Vijayanagara-era doorframe discovered at Perdur temple
The 4.5-foot-high, 3.5-foot-wide doorframe showcases exceptional Vijayanagara craftsmanship, featuring a central Gajalakshmi seated on a raised platform, flanked by elephants pouring sacred water, with celestial Sun and Moon motifs above. The frame's edges depict the mythical vyali creature, followed by Vishnu's avatars, Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, and a distinctive Kalingamardhana Krishna clutching a ball. The sequence concludes with a rare standing Buddha and Kalki, reflecting the empire's inclusive artistic traditions.
An inscription within the temple's inner sanctum, dated to Emperor Krishnadevaraya's reign (1509–1529 CE), connects the find to his era. Known for his patronage of art and religion, Krishnadevaraya supported the temple's stone renovations and appointed Surappayya as its administrator in 1519 CE.
The Kalingamardhana Krishna depiction likely commemorates his military triumphs against the Gajapatis of Orissa, from where he acquired a Krishna idol holding a ball. The symbol is widely revered in Vijayanagara territories, according to Prof. T Murugeshi.
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During Chaturmas, Jupiter's influence becomes more subtle, encouraging spiritual practices, studies, and inner purification, enhancing Jupiter's sattvic energy, promoting knowledge, devotion, and righteous living. The Sun's Transit and Karka Sankranti Around Devshayani Ekadashi, the Sun moves into the Cancer sign through Karka Sankranti. The god, primarily Lord Vishnu, is believed to go into sleep for four months on Karka Sankranti, which falls on the day of Devshayani Ekadashi. During Karka Sankranti, the Sun is in the sign of Cancer, which is ruled by the Moon. This creates an emotional and devotional shift, making it ideal for bhakti, fasting, prayer, and meditation. Cancer is a watery, sensitive, and spiritual sign, increasing receptivity to divine grace. Karka Sankranti marks the day when the Sun enters Karka rashi (Cancer), signifying the beginning of the Sun's southern journey, known as Dakshinayana. Ekadashi and the Lunar Cycle: Scientific Foundation Moon's Influence on Mind and Body Ekadashi fasting is directly connected to the lunar cycle, especially the Moon's (Chandra) impact on the mind. The gravitational pull of the moon is not felt on the earth every day with the same intensity. On the eleventh day of each lunar cycle, the moon forms a trine with the earth and the sun during which the atmospheric pressure is at its lowest on the day of Ekadashi. The impact of the atmospheric pressure on the human body is also at its lowest on that day. Hence, Ekadashi is considered to be the most favourable day to observe fast and cleanse the body of all toxins. Spiritual and Physical Benefits According to the Hindu scriptures, Ekadasi and the movement of the moon has a direct correlation with the human mind. It is believed that during Ekadasi, our mind attains maximum efficiency giving the brain a better capacity to concentrate. Spiritual seekers are said to devote the two monthly days of Ekadasi in extreme worship and meditation owing to its favorable influence on the mind. From the 11th day till 5th day after newmoon or fullmoon day, moon will influence us maximum and imbalance our digestive system. This will also cause decrease in brain's functioning and cause weakness in memory, thought and decision making. So, to avoid all these complications, it's important to clean our digestive system on every 11th day of lunar cycle. Spiritual Practices and Observances Fasting Guidelines and Rituals To prepare for Devshayani Ekadashi, devotees begin by observing certain rituals on the preceding Dashami Tithi. They avoid tamasic food, salt, barley, meat, wheat and masoor dal, and sleep on the ground to purify their minds and bodies. It's essential to speak truthfully and avoid hurtful speech on both Dashami and Ekadashi Tithis. On Ekadashi day, devotees observe various types of fasting: Nirjala Ekadashi (without food or water), consuming only fruits and milk, while grains and cereals are strictly avoided. Staying awake through the night and singing devotional songs is considered meritorious. Worship Practices On Devshayani Ekadashi, devotees should get up early in the morning, clean the house, and spray it with holy water. Establish a gold, silver, copper or bronze idol