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Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Every curse will be ineffective: Perform worship this way on Yogini Ekadashi
A person afflicted by a curse given in a moment of intense anger—especially when someone's soul is deeply hurt—never attains peace or happiness. Not even gods are immune to the effects of a curse. In the Mahabharata era, Gandhari's curse upon Lord Krishna led to the complete submergence of the city of Dwarka in the ocean 36 years later. According to celebrity astrologer Parduman Suri, if a person feels that their life's progress is hindered due to someone's curse or if conflicts within the family never seem to end, then observing a fast on Yogini Ekadashi can help one attain freedom from all such curses. Yogini Ekadashi falls on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the waning phase of the moon in the month of Ashadha. As per the Vedic calendar, the Ekadashi tithi will begin at 7:18 AM on June 21 and end at 4:28 AM on June 22. Based on the rising moon (Udaya Tithi), Yogini Ekadashi will be observed on June 21. In ancient times, a man suffering from leprosy was freed from a king's curse by observing the Yogini Ekadashi fast, as told by Sage Markandeya. Yogini Ekadashi is especially dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Observing a fast on this day is said to absolve a person of all sins. It purifies one's mind, speech, and actions and invokes the blessings of the divine. Yogini Ekadashi Puja Procedure * Before beginning the fast, read or listen to the story (katha) of Yogini Ekadashi. * Wear yellow clothes on this day, as it is believed to attract the blessings of Lord Vishnu. * Clean your home temple or worship area and purify it by sprinkling Ganga water. * Set up a small platform (chowki) and cover it with a yellow cloth. * Place idols or pictures of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi on the platform. * Apply a Tilak of turmeric and vermillion to both deities. * Offer items of adornment (makeup and jewelry) to Goddess Lakshmi. * When offering food (bhog) to Lord Vishnu, make sure to include a Tulsi leaf along with sweets. * Light a ghee's Diya and incense sticks, and begin the worship. * Finally, recite the Vishnu Chalisa and chant mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Mythological Story of Yogini Ekadashi According to legend, in ancient times in the city of Alakapuri, there lived a gardener named Hem in the service of King Kubera. Hem used to bring flowers daily from Lake Manasarovar for Lord Shiva's worship. The king offered these flowers in devotion to Lord Shiva. One day, Hem chose to spend leisure time with his wife and got delayed in bringing the flowers. Enraged by the delay, King Kubera cursed Hem to suffer from leprosy. Afflicted by the curse, Hem wandered in search of a cure. By divine fate, he arrived at the ashram of Sage Markandeya. The sage, using his spiritual insight, discerned the cause of Hem's suffering and advised him to observe the Yogini Ekadashi fast. Due to the power of the fast, Hem was cured of his leprosy. Since then, the Yogini Ekadashi vrat has been observed as a means to attain freedom from curses and sins. 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 .
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
6 sacred rivers in india
India is a land of ancient civilisation, spiritual depth, and deep reverence for nature, especially its rivers. In the Indian context, rivers are far more than sources of water; they are considered divine beings, intertwined with mythology, rituals, and everyday life. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In Hinduism, rivers are worshipped as goddesses with the power to cleanse sins and grant liberation. Among the many rivers that flow through the Indian subcontinent, six hold a particularly sacred place: the Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. Ganga - The divine mother The Ganga, or Ganges, is India's most revered river. Originating from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas, it travels over 2,500 kilometres before meeting the Bay of Bengal. Hindus believe the Ganga descends from the heavens to purify humanity. Bathing in its waters, especially at pilgrimage cities like Haridwar, Varanasi, and Prayagraj, is believed to wash away sins and lead one toward moksha (spiritual liberation). Affectionately called 'Mother Ganga,' the river symbolises purity, compassion, and life itself. Yamuna - The river of devotion A major tributary of the Ganga, the Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in Uttarakhand. Flowing through Delhi, Mathura, and Agra, the river holds deep spiritual significance, particularly in relation to Lord Krishna. The towns of Mathura and Vrindavan, where Krishna is believed to have spent his early life, lie on its banks. Devotees often associate the Yamuna with divine love and unwavering devotion. Narmada - The path to liberation The Narmada emerges from the Amarkantak plateau in Madhya Pradesh and flows westward into the Arabian Sea, an unusual direction among Indian rivers. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Pilgrims undertake the sacred Narmada Parikrama, a spiritual circumambulation along the river's length, seeking inner peace and spiritual merit. Narmada is considered so holy that bathing in its waters is said to absolve sins, even without visiting other sacred rivers. Godavari - The ganga of the south The Godavari, also known as Dakshina Ganga (Southern Ganga), is the longest river in peninsular India. It originates in Trimbak, Maharashtra, and flows eastward into the Bay of Bengal. The river nurtures the spiritual and agricultural heartland of the Deccan, with sacred cities like Nashik and Rajahmundry along its banks. It plays a vital role in rituals, festivals, and the cultural life of the region. Krishna - The river of legends Rising in the Western Ghats at Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra, the Krishna River flows through Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It is vital for agriculture and sustains vast stretches of fertile land. Rich in mythology, the Krishna is associated with Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, and is home to numerous pilgrimage sites and temple towns, including Vijayawada and Srisailam. Kaveri - The lifeline of the south The Kaveri (or Cauvery) originates from the Brahmagiri Hills in Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. Deeply revered in southern India, the Kaveri is central to the spiritual and agricultural life of Tamil and Kannada-speaking regions. Known as 'Kaveriamma,' or Mother Kaveri, she is honoured as a goddess. Temple towns like Srirangam flourish on her banks, blending religious heritage with natural abundance. These six rivers are more than geographical features, they are spiritual lifelines that have nurtured Indian civilisation for millennia. Worshipped, celebrated, and cherished, they reflect the country's deep respect for nature and its belief in the divine presence within it.
