Monthly Archives: September 2009
Henna- Mehandi
108 names of Goddess Durga
Here are 108 names of Goddess durga with its meaning
Deity Durga is the supreme force who came to fight Mahisasura. Mahisasura had conquered the devas and even Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva could not defeat him. Unable to tolerate his tyranny the gods plead with Vishnu to annihilate the demon. The Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara (Shiva) come together to create a powerful female form with ten arms – Goddess Durga or ‘Mahamaya’. Then they armed the devi with individual blessings and weapons. Thus armed with powers of gods, the devi has defeated Mahisasura. Hindu’s celebrate this festival as Navratri which culminates on Vijaydashmi.
- Durga —The Inaccessible
- Devi— The Diety
- Tribhuvaneshwari —Goddess of The Three Worlds
- Yashodagarba —Sambhoota Emerging From Yashoda’s Womb
- Narayanavarapriya —Fond of Narayana’s Boons
- Nandagopakulajata —Daughter Of The Nandagopa Race
- Mangalya —Auspicious
- Kulavardhini —Developer Of The Race
- Kamsavidravanakari— Threatened Kamsa
- Asurakshayamkari— Reducer Of The Number Of Demons
- Shilathata Vinikshibda —At Birth,Slammed By Kamsa
- Akashagamini —Flew In The Sky
- Vasudevabhagini —Sister Of Vasudeva
- Divamalya Vibhooshita— Adorned With Beautiful Garlands
- Divyambaradhara —Beautifully Robed
- Khadgaketaka Dharini —Holder Of Sword And Shield
- Shiva —Auspicious
- Papadharini —Bearer Of Others’ Sins
- Varada— Granter Of Boons
- Krishna —Sister Of Krishna
- Kumari —Young Girl
- Brahmacharini— Seeker Of Brahman
- Balarkasadrushakara— Like The Rising Sun
- Purnachandra Nibhanana— Beautiful Like The Full Moon
- Chaturbhuja—- Four-Armed
- Chaturvakttra—- Four-Faced
- Peenashroni Payodhara —-Large Bosomed
- Mayoora Pichhavalaya—- Wearer Of Peacock-Feathered Bangles
- Keyurangadadharini —-Bejewelled With Armlets And Bracelets
- Krishnachhavisama—- Like Krishna’s Radiance
- Krishna—- Dark-Complexioned
- Sankarshanasamanana —-Equal To Sankarshana
- Indradhwaja Samabahudharini —-With Shoulders Like Indra’s Flag
- Patradharini —-Vessel-Holder
- Pankajadharini—-Lotus-Holder
- Kanttadhara—- Holder of Shiva’s Neck
- Pashadharini —-Holder Of Rope
- Dhanurdharini—- Holder Of Bow
- Mahachakradharini —-Holder Of Chakra
- Vividayudhadhara —-Bearer Of Various Weapons
- Kundalapurnakarna Vibhooshita—- Wearer Of Earrings Covering The Ears
- Chandravispardimukha —-Beautiful Like The Moon
- Mukutavirajita —-Shining With Crown Adorned
- Shikhipichhadwaja Virajita —-Having Peacock-Feathered Flag
- Kaumaravratadhara—- Observer Of Fasts Like Young Girls Do
- Tridivabhavayirtri —-Goddess Of The Three Worlds
- Tridashapujita —-The Goddess Of The Celestials
- Trailokyarakshini—- Protector Of The Three Worlds
- Mahishasuranashini—- Destroyer Of Mahisha
- Prasanna—- Cheerful
- Surashreshtta —-Supreme Among The Celestials
- Shiva —-Shiva’s Half
- Jaya —-Victorious
- Vijaya—- Conqueror
- Sangramajayaprada—- Granter Of Victory In The War
- Varada —-Bestower
- Vindhyavasini`—- Resident Of The Vindhyas
- Kali —-Dark-Complexioned
- Kali —-Goddess Of Death
- Mahakali —-Wife Of Mahakala
- Seedupriya —-Fond Of Drinks
- Mamsapriya—- Fond Of Flesh
- Pashupriya —-Fond Of All Beings
- Bhootanushruta —-Well-Wisher Of Bhootaganas
- Varada —-Bestower
- Kamacharini —-Acting On One’s Own Accord
- Papaharini —-Destroyer Of Sins
- Kirti —-Famed
- Shree —-Auspicious
- Dhruti —-Valiant
- Siddhi —-Successful
- Hri—- Holy Chant Of Hymns
- Vidhya—- Wisdom
- Santati —-Granter Of Issues
- Mati —-Wise
- Sandhya—- Twilight
- Ratri —-Night
- Prabha —-Dawn
- Nitya —-Eternal
- Jyotsana —-Radiant Like Flames
- Kantha —-Radiant
- Khama —-Embodiment Of Forgiveness
- Daya —-Compassionate
- Bandhananashini—- Detacher Of Attachments
- Mohanashini —-Destroyer Of Desires
- Putrapamrityunashini —-Sustainer Of Son’s Untimely Death
- Dhanakshayanashini —-Controller Of Wealth Decrease
- Vyadhinashini —-Vanquisher Of Ailments
- Mruthyunashini —-Destroyer Of Death
- Bhayanashini —-Remover Of Fear
- Padmapatrakshi—- Eyes Like The Lotus Leaf
- Durga —-Remover Of Distress
- Sharanya —-Granter Of Refuge
- Bhaktavatsala—- Lover Of Devotees
- Saukhyada —-Bestower Of Well-Being
- Arogyada —-Granter Of Good Health
- Rajyada—- Bestower Of Kingdom
- Ayurda —-Granter Of Longevity
- Vapurda —-Granter Of Beautiful Appearance
- Sutada —-Granter Of Issues
- Pravasarakshika —-Protector Of Travellers
- Nagararakshika —-Protector Of Land
- Sangramarakshika —-Protector Of Wars
- Shatrusankata Rakshika —-Protector From Distress Caused By Foes
- Ataviduhkhandhara Rakshika—- Protector From Ignorance And Distress
- Sagaragirirakshika —-Protector Of Seas And Hills
- Sarvakaryasiddhi Pradayika —-Granter Of Success In All Attempts
- Durga —-Deity Durga
Madhubani painting – A folk art
Laughing buddha
Kalighat Temple – Sati Shakti peeth
Kalighat, a Hindu temple and one from the 52 shakti peeths of India. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The temple is situated in kolkata on the bank of river Hoogly(bhagirathi).
The existence of Kalighat Kali Temple
Sati was daughter of king Daksha she married Lord Shiva against the wish of her father. Once King Dakha was having a yagna and he didn’t invite Lord Shiva and Sati. When Sati went to her father’s palace, he insulted Lord Shiva and Sati. Unable to bear this disrespect for her husband she killed herself, when Shiva came to know this he was enraged, he began to wonder holding the dead body of Sati in his arms and he started the dance of distruction of universe. Lord Vishnu in order to save the universe and to break this attachment of Lord Shiva cut off Sati’s body into pieces with his sudarshan chakra. Sati’s body fell at different places these places are called shakti peeth. It is believed that right toe of sati fell here. A devotee discovered a luminant ray of light coming from the Bhagirathi river bed, and upon investigating its source came upon a piece of stone carved in the form of a human toe. He also found a Svayambhu Lingam of Nakuleshwar Bhairav nearby, and started worshiping Kali in the midst of a thick jungle.
The story of Sati and Skati Peeths
Kalighat is also associated with the worship offered to Kali by a Dasanami Monk by name Chowranga Giri, and the Chowringee area of Kolkata is said to have been named after him. Kalighat kali temple is always over crowded with devotees from all over the world.
The original temple was a small hut. In early sixteenth century a small temple was constructed by King Manasingha, present day temple was constructed in 1809.
The Idol of Kali in this temple is unique and different from other Kali idols of Bengal. The idol is made of black stone and decorated with silver and gold. It has three huge eyes and a long protruding tongue made of gold and four hands, in two hands she holds a sword and a severed head and other two hands are blessing positions.
The goddess is offered a ceremonial bath every year on the snan-yatra day, the rituals being performed by the head priest. Kali represents the destructive side of Siva’s consort and demands daily sacrifices; therefore in the morning goats have their throats slit here to satisfy the goddess’s blood lust.
Kalighat Temple Timings
The Kalighat Temple is usually open to visitors every day of the week. The temple opening and closing timings may vary based on the season and Hindu festival calendar. Generally, the temple is open early in the morning and closes in the evening. The following are the typical temple timings:
- Morning: The temple usually opens between 4:00 am and 5:00 am and remains open until 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm.
- Afternoon: The temple may be closed for a few hours in the afternoon and reopens around 4:00 pm or 5:00 pm.
- Evening: The temple remains open until 9:00 pm or 10:00 pm.
Visitors are advised to check the exact temple timings before their visit, as they may change due to special events, holidays, or other circumstances.
Important facts about Kalighat
- Origin of the Name: Kalighat is derived from the Bengali words “Kalikata”, which means “The place of Goddess Kali”. The temple is said to have originated when one of the toes of Sati, the consort of Lord Shiva, fell at the site during the legendary Hindu myth of Daksha Yagna.
- Miraculous Healing Powers: The temple is believed to have miraculous healing powers, and many devotees visit the temple to seek blessings and cures for their ailments. It is said that the goddess Kali can cure the most incurable diseases and grant the wishes of those who offer prayers and offerings with a pure heart.
- The Golden Sword: Kalighat is famous for its gold-plated sword that is said to have been gifted to the temple by Raja Krishnachandra of Navadvipa. The sword is considered sacred and is used during religious ceremonies and rituals.
- Celebration of Mahalaya: The temple celebrates the Hindu festival of Mahalaya with great fervor and devotion. During the festival, the temple is decorated with lights and flowers, and thousands of devotees gather to offer prayers and participate in the rituals.
- Festival of Durga Puja: The temple is also famous for its celebration of Durga Puja, one of the biggest Hindu festivals in West Bengal. During the festival, the temple is decorated with elaborate arrangements and attracts devotees from all over the world.
These are just a few of the interesting stories and legends associated with the Kalighat Temple, a revered Hindu shrine that holds immense cultural and religious significance. It is believed that any one who worshipped here with true is heart is always saved by her.
Italian wedding
Italian wedding tradition is among the oldest in the world, dating back to Roman traditions. Many of the traditions are still in practice. In ancient time, man request a women hand from his father, this is still in practice in some parts of southern Italy but now a man directly proses a women. In southern Italy engagement is in form of a party among friend and relatives but, this is not practiced in northern Italy.