Raja Ratnam
- Festivals , Navratri [ Day 1 To Day 9 }
- September 29, 2025
- 409 views
Maa Mahagauri (Navratri Day 8): Kanya Puja Vidhi, Mantras, Color & Sacred Story
Introduction Dressed in spotless white robes, riding a gentle white bull with a trident and damaru in her hands, Maa Mahagauri graces the eighth day of Navratri (Durgashtami). Having undergone severe Himalayan penances until her dark skin was washed radiant by the waters of the holy Ganga, she is the gentle mother of unconditional forgiveness, compassion, and inner serenity. Maa Mahagauri blesses her devotees with inner peace, wisdom, and prosperity while removing sins and past karmic debts. She is worshipped widely on Durga Ashtami, which is considered one of the most sacred days of Navratri. This day also holds special significance because many devotees perform Kanya Puja (Kumari Puja), where young girls are worshipped as embodiments of the Goddess herself. For official cultural and historical archives, visit the Incredible India Official Tourism Authority. The Story of Maa Mahagauri (Day 8 of Navratri) According to legend, Maa Parvati undertook severe penance to please Lord Shiva. She performed intense tapasya in the forests, enduring harsh conditions, dust, and hardships. Due to this, her skin became dark. Pleased by her devotion, Lord Shiva accepted her as his consort and washed away her dark complexion with the holy waters of the Ganga River. As…
- Festivals , Navratri [ Day 1 To Day 9 }
- September 27, 2025
- 421 views
Maa Katyayani (Navratri Day 6): Story of Slaying Mahishasura, Puja Vidhi & Mantra
Introduction Born from the fiery collective energy of the gods in the hermitage of Sage Katyayana, Maa Katyayani rises on the sixth day of Navratri as a glorious, lion-riding warrior goddess. Armed with a flashing golden sword and lotus blossom, she fearlessly confronted and defeated the buffalo-demon Mahishasura, demonstrating that when righteousness is threatened, feminine courage rises to protect the cosmos. Maa Katyayani is particularly revered because she was the one who defeated and killed the mighty demon Mahishasura, earning her the title of Mahishasuramardini (the slayer of Mahishasura). Devotees worship her for courage, protection, and marital bliss. Appearance of Maa Katyayani – Day 6 of Navratri Maa Katyayani’s divine form radiates strength and valor: Significance of Maa Katyayani Worship Maa Katyayani also represents the awakening of the Ajna (third eye) chakra, bringing intuition and wisdom. Maa Katyayani – Day 6 of Navratri Color – Red The auspicious color for Day 6 of Navratri is Red, symbolizing passion, strength, and action. Devotees wear red clothes and offer red flowers to Maa Katyayani during the puja. Maa Katyayani Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Rituals) Morning Preparations: Kalash Sthapana: Invocation of Maa Katyayani: Chanting the Mantra: “Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah” Bhog (Offering): Aarti &…
- Festivals , Navratri [ Day 1 To Day 9 }
- September 24, 2025
- 419 views
Maa Chandraghanta (Navratri Day 3): The Fierce Grace, Puja Vidhi, Color & Mantra
Introduction Adorned with a golden crescent moon shaped like a temple bell upon her forehead, Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day of Navratri. Riding a roaring tigress with ten hands carrying weapons of valor, the gentle sound of her bell purifies negative vibrations and instills calm courage in the hearts of devotees, showing that true grace and protective bravery live together. She is believed to ride a tiger, symbolising bravery, and carries weapons in her ten hands. Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta removes fear, grants courage, and fills life with peace and harmony. Who is Maa Chandraghanta – Navratri Day 3? Maa Chandraghanta is the married form of Goddess Parvati, after she wed Lord Shiva. With a crescent moon on her forehead resembling a bell, she is both compassionate to her devotees and fierce toward evil forces. She is often described as a goddess who can bring tranquility in her calm form and immense destruction in her warrior form. Thus, she is the perfect balance of serenity and strength. Iconography of Maa Chandraghanta Maa Chandraghanta Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step) Morning Preparation Ghatasthapana Continuation Invocation Significance of Maa Chandraghanta Worship Benefits of Worshipping Maa Chandraghanta Legends of Maa Chandraghanta – Navratri Day…
