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India.com
10 hours ago
- General
- India.com
Top 5 Unexplored Caves And Geological Wonders Near Pune City
Pune is well connected by many important historical places and natural wonders. Bhuleshwar Caves is one of the most underrated caves to visit which is 50 kilometers from the vicinity of Pune. 1. Bhuleshwar Caves Bhuleshwar caves and temples are located on secure land at the foothill of the Sahyadri mountain ranges approximately 50 kilometers from Pune. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is encased in several rock cut caves fashioned during the 8th century. The exquisite intricacy of carvings included into the temple's cuts gives it a classic architectural style that leaves people in awe of its beauty. The temple of Bhuleshwar is a part of a treasure trove of Brahmanical temples, but its prominence makes it one of the best to see. You can find steep sculptures deriding Lord Shiva in the form of Dravidian Architecture along with his consort Parvati in the complex. 2. Shivneri Caves Many people visit Shivneri Fort as it is known to be the birthplace of the great warrior King Chhatrapati Shivaji, but some are not aware of the interesting Shivneri Caves that lie within the fort. These caves were built during the 1st century and assumed to have been used by monks for meditation practices, which makes them very fascinating. 3. Lenyadri Caves Around 90 km from Pune are the Lenyadri Caves, part of a group of 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves. These caves stand out from the others since one of the caves is a temple built for Lord Ganesha which makes it one of the sites for Ashtavinayak. The location of the caves on the top of a hill makes them sprightly pleasing after the 300 steps climb along with a view that is very beautiful. 4. Karla Caves Boyed up is well known as a Lonavala hot springs location where you can spend time enjoying nature and stunning views. The area's rich history and ancient Buddhist structures makes it an attraction for people around the world. The Chaitya Hall was considered to be one of the most impressive architectural feats of the time with skillful carvings and walls that told stories of Buddhist myths. The 2nd century BCE hall now forms part of chaitya complex and is a grand sight to behold. 5. Pandav Caves, Junnar Approximately 95 kilometers away from Pune in Junnar lies the smashed cut Pandav Caves. The site is also called a head quarter cave because it is a collection of over 200 ancient smash cut caves. The first 11 caves are believed to have been used as reading and studying sections for Buddhist monks during solitary periods. This site isn't very well known so Junnar will be a delight for the peaceful ones in nature. Final Thoughts If you would like to adventure into something far from the traditional sightseeing locations, the caves and other geological formations in and around Pune are rich in history and adventure and are incredibly beautiful. These places not only showcase remnants of ancient cultures but also provide a peaceful environment for nature-loving travelers to appreciate.


India.com
2 days ago
- India.com
Experience The Vibrant Traditional Festivals Of Udaipur Like Never Before
Udaipur represents a historic city that people know as both 'City of Lakes' and 'Venice of the East.' Udaipur serves as the heart of Rajasthan while earning fame through its lakes and palaces alongside bazaars and through showcasing its deep cultural heritage through its traditional festivals. These celebrations present visitors with the opportunity to explore both the noble heritage and sacred foundations and the active everyday life of Udaipur people. You should experience these well-known traditional events that Udaipur offers: 1. Mewar Festival Udaipur residents organize the Mewar Festival as their major annual celebration because it celebrates spring's arrival. The festival of Gangaur Festival occurs simultaneously with this celebration honoring Gauri who represents Parvati when united with her partner Lord Shiva. During this celebration women wear traditional dresses while performing folk songs as they hoist Gauri idols through public tours. During the festival the city becomes illuminated by light installations while traditional entertainment performances featuring dances and musical and puppet shows entertain visitors. The finale of the festival begins at the City Palace before proceeding to Lake Pichola where the immersions of statues take place. 2. Gangaur Festival The festival of Gangaur holds major importance throughout Rajasthan because people celebrate it with great passion in the city of Udaipur The temple worships Goddess Gauri who represents matrimonial contentment and reproductive ability. The prayers of wedded women focus on husband wellness yet unmarried women redirect their supplications toward meeting a future spouse. Women perform henna application onto their hands while wearing traditional clothing to carry Gauri idols during an 18-day festival. Every part of the city becomes vibrant through grand rituals and musical celebrations along with traditional dance performances during this festival. 3. Shilpgram Festival Rural arts together with crafts and culture constitute the main focus of the Shilpgram Festival. Shilpgram village outside Udaipur serves as the location for this 10-day festival that displays the traditional way of life from both Rural Rajasthan and other regions of the country. A diverse group of artisans from different regions of India shows their crafts that include pottery along with textiles and jewelry at the festival. The event brings together traditional Rajasthani cuisine with performances of folk music as well as dance performances. Events at this destination give visitors the chance to witness first hand the diverse cultural traditions of India under a single setting. 