Blogs — Parvati

Madurai, the spiritual center of Tamil Nadu, is often referred to as the Athens of the East — a city where culture, devotion, architecture, and tradition come together in perfect harmony. At its heart stands the renowned Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of India’s most revered temples dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, a manifestation of Parvati, and Lord Sundareswarar, a form of Shiva. Among its many rituals, the Maha Kumbabhishekam is the most spiritually significant, as it revitalizes the temple’s divine energy and renews its sanctity.  What is Maha Kumbabhishekam?  The term Kumbabhishekam is derived from two Sanskrit words — Kumbha, meaning sacred pot, and Abhishekam, meaning consecration. It is a...

The Pancha Sabha, meaning “five halls,” are five sacred temples in Tamil Nadu where Lord Shiva, as Nataraja (the cosmic dancer), is believed to have performed his magnificent Tandava dance. Each temple has a unique Sabha (hall) named after its primary material, such as gold, silver, copper, and more. In Shaiva tradition, Shiva’s five dances are:  Urdhva Tandava at the Ratna Sabha (Gem Hall) in Thiruvalangadu Ananda Tandava at the Kanaka Sabha (Golden Hall) in Chidambaram Sandhya Tandava at the Rajata Sabha (Silver Hall) in Madurai Thiru Tandava at the Tamra Sabha (Copper Hall) in Tirunelveli Tripura Tandava at the Chitra Sabha (Hall of Paintings) in Courtallam (Kutralam)   These sacred halls are celebrated in the Tevaram hymns and symbolize the union of art, spirituality, and divine grace.  Thillai Nataraja Temple – Chidambaram (Kanaka Sabha) ...

Have you heard of the time when Goddess Parvati undertook a special fast to attain the same divine status and power as Lord Shiva? This sacred observance, known as Kedara Gowri Vratham or Kedareshwar Vratham, is a revered Hindu fasting and worship ritual celebrated on Amavasya (no moon day) during the renowned Diwali festival. This vratham (fasting) is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Particularly popular in South India, this Vratham (Fast) is celebrated during the lunar month of Ashwin (September-October). It is believed that performing this Vratham with full dedication can earn the blessings of Lord Shiva, who grants the fulfillment...

Navratri, the nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. In South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, one of the most distinctive and culturally rich traditions associated with Navratri is the display of Golu. This vibrant and artistic celebration brings communities together and highlights the region's deep-rooted customs and artistic heritage.  What is Golu?   Golu, also known as Bommai Golu or Kolu, is the festive display of dolls and figurines. These figurines are arranged in a tiered fashion on steps, typically ranging from three to eleven...

Navratri, a Grand and auspicious Hindu festival spans nine nights and is dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine. The trinity of feminine powers—Shakti, Lakshmi, and Saraswati—is worshipped to receive their blessings. There is a total of four Navratris in a year, but only two—Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri—are celebrated widely. Navaratri symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the victory of light over darkness.  Significance of Navratri  The word Navratri comes from the Sanskrit words "nava," meaning nine, and "ratri," meaning night. Goddess Parvati, incarnated as Goddess Durga in nine forms, is honoured uniquely every day.  It...