India.com
7 days ago
- Science
- India.com
This village is called 'Cobra Capital of India/, has highest snake population in the country, name is..., located in...
Snakes are undoubtedly one of the most mysterious creatures in the world. They are a part of several cultures. In some cultures, these creatures represent evil and in others, they are worshipped like gods. In India, people worship these creatures. Especially cobras have a significant place in Hindu mythology. The Indian cobra is often associated with Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Hindus celebrate Naga Panchami to honour snakes. However, these venomous serpents are among nature's deadliest hunters and they show no mercy on their prey. Apart from myths and worships, there are some regions in India that are known for their high snake populations. One such place is located in Western Ghats of Karnataka. Agumbe Village The small village covers 3 square km at an elevation of about 2,700 feet. It is also termed as the 'Cherrapunji of the South' because of its weather and heavy rainfalls. The village has a population of around 600 people. Agumbe is surrounded by dense rainforests, beautiful waterfalls and hills. All these make it a paradise for nature explorers. Rich Wildlife Unique and rare fungi such as Meliola agumbensis, Tarenna agumbensis, Hygromaster agumbensis, and Dactylaria agumbensis are discovered here. All these discoveries are named after the village. Cobra Capital Of India Agumbe is the house of the king cobra and it is the area's flagship species. In this village famous herpetologist Padma Shri Romulus Whitaker established the Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (ARRS). It is the place where the country's first radio telemetry project on king cobras was started. Herpetologists usually works in the field observing creatures in their natural habitats. They also observe their behaviour, physiology, genetics, and evolution. Notably, Herpetologists play a crucial role in conservation efforts, especially for endangered species. The king cobra, the world's longest venomous snake, plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance. As a top predator, it mainly feeds on other snakes—including dangerous ones like kraits and cobras. This helps keep the snake population under control, which in turn supports a healthy food chain. Without predators like the king cobra, certain snake species could grow in number too quickly, potentially leading to issues like habitat degradation, spread of disease, or shortage of food for other animals.
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Assam's Nagshankar becomes model temple for turtle conservation
Nagshankar, in northeastern Assam's Biswanath district, has been designated a model temple for turtle conservation. Local MLA Padma Hazarika acknowledged the temple on behalf of the local authorities and communities at an event on its premises to mark World Turtle Day on Friday (May 23, 2025). The event was organised by the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, Assam State Zoo, Nagshankar Temple Committee, DBT-NER Biotech Hub Chaiduar College, and conservation groups Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) Foundation India, Aaranyak, and Help Earth. Turtles have traditionally been conserved in several temple ponds of Assam as they are believed to be a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. The turtles in the Nagshankar temple complex, cared for by the TSA, are among the best conserved in the State. 'Nagshankar's role in promoting conservation of turtles at the grassroots level makes it a model temple in this regard,' Mr. Hazarika said. Apart from spiritual songs dedicated to turtle conservation, the event featured the release of a freshwater turtle identification brochure for the common people and the acknowledgement of 'Kaso Mitras', or community turtle guardians, for their contributions. 'Turtles are called vultures of the aquatic ecosystem, as they help in keeping the water clean by scavenging on dead and decomposed matter. This is why it is very important to save them,' Anjali Das, the president of Kaso Sakhi, a grassroots women's weavers' group making turtle motif handloom products, said. TSA Foundation India supports this weavers' group. The Nagshankar turtle conservation project sustains 13 species of freshwater turtles. These are the black softshell (Nilssonia nigricans), Indian softshell (Nilssonia gangetica), peacock softshell (Nilssonia hurum), Indian narrow-head softshell (Chitra indica), Indian flapshell (Lisemmys punctata), spotted pond (Geoclemys hamiltonii), Assam roofed (Pangshura sylhetensis), Indian tent (Pangshura tentoria), Indian roofed (Pangshura tecta), brown roofed (Pangshura smithii), Assam leaf (Cyclemys gemeli), tricarinate hill (Melanochelys tricarinata), and Indian black (Melanochelys trijuga) turtle. The black softshell and Assam roofed are critically endangered; the Indian softshell, peacock softshell, Indian narrow-headed softshell, spotted pond, tricarinate hill are endangered; the Indian flapshell and Indian roofed are vulnerable; the brown roofed and Assam leaf are near-threatened; and the Indian tent and Indian black turtle are of least concern, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Apara Ekadashi 2025: Is it on May 22 or 23? Know exact date, timing and more