4. Jagdish Temple Festival Every year the Jagdish Temple draws a considerable number of worshippers along with visitors who come to attend its annual festival. The temple at Lord Vishnu service uses this occasion to establish itself as the primary spiritual center of activities. During the celebrations religious ceremonies unfold alongside musical worship and ceremonial parades take place. The festival reaches its peak due to the temple's architectural wonder which includes detailed carvings and a magnificent structure. During this period the actual religious energy of Udaipur emerges as its keynote event. 5. Hariyali Amavasya During the monsoon season Hariyali Amavasya creates a time for the community to celebrate both the arrival of fresh new green plants and economic wealth. During this time people pray for prosperous crops while the urban environment embraces merrymaking and celebrations. During the festival citizens organize traditional cultural shows and performances at Saheliyon-ki-Bari garden while celebrating with great enthusiasm. People make pilgrimages to sanctuaries to pray for both prosperity alongside happiness through petition for blessings. 6. Teej Festival Udaipur offers women from Rajasthan the most extraordinary celebration facilities during their special monsoon festival Teej. During the festival people worship Goddess Parvati as they commemorate the marriage of Shiva and Parvati. During Teej celebrations women wear green clothing while using henna and utilize sophisticated swings for their entertaining swings. During this event people perform songs while dancing through various temple processions. Udaipur's historical landmarks including the spectacular City Palace join the other sites in illuminating for the festival. Teej combines festival observances of love between partners with devotion to deities as well as the happiness that monsoons bring. 7. World Music Festival The World Music Festival in Udaipur functions as a major cultural gathering although it fails to qualify as an authentic traditional festival in technical terms. The traditional charm of Lake Pichola serves as a stunning stage for musicians who join international talent to perform modern interpretations of traditional music. This event features music as the universal language through which it creates a distinctive cultural atmosphere. The city succeeds in maintaining both ancient customs and contemporary lifestyle practices. Conclusion The traditional festivals of Udaipur display the dynamic cultural past of its residents alongside its abundant traditional heritage. The festivals at Udaipur bring their exclusive experiences and these include the fervency of Gangaur alongside the creative essence of Shilpgram as well as the joyful Mewar festivities. Through these festivals Udaipur protects its traditional customs as they allow tourists to share in the local culture of the city. Visiting Udaipur for one of its festivals will provide you with the genuine experience of the city because you'll see the town turn into a vibrant celebration of music and cultural tradition.


India Today
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- India Today
When is Karva Chauth 2025? Check date and puja muhurat
Karva Chauth is one of the most cherished festivals for married women in India, especially in the northern and western regions. This festival is a celebration of love, devotion, and the strong bond between husband and wife. On this day, married women fast from sunrise to moonrise, praying for the long life and well-being of their husbands. The festival is not just about fasting; it is a day filled with traditions, rituals, and stories that bring families together. Over the years, Karva Chauth has also become a symbol of togetherness and mutual respect in marriage, with some men even joining their wives in the fast. The festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm, colourful attire, and beautiful rituals that have been passed down through IS KARVA CHAUTH IN 2025? Karva Chauth in 2025 will be celebrated on Friday, 10 October. This day falls during the Hindu lunar month of Kartik, on the fourth day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon), just a few days before CHAUTH 2025 PUJA MUHURAT AND MOONRISE TIMEPuja Muhurat: 5:57 PM to 7:11 PM (1 hour 14 minutes)Moonrise Time: 8:13 PMWomen begin their fast before sunrise and do not eat or drink anything during the day. The fast is broken only after sighting the moon and performing the final AND HOW KARVA CHAUTH IS OBSERVEDWomen wake up early before sunrise, eat 'sargi' (a pre-dawn meal), and begin their the day, they do not consume food or the evening, women gather for the Karva Chauth puja. They worship Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kartikeya, and listen to the Karva Chauth Katha The puja is performed during the shubh muhurat, which in 2025 is between 5:57 PM and 7:11 PMAfter the moon rises at 8:13 PM, women view the moon through a sieve, offer water (arghya), and pray for their husbands' long fast is then broken, usually with the husband offering water and the first bite of food to his AND STORIESKarva Chauth is rooted in tales of devotion and sacrifice. The most popular story is of Queen Veervati, whose love and dedication brought her husband back to life. Another legend is about Karva, whose prayers saved her husband from danger. These stories inspire women to observe the fast with faith and KARVA CHAUTH IS IMPORTANTKarva Chauth is more than just a fast; it is a celebration of marital love and the strength of relationships. The rituals and prayers are believed to bring happiness, prosperity, and longevity to married couples. The festival also promotes family unity, as the celebrations often involve the entire household.


