Hindu Temple in Dubai

Hindu Temple, Dubai

Hindu Temple, Dubai (referred to locally as Shiva and Krishna Mandir) is a temple complex in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The temple caters to the large Hindu community in the United Arab Emirates and is the only Hindu temple in that country. The temple complex comprises a Shiva and Krishna temple.

The Hindu Temple is located west of the Dubai Creek in the area of Bur Dubai (specifically Al Bastakiya) and is adjacent to Al Fahidi Fort. The temple is run in conjunction with the Indian consulate in Dubai. The Hindu Temple Complex at the Bur Dubai creek near the Dubai Museum which caters to the needs of Hindus. The temple complex houses the Lord Shiva and Krishna Temples.

There is a large queue during weekends and holidays at the small temple complex. Devotees have to wait for long period to get darshan. The shrines are dedicated to Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva.

Located in Bur Dubai, the Shiva and Krishna Temple caters to the religious needs of the vast Hindu community in Dubai. While the temple performs marriage ceremonies among the Hindus, interestingly the marriages cannot be registered in the country.
In the Siva temple, they also perform Aiyappan Puja, Vishnu Sahasranama Chanting, Homams etc. Again, we have to respect the law of the land. During Ramadan fasting period, prasad will be distributed only after the Iftar time(breaking fast).

The Hindu Temple Complex at the Bur Dubai creek is the single temple in UAE for thousands of Hindus in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Ras Al-Khaimah – the seven kingdoms which form United Arab Emirates.

Directions to reach the Hindu temple in Dubai

Head down to Burjuman. This is one of the big popular malls in the country. You could either take a taxi or use the metro to get off at Khalid Bin Waleed Station. From there head down Khalid Bin Waleed street (popularly known as computer street). As you walk past the computer stores, turn right at Apsara supermarket. Continue to walk towards the creek as you head in the direction of Dubai Museum. Right next to the museum is the Hindu Temple.

There used to be Sai Baba temple & a Panchamukha Hanuman temple in Dubai. But these temples had to be closed due to some local regulations.

LORD SHIVA

Lord Shiva

The Powerful God:
Shiva is 'shakti' or power, Shiva is the destroyer, the most powerful god of the Hindu pantheon and one of the godheads in the Hindu Trinity. Known by many names - Mahadeva, Mahayogi, Pashupati, Nataraja, Bhairava, Vishwanath, Bhava, Bhole Nath - Lord Shiva is perhaps the most complex of Hindu deities. Hindus recognize this by putting his shrine in the temple separate from those of other deities.

Shiva As Phallic Symbol:
Shiva, in temples is usually found as a phallic symbol of the 'linga', which represents the energies necessary for life on both the microcosmic and the macrocosmic levels, that is, the world in which we live and the world which constitutes the whole of the universe. In a Shaivite temple, the 'linga' is placed in the center underneath the spire, where it symbolizes the naval of the earth.

A Different Deity:
The actual image of Shiva is also distinct from other deities: his hair piled high on the top of his head, with a crescent tucked into it and the river Ganges tumbling from his hairs. Around his neck is a coiled serpent representing Kundalini or the spiritual energy within life. He holds a trident in his left hand in which is bound the 'damroo' (small leather drum). He sits on a tiger skin and on his right is a water pot. He wears the 'Rudraksha' beads and his whole body is smeared with ash.

The Destructive Force:
Shiva is believed to be at the core of the centrifugal force of the universe, because of his responsibility for death and destruction. Unlike the godhead Brahma, the Creator, or Vishnu, the Preserver, Shiva is the dissolving force in life. But Shiva dissolves in order to create, since death is the medium for rebirth into a new life. So the opposites of life and death and creation and destruction both reside in his character.

The Most Fascinating of Gods:
He is also often portrayed as the supreme ascetic with a passive and composed disposition. Sometimes he is depicted riding a bull called Nandi decked in garlands. Although a very complicated deity, Shiva is one of the most fascinating of Hindu gods.

108 famous Shiva Temples In Kerala

108 Shiva Temples in Kerala created by Lord Parasurama

According to the legends, Lord Parasurama created the land between Gokarna and Kanyakumari.

After the creation of this land, Parasurama had consecrated 108 Shiva temples and 108 Durga temples for the well-being and prosperity of the people in Kerala . Among these 216 temples, the Lord Shiva of Gokarnam Mahabaleswara Temple in the north and Goddess Kumari of Kanyakumari temple in the south were considered as the protectors of Kerala. The first Shivalaya created by Parasurama was the Thrissivaperoor Vadakkunnatha Temple and the last one was the Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple.