Apara Ekadashi is one of the most spiritually important days in the Hindu calendar. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this Ekadashi is believed to free devotees from past sins and bless them with peace, wealth, and salvation. Celebrated during Krishna Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha, Apara Ekadashi 2025 has stirred some confusion about its exact date. Is it on May 22 or 23? Read on to know the confirmed Apara Ekadashi 2025 date, timings, rituals, and spiritual significance. What Is Apara Ekadashi and Why Is It Important? Apara Ekadashi, also known as Achala Ekadashi, is observed on the 11th day (Ekadashi Tithi) of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha. According to Hindu beliefs, this day is extremely auspicious for worshipping Lord Vishnu. The word "Apara" means "limitless", and it is said that those who observe a fast on this day receive limitless blessings, happiness, and spiritual merit. Many devotees believe that by observing Apara Ekadashi vrat (fast), one can wash away past sins and attain moksha (liberation). It is also said that Lord Krishna explained the spiritual value of this Ekadashi to Yudhishthir, the eldest Pandava, during the time of Mahabharata. Apara Ekadashi 2025: Date and Timings There has been some confusion about whether Apara Ekadashi 2025 falls on May 22 or May 23. As per Drik Panchang, the correct date for observing Apara Ekadashi is May 23, 2025. Here are the key timings for Apara Ekadashi 2025: Ekadashi Tithi Begins: May 23, 2025 – 01:12 AM Ekadashi Tithi Ends: May 23, 2025 – 10:29 PM Parana (Fast-breaking) Time: May 24, 2025 – From 05:25 AM to 08:10 AM Dwadashi Tithi Ends: May 24, 2025 – 07:20 PM Note: Parana is an important ritual where the fast is broken after offering food (bhog) to Lord Vishnu on the next day, Dwadashi. Spiritual Significance of Apara Ekadashi Every Ekadashi holds spiritual value, but Apara Ekadashi is especially powerful. On this day, devotees pray to Lord Vishnu to cleanse their souls and remove negative karma. It is believed that even sins committed unknowingly can be forgiven by fasting and performing puja on Apara Ekadashi. The day is also associated with gaining wealth, success, and spiritual growth. According to scriptures, the Pandavas observed this vrat before the Kurukshetra battle and received divine support and strength. The limitless grace ("Apara") of Lord Vishnu makes this day extremely meaningful for his followers. Apara Ekadashi 2025: Puja Vidhi and Rituals Devotees begin their day with a holy bath and follow a series of Apara Ekadashi rituals with full devotion. Here's a step-by-step guide to the Apara Ekadashi puja: Wake up early and take a bath to purify the body and soul. Place a clean idol or image of Lord Vishnu on a puja altar. Light a diya (lamp) using desi ghee and decorate the altar with flowers and garlands. Offer panchamrit (a mix of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar) and bhog prasad. Chant Lord Vishnu mantras like 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' continuously. Perform Vishnu Aarti in the morning and again in the evening. Visit temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna, if possible. Refrain from eating non-satvik food and maintain purity in thoughts and actions. On Dwadashi, after offering food to the deity, break the fast during Parana Muhurat. For those who cannot observe a full-day fast, consuming satvik food like fruits, milk, and nuts is allowed. Apara Ekadashi Mantras for Devotees Reciting sacred mantras enhances spiritual energy and devotion on Apara Ekadashi. Here are some powerful Apara Ekadashi mantras: Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Hari Om Namo Narayanaye Shri Krishna Govind Hare Murari, Hey Nath Narayan Vasudeva Achyutam Keshavam Krishna Damodaram, Ram Narayanam Janki Vallabham Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Apara Ekadashi is not just a day of fasting—it is a chance for self-purification, spiritual growth, and connection with Lord Vishnu. Observing Apara Ekadashi with sincerity, devotion, and discipline can lead to divine blessings and inner peace. So, mark your calendar for May 23, 2025, and follow the proper Apara Ekadashi rituals and timings to make the most of this auspicious occasion. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
