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Showing posts from September, 2025

Ashwin Month 2025 Guide: Regional Celebrations, Sacred Texts, and Temple Visits

  Significance of Ashwayuja Masam Ashwayuja Masam, also known as Ashwin Month, typically falls between September and October. It’s named after the Ashwini Nakshatra and is considered one of the most spiritually potent months in the Hindu calendar. This period is ideal for Devi worship, ancestral offerings, and spiritual renewal. It bridges the solemnity of Pitru Paksha with the celebratory energy of Navaratri and Vijaya Dashami. Major Festivals and Observances During Ashwayuja Masam, several important festivals are celebrated across India: Pitru Paksha : A fortnight dedicated to performing Shraddha and Tarpanam for ancestors. Shardiya Navaratri : Nine nights of intense worship of Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami : Key days during Navaratri with special rituals and fasting. Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra) : Celebrates the victory of good over evil, marking the end of Navaratri. Saraswati Puja : Worship of the g...

Dakshina Shirdi Saibaba Temple – Kurnool

  Location City : Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh Setting : Nestled on the sacred banks of the River Tungabhadra , near Konda Reddy Fort and District Court Road Significance : Recognized as the first Sai Baba temple in the world to be named “Dakshina Shirdi” History & Architecture Foundation : Laid in 1947 by devotee K. Veera Swamy Naidu , who sold all his assets to build the temple after receiving divine guidance in a dream Inauguration : Sai Baba’s idol was installed on Vijayadashami , November 10, 1951 Design : Built in a star-shaped structure with a central Shikhara; the temple is open from all sides, symbolizing inclusivity and openness Unique Features : White marble idol of Sai Baba (4 feet tall) Srichakram near the sanctum Akhanda Jyothi (Nanda Deep) Dhuni (sacred fire) Ashwatha tree intertwined with a neem tree – a rare and spiritually potent sight Meditation H...

Complete Travel & Darshan Guide to Sri Venkateswara Temple, Alwal

  Location Overview Place : Alwal, Secunderabad, Telangana Access : Located near Alwal Rythu Bazar and Hakimpet Air Force Station, the temple is tucked away in a narrow lane off the highway. Historical Note : Built by Chandulal Bahadur , Prime Minister of Hyderabad during Nawab Sikandar Jah’s reign (early 19th century). Main Deity Presiding Deity : Sri Venkateswara Swamy (Balaji), a form of Lord Vishnu The idol was originally carried by a saint named Vishnu Balaji on his pilgrimage from Tirumala to Kashi. He meditated under a tamarind tree in Alwal, where the deity was later installed. Subshrines & Associated Deities Padmavathi Ammavaru : Consort of Lord Venkateswara Garuda Alwar : Facing the main sanctum Hanuman Shrine : Often present in Venkateswara temples, though specific details for Alwal are limited Temple Highlights Historical Significance : One of the oldest temples...

Maha Bharani Shraddha: Honoring Ancestors Under Bharani Nakshatra

  Maha Bharani , also known as Bharani Shraddha , is one of the most spiritually potent observances during Pitru Paksha , the fortnight dedicated to ancestral rites. It is performed when Bharani Nakshatra prevails during Aparahna Kala —typically falling on Chaturthi or Panchami tithi of the waning phase in the month of Bhadrapada (Ashwin) . Why Bharani Nakshatra Is Spiritually Powerful Ruled by Yama , the god of death, Bharani Nakshatra is believed to create a direct channel between the living and the departed. According to the Dharma Sindhu , while Bharani Shraddha is traditionally performed once after a person's death, it can be observed annually for continued blessings. It is second only to Mahalaya Amavasya in terms of importance during Pitru Paksha. Scriptural References Mentioned in Agni Purana , Garuda Purana , and Matsya Purana , Maha Bharani is revered for its ability to liberate souls and purify ancestral lineages ....

