Blogs
The Mighty Guardian of Namakkal: The 18-foot-tall Sri Veera Anjaneyar Temple
Hanuman narasimha Panguni Uthiram SRI RAMA NAVAMI VAIKUNTA EKADASHI
In the serene town of Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, stands one of the most awe-inspiring symbols of devotion and strength - the 18-foot-tall idol of Lord Hanuman at the Sri Veera Anjaneyar Temple. Towering majestically under the open sky, this monolithic statue is not only an architectural marvel but also a powerful spiritual guardian said to protect the sacred Namakkal Fort and the hilltop Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. Lord Hanuman, known in Tamil tradition as Sri Veera Anjaneyar, is revered as the embodiment of courage, devotion, and divine service. In Hindu mythology, he is celebrated as the greatest devotee of Lord Rama and the vanquisher of evil forces through...
Pongal Festival 2026: A Tamil Harvest Festival of Gratitude, Prosperity, and Cultural Significance
After every grand New Year celebration, another vibrant festival graces the month of January, celebrated across India with joy and cultural diversity. Pongal, a festival of gratitude and abundance, holds special significance in South India. Pongal 2026 will begin on January 14th and continue for four joyous days, bringing families and communities together to honour nature and express thanks to the Sun God, farmers, and cattle that sustain our lives. History of Pongal Pongal is mentioned in the Viraraghava temple inscription from the Chola king Kulottunga I (1070–1122 CE), describing a land grant for its celebration. The 9th-century Shaiva Bhakti text Tiruvempavai by Manikkavacakar also references the festival. Variants of the name, such as ponakam, tiruponakam, and ponkal,...
What is Amavasya, and What are its significance and Rituals?
Amavasya Amavasya, also known as No Moon Day or New Moon Day, holds significant importance in the Hindu religion. Amavasya is the lunar phase of the new moon in the Hindu calendar. It occurs when the moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, making it invisible from Earth. This day highlights the profound power of absence. Amavasya occurs every month and can be calculated according to the Tithi using the Hindu Panchangam. Why is it Important? Just as we feel the presence of a loved one more intensely when they are gone, the absence of the moon on Amavasya...
Vaikunta Ekadasi 2025: Significance, Celebrations, and Rituals
ekadashi Lord Vishnu vaikunta ekadashi 2023
Ekadashi is a day dedicated to the reverence of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. Among all the Ekadashis, the one that falls in the Margazhi month (Tamil month) is considered the most significant and auspicious for Lord Vishnu and his devotees. This sacred day occurs during the waxing phase of the moon in the Margazhi month, making it especially important for spiritual practices and devotion. Date and Time of Vaikunta Ekadasi This year, Vaikunta Ekadasi will be observed on two different dates due to a rare lunar alignment. The first observance will fall on January 10, 2025, while...
Part 4: Ayyappan Swamy Temples in Karnataka
Karnataka is home to several prominent temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappan (Dharma Sastha). These temples serve as important pilgrimage centres for devotees who are unable to travel to Sabarimala in Kerala. Each shrine reflects the essence of Kerala-style Ayyappa worship, blending devotion, tradition, and architectural beauty. Here are five well-known Ayyappan temples in Karnataka, each with its own unique history and spiritual significance. 1. HAL Ayyappan Temple, Bangalore One of Bangalore’s oldest Ayyappan shrines, the HAL Ayyappan Temple was built by employees of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It offers a Kerala-style Ayyappa worship centre for devotees across Karnataka. The temple society, Sree Ayyappa...