of Lord Shri Hari Vishnu at the place of worship. After that worship him with Shodashopachar (sixteen-fold worship). After this, adorn Lord Vishnu with Pitambar (yellow garments). Then listen to the fasting story, do aarti and distribute the prasad. Shri Vishnu should be made to sleep on a bed covered with white sheets. The fast is broken after sunrise on the Dwadashi tithi with sattvic food. Charity - giving donations (daan), feeding cows, Brahmins, and the poor is encouraged. Chaturmas: The Four-Month Sacred Period Spiritual Significance During these four months — collectively known as Chaturmas — auspicious events such as weddings and new business ventures are generally avoided. Instead, the focus shifts toward devotion, self-discipline, and inner growth. During this phase, reciting religious hymns, doing kirtan and worshipping Shiva, along with Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and Tulsi have special significance. Natural Alignment From a scientific point of view, with the onset of Chaturmas, monsoon begins or becomes active in different parts of India. According to astrological beliefs, due to a lot of moisture in the atmosphere during these months, many types of microorganisms are born and they can harm the human body directly or indirectly. The Pandharpur Connection In Pandharpur, Maharashtra, thousands of devotees undertake the Wari Yatra culminating on Ashadhi Ekadashi. The grand procession of Varkaris (devotees) singing Abhangas (devotional songs) while walking barefoot to the Vitthal temple is a remarkable spiritual movement. Pandharpur houses the much revered and famous Bhagwan Vitthala/Vithoba temple, where on the auspicious day of Devshayani Ekadashi thousands of devotees come from all over Maharashtra to offer prayer and respect to Shri Vitthala and Devi Rukmini. Health and Wellness Benefits Physical Detoxification Fasting on Ekadashi allows the body to undergo a process of detoxification and cleansing. By abstaining from solid foods and consuming light, sattvic (pure) meals or fasting completely, the digestive system gets a break. This allows the body to eliminate toxins, improve liver function, and promote cellular repair and rejuvenation. Mental Clarity and Focus Fasting on Ekadashi can lead to increased mental clarity and focus. When the body is not occupied with the digestion process, mental energy is directed towards other activities. This heightened state of mental clarity allows for improved concentration, focus, and cognitive function, facilitating deeper introspection and spiritual practices. Parana (Breaking the Fast) Guidelines In 2025, the Parana timings for Devshayani Ekadashi are from 05:29 AM to 08:16 AM on July 7, 2025, with the Dwadashi End Moment at 11:10 PM on July 7. The fast should be broken after sunrise on the Dwadashi tithi with sattvic food. Contemporary Relevance and Global Recognition Fasting is ever popular and much research has gone into the health benefits of regular fasting, particularly following the phases of the moon with Ekadashi fasting. Although embedded in Indian culture, the science has attracted global attention, with various celebrities embracing this ultimate Vedic cleanse. A Sacred Journey Inward Devshayani Ekadashi is not just about ritual fasting—it is an invitation to pause, reflect, and realign with higher spiritual goals. As Lord Vishnu sleeps, devotees awaken their own inner consciousness through dhyana, japa, and vrat. Devshayani Ekadashi commences the auspicious Chaturmas, which is the most suitable phase for the spiritual development of individuals. Additionally, during Devshayani Ekadashi performing Vishnu puja, Laxmi puja or Shiva puja is highly beneficial as you reap huge benefits. This sacred Ekadashi marks the beginning of a holy inward journey, not just for devotees but for the cosmic rhythm itself. In astrology, this is a time when solar and lunar energies align to support purification and introspection. With Lord Vishnu in divine rest, this period invites us to also pause, purify, and prepare through devotion, silence, and simplicity. According to the Padma Purana, fasting on this day destroys the sins committed, intentional or unintentional. Devshayani Ekadashi reminds us that true progress comes not always through action, but often through rest, reflection, and alignment with dharma (the righteous path). Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
