Important Hindu Celebration of Bharat - Navratri 2023

Navratri 2023 starts on October 15, Sunday and will end with Vijaya Dasami celebration on October 24, Tuesday. India is a land of diverse cultures and traditions, and one of the most vibrant and joyous festivals celebrated here is Navaratri. Derived from the Sanskrit words "nava" meaning nine and "ratri" meaning night, Navaratri is a nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor in different parts of the country.

 Navaratri is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin, which usually falls in September or October. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and is a time for people to come together and celebrate. The nine nights are divided into three sets of three nights, each dedicated to a different form of the goddess Durga. The first three nights are dedicated to the goddess Durga, the next three to the goddess Lakshmi, and the final three to the goddess Saraswati.

 During Navaratri, people observe fasts and engage in various religious and cultural activities. One of the highlights of the festival is the Garba and Dandiya Raas, traditional folk dances that are performed in large groups. People dress up in colorful traditional attire and dance to the rhythmic beats of the music. The dances are accompanied by the singing of devotional songs and the playing of traditional musical instruments.

In addition to the dances, Navaratri is also a time for people to visit temples and offer prayers to the goddess Durga. Elaborate rituals and ceremonies are performed, and the temples are beautifully decorated with flowers and lights. People also create small clay idols of the goddess and worship them at home.

Navaratri is not just a religious festival, but also a time for socializing and enjoying delicious food. Special dishes and sweets are prepared and shared with family and friends. The festival brings people together, fostering a sense of unity and community.

In conclusion, Navaratri is a vibrant and joyous festival celebrated in India. It is a time for people to come together, worship the goddess Durga, and celebrate the victory of good over evil. The festival is marked by colorful dances, elaborate rituals, and delicious food. Navaratri is a true reflection of the rich cultural heritage of India.

Famous Velankanni Church Tamil Nadu- Our Lady of Good Health

Velankanni Church, also known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, is a Roman Catholic pilgrimage center located in the coastal town of Velankanni in Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Asia, attracting millions of devotees from all over the world each year.

 The church is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is believed to have appeared several times in Velankanni in the 16th and 17th centuries. These apparitions are said to have been accompanied by miraculous healings, which have made Velankanni a renowned center of faith and devotion.

 Velankanni Church

 The church complex consists of three main churches: the Shrine Basilica, the Church of the Assumption, and the Old Church. The Shrine Basilica is the largest and most important of the three churches. It is a neo-Gothic structure with a white marble façade and two towering spires. The interior of the basilica is decorated with beautiful stained-glass windows and murals depicting the life of the Virgin Mary.

 The Church of the Assumption is a smaller church located adjacent to the Shrine Basilica. It is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven. The Old Church is the oldest church in the complex. It is a simple, thatched-roof church that was built in the 17th century.

 In addition to the three churches, the Velankanni Church complex also includes a number of other religious and cultural attractions, such as:

•  The Way of the Cross: This is a series of 14 stations depicting the Passion and death of Jesus Christ.
• The Rosary Garden: This is a beautiful garden with 15 statues representing the mysteries of the Rosary.
• The Prayer Hall: This is a large hall where pilgrims can gather to pray and sing hymns.
• The Museum: This museum houses a collection of religious artifacts, including relics, paintings, and sculptures.

Velankanni Church is a place of great spiritual significance for people of all faiths. It is a place where people come to pray for healing, forgiveness, and hope. The church is also a popular tourist destination, and is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.

 If you are planning to visit Velankanni Church, here are some tips:

 The best time to visit Velankanni is during the winter months (October to March), when the weather is pleasant.

The church is open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day.

There are a number of hotels and guesthouses available in Velankanni to accommodate pilgrims and tourists.

The church offers a variety of services to pilgrims, including food, accommodation, and medical assistance.

If you are visiting the church during peak season, it is advisable to book your accommodation and travel arrangements in advance.

Velankanni Church is a truly unique and special place. It is a place where people of all faiths can come together to experience the power of faith and hope.