The names of these temples were given in the famous 108 Shivalaya Nama Stothra. This stothra is written in Malayalam and is anonymous. 64 temples were located in Trissur region(9 in Palakkad district, 43 in Thrissur district and 12 in Ernakulam district). District wise distribution of rest of the temples are - 4 in Thiruvanathapuram, 5 in Kollam, 3 in Pathanamthitta, 6 in Alappuzha, 11 in Kottayam, 1 in Idukki, 7 in Malappuram, 4 in Kozhikkode, 1 in Vayanad and 5 in Kannur. Now 2 temples are in Karnataka and one is in Tamil Nadu.

The full version of this stothra is given below.

108 Shivalaya Nama Stothra
"Sreemad Dakshina Kailasam Sree Perooriraveeswaram

Sucheendram Chowaram Mathoor Trippangott atha Mundayoor

Sree Mandhamkunnu Chowalloor Panancheri Korattiyum

Puramundekkatt Avungannoor Kollooru Thirumangalam

Trikkariyooru Kunnapram Sree Velloor Ashtamangalam

Iyranikkulavum Kainoor Gokarnam Eranakulam

Paarivaloor Adattum nal Parippil Chathamangalam

Paraparambu Trukkooru Panayooru Vyttila

Vaikom Rameswaram randum Ettumanoor Edakkolam

Chemmanthatt Aluva pinne Thirumittakkottu Cherthala

Kallattupuzha Trukkunnu Cheruvathooru Ponganam

Trukkapaleeswaram moonnum Avittathoor Perummala

Kollathum Kattakampala Pazhayanooru Perakom

Athampally Ambilikkadu Cheranellooru Maniyoor

Tali nalum Kodungalloor Vanchiyoor Vanchuleswaram

Panjarkulam Chittukulam Alathoor atha Kottiyoor

Truppalooru Perumtatta Truthala Thiruvallayum

Vazhappally Puthuppally Mangalam Thirunnakkara

Kodumboor Ashtamikkovil Pattanakkadu Thashtayil Killikkurussiyum Puthoor Kumbhasambhavamandiram Someswaram cha Vengaloor Kottarakkara Kandiyoor

Palayoorumahadeva Chelloor atha Nedumpura

Mannoor Truchaliyoor Srumgapuram Kottooru Mammiyoor

Parampum tali Thirunavaya Kaarikkodu CherthalaKottappuram Muthuvara Valappaya Chendamangalm

Thrukkandiyoor Peruvanam Thiruvaloor Chirakkalum

Ipparanjava noottettum bhakthiyothu padikkuvor

Deham nasikkiletheedum mahadevante sannidhow

Pradoshathil japichal ashesha duritham kedum

Yathra yathra shiva kshethram tatra tatra namamyaha"



Legend says that all these 108 shivalayas were built by Parasurama.

The 108 great Shiva temples in ancient Kerala were :