New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Divine wedding solemnised as part of Sital Sasthi, celebration in Sambalpur
SAMBALPUR: Thousands of people from across western Odisha converged at Sambalpur as the divine marriage of Lord Shiva with his consort Goddess Parvati was solemnised as part of the ongoing Sital Sasthi celebrations on Saturday.' While rituals of the week-long festival began on May 27, the ritualistic wedding was solemnised as per the Vedic rituals in small hours of Saturday. The city streets bustled with excitement as the temples were adorned for the festive occasion. The significance of the festival is that people perform the role of parents of Goddess Parvati and offer her hands to Lord Shiva. This year, Revenue and Disaster Management minister Suresh Pujari and his wife have taken on the responsibility as the parents of Parvati from Jhaduapada Sasthi Committee. In a magnificent procession, Lord Shiva departed from the city's temples and proceeded to the residence of the Parvati. The procession included local deities, senior residents of the area, and thousands of artists. 'The preparation for Sital Sasthi festival starts from the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya with 'Thala Utha' which marks the collection of funds for the festival. The festival begins with various rituals including Patrapendi (engagement) followed by Niuta (invitation) before the sacred marriage takes place,' said member of Mudipada Sita Sasthi Yatra committee, Jagadish Panda.


Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Skanda Sashti 2025: Improve Your Money Karma Through Murugan Worship
Skanda Sashti is one of the most sacred and spiritually charged festivals in the Hindu calendar, especially dedicated to Lord Murugan, the divine warrior and son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In 2025, Skanda Sashti falls on 1st June, a powerful day to cleanse deep-rooted karmic blockages, especially those related to money and prosperity. This festival is observed with intense devotion across South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where Lord Murugan is worshipped with unmatched reverence. Devotees fast, chant mantras, and participate in temple rituals to invoke the blessings of Murugan and seek divine grace. Astrologically, Skanda Sashti holds immense power as it aligns with cosmic energies that can purify one's karma and remove obstacles in life. Worshipping Lord Murugan on this day is believed to eliminate the unseen karmic debts from past lives, particularly those related to financial hardship, debt, and poverty. According to Vedic tradition, money problems are often not just material issues but deeply spiritual ones, rooted in past actions, both conscious and unconscious. The focused devotion on Skanda Sashti offers a golden opportunity to reset your financial destiny, invoke divine protection, and move forward on a path of abundance, peace, and spiritual success. What Is Skanda Sashti and Why Is It So Powerful? Skanda Sashti falls on the sixth day (Sashti) of the waxing moon phase in the Tamil month of Aani (or Vaikasi, depending on the calendar alignment). This day commemorates the victory of Lord Murugan over the demon Surapadman, who symbolises ego, greed, illusion, and karma. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It is not just a symbolic victory—it is a spiritual awakening. The defeat of the demon represents the removal of deep karmic patterns that block your growth. Lord Murugan wields the Vel, a divine spear gifted to Him by His mother, Goddess Parvati. This Vel is not merely a weapon but an instrument of divine intervention. It cuts through illusion, past-life debts, family curses, financial misfortunes, and emotional blocks. When you worship Murugan with devotion, especially on Skanda Sashti, it is like inviting that Vel into your life, to clear the path and open doors that were long shut. People often carry heavy karmic baggage when it comes to money. Some face sudden losses, constant debt, repeated failures in business, betrayal in partnerships, or unexplained poverty despite hard work. These are not always due to present-life actions. Many times, they are karmic carry-forwards from previous lives. Skanda Sashti is the perfect day to pray for release from these unseen chains. Astrological Significance of Skanda Sashti 2025 Skanda Sashti in 2025 aligns with favourable planetary movements that support financial healing. The Moon will be in a powerful position, enhancing your emotional connection with divine energies. Mars, which governs courage and action, will also have a strong influence during this time, making it ideal for initiating new beginnings. In Vedic astrology, Lord Murugan is often associated with Mars (Mangal), the planet