The major Indian festivals in September 2023

Kajari Teej (September 2): This festival is celebrated by married women in the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. It is a day for women to pray for the long and healthy life of their husbands.

Kajari Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated by married women in the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. It is a day for women to pray for the long and healthy life of their husbands. The festival is celebrated on the second day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the month of Bhadrapada, which is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar.

On the day of Kajari Teej, women wake up early in the morning and take a bath. They then dress in their best clothes and jewelry. They also wear a garland of basil leaves, which is considered to be a symbol of love and devotion.

After dressing, women go to the temple to pray to the goddess Parvati. They also pray to the god Shiva, who is Parvati's husband. Women pray for the long and healthy life of their husbands, as well as for the well-being of their families.

In the evening, women gather together for a feast. They eat special dishes that are prepared for the occasion. They also sing and dance to celebrate the festival.

Kajari Teej is a day of joy and celebration for married women. It is a day to come together with other women and to pray for the well-being of their loved ones.

Here are some of the traditions associated with Kajari Teej:

• Women fast for the entire day. They break their fast only after the moon is sighted in the evening.
• Women wear a garland of basil leaves.
• Women pray to the goddess Parvati and the god Shiva.
• Women gather together for a feast in the evening.

Kajari Teej is a beautiful and meaningful festival that celebrates the love and devotion between married women and their husbands.

 Krishna Janmashtami (September 6): This is the most important festival in the Hindu calendar, celebrating the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. It is celebrated with great pomp and show all over India, with special pujas, fasting, and feasting.

Krishna Janmashtami is a Hindu festival celebrated on the eighth day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the month of Bhadrapada, which is the eighth month of the Hindu calendar. It is a celebration of the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu.

Here are some of the traditions associated with Krishna Janmashtami:

• Devotees wake up early in the morning and take a bath.
• They dress in their best clothes and jewelry and go to the temple to pray to Krishna.
• Images of Krishna are bathed in milk and water, and dressed in new clothes.
• Devotees offer prayers and offerings to Krishna.
• In some temples, special dramas and dances are performed.
• In the evening, devotees break their fast and feast on special dishes.
• They also sing and dance to celebrate the occasion.

Krishna Janmashtami is a beautiful and meaningful festival that celebrates the birth of a beloved god and his teachings.

Hartalika Teej is a Hindu festival celebrated by married women in India, Nepal, and other parts of the world. It is a day for women to pray for the long and healthy life of their husbands. The festival is celebrated on the third day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the month of Bhadrapada, which is the fifth month of the Hindu calendar.

Here are some of the traditions associated with Hartalika Teej:

• Women fast for the entire day. They break their fast only after the moon is sighted in the evening.
• Women wear a garland of basil leaves.
• Women pray to the goddess Parvati and the god Shiva.
• Women gather together for a feast in the evening.

Hartalika Teej is a beautiful and meaningful festival that celebrates the love and devotion between married women and their husbands.

In some parts of India, Hartalika Teej is also celebrated by unmarried women. Unmarried women pray to Parvati for a good husband. They also fast for the entire day and break their fast after the moon is sighted in the evening.

Hartalika Teej is a festival that is rich in tradition and meaning. It is a day for women to come together and celebrate their love and devotion to their husbands and families.

 Ganesh Chaturthi (September 19) is a 10-day festival that marks the birth of the elephant-headed god Ganesha. It is one of the most popular festivals in India, and is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the country.

The festival begins on the fourth day of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the month of Bhadrapada, which is the sixth month of the Hindu calendar. On this day, families and communities install clay idols of Ganesha in their homes and public places. The idols are then worshipped for the next 10 days. Here are some of the traditions associated with Ganesh Chaturthi:

Installation of Ganesha idols: The idols are made of clay and are often elaborately decorated. They are installed in homes, temples, and public places.

Prayers and offerings: Devotees offer prayers and offerings to Ganesha, such as flowers, fruits, sweets, and incense.

Feasting, singing, and dancing: The festival is a time for celebration, and people gather together to feast, sing, and dance.

Immersion of Ganesha idols: On the 10th day, the idols are immersed in water. This is a symbolic gesture of bidding farewell to Ganesha.