1. Dakshina Kailasam Thrissivaperoor Vadakkunnatha Temple

2. Udayamperoor Ekadasi Perumthrikkovil Mahadeva Temple
Peroor Kaipayil Shiva Temple

3. Raveeswarapuram Temple Kodungalloor
Iraveeswaram Mahadeva Temple Kudamaloor

4. Sucheendram Sthanumalaya Perumal Temple

5. Chowara Chidmbareswara Temple

6. Mathoor Shiva Temples

7. Trippangott Shiva Temple

8. Mundayoor or Mundoor Shiva Temple

9. Thirumandhamkunnu Mahadeva Temple

10. Chowalloor Shiva Temple

11. Panancheri Mudikkode Shiva Temple

12.Koratty Annamanada Mahadeva Temple
Thrukkoratty Mahadeva Temple

13. Puramundekkat Mahadeva Temple

14. Avanoor Sreekandeswaram Mahadeva Temple

15. Kolloor Mookambika Temple

16. Thirumangalam Mahadeva Temple

17. Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple

18. Kunnathu Mahadeva Temple

19. Velloor Perunthatta Mahadeva Temple

20. Ashtamangalam Mahadeva Temple

21. Iranikkulam Mahadeva Temple

22. Kainoor Mahadeva Temple

23. Gokarnam Mahabaleswara Temple

24. Ernakulam Mahadeva Temple

25. Pazhoor Perumthrikkovil Mahadeva Temple

26. Adattu Mahadeva Temple

27. Parippu Mahadeva Temple

28. Sasthamangalam Mahadeva Temple

29. Perumparambu Mahadeva Temple

30. Trukkoor Mahadeva Temple

31. Panayoor Paloor Mahadeva Temple

32. Vytila Nettoor Mahadeva Temple

33. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple

34. Rameswaram Mahadeva Temple Kollam

35. Rameswaram Mahadeva Temple Amaravila

36. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple

37. Edakkolam Kanjilassery Mahadeva Temple

38. Chemmanthitta Mahadeva Temple

39. Aluva Mahadeva Temple

40. Thirumittakkod Anchumoorthy Temple

41. Cherthala Velorvattom Mahadeva Temple

42. Kallattupuzha Mahadeva Temple

43. Thrukkunnu Mahadeva Temple

44. Cheruvathoor Mahadeva Temple

45. Poonkunnam Mahadeva Temple

46. Trukkapaleeswaram Mahadeva Temple Nadapuram

47. Trukkapaleeswaram Mahadeva Temple Peralassery

48. Trukkapaleeswaram Mahadeva Temple Niranam

49. Avittathoor Mahadeva Temple

50. Kodumon Angadikkal Perumala Tali Maha Shiva Temple
Parumala Valiya Panayannarkavu Temple

51. Kollam Anandavalleeswaram Mahadeva Temple

52. Kattakambala Mahadeva Temple

53. Pazhayannoor Kondazhi Trutham Tali

54. Perakom Mahadeva Temple

55. Chakkamkulangara Mahadeva Temple

56. Kumaranalloor Temple
Enkakkad Veeranimangalam Mahadeva Temple

57. Cheranelloor Mahadeva Temple

58. Maniyoor Mahadeva Temple

59. Nediya Tali Mahadeva Temple

60. Kozhikkode Tali Mahadeva Temple

61. Thazhathangady Tali Mahadeva Temple

62. Kaduthuruthy Tali Mahadeva Temple

63. Kodungalloor Mahadeva Temple

64. Vanchiyoor Sreekandeswaram Mahadeva Temple

65. Thiruvanjikkulam Mahadeva Temple

66. Padanayarkulangara Mahadeva Temple

67. Truchattukulam Mahadeva Temple
Kadungalloor Chittukulam Mahadeva Temple

68. Alathoor Pokkunni Mahadeva Temple

69. Kottiyoor Mahadeva Temple

70. Truppaloor Mahadeva Temple

71. Perunthatta Mahadeva Temple

72. Truthala Mahadeva Temple

73. Thiruvalla Thiruvatta Mahadeva Temple
Thukalassery Mahadeva Temple

74. Vazhappally Mahadeva Temple

75. Puthuppally Changankulangara
Puthuppally Thrukkovil Mahadeva Temple

76. Anchummoorthy Mangalam Mahadeva Temple

77. Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple

78. Kodumbu Mahadeva Temple

79. Ashtamichira Mahadeva Temple

80. Pattanakkad Mahadeva Temple
Mattannoor Mahadeva Temple

81. Uliyannoor Mahadeva Temple

82. Killikkurussimangalam Mahadeva Temple

83. Puthoor Mahadeva Temple

84. Chengannoor Mahadeva Temple

85. Someswaram Mahadeva Temple

86. Venganelloor Mahadeva Temple

87. Kottarakkara Mahadeva Temples

88. Kandiyoor Mahadeva Temple

89. Palayoor Mahadeva Temple

90. Taliparamba Rajarajeswara Temple

91. Nedumpura Kulasekharanelloor Mahadeva Temple

92. Mannoor Mahadeva Temple

93. Trussilery Temple

94. Sringapuram Mahadeva Temple

95. Kottoor Karivelloor Mahadeva Temple

96. Mammiyoor Mahadeva Temple

97. Parabumthali Mahadeva Temple

98. Thirunavaya Mahadeva Temple

99. Karikkode Kanjiramattam Mahadeva Temple

100. Cherthala Nalppathenneeswaram Mahadeva Temple

101. Kottappuram Mahadeva Temple

102. Muthuvara Mahadeva Temple

103. Velappaya Mahadeva Temple

104. Chendamangalam Kunnathoor Tali Mahadeva Temple

105. Thrukkandiyoor Mahadeva Temple

106. Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple

107. Thiruvaloor Mahadeva Temple

108. Chirakkal Mahadeva Temple

Kodimaram Pics

Kerala has much to offer in terms of temple tradition and architecture . A journey through some of the famous Temples of Kerala..........

Muthappan Temple, Parasinikadavu

Parasinikadavu Muthappan temple is two kilometers north of valapattanam, Sivan is the diety in "kattalavesham", ulsavam being thevellattamconducted every vrichikom first to sixteenth. Fish and toddy are offered in the temple too.

