of the Lord are installed both in homes and in public.

In the enchanting realm of Hindu practices, amidst the divine deities, resides the illustrious Goddess Varalakshmi, the epitome of wealth and prosperity. Her divine presence brings joy and abundance to all those who seek her blessings.  

Varamahalakshmi Vrata is a festival to propitiate the goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, one of the Hindu Trinity. Varalakshmi is one who grants boons (Vara).

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was an Indian spiritualist and yogi amid the nineteenth century. Ramakrishna was given to profound ecstasies from a youthful age, and was impacted by a few religious conventions, including commitment toward the goddess Kali, Tantra, Vaishnava bhakti, and Advaita Vedanta.