Ganesh Chaturthi is a vibrant and colorful festival that is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India. It is a time for Hindus to come together and celebrate their faith and traditions.

Ananta Chaturdashi/Ganesh Visarjan (September 28): This is the last day of Ganesh Chaturthi, when the Ganesha idols are immersed in water. It is a day of great joy and celebration.

I hope this helps!

Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra-India

 Jagannath Rath Yatra (July 1-2023): This 12-day festival is celebrated in Puri, Odisha, to honor the Hindu god Jagannath. The festival features a grand procession of three chariots carrying the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.

Jagannath Rath Yatra is a 12-day festival celebrated in Puri, Odisha, to honor the Hindu god Jagannath
The festival takes place in the month of Ashadha, which is July-August in the Gregorian calendar.
The festival features a grand procession of three chariots carrying the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.The chariots are pulled by thousands of devotees, and the procession winds its way through the streets of Puri.The festival is a time of great joy and celebration for the people of Puri, and it attracts visitors from all over the world.

Here are some of the key events of the Jagannath Rath Yatra festival:

Nabakalebara: This is the ritual of building new chariots for the deities. It takes place every 12 years.
Chhera Pahanra: This is the ritual of cleansing the deities with water from the Ganges River. It takes place on the first day of the festival.
Bahuda Yatra: This is the journey of the deities from their temple to the Gundicha Temple. It takes place on the 1st day of the festival.
Suna Besha: This is the golden attire festival. It takes place on the 2nd day of the festival.
Ratha Yatra: This is the main event of the festival. It takes place on the 3rd day of the festival.
Naba Deepa: This is the festival of nine lamps. It takes place on the 9th day of the festival.

Thrissur Pooram Sample Fire work Paramekkavu Devaswom

Constituent Temples of Thrissur Pooram

One of the largest temple complexes in South India is a classical example of rich Kerala temple Architecture. The main temple complex is spread over nine acres on a small hillock encircled by 64 acre Thekkinkadu maidanam. The 4 gopurams (magnificent gateways) beautifully carved out of wooden pillars and wooden bracket figures and the towering "pallamathils" ( boundary walls of laterite built in the shape of elephants belly) are imposing piece of skill and taste. The rare architectural techniques adopted are the mixture of many rituals, geometry, iconography, astrology, vastusastra, tantra sastra and murals with organic pigments. Most of the other temples in Kerala show one or more of these features but in Vadakkumnathan it is near to perfection and so it is unique.
 

Kanimangalam Sastha Temple

 
The Kanimangalam Sastha is the first God "who is the incarnation of "Brahspathi" (Deva Guru) - which is the premier pooram entering Sree Vadakkumnathan.
Starting its journey on pooram day at 4 O'clock in the morning accompanied by Nadapandy and Nadaswaram and associated with 3 elephants and reaches Kulassery temple at Veliyannur. More chenda artists with a strength of 100 numbers accompanied by Pandymelam, it reaches to Manikandanal pandal from were it turns east and enter through Southern Gopuram of Vadukkumnatha Temple and reaches Elinjithara. Sree Vadakkumanathan pay great respects to Deva Guru and Honour him opening Lord's Thirunanda. After the Pandymelam the deity with 14 elephants passes through western gopuram in front of Sreemoolasthanam were the Pandymelam at its brisk point performed and finally ends the day times pooram.
The same process repeated in the evening at 6.30pm and the Pooram ends by 9 O' clock. The next day there is Uthram Vilakku at Sastha temple with Aarattu and with Thanthrika Poojas and other ceremonies the curtain of Kanimangalam Pooram ends in the temple. The hoisted flag on a temporary areca nut tree have been pull down by the elephant.