of strength, bravery, and energy. When Mars is strong, you can fight back against setbacks, resist failure, and take bold steps toward your goals. By worshipping Murugan on Skanda Sashti, you are actually tuning into the highest frequency of Mars—clean, divine, and unstoppable. This alignment in 2025 offers a unique window to correct long-standing money karma. The cosmic vibrations on this day are perfect for rituals, prayers, fasting, and mantra chanting that are focused on wealth, prosperity, and karmic cleansing. Understanding Money Karma Money karma is not just about spending habits or how much you earn. It is about your soul's relationship with wealth over lifetimes. Were you generous or greedy in past lives? Did you cheat others financially, or were you cheated? Did you use money for good or manipulation? These spiritual patterns often follow you into your current life. Many astrologers and spiritual masters agree that financial struggles often have karmic roots. You may work hard and still feel blocked. Opportunities may come and go without result. Loans may pile up, and you might feel cursed when it comes to money. That's because the soul carries impressions (samskaras) of its financial behaviour over many births. These impressions become your money karma. Skanda Sashti gives you a rare opportunity to rewrite this karma. Through dedicated Murugan worship, sincere prayers, and fasting, you invite divine energies that can purify your financial destiny. How Lord Murugan Removes Financial Curses Lord Murugan is widely revered as the remover of debts, not only in the physical sense but also at the spiritual and karmic levels. He represents the divine light that dispels the darkness of ignorance, ego, and illusion. His presence and blessings can lift an individual out of cycles of financial struggle, poverty, and anxiety, offering a path toward stability, growth, and abundance. Through sincere worship, Lord Murugan has the power to clear ancestral and family curses that block financial prosperity. These curses may have been carried over generations, creating a pattern of lack or stagnation that persists despite one's best efforts. His divine energy also cuts away negative vibrations that cling to your aura and repel wealth or opportunities. Many devotees report that worshipping Murugan helps them release inner fears, mental blocks, and subconscious guilt associated with money, which often act as invisible barriers to success. Additionally, Lord Murugan's protective grace shields devotees from fraud, theft, and betrayal in business ventures or financial dealings. His blessings inspire confidence and improve one's ability to make wise financial decisions. What You Can Do on Skanda Sashti 2025 On 1st June 2025, you have a divine appointment. You can choose to step into this sacred moment and start fresh. Here's how to connect deeply with Lord Murugan and cleanse your money karma: Start your day with a clean bath before sunrise. Face the east and chant 'Om Saravanabhava' or the Skanda Sashti Kavacham, a powerful Tamil hymn that protects and purifies. If possible, observe a fast throughout the day. Take only fruits, water, or milk, depending on your health condition. Visit a Murugan temple or light a lamp at home facing east or northeast. Offer red flowers, sandalwood paste, and fruits like bananas or pomegranates. Write down your financial goals and problems on a clean piece of paper. Place it in front of Lord Murugan's image or idol while praying. Ask sincerely—not just for money, but for wisdom, strength, and karma cleansing. Repeat this prayer: 'O Lord Muruga, wielder of the Vel, I surrender all my financial pain to You. Cut away my karmic debts, protect my earnings, and open my path to divine prosperity.' You can also donate to charities, feed the poor, or support temple activities as part of your spiritual cleansing. Acts of kindness magnify the blessings of Skanda Sashti. The Power of Skanda Sashti Kavacham One of the most important practices during Skanda Sashti is the chanting or listening of the Skanda Sashti Kavacham. This powerful hymn is not just poetry—it is a spiritual armour. It invokes the Vel of Murugan to protect every part of your body and soul. People who chant it regularly have reported protection from accidents, court cases, losses, and black magic. In the context of money karma, this hymn works like a magnet for divine grace. When you chant with faith, your inner blocks begin to melt. The negative energies that cloud your financial aura begin to disappear. It is not magic—it is divine alignment. Make it a point to chant this Kavacham throughout the six days of Skanda Sashti, or at least on the main day (June 1st). You can find many recordings online or ask a Tamil-speaking friend or priest to guide you.