Blogs

After the grand New Year celebrations, 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 2025 will begin on January 14th and continue for four joyous days, bringing families and communities together to honor nature and express thanks to the Sun God, farmers, and cattle that sustain our lives.  History of Pongal  Pongal festival 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...

Lord Shiva, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, is known as the embodiment of compassion, power, and divine grace. His followers come from diverse backgrounds, showcasing the universality of his appeal.  Kannappa Nayanar: The Ultimate sacrifice  Kannappa Nayanar, one of the 63 revered Saivite saints in Tamil Hinduism, was born as Thinnan in Uduppoor (modern-day Uttukottai near Kalahasti, Andhra Pradesh). The son of Nagan, a hunter clan leader, Thinnan was a skilled hunter known for his courage, simplicity, and loving heart. Though uneducated in rituals, he was a devoted worshipper of Lord Shiva. Thinnan's devotion was pure but...

Hanuman Jayanti, celebrated in honor of Lord Hanuman (also known as Anjaneya), is a vibrant and spiritually significant festival observed with great devotion in Tamil Nadu. Lord Hanuman, known for his unwavering loyalty and devotion to Lord Rama, is revered as a symbol of strength, humility, and selfless service.  While Hanuman Jayanti in North India is typically celebrated during Chaitra Purnima (March-April), Tamil Nadu observes the festival in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January). The celebrations align with the auspicious Moolam Nakshatra, making this a sacred time for devotees.   Date and time   This year, Hanuman Jayanti will be observed on...

Srirangam, nestled on an island formed by the Cauvery River in Tamil Nadu, is celebrated as the foremost among the 108 Divya Desams, a revered group of Vishnu temples. Home to the magnificent Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, it proudly holds the distinction of being India’s largest temple complex and the world’s largest functioning Hindu temple. A marvel of Dravidian architecture and a center of Vaishnavite tradition, Srirangam is surrounded by lush greenery and imbued with a tranquil atmosphere. This sacred town offers a unique blend of spirituality, culture, and heritage, attracting pilgrims and history enthusiasts from across the globe.   History of...

Lord Ayyappan, a highly revered deity in Hinduism, is mainly worshipped in South India, especially in Kerala. According to Hindu scriptures, he was born to Lord Shiva and Mohini, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, symbolizing the fusion of Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Lord Ayyappan is adored by millions of devotees, with his legend focusing on his mission to defeat the demoness Mahishi and his life devoted to simplicity and dharma. The Sabarimala Temple, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Ayyappan, attracting millions of pilgrims, particularly during the Mandala season....