Parassinikadavu Sree Muthappan Temple The Parassini Muthappan temple is a prime pilgrimage center in North Kerala, situated in the district of Kannur, 20 kms awayfrom Kannur town, is a quiet retreat. To have the darshan of the powerful deity incarnate here, devotees throng from different regions of India and world. Such is the fame and magnetism this place has been attached to. The place is a well-known pilgrimage centre offering solace to the needy, surrounded by green hills and is stationed on the banks of a beautiful river away from the hustles and bustles of ordinary life. It is a popillar belief that the God Sree Muthappan will not let down those who take refuge in him and cannot stand betrayal. People from all walks of life come here and get his blessings before venturing into any enterprise. Lord Muthappan protects his devotees and come to their help whenever the faithful are in danger. The prayers of devotees would be heard and answered and there are thousands of people who testify this. The Lord has a hunter's attire and carries with him a bow and arrow and has canines as companions. There are devotees to Sree Muthappan from all religious beliefs and backgrounds and the God is equally compassionate. Many rituals are associated with the Temple and the Theyyam dance is one in which, the Theyyam or dancer impersonates the God and speaks in his language. It is believed this God-impersonate has the powers to offer solutions to the problems faced by devotees and this is done by verbally pronounced cures. The performances begin early in the morning and devotees come this time and unburden their hearts and tell their problems to the God. In the morning there are two Theyyams or Thiru Roopams (sacred appearance), one representing Thiruvappan and the other Vel/attom. The Madayan or chief priest designate receives Roopam or images with Kalasam and music. After a courtesy talk with the priest the Theyyam begins Thiru Nrithham or sacred dance performance by observing all traditions. At the end of this the Theyyam becomes fully possessed and transforms itself to the deity impersonating. Later, the devotees are called one by one, listened to and predictive cures are offered to their grievances.
A Story of Muthappan Relating to the Temple
As a boy, Muthappan was rebellious. He was a great hunter and would skin the animals that he killed and wear their skins as clothes. One day, He came across a coconut tree that was being tapped for toddy. He climbed the tree and emptied the jar that was holding the toddy. When the toddy tapper returned and saw Muthappan, he immediately challenged his behavior. Muthappan turned the man to stone for daring to address such a powerful deity in that manner. During performances of the Muthappan theyyam, the performer consumes the toddy liquor and passes it around to the spectators. Hence, Muthappan "breaks" the rules by allowing alcohol onto temple grounds. The rituals of the temple are done by the priests from the Thiyya community of malabar.
The Story of Sree Muthappan Madappura Nileshwar
Several Muthappan Temples may be found in Kannur and Kasaragod districts, indicating how popular the deity is in this area. Each madappura has its own tradition. There is an interesting story of how Sree Muthappan Temple came to be built. An elder member of the Koroth family (a famous scholar who was known as "Ezhuthachan" for his commendable achievement as a teacher) regularly visited the place now known as the Muthappan temple and drank madhu, a type of liquor. As he was a devotee, before drinking the madhu he would pour some drops of it on the nearby jackfruit tree for an offering. He regularly repeated the practice. Several years after his death, the villagers began having serious problems[specify], so they tried to determine the cause of their woes with the assistance of an astrologer. He determined that, as a result of the old man's offerings, the deity had taken up residence there. After the man's death, Muthappan didn't get any more madhu. His anger was creating the disturbances. To appease him, the villagers erected a temple in his honor. The Koroth family got the right of Koymma (patronage) for the temple.

In modern times, a committee was formed to promote the temple. As a result, it is now visited daily by hundreds of people. They believe that the deity can cure all diseases and bring prosperity to his devotees.
Main Festivals of Parassinikkadavu Madappura
Thiruvappana and Vellattam are performed daily in the early morning and in the evening.
Puthari Thiruvappana, (puthari means the ceremonial feast) the first Thiruvappana of the year from the new crop is on Vrichikam 16th. The last Thiruvappana is on Kanni 30th every year.
Thiruvappana is not performed on the following days.
1. Thulam 1st to Vrischikam 15th every year.
2. Amaavasi (new moon) day of Karkkitakam and Thulam.
3. "Nira" day of the temple.
4. When there is a death in the Madappura family.
Popular Offerings
The offerings made to Sree Muthappan by devotees are Paimkutty, Vellattam and Thiruvappana. The offerings by the Matayan are Vecheringat (a boiled mixture of banana, pepper, turmeric powder and salt.), Neerkari (a mixture of raw rice powder, salt, turmeric powder and pepper), boiled gram, or coconut slices. Toddy and burnt dry fish are also used as offerings.
Transportation
Nearest railway station : Kannur, about 16 km
Nearest airport : Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, about 110 km from Kannur.

GODDESS DURGA PICTURES

MAHA SHIVARATRI

"MAHA SHIVARATRI"

Shivaratri 2011 is on March 2,Wednesday
Auspicious festival of Mahashivaratri falls on the 13th or the 14th night of the new moon during Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Phalgun. The Sanskrit term, Krishna Paksha means the period of waning moon or the dark fortnight and Phalguna corresponds to the month of February - March in English Calendar. Shivaratri Festival is celebrated on a moonless night.

According to Hindu mythology, Shivaratri or 'Shiva's Great Night' symbolizes the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Many however, believe, Shivaratri is the night when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava Nritya - the dance of primordial creation, preservation and destruction. Celebrating the festival in a customary manner, devotees give a ritual bath to the Lingam with the panchagavya - milk, sour milk, cow's urine, butter and dung. Celebrations of Shivaratri Festival mainly take place at night. Devotees of Lord Shiva throng Shiva temples across the country and spend ‘the Night of Lord Shiva’ by chanting verses and hymns in praise of the Lord. The festival holds special meaning for the ladies. They pray to Goddess Parvati also called 'Gaura', the giver of 'suhag' for good husbands, marital bliss and a long and prosperous married life.