Chembukkavu Karthiyani Temeple

 
One among another 108 Durga kshetras "Karthyiayani" with Vigneswara and Dharma sastha are deities here. Since the deity is allergic to sunstroke is forced to return on pooram day before the temperature rise and pleased to travel again in the wee hours according to legend. However the foremost offering is "Nai Vilakku" (Ghee is used instead of oil to lighten the lamp) in this temple substantiate the story of "Headache". The chieftains of the foremost among the 32 grammas of Kerala (to be translated as corporations) Thrissur Namoodiries and Dutches had a long legal battle about the ownership of this temple. The history long back to 280 years. Another version of the story is simple, innocent and straight forward namboodiri families were drawn to this politics between His Excellency of Kochi & the Dutches.

It is believed that while digging for foundation the parts of this Kshetra was found and hence this temlple. The ooralan was Cungrath menon family. Sri Kathiayani temple at Chembukkavu coming under the direct control of the Cochin Devaswam Board. With its proximity to the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady temples and its rich tradition of giving spiritual solace to hundreds of its devotes, the temple plays a major role in the Thrissur Pooram every year.

Panamukkumpally Sastha Temple

 The Panamukkumpally Dharma Sastha Temple is situated about 2 kilometers east of Sree Vadakkumnathan Temple Thrissur. The idol, which is said to be 2500 years old, symbolizes Sree Dharma Sastha mediating Padmasanam with a pot filled with Amrit in hand. It is very rare to see such a posture of Sri Lord Sastha. The other idols of the temple are Lord Shiva, Vinayaka and Nana Durga. It is believed selfless devotion and prayer, with complete dedication to the Lord Sastha can cure even major diseases. It is also very auspicious to begin education of children in divine presence.

Thekkemadom Swamiar who migrated from Kottayam to Thrissur constructed this temple at Kizhakkumpattukara for "SRI AYYAPPA" which they have brought along with. The decedents of Madom make customary visit to the Temple and offer Pushpanjalis to the Lord.

Karamukku Temple

 
The famous Pookkattikara-Karamukku Temple is situated 5 kilometer from Vadakkumnathan Temple under Thrissur corporation. Through Ernakulam route or Thrissur - Kodungallur route the temple can be reached. Pookkattikkara - Karamukku Temple is built around paddy fields accompanied by the 2 acres wide "Karamukku Pond" a reservoir which is very helpful for perennial water supply for residents of the area and for sacred bath for devotees.

This temple is a multi temple viz, Pookattikkara Siva temple & Karamukku Bagavathy temple. The earlier temple was in the southern side of the "Pookattikkara" village and brought to this place. Lord Parasurama brought some Namboodiri families from north Malabar to do the "Poojas" of Sri Vadakkumanatha temple. It is believed that this family brought their family deity "Lord Siva" along with them and hence the Pookattikkara temple. Karamukku Bagavathy is one among the 108 Durgalayas made by Bargava Rama. The Karthiyani Devi along with her brother Krishna is the main deities of karamukku temple. Edampiri Ganapathy, Nandi (the holy bullock) and Siva are the deities of "Pookattikkara" Temple. When this is combined the Pookattikkara-Karamukku temple. Two prominent double Vatta SreeKovil (holy shrines), and another single Vatta Sreekovil is the the miniature of Sree vadakkumanatha temple. The three (two big and one small) Balikallus shows the importance of this temple.

Laloor Sree Karthiyayini Temple

 Laloor Sree Karthiyayini Temple is one among 108 Durgalayas found by Saint Parasurama. This temple is located at Laloor, 5Kms away from Sree Vadakumnatha temple in south - west direction. Laloor Sree Karthiyayini temple is distinct in many ways. There is no sub - shrines in the temple. The size of the "Valiya Balikkallu" is nearly 8 Feet high which shows that the type of prathistha. Temple architecture is closely connected to Sankaranarayana temple in Vadakkumnatha complex. The priests were from the same family who were head priest of Sree Rama temple of Vadakkumnatha temple. The sanctum sanctorum and mural paintings are in the shrines. The Kerala style of architecture, the gothic style of mural painting of the temple are without any parallel. The temple was owned by Mannath family. Due to various reasons the temple was taken over by Cohin Dewasam Board.

