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Guru Sri Raghavendra Swamy Aradhana

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Guru Sri Raghavendra Swamy Aradhana The Raghavendra Aradhana in 2024 marks the 353rd Aradhana Mahotsava of Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy. That was the day that the Guru entered in Brindavan. Shri Raghavendra Swamy, a revered saint and spiritual teacher from the 16th century, actively promoted the Vaishnavism tradition and played a significant role in spreading the Dvaita philosophy of Madhvacharya. The Raghavendra Aradhana 2024 will be globally celebrated in all Raghavendra Swamy temples, including Mantralayam, from August 20th to 22nd. The most important day of the event will be August 21st. First day is called Poorva Aradhane (Tuesday, August 20, 2024) , Second day is called Madhya Aradhane (Wednesday, August 21, 2024) and, Third day is called Uttara Aradhane (Thursday, August 22, 2024) . The day Raghavendra Swamy entered Brindavan for his Samadhi is known as Aradhana. It is celebrated every year on the second day of the waning phase of the moon in the month of Shravan, according to t...

Sri Nagavi Yallamma Devi Temple, Chittapura

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ಯಲ್ಲಮ್ಮ ತಾಯಿ ಉಧೋ.. ಉಧೋ... ತಹಸೀಲ್ದಾರ ಮಂಗಳಾರತಿ ಮಾಡಿ ಪಲ್ಲಕ್ಕಿ ಹೊತ್ತುಕೊಂಡು ಉತ್ಸವದ ಮೆರವಣಿಗೆ ಭಕ್ತಸಮೂಹ ದೇವಸ್ಥಾನದ ಎದುರಿನ ಎರಡು ಬಾವಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಸ್ನಾನ ಹೊರ ರಾಜ್ಯಗಳಿಂದಲೂ ಹರಿದು ಬಂದ ಭಕ್ತಸಮೂಹ The Nagavi Yellamma Temple, located near Chittapur, Kalaburagi (formerly known as Gulbarga), is a highly respected place of worship dedicated to the Goddess Yellamma. Originating from the Chalukya era, this temple showcases elaborate architecture, peaceful environs, and a main shrine devoted to the goddess. The place serves as a spiritual sanctuary, inviting worshippers in search of comfort and divine favour inside its serene atmosphere. This temple, easily reached by well-connected roads, embodies a wealth of cultural legacy and spiritual importance, beckoning tourists to fully immerse themselves in its sacred atmosphere. The Nagavi Yellamma Temple is a place where history, faith, and devotion come together, with a rich tradition that spans centuries. The innermost chamber of the temple has the sacred idol o...

Sri Garuda Panchami-- Garuda temple at Koladevi

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Kumkumankitha Varnaya Kundendu Davalayacha Vishnu Vahanamsthubyam Pakshirajaya Thenamaha ( One who has the complexion of Kumkum, one who shines like the bright moon I pray to the Vahana of Vishnu, who is the king of the Birds.) A few years back, I got the chance to go to the Garuda Temple at Koladevi, which is close to Mulbagal in the Karnataka Kolar District. This temple is devoted to Garuda Deva, the divine vehicle of Lord Vishnu. The Garuda Temple, a renowned historical structure, is situated in the rural village of Koladevi in Mulbagilu Taluk, Kolar District, Karnataka, India. Adjacent to this location, there are several historic temples such as the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple. Garuda Panchami falls on the 5th day of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the Indian month of Shravan (July-August). The day is specifically devoted to Garuda, the divine chariot of Lord Vishnu and the sovereign ruler of avian creatures. History -Sthalapurana The origin of this temple can be trace...

Sri Goda Rangantha Swamy temple Edulabad, Telangana

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Sri Goda Ranganatha Swamy temple, located in Edulabad Village, Ghatekesar Mandal, is a historically significant and exceptionally uncommon temple in India. While numerous temples can be found in the state and throughout the country, the three most notable ones are located in Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu, while the other two are situated in Telangana State. According to the Vishnupurana and Varaha Purana,Sri Vishnuchitta, Vishnuchittar also known as Perialwar, a temple priest, discovered an infant girl in his Tulasivanam. He bestowed the name ‘Kodhai’ meaning a bundle or bouquet of flowers upon her and raised the child. Kodhai was raised in an environment characterized by affection and dedication. Vishnuchitta, the affectionate father, serenaded her with hymns dedicated to Lord Sriman Narayana. As Kodhai matured into an exquisite young woman, her adoration and dedication to the Lord intensified to the point where she made the decision to wed none other than the Lord himself. Over time, h...

Somana Kunitha -Mask dance of Karanataka

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Somana Kunitha or Soma kunitha - the 'Mask dance,' is a traditional folk art form from Southern Karnataka that serves as a kind of spirit worship. It conveys a profound message about the ancient village deities of Karnataka. Somas means Masks and Kunitha means dance. Somas are considered as the guardian angels or the body guards serving the feminine deity/ies of the villages. These entities are generally distinguished by two colours - the red one known as Kencha Raya and the yellow one known as Bootha Raya. Kenhcaraya serves as the divine protector of Lord Vishnu, and so, offerings of lamb and other animals are presented to pacify him. However, it is important to note that Booth Raya cannot be appeased through any form of slaughtering. The masks, which symbolize the protective angels, are crafted through a series of traditional procedures and then paraded in a procession. The two factions of celestial guardians also symbolize the devout followers of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishn...