Miscellaneous

Few pictures of durga puja

Splendidn work of art in the pandals!!

Dear Priya
Thank you so much for posting these very beautiful photos. extremely wonderful. where did you get those? I am reminded of my calcutta visit.

Dear Priyu
Thanks again. Very very wonderful.

Dear Anand chitra,
You can click on the link below and find the same:-

Durga Puja 2007 -

Hello Friends .......


I was looking for some OGATUGALU ( called so in Kannada ) . There is a tradition of telling husbands name through some riddles in karnataka .. It would be gr8 if u can share some of them ..

Thanks .

Hi preeti


Thank u so much for starting a nice thread Are you kannadiga coz

I am kannada speaking. If u could have taken initiative to start

one ogatu it will be nice. Sorry for giving suggestion .

If u want to share pl reply ...




Bye

Dear All,

I am Smrithi Kumar. Can anyone tell me the Rituals to be followed for all the functions after Marriage like thalai diwali, thalai Aadi, thalai Pongal etc.

Regards
Smrithi K

Dear ILites,
I think most of you are aware about this day.
I found the significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi in one of the websites. Pasting the same for you to read.
-Devotee


Vaikunta Ekadasi is an important festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January). Vaikunda Ekadesi festival is of great significance at the Tirupati Balaji Temple, Srirangam Sri Ranganatha Temple and at the Bhadrachalam Temple. In Kerala, it is known as Swarga Vathil Ekadashi.
The significance of Vaikunta Ekadasi can be traced back to the Padma Purana. The Purana indicates that Lord Vishnu took the form of ‘Ekadasi’ – female energy – to kill demon Muran. This happened during the month of Margazhi. Impressed by ‘Ekadasi,’ Lord Vishnu told her that whoever worships him on this day will reach ‘Vaikunta’ (heaven).


Like all Ekadasi days, devotees fast on this day and observe vigil the whole night. Some people indulge in [COLOR=blue! important][COLOR=blue! important]meditation[/color][/color], Japa and singing of Hari Kirtan. Rice is avoided during ekadashi days as it is believed that the demon Mura finds a dwelling in the rice eaten on Ekadasi day.


It is widely believed that the gates to the heaven open - the Gate of Vaikuntha - on the Vaikunta Ekadasi day. It is one of the most auspicious days in Lord Vishnu Temples in South India.


The ‘Vaikunta Dwaram’ or ‘the gate to the heaven’ is opened on this day. This is the passage encircling the innermost sanctum of the Lord. Scores of devotees queue up to pass through the Gate of Vaikunta in the temples.


Vaikunta Ekadasi occurs in December or early January.

Thai Poosam is celebrated widely this day on 23rd january by all
devotees and Kavadi pooja is observed with reverence.The end of
Makara vilakku in sabarimala and the subsequent function for
subramanya is to be noted.
During this day Sashti Kavacham is read.
"Kanda Shasti Kavasam is composed by Devaraya Swamigal. This is a
rare and valuable treasure that helps one to be successful in day-to-
day life.In Kanda Sasti Kavacam the author prays to Lord Muruga to
shower His grace. It is certain that by regular chanting of this
kavacam all the predicaments of life are resolved. People without
children will enjoy .. Prosperity and plenty will abound. Peace will
prevail at home. The devotee who reads it will enjoy every good
fortune under the sun. As a warrior going to battle puts on armour
to protect himself, the Kanda Sasti Kavacam also helps one to be
safe in day-to-day life"

A few words about Sashti
Sashti is the day the Lord Subramanya defeated the demon Soorapadma
and saved the Earth from his evils. When the devas couldn't tolerate
the evil doings of this demon, they approached the younger son of
Lord Shiva and Parvati. The kind Lord went on a war against
Soorapadman. The war was waged for six days, at the end of which the
Lord vanquished the asura. He threw his weapon at him and
Soorapadman was split into two halves. One half became a peacock,
which He took as His vaahana. The other became a cock and was
transformed into his flag.

The devas, who were tormented by Soorapadman, rejoiced - they
praised the Lord and prayed to him for six days. Devotees usually
narrate the kanda sashti kavacham, during this period. Whoever fasts
for these six days of Skanda Sashti and prays to Lord Muruga
steadfastly, it is said that they would get the blessings of Lord
Muruga. Those who are unable to fast for a whole day for a six-day
duration, can eat just one meal during this period.Let we observe
and reap the benefits.