Laloor:Gramadevatha of "Aranattukara". "Chathur bahu vigraha". OORALAN: Moolathadam Nair Family.
Pooram: Laloor pooram has the privilege of the first pooram to hoist the pooram flag before noon of the "Kodiyettam" day. System followed is "Padahadhy" style. The next day o f "Kodiyettam" Laloor Bhagavathy, after daily rituals travels to Pookkattikkara - Karamukku temple. After the poojas there, Devi travels back to Laloor along with Karamukku Bhagavathy. It is believed that this courtesy call to fellow pooram participant was another extinct rituals where all ten participants followed once.

Laloor Pooram: On the seventh day after Tantric Poojas. Laloor Bhagavati's "Ezhunnallippu" starts Pooram muhurtham at 6.30 a.m. Along with "Nadhaswram" and Panchavadhyam with five elephants, the Ezhunnallippu reaches at Naduvilal of Swaraj round. During the course of time the number of elephants increases to nine. The melam starts procession moves to Sreemoola Sthanam with Pandymelam and ends at 10.30 A.M. the deity go inside temple to pay respects to Lord Vadakkumanathan and exit to Southern gopuram and returns to Laloor.

Night Pooram starts at 6.30 p.m from the temple and the day time routine is repeated. Next day after "Kodikkal Pooram", "Kodikkuth" and "Uthram Pattu" the celebration ends.
 

Choorakkottukavu Durga Temple

 Choorakkottukavu Sree Durga Temple situates under the valley of vilangankunnu, the famous Tourist Kendra in Trichur. It locates on the Eastern side of Trichur - Kunnamkulam Road. The distance from the Temple to Trichur town is only 8 K.M. this is one of the oldest Temples in Kerala. According to mythology the "Prathishta" of this Temple was done by Parasurama. After defeating the adamant Kshathriyas Parasuraman created 108 Durga Temples and 108 Sastha Temple in Kerala.

"CHORAKOTTUKAVU" Nanadurga. Sub temple of Ramanchira. No Sub shirens.

Choorakkottukavu Sree Durga Temple is one of the famous Durga Temple. After passage of time the deity was surrounded by choral bushes. When the laborers cleaning premises the Sickle hit on the Deity and blood was ousted. Then the public realized there is some sanctity for the place and a Temple was constructed there. One of the peculiarities of this Temple is that there is no roof for the Sanctum Sanctorum. The Deity faces to the Western side. On the front side of Sree-Kovil there is a Mukha-Mandapam. Followed by Valiyambalam and compound wall. The major festivals of this Temple is Pooram (Trichur Pooram) and "Karthika Vilakku" in Malayalam month Vrischikam, also celebrate Vijayadasami, Mahasivarathri and "Ramayanamasom".

"Karthikavilakku" is a major festival of this temple. We celebrate it for 3 days. There will be various cultural and spiritual programmes on these days. On "karthikavilakku" day there will be "Ezhunnellippu" with Elephants and "Panjavadyam".

Another major celebration of this temple is "Pooram" (Trichur Pooram). This temple is one of the major participants of Trichur Pooram. The Pooram celebration commences by ritual named "kodiyettam". After "kodiyettam" there will be "Aarattu" every day till "Kodikkal Pooram". There will be "parayeduppu" also. On the part of parayeddppu Bhagavathy on the top of caparisoned Elephant accompanied by Melam visits every house and accepts offerings. During these 7 days there will be various cultural programs also in the night. On the Trichur Pooram day at 6.30 A.M. Bhagavathy with all pomp and pageantry goes to Trichur Town accompanied by "Nadhaswaram". The villagers and devotees follow to participate in the pooram. Pakal Pooram commences at 9.30 A.M. and ends at 11 A.M .After pakal Pooram Bhagavathy takes rest in Paramekkavu Temple. Out "Rathri Pooram" commences at 10 P.M. and ends at 12 o clock. On both occasions Chenda artists perform "Pandimelam". Immediately after "Rathri Pooram" Bhagavathy returns to temple. On the next day by a ritual named "Kodikkal Pooram" our Pooram celebrations come to an end.