Sri Venkateswara Swamy Brahmotsavams 2025 Dates - Upamaka

Sri Venkateswara swamy Brahmotsavams in Upamaka will Commence on September 24.   2025 Sevas & Schedule  : September 24 – Dwajarohanam, Pedda Sesha Vahana Seva September 25 – Chinna Sesha Vahana Seva, Hamsa Vahana Seva September 26 – Simha Vahana Seva, Mutyapu Pandiri Vahanam September 27 – Kalpavruksha Vahana Seva, Sarvabhupala Vahana Seva September 28 – Mohini Avataram in Pallaki, Garuda Vahana Seva September 29 – Hanumantha Vahana Seva, Gaja Vahana Seva, Vasantotsavam September 30 – Suryaprabha Vahana Seva, Chandraprabha Vahana Seva October 01 – Rathotsavam, Aswa Vahana Seva October 02 – Chakra Snanam, Dwajavarohanam How to reach the Temple  :   20 km from Tuni   48 km from Anakapalli.

Sakshi Ganapathi Temple: Witness to Your Devotion

The Sakshi Ganapathi Temple is located near Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, in the peaceful Nallamala Hills. It is close to the famous Mallikarjuna Temple. Special Significance : The name "Sakshi" means "witness," and people believe that Lord Ganesha at this temple acts as a witness to their visit to the Mallikarjuna Temple. Devotees tell their names and family lineage ( gotra ) to Lord Ganesha here, marking their visit. What Makes It Unique? The idol of Ganesha holds a book and a pen, showing his role as the divine recorder. The temple is surrounded by beautiful greenery, making it calm and relaxing to visit. It also has detailed carvings of Lord Ganesha on its walls. Mythology and History : Legends say that the sage Agastya visited this temple during his journey to Srisailam. Visiting this temple is believed to complete a devotee's pilgrimage to Srisailam. Visitor Tips : The temple is easy t...

TTD Temple Closures on September 07, 2025 – Lunar Eclipse

  In observance of the Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) on September 07, 2025 , many temples under the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) will remain closed from the afternoon session onwards. This follows the traditional practice of closing temple doors approximately six hours before the eclipse begins, to maintain spiritual sanctity. Eclipse Details The eclipse begins at 9:50 PM on September 07 and ends at 1:31 AM on September 08. As per custom, temples initiate closure from around 2:00 PM on the day of the eclipse. Temple Closure Timings Tiruchanoor temple will close by 2:15 PM on September 07 and reopen for darshan at 8:00 AM on September 08. Govindaraja Swamy temple closes by 3:30 PM and resumes darshan from 9:30 AM the next day. Srinivasa Mangapuram temple also closes by 3:30 PM , with darshan beginning at 8:30 AM on September 08. Kapilatheertham temple shuts its doors by 3:00 PM and reopens at 7:00 AM on ...

Shall we observe auspicious days while planting and changing new basil plant?

  According to the Shastras, the period from Ashada Suddha  Ekadasi to Karthik Suddha Ekadasi is called ‘Chaturmasyas.’ During  these days, the new basil plant should not be planted or changed. On  Ekadasi, Dwadasi, Poornima, New Moon, and on Friday one should  not pluck the tulsi leaves.

Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple: A Divine Abode of Lord Vishnu in Andhra Pradesh

  The Sri Talpagiri Ranganadha Swamy Temple in Nellore is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha , a reclining form of Lord Vishnu . It is situated on the banks of the Penna River and has deep historical and spiritual significance. Main Deities Lord Ranganatha Swamy – Reclining on Adisesha , with Goddess Sridevi seated on his chest and Lord Brahma emerging from his navel on a lotus. Goddess Ranganayaki Ammavaru – The consort of Lord Ranganatha, worshipped in a separate shrine. Goddess Andal Ammavaru – A revered form of Goddess Lakshmi , known for her devotion to Lord Vishnu. Sri Venkateswara Swamy – A more recent addition to the temple complex. Other Shrines Alwars’ Temple – Dedicated to the Vaishnava saints. Santhana Vriksha – A sacred tree believed to bless devotees with children. The temple’s sanctum walls are inscribed with the Sri Vishnu Sahasranamavali , listing 1,000 names of Lord Vishnu. ...