Some Buddhist teachers insist that believing in rebirth is necessary for living an ethical life. Their concern is that if there is no fear of karmic repercussions in future lifetimes, what keeps hospice patients, for example, from overcharging their credit cards? I find this argument as sad as the argument that without a belief…
04
June
The Makara Vilakku Pooja is one of the most significant prayer offerings to Lord Ayyappan. This pooja is directly linked to the beginning of the Sabrimala pilgrimage. This pilgrimage begins in the middle of November, on 1st of the Malayalam month of Vrichikam. Usually, the day lies somewhere around 14th to 17th November. The pilgrimage…
04
April
“Panthrandu vilakku” is being observed in temples with great fervour and enthusiasm to commemorate the ‘Ten Avatars of Lord Vishnu’. The first avatar was ‘Matsya’ or the ‘fish’ from the satya yuga. Lord Vishnu took the form of a fish. To save the earth from the Apocalypse, He took his boat to the new world…
04
October
It is believed that Lord Ayyappa has his divine control over Lord Shani. According to Hindu astrology, Shani or Saturn is one among the planets. People who believe in astrology and horoscope always think about that the position of Shani on their horoscope which they believe can cause misery to their life.
13
June
India is the land of deities and temples are constructed in a peculiar style. Most of them have their unique style of presentation. Now take a look at the idol postures. There is specific concept for the posters of deities that we worship. The idols that we worship are mainly in 3 positions, of sitting,…
The divine song “Harivarasanam” or Hari Haratmaka Ashtakam is sung when the sanctum sanctorum of the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple close for the day at night. The emotions of Ayyappa devotees in Sabarimala are beyond explanation when they hear Harivarsanam rendered in Sanctorium. The whole area will be filled with Sarana Manthra and every devotee feel…
51 day long vritha (voluntary act of continence) in connection with Sabarimala pilgrimage begins on the first day of malayalam month vrischika. A large number of pilgrims visit the Lord Ayyappa Temple of Sabarimala during the 62 day long pilgrimage period. Those who wish to visit the Lord Ayyappa Temple strictly follow the customary abstinence.…