Ayyanthole Karthyayani Temple

 
Sree Karthyayani Temple is located in the vicinity of Ayyanthole Civil Lines, the nerve center of district administration, which is about 4 KMs North West of famous Vadakkumnathan Temple. Sree Karthyayani Mahamaya, the deity of this temple presides over with all prowess, strength and prosperity making the people of the area feel her presence day in and day out.

An enquiry into the origin of the temple will definitely reveal a lot of information and its connection with stories shrouded in our Puranas. One of the stories related to this temple is 'Dakshayaga'. When Siva started his Thandava dance carrying the dead body of Sathi Devi, who gave up her life in the Yagna Sala unable to suffer the humiliation any more, Lord Vishnu to pacify the outrages Siva shot an arrow and cut the body of Sathi Devi into fragments. It is said, Sathi's bodies was cut into 108 pieces and one of the pieces is believed to have fallen in the place where this temple is located. Later on during 'Thretha Yuga' , Lord Vishnu reborn as Parasurama found out this place and performed penance to have Darsan of Devi. Pleased with this penance, Devi appeared before Parasurama and later immediately made an idol identical to Devi’s appearance and he duly performed the installation ceremony on his own according to the custom and entreated Devi to protect the people of the area from all adversities and calamities. The idol of this temple is exactly the same that was installed by Parasurama in the 'Thretha Yuga'. Another story connected to this temple, in the Bhagavatha is as follows. 'Lord Vishnu' was reborn as a child of Devaki as Sree Krishna and at the same time 'Adi Parasakthi' took birth as a daughter to Yasoda. As directed by the Lord, Vasudevan exchanged the children and King Kamsa saw a female child born to his sister. As his usual practice, Kamsa wanted to kill this daughter also by striking it against the rock. When he lifted the child by her feet in his attempt to strike on the rock, the beautiful child escaped from his hand by pushing herself by kicking on the shoulders of Kamsa and flew away in the space and at last came to the Temple in Ayyanthole and merged with the idol installed by Parasurama. Ayyanthole is so called because; it is the place that Devi chose for merging with God after kicking on the shoulders of Kamsa. On account of the divinity acquired by this temple in ways more than one, the prowess and strength of the Devi is not only unprecedented about also inexplicable. The auspicious Devi of the Temple (Karthyayani) may be worshipped by the Devotees according to the belief and imaginations. Devi presiding in this Temple is very generous in granting the wishes of believes. The form of the Devi is also beautiful that nobody will be satiated by seeing and looking at her who is in a standing posture with a shining sweet face and has Conch shell, whirling disc, Lotus and 'Kadibandham' in her four hands. The idol available in the sanctum sanctorum of this holy temple is exactly the same that was installed by Parasurama. Made of Anjana stone (that is black stone) and well covered by Pancha Loha (an alloy of five of different metals) the idol of Devi with a pleasing face and semi closed lotus eye is also beautiful that the devotees want to see her face again and again every day. Famous astrologers have also expressed their opinion against any change or modification of the Pancha Loha covering or the 'Prabha Mandalam' around the deity.

Nethilakkavu Bagavathy Temple

 
Naithalakkavu temple is situated, 6 km north of Thrissur city in a village called Kuttur. It is under Cochin Devaswom Board. The temple has been considered to have connections with Cochin Royal family, in the days of their reign the Amma of Naithalakkavu had a special place in Shakthan Thampuran's Palace then. The Amma is considered to be the deity of the village Kuttur, which has been surrounded by Siva Temples. The Naithalakkavu Amma has the sole authority to open the Thekke Gopuram(South Gopuram) of Vadakkunatha temple for the Thrissur Pooram.

The sanctum sanctorum of Shiva in this temple is one of the largest rounded sanctorum in Kerala. Besides Siva and Naithalakkavu Amma, Sri Durga, Shastra, Ganapathi, Anthimahakalan, Rashasu & Dampathu Rashasu is been present as Upadevas. A Rashasu named Kelumman is installed under Alstonius (Pala) tree outside the walls of the temple. The Naithalakkavu Amma is faced towards west, while Siva is faced to east direction. It is an important temple among Vadakkunthan's Rishabhagiri temples.