- Festivals , Navratri [ Day 1 To Day 9 }
- September 23, 2025
- 466 views
Maa Brahmacharini (Navratri Day 2): Penance Story, Puja Vidhi, Color & Mantras
Introduction Walking barefoot through mountain snows with a prayer rosary in her right hand and a sacred water pot in her left, Maa Brahmacharini graces the second day of Navratri. Her name celebrates pure spiritual dedication (Tapas). Spending centuries in quiet forest meditation to win the heart of Lord Shiva, she teaches children and seekers the value of patience, focus, and quiet perseverance. The word Brahmacharini is a combination of Brahma (supreme knowledge or tapas) and Charini (one who practices). Thus, she is the goddess who practiced deep penance to please Lord Shiva. Worshipping her brings courage, self-control, and prosperity. Who is Maa Brahmacharini (Navratri Day 2 )? According to Hindu scriptures, Maa Brahmacharini is the unmarried form of Goddess Parvati. After her rebirth as the daughter of Himavan, she performed severe penance for thousands of years to win Lord Shiva as her husband. She accepted an ascetic lifestyle, living on fruits, flowers, and later surviving only on air and water. Her dedication and penance earned her the name Brahmacharini, the goddess who embodies devotion and austerity. Iconography of Maa Brahmacharini (Navratri Day 2 ) Maa Brahmacharini (Navratri Day 2 )Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step) Morning Rituals Kalash and Idol Installation Invocation…
- Festivals , Navratri [ Day 1 To Day 9 }
- September 20, 2025
- 1927 views
Maa Shailaputri (Navratri Day 1): Story, Puja Vidhi, Favorite Color, Bhog & Mantra
Introduction As the daughter of the mighty Himalayas (Himavat), Maa Shailaputri marks the joyous first day of Navratri. Crowned with a crescent moon and riding the sacred bull Nandi with a trident in hand, she represents the deep, unshakable foundation of the earth itself, blessing every household with stability, fresh beginnings, and courage as the festive season begins. Her name explains that – Shaila means “mountain,” and Putri means “daughter.” She is for purity, strength, and staying grounded. Praying to this goddess on the first day is considered very important because she sets the spiritual tone for the rest of the days. Who is Maa Shailaputri (Day 1 of Navratri)? Maa Shailaputri (Day 1 of Navratri) :Maa Shailputri is the first manifestation of Goddess Durga. According to Hindu scriptures, she is the rebirth of Goddess Sati, who immolated herself during Daksha’s yajna (sacrifice). In her new life, she was born as the daughter of King Himavan, the lord of the Himalayas, and thus came to be called “Shailputri.” She is also identified with Goddess Parvati, who later marries Lord Shiva. As a result, Maa Shailputri represents divine motherhood, endurance, and strength. Iconography of Maa Shailaputri (Day 1 of Navratri) Maa…
- Lord Ganesha
- September 6, 2025
- 589 views
Gajanana Avatar of Ganesha: Legend, Destruction of Lobhasura (Greed) & Lessons
With large fan-like ears tuned to the quietest prayers and an elephant head symbolizing boundless intellect, the Gajanana avatar of Lord Ganesha is celebrated across Indian homes as the bringer of wisdom. In ancient legends, this beloved form manifested to overcome Lobhasura – the demon of greed – reminding us that true wealth lies not in hoarding possessions, but in sharing generously and nurturing a peaceful heart. The name Gajanana comes from two Sanskrit words: Gaja (elephant) and Anana (face), meaning “the one with the elephant face.” This avatar is deeply symbolic, representing wisdom, strength, and the ability to overcome life’s greatest challenges with intelligence and patience. The Story of Gajanana During the cosmic struggle with Lobhasura, the Gajanana avatar appeared, according to the Mudgala Purana. Lobhasura was born out of greed (lobha) and spread his influence across the worlds by making humans and even gods crave material possessions beyond measure. His reign brought disharmony and suffering, as even noble beings became obsessed with wealth and desire. The gods turned to Lord Ganesha for help. Taking on the Gajanana form, with his mighty elephant face radiating divine brilliance, he confronted Lobhasura. But instead of destroying him outright, Gajanana used wisdom…