Significance of Shivratri
Festival of Mahashivaratri is the most important festival for the millions of devotees of Lord Shiva. The festival has been accorded lot of significance in Hindu mythology. It says that a devotee who performs sincere worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivratri is absolved of sins and attains moksha.

Significance of Shivaratri in Hinduism

Festival of Mahashivaratri has tremendous significance in Hinduism. According to sacred scriptures, ritual worship of Lord Shiva on Shivratri festival that falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Phalgun pleases Lord Shiva the most. This fact is said to have been declared by Lord Shiva himself, when his consort Parvati asked him as to which ritual performed by his devotees pleases him the most.

Even till date, devotees of Lord Shiva perform the ritual worship of Shivratri with care and devotion. They observe day and nigh fast and give sacred bath to Shiva Linga with honey, milk, water etc. Hindus consider it extremely auspicious to worship Lord Shiva on a Shivaratri as it is believed that worship of Lord Shiva with devotion and sincerity absolves a devotee of past sins. The devotee reaches the abode of Lord Shanker and lives there happily. He is also liberated from the cycle of birth and death and attains moksha or salvation.

Significance of Shivaratri for Women

Mahashivratri Festival is also considered to be an extremely significant festival by women. Married and unmarried women observe fast and perform Shiva Puja with sincerity to appease Goddess Parvati who is also regarded as ‘Gaura’ - one who bestows marital bliss and long and prosperous married life. Unmarried women also pray for a husband like Lord Shiva who is regarded as the ideal husband.

Shivaratri Rituals
Devotees of Lord Shiva observe the Shivaratri Festival by following the prescribed rituals with sincerity and devotion. All through the day, devotees abstain from eating food and break their fast only the next morning, after the nightlong worship. Ritual baths of Shivalinga in the numerous Shiva temples by Shiva worshipper, mainly women, is another significant feature of Shivratri customs and traditions. Devotees strongly believe that ritual worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivaratri absolves them of past sins and they are blessed with Moksha.

Rituals Observed on a Shivaratri Morning

As a tradition devotees wake up early in the morning of the Mahashivratri day and take a ritual sunrise bath, preferably in the holy waters of river Ganga. They also offer prayers to the Sun God, Vishnu and Shiva as a part of a purification rite observed on all-important Hindu festivals. After wearing fresh new clothes devotees visit the nearest Shiva Temple to give the customary bath to the Shivalinga.

On a Shivratri day, Shiva temples are thronged by devotees, mainly women, who come to perform the traditional Shivalinga pooja and seek blessings from the god. At times there is so much rush in the temples that devotees have to wait for their turn to observe pooja. At their turn for worship, devotees circumambulate the Shivalinga, three or seven times, and then pour water over it. Some also pour milk. Sounds of bell and shouts of ‘Shankarji ki Jai’ or (Hail Shiva) reverberate in the temple premises.

Ritual Bath of Shivalinga

Following the rituals prescribed in the Shiva Purana, every three hours, Shivalingam is given a special bath with milk, yoghurt, honey, sandalwood paste and rose water. Puja, meditation and chanting of ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ accompany the ritual bath. Following the bath, vermilion paste is applied on the linga. Traditionally, leaves of a forest tree Aegle marmelos (bilwa, maredu, wood apple) are used for Shiva puja. Thereafter, Bilwa leaves, which have to be a stalk with three leaves, is kept on top of the Shivalinga. Ber or jujube fruit is a special offering to the god on this day. Beetle leaves are also offered by some. Some also offer bilwa leaves in the belief that the Goddess Lakshmi resides in them. Others believe it is offered for its cooling effects on the hot-tempered deity. Many devotees also decorate the linga with flowers and garlands and offer incense sticks and fruit.

Significance of Puja Items
According to the Shiva Purana, there is a special significance of the six essential puja items used in the Shiva worship.

• Bathing of Shivalinga with water, milk and honey and wood apple or bel leaves added to it, represents purification of the soul.
  
• The vermilion paste applied on the linga after the ritual bath represents virtue.
  
• Offering of fruits symbolizes longevity and gratification of desires.
  
• Burning of incense sticks yields wealth.
  
• The lighting of the lamp symbolizes attainment of knowledge.
  
• Offering of betel leaves marks satisfaction with worldly pleasures.
  

All-Night Shiva Worship

Worship of Lord Shiva continues all through the night on Shivaratri Festival. Devotees stay awake all night and spend the night in Shiva temples in worship of Lord Shiva. Singing of hymns and verses in praise and devotion of Lord Shiva besides the intense chanting of Om Namah Shivay, the mantra that is said free people from all their sins, continue through the night on Shivaratri.

Special worship of Shiva by priests continues through the nightlong prayer vigil. During this ritual worship, Lord Shiva is offered special food made from the fruits of the season, root vegetables and coconuts. Those observing the Shivaratri Fast break their fast the next morning by consuming the prasad offered to Shiva.

The Legend Of Sivaratri
The legend of marriage of Shiva and Shakti is one the most important legends related to the festival of Mahashivaratri. The story tells us how Lord Shiva got married a second time to Shakti, his divine consort. According to legend of Shiva and Shakti, the day Lord Shiva got married to Parvati is celebrated as Shivaratri - the Night of Lord Shiva.

The Legend goes that once Lord Shiva and his wife Sati or Shakti were returning from sage Agastya’s ashram after listening to Ram Katha or story of Ram. On their way through a forest, Shiva saw Lord Rama searching for his wife Sita who had been kidnapped by Ravana, the King of Lanka. Lord Shiva bowed his head in reverence to Lord Rama. Sati was surprised by Lord Shiva’s behavior and inquired why he was paying obeisance to a mere mortal. Shiva informed Sati that Rama was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Sati, however, was not satisfied with the reply and Lord asked her to go and verify the truth for herself.

Using her power to change forms, Sati took the form of Sita appeared before Rama. Lord Rama immediately recognized the true identity of the Goddess and asked, "Devi, why are you alone, where's Shiva?" At this, Sati realized the truth about Lord Ram. But, Sita was like a mother to Lord Shiva and since Sati took the form of Sita her status had changed. From that time, Shiva detached himself from her as a wife. Sati was sad with the change of attitude of Lord Shiva but she stayed on at Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva.

Later, Sati’s father Daksha organised a yagna, but did not invite Sati or Shiva as he had an altercation with Shiva in the court of Brahma. But, Sati who wanted to attend the Yagna, went even though Lord Shiva did not appreciate the idea. To hre great anguish, Daksha ignored her presence and did not even offer Prasad for Shiva. Sati felt humiliated and was struck with profound grief. She jumped into the yagna fire and immolated herself.

Lord Shiva became extremely furious when he heard the news of Sati’s immolation. Carrying the body of Sati, Shiva began to perform Rudra Tandava or the dance of destruction and wiped out the kingdom of Daksha. Everybody was terrified as Shiva’s Tandava had the power to destroy the entire universe. In order to calm Lord Shiva, Vishnu severed Sati's body into 12 pieces and threw them on earth. It is said that wherever the pieces of Shakti’s body fell, there emerged a Shakti Peetha, including the Kamaroopa Kamakhya in Assam and the Vindhyavasini in UP.

Lord Siva was now alone undertook rigorous penance and retired to the Himalayas. Sati took a re-birth as Parvati in the family of God Himalaya. She performed penance to break Shiva’s meditation and win his attention. It is said that Parvati, who found it hard to break Shiva’s meditation seeked help of Kamadeva - the God of Love and Passion. Kaamadeva asked Parvati to dance in front of Shiva. When Parvati danced, Kaamadeva shot his arrow of passion at Shiva breaking his penance. Shiva became extremely infuriated and opening his third eye that reduced Kaamadeva to ashes. It was only after Kamadeva’s wife Rati’s pleading that Lord Shiva agreed to revive Kaamadeva.

Later, Parvati undertook severe penance to win over Shiva. Through her devotion and persuasion by sages devas, Parvati, also known as Uma, was finally able to lure Shiva into marriage and away from asceticism. Their marriage was solemnized a day before Amavasya in the month of Phalgun. This day of union of God Shiva and Parvati is celebrated as Mahashivratri every year.

According to another version of the legend, Goddess Parvati performed tapas and prayers on the auspicious moonless night of Shivaratri to ward off any evil that may befall her husband. Since then, womenfolk began the custom of praying for the well being of their husbands and sons on Shivaratri day. Unmarried women pray for a husband like Shiva, who is considered to be the ideal husband.

Shivaratri Arattu Maholsav

OHM NAMASHIVAYA

"SHIVARATRI ARATTU MAHOLSAV"

TheMaruthoor Mahadeva Kshetram Trust is celebrating the “Shivaratri Arattu Maholsav”of Maruthorkonam Mahadeva Temple from 25th of february to 6th of march 2011 with Special pooja of Ganpati Temple and Pongala of Devi temple. The ceremony begins with the “Trikodiyettu” on feb 25th and the celebrations and special poojas las till the “Tiru Arattu” on march 6th. Many special poojas are being offered during this special occassion . There is also cultural entertainment programs for the devotees of Lord Shiva who comes to witness this grand event.

The shedule of various pooja is enlisted below:

First Tiru Ulsav( Feb 25th 2011,Friday)
4: 30 AM - Pallyunarthal
5:00 AM - Nirmalya Darsanam, Abhishekam
5:30 AM - Mahaganapati Homam
6:30 AM - Ushapooja
8:00AM - Trikodiyettupooja
8:30 to 9:00 AM -TRIKODIYETTU Followed by Purana Parayanam upto 12 PM
2:00 PM - Samooha Sadya
5:00 PM - Nadaturakkal
6:30 PM - Deeparadhana
7: 30 PM - Bhajan
8:00 PM - Athazhapooja
8:15 PM - Sreebhootha Bali
8:30 PM - Musical Feast
9:00 PM - Ganamela

Second Tiru Ulsav( Feb 26th 2011, Saturday)
4: 30 AM - Pallyunarthal
5:00 AM - Nirmalya Darsanam, Abhishekam
5:30 AM - Mahaganapati Homam
6:30 AM - Ushapooja
8:00AM - Kalasa Pooja
9:00 AM - Sree Bhootha Bali
10:00 AM - Kalashabhishekam, Uchapooja
Followed by Purana Parayanam upto 12 PM
5:00 PM - Nadaturakkal
6:30 PM - Deeparadhana
7:00 PM - Bhajan
7: 30 PM - AthazhaPooja
8:00 PM - Sreebhootha Bali
8:30 PM - Vill Pattu

Third Tiru Ulsav( Feb 27th 2011, Sunday)
4: 30 AM - Pallyunarthal
5:00 AM - Nirmalya Darsanam, Abhishekam
5:30 AM - Mahaganapati Homam
6:30 AM - Ushapooja
8:00AM - Kalasa Pooja
9:00 AM - Sree Bhootha Bali
10:00 AM - Kalashabhishekam, Uchapooja
Followed by Purana Parayanam upto 12 PM
5:00 PM - Nadaturakkal
6:30 PM - Deeparadhana
7:00 PM - Bhajan
7: 30 PM - Pushpabhishekam
8:30 PM - Athazhapooja
9;00 PM - SreeBhoothaBali

Fourth Tiru Ulsav( Feb 28th 2011,Monday)
4: 30 AM - Pallyunarthal
5:00 AM - Nirmalya Darsanam, Abhishekam
5:30 AM - Mahaganapati Homam
6:30 AM - Ushapooja
8:00AM - Kalasa Pooja
9:00 AM - Sree Bhootha Bali
10:00AM - MahaMrityunjaya Homam
11:30 AM - Kalashabhishekam, Uchapooja
Followed by Purana Parayanam upto 12 PM
5:00 PM - Nadaturakkal
6:30 PM - Deeparadhana
7:00 PM - Bhajan
7: 30 PM - AthazhaPooja
8:30 PM - Sreebhootha Bali
9:00 PM - Bhakthi Gana Sudha

Fifth Tiru Ulsav( March 1st 2011,Tuesday)
4: 30 AM - Pallyunarthal
5:00 AM - Nirmalya Darsanam, Abhishekam
5:30 AM - Mahaganapati Homam
6:30 AM - Ushapooja
8:00AM - Kalasa Pooja
9:00 AM - Sree Bhootha Bali
10:00 AM - Kalashabhishekam, Uchapooja
Followed by Purana Parayanam upto 12 PM
5:00 PM - Nadaturakkal
6:30 PM - Deeparadhana
7:00 PM - Bhajan
7: 30 PM - AthazhaPooja
8:30 PM - Sreebhootha Bali
9:00 PM - Mono Act

SixthTiru Ulsav( March 2nd 2011,Wednesday) MAHASHIVARATRI
4: 00 AM - Pallyunarthal
4:30 AM - Nirmalya Darsanam, Abhishekam
5:00 AM - Mahaganapati Homam
6:30 AM - Ushapooja
7:00AM - Kalasa Pooja
7:30 AM - Sree Bhootha Bali
8:30 AM - Pongala Of Devi Temple
From 8:45 AM - Shayana Pradakshinam , Tulabharam etc
10:30 AM - Kalashabhishekam, Uchapooja
12:30 PM - Kunjoonu, Namakaranam etc
12:45PM -Special Poojas of Devi Temple, Pongala Nivedyam
5:00 PM - Nadaturakkal
5:30 PM - Talapoli
6:45 PM - Deeparadhana
7:00 PM - Bhajan
7: 30 PM - Large dispaly ofFire works
8:00 PM - Pushparchana
8:30 PM - Sreebhootha Bali
9:30 PM - Ganamela
12:30 AM - Pushpabhishekam, Chirappu

Seventh Tiru Ulsav( March 3rd 2011,Thursday)
4: 30 AM - Pallyunarthal
5:00 AM - Nirmalya Darsanam, Abhishekam
5:30 AM - Mahaganapati Homam
6:30 AM - Ushapooja
8:00AM - Kalasa Pooja
9:00 AM - Sree Bhootha Bali
10:00 AM - Kalashabhishekam, Uchapooja
Followed by Purana Parayanam upto 12 PM
5:00 PM - Nadaturakkal
6:30 PM - Deeparadhana
7:00 PM - Bhajan
7: 30 PM - AthazhaPooja
8:30 PM - Sreebhootha Bali

Eighth Tiru Ulsav( March 4th 2011,Friday)
4: 30 AM - Pallyunarthal
5:00 AM - Nirmalya Darsanam, Abhishekam
5:30 AM - Mahaganapati Homam
6:30 AM - Ushapooja
8:00AM - Kalasa Pooja
9:00 AM - Sree Bhootha Bali
10:00 AM - Kalashabhishekam, Uchapooja
Followed by Purana Parayanam upto 12 PM
5:00 PM - Nadaturakkal
6:00 PM - Bhagavathi Seva In Devi Temple
6:30 PM - Deeparadhana
7:00 PM - Bhajan
7: 30 PM - AthazhaPooja
8:30 PM - Sreebhootha Bali

NinthTiru Ulsav( March 5 th 2011, Saturday)
4: 30 AM - Pallyunarthal
5:00 AM - Nirmalya Darsanam, Abhishekam
5:30 AM - Mahaganapati Homam
6:30 AM - Ushapooja
8:00AM - Kalasa Pooja
9:00 AM - Sree Bhootha Bali
10:00 AM - Kalashabhishekam, Uchapooja
Followed by Purana Parayanam upto 12 PM
5:00 PM - Nadaturakkal
6:30 PM - Deeparadhana
7:00 PM - Bhajan
7: 30 PM - AthazhaPooja
8:30 PM - Sreebhootha Bali
9:00 PM - The Drama” Ormakurupu”
10:30 PM - Commencement of theProcession For PalliVetta
11:00 PM - Palli Vetta
11:30 PM - Return of the procession of PalliVetta

Tenth Tiru Ulsav( March 6 th 2011, Sunday)
6: 00 AM - Pallyunarthal
6:30 AM - Nirmalya Darsanam, Abhishekam
7:30 AM - Ushapooja
9:00 AM - Closing of The Sree Kovil Nada
5:00 PM - Nadaturakkal
8:30 to 9 PM - Trikodi Erakku Followed by Tiru Arattu and Elegand Arattu Procession
11:25-11:45 PM - Leading The Procession Inside The Temple
12:00 AM - Beautiful display of fireworks


Let Lord Shiva Shower upon us his divine Grace and Blessings to make this ceremony of Maholsav a grand and memmorable one.

Attukal Pongala



“Ohm Sarva Mangala Mangalye
Shiva Sarvartha Sadika
Sharanya Trayambake Devi
Narayani Namosthutha”

Attukal pongala is a famous Hindu festival celebrated at Attukal DeviTemple,in Thiruvananthapuram , Kerala . The annual Attukal PongalaMahotsavam” is celebrated during the Malayalam month Kumbham on the “Pooram Nakshtra”. Which usually comes in tha months of February or March.In this year this famous ritual is being held on 19 th february 2011,Saturday.Thousands of women from all over Kerala or rather India assemble around the temple premises for ritualising their offering of Pongala irrespective of their religion and caste.

Attukal devi temple is also known as "SABARIMALA OF WOMEN" Attukalpongala is an exclusive women's festival and has entered the GinnesBook of World Records for being the world's largest religiousgathering of women.

This offering of Pongala is made as a symbol of love and trust to Attukalamma who always protect , love and care her worshipers. It is believed or rather witnessed by many that by offering Pongala Devi blesses them with many happiness in their life in one way or other. The Legend of this temple is connected to the Women “Karnaki” who cursed a kingdom for taking away her husband’s life due to false allegations of theft. And it is said that due to this same reason women is being given importance during this grand ceremony.

The Pongala begins with the “Melshanti” transfering the “Divine Jyothy” to tha first “Pongala Aduppu” inside the temple. There after this Jyothi is transfered to thousands of “Pongala Aduppu” located in and around the temple. Some of the main offering made at the time of Pongala is the making of “Pongala payasam”, “Terali” , “Mandaputtu” etc which are different forms of sweet dishes offered to Attukalamma by her Worshipers.

After making all these, the Poojari from the temple come and spray tha “Holy Teeratham”in the offerings of the first Pongala Aduppu .After that this theertham is sprayed to offerings of each and every worshiper symbolising that Devi recieved the offerings from her worshipers as “Prasadam”. After that the people take these Prasadam home with a belief that Devi brings on prosperity to their life and with a hope to make offering of Pongala in the Next Year.

Let Attukalamma shower her